Technology

Best All-Around Family Sedan of 2025 for Comfort and Value

How-To Geek - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 17:15

While crossovers have become much more popular in the modern age, there are still plenty of people out there that crave a traditional sedan. This is why the mid-size sedan segment is packed with such great options. Among these, one model stands out as offering the best bang for your buck.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I'm Sticking With systemd-based Linux Distros

How-To Geek - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 17:00

Over 10 years since its introduction, systemd can still get some Linux users riled up. I happen to not be one of them. Even though I try out systemd-free distros, I'll still likely regularly use systemd-based distros. Here are some of the reasons why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You can get an Apple Watch for just $169 for Memorial Day

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 16:56

SAVE $80: The Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) is on sale at Amazon for just $169, down from the standard price of $249. That's a 32% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 44mm) $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

Health and wellness depends on a few pillars, and some are easier to achieve than others. Eating enough protein can feel like a struggle but so can making sure we get enough sleep. There's also the goal of getting enough steps in each day to stay fit. If you could use some help with tracking wellness goals, there's a great deal in store this Memorial Day weekend.

As of May 25, the Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 44mm) is on sale for $169 at Amazon, marked down from $249. That's a 32% discount that takes $80 off the price. Be a bit cautious here when selecting your colorway since not all options are down to $169, but you'll be in great shape with the Midnight Aluminum, Silver Aluminum, or Starlight Aluminum.

SEE ALSO: 101 Memorial Day Weekend deals: Get AirPods for $148, save 50% on mattresses

Memorial Day Weekend is proving to be a great time to snag some new tech. Amazon's sale is showing up with some major discounts and that includes this 32% discount on the Apple Watch SE Gen 2. You'll get all the essentials we've come to love about the Apple Watch like fitness tracking, sending texts, taking calls, and listening to music on the smartwatch.

Some of the best Memorial Day deals you can get right now

In terms of health and wellness, the Apple Watch SE can be a great way to track your sleep, giving you better insight into how much sleep you're actually getting each night as well as giving you the ability to set sleep goals. Plus, your alarm clock can live on your wrist with the Apple Watch SE. While you're focused on sleep, we have a hack to share — Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to score a major discount when shopping for a new mattress, so you might as well upgrade the whole package this weekend.

Instead of paying $249 to track your sleep and fitness goals with the Apple Watch SE 2, snag it today for $169 and save the $80. You'll be getting all the smartwatch features you've ever wanted without the steep price tag.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Memorial Day Sale is here: Get tablets for $179, Casper mattresses under $500

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 16:44
The best Memorial Day deals to shop on Amazon right now: Best tech deal Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $174.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum $349.99 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill $131.93 (save $118.06) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $229 (save $120) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine (stainless steel) $599.99 (save $249.96) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Video Doorbell $34.99 (save $35) Get Deal Casper Sleep Element, Queen 476 (Save $119) Get Deal

Memorial Day weekend is officially here, and you know what that means: Sales galore. Amazon is leading the way by offering up to 55% off select items, including Amazon devices, kitchen appliances, home goods, gadgets, mattresses, TVs, and more. The sale started on May 16 and runs through Monday, May 26, which means you're running out of time to save. This pre-summer sale is a great time to snag new headphones, grab an affordable tablet to keep the kids busy on summer trips, or restock on outdoor gear.

SEE ALSO: Best Memorial Day mattress deals in 2025 that are already live: Shop Nectar, Brooklyn Bedding, Purple, and more

Of course, these deals might get even better as the holiday approaches. (We’ll be keeping an eye on prices and updating this story regularly.) But there’s no harm in snatching up a few discounts now, especially for high-demand items with limited availability.

Here are some of the best Amazon Memorial Day sales you can shop now.

Best tech deal Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB 11" 2000x1200 Tablet $174.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $55 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet is currently on sale for $174.99, down from $229.99. This isn’t the lowest price we’ve seen for this tablet (around $139.99 in November), but it’s still a pretty good deal for a newish tablet (it’s a 13th-gen, released in 2023).

SEE ALSO: Memorial Day TV deals from TCL, Samsung, Sony: Get a 65-inch TV for $299

The Fire Max 11 has an 11-inch display, 64GB of storage (you can expand it to up to 1 TB with a micro-SD card), and 14 hours of battery life. It’s ideal for streaming your favorite shows or reading e-books on the go. (You can game on it, too.) It’s also equipped with Alexa and compatible with the Amazon Stylus Pen.

More tech deals Best vacuum deal Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum $349.99 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

We're not sure how exactly Dyson stick vacuums became status symbols, but here we are. If you've never had the pleasure of using one of these cordless vacuums, we promise they live up to the hype. And for MDW, you can grab the starter V8 model on sale for $349.99, a $120 discount from the usual retail price. This vacuum has a slick design and powerful suction, but it's also easy to maneuver around your home.

More vacuum deals Best outdoor deal Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill Black $227.12 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

The Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill is currently on sale for $131.93, down from $249.99. That’s a 47% discount and a whopping $118.06 in savings. Again, it’s not the lowest we’ve seen on this grill (the lowest was $125.99), but it’s still a solid deal.

This is a great option for those who don’t have a lot of outdoor space or don’t want to deal with propane or charcoal. (Just be sure to read your lease! Some apartments don’t allow grills on balconies.) The TRU-Infrared technology cooks up to 50% juicier food, according to the manufacturer, and the grill has 320 square inches of cooking space, so you can still grill up plenty of food for friends and family.

More outdoor deals Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $229 at Amazon
$349 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

If you have upcoming travel plans for the long Memorial Day weekend or you'll be heading abroad this summer, your packing list surely includes noise-cancelling headphones for the flight. Bose makes some of the most impressive noise-cancellation in the industry, and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are on sale for just $229, marked down from the normal price of $349. This steep discount makes them a solid choice and might be a better fit if you've already dropped some serious money on flights. They're not quite as impressive as our favorite Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but those are still hanging out at full price, which is $429.

The Bose QuietComfort headphones come with bragging rights: getting up to 24 hours of playtime with a seriously comfortable design. The colorway options are also impressive, including your standard black and white but also a Chilled Lilac and Twilight Blue.

More headphones, earbuds, and speaker deals Some of the best Memorial Day deals you can get right now Best kitchen deal Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine (stainless steel) $599.99 at Amazon
$849.95 Save $249.96 See It Why we like it

While it's down to the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, grab the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine. Instead of paying the normal $849.95, you'll be able to become a professional home barista for just $599.99. Be sure to snag the stainless steel colorway options since the others are still well above this sale price.

With a sleek design and intuitive buttons, the Breville is your ticket to summer mornings spent in the backyard with an espresso. Or you could go with a latte, thanks to the machine's manual milk foamer that achieves perfect texture. The dosing control grinder is also incredibly useful, as is the built-in conical burr grinder.

More kitchen and home dealsBest home security deal Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 $34.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $35.00 See It Why we like it

Since Memorial Day signifies the beginning of the summer vacation season, it's wise to upgrade your home's security. The Blink Video Doorbell with Sync Module 2 is on sale at Amazon for just $34.99, marked down from the standard price of $69.99, which means you'll be getting a 50% discount. The sale price is also the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

The Blink Video Doorbell gives you a 1080p view of your home's front door, which is useful both for when you're away on vacation and when you're home. You'll be able to see if the kids made it home from school on time or if the grocery delivery arrived. Set-up takes just a few minutes with the included batteries, and then connects to the Blink app.

More home security dealsBest mattress deal Casper Sleep Element, Queen $476 at Amazon
$595 Save $119 Get Deal Why we like it

Casper is the best-known mattress-in-a-box brand, and there's a reason it's still so popular after all these years. The company makes affordable mattresses with a generous 100-night sleep trial, making it a little bit easier to shop for a mattress. This particular model is popular among Amazon shoppers even when it's not on sale, and it's a medium-firm memory foam bed. If you need a new pillow to go along with your bed, check out Casper's entire Memorial Day sale at Amazon.

More mattress deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

6 Desktop Idle Games for Easily-Distracted Minds

How-To Geek - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 16:30

If you're like me, you're always trying to gamify everything. Gamify chores, errands, bank balance management—anything to fool my brain into keeping its reward system alive and kicking. I can even gamify work by thinking of my lunch break like a bonfire Dark Souls; but what games can I play while doing those other things?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag the Bluetti AC300 for its lowest price ever ahead of Memorial Day

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 16:19

SAVE 40%: As of May 25, you can score a Bluetti AC300 solar generator and B300K expansion battery for $1,499, down from $2,499, at Amazon. That's a 40% discount and a $1,000 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen on this model.

Bluetti AC300 solar generator and B300K expansion battery $1,499 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $1,000 Get Deal

Prepping for a zombie apocalypse probably isn’t the most outlandish thing you could be doing right now, but should the lights go out, and civilization crumbles, you’ll be glad you have a solid backup power source.

As of May 25, you can score a Bluetti AC300 solar generator and B300K expansion battery for $1,499, down from $2,499, at Amazon. That's a 40% discount and a $1,000 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen on this model.

SEE ALSO: 101 Memorial Day Weekend deals: Get AirPods for $148, save 50% on mattresses

The Bluetti AC300 (plus B300K expansion battery) has a capacity of 11059.2Wh, so you can keep all your devices powered during a blackout or camping trip. It has 16 output ports, including AC, USB-A, USB-C, DC, a car port, and two 15W wireless charging pads. You’ll also get a NEMA TT-30 and a 30A RV port.

According to the manufacturer, this little generator can power up to 80 percent in just 45 minutes, and Amazon reviewers say it works as advertised.

“So far, I have purchased three Bluetti systems AC3000 with four batteries,” writes one reviewer. “The systems have been running flawlessly for over two years, and we now save an average of $125 a month on electricity. We also have peace of mind when there’s a storm, and the electricity goes out, so we can run our refrigerators, freezers, and pellet stove.”

Some of the best Memorial Day deals you can get right now
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best live Memorial Day mattress deals in 2025: Shop Nectar, Brooklyn Bedding, Purple, and more

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 16:08
The best Memorial Day mattress deals live now: Best mattress deal DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress $949 (save $1,381) Get Deal Best bedding deal Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set (queen) $141.75 (save $47.25) Get Deal

Memorial Day means we've made it out of winter hibernation. But don't be so quick to shorten those hours spent sleeping. Getting enough shut eye is one of the basic pillars of life and it impacts everything from mood to muscle recovery and even the immune system.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Memorial Day Sale is here: Get tablets for $179, Casper mattresses under $500

If you're looking to hack your sleep this summer, we'll let you in on a secret — Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to shop for a new mattress. All the major mattress brands offer steep discounts on some of the best models, so you'll be able to choose from thousands of options. And here's another secret — most mattresses are only designed to last for about 10 years. If you can't remember buying your last mattress, it might be time for an upgrade.

Once you choose a new mattress, pick out new sheets and pillows because again, Memorial Day is a fantastic time to score savings on new bedding. Grab some cooling sheets and fluffy pillows and get ready for great summer slumber. Here are some of our favorite Memorial Day mattress and bedding deals that you can already shop today.

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress (Queen) $949 at DreamCloud
$2,330 Save $1,381 Get Deal Why we like it

With a quilted Euro Top, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress starts off with a comfortable but supportive feel that'll help lull you into sleep. The other four layers are comprised of memory foams for pressure relief and individually wrapped innerspring coils for great support. DreamCloud considers the Premier Hybrid to have a medium-firm feel, and the coils are designed to help minimize motion transfer, which can be great if you share the bed with a partner or the dog.

In a queen size, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid usually sells for $2,330, but thanks to the brand's Memorial Day sale, you can snag it for just $949.

The best Memorial day mattress deals

  • Amerisleep — save up to $1,000 on mattresses

  • Avocado — take 10% off sitewide

  • Bear — save 40% on mattresses and get two free pillows with code MD4TY

  • Bedgear — take up to $300 off Performance Mattresses

  • Big Fig — take 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY

  • Birch — save 27% off sitewide and get two free Eco-Rest pillows with a new mattress with code MASH27

  • Brooklyn Bedding — take 30% off sitewide

  • Casper — take up to 30% off on mattresses

  • DreamCloud — save up to 60% on mattresses

  • Eight Sleep — save up to $200

  • Helix — take 27% sitewide and get a free sheet set and mattress protector with Helix Luxe or Elite mattress with code MASH27

  • Leesa — save 30% on mattresses and get a free sleep bundle

  • Layla — get free pillows with every mattress and take up to $1,018 off bundles

  • Mattress Firm — take up to 60% off and get a free adjustable base with select mattresses

  • Naturepedic — take up to 20% off organic mattresses

  • Nectar — save up to 50% on mattresses and 65% on bundles

  • Nest — save up to $1,321 on new mattresses and get a free bundle

  • Nolah — take 35% off sitewide and get two free pillows

  • PlushBeds — take up to 50% off mattresses and use code MEMORIAL100 to save an extra $100

  • Puffy — take up to $1,350 off with code MEMORIALDAY

  • Purple — save up to $400 on a new mattress and up to $700 off a new mattress with base

  • Saatva — save up to $600 on mattresses

  • Silk & Snow — take up to $300 off mattresses

  • Sleep Number — save up to 50% on smart beds

  • Tempur-Pedic - take 20% off Tempur-Adapt mattress toppers

  • Tuft & Needle — save 20% on select mattresses

  • Viscosoft — take 25% off all mattress toppers

  • WinkBeds — save $300 on all mattresses

Best bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set (queen) $141.75 at Brooklinen
$189 Save $47.25 Get Deal Why we like it

Summer can often mean hot nights. Unless you're lucky enough to have A/C, your bedroom might too warm for comfortable sleep. Combat overheating with a set of cooling percale sheets from Brooklinen. During the brand's Memorial Day sale, you'll save 25% on the Classic Percale Core Sheet Set which includes two pillowcase, one flat sheet, and one fitted sheet. Brooklinen uses 100% long-staple cotton for the sheets which is perfect for getting that crisp and cool feel. Cotton is well-known as one of the most breathable bedding materials, and it stands up to regular washing.

Another benefit from the Brooklinen sheet set is the fitted sheet is labeled with the "long" and "short" size, so you won't have to wrestle with remaking the bed after laundry day.

The best Memorial Day bedding deals Some of the best Memorial Day deals you can get right now
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best USB-A to USB-C Adapters of 2025

How-To Geek - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 16:00

Perhaps you have a cable that isn't compatible with your device or it isn't the correct USB connector. After all, USB-A can't connect with USB-C, but with an adapter, you can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $900 off the EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station ahead of Memorial Day

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 15:40

SAVE 32%: As of May 24, you can get the EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station for $1,899, down from $2,799, at Amazon. That's a 32% discount and a $900 savings.

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 3600Wh DELTA Pro, 120V AC Outlets x 5, 3600W, 2.7H Fast Charge, Lifepo4 Power Station, Solar Generator for Home Use, Power Outage, Camping, RV, Emergencies $1,899 at Amazon
$2,799 Save $900 Get Deal

Getting a generator might seem alarmist to some, but prepping for unexpected outages now will pay off big in the long run, especially with hurricane season starting June 1. Plus, who knows, you might find yourself needing power on the go someday (especially if you’re the outdoorsy type).

As of May 24, you can get the EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station for $1,899, down from $2,799, at Amazon. That's a 32% discount and a $900 savings. We did notice that EcoFlow website shows a higher original list price but currently has it on sale for $1,999, so the Amazon deal looks like the better grab right now.

This portable power station features a 3600Wh LFP battery capacity, which basically means it can store a lot of energy, perfect for keeping things running during an outage or when you're off the grid. (To give you an idea, that's enough to power a typical refrigerator for 19 hours or so.) It also has 15 output methods: two USB-A ports, two USB-A fast charge ports, two 100W USB-C ports (great for laptops!), five standard AC outlets, two DC outlets, a car power output, and an Anderson port.

SEE ALSO: 101 Memorial Day Weekend deals: Get AirPods for $148, save 50% on mattresses

When it comes to charging, you’ve got options. You can plug it into a wall outlet for standard charging, use solar panels for renewable energy charging, or connect it to an EV charging station for a quicker charge while on the road. There’s also a car outlet charging option.

With Smart App Control, you can check your charge levels, temperature, see how long it'll run or how fast it's charging, and customize settings like battery life preferences or input/output levels. It can also help you track your energy habits or adjust your power usage to fit what you need.

Some of the best Memorial Day deals you can get right now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 25, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 12:25

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 May 25 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 May 25, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To scam.

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 G.

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...

GRIFT.

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 May 25

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for May 25

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 12:25

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 May 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 25 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Get out the dust buster!

The words are home-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to tidy up for a new season.

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 Spring Cleaning

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for May 25

  • Donate

  • Spring Cleaning

  • Sell

  • Declutter

  • Label

  • Reorganize

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 25, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 12:25

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 May 25 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: Used in poker

  • Green: Lookalike

  • Blue: Where one would wear a ring

  • Purple: Ways to send a message

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: Playing cards

  • Green: Doppleganger

  • Blue: Ear piercing sites

  • Purple: ___ Mail

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 #714 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Playing cards: ACE, JACK, KING, QUEEN

  • Doppleganger: CLONE, DOUBLE, RINGER, TWINS

  • Ear piercing sites: CONCH, HELIX, LOBE, ROOK

  • ___ Mail: CHAIN, ELECTRONIC, JUNK, SNAIL

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 May 25

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 25, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 12:25

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.

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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: Major court battles

  • Green: Geographically specific players

  • Blue: Hurlers with lots of fans.

  • Purple: Hallmarks for the big race

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: Tennis Grand Slams

  • Green: An Oregon athlete

  • Blue: Pitchers to strike out 20 in one game

  • Purple: Associated with the Indy 500

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 #244 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Tennis Grand Slams - AUSTRALIAN, FRENCH, U.S., WIMBLEDON

  • An Oregon athlete - DUCK, THORN, TIMBER, TRAIL BLAZER

  • Pitchers to strike out 20 in one game - CLEMENS, JOHNSON, SCHERZER, WOOD

  • Associated with the Indy 500 - BRICKS, CARS, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, MILK

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act would ban states from regulating AI

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

Buried in the Republican budget bill is a proposal that will radically change how artificial intelligence develops in the U.S., according to both its supporters and critics. The provision would ban states from regulating AI for the next decade.

Opponents say the moratorium is so broadly written that states wouldn't be able to enact protections for consumers affected by harmful applications of AI, like discriminatory employment tools, deepfakes, and addictive chatbots.

Instead, consumers would have to wait for Congress to pass its own federal legislation to address those concerns. Currently it has no draft of such a bill. If Congress fails to act, consumers will have little recourse until the end of the decade-long ban, unless they decide to sue companies responsible for alleged harms.

SEE ALSO: AI has entered the therapy session — and it's recording you

Proponents of the proposal, which include the Chamber of Commerce, say that it will ensure America's global dominance in AI by freeing small and large companies from what they describe as a burdensome patchwork of state-by-state regulations.

But many say the provision's scope, scale, and timeline is without precedent — and a big gift to tech companies, including ones that donated to President Donald Trump.

This week, a coalition of 77 advocacy organizations, including Common Sense Media, Fairplay, and the Center For Humane Technology, called on congressional leadership to jettison the provision from the GOP-led budget.

"By wiping out all existing and future state AI laws without putting new federal protections in place, AI companies would get exactly what they want: no rules, no accountability, and total control," the coalition wrote in an open letter.

Some states already have AI-related laws on the books. In Tennessee, for example, a state law known as the ELVIS Act was written to prevent the impersonation of a musician's voice using AI. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who represents Tennessee in Congress, recently hailed the act's protections and said a moratorium on regulation can't come before a federal bill.

Other states have drafted legislation to address specific emerging concerns, particularly related to youth safety. California has two bills that would place guardrails on AI companion platforms, which advocates say are currently not safe for teens.

One of the bills specifically outlaws high-risk uses of AI, including "anthropomorphic chatbots that offer companionship" to children and will likely lead to emotional attachment or manipulation.

SEE ALSO: Explicit deepfakes are now a federal crime. Enforcing that may be a major problem.

Camille Carlton, policy director at the Center for Humane Technology, says that while remaining competitive amidst greater regulation may be a valid concern for smaller AI companies, states are not proposing or passing expansive restrictions that would fundamentally hinder them. Nor are they targeting companies' ability to innovate in areas that would make America truly world-leading, like in health care, security, and the sciences. Instead, they are focused on key areas of safety, like fraud and privacy. They're also tailoring bills to cover larger companies or offering tiered responsibilities appropriate to a company's size.

Historically, tech companies have lobbied against certain state regulations, arguing that federal legislation would be preferable, Carlton says. But then they lobby Congress to water down or kill their own regulatory bills too, she notes.

Arguably, that's why Congress hasn't passed any major encompassing consumer protections related to digital technology in the decades since the internet became ascendant, Carlton says. She adds that consumers may see the same pattern play out with AI, too.

Some experts are particularly worried that a hands-off approach to regulating AI will only repeat what happened when social media companies first operated without much interference. They say that came at the cost of youth mental health.

Gaia Bernstein, a tech policy expert and professor at the Seton Hall University School of Law, says that states have increasingly been at the forefront of regulating social media and tech companies, particularly with regard to data privacy and youth safety. Now they're doing the same for AI.

Bernstein says that in order to protect kids from excessive screen time and other online harms, states also need to regulate AI, because of how frequently the technology is used in algorithms. Presumably, the moratorium would prohibit states from doing so.

"Most protections are coming from the states. Congress has largely been unable to do anything," Bernstein says. "If you're saying that states cannot do anything, then it's very alarming, because where are any protections going to come from?"

Categories: IT General, Technology

You can get lifetime access to Babbel’s full language library at a special price

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Babbel for $129.99 by using code LEARN40 before May 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Learning a new language feels like it should be easy, right? You already speak one language. How hard could a second one be? The reality is it’s remarkably challenging to master a new language, but some tools can make it easier. Babbel is a practical language-learning tool that focuses on teaching you language skills you can actually use in the real world instead of just memorizing vocab words.

Normally, a lifetime subscription to Babbel would cost $599, but, for two days only, it’s $129.99.

Why use Babbel to learn a second language

Babbel gives you unlimited access to beginner-friendly lessons in 14 different languages. That includes

  • French

  • German

  • Italian

  • Portuguese

  • Swedish

And that’s just a sampling.

Life is busy. That’s why Babbel lessons are short. They typically run 10-15 minutes, so you can finish a few during a lunch break or brush up on the train home.

One of Babble’s most exciting new features is the AI conversation partner. This lets you practice in real-time by talking to AI in your new language. It’s all the benefit of talking to a native speaker without the pressure.

Many who have tried learning a new language will know that retaining what you’ve learned is often harder than learning it in the first place. That’s why Babbel has personalized review sessions to help reinforce what you’ve learned.

Learn a new language.

Use code LEARN40 to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for $129.99.

Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on May 27.

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
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $480 MacBook Pro deal is bound to sell out

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Save $1,520 on this powerful MacBook Pro and bring it home for only $479.99 while supplies last.

Apple’s most powerful laptop, the MacBook Pro, typically sets you back a few thousand dollars. But if you’re in the market for this top-tier machine and don’t happen to have that in your budget, you’re in luck. Right now, you can snag one for just $449.99 (reg. $1,799) while supplies last.

This MacBook Pro is lightweight, powerful, and currently 75% off

The MacBook Pro is a unicorn — offering all the bells and whistles you love from Apple in a slim package that weighs just 3.1 pounds.

This model is powered by a 2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor, ready to handle all the multitasking you can throw at it. And if you need to tackle more demanding tasks, it’s no problem — it also has Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz.

If you like your files within reach, you’ll enjoy the ample 512GB SSD that lets you store your data locally. And 16GB of RAM provides plenty of speed as you go about your to-do list. You won’t have to rush, though, thanks to this laptop’s 10 hours of battery life. And there are four Thunderbolt 3 ports available when you need to recharge or connect.

A 13.3″ screen offers 2560×1600 native resolution and Intel Iris Plus Graphics with vivid, vibrant visuals. It also employs Apple’s signature True Tone display technology, which adjusts the screen color depending on your lighting, helping to reduce your eye strain.

You can also take advantage of easy shortcuts thanks to the Touch Bar feature, and enjoy super-responsive typing on the Magic Keyboard.

Curious why you’re getting 74% off? This MacBook Pro has a grade A refurbished rating, so it will be delivered in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, while you enjoy the deep discount.

Grab your own MacBook Pro for just $479.99 (reg. $1,799) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" i5 2GHz (2020) 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $449.99
$1,799 Save $1,349.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

MS Office 2021 is only $49.97 for a lifetime license

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get access to your favorite Microsoft apps without a subscription with this Microsoft Office lifetime license on sale for $49.97.

Companies may be trying to push the newest and best thing, but if you’re old school, then why not stick to what you know? Instead of paying for the latest apps every month, lock down lifetime access to your favorite Microsoft Office apps when you get Microsoft Office 2021. It’s only $49.97 (reg. $219).

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.

Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365 and 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.

Skip subscriptions and and get Microsoft Office 2021 for just $49.97.

Sale ends June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $330 MacBook Pro deal is too good to scroll past

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Bring home a powerful MacBook Pro for just $329.97 (reg. $1,499) through June 1.

In need of a new laptop? If you’ve been holding off due to budget constraints, you may want to see how discounted this MacBook Pro currently is. You can now score Apple’s most powerful laptop for only $329.97, over $1,000 off the usual $1,499 price tag, available through June 1, while supplies last.

This MacBook Pro blends speed, storage, and savings

If you’re new to the world of MacBook Pros, you’re in for a treat. These powerful devices offer the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from Apple in a sleek, convenient design.

This particular model comes equipped with a 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of memory, so you know it can handle serious multitasking. And if you plan on doing some video editing or intense gaming, you’re in luck. This MacBook Pro also offers Turbo Boost Technology that can ramp things up to 3.5GHz.

Need to connect something to the device? There are four Thunderbolt 3 ports at your service, ready to help you connect and charge. One thing you probably won’t have to connect? An external hard drive, thanks to this laptop’s 512GB of flash storage. Charging won’t be constantly necessary either — this model offers a 10-hour battery life.

This particular model comes with a unique Apple innovation, the Touch Bar. Although no longer widely used, the Touch Bar offers instant access to shortcuts and customization based on your apps and workflows. You’ll also get to take advantage of the Force Touch trackpad and backlit keyboard on this MacBook Pro.

You get to enjoy a 77% discount thanks to this MacBook Pro’s grade A refurbished rating. That means it will show up on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with virtually no prior signs of use, while you pay a much lower price.

Act fast to score your own MacBook Pro for just $329.97 (reg. $1,499) until June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" Touchbar (2017) 3.1GHz i5 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $329.97
$1,499 Save $1,169.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Block ads on 9 devices for life for just $16

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Let the whole family surf the web peacefully with a lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, now only $15.97 with code FAMPLAN through June 1.

Life is stressful enough — we don’t need jarring pop-ups or loud video ads disrupting our online life day after day. AdGuard makes browsing the web more peaceful, providing an ad-free experience. And right now, a lifetime subscription to their family plan lets you enjoy an idyllic online experience on nine devices for just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through June 1.

Surf in peace with ad-free, worry-free browsing

Think of how much time you’d save if you didn’t have to close pop-up ads or sit through unskippable videos. AdGuard helps you get all that time back, eliminating ads so you can relax and scroll uninterrupted until your heart’s content. And this family plan lets you experience this ad-free utopia on nine different devices.

Aside from banishing ads from your online experience, AdGuard also serves as a privacy protection tool. It keeps your information hidden from trackers and activity analyzers while simultaneously defending you from cyberattacks.

If you have kids at home, you’ll want to take advantage of this next feature. AdGuard also includes a parental control function that helps you restrict access to inappropriate and adult content online, so you can keep your children safe as they browse.

AdGuard is compatible with Android and iOS devices, so you can safeguard tablets, smartphones, and laptops and share the ad-free, safe browsing experience with nine different devices in total.

Take advantage of this lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN until June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 10TB of private cloud storage for a one-time price

Mashable - Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Enjoy 10TB of secure cloud storage forever with this lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for just $279.99 with code STORAGE20 until June 1.

With cameras in our pockets every day, the amount of important data on our phones continues to grow. If 1TB cloud storage options just aren’t cutting it these days, and you’d prefer not to spend a small fortune every year on monthly storage fees, it’s time to consider Internxt.

Internxt Cloud Storage offers a unique cloud storage option — lifetime access to a massive 10TB of storage for a one-time low price. That exact plan can be yours for $279.99 (reg. $2,900) with code STORAGE20 now through June 1.

Make the swap to this more affordable and private cloud storage option

If you’re constantly hitting storage limits on free cloud storage services or shelling out $30 a month to Apple for a measly 6TB of storage, it’s time to make the switch. Internxt not only offers 10TB of storage for a one-time price, but it’s also a platform that makes privacy its top concern.

You can rest easy knowing your files are safe and secure with Internxt. They offer end-to-end encryption, so your data will be encrypted both on the sender’s device and then only decrypted for the receiver, so not even Internxt itself can access it. That’s very different from competitors, who can monetize user data with targeted advertising and data sharing.

Internxt also keeps its code publicly available thanks to its open-source policy, providing transparency to customers. They’re also GDPR compliant, so they adhere to super strict European laws that protect user privacy and data security.

Though they set themselves apart in a lot of ways, Internxt still offers cross-platform compatibility with popular platforms, allowing easy integration across devices and operating systems.

Secure 10TB of storage with this lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for just $279.99 with code STORAGE20 through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $279.99
$2,900 Save $2,620.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology
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