Technology

Using the right app is necessary if you write and take notes daily. After trying many tools over the years, I’ve come to a point where I only consider apps that offer some key features. These aren’t just lovely extras—they’re absolute must-haves. Here are the features I refuse to compromise on.

I was tired of paying for online storage to keep my Windows PC backed up, so I decided to figure out how to back it up to my NAS. Syncthing made that backup process easy, simple, and automatic.

Let’s be real. Every new phone launch follows the same script: better zoom, more megapixels, improved low-light shots, etc. But tucked away inside many smartphones is a feature that can actually change the way you capture your memories—and almost no one talks about it.

When my smart home is working perfectly, it can feel like magic. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Things go wrong all the time, whether from my incessant tinkering or things beyond my control, such as power outages.

Following biotechnology company 23andMe's filing for bankruptcy, losing its CEO, and trying to find a buyer last month, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce launched an investigation into the genetic data company's handling of customers' personal information.

On Friday, the committee sent a letter to 23andMe regarding selling people's sensitive information following its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The letter was signed by committee Chair Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida, and Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama. The latter two are chairmen of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, respectively.

SEE ALSO: 23andMe data: How to delete yours

The letter points out that in 23andMe's privacy policy, in a bankruptcy, customers' personal information may be "accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction."

"Additionally, a judge recently ruled 23andMe has the right to sell the sensitive medical and genetic information of its 15 million customers, which is considered to be the company’s most valuable asset," the letter states. "With the lack of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security law, we write to express our great concern about the safety of Americans' most sensitive personal information."

The committee then lists many questions for the company, including how 23andMe intends to vet potential buyers and what its plan is to protect people's data should a sale happen. The Committee of Energy and Commerce requested answers by May 1.

In a press release, 23andMe detailed bidding requirements and procedures for a sale, such as that it will not accept bids from entities based in or controlling investments from "countries of concern" like China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Venezuela.

Regarding handling personal data, the company stated in the release, "23andMe takes its responsibility as a steward of customer data seriously. The Company maintains strict data privacy and security protocols, and it is subject to consumer privacy and genetic privacy laws."

In the last few years, the genomics company has been under fire for a data breach and subsequent lawsuit. As 23andMe isn't an entity covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), customer information isn't protected by those privacy measures.

With the announcement of the bankruptcy and its former CEO, Anne Wojcicki, stepping down in March, Mashable published a how-to on deleting your data from 23andMe. If you haven't done so yet, now is the perfect time.

UPDATE: Apr. 21, 2025, 10:15 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to include a press release from 23andMe.

I wanted to like Apple Intelligence, especially after Apple's fake ad fooled me into believing that an AI-infused Siri was real. I gave Apple Intelligence more than one chance, enabling it and using it on all my devices every day to compare improvements between updates.

Like the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 comes with its own internal storage and can be expanded with a microSD card—but it can't be just any microSD card. Make sure you get the right microSD Express card by picking one of the options below.

The OnePlus 13R is a prime contender for the best mid-range Android phone of 2025, but faces stiff competition from Google's latest Pixel 9a, which might just steal its thunder. Let's compare the two and see which one is right for you.

If you're the type of person who rarely upgrades their phone, you're not alone. And sure, buying the latest flagship phone might help it last a little longer, but not as much as you think. Here's why you shouldn't buy an Android phone expecting it to last 5–7 years.

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

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

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

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

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

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

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

• Yellow: Gear for the treadmill

• Green: Found in a gym

• Blue: NFL football division

• Purple: Shares/associates with a mesh material

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

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

• Yellow: Athletic Footwear

• Green: Gym Equipment

• Blue: AFC East Teams

• Purple: Things with Nets

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 #209 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Athletic Footwear - BOOTS, CLEATS, SNEAKERS, SPIKES

• Gym Equipment - ELLIPTICAL, MEDICINE BALL, ROWING MACHINE, TREADMILL

• AFC East Teams - BUFFALO, MIAMI, NEW ENGLAND, NEW YORK

• Things with Nets - BASKETBALL HOOP, BROOKLYN, SOCCER GOAL, TENNIS COURT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 20, 2025:

AcrossSpeaking confidently but dishonestly

• The answer is Glib.

Traditional dance at a Jewish wedding

• The answer is Hora.

"Scram!"

• The answer is Go Away.

Hyundai electric car with a creatively spelled name

• The answer is Ioniq.

Hoops legend with size 22 shoes

• The answer is Shaq.

DownAfrica's largest exporter of gold

• The answer is Ghana.

Score that's nowhere near Mensa-worthy

• The answer is Low IQ.

Baghdad's country

• The answer is Iraq.

Loading area for trucks

• The answer is Bay.

Army soldiers, for short

• The answer is GIs.

___ and aah

• The answer is Ooh.

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

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

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

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

The gallery app that comes pre-installed on your Samsung phone is more than just storage for your photos and videos. It comes with all sorts of tools designed to make your gallery experience better that you might not even know about. Here are some worth checking out.

As Earth passes through the debris of Halley’s Comet, the sky lights up with shooting stars for more than a month. The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is an extended cosmic spectacle, and it’s calling on you to bear witness to nature's celestial fireworks.

Running Kubuntu or another KDE Plasma desktop Linux distribution? I work almost exclusively with KDE Plasma desktop environment. I use these shortcuts every day I as read, write, and edit, and you can too so long as you're running Plasma.

Enter the thinnest gaming laptop Razer has ever released—and expectations run high. Luckily, the Razer Blade 16 (2025) met my expectations and then some for its gaming power (and overall performance). The latest iteration of the 16-inch Razer combines an AMD Ryzen CPU and an NVIDIA GPU that shines.

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

TL;DR: Shrink your screen time with this limited-time deal on the NanoPhone miniaturized smartphone, now just $89.97 (reg. $199.99) through April 27.

Sometimes, less really is more. The NanoPhone is a miniaturized smartphone that strips away the bulk without sacrificing the essentials of your phone, giving you a sleek, credit-card-sized device that keeps you connected without the distractions.

Right now, the NanoPhone is only $89.97 (regularly $199) through April 27.

This shrunken smartphone doesn't skimp on features

Looking to simplify your screen time? The NanoPhone offers all the basics you use on your phone — a touchscreen, important apps, and a camera — all in a shrunken, pocket-friendly design.

You don't need to pay for an extra data plan, just pop in your current SIM card, and you’re ready to roll with most 4G carriers.

There is a 2MP front camera and a 5MP rear camera, so you can video chat and snap photos just like on your usual phone. Plus, Bluetooth capabilities make it easy to connect to wireless headphones or a smartwatch for seamless integration. 

The battery life didn't shrink on this device: the NanoPhone has enough juice to last through the day. 

Measuring just 3.5 by 1.8 inches, the NanoPhone is a great option to stay in touch when you want to travel light. Take it to the gym, on a run, on date night, anywhere you don't want to be weighed down by a phone as big as your face. It's also great to keep for emergencies. 

Score a NanoPhone for just $89.97 (reg. $199.99) now through April 27 with no coupon needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $89.97
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TL;DR: Lock down access to your favorite Microsoft Office programs with a single payment of $49.97 for MS Office 2021.

The technology world is built around pushing 'newer, better, faster' products. But if you're old school and just like to stick with what you know, consider locking down access to your favorite Microsoft Office programs when you buy MS Office 2021 for just $49.97 (reg. $219.99).

What's Included in Microsoft Office 2021?

Microsoft Office 2021 includes all your favorite programs:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• Access

• Teams

• OneNote

• Publisher

Home and business users rely on the basic suite of productivity tools they use daily to create documents, develop spreadsheets, manage emails, and stay in touch with contacts.

When you own these programs outright, you can access them offline and store all your documents locally on your computer. Users who want a reliable, widely compatible set of programs to perform basic computing will benefit from snagging this deal.

How does Office 2021 stand up to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024?

Office 2021 is a software suite perpetual license, unlike Microsoft 365, an ongoing subscription for cloud-based access to storage and Microsoft programs. When you purchase Office 2021, you make a single payment that indefinitely buys ownership of these programs. Microsoft 365 operates on recurrent monthly fees, which can change at any time; in fact, Microsoft just upped the fees for the consumer version of 365 for the first time in 12 years.

Office 2021 retains access to programs you won't see anymore in all Office 2024 purchases, including Access, Publisher, and Outlook. Office 2021 also has familiar layouts. Office 2024 has modernized the look of the programs and integrated AI tools throughout, so if you want to stay with something familiar, the 2021 version is best.

One technical note: Before buying, verify that your Mac is running Monterey or newer or your PC is Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Skip subscriptions and hyped modern programs when you stick with what you know and get Microsoft Office 2021 for just $49.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$219.99 Save $170.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: This Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console is fun for the whole family, and now it's just $89.97 (reg. $159) with free shipping until April 27.

Ready to give family game night a serious upgrade? Put the board games back in the closet and get a gaming console that bridges generations — the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro.

This retro gaming console is packed with over 70,000 classic games from Atari, Nintendo, Playstation and more, and you can get them all for just $89.97 (reg. $159) through April 27. 

This console is fun for the whole family

Ready to feel nostalgic? Whether you're introducing your kiddos to your favorite '90s games or you're taking it home to mom and dad to let them enjoy some classics from the '70s and '80s, the Kinhank Super Console unites Boomers, Gen Zs, and Millennials alike. 

This retro console covers decades of gaming history, all in one compact system. And you don't need any cartridges or disks — it's all loaded right on the device, from Pac-Man to StreetFighter II to Sonic the Hedgehog.

You don't have to worry about subscription fees or purchasing extra games. Just plug the console into a TV, projector, computer, or laptop, and you'll be ready to play. 

The Kinhank Super Console comes with two controllers, but you can also connect wired and Bluetooth controllers to add players to the action. 

If you manage to run through the thousands of games that are included, you can also access another 20,000 3D games at no extra cost. And if you're tired of gaming, this console turns into a streaming device if you sign into the native apps. 

This one low price includes the Kinhank Super Console, two controllers, a 4GB TF card, a 256GB game card, a USB receiver, a power adapter, an HD cable, and a remote, so you'll have everything you need to game.

Liven up game nights with the Kinhank Super Console, now $89.97 with free shipping through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $89.97
$159.99 Save $70.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Master up to 14 languages at your own speed with this lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning. Right now, it's only $129.99, exclusively on StackSocial, using the code LEARN40 through May 4.

Vacation season is upon us. If you'd like to get even more out of traveling, learning the native language lets you see cities in a whole new light.

Whether you're looking to master Italian before spending the summer in Rome, or you'd like to be fluent in Spanish before a weekend in Cancun, you can learn these languages and 12 more with a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning. 

Learn languages at your own pace for life

If you're not into deadlines and testing, taking a language learning course can be tough. Babbel lets you learn at your own pace, on your own time. And a lifetime subscription lets you continue to learn for years to come.

Learning new languages has been proven to help your brain form new neural connections and to strengthen existing ones. Give your brain a boost by taking the first step towards learning Dutch, Danish, French, with Babbel's unique 10-15 minute sessions. 

These manageable lessons can fit into a lunch break, a lengthy line, or before bedtime. And don't assume you're learning less with this method — researchers at City University of New York discovered that novice learners picked up the equivalent of one semester of Spanish after 15 hours of Babbel's learning strategy. 

Babbel syncs across all your devices, so you can always pick up where you left off. Start a lesson on your smartphone and finish up later on your desktop. Their advanced speech recognition technology helps you with your pronunciation skills. And you can get practice in real-time with Babbel's AI conversation partner. 

Choose between beginner, intermediate, and advanced level courses so you can continuously improve and keep your skills sharp over time.

Get this lifetime subscription to all languages with Babbel Language Learning for just $129.99, exclusively on StackSocial, using the code LEARN40 through May 4.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $129.99
$599 Save $469.01 Get Deal