Mashable

TL;DR: Change the way you take notes forever with a lifetime subscription to My Notes AI Pro Plan, now just $39.99 (reg. $299).

It’s 2025, and now there’s no need to take your own notes — there’s an app for that. AI can now do it for you with My Notes AI, your very own note-taking assistant. And right now you can employ it forever with a lifetime subscription to their Pro Plan for just $39.99 (reg. $299)

Outsource your note-taking to AI

Whether you’re in school and taking notes during lectures or you’re always jotting down action items from work meetings, My Notes AI can transcribe it all and then provide you with a summary without ever having to write a word. You don’t even have to be physically present — it also works with Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams meetings, or you can upload an audio file.

You’ll never again waste time trying to decipher what you wrote. My Notes AI can take all your notes and turn transcriptions into helpful summaries. It even breaks it down into specific action items, so you know exactly what you’re responsible for afterward.

Need to share your notes with someone? Exporting the transcriptions is easy, and you can use My Notes AI’s organizational tools to save them by topic, date, or project, for easy access later.

My Notes AI has a user-friendly interface, and you can use it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This lifetime subscription provides everything mentioned above, but if you need more, you can also unlock premium features such as unlimited transcription, meeting recordings, instant AI summaries, and extra organizational tools.

Let AI take your notes with a lifetime subscription to My Notes AI Pro Plan, now just $39.99 (reg. $299).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: My Notes AI My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription - AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer $39.99
$299 Save $259.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Let AI tackle your creative projects for you with this lifetime subscription to AI Magicx, now $59.97 (reg. $972) through June 1.

If you’re constantly churning out creative content at work, it’s only a matter of time before you burn out. If your creative juices are no longer flowing, AI Magicx can help. This handy service streamlines all kinds of creative tasks to free up time in your day, and right now, a lifetime subscription to AI Magicx’s Rune Plan is just $59.97 (reg. $972) until June 1.

This AI-powered app helps you create content in seconds

Major companies like Microsoft, Atlassian, and Intel already trust AI Magicx. Whether you need help designing a logo, writing a blog post, or creating images for social media, AI Magicx can step up to the plate. It makes it simple to turn ideas into creative content, with no advanced skills or design degrees required. And if you’re a small business, it can prevent you from spending a fortune on freelancers.

Wondering how it works? Just type in a prompt, and let AI Magicx take it from there. It can whip up anything from a new company logo to a well-researched blog post. Once it’s done, you can make changes until it creates your exact vision.

If you want to interact with customers more efficiently, AI Magicx can also create an AI chatbot. This lifetime subscription to the Rune Plan provides 100 premium chatbot messages. It also provides unlimited Magicx words, 250 Magicx images, 250 Magicx logos, private generations, and a commercial license.

For content you’re still producing on your own, AI Magicx can also serve as your smart document editor. It can proofread writing and even has a built-in coder to review, optimize, and refine your coding.

Let this lifetime subscription to Magicx’s Rune Plan take some things off your plate — it’s now just $59.97 through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AI Magicx AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) $59.97
$972 Save $912.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Tackle your entire to-do list with help from this MacBook Pro, now only $449.99 (reg. $1,799) while supplies last.

Can your current laptop keep up with your workload? If the answer is no, it may be time to consider a MacBook Pro. Apple’s most powerful portable device typically comes with a hefty price tag, but right now a 13″ MacBook Pro can be yours for only $449.99 (reg. $1,799).

Knock out work, play and more with these powerful MacBook Pro

Want to take some of Apple’s most powerful technology along with you everywhere? The MacBook Pro makes it possible, as it’s powered by a 2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor. It can handle all of your usual multi-tasking — and if you’ve got any heavier tasks, this laptop also has Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz.

With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, you can enjoy speed and the convenience of access to your important files right on the device. The sharp retina display on this MacBook Pro’s 13.3″ screen offers 2560×1600 native resolution, and the Intel Iris Plus Graphics take gaming to another level.

Apple’s signature True Tone display technology goes easy on your eyes, helping reduce eye strain as it adjusts the screen color depending on your lighting. This model includes helpful features like Touch Bar, a limited-edition Apple feature that provides easy access to shortcuts, and the Magic Keyboard, which offers a more responsive typing experience.

Four Thunderbolt 3 ports keep you connected and charged up — though you won’t have to hunt down an electrical outlet often, thanks to this model’s impressive 10 hours of battery life.

If you’re wondering why you’re getting this MacBook Pro for 74% off, it’s because it comes with a grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, with virtually no sign of prior use, while you still enjoy the discount.

Get a MacBook Pro for only $449.99 (reg. $1,799) right here 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

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup just got a sleek new sibling: meet the S25 Edge. It’s an ultra-thin, titanium-clad version of the flagship, designed to lure in the premium crowd. Over in Apple-land, there’s a new kid too: the iPhone 16e. It’s not flashy, not titanium, but it is the cheapest way to get a new iPhone this year.

So, which digital ecosystem do you want to plug your life into? We’re breaking down how these two stack up on price, design, display tech, battery life, and cameras. If you’re here for a quick pick and price is your only metric, just get the 16e and move on. But if you want the full picture, please, keep reading.

We should also note that if you're excited for the year of thin phones, you'll have to wait for the rumored iPhone 17 Air to get an ultra-slim Apple smartphone.

The new Samsung Galaxy S25 offers a lot of features for the money, but the 16e wins on price alone. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16e: Price and specs

If you’re judging by price alone, the iPhone 16e is the clear winner. It starts at $599 — almost half the cost of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which begins at $1,099 for 256GB or $1,219.99 for the 512GB version. At that point, you could just get a standard iPhone 16 for $799 and still have cash to spare for accessories.

So what does $599 get you with the 16e?

• 8GB RAM

• 128GB storage

• Apple’s new A18 chip with a 4-core GPU

• 6.1-inch display

• The Action Button

It’s not dripping in luxury, but it’s modern where it counts.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s S25 Edge does cost more. This isn’t a phone for deal hunters — it’s for Android users who want something razor-thin, ultra-premium, and unapologetically exclusive. However, the S25 Edge still offers a lot of value for its price. It has many of the same features as the flagship S25 Ultra, but for a whole lot less (both in dollars and size).

For $1099, think of it less as a phone, more as a flex:

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB storage

• Snapdragon 8 Elite

• 6.7-inch AMOLED display

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16e: Design

Samsung’s pitch for the S25 Edge is simple: Take everything you love about the flagship S25 and wrap it in a body that’s thinner, lighter, and slicker. It’s got those signature curved edges, a titanium frame that feels more aerospace than smartphone, and three sharp finishes: Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, and Titanium Icy Blue.

The iPhone 16e takes a more utilitarian approach. It’s got Apple’s tried-and-true aluminum-and-glass build paired with a Super Retina XDR display. It looks clean, feels solid, and comes in exactly two shades: Black and White. Simple, classic, and not trying too hard.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16e: Display

The iPhone 16e sticks with what works: a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel that’s sharp at 460 ppi. You still get Apple’s usual bag of tricks — True Tone, Wide Color (P3), and Haptic Touch. It’s bright enough for most people, topping out at 800 nits in typical use and 1200 nits for HDR content. It's also worth noting that the 16e ditches a rear camera compared to the standard 16.

Samsung, never one to be outdone in display tech, gives the S25 Edge a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen wrapped in a new Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2. It boasts a crisp 3120 x 1440 resolution, a dynamic refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. It’s bigger, smoother, and sharper on paper.

Meet the ultra-slim new Samsung phone. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Plus, there’s an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor built right into the display. Like the 16e, the Edge also drops one of the usual rear cameras, keeping things a bit more minimal this time around.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16e: Cameras

This one is for the photographically inclined; you can get by with either smartphone. Both the S25 Edge and the iPhone 16e are straight shooters when it comes to taking a photo. Here's what the iPhone 16e offers:

• 48MP main camera

• 12MP 2x Telephoto

• Digital zoom up to 10x

• Standard Apple features like Burst mode, red-eye correction, and Live Photos

What the S25 Edge gives up in camera count, it tries to make up for in sheer megapixel flex. Samsung’s also betting big on Galaxy AI, promising smarter capture, editing, and sharing:

• 200MP main camera

• 12MP ultra-wide with 2x optical, 10x AI zoom

• 12MP front camera

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16e: Performance/Battery Life

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e runs on Apple’s new A18 chip, built with a 6-core CPU—two performance cores, four for efficiency— designed to juggle tasks smoothly while keeping power draw low. The main spec split from the regular iPhone 16? The GPU. The 16 gets a 5-core GPU, while the 16e settles for four. It's not a massive difference, but if you game or edit video on your phone, you might feel it.

On the Android side, the Galaxy S25 Edge runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite — the same chip that powers the S25+ and Ultra. It’s tuned for serious mobile horsepower, from AAA mobile gaming to AI-heavy photo edits. The Edge also packs more RAM than the 16e, which gives it a leg up in multitasking and performance headroom.

If battery life is your dealbreaker, the iPhone 16e might just edge out the Edge — ironically. Samsung’s obsession with making the S25 Edge thinner and lighter came at a cost: battery capacity. The iPhone 16e packs a 4,005mAh cell, which Apple claims is good for up to 26 hours on a single charge.

The S25 Edge isn’t far behind, with a 3,900mAh battery. That puts it well ahead of the baseline iPhone 16 (which sits at 3,561mAh), but still slightly behind the 16e.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16e: Which should you buy?

If you're looking for maximum value without feeling like you're settling, the iPhone 16e is a smart, balanced pick. It gives you flagship-level performance, modern Apple design, solid battery life, and just enough of the bells and whistles to feel current, all for $599. It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient, reliable, and comfortably within reach for most buyers who just want a great phone that’ll last a few years.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, on the other hand, is a statement piece. It’s the phone you buy because you want something that feels high-end every time you pick it up — ultra-thin, titanium-framed, and loaded with display and camera tech. It’s more powerful, more polished, and more expensive, as expected. But that price tag is buying you more than specs — it's buying a vibe. So if you're deep in the Android ecosystem and crave sleek hardware with top-tier performance, the Edge earns its name. Just bring your wallet.

iPhone 16e $599 at Apple.com
Shop Now Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge + $50 Amazon Gift Card $1,099.99 at Amazon
Pre-order Here

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 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 17 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: She's got game

The words are sports-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are popular women's sports teams.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Basketball

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for May 17

• Storm

• Fever

• Wings

• Dream

• Basketball

• Mercury

• Liberty

• Lynx

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.

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 17 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: Natural classifications

• Green: Measuring tools

• Blue: Black and white birds

• Purple: Electronic

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: Member of a kingdom in taxonomy

• Green: Graduated instruments

• Blue: Kinds of penguins

• Purple: "E" Things

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 #706 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Member of a kingdom in taxonomy: ANIMAL, BACTERIA, FUNGUS, PLANT

• Graduated instruments: BEAKER, PROTRACTOR, RULER, SYRINGE

• Kinds of penguins: CHINSTRAP, EMPEROR, KING, MACARONI

• "E" Things: COMMERCE, MAIL, SCOOTER, SIGNATURE

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 17

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

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

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

The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) seems to be heading for a family reunion of some kind on Doctor Who — and it's about time.

In a surprise twist, first revealed halfway through his season 2 episode "The Interstellar Song Contest," Doctor number 15 has been having visions of the first person to travel in the TARDIS with Doctor number one (William Hartnell): his still-mysterious granddaughter Susan, played then and now by Carole Ann Ford.

Ford, age 84, is the last surviving member of the original TARDIS team. Susan was the "Unearthly Child" for whom the first-ever episode of the show, broadcast on November 23, 1963, was named. Other than a one-off appearance in a 1983 anniversary special, she hasn't been seen in the show since becoming the first companion to leave the TARDIS — the very name of which, we were told, was Susan's creation — in 1964.

Susan, a pupil at Coal Hill school, was the reason her teachers Ian (William Russell, who died in 2024 age 99) and Barbara (Jacqueline Hill, who died in 1993) strayed into that bigger-on-the-inside police box in the first place. Like the Doctor's latest companion, Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), they were effectively kidnapped.

Ford felt trapped herself; as promising a character as the mysterious granddaughter sounded, she wasn't given much to do week to week besides scream and faint. So she was written out at the end of "The Dalek Invasion of Earth," the second serial to feature the Doctor's infamous enemies. Hartnell's Doctor locked her out of the TARDIS so she would start a new life with her Earthling beau David, and left with a speech about how he would come back one day.

Spoiler alert: The Doctor didn't come back. But that speech was reused at the beginning of "The Five Doctors" (1983), in which Ford's Susan appears in several scenes alongside the second actor to play the first Doctor, Richard Hurndall (William Hartnell died in 1975) — Ford having made her peace with the show by then.

Technically, that adventure took place before Susan left the TARDIS — so in a timey-wimey kind of way, this is the first time we've seen Susan in 61 years.

But to quote another Doctor, the moment has been prepared for.

How Doctor Who led up to the Susan reveal Carole Ann Ford in 1964, showing a Dalek what she thinks of it. Credit: Victor Drees / Evening Standard / Hulton Archive / Getty Images

In the second episode of Gatwa's first season, "The Devil's Chord," the TARDIS lands in 1963 to visit the Beatles at the suggestion of then-companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). Off-handedly, the Doctor tells Ruby that his earlier incarnation is living in a junkyard across London with his granddaughter Susan.

"I put that in as a test," Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies told Mashable in a pre-season interview. "She hasn't been mentioned in the show since 1964, so I wondered how my bosses at the BBC would take that, and thought, 'I'll take it out if no one likes it.' But everyone loved it."

The success of that Susan test brought us to the cold-open cliffhanger of "The Legend of Ruby Sunday," the penultimate episode of season 1. That's when the Doctor wondered if the reason for multiple appearances of characters played by Susan Twist was that his granddaughter had survived the genocide of his people, the Time Lords, and regenerated herself.

In that same episode, the Doctor casually revealed more about his family than ever before. "If you've got a granddaughter, that means you've got kids," Kate Lethbridge-Stewart said. But the Doctor denied it. "Not quite, not yet," he said, waving away the obvious chronological issue with this all-purpose explanation: "Life of a Time Lord."

Mention of his granddaughter appeared to be a fake-out; Susan Twist's multiple characters were in fact created by the Doctor's old enemy Sutekh. "Did you think I was family, Doctor?" laughed the ancient god. But as we said at the time, bringing up Susan may yet mean Ford's return to the show: "Could there be one final Susan twist at the end?"

Why is Susan returning now? Carole Ann Ford alongside a Dalek, and Frazer Hines, who played "Doctor Who" companion Jamie, in 2022. Credit: Tristan Fewings / Getty Images

In "The Interstellar Song Contest," the Doctor revealed that he'd seen Susan in his head after the Time Lord genocide. But the scene where he is frozen in space, close to death, is the first time we see the vision too.

"Grandfather," says Susan, in what appears to be a TARDIS very much like the Doctor's. "Come find me," she adds, in another vision towards the end of the episode.

That may be all that showrunner Russell T Davies wrote for Ford, at least; given her age, a regeneration may be necessary if and when the Doctor finds her. But if he has shot scenes with her on the TARDIS set, it's more likely that Ford's version of Susan will appear again at some point in season 2's final episodes, "Wish World" and "The Reality War."

More concerning, in the meantime: the effect on Ford herself. "I don't know if I could survive the excitement," she said of a then-theoretical return to the show at Luton Comic-Con in 2024, according to the BBC. "It would be intense beyond all intensity."

Doctor Who Season 2 premiered April 12 on Disney+ and BBC. New episodes air weekly on Saturdays at 3 a.m. ET.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A robbery.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

HEIST

Hurdle Word 2 hint

What a parent might do to a naughty child.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 17, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SPANK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An Arctic dog breed.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 17, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

HUSKY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To tease someone.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 17 Hurdle Word 4 answer

FLIRT

Final Hurdle hint

Egg-shaped.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

OVATE

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

TL;DR: Add the new OS and Office programs your PC needs with discounted $54.97 bundle of Office 2021 and Windows 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $54.97
$418 Save $363.03 Get Deal

Buying a new computer is expensive, even if inflation has slowed. Just add Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and upgrade your Windows 11 Pro license to speed things up and get the most out of your current hardware. You can bundle Office 2021 and Windows 11 to get a PC makeover for just $54.97 (reg. $418.)

What's included in Office 2021?

When you add a lifetime license for Office 2021, you'll get access to eight popular programs, including:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• Teams

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

More recent versions of Office do not contain all eight programs, so if your professional workflow relies on Publisher or Access, this Office and OS bundle is an affordable way to keep them while upgrading.

What does Windows 11 Pro come with? 

The Windows 11 Pro user interface upgrade is so seamless you may not even realize you're on a Windows PC. It was redesigned with a focus on both good looks and better function. 

Professionals benefit from increased productivity tools like snap layouts, multiple virtual desktops, improved voice typing, and pumped up search capabilities. 

You also get a virtual assistant with AI-bot Copilot. Built directly into the system, you can ask Copilot research questions, summarize web pages, create images, support writing, and even generate code. 

If your workflow requires advanced features, Windows 11 is ready to accommodate with Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption.

Please note: Verify compatibility before purchase. This is for PCs that need a new license and will not work for those currently unable to use Windows Update to access Windows 11.

Instantly update your PC when you get this Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft Windows 11 bundle for just $54.97. Act before bundles sell out for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of huge rugby fixtures taking place this weekend, but Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors might be the biggest of the bunch. It's a battle at the top of the United Rugby Championship standings between two talented sides.

If you want to watch Munster vs. Ulster in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors?

Munster vs. Ulster starts at 7:35 p.m. BST on May 17. This fixture takes place at thr Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors for free

Munster vs. Ulster in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on RTÉ Player from any location.

Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTÉ Player

5. Live stream Munster vs. Ulster for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Munster vs. Ulster (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to live stream the United Rugby Championship, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months of coverage for free — 61% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Munster vs. Ulster for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free porn sites is ExpressVPN.

You access to porn sites is restricted in many locations around the world, and we're not talking about far away places with no connection to you. We're talking close to home.

A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website, and there's no guarantee that things will stop there.

There are valid reasons for restricting access to porn, but there is also something to be said for protecting online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to access all your favorite porn sites without hassle. Fortunately, there is a simple workaround for these online restrictions.

Want to unblock porn sites for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

How to unblock porn for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This quick and easy process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite porn sites from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to porn

4. Watch porn from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites in an unsupported location.

If you want to retain permanent access to all your favorite sites, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking porn sites, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Unblock porn for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You can feel the excitement building. The biggest international song competition in the world is fast approaching, so clear your calendar, prepare food from across the continent, and dress to impress.

The Eurovision Song Contest is back once again, promising incredible performances, dazzling choreography, and moments that you really can't explain. There isn't anything else like the Eurovision Song Contest. You just know it's going to be beautifully mad. We can't wait to watch, and you can do the same without spending anything.

Want to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is Eurovision?

The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union. This popular competition primarily features entries from European countries, with each participating nation submitting an original song to be performed on live TV. Competing countries cast votes to pick a winner.

Eurovision has a reputation for delivering truly memorable performances, and not always in a good way. Rules and convention go out the window with Eurovision, resulting in some absolutely unmissable moments.

Where is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is the 69th edition of the event. This year's competition will take place in St. Jakobshalle, Basel.

When is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

The full schedule for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest can be found right here:

• First Semi-Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 13

• Second Semi-Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 15

• Grand Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 17

Keep these times and dates in mind. No excuses.

How to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free

Audiences from all participating countries should be able to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on local broadcasting services:

• Albania — RTSH

• Armenia — AMPTV

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF

• Azerbaijan — İctimai

• Belgium — VRT

• Croatia — HRT

• Cyprus — CyBC

• Czechia — ČT

• Denmark — DR

• Estonia — ERR

• Finland — YLE

• France — FT

• Georgia — GPB

• Germany — ARD/NDR

• Greece — ERT

• Iceland — RÚV

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Israel — Kan

• Italy — RAI

• Latvia — LTV

• Lithuania — LRT

• Luxembourg — RTL

• Malta — PBS

• Montenegro — RTCG

• Netherlands — AVROTROS

• Norway — NRK

• Poland — TVP

• Portugal — RTP

• San Marino — SMRTV

• Serbia — RTS

• Slovenia — RTVSLO

• Spain — RTVE

• Sweden — SVT

• Switzerland — SRG SSR

• Ukraine — Suspilne

• United Kingdom — BBC

If you are based in a country not on this list, you will need to use a VPN to live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country. This simple process makes it look like you're connecting from a country with free access to Eurovision, so you can live stream the event for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access to Eurovision

4. Visit your favorite free streaming platform listed above

5. Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world

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

Something to note is that 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 live stream Eurovision without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream the event before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free streaming services, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free with ExpressVPN.

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 17 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 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Heightened.

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...

GROWN.

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 17

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

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

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

In recent days, it has become nearly impossible to move through the world without being confronted by the latest high-profile case of interpersonal violence — the ongoing trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, following the harrowing testimony of singer Cassie Ventura, Diddy's ex-partner. Ventura's detailed allegations of prolonged abuse, coercion, and exploitation have dominated headlines and social media feeds, making the coverage inescapable. For many, this constant exposure brings up waves of complex feelings, including pain, anger, confusion, or even numbness. And for those of us with a personal history of trauma, these waves may at times feel like a tsunami.

This collective reaction is not only understandable, it’s deeply human.

As a trauma therapist and mental health professional who has worked alongside hundreds of survivors of interpersonal violence with a focus on human trafficking and sexual violence, I want to offer a framework for understanding what many of us are experiencing, and gentle tools for protecting our mental health as we navigate this moment.

Our reactions are personal and valid

There is no single way to respond to trauma exposure. Our reactions are shaped by our own lived experiences, including any past histories of violence. They are intersectional based on our identities, the communities we belong to, and the broader histories of injustice we carry. They are also adaptive as our minds are constantly working to make meaning, to find understanding, and ultimately, to protect us.

Sometimes, this means we feel an intense pull to learn more. We read every article, scroll through every comment thread, or watch every video in the hope that information might help us feel a little safer, more in control, or closer to justice. This search for meaning is not a flaw; it is a natural function of a brain seeking safety and clarity in a world that can often feel unsafe and chaotic.

When meaning-making becomes overexposure

There can be a point where our quest for meaning tips into overexposure, sending us into a state of disregulation. Even when we’re not seeking it out, constant exposure to the Diddy trial coverage can have an impact on our mental health. As we find ourselves reading one more post, watching one more reel, and clicking one more headline, the exposure adds up and our nervous system, especially those who have experienced past trauma, becomes activated. 

We begin to move outside our "window of tolerance,” a concept in trauma healing that describes the range of emotional states where we feel grounded and able to respond effectively to stress. When we're pushed beyond that range, we may shift into hyper-arousal, where we feel speedy, agitated, angry, panicked, or unable to stop scrolling. Or we might move into hypo-arousal, where we feel numb, detached, exhausted, or checked out.

In hyper-arousal, we might feel compelled to argue with strangers in the comments section or rapidly consume articles. In hypo-arousal, we might shut down, avoid contact with others, or feel disconnected from our bodies and emotions. Both are nervous system responses to overwhelming situations, and both are signs that we need care, not judgment.

Recognizing disregulation

Here are a few signs that our media consumption may be impacting our mental health:

• Losing track of time while reading about the case

• Feeling emotionally exhausted or detached after reading updates

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating after trial exposure 

• Thoughts of our own past experiences of violence arising 

• Spiraling into despair, hopelessness, rage, or any intense emotional state

• Feeling disconnected from your body

If you recognize yourself in any of these, you are not alone. This response is an adaptive human reaction to graphic trauma exposure.

Tools for regulation and grounding 

Caring for ourselves in the face of the Diddy trial coverage means tending to our nervous systems. Here are a few ways to support our well-being:

• Create social media boundaries. Consider limiting screen time, setting app timers, or pausing before engaging with sensitive content. 

• Check in with your body. Are you breathing shallowly? Clenching your jaw? Holding tension? Gentle movement, deep breathing, or stretching can help regulate our nervous system and bring us back into the present moment. 

• Name your feelings. Say them out loud or write them down. Naming emotions helps us metabolize them. If you’re having trouble identifying them, try looking at the emotions wheel. 

• Protect your peace in comment sections. Online space, especially comment threads, can reflect common misconceptions about violence that place undue scrutiny on survivors rather than those who caused harm. It’s okay to disengage from these conversations. Preserving your mental health does not mean you care any less; it means you are choosing where to place your energy.  

• Reach out. Talk to someone you trust. Community care is essential to healing.

• Practice grounding. Sensory-based techniques like holding a cold object, naming five things you see, and engaging your full five senses can bring you back into your body.

• Seek support. Whether through therapy, community support, or a trusted friend, reaching out to others to process what is happening can be an important lifeline. At the Sanar Institute, we specialize in providing this type of trauma-specific care to ensure that individuals and communities that have experienced interpersonal violence have access to life-changing support.

A call for collective compassion

As we navigate through this trial, this is an invitation to us all: we do not need to consume every update to care deeply about what happened. We are allowed to set boundaries. We are allowed to care for our bodies, our spirits, and to prioritize our psychological safety.

Each of us processes trauma exposure differently. Let’s offer compassion for our own responses and grace for the ways others may be showing up. The goal isn’t to disconnect from the world but to stay rooted in it, with care.

Kate Keisel, LCSW is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of the Sanar Institute, which creates holistic access to trauma-conscious and person-centered care to support individuals and communities healing from the traumatic events of interpersonal violence. This column represents the opinion of the author.

Updated on Friday, May 16 at 3:15 p.m. ET: On Friday afternoon, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (who has a history of getting inside scoops from Apple) reported that Apple denies blocking the Fortnite app from iOS devices in Europe. Further, Gurman reported that Apple asked Epic Games to resubmit the app for approval in the EU. We still haven't heard anything from Apple directly, and we'll continue to monitor the situation.

You can read our original story below.

Introducing Fortnite v. Apple, Part Infinity: App Approval Thunderdome.

In case you couldn't tell from the catchy title, the Epic Games v. Apple legal drama has been an ongoing drama in the tech world. And in the latest news, Epic Games reports that Apple has rejected Fortnite's attempted return to the App Store.

"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," posted the official Fortnite account on X today. "Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."

Mashable reached out to Apple to ask about the situation, and we'll update this article if we learn any new information.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: You can finally buy books in the Kindle app, thanks to a California judge

Exactly a week ago, Epic Games delighted gamers by announcing it had officially resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store. But after the latest rejection, Fortnite has become unavailable for all iOS users worldwide.

Previously, iOS gamers in the EU were at least able to download Fortnite, but now, even that is unavailable. On top of that, Fortnite can't even be downloaded through a third-party app store in the European Union, for reasons that are unclear.

One possible explanation? We know that Epic Games resubmitted Fortnite for approval in the United States using its European developer account. If the submission was rejected as Epic Games claims, that could have triggered a wider problem for the company. Epic Games may have also pulled the app from third-party stores itself.

Here in the United States, iOS gamers have been unable to download Fortnite on Apple devices for years, which is what kicked off the legal case in the first place. Here's the tl;dr version from Mashable's Alex Perry:

Fortnite has been unavailable to play natively on iPhones since 2020 because of a still-ongoing legal dispute between Apple and developer Epic Games. The short version is that Apple likes to take a 30 percent commission on in-app purchases in iOS apps, and Epic didn't like that. One thing led to another, and now there's a bona fide antitrust case against Apple. That case recently resulted in the company being named in contempt of court, forcing the company to stop collecting fees from off-app purchases.

The return of Fortnite to the App Store has been a long time coming, but gamers will have to wait even longer to try and talk to Darth Vader in the game, at least on Apple devices.

On X, Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney suggested that Apple had "weaponized" the app review process, framing this as a free speech issue.

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

Get ready for your emoji to change if you use Gboard on an Android phone.

Google's emoji keyboard is undergoing a design change that'll hopefully make things cleaner and easier to use. Gboard removed the "All" interface. In its place, Gboard redesigned the emoji, sticker, and GIF icons, enlarging them and making your choices more clear. 9to5Google spotted the change and published images showing the differences. Right now the changes are only in Gboard's latest beta.

You can see on the new Gboard, on the right, that the bottom buttons are bigger and easier to select. Credit: 9to5Google

9to5Google also spotted some other minor changes, such as a flat toolbar instead of an elevated one. Overall the changes are pretty small, but they're the kinds of thing that'll make you go, "Hmm, this is weird!" when you go to find an emoji.

So your emoji world won't be turned upside down, but it might be shifted a bit.

SAVE $300: As of May 16, get the Sonos Arc soundbar for $599 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sonos Arc $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time enjoying movies and TV from the comfort of your living room, you should make sure you've got great sound that complements your area nicely. You can do that with your built-in TV speakers, sure, but a soundbar can make a huge world of difference.

As of May 16, get the Sonos Arc soundbar for $599 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's $300 off and a 33% discount.

This user-friendly soundbar is a minimalist's dream that offers excellent sound to punch up your TV setup. It's meant to provide a more theater-centric experience that can add booming bass and crisp treble to your living room, with 11 drivers and Dolby Atmos support so you can really feel as though you're immersed in what's happening on-screen.

Setup is simple by way of a Bluetooth connection if you prefer, and the soundbar itself is small and unobtrusive, so you can place it just about anywhere, whether that's near your TV or mounted somewhere for better reach and still have great sound wherever you decide to sit.

With plenty of blockbusters hitting streaming after leaving theaters this year, you might decide to spend some money and watch them at home, so make sure you have decent audio to go with the superhero flicks and other box office hits while you kick back, relax, and think about how great it is that you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom and miss something since you're watching at home.

SAVE $130: The Samsung Jet 60 Pet cordless stick vacuum is on sale for just $199.99 at Best Buy as a Deal of the Day on May 16. That's about 39% in savings, but you have to act fast.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Jet 60 Pet $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130 Get Deal

If you're not completely sold on robot vacuums, but still want to make your cleaning experience less of a chore, a cordless stick vacuum is your best bet. But before you splurge on an outrageously expensive Dyson, check out this deal on a Samsung (yes, Samsung makes vacuums).

As of May 16, the Samsung Jet 60 Pet is on sale for only $199.99 as one of Best Buy's Deals of the Day. That's nearly 40% or $130 off its list price of $329.99. It's also $60 cheaper than Amazon has it at the moment. You'll have to act fast, though, as it's only around until the end of the day today (roughly 13 hours or so).

The Jet 60 Pet offers a sleek and slim aesthetic in an eye-catching rose gold finish and its Jet Cyclone technology operates similarly to Dyson's, keeping dust and debris from clogging up the filter. It's also extremely light and easy to maneuver at just five pounds. While it's dubbed the "Pet" model, it's worth noting that at only 150 air watts, it's not as powerful as some folks with heavy pet hair problems may need. However, the included mini motorized tool will help you get those fine particles and pet hair on furniture, rugs, and other surfaces. It runs for about 40 minutes on a single charge and comes with a spare battery, so you can swap it out and get up to 80 minutes of cleaning time total.

Ultimately, the Samsung Jet 60 Pet puts an enjoyable cleaning experience in your hands (instead of a robot's). And at less than $200, it's hard to get hung up on any flaws.

The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week

• Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender — $89.99 (List Price $119.99)

• Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $99.90 (List Price $159.00)

• Skylight Calendar 15-inch Digital Calendar & Chore Chart — $319.99

• Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $349.95 (List Price $449.99)

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $399.99 (List Price $699.99)

Fortnite is now in the business of resurrecting the dead, apparently.

On Friday, developer Epic Games announced in a blog post that Darth Vader is back in Fortnite as a recruitable boss character in the game's primary Battle Royale mode. He can be recruited to fight alongside you and your friends, but here's where things get strange: You can voice chat with Darth Vader and he'll respond using an AI approximation of the late James Earl Jones' voice. According to Epic, the Jones estate signed off on this, providing a statement in the blog post:

James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.

The ethical concerns here are numerous and obvious, but it should be noted that Jones himself signed off on his voice being used in this exact manner back in 2022, before his death. Mashable recently reported on a similar case involving the voice and likeness of Agatha Christie.

Credit: Epic Games SEE ALSO: The Sabrina Carpenter 'Fortnite' skin is everywhere, and it's pretty funny

Anyway, Epic said you can ask him questions about the Galactic Empire or the Force and he'll answer them. Of course, it took about 30 seconds for someone to make the AI bot say something it shouldn't say:

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

Epic Games did program the Vader character with safeguards in place (read more about parental controls in this FAQ), and he'll reportedly refuse to engage in romantic talk or discuss killing younglings. If a user discusses self-harm or mental health, Vader will direct the user to seek help.

Right now, the AI Darth Vader only speaks English, and Epic Games says they used a combination of Google Gemini 2.0 Flash and ElevenLabs' Flash v2.5 AI models.

You can check out the AI Darth Vader in Fortnite now, unless you're on iPhone.

SAVE $50: As of May 16, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for $149.99, down from its usual price of $199.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch FE $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

If you need a new smartwatch, you've got tons to choose from. You don't have to stick to the Apple Watch or even any of its high-priced competitors. Samsung has a great lineup to look into if you want to save money on the fancier options and still get everything you're looking for in a smartwatch. Right now, you can get one for an especially low price that's worth your while.

As of May 16, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for $149.99, down from its usual price of $199.99, at Amazon. That's $50 off and a discount of 25%.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE can be a fantastic companion for your fitness journey and regular workouts thanks to its wide range of options. It can help you track your steps, calories burned, how well you're sleeping, and your heart rate. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. It's more than just a fitness tracker.

Sync to your Android phone and make calls, send and read texts, and make payments while you're out and about. It's a good way to stop leaning on your phone so much and do everything straight from your wrist. You can do all this for under $200 for this model, so if you've been looking for a new watch, now's the time to make your move.