Technology

Ready for a gnarly fairytale, full of body horror, dark humor, and sibling rivalry? The Ugly Stepsister will give you all that and more. And the video above gives you a bone-crunching preview.

Written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, this critically heralded horror movie takes the Cinderella story you thought you knew, and gives it a bloody fresh spin by focusing on the maligned ugly stepsister. Sure, Elvira (Lea Myren) dreams of being swept up in the arms of the kingdom's handsome prince. But to catch the eye of this eligible bachelor, her ruthless mother (Ane Dahl Torp) believes she needs the help of Dr. Esthétique (Adam Lundgren), a medieval cosmetic surgeon whose methods are, well, the stuff of nightmares.

SEE ALSO: 'The Ugly Stepsister' trailer has big 'The Substance' vibes

The clip above offers some of the horrid lengths poor Elvira will go to achieve her happily-ever-after. But the cheeky tone of this faux commercial for Dr. Esthétique gives a sense of the wicked sense of humor at play in The Ugly Stepsister.

As I cheered in my review out of the film's Sundance premiere, "The Ugly Stepsister is a deranged and dizzying achievement, folding in a classic story with a bitingly modern satire and bold body horror. Blichfeldt weaves these elements together to make a film that feels both of this moment and aesthetically nostalgic."

See for yourself when The Ugly Stepsister opens in theaters on April 18.

SAVE $120: As of April 15, shop the Bose QuietComfort headphones for just $229. That saves you $120 for 34% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 at Amazon
$349 Save $120 Get Deal

Bose is an audio leader for good reason. Their products deliver professional sound at a consumer-friendly price. Their collection of products is limited, rather than dozens of models, they keep it simple with five greats pairs of headphones and earbuds, plus a few soundbars to bring your home audio to the next level. Among Bose's headphones is the QuietComfort collection, which comes at two different price points. The Ultra headphones and earbuds fall at the higher end of the price point, while the standard QuietComfort offer a more affordable alternative.

As of April 15, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are down from their usual $349. Now you can find them at Amazon for $229, saving you $120 for 34% off.

Bose QuietComfort headphones offer excellent noise cancellation and audio quality. Like the name implies, they're extremely comfortable, with plush ear cups to cover your ears for all-day wear. On a single charge, they can go for about 24 hours, letting you wear them for a full day without needing to find a charger. The main difference between these headphones and the Ultra models is the immersive audio feature. While the QuietComfort don't have immersive audio, you won't miss it thanks to its full, well-rounded sound.

Shop the Bose QuietComfort headphones now for $229 and save $120.

SAVE $200: As of April 15, the 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch versions of the LG C5 OLED TV released in March are $200 off at Best Buy. Prices range from $1,799.99 to $3,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch C5 OLED 4K TV $1,799.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $200 Get Deal

TV enthusiasts were likely anticipating the coming of the LG C5 OLED TV mere weeks after the C4 dropped in 2024. The official release date of the C5, March 11, 2025, is now in the rearview — but if you've managed to hold out on buying it thus far, you can save $200 on it now.

That's the discount tacked onto three sizes of the LG C5 OLED at Best Buy as of April 15. The 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch versions of the LG C5 OLED TV are $200 off at Best Buy. Prices range from $1,799.99 to $3,499.99.

Because all sizes have the same dollar amount off, the smaller, least-expensive model, the 55-inch, naturally has the best discount, percentage-wise, at 10%. The savings aren't huge by any means, but on a brand-new CES release, $200 isn't half bad — consider it a free soundbar. Free delivery is included.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 1 Recap: Everything you need to remember before watching season 2

Overwhelmingly positive reviews of the C5 have already begun to trickle in, with our sister site CNET summing it up well: "The LG C5 is a top choice among 2025 TVs." Compared to last year's C4, which is still one of the best TVs you can buy, the C5 is brighter with enhanced color accuracy and vibrancy. As always with LG's premium OLEDs, uniformity with colors and blacks stays solid from just about any viewing angle, sans clouding that's often an issue with LEDs or even some QLEDs. Interactive control glow-ups for the C5 include the introduction of AI capabilities, plus a fully redesigned Magic Remote.

For the fifth year in a row now, the LG C-*insert number here* is one of the best OLED gaming TVs one could buy without completely blowing your budget. (Check the prices on the C5's sibling, the G5 — that's how you blow your budget.) Aside from the stark details that pop particularly well in dark rooms, the C5 also sports four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 144Hz gaming.

SAVE $120: As of April 15, get the Sony WF-1000XM5S Wireless Earbuds for $179.99 at Target, down from their normal price of $299.99. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Sony WF-1000XM5S Wireless Earbuds $179.99 at Target
$299.99 Save $120 Get Deal

If you're looking for a great pair of earbuds, you have options. Apple's AirPods come with a range of excellent options, and there's a lot to love about what Bose has to offer. But don't count Sony out, especially the pair the company itself has boasted are their best wireless buds. You can get them for a great price right now thanks to a deal at Target, but you'll want to act fast.

As of April 15, get the Sony WF-1000XM5S Wireless Earbuds for $179.99 at Target, down from their normal price of $299.99. That's $120 off and a discount of 43%. This price currently applies to the Black, Silver, and Smoky Pink colorways. While the buds are available at Amazon right now, only refurbished stock is available.

We named these earbuds our favorite pair from Sony, praising them for their "amazing audio quality" and excellent noise cancellation as well as their useful touch controls. You can count on them to block out all the frustrating daily noise you deal with, with tuning that you can tweak for an experience that makes sense for you.

Of course, they sound great when it comes to listening to your favorite music or podcasts, too. You also get a long-lasting battery, with up to 8 hours of listening time and 24 hours with their included charging case. Quick charging nets you an hour of listening time with 3 hours on the charger.

Their customizable equalizer also makes them a dream for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, with plenty of EQ options to tune them to your liking.

If you're ready to grab a new pair of earbuds, definitely snag these before they're back up at their normal price.

TL;DR: Live stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are so many interesting matchups in the quarter finals of the Champions League, including Dortmund vs. Barcelona. The Bundesliga side have it all to do in the second leg, down 4-0 after the opening game in Spain. It's going to be almost impossible for Dortmund to progress, but never say never.

If you want to watch Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Dortmund vs. Barcelona?

Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 15. This fixture takes place at the Signal Iduna Park.

How to watch Dortmund vs. Barcelona for free

Dortmund vs. Barcelona is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Dortmund vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Champions League action is back this week with a number of really interesting second-leg matchups, including Aston Villa vs. PSG. The French side won the first leg 3-1, but anything can happen in this competition. Sure, PSG have one foot in the semi finals. But Aston Villa possess the talent to turn things around.

If you want to watch Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Aston Villa vs. PSG?

Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. BST on April 15. This fixture takes place at Villa Park.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. PSG for free

Aston Villa vs. PSG is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Aston Villa vs. PSG (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch Aston Villa vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Aston Villa vs. PSG on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

GET $500 OFF: As of April 15, the Apple iMac desktop (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $1,099.00, down from $1,599. That's a savings of $500, or 31% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iMac desktop (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Best Buy
$1,599 Save $500 Get Deal

Your desktop computer needs to perform well for all of your work and play and look great, too. Enter the Apple iMac, a powerhouse that comes with the still-powerful M3 chip for a lot less than the newest models. And it's on sale for almost a third off today.

Currently, the Apple iMac desktop (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $1,099.00, down from $1,599, at the Best Buy Spring Sale. That's $500, or 31%, off.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) are down by $70 in Best Buy's Spring Sale

An exceptional 4K screen dominates the "All-in-One" body of the iMac desktop. Apple screens are known for their color accuracy, rich detail, and more. Available in colors from green to tangerine, the desktop, keyboard, and mouse match, creating a pleasant aesthetic in your computer room.

Unlike lots of Windows computers, the iMac commits to a true gestalt ethos and doesn't skimp on components like webcams and lightning ports. It has three microphones and a precise 1080p camera, so you'll be loud and clear in meetings.

Whether you're recommitting to a graphic design practice or editing podcasts, this laptop is chock-full of widely useful features and tech components.

This deal is no longer available at Amazon, but Target still has them on sale here.

SAVE $120: As of April 14, Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are available for $179.99 at Amazon. That’s $120 off their usual price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 $179.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $120 Get Deal

I didn’t think I needed another pair of earbuds until I saw Sony’s WF-1000XM5s hanging out at $179.99 on Amazon. Now I’m inventing reasons to upgrade. This is a 40% drop on a set of earbuds that actually lives up to its noise-cancelling flex — and that’s not something I say lightly. Sony claims these are their best truly wireless buds yet. Honestly, I believe them.

What sold me is the balance. They’ve nailed that elusive mix of powerful noise cancellation, rich sound, and decent call quality, which usually means sacrificing one for the other. These don’t. You can pop them in on a noisy train, crank up your playlist, and suddenly it’s just you and Beyoncé. Or doom metal. I’m not here to judge.

SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse combo

The new design is a bit glossier than before, and the earbuds are smaller, so they don’t look like you’re trying to receive a satellite signal from your ear canal. They’re light, comfy, and surprisingly good at staying put, even when I forget I’m wearing them and start acting like a backup dancer in the produce aisle.

• Price: $179.99 $299.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation with dual feedback microphones

• Sound Quality: Wide frequency reproduction, detailed vocals

• Call Quality: Enhanced clarity in noisy environments

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (24 hours with case), 1 hour playback from 3-minute charge

• Design: Smaller, in-ear fit with glossy finish

• Smart Features: Alexa built-in

• Connectivity: Bluetooth

You’ll get up to 8 hours of battery on a single charge, and the case stretches that to 24 hours. Plus, a three-minute charge gives you a full hour of listening time, which is perfect for those of us who remember to charge things only after walking out the door.

I think this deal is kind of a no-brainer. If you’ve been eyeing a pair of high-end earbuds that won’t absolutely destroy your bank account, Sony just made your decision very easy.

Fortnite experienced a hiccup on Tuesday morning, but everything is fine. Players will be back to their Sabrina Carpenter-inspired shenanigans soon.

If you're in the U.S. and wanted to get some early-morning battle royale rounds in before work on Tuesday, you're out of luck. Down Detector indicated widespread Fortnite outages starting around 6 a.m. ET and lasting until around 9 a.m. ET at the latest. That's a pretty long time for one of the most popular video games in the world to be out of commission, and it came at an unusual time of day, so it's reasonable for players to wonder what's up.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: How to play 'Fortnite' on iPhone

So, why is Fortnite down?

Luckily, there's an answer. Developer Epic Games posted on X that there would be some scheduled downtime starting at 6 a.m. ET to push a hotfix (a kind of update that doesn't require users to download a patch). In other words, the downtime on Tuesday morning was just Epic taking some time to address a problem in the game, which should be fixed by the time you're reading this. Everything should be fine now.

Disclaimer: Down Detector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.

SAVE $15: Get a $100 Instacart gift card at Amazon for just $85. That's a 15% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instcart $100 Instacart gift card $85 at Amazon
$100 Save $15 Get Deal

Saving money on life's essentials is something everyone can get excited about. If you order groceries online for delivery or pickup, there's a great deal in store at Amazon, but you'll need to act fast. As of April 15, a $100 Instacart gift card is discounted to just $85 at Amazon. That's a saving of $15.

Since this is a "lightning deal", it could sell out at any time. So jump on this one quickly.

SEE ALSO: Groceries are expensive — take up to 20% off during the Amazon Spring Grocery Sale

Instacart is truly a one-stop online shop for all of life's necessities. The company is linked up with over 85,000 stores across the country which gives you access to groceries, pet supplies, pharmacies, and more. You could schedule a morning delivery from Costco, Spouts, or Kroger to restock the fridge and get an afternoon delivery from Sephora, Lowe's, or the Vitamin Shoppe.

This Amazon deal is on a physical Instacart gift card, that will likely come with overnight shipping, depending on your location. You'll be able to redeem it in the Instacart app or through the website. The physical gift card also makes this deal a great option for an upcoming birthday present, Easter basket stuffer, Mother's Day gift, or graduation present.

While we all wonder what tariffs will do the price of tech, grab some reassurance that your next grocery order will include some savings by snagging this $15 discount on an Instacart gift card. Nothing tastes sweeter than free groceries.

Jon Stewart has had plenty to roast Trump and his cabinet for recently, from leaking its own military plans to tanking the stock market.

On Monday's edition of The Daily Show, though, he took a look at Trump's overall leadership style with a segment called "How authoritarian is we?"

"We already know Trump's done a lot of the standard fare," says Stewart. "He's attacked the free press, pulled random people off the streets, made law firms and universities bend the knee, announced Department of Justice investigations into an individual whose sole crime was suggesting the 2020 election had been safe and well administered."

Taking that as a starting point, Stewart proceeds to go through some more criteria, from the aesthetics (cue a clip of Trump gleefully showing off the gold angel statues in the Oval Office) to the "embarrassingly sycophantic" people around him (cue a clip of Trump's cabinet furiously complimenting the excellent work he's doing).

The list, unfortunately, only gets longer from there.

SAVE $70: As of April 15, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) are on sale for $479.99 at Best Buy. That's 13% off their list price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $479.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $70 Get Deal

If you've been looking to get new headphones or earbuds, there are quite a few deals available right now that are worth checking out. Best Buy in particular has plenty of offers as part of its Spring Sale, including discounts on Apple devices. If you've been saving up to splash out on high-end headphones, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) have received a $70 price drop that's worth jumping on.

The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) are currently marked down to $479.99 from their list price of $549.99. This deal applies to a variety of color options as well, so you can save on the midnight headphones, starlight, blue, orange, and purple. On top of that, your purchase also comes with Apple Fitness+ for free for three months if you're a new subscriber and up to three months of Apple Music for free if you're a new or returning subscriber.

SEE ALSO: My favorite iPad is $80 off at Walmart

Whether you love to listen to the latest albums from your favorite artists or enjoy getting lost in a thrilling audiobook, the AirPods Max offer excellent audio quality thanks to the H1 chip. This is further improved with Active Noise Cancelation, which will absorb you in what you're listening to without the outside world interrupting. And for those moments when you need to be a bit more aware of what's going on around you, Transparency mode keeps you tuned in to your surroundings without totally sacrificing the sounds you're listening to.

The AirPods Max also feature Personalized Spatial Audio that 'surrounds' you in sound to create a more immersive experience while you're listening. They're a real treat for the ears, and if you're looking to treat yourself to new headphones, this deal on the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) at Best Buy is worth taking advantage of.

There are a few more Apple deals at Best Buy that are worth a look right now. You can also save on the AirPods Pro 2 if you're looking for earbuds instead, and the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) is on sale at the moment as well.

SAVE $80: As of April 15, the JBL Xtreme 4 portable speaker is on sale for $299.99 at Best Buy. That's 21% off its list price of $379.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $299.99 at Best Buy
$379.99 Save $80 Get Deal

Spring Sales are still going strong over at Best Buy, as the retailer has quite a few items on offer right now that are worth checking out. If you've been on the hunt for a portable speaker to join you on any outdoor excursions you have planned for this year, there are quite a few discounted right now, including an $80 discount on the JBL Xtreme 4.

This discount has dropped the price of the JBL Xtreme 4 portable speaker from $379.99 to $299.99. This speaker will bring you powerful sound and up to 24 hours of battery life, so you can keep the music going for longer while you're out and about. It also features a very durable design that's great for the outdoors.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best Bluetooth speakers, tested

The JBL Xtreme 4 portable speaker is waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating, so no matter if you're going on a camping trip or want to play some music on the beach this speaker can handle the elements. It even comes with a shoulder strap which makes carrying it around to different locations much easier. If you've been looking for a reliable portable speaker that's easy to travel with and still gives you big sound, the JBL Xtreme 4 is worth a look.

Don't miss out on $80 off the JBL Xtreme 4 right now at Best Buy.

If you prefer to listen to music on your own, there are some great headphone and earbud deals that are worth checking out right now, too. Also at Best Buy, the AirPods Pro 2 have received a $60 discount, and at Amazon, the Soundcore AeroFit headphones are 62% off at the moment.

SAVE $100: As of April 15, the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $699 at Best Buy. That's 12% off its list price of $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch Apple iPad Air M2 $699 at Best Buy
$799 Save $100 Get Deal

If you missed out on the best deals in Amazon's Spring Sale, Best Buy has delivered its own Spring Sale for shoppers to save. There has been some very nice tech deals included in this sale, including on Apple devices. One of our favorite deals is on the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2, WiFi, 128GB), which has received a $100 discount.

This has dropped the price of the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2, WiFi, 128GB) from $799 to $699. You'll also get some fun free trials with your purchase as well, including Apple Fitness+ for three months if you're a new subscriber, up to three months of Apple Music if you're a new or returning subscriber, Apple Arcade for up to three months if you're a new or returning subscriber, and Apple TV+ for two months if you're a new or qualified returning subscriber. The latter is especially nice to enjoy all of the great shows that have dropped on Apple TV+ lately.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Air M3 review: The smallest of upgrades

With a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, this iPad Air boasts a bright, clear screen that'll make any image really pop. Performance-wise, the M2 chip will keep things moving quickly and smoothly. In our review, Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon had praise for the latter, saying, "Aside from a new 13-inch size and relocated webcam, there aren't many changes design-wise, but the M2 chip brings sweet energy efficiency and a performance uptick."

We also consider this iPad to be the best option for most people in our roundup of the best iPads, considering what a great value it is for the performance you're getting. Mashable's Samantha Mangino said in that roundup, "In our Geekbench 6 tests, it scored on par with the M2 MacBook Air, offering a high-performance experience at a fraction of the cost."

If you've had your eye on an iPad, this deal on the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2, WiFi, 128GB) at Best Buy is worth taking advantage of while it's still available.

It isn't the only Apple deal floating around right now, though. Also at Best Buy you can save on the AirPods Pro 2 and over at Walmart, the 10th gen iPad has received a very nice $80 discount.

SAVE $14.99: As of April 15, Lepro N1 AI Smart RGB Rope Lights are available for $44.99 at Amazon. That’s 25% off their regular price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lepro Lepro N1 AI Smart RGB Rope Lights $45 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $14.99 Get Deal

I stuck a 10-foot strand of Lepro N1 AI Smart Rope Lights on my wall and now my room looks like I should be live streaming my thoughts on the rumored Oblivion Remake. The 9.84-foot version is down to $44.99 on Amazon right now, thanks to a $15 coupon off the usual $59.99 list price. That’s a decent drop for lighting that manages to be both smart and slightly dramatic.

What makes these different from the usual sticky RGB strips is the AI baked into them. Lepro's LightGPM setup uses some machine learning magic to generate lighting based on your mood or activity. You can tell it how you're feeling or just snap a selfie in the app, and it responds with up to 10 lighting effects tailored to that emotional state. I can’t say my rope lights understand me, but they’re definitely trying.

SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse combo

There’s full music sync too, which means the lights pulse along with whatever you're playing. It works better than I expected. I threw on a playlist and the lights reacted like they were vibing harder than me. Voice commands work through the Lepro+ app and it’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant if you're not into shouting at your phone.

• Price: $44.99 $59.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Length: 9.84 feet

• Color range: RGB, full segment control

• Voice control: Via Lepro+ app, Alexa, and Google Assistant

• App features: Mood-based AI lighting, DIY shape control, scheduling, group device control

• Music sync: LightBeats audio-reactive color effects

• Power: Corded electric

• Indoor use: Yes

• Connectivity: WiFi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth

• Setup: Adhesive-backed, bendable strip with shape customization

It also lets you get creative with the layout. The strip is flexible, color-segmented, and supports DIY shapes, which I may have overestimated my design skills with. It still looks cool, even if my attempt at a lightning bolt ended up looking like a confused number two.

Control-wise, the app lets you manage brightness, colors, timers, and grouped devices, all over WiFi or Bluetooth. It’s reliable, doesn’t lag, and doesn’t require another hub.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 15 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Draft picks

The words are beverage-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are related to beers.

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 Microbrewery.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 15

• Bock

• Sour

• Regal

• Lager

• Stout

• Pilsner

• Porter

• Microbrewery

• Nitro

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 today's Strands.

SAVE $73.60: As of April 15, Lepro B2 AI Smart LED Bulbs (two-pack) are available for $15.99 at Amazon. That’s 43% off their regular price of $27.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lepro Lepro B2 AI Smart LED Bulbs (2-pack) $15.99 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal

I swapped out the old dusty bulbs in my ceiling fixture with Lepro’s B2 AI Smart LED Bulbs and now my room reacts better to music than most people do. For $15.99, you get a two-pack of color-changing smart bulbs that usually go for $27.99. That’s 43% off, or $8 per bulb, which is honestly less than I spent on my last latte.

These aren’t your average smart bulbs. They run on Lepro’s LightGPM system, which is powered by AI trained on lighting design principles and color psychology. I know that sounds like a buzzword sandwich, but it actually means you can tell it you’re feeling tired or hosting friends and it will generate up to ten lighting options designed around that vibe. You don’t need to think too hard. Just say what you want and let it handle the color theory.

SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse combo

Brightness isn’t a problem either. At 1100 lumens, they hit harder than the 75W incandescents I used to rely on. You still get full RGB control and adjustable white tones from 2700K to 6500K. I like that I can go from bright cool light in the morning to a warm soft glow at night, without having to fiddle with a dozen settings.

• Price: $15.99 $27.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Quantity: 2-pack ($8.00 per bulb)

• Brightness: 1100 lumens (75W equivalent)

• Color range: RGBWW, 2700K to 6500K

• Voice control: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

• App features: Lighting schedules, DIY control, music sync, mood presets

• Special features: AI voice design assistant, LightBeats music sync

• Connectivity: WiFi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth

• Extra modes: Wake-up and sleep routines with gradual dimming/brightening

Music sync is built in, and surprisingly responsive. I tested it with a playlist and the light actually adjusted with each beat. Not in a disco-ball kind of way, just enough to feel like the lighting is part of the experience.

Control happens through the Lepro app via WiFi or Bluetooth, and there’s full compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also set routines, timers, and even sunrise/sunset fades for waking up or winding down. I set mine to dim at 11 p.m., which at least tries to trick me into being a responsible adult.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 15 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 15, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Pale.

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 A.

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...

ASHEN.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 15

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 15 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: To pass up

• Green: Played at parties or laid-back gatherings

• Blue: Seen in Oedipus, Antigone, etc.

• Purple: Parts of an iconic children's book

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

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

• Yellow: Desist

• Green: Card games

• Blue: Elements of Greek drama

• Purple: Second words of "Peter Pan" characters

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 #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Desist: ABSTAIN, AVOID, CEASE, REFRAIN

• Card games: BRIDGE, HEARTS, SPEED, SPOON

• Elements of Greek drama: CHORUS, HERO, HUBRIS, TRAGEDY

• Second words of "Peter Pan" characters: BELL, DARLING, HOOK, PAN

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 15

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Set of cards

• Green: Soccer plays

• Blue: Teams named after a demon

• Purple: NBA teams with recent playoff success

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: Hands in Poker

• Green: Types of Kicks in Soccer

• Blue: Teams with Devil Nicknames

• Purple: NBA Teams in Last Year's Conference Finals

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 #204 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Hands in Poker - FLUSH, FULL HOUSE, PAIR, STRAIGHT

• Types of Kicks in Soccer - CORNER, DIRECT, INDIRECT, PENALTY

• Teams with Devil Nicknames - ARIZONA STATE, DUKE, MANCHESTER UNITED, NEW JERSEY

• NBA Teams in Last Year's Conference Finals - BOSTON, DALLAS, INDIANA, MINNESOTA

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.