Technology

TL;DR: Save $129 on this new TCL Tab 10 tablet with a 10.1-inch display, 32GB of storage, 8,000mAh battery capacity, and Android 12 OS. Get it for just $119.99 (reg. $249.)

In the Apple vs. Android feud, the latter tends to argue that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. When we take a look at the tablet selection each has to offer, we have to agree. While Apple’s iPads are certainly pleasing to the eye, this TCL Tab 10 Android tablet provides many of the same features for only $119.99 (reg. $249).

More features than an iPad? Decide for yourself…

The TCL Tab 10 runs on a MediaTek Kompanio 800T chip and 4GB of RAM for smooth performance and multitasking, whether you’re streaming movies, taking notes for class, or video chatting with friends. It’s also powered by an Android 12 operating system, with some features you just won’t find on Apple’s iOS:

• Material You: Personalize your color palette and widgets to match your style.

• One-handed mode: Brings the tablet’s features closer to your thumb’s reach.

• Picture-in-picture improvements: Resize the floating window for a more seamless experience.

• Game dashboard: Get quick access to utilities like screenshots, screen recording, and Do Not Disturb mode.

Your new Android tablet also has a 10.1-inch display with 1920x1200 resolution for stunning visuals, 32GB of built-in storage with microSD support up to 512GB, and 8,000mAh battery capacity for all-day use.

The TCL Tab 10’s all-black design delivers aesthetics similar to Apple tablets, and its slim design is even more deceiving — being 0.33 inches thin and weighing just over one pound to not weigh you down when you bring it on the go.

End the Apple vs. Android debate once and for all with this TCL Tab 10 Android tablet at $119.99 (reg. $249). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL Tab 10 5G Android Tablet $119.99 at the Mashable Shop
$249.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 16, the Portable 36W Switch Dock Charger Brick, a compact alternative to the original Nintendo Switch Dock, is on sale for $35.99 for a limited time. 

The Nintendo Switch may be portable, but the dock it came with doesn't quite match. If you want to game on the go, you could do it on the Switch's own screen, but connecting to a monitor requires a docking station, which means dragging around the bulky bit of plastic the Switch came with. Or you can pick up a much smaller alternative Switch dock.

The Portable 36W Switch Dock Charger Brick puts a few of the main functions of the Nintendo Switch dock into a compact brick you could tuck in a pocket or purse. Normally, this alternative Nintendo Switch dock would cost $39, but you can get it for $35.99. 

Connect, charge, play

Leave the old dock at home. The Portable Switch Brick is a convenient alternative that lets you connect your Switch to the big screen using 4K@60Hz HDMI. Just plug your console into the dock and connect it to the monitor or TV of your choice. You can also use this little brick to charge your console, and it's equipped with a smart protection GaN chip to help prevent overcurrent, overheating, and overvoltage. 

This brick may not have as many ports as the original Nintendo Switch docking station, but it's also not limited to just your Switch. This brick is also compatible with mobile devices, so you may be able to connect or charge your phone or tablet. 

Portable dock for the Nintendo Switch

Ditch that clunky old dock that came with your Nintendo Switch and go for one that you can also use with your phone or tablet. 

For a limited time, you can get the Portable 36W Switch Dock Charger Brick for $35.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech Portable 36W Switch Dock Charger Brick with 4K HDMI, USB-C PD, and USB 2.0 $35.99 at the Mashable Shop
$39.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 16, the PoooliPrint Inkless Pocket Printer is on sale for $69.99 (reg. $159) and allows you to print labels, photos, sticky notes, and more from your phone.

Given how quickly the world moves, it can be beneficial to be able to print and share documents, photos, and creative projects on the go. If you're a professional, a student, or have a creative side hustle, this PoooliPrint Pocket Printer could be an asset. On sale for just $69.99 (reg. $159), it's an efficient, time-saving way to streamline your work, organize your life, or have some extra fun scrapbooking.

This little printer has a pretty cool design because it doesn't require ink at all. The PoooliPrint uses advanced thermal printing technology to produce crisp, clear images and text without the need for ink. This not only makes it more convenient and clean to use, but it can also be a more cost-effective option. It also only measures 3.25 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches, which makes it a portable option for home or away.

All you need to do is connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the PoooliPrint app on your Android or iOS phone, and you can begin printing immediately. You can print up to 100 pictures on one roll of paper. And there are choices when it comes to which type of paper to use, depending on the project: sticky, transparent, colored, and others (these paper options are not included)

This offer gets you the PoooliPrint plus a roll of white paper to get you started. While it wouldn't be able to print full-size documents, it's a convenient way to support your organizational and creative efforts.

Get the PoooliPrint Inkless Pocket Printer with one roll of white paper for just $69.99 (reg. $159) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: PooliPrint PoooliPrint Inkless Pocket Printer (Yellow/L2 Instant HD 300DPI) $69.99 at the Mashable Shop
$159.90 Save $89.91 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 16, this Evachill portable cooling unit is only $79 (reg. $99). It brings the temperature down in one focused area about the size of a bed or desk.

Spring is in full swing, and the weather might already be getting warmer for you, but that doesn't mean it's time to trade a high heating bill for a high cooling bill. 

The Evachill EV-500 is a small, super portable air conditioner that cools off an area around the size of a desk or bed. It won't cool a whole apartment or even a full room, but it could help keep your electric bill low and your quality of life high. Grab one on sale for $79.

Up to eight hours of cooling per tank

Beat the heat without burning through your savings. The EvaChill EV-500 is a super compact personal air conditioner that just needs a full tank of water and a power supply to start producing a gentle stream of cool, refreshing air. It only takes about 10 minutes for this little A/C to get up to max cooling power, but it also only cools off an area around 45sqf. That means you could point it at your bed, desk, couch, or table. It may not cool a whole room, but you might not have to if you can make sure you're always sitting in your own personal cold spot. 

The EvaChill EV-500 doesn't just cool you off. It also purifies and humidifies the air. If you get dry skin in the summer, your cool new companion might help.

Plus, EvaChill comes with free access to one year of Loona Plus, a service that provides a collection of interactive 3D escapes and rituals like audio stories, music, ambient sounds, and more to help you build a comfortable bedtime routine. 

Quiet, efficient cooling

No need to cool off the whole house when you can just chill out on the couch, in bed, or at your desk. 

Get the best price online when you get the Evachill EV-500 plus a free year of Loona on sale for $79. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Evachill Evachill EV-500 (Lavender) + Free 1 Year of Loona $79.00 at the Mashable Shop
$99.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Boston Marathon for free with WCVB5. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Every marathon is special, and anyone who manages to complete the distance deserves massive amounts of respect. That being said, there is something extra special about the Boston Marathon.

The marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York are recognised as the most high-profile on the calendar, but if there was one World Marathon Major that stands above the rest, it would probably be the Boston Marathon. Maybe it's because it's the world's oldest annual marathon. Maybe it's down to the tough entry requirements. Or maybe it's due to the notoriously bad weather conditions.

Whatever the reason, the Boston Marathon attracts the attention of athletes and fans from all around the world. And with that in mind, we have checked out the best way to follow all the action this year.

If you want to watch the 2024 Boston Marathon for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Boston Marathon?

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon distance (26.2 miles) race hosted by several cities and towns in greater Boston. The event is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's best-known road racing events.

When is the 2024 Boston Marathon?

The 2024 Boston Marathon is the 128th edition of the annual marathon race, scheduled to be held on Monday, April 15. The number of participants is limited to 30,000, with around 22,000 runners selected based on their performances in qualifying events.

How to watch the 2024 Boston Marathon for free

Anyone in the Greater Boston area can live stream the 2024 Boston Marathon for free on WCVB5, the local affiliate for ABC.

But what about everyone else? This is where a VPN can help. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to stream the Boston Marathon for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock WCVB5 from anywhere in the world 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 the U.S. (New York server)

4. Visit WCVB5

5. Stream the 2024 Boston Marathon for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access WCVB5 without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to stream the 2024 Boston Marathon before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming live sport?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams of the Boston Marathon on WCVB5, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Boston Marathon for free with ExpressVPN.

Bluey just aired its longest ever episode, premiering Season 3 special "The Sign" globally over the weekend. The 28-minute episode featured some big changes for the Heeler family, and was full of Easter eggs for fans of the popular Australian children's cartoon.

As expected, it was also a highly emotional and heartfelt episode, leaving viewers of all ages in tears.

SEE ALSO: How 'Bluey' taught me to let go and love dad rock

Warning: spoilers will follow.

What happens in Bluey's special episode "The Sign"?

Following on from last week's cliffhanger, "The Sign" sees the Heelers and their friends and family preparing for a backyard wedding at their house. It seems Uncle Rad (voiced by Patrick Brammall) and Bluey's godmother Frisky (voiced by Claudia O’Doherty) have gotten on very well since they first met in Season 2 episode "Double Babysitter," and are now ready to walk down the aisle together.

Unfortunately, the joyful occasion is overshadowed by Bluey's sadness at the Heelers' plans to leave their beloved Brisbane home. Bandit aka Dad (voiced by David McCormack) has gotten a higher paying job which he believes will let him give the kids a better life, but it requires relocating to a different city.

Tweet may have been deleted

Hoping to stop the family from moving, Bluey determines that she must remove the "For Sale" sign in their front yard to prevent their home from being sold. However, she soon has to set her scheme aside to join Chilli aka Mum (voiced by Melanie Zanetti), Bingo, and their cousins Muffin and Socks to search for Frisky after the runaway bride begins rethinking her upcoming nuptials.

Did Bluey move house? Credit: Ludo Studio

Bluey's previous episode "Ghostbasket" ended with the unexpected revelation that the Heelers' home was up for sale, causing fans to react with disbelief and denial. Fortunately it turned out to only be a scare, and Bluey's family will be remaining in their beautiful Queenslander home after all.

The situation didn't look good right up until the final moments of "The Sign." In a heartfelt montage set to "Lazarus Drug" by Meg Washington, the voice of Bluey's teacher Calypso, the Heeler family say goodbye to their neighbours and take one last look at their empty home. Though they'd each expressed misgivings about the move throughout the episode, Mum, Bingo, and Bluey are loaded up into the car, all set to drive off and leave their house full of memories behind.

SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' is moving, and has listed its iconic house for sale

However, just as he's about to join his family, Bandit receives a call from their real estate agent Bucky (voiced by Rove McManus). Though we don't hear it, it's clear what's happening: The buyers have pulled out at the very last minute, offering the Heelers' one last chance to turn back.

Slowly approaching the titular "For Sale" sign, Bandit peels the "sold" sticker off it, takes a long look back at his family — then pulls the entire sign out of the ground and flings it into the road.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

It's a moving moment, with Bandit's transition from doubt to determination clear on his face. His anxiety then completely evaporates when Chilli tackles him in a hug, quickly joined by Bluey and Bingo. The family bursts back into the house and the children joyfully race through each room, rejoicing at being able to stay.

The episode ends with the Heelers sitting on the floor of their bare home, enjoying a dinner of fish and chips together as the sun sets. Though Bandit had hoped to give his family a better life through his new job, it's clear that they're more than happy with the life they already have.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Is Bluey ending? Credit: Ludo Studio

Bluey's unprecedented special episode had some fans nervously speculating that this might be a grand finale, meaning our adventures with the Heeler family may soon be over. Fortunately, ABC Australia has confirmed that it currently has "no plans to end the show."

In fact, producer Daley Pearson told ABC Radio Brisbane that "The Sign" was actually a test run for longer Bluey content, stating that the studio "would love to do a Bluey movie."

"There was an element of, 'Can an audience watch Bluey for longer?'" said Pearson. "I think we'll wait until Sunday to find out and that'll help us figure out our own future."

Judging from reactions to "The Sign," that future could very well contain a silver screen.

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Bluey is currently available to stream on Disney+.

TL;DR: The Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for £47.73, saving you 86% on list price.

We are all looking for ways to streamline our lives. If you need to upgrade your computer, the Microsoft Office Pro 2021 lifetime license for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for £47.73, which is hundreds less than the combined regular prices.

This bundle can give lagging computers a shining new upgrade. Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 were made to work together seamlessly, which means the flow should be optimal. Office doesn't come with recurring fees or monthly payments like Microsoft 365 does. You pay once, and you don't have to pay again.

The Windows 11 Pro is the latest OS from Windows, with a bunch of updates. It has updated security enhancements like BitLocker encryption, Microsoft Information Protection integration, biometrics login, and more. There have also been updates to Windows Studio Effects, as well as touchscreen capabilities. You also get updates going forward.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows is a lifetime license for one PC with instant delivery and download. It allows you to utilise Microsoft's most popular apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more.

Transform the way you work, create, and collaborate with this powerful combination of essential productivity tools and the latest operating system.

Grab the Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro bundle for a one-time payment of £47.73.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £47.73 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

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 April 15's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To supply someone with something.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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 Wordle #1031 is...

EQUIP.

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.

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

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 April 15's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 categories

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

• Yellow: Impromtu

• Green: Baby things

• Blue: A person lacking depth

• Purple: Types of effects

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: Invent As You Go

• Green: Things Babies Do

• Blue: Superficial

• Purple: ___Effect

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 Connections #309 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Invent As You Go: AD-LIB, FREESTYLE, IMPROV, MAKE UP

• Things Babies Do: BABBLE, COO, CRAWL, NURSE

• Superficial: COSMETIC, EXTERNAL, SHALLOW, SURFACE

• __Effect: BUTTERFLY, DOMINO, PLACEBO, SIDE

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Game emulators are now available on the iOS App Store, just a week after Apple changed its guidelines.

According to AppleInsider, emulators like Emu 64 XL for Commodore 64 and iGBA for Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Color popped up on the App Store. However, iGBA was later removed for spam and copyright violations.

SEE ALSO: Apple finally allows game streaming services on the App Store

Last week, Apple changed its App Store policy, saying "retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games." Apple users have had FOMO for years about not being able to download retro game emulators that are widely available on Android. The tech giant previously banned emulators on the App Store, but its relationship with third-party developers has been accused of being anti-competitive. Emulators are a bit legally murky because the developers don't own the games, companies like Nintendo do.

But Apple was recently fined billions of euros in Europe and is facing an antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice. This means Apple's policy change was likely trying to get ahead of its legal issues. Recently, Apple also allowed third-party video game streaming apps like Xbox and Nvidia, a welcome change for gamers frustrated by clunky workarounds due to its stringent policies.

Emu 64 XL is designed for iPads but also runs on iPhones and Macs with iOS 11 and macOS 11 or higher.

UPDATE: Apr. 16, 2024, 12:05 p.m. EDT This story was updated to report the emulator iGBA has been removed by Apple from the App Store for violating spam and copyright guidelines.

NCAA women's basketball phenom Caitlin Clark has three points for SNL Weekend Update host Michael Che: "Be. Funnier. Dumbass."

Even people who don't watch women's college basketball know who Caitlin Clark is and how she's elevated the game. That's why when Che made a joke about Clark switching her retired jersey number for an apron, it didn't land so well.

SEE ALSO: March Madness and Caitlin Clark have already given us some great memes

That's when Clark showed up to take on Che and dusted him like her opponents on the court.

The segment started with Clark calling out Che for making a lot of jokes about women's sports. When he denied it, co-anchor Colin Jost backed up Clark with a supercut of receipts. Well, Clark decided to write some new jokes for Che, and it turns out she's pretty good at that too. Che was forced to read out jokes essentially roasting himself about giving women at Purdue "Indiana Fever" and his comedy special on Netflix being harder to watch than Andrew Scott's new series Ripley.

As if it couldn't get any worse for Che, Clark got the last laugh by giving him an autographed apron. The segment ends with Clark paying tribute to her women's basketball heroes who "kicked down the door, so [Clark] could walk inside."

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 14 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 14

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 14, 2024:

AcrossEnsnare

• The answer is Trap.

___ Millions (lottery)

• The answer is Mega.

Gets the wrinkles out of

• The answer is Irons.

Edit menu option after a "Whoops!"

• The answer is Undo.

2023 biopic for which Annette Bening and Jodie Foster received Oscar nominations

• The answer is Nyad.

Down"Eww, spare me the details!"

The answer is TMI.

Any episode of "Seinfeld" or "Friends," nowadays

• The answer is Rerun.

Extreme suffering

• The answer is Agony.

Animal that "eats, shoots & leaves" in a book about punctuation

• The answer is Panda.

Grass in a landscaper's roll

• The answer is Sod.

TL;DR: Through April 14, upgrade your driving experience with this 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support for just $74.97 (reg. $159).

If you drive an older car, truck, or SUV, you might be missing out on some of the more modern vehicle features. One such feature is having a big-screen hub at your disposal. This 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display is a more affordable option than getting a whole new car, and it's price-dropped to just $74.97 (reg. $159) through April 14.

This 1024x600 HD 6.8-inch screen has touchscreen capabilities and any-angle viewability. It could be an asset while you navigate via your preferred GPS apps, make and take calls, play music, and more. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support to easily sync up with your device, and can be used to mirror your phone's screen so you can utilize it on the larger viewing field.

The easy-control voice command option is a safety feature designed to be activated with the push of a button, letting you use your trusted Siri or Google Assistant to do many things for you without having to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. You can drive with peace of mind, knowing that your focus is always on the road.

This foldable digital dash hub offers multiple ways to connect, including a built-in FM transmitter, a Bluetooth option, or an AUX jack. In addition, the TF card support allows you to play movies if the passenger or the kiddos get bored on a long trip.

Don't miss this chance to modernize your driving experience and save 53%.

Get the 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support while it's on sale for just $74.97 (reg. $159) through April 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 6.8-inch Foldable Touchscreen Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support $74.97 at the Mashable Shop
$159.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

HBO's The Sympathizer, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, greets us with an epigraph. It reads, "All wars are fought twice. The first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory."

It's fitting, then, that memory becomes its own kind of battlefield throughout the limited series. Our narrator, simply known as "the Captain" (Hoa Xuande), struggles under duress to recall the events of his life as clearly as possible. The purpose of this recollection? A confession he's writing in a Vietnamese reeducation camp, where any lapse in memory or particularly clear detail could mean the difference between life and death.

SEE ALSO: How to watch 'The Sympathizer': When is Robert Downey Jr.'s new show streaming?

The Sympathizer's co-creators Park Chan-wook (Decision to Leave, Oldboy) and Don McKellar (Last Night) make a meal out of the Captain's memories — and the act of remembering itself. In an ever-present voiceover, the Captain will rewind his own thoughts to give us further context for information he's already provided, apologize for missing any details, and even question (then promptly explain) why he's narrating certain scenes. It's a bold tactic, one that captures the slippery, interjection-filled style of Nguyen's novel. It's a fun tactic, too, introducing us to the Captain's contemplative, often darkly funny inner monologue and affording the series major opportunities for stylistic flair.

Still, given the confession's context, The Sympathizer is never far from a brutal reminder of the stakes at play. Tragedy haunts its blend of satire and espionage thriller throughout, resulting in challenging, can't-miss TV magic.

What's The Sympathizer about? Hoa Xuande in "The Sympathizer." Credit: Hopper Stone / HBO

Before the Captain was stuck in a reeducation camp, he was a valuable member of the American-backed South Vietnamese secret police — and a mole for the Communist North Vietnamese forces. The double life of a spy is just one of many contradictions the Captain claims make him "a man with two faces." He's the child of a Vietnamese mother and a French father, and therefore feels constantly torn between two worlds, two cultures, two identities. The Captain is even torn between his childhood best friends: communist revolutionary Man (Duy Nguyen), who doubles as his handler; and staunch Southern supporter Bon (Fred Nguyen Khan), who doesn't suspect the secret dealings of either of his fellow self-proclaimed "Three Musketeers."

In the days leading up to the fall of Saigon, the three make plans to escape to America with the Captain's employer, the influential General (Toan Le). Of course, Man really plans on staying behind and enjoying Northern Vietnam's victory. So does the Captain, until Man reveals his next mission: Go to America and continue to report on the General's activities.

SEE ALSO: Get up to 42% off a Max annual subscription when you prepay for one year

One harrowing escape later, the Captain and Bon are refugees living in America. For the Captain, this journey marks a return, as he studied there in his youth. Yet the United States presents new challenges for his revolutionary activities, including the simple question of whether he's equipped to balance his dual lives much longer.

The Sympathizer explores the impact of the Vietnam War through a specifically Vietnamese lens. Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, and Duy Nguyen in "The Sympathizer." Credit: Hopper Stone / HBO

Another challenge the Captain faces in America is the greater amount of American influence on him — something he's clearly been feeling all his life but which escalates now thanks to his arrival back on American soil. The forces of colonialism he encounters are many, but they all share one face: that of Robert Downey Jr. Fresh off his Oppenheimer Oscar win, Downey Jr. plays four figures intertwined with the American establishment: a CIA agent, a professor of "Oriental Studies," a congressman, and a movie director.

Said director is working on an Apocalypse Now-esque film titled The Hamlet. The Captain agrees to be the film's cultural consultant, fighting behind the camera to create an onscreen version of Vietnam that isn't so Americanized and flattened. While his own attempts are not always successful, The Sympathizer's are decidedly more so. The series centers Vietnam throughout, reminding us in that same opening epigraph about memory that while Americans call the conflict in Vietnam the "Vietnam War," the Vietnamese call it the "American War."

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' review: Video game adaptation is a wild nuclear Western

Given that we're in the Captain's head for the entire series, it's his perspective that defines The Sympathizer most. We see him question how "Vietnamese" he is — and how Vietnamese other people think he is. We see him devote his life to the communist cause, yet still find common ground with friends like Bon, who is ostensibly his enemy. What we don't see is him giving any grace to the Americans who treat him as a pawn, or who spout racist rhetoric disguised as academic discussion at him.

Robert Downey Jr. goes big in The Sympathizer, but Hoa Xuande steals the show. Robert Downey Jr. and Hoa Xuande in "The Sympathizer." Credit: Hopper Stone / HBO

Downey Jr.'s work in this space often borders on the cartoonish side, with his professor character falling fully into caricature. The heightened performances do occasionally break the immersion of the show, and I often swung between loathing them and loving them. However, this over-the-top-ness fully discredits anything these Americans throw at the Captain, in keeping with the show's Vietnamese focus.

Xuande's work is marvelously grounded in the face of this gallery of buffoons: While he may play along with them, there's always a hint of disgust, or horror, bubbling just below the surface. Some of the show's best scenes are those in which the Captain finds a way to snipe back at Downey Jr.'s quartet, or when he gets to poke fun at them when they're not around. One such standout comes when he discusses the professor of Oriental Studies along with the department's secretary, Ms. Mori (a sharp, if underutilized, Sandra Oh). What starts as a takedown of the professor's fetishization of Mori's Japanese heritage morphs into a frank conversation about everything from masturbation to murder. The scene and Xuande's performance run the gamut from hilarious to serious to seductive in the blink of an eye — an excellent snapshot of his range and of the show's tonal variety.

Park Chan-wook makes The Sympathizer the most stylized show on TV. Hoa Xuande in "The Sympathizer." Credit: Hopper Stone / HBO

The Sympathizer dances from hilarious satire to pulse-pounding thriller at the drop of the hat, and nothing captures that quite like Park's direction of the show's first three episodes. There is an inescapable dynamism to each beat of these episodes, thanks to sharp zooms, whip pans, and transitions that can really only be described as bangers. (Just wait until you see what Park does with a hard-boiled egg, or a hubcap.)

The Sympathizer does lose some of that dynamism once Park leaves the director's chair, but the remaining four episodes aren't without their fair share of inventive (and occasionally surreal) filmmaking decisions from Marc Munden and Fernando Meirelles. And the more The Sympathizer embraces its surrealism, the more we feel drawn into the Captain's memories, where we're lucky enough to witness the horrors and wonders of life on that strange, funny, and terrifying battlefield.

The Sympathizer premieres April 14 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

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The world of stocks, investments, and trading is an ever-evolving beast. This lifetime subscription to Tykr Stock Screener's Premium Plan offers you a tool to help navigate your financial journey with a sense of control.

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TL;DR: Through April 16, add some light in your corner with this Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamp that shines bright with 300 multi-color effects and over 16 million solid-color options for only $55.99 with code ENJOY20.

Changing how your home feels doesn't have to require a whole change in your furniture, floor plan, or design. In fact, all it may take is a little adjustment to the ambiance to help you see your home in an all-new light. 

The Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamp may look simple before you turn it on, but hit the remote to cycle through literally millions of color options, including multi-color effects. Normally, this vibrant lamp would be $149, but you can get it for $55.99 for a little while longer. 

Millions of color options

Blend practicality with panache when you get a lamp with a simple look and an exciting vibe. This LED floor lamp can be used to light an area with soft-white LEDs, but you can also use it to add a splash of color by cycling through the on-remote color wheel with over 16 million colors. 

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A delightful piece of furniture

Don't miss your chance to get one lamp that could totally change how your home feels. 

Until April 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get the Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamp on sale for $55.99 with code ENJOY20. 

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TL;DR: Through April 16, new users can get a lifetime of ​​iBrave cloud web hosting, on sale for $79.99 (reg. $899) with code ENJOY20. You won’t find this exclusive deal anywhere else. 

Finding an affordable web host can be daunting, but there is a solution. This lifetime subscription to ​​iBrave cloud web hosting provides a one-stop shop for hosting unlimited websites, bandwidth, SSD storage, subdomains, MySQL databases, and custom email addresses.

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TL;DR: Through April 16, turn your TV into an art gallery with Dreamscreens, a USB drive that displays famous paintings, on sale for $31.99 with the code ENJOY20.

Hanging art on your walls is perhaps the easiest way to spruce up a room, next to slabbing on a fresh coat of paint. But the thing about art is, barring prints you can buy from Etsy or Target, you can't exactly get them for cheap.

But if you insist on having a Van Gogh piece sitting pretty in your living room, you can have your 4K TV display it for you. Dreamscreens is a physical art collection drive you can connect to your TV, and it will display over 500 of the most iconic paintings of all time. Through April 16, you can grab it on sale for $31.99 with the code ENJOY20.

Dreamscreens easily transform your television into a digital art frame. Plug the drive into your TV, and the paintings will be displayed via either a straightforward slideshow or a video complete with ambient background music, great for when you have guests around. Featured paintings in the Dream Art Collection include The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, and The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo.

You can also select from two different picture quality options for presenting paintings. The standard screen version displays them in their original size, with the unused space filled in with black bars. Alternatively, there's also the wide-screen version, which expands the artwork to fill the entire screen. Either way, the paintings are showcased in ultra-high definition, up to 4K resolution, provided your television supports it.

Dreamscreens works on virtually any smart TV and any other digital frame. And thanks to the plug-and-play design, setting it up is a breeze. You only have to insert the USB drive into the TV, and you're good to go.

Turn your space into an art gallery with Dreamscreens. It usually goes for $49, but you can grab it on sale for $31.99 with the code ENJOY20 through April 16.

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TL;DR: The Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 and 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is on sale for £40.98 with the code ENJOY20.

If you want to enter the world of coding, you need to start somewhere. Online learning is a great option because it allows you to learn on your own time, whether it be on weekends or your lunch break. This Learn to Code bundle includes 15 multi-lesson courses on the most in-demand coding languages. It also comes with a lifetime license to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022. And it's on sale for just £40.98 with the code ENJOY20.

Many professional coders are self-taught. This bundle gives you the tools to teach yourself more efficiently and easily from the comfort of your home. 

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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 April 14's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Airship.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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 Wordle #1030 is...

BLIMP.

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.

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