Technology

Nvidia's Smooth Motion feels like a major win, and in many cases, it is. It's a driver-level interpolation model that adds an extra frame between two rendered frames to make your gameplay look and feel smoother. Nvidia itself says that it can double the perceived frame rate when it works well.

SSDs are known for lasting a long time. But their lifespan isn't infinite. They do die eventually, and there are certain Windows processes that may be pushing your SSD closer to an early grave. If you don't need these processes, you should definitely disable them.

TL;DR: On March 19, fans can score a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations nationwide.

The birds are singing, the temperature is climbing, and yes, that is the sun you can see peeping through the clouds. Spring is just around the corner, and so is Free Cone Day.

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is making a triumphant return in 2026. On March 19, you can celebrate this special occasion by enjoying a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations. Simply stop by your local DQ restaurant to score this delicious treat — there's really no catch.

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

We recommend visiting Dairy Queen or downloading the Dairy Queen App to find a local restaurant before March 19. When the day comes, you don't want to be messing around online. You want to be prepared. On Free Cone Day, the focus should be on free ice cream and nothing else.

The promotion runs all day while supplies last and there's a limit of one free cone per person. This free giveaway is not valid on delivery or mobile orders and it's worth noting that U.S. Mall locations require a purchase to qualify.

Celebrate Dairy Queen's Cone Day with a free vanilla soft-serve cone on March 19.

SAVE $40: As of March 9, pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air M4 for $559 at Amazon. That's $40 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Get Deal

Apple's new M4 iPad Air models are just days away from release — March 11, if you want to mark your calendar — and Amazon's offering a sweet discount for those who pre-order the latest tablet. Right now, Amazon is offering $40 off the 11-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) when you pre-order.

This discount has dropped this iPad Air's price from $599 to $559, which is a great deal to jump on before it's even out. Who knows how much longer it'll last, given it's just a couple days away from release. Better to get a preorder in now and save than wait too long and be stuck paying full price.

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The real standout element of this new iPad Air is the fact it comes with the M4 chip. In our announcement breakdown of everything we know so far about this tablet, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said, "The M4 processor and enhanced wireless/cellular connectivity will undoubtedly deliver performance upgrades. Apple promises the new iPad Air will be 30 percent faster than the M3 model, with '50 percent more unified system memory."

Alongside a performance boost, this iPad also features a Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity for capturing a variety of colors and details on the screen. This model also comes with 128GB of storage to get you started, so you have plenty of space for your favorite apps, photos, and more.

If you have your eye on the new iPad Air models and want to save a little cash, act fast to score this great preorder deal on the 11-inch iPad Air at Amazon.

Where to buy Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle Best Amazon Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle $59.99 (sav $30 ) Get Deal Best Walmart Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle $60.52 (save $13.90) Get Deal

Amazon has been a great spot for Magic: The Gathering deals lately (plus other trading card bargains), and this latest offer for the Spider-Man expansion is no exception. As of March 9, Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Gift Bundle listed for $59.99, which is 33% off its $89.99 list price and the lowest we've ever seen — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Compared to the competition, Walmart is listing the MTG Spider-Man Gift Bundle at only $60.52 — which makes for a great backup if Amazon runs out of stock. TCGplayer lists the Gift Bundle starting at $89.95, but that cheapest listing also adds shipping, pushing the total far above Amazon’s price. Even TCGplayer’s listed median of $84.84 is still well above what Amazon is charging right now.

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In exchange for this new low price of $60, you’re getting nine Play Boosters, one Collector Booster, one traditional foil alternate-art promo card, 30 land cards split between foil and non-foil versions, an oversized Spindown life counter, a foil storage box, and two reference cards — all in a classic Spider-Man comic-style package. 

For more MTG deals, you can get the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for under $175 at Walmart. Also at Walmart, the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is available for only $110. 

SAVE $70: As of March 9, Beats Studio Buds+ are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal

Looking for a new pair of earbuds? As of March 9, Beats Studio Buds+ have dropped below $100 at Amazon. There are a few colors to choose from, including black and gold, ivory, and transparent, all at the same price of $99.95 (down from $169.95).

As you'd expect from any Beats product, Beats Studio Buds+ are designed to deliver a seriously powerful, immersive audio experience. They are built on Beats’ custom acoustic platform, so they provide rich sound for both music and calls, with two noise cancellation modes that let you choose between personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block out distractions or Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings.

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You’ll get up to 36 hours of listening time with the charging case, so you won't need to recharge constantly. You'll also get four sizes of silicone ear tips to help give you a secure and comfortable fit while at the same time improving sound performance.

The earbuds are robust too, rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance so they're a great choice for a sweaty workout or rainy walk.

Get this Beats earbuds deal at Amazon now.

People have created all sorts of amazing things with spreadsheets, but I’ve never been one of them. It’s just one of those things I didn’t think was worth spending time learning. However, I have found myself using Google Sheets more often, and Gemini is to thank.

If you enjoyed Stephen Colbert's chaotic interview with Jimmy Fallon last week, then good news: There's more where that came from.

In the Late Show web exclusive above, Colbert's team share the material that didn't make it to air, including a few jokes from Fallon — "I'm so sorry you're being replaced, I can't wait for the next show, the Kid Rock/My Pillow Guy news hour" — and a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

Seriously though, those harmonies.

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Linux has hundreds of available commands, and unless you're keeping up with the latest news, changes to the default tools may slip under your radar. While it's true that Linux is very stable, and tool deprecations are rare, some of our much-beloved and well-known utilities changed years ago, and nobody informed us. I have five deprecated Linux commands and their replacements.

Humanity is enamoured with the idea of venturing out into the universe, seeing the stars and discovering literal worlds of opportunity beyond Earth. But do we deserve it? Developed by French indie studio Ishtar Games, Dead in Antares is a turn-based sci-fi survival management game that poses questions about the ethics of space exploration — or more specifically, space colonialism.

Dead in Antares follows the 10-member crew of the Ixion, a spaceship on a mission to find a power source which could solve the apocalyptic energy crisis back on Earth. Unfortunately, a wormhole throws the ship off course, ultimately crash-landing on the titular Antares. Alive yet stranded, the crew must work together not only to survive, but to return home with the key to saving humanity.

Having spent 42 hours with Dead in Antares, I've been happily absorbed with managing my ragtag interstellar outpost, assigning crew members to various daily tasks to ensure our continued survival and search for a way off the planet. However, as time has passed, I admit my zealous pursuit of a homecoming has waned. 

SEE ALSO: 'Marathon' game hands-on: Bungie builds a rewarding slow burn

Of course, I'd at least like to know that we're capable of getting back to Earth. I'm not about to leave the rest of humanity to suffer and die, which is what I'm told will happen if our mission isn't successful. Still, I'll miss Antares when (or if) we end up leaving. I'm quite enjoying running our little camp, and feel as though we've hit a comfortable, sustainable rhythm. 

I also don't look forward to the difficult ethical choices I'll have to make concerning both planets' futures.

Trying not to be Dead in Antares Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Dead in Antares is the third title in Ishtar Games' Dead In series, following 2018's Dead in Vinland and 2015's Dead in Bermuda. Even so, you don't need to know anything about Dead in Antares' predecessors to enjoy the game. Each game is its own standalone title, taking place in completely different settings that merely share similar survival themes and mechanics. 

In this case, Dead in Antares' engaging game loop has you manage each day on the eponymous alien planet. Players delegate crew members to tasks such as gathering water, hunting for food, generating power, and upgrading the camp, with jobs conducted across morning and evening shifts. A group of three can also use water rations to conduct daily expeditions, searching the surrounding area for resources and potentially engaging in turn-based battles with aliens. Everyone must then be fed and watered before going to bed, keeping them healthy enough to do it all again tomorrow.

Featured Video For You Motorola is entering the wearable AI game

Each crew member has different skills that impact how well they perform a given task, and which increase the more they're used. Someone with a high Medicine skill will be more effective in the Infirmary, while a colleague with a low Stealth skill is more likely to encounter adversaries while on expeditions.

Your crewmates' job performance can also be modified by any positive or negative traits they carry, as well as their needs. Fatigue, hunger, sickness, injury, and stress can reduce their effectiveness, or even kill them if levels reach 100, resulting in a game over.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

As such, Dead in Antares becomes a careful balance of managing the group's needs and resources with your crewmates' skills and wellbeing. Nurturing each individual's proficiencies and optimising job allocations feels satisfying, maximising benefits for the smallest expenditure possible.

One might expect the struggle for survival to give Dead in Antares an inescapably grim tone, and story moments do provide dire reminders of what's at stake back on Earth. Yet outside of this, the game often feels more like an exciting planetary adventure. Getting sick from eating alien bugs lightyears from home while burdened with saving humanity sounds like one of my most vivid stress dreams, but apparently the Ixion's crew are less susceptible to crippling implosions of existential dread. 

Instead, they largely respond to Antares' strange and colourful extraterrestrial landscape with fascinated awe. Dead in Antares leans into the alien nature of the planet's organisms, populating it with creatures that blend features of flora, fauna, and minerals so they can't be clearly categorised. Among these lifeforms are two sentient, similarly-named alien races: the Atlanteans and Antarians. This is where space colonialism comes in.

Dead in Antares confronts the line between extraction and exploitation Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Humanity has a long history of travelling to foreign lands only to mercilessly exploit them, doing incalculable harm to the environment and its native inhabitants in the process. We also have a habit of repeating history, or at least ensuring it rhymes. There is no reason to expect this will change simply because we've traded in oceanic voyages for intergalactic ones.

While extracting resources from your surroundings is part and parcel of survival games, Dead in Antares takes this a step further by incorporating parallel themes into its plot. Humanity's survival depends on the Ixion's appropriating a new power source from Antares, which the planet's inhabitants already rely upon. The question Dead in Antares poses is whether you are willing to exploit this unfamiliar planet you've landed on and cause its population to suffer. What are the consequences of doing so — or from refraining? How much do you actually care?

I initially aimed to keep out of the Atlanteans' and Antarians' business, choosing diplomatic dialogue options and paying the tributes demanded of me in order to keep the peace. I have no interest in attacking people in their homes and imposing my will upon them, or engaging in conflicts I don't fully understand. Still, my attitude changed as I gathered further knowledge of the political situation on Antares, and as the burden of tributes grew too onerous.

The additional turn-based battles this sparked helped break up the everyday routine of job allocation, and I was glad to no longer surrender my lunch money to alien bullies. Yet as the days passed, I became increasingly aware that the peaceful resolution I'd initially hoped for may have never been an option. Dead in Antares' gameplay is fun, however its plot is imbued with an undercurrent of inescapable doom.

With such ethical quandaries hanging over you, I can't say that Dead in Antares is likely to leave players feeling satisfied. There's a sense that no truly happy ending is possible, and that someone will suffer no matter what you do. Even so, narrative satisfaction doesn't appear to be Dead in Antares' goal. As in real life, while these problems must be confronted, they cannot be neatly solved.

Dead in Antares can be rough around the edges Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Dead in Antares is an enjoyable game with an interesting premise and creative setting, and almost all Ixion's diverse crew members endeared themselves to me in various ways. Still, there are some aspects that would benefit from tweaks. 

The game gives you a lot of information to manage, with all 10 crew members having varying skills, health statuses, traits, combat abilities, and relationships with each other. A notification will appear on the crew profile button whenever there's an update to these, but you have to flip between everyone's full-page profiles to actually see what's changed. This is particularly annoying when, for example, half of your crew didn't get enough water last night, resulting in five notifications that can only be cleared by beholding each individuals' dehydration status in their Traits tab. 

I quickly took to ignoring much of this data deluge, leaving notifications uncleared and only referencing my crew's needs and skills when assigning jobs. Even so, I still found myself wishing for a complete overview screen of my crew comparing all their stats at once. There is a lefthand side bar which pops out to display a list of your companions, which can be sorted by how high a certain skill or need is, but you need to scroll to view everyone and it does nothing for clearing notifications.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Dead in Antares also isn't always clear on how to progress. I was held up for several in-game days before I figured out that I could craft the materials the main questline required instead of scavenging for them, but needed to first upgrade my workshop so I could build the forge. I hadn't even realised that upgrading was an option, as it was given the same prominence as other less significant enhancements on its upgrade tree.

As such, I would have liked it if there was an overview page showing the upgrade trees for all the workstations, allowing players to bookmark what materials are required. As it is, Dead in Antares has me frequently swapping between menus to check which resources I needed to craft specific materials, which materials I needed to craft an upgrade, and which upgrade I needed to craft a new workstation.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Another aspect that could be smoothed out is Dead in Antares' writing, as I often felt as though I was getting the gist of the plot rather than the plot itself. The game assumed knowledge without having even hinted at it previously, which frequently left me wondering if I'd somehow missed exposition. Major developments would sometimes not only occur offscreen, but had been apparently processed and acted upon.

Further, while Dead in Antares primarily follows Captain Amelia and has players make dialogue decisions as her from the outset, it later jumps between crew members' points of view with little warning. This can even happen within a single scene. The result can be confusing, making it not immediately clear which character you're acting as, while also eliminating some mystery and dramatic tension by revealing secrets via internal monologue. 

On the other hand, these insights do help to quickly build affection for the crew members and their distinct personalities, providing depth and further context to behaviour that might otherwise be poorly viewed. I love my antisocial science son Liu, and I will not hear a word against him or his weird predilection for our spaceship. 

Does humanity deserve the stars? Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Despite these bumps, I found myself constantly returning to Dead in Antares for a few more day cycles. There is a sense of quiet accomplishment and satisfaction in taking care of your crew; running and upgrading an efficient, self-sustainable camp; and finding a way to survive on a strange planet without anyone dying. I could happily remain here, finding comfort in these routine tasks.

The primary matter prompting me to drag my feet to the end is the knowledge that Dead in Antares' story will eventually force me to make a choice. Do I plunder Antares to save Earth, or abandon humanity to its fate? Neither sits right with me. 

In humanity's endless greed and callous apathy, it feels as though we may be too far gone with no redemption to be found. We will continue to bring our problems with us wherever we go, regardless of whether we're traversing leagues or lightyears. Landing on Antares seems like simply continuing this destructive cycle.

Yet I cannot shake the hope that we can improve ourselves and our future against all odds, and not at the expense of others. It will require hard decisions, selflessness, and sacrifice, applying the lessons of our past and releasing our grip on imperialism. But if we are to deserve better, we must first prove that we are willing to change for it.

Dead in Antares is available now on PC.

TL;DR: It’s time to take control of your content with this lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader, currently on sale for just $95.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Keeprix Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader: Lifetime Subscription $95.99
$159.99 Save $64.00   Get Deal

Stop paying for content indefinitely. Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader offers a solution to the endless streamer subscriptions, allowing you to download your favorites and build up your own media library you can keep offline. A lifetime subscription to this game-changing service can be yours now for only $95.99.

If you’re tired of letting your streaming platforms dictate what you’re going to watch every night, it may be time to take control of your own content. Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader lets you save the things you enjoy and build a library of favorite content you can watch anytime — not just when it’s available on a specific service.

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Download from Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more easily. Just open Keeprix, paste in the link to what you would like to save, and from there, you can download and keep it offline for life. This lifetime subscription includes unlimited downloads in MP4 or MKV format.

Keeprix works with both Windows and Mac devices and allows you to save your downloads without a watermark. Want to save multiple things at once? That’s no problem with batch processing, the ability to add multiple videos to a queue, and lightning-fast downloads.

Aside from keeping your favorite shows and movies accessible at all times, Keeprix also makes it easier to avoid regional restrictions, DRM limits, and ads. You can also repurpose content for other projects.

Get this lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader, currently on sale for just $95.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE OVER $50: As of March 9, the Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) has hit a new low price of $339.99 at Amazon. This 15% discount is $60 off its list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) $339.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $60   Get Deal

With springtime creeping in, it's almost time to get outside to enjoy a walk, run, or other activity. If you've been looking to grab a smartwatch to help you count steps or keep an eye on your fitness progress, there are some very nice deals available at the moment. And our favorite Android smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4 (45mm), is on sale for a limited time at Amazon.

This isn't just any old deal, either. The Pixel Watch 4 has hit a new low price of $339.99. That's a $60 discount on its list price of $399.99. Plus, every available color is on sale at this price as well, so you can pick out your favorite from the range.

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If you're looking for a smartwatch to help you with running, we said that the Pixel Watch 4 is "a true runners' watch" in our review. Mashable's Christianna Silva highlighted the side button, saying they're "A lifesaver for a sweaty person trying to start and stop their runs. The buttons are satisfying, never slippery, and frustration-free." Silva says the smartwatch is "faster, brighter, and more customizable than ever."

There's plenty to celebrate on the inside of the Pixel Watch 4. Some of its features include heart rate tracking, sleep insights, over 40 exercise modes, a high-precision dual-frequency GPS, loss of pulse detection, and more. It even boasts a battery life of up to 40 hours, which can be stretched up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode.

It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to score the Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) at this excellent low price at Amazon.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection listed at $68.98, but a 30% coupon drops it to about $48.29 at checkout through March 16. That undercuts Walmart’s $54.99 price and knocks more than $20 off Amazon’s list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection $48.29 at Amazon
$68.98 Save $20.69 Get Deal

Pokémon TCG collections have been fluctuating in price at leading trading card retailers in recent months. However, Amazon’s taken a big move to make it the best place to buy the Mega Lucario-themed collection. 

As of March 9, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection listed for $68.98, but there’s a 30% off coupon available on qualifying collectible card game items. Once that discount is applied at checkout, the box drops to about $48.29. That’s a saving of roughly $20.69 on Amazon’s listed price, and also beats Walmart’s current $54.99 listing for the same collection. The coupon is set to expire on March 16, 2026.

That's the best price we've seen all year according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. We should note that not everyone in the Mashable shopping team has access to this coupon code, so we hope you are one of the chosen ones.

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The Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection comes with an etched foil promo card featuring Mega Lucario ex, an oversized promo card, a Mega Lucario figure, five Pokémon TCG booster packs, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. As for the packs, you're getting three Mega Evolutions and two Destined Rivals.

It also lands in a pretty reasonable spot compared with the broader market. TCGplayer currently shows no active listings, but its most recent sale is listed at $47.14, with a median of $50 and a market price in the low $40s. That makes Amazon’s coupon price feel a lot more competitive than its standard listing.

You can still preorder Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundles for $59.99 at Amazon. Also at Amazon, you can preorder the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 for under $70. 

Where to buy the Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection: Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $31.99 at Walmart Shop Now Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $34.45 at Amazon Shop Now

Pokémon Day collection boxes have had a habit of bouncing around in price depending on where you tend to shop for trading cards, but Walmart is currently offering a reasonable listing for the 2026 version. 

As of March 9, Walmart has the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection listed for $31.99, which is lower than Amazon’s current $34.45 price for the exact same box. It also lands surprisingly close to TCGplayer’s current $29.95 market price. Comparing Amazon's price history via price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is one of the best we've seen so far for this special celebration set.

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While TCGplayer does show active listings as low as $32.99, those listings also tack on shipping. That makes Walmart’s price look much better once the total cost is actually considered.

The Pokémon Day 2026 Collection includes one foil Pikachu promo card with a Pokémon Day stamp, one Pokémon coin, and three Pokémon TCG booster packs (two Phantasmal Flames and one Mega Evolution). The stamped Pikachu promo is one of the best and most exclusive ways to celebrate the Pokémon franchise.

For the latest expansions from the Pokémon TCG, you can preorder Perfect Order Booster Bundles at market price over at Amazon. For other limited collections, you can also preorder the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection for under $70 at Amazon. 

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're bossy.

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 Pips hints, answers for March 9, 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: Homophones

• Green: In the public eye

• Blue: Iconic puppets

• Purple: HBIC

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Starting with the same sound, spelled differently

• Green: Metaphors for public scrutiny

• Blue: Muppets

• Purple: They feature a boss

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 #1001 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Starting with the same sound, spelled differently: WAREHOUSE, WEARABLE, WEREWOLF, WHEREFORE

• Metaphors for public scrutiny: FISHBOWL, HOT SEAT, MICROSCOPE, SPOTLIGHT

• Muppets: ANIMAL, BEAKER, FOZZIE, GONZO

• They feature a boss: COMPANY, E STREET BAND, MAFIA, VIDEO GAME

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 9, 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 lovey dovey.

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 March 9, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Cute enough to eat

The words are related to affection.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe pet names.

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 Endearments.

NYT Strands word list for March 9

• Pumpkin

• Bean

• Nugget

• Endearments

• Muffin

• Dumpling

• Peanut

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're always in a hurry.

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 March 9, 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 March 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Quick.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

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...

HASTY

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.

TL;DR: PDF Agile Premium is an all-in-one PDF editor for Windows and Mac that lets you edit, convert, annotate, and secure documents — and it’s currently $39.99 for a lifetime license.

Opens in a new window Credit: PDF Agile PDF Agile Premium: All-in-One Lifetime Subscription (Windows & Mac) $39.99
$119 Save $79.01   Get Deal

Handling PDFs often means juggling multiple tools for editing, converting, signing, and organizing files — but PDF Agile Premium brings all of those features together in one place, and it’s currently available for $39.99 (reg. $119) for a lifetime license.

It gives you one place to manage PDFs without jumping between multiple programs. You can edit text, rearrange pages, highlight sections, add comments, or insert images directly into a document. If you need to convert files, PDF Agile can transform PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, and other formats while preserving layout.

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It also includes OCR (optical character recognition), which lets you extract text from scanned documents or images so they become searchable and editable.

Security features are built in, too. You can password-protect files, redact sensitive information, and add electronic signatures to contracts or forms. And when files get too large, the software can compress, merge, or split PDFs in just a few clicks.

PDF Agile works on both Windows and macOS, so the same license can be used across platforms if you switch between devices.

If PDFs are part of your regular workflow — work, school, or freelance projects — having a single tool that handles editing, converting, and security in one place can make things noticeably easier.

Get a lifetime of PDF Agile Premium for just $39.99 (reg. $119).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best deals for watching the Oscars live without cable: BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ with ads $4.99/month for 3 months (save $8/month) Get Deal BEST long-term deal Hulu with ads annual subscription $119.99/year (save $23.89) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Hulu Student $1.99/month (save $10/month) Get Deal GET HULU FOR FREE Hulu with ads Free for T-Mobile customers (save $11.99/month) Get Deal BEST LIVE TV STREAMING DEAL YouTube TV Free 21-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months (save $46) Get Deal MOST AFFORDABLE LIVE TV STREAMING SERVICE Sling Select $19.99/month Get Deal

It's been another stellar year for cinema, and now it's time to award the films that shone brightest. The 98th Oscars are upon us. On March 15, the Academy will honor the best movies of 2025 on Hollywood's biggest night. Conan O’Brien is set to host the ceremony once again, and many of your favorite winners from years past will present the biggest awards of the night.

We're hoping some of our favorites receive the awards they deserve — One Battler After Another, Sinners, Hamnet, and more — but it's anyone's game. Want to see who takes home the titles of Best Actress, Best Director, Best Picture, and beyond? Here's all the details you need to know to watch the 2026 Academy Awards live with or without cable.

When are the 2026 Oscars?

The 98th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and will air live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu, with the pre-show airing ahead of it at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Who are this year's Oscar nominees?

Sinners leads this year's Oscars with a record-breaking 16 nominations. Basically, every award it could be nominated for, it is. One Battle After Another follows close behind with 13, while Marty Supreme earned nine, and Hamnet nabbed seven nominations.

Each year there are just as many snubs as there are surprises, and 2026 is no different. For instance, we were a bit flabbergasted that Wicked: For Good came up totally empty with zero nominations. Our favorite sad boy Paul Mescal, newcomer Chase Infiniti, and Jesse Plemons were also ignored by the Academy.

See a full list of the 2026 Oscar nominations below in the FAQ section of this story.

How to watch the Oscars live without cable in 2026

For those with cable or over-the-air TV, you can tune your TV to your local ABC station or watch online via ABC.com or the ABC app by logging in through your pay TV service provider. No cable access? No worries; For the second year in a row, the awards will simultaneously stream on Hulu for subscribers.

You also have the option of signing up for a live TV cable replacement service to catch the Oscars live. These services essentially act just like cable, giving you live access to a well-rounded channel selection via your internet connection (rather than a cable connection). They're contract-free and often offer trials to test them out. That means you could very well watch the Oscars for free, then cancel before being charged. But we'll leave the details up to you. Here are the best options (and deals) to watch.

Hulu streaming deals

Hulu is one of the most generous (if not the most generous) streamers in that it offers new and eligible returning subscribers a free 30-day trial. That means you can easily sign up and watch the Oscars for free during that time period. If you don't qualify for the free trial, we've also rounded up a few ways to save some money on your subscription.

Limited-time bundle deal: Save $8/month on three months of Hulu and Disney+ Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $4.99/month for 3 months (save $8/month) Get Deal

Through March 24, new subscribers can get both Hulu and Disney+ with ads for only $4.99 per month for three months. Typically $12.99 per month for the bundle, you'll save $24 total on a three-month subscription. Only new and returning subscribers can score the deal; current Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, and bundle subscribers are not eligible.

Best Hulu deal for most people: Save 16% on a Hulu (with ads) annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

The best way to cut the cost of a Hulu subscription on any given day is to sign up for an annual plan with ads. You'll have to endure a few interruptions in your content and pay upfront, but it'll save you 16% or just shy of $24 over the course of a year. A yearly subscription costs $119.99 (or $9.99 broken down monthly), while an $11.99 monthly plan would add up to $143.88 in a year. If you want to cut ties with ads, the price jumps to $18.99 per month and there's no annual offer available at this time.

Best for students: Save $10/month with Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month Get Deal

Students can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month and stream the Oscars live. That's more than 80% off the usual cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.

Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for select customers Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads Free for T-Mobile customers on Experience Beyond plan (save $11.99/month) Get Deal

Aside from a 30-day free trial, the only other way to get Hulu for free in 2026 is by switching your phone plan to T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. Customers on this plan can enjoy Hulu with ads for free, as well as Netflix and Apple TV.

Already on the Experience Beyond plan? Download or open the T-Life app, select Manage > See plans > Manage add-ons, then scroll to the Hulu streaming benefit and click "Continue." Follow the prompts to link an existing account or create a new one.

Live TV streaming deals

If you prefer a cable alternative, which will give you access to your local ABC station as well as hundreds of other live channels, there are a few options we recommend. And many of them offer free trials and introductory pricing. Here are a couple options to choose from.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 21-day free trial, then $59.99/mo for your first 2 months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan includes over 100 live channels, including your local ABC network. You'll also get unlimited DVR space, three simultaneous streams, and up to six individual accounts with personalized recommendations. For a limited time, you can get a 21-day trial to test the waters, which means you can watch the Oscars for free. Then, your first two months will cost just $59.99 per month instead of the usual $82.99 per month.

Most affordable overall: Sling TV Select package (for select areas) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Select package (select areas only) $19.99/month Get Deal

Sling's a la carte setup and affordable pricing make it a huge competitor in the live TV streaming market. You can pick your package and channels depending on what you actually want to watch. You'll need access to ABC to watch the Oscars live, which is included in Sling's Select package for only $19.99 per month. Unfortunately, since ABC is a local network, it's only available in some local markets. Check to see if your local market includes ABC before you pull the trigger — Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, and more are included.

Honorable mention: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo Fubo free 5-day trial, $48.99 for your first month Get Deal

FuboTV offers five-day trials to newbies, giving you the ability to watch the Oscars on your local ABC station for free. You'll get access to over 200 other networks, as well as unlimited cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 different screens. After your trial, the cost for your first month is $48.99 ($73.99 per month thereafter).

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 9, 2026:

AcrossTalk ___ (boastfully banter)

• The answer is Smack.

What has legs, but never walks?

• The answer is Table.

French for "love"

• The answer is Amour.

What has a mouth, but never talks?

• The answer is River.

Run-down in appearance

• The answer is Seedy.

DownMilky Way bits

• The answer is Stars.

___ Eisenhower, 1950s first lady

• The answer is Mamie.

Overhead

• The answer is Above.

Given a crossword hint

• The answer is Clued.

Actress Washington of "Scandal"

• The answer is Kerry.

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

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.