Technology

Google is most famous for its search engine, email service, and Android phones, but over the years they've developed dozens of great applications. Here are some of my favorites you can still download and use today.

It's the most wonderful (and stressful) time of year for hockey fans: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs kicks off this weekend after one of the wildest endings to the regular season. I'm still flabbergasted that the Buffalo Sabres are at the top of the Atlantic division and that the Philadelphia Flyers managed to clinch a playoff berth with only 26 regulation wins.

The best ways to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs at a glance: The most games for the lowest price Sling TV Orange plan $115 for 3 months (save $22.97) Get Deal FOR TNT/TBS GAMES HBO Max Standard $18.49/month or $184.99/year Shop Now For ESPN/ABC games ESPN Unlimited $29.99/month Shop Now BEST INTRO PRICE YouTube TV Sports plan 10-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 year (save $120) Get Deal

It's been a pretty exciting year for hockey in general. Team USA bringing home the gold at the Olympics brought the NHL many new spectators. Beyond that, the smash hit Heated Rivalry also put a surprising spotlight on the league. New fans are in for a treat this postseason, as playoff hockey takes the action and the energy to new heights.

Veteran hockey fans know that anything can happen in the battle for the Stanley Cup. If you want to witness the excitement (and extreme frustration) of playoff hockey live, here's everything you need to know.

When do the Stanley Cup playoffs start?

The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kicks off on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. ET. Teams generally play every other day, with games scheduled through May 3 if necessary. The dates for the second round, third round (conference finals), and Stanley Cup final will depend on how the first series pans out. The final will take place no later than June 21. You can check out the full schedule on the official NHL website.

What channels are the NHL playoffs on?

If you have cable or access to a cable login, live games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks throughout the postseason. Each series is not strictly designated to one broadcaster — for example, games in a series could air on TNT, ABC, and ESPN within the same week.

Check out the official hockey playoffs schedule on NHL.com to find out which channel to tune into for specific games.

How can I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs without cable?

As always, here's where things get complicated. If you don't have cable access or a cable login, you'll need at least one streaming service to catch all the hockey playoff games live in 2026.

To watch games that air on the TNT family of networks, you can either tune in through the HBO Max app ($18.49 per month for the Standard plan) or via a live TV streaming provider like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. To catch all of the games that air live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, you can subscribe to ESPN Unlimited ($29.99 per month) or a live TV streaming provider.

Subscribing to a live TV streaming service will definitely get you the most bang for your buck, despite the cost being a bit higher (most are between $65 and $85 per month). But you can also choose to subscribe to both HBO Max and ESPN Unlimited for a combined $48.48 per month for access to every game. It's all up to preference.

Different from cable, live TV streamers rely on the internet and offer you a live channel lineup without a monthly contract. You can cancel any time it no longer suits you — no strings attached. These services aren't cheap, but many offer introductory rates and are still generally more affordable than a monthly cable bill. Plus, you get your money's worth with access to live and local channels spanning news, sports, and entertainment. It'll serve you long after a team is awarded the coveted Stanley Cup, should you choose to keep your subscription.

Here's a breakdown of your streaming service options to watch the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs live, as well as the best deals available for each.

For TNT, TBS, and truTV games: HBO Max Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard $18.49/month or $184.99/year Shop Now

An HBO Max Standard subscription (not Basic) includes the B/R Sports add-on, which includes access to the NHL on TNT games (and simulcast TBS and truTV games). Of course, this only covers about half of the postseason, so you'll still need another way to tune into ESPN and ABC broadcasts. HBO Max Standard will cost you $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (16% savings).

HBO Max deals:

• HBO Max Standard annual subscription — $184.99/year $221.88/year (save $36.89/year)

• Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle — $32.99/month $56.47/month (save $23.48/month)

For ESPN and ABC games: ESPN Unlimited Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99/month Shop Now

ESPN finally launched a direct-to-consumer streaming service last year, so sports fans can enjoy the full suite of ESPN networks under one subscription: ESPN Unlimited. For $29.99 per month, you'll be able to watch every NHL playoffs broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC live. Of course, you'll need to pair it with HBO Max for the whole roster of postseason games, which would cost you $48.48 per month total.

ESPN Unlimited deals:

• ESPN Unlimited annual subscription — $299.99/year $359.88/year (save $59.89/year)

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle — $35.99/month $53.97/month (save $17.98/month)

• ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle — $39.99/month $49.98/month (save $9.99/month)

The most games for the lowest price: Sling TV Orange plan Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Orange plan $45.99/month Get Deal

Sling TV's Orange plan is your best bet to watch the most postseason NHL games for the lowest price. The Orange plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, plus 30 other channels. While that doesn't include ABC, most ABC NHL games are also available through ESPN3, so you'll be all set. Sling subscriptions are a la carte, so you can add to and take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause your subscription at any time. The Orange plan costs $46 per month, but you can also prepay for three months and save.

Sling deals:

• Sling TV Orange 3-month prepay plan — $115 $137.97 (save $22.97)

• Sling TV Orange 7-day pass — $14.99 $34.93 (save $19.94 compared to single-day pass)

Best way to watch for free: YouTube TV Sports Plan 10-day trial Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV Sports plan free 10-day trial, then $54.99/month for your first year Get Deal

We're big fans of YouTube TV's massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes all of the networks you'll need to tune into the Stanley Cup playoffs live. On the other hand, we're not the biggest fans of the $82.99 per month cost. Fortunately, not only did the streamer launch a more affordable sports-based plan recently, but it also comes with a 10-day free trial and a discounted first year.

YouTube TV deals:

• YouTube TV Sports — free 10-day trial, $54.99/month for your first year $64.99/month (save $120)

• YouTube TV Base — free 10-day trial, $67.99/month for your first 3 months $82.99/month (save $45)

Honorable mentions:

• Hulu + Live TV (includes all networks) — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month

• DirecTV My Sports (includes all networks) — 5-day trial, then $44.99/month for two months $64.99/month (save $40)

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.

And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

Ready to buy? Here's our guide to the best Kindles.

2026 Kindle updates

On April 7, 2026, Amazon sent a notice to some Kindle users stating that as of May 20, 2026, Kindle e-readers released in 2012 or earlier will no longer be supported. After May 20, Amazon will no longer lend software updates or provide web services to these devices, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on April 15-18. Stuff Your E-Reader, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering books in a variety of genres for Kindle and Kobo.

A lot has been said about Kindle in the last week or so, and we've tried our best to make sense of the situation. We're not going to get into the weeds of why "BookTokers, Bookstagramers, and the most passionate Kindle users across the internet are fuming this week," because another Stuff Your Kindle Day is live right now.

Stuff Your E-Reader, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering participants the chance to download books from a variety of genres without spending anything. Everything that you download is yours to keep forever, and unlike a lot of these giveaways, Kindle and Kobo readers can stock up during this limited-time event.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your E-Reader takes place on April 15-18. A lot of these free giveaways only last 24 hours, so it's refreshing to have so much time to consider your options. You can relax and make a plan without stressing about missing the deadline.

Which ebooks are free?

Stuff Your E-Reader is an all-genre book blast for Kindle and Kobo readers. Stuff Your Kindle Days usually focus on a particular genre, which can exclude large portions of the reading world who might not be interested in downloading hundreds of romance titles. This event is truly for everyone.

The Indie Author Collective has launched a hub page for this event, with filters for promotions, genre, and representation. Check out everything on offer here.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.

SAVE OVER $1,500: As of April 17, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is on sale for $2,148.99 at Amazon. That's a 42% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus $2,148.99 at Amazon
$3,699 Save $1,550.01   Get Deal

Looking for a reliable power station that's capable of powering your whole home? Look no further than the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. This is a seriously impressive unit that can power a three-person household for over two weeks.

And as of April 17, this Jackery model combined with two 200W solar panels is currently on sale at Amazon, saving you over $1,500. Normally priced at $3,699, you can now have this reliable piece of kit for $2,148.99.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This is a seriously high-capacity power station that's designed to see you through long periods of no power. It has 3,600W of output (7,200W in parallel) and a 3,584Wh battery, which can be expanded up to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh when used with multiple units. It also supports dual-voltage output (120V and 240V in parallel), so it's the perfect choice if you need to power larger household appliances such as pumps and dryers.

At over $2,000, this is definitely a significant purchase. Thankfully, it's built to last. It uses high-temperature resistant ceramic membrane battery cells and is rated for up to 6,000 charge cycles, which gives it an estimated 10-year lifespan.

It also has several different charging options, including a full recharge in around two hours via hybrid AC+DC, approximately 2.5 hours via AC or gas generator, and around four hours with solar panels.

This power station deal is available at Amazon now, but note the "limited-time" sticker.

SAVE OVER $300: As of April 17, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $428.99 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $428.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $370.01   Get Deal

A portable power station is a great way to keep your essential devices and gadgets powered while off-grid or during a power outage. And if you’ve been considering making the plunge, Amazon has some great models discounted right now, including the Anker Solix C1000.

As of April 17, this model is over $370 off, now down to $428.99. That's also the best price so far this year.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This power station has a 1,024Wh capacity and 2,000W output with a 3,000W peak, so it's capable to run multiple devices at once through its 10 ports. The ports include USB-A, and USB-C, and wall outlets, so anything from laptops to small appliances are compatible. And if you like to camp or hit the road, this is a great way to stay connected. It's also lighter than previous models, so it's easier to carry around.

This unit also supports fast recharging, and can reach full capacity in around 49 minutes when using the HyperFlash charging mode. It's also built with a robust, long-lasting battery, thanks to Anker’s InfiniPower system, meaning it's rated for around 4,000 charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% capacity. This equates to roughly 10 years of use.

You can find this Anker power station deal at Amazon now.

Starbucks is fully embracing AI, launching a beta app in ChatGPT this week that lets a chatbot choose your latte or refresher.

Users on ChatGPT can access the app by starting a prompt with "@Starbucks." They can then describe the mood they're in or want to be in — energetic, cozy, etc. — or simply ask the AI to pick something that matches their tastes, like non-dairy drinks or less caffeinated beverages.

In the announcement on Starbucks' website, the coffee chain also suggested users upload a photo to ChatGPT that "captures your vibe," and the AI will choose a drink to complement it.

Credit: Starbucks

Some of the prompts suggested by Starbucks include "@Starbucks, I want something bright to start my morning,” and "@Starbucks, I’m craving an afternoon boost that isn’t too sweet."

After choosing a drink and a store to retrieve it, users will be directed to the Starbucks app or Starbucks.com to pay and complete the order.

SEE ALSO: Florida man uses ChatGPT to sell his home. This is a real headline.

Starbucks considers the beta app in ChatGPT its newest way to encourage customers to try new beverages or, as they put it in their press release, "using AI to support something very human: helping you discover a drink you’ll love."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Flies a plane.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

PILOT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Facade.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FRONT

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Cabin.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

LODGE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Downward.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SOUTH

Final Hurdle hint

Nerdy.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

GEEKY

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

It's the last day of the lunar cycle, a roughly 29.5-day period in which the Moon orbits Earth, which means today is the New Moon. This is the point where the Moon sits between Earth and the Sun, so its sunlit side is facing away from us.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, April 17, the Moon phase is New Moon. Tonight, 0% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Unsurprisingly, with 0% of the moon illuminated, there's nothing for us to see tonight.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA states that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, during which it passes through eight distinct phases. We always see the same side of the Moon, but the amount of sunlight reflecting off it changes as it moves along its orbit, creating the familiar pattern of full, partial, and crescent shapes. These shifting appearances are called lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will test your knowledge of multiple sports, and you'll need some basic knowledge of soccer.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Over the plate

• Green: Offense

• Blue: All in the family

• Purple: Home on the ____

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Things an Umpire Calls

• Green: An Attacking Player in Soccer

• Blue: MLB Father-Son Duos

• Purple: ____ Range

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 #571 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Things an Umpire Calls — BALL, OUT, SAFE, STRIKE

• An Attacking Player in Soccer — FORWARD, NO. 9, STRIKER, TARGET MAN

• MLB Father-Son Duos — ALOU, BONDS, FIELDER, GRIFFEY

• ____ Range — 3-POINT, DRIVING, LONG, MID

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 17, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 17, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for April 17 Pips

Greater Than (4): The domino half in this purple space must have more than 4 pips. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (2): The domino half in this red space must have 2 pips. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 6 pips. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (4): The domino half in this dark blue space must have less than 4 pips. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (2): The domino half in this green space must have 2 pips. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 17 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this purple space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Every domino half in this red space must have 3 pips. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this light blue space must add up to be less than 2. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): The domino half in this dark blue space must have 3 pips. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (0): The domino half in this green space must have 0 pips. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this purple space must have 4 pips. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): The domino half in this red space must have more than 4 pips. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 17 Pips

Number (5): The domino half in this purple space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Every domino half in this red space must have 2 pips. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this yellow space must add up to be less than 3. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

Does Not Equal: Every domino half in this dark blue space must have a different number of pips. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally; and 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this green space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

Number (4): The domino half in this purple space must have 4 pips. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this red space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 2 pips. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this yellow space must add up to be less than 2. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a musician.

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.

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SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 17, 2026 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: Crop details

• Green: Prevalent

• Blue: Grand instrument

• Purple: Beverages

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Vegetable parts

• Green: Prevailing

• Blue: Parts of a piano

• Purple: Second halves of drink names

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 #1041 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Vegetable parts: BULB, LEAF, ROOT, STEM

• Prevailing: COMMON, DOMINANT, GENERAL, POPULAR

• Parts of a piano: HAMMER, KEY, PEDAL, STRING

• Second halves of drink names: SODA, STORMY, TAN, TONIC

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 17, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a pescatarian.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 April 17, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Shell company

The words are related to the sea.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe marine life with coverings.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Mollusk.

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NYT Strands word list for April 17

• Limpet

• Clam

• Oyster

• Conch

• Mollusk

• Scallop

• Mussel

• Abalone

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love Disney princesses.

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 hints today: Clues, answers for April 17, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for April 17, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A beauty.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letters E and L appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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...

BELLE

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.

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.

The Pitt Season 2 is coming to an end, but if you're already hoping to head right back into the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, don't worry. Unlike most streaming shows nowadays, The Pitt probably won't take multiple years to come back for Season 3.

SEE ALSO: How 'The Pitt's cinematographer created the show's unique immersive style

In an almost unprecedented move for the streaming age, there was just one year between The Pitt's Season 1 and Season 2 premieres. (Both came out in early January.) If the show follows the same production schedule as it did between Seasons 1 and 2, it's highly likely that there will be a similar wait time for the next season, meaning viewers can expect Season 3 in early January of 2027.

Luckily, The Pitt does appear to be adhering to the same production schedule this time around. Ahead of The Pitt's PaleyFest LA event, creator R. Scott Gemmill told Variety that Season 3 was set to begin filming this June. Filming for Season 2 kicked off in June of 2025, which tees Season 3 up for the same production timeline.

When will The Pitt Season 3 take place?

While viewers will have to wait a little under a year between seasons, far less time will pass between The Pitt Seasons 2 and 3. There were roughly 10 months between Season 1 and Season 2, which takes place on July 4, 2026. However, at PaleyFest, Wyle told USA Today that Season 3 would be taking place in November, meaning there will only be a four-month time jump between seasons.

"It will be pre-Thanksgiving, moving into colder weather," Wyle said to USA Today. "The holidays are approaching. The weather's changing. People are turning on their heaters for the first time."

So get ready for mentions of The Pitt crew's family drama heading into Thanksgiving, as well as potential cold weather accidents. Whatever happens, I'm ready for Thanksgiving in January of 2027.

The Pitt Season 2 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Iyaz Akhtar looks into what happened to Google’s smart home ecosystem. Google’s move toward Gemini appears to have disrupted Google Home’s once smooth experience. The result is a system that feels less reliable and more inconsistent. Here’s what’s going wrong right now.

Stop your smart TV from tracking your viewing habits by disabling Automatic Content Recognition. This guide shows how to find and turn off these hidden privacy settings on an Amazon Fire TV. It’s a quick way to limit data tracking and improve privacy.

Google is warning that advances in quantum computing could make it easier to break the encryption that protects cryptocurrencies. The concern is that quantum hackers may be able to crack current security systems much sooner than expected. This could put crypto assets and blockchain-based systems at risk.

PCMag's camera expert Jim Fisher tests the budget Apple MacBook Neo with 8K video, RAW photos, and exports. The goal is to see how it handles real creative workloads and whether it’s a viable option for creative work.

SAVE $100: As of April 16, shop the DJI Flip 4K drone for just $539 at Amazon. That saves you $100 off its $639 list price.

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Getting outside this spring and summer? If you're looking to capture your adventures from above and in 4K then you'll need the right equipment, and you don't need to be a professional either. DJI makes it easy to get started with a drone, and since 4K drones may be an investment, it's worth it to shop the deals.

Right now, you can grab the DJI Flip drone for just $539. That saves you $100 off its list price of $639. According to camelcamelcamel, the DJI Flip's record low is $509, meaning it's just $30 from its lowest price ever.

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The DJI Flip is a lightweight drone, weighing just 249 grams. You won't have to worry about regulations either as it doesn't require FAA or Remote ID registration. It comes with a two-screen remote controller so you can see your footage as you capture it. The Flip films in 4K at 60fps, plus it features subject tracking so you'll always stay in frame.

Shop the DJI Flip for just $539 at Amazon now.