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A Martian spacecraft spied a Martian rover rumbling through the red desert.

The new image captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter — which has orbited Mars since 2006 — shows the space agency's car-sized Curiosity rover traversing the terrain below as it scales the planet's 3.4-mile-high Mount Sharp.

"The image marks what may be the first time one of the agency’s Mars orbiters has captured the rover driving," NASA said in a statement.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter hosts a powerful camera — called the High Resolution Imaging Experiment, or HIRISE — which can spot surface objects as small as a kitchen table from some 160 to 200 miles above the surface. Here, we see the Curiosity rover as a dark spot, trailed by the robot's tracks as its six metallic wheels crossed the desert. 

SEE ALSO: Aliens haven't contacted us. Scientists found a compelling reason why.

These tracks, spanning 1,050 feet (320 meters), were created over 11 separate drives. The orbiter spotted the tracks and rover on Feb. 28.

On Feb. 28, 2025, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this view of the Curiosity rover exploring the Martian surface. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Curiosity rover has driven over 21 miles of uneven desert since it landed in 2012, and is now ascending Mount Sharp as it investigates Mars' climatic and geologic past. Curiosity's observations point to a Martian past, billions of years ago, that supported floods, lakes, rivers, and even rain. For example, the rover revealed ripple formations on the surface, which is telltale evidence of small waves breaking on lake shores long ago. Observations like this suggest that Mars once was warm, wet, and quite habitable before it gradually transformed into the extremely dry and frigid desert we see today. (Today, Mars is 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth.)

Curiosity is currently headed to a new destination on Mount Sharp, a place home to expansive and compelling "boxworks" formations. From space, they look like spiderwebs. They are "believed to have formed when minerals carried by Mount Sharp's last pulses of water settled into fractures in surface rock and then hardened," NASA explained. "As portions of the rock eroded away, what remained were the minerals that had cemented themselves in the fractures, leaving the weblike boxwork."

As NASA's rovers find more and more evidence of past water on Mars, it's becoming clear that Mars was once a planet friendly to life, capable of hosting the temperate environs that could potentially host microbes.

Still today, however, there's no compelling proof that life ever existed on Mars. But there are quite a few Martian robots, both dead and alive.

SAVE $30: As of April 25, the Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series is on sale for $119.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series $119.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

An upgrade to a new, smart TV shouldn't have to mean spending hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars, and with this latest Amazon deal, it doesn't. If you're after something simple, smart, and easy on the wallet, we've got good news: the 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is on sale for less than $120.

As of April 25, you can buy this impressive model for $119.99, saving you 20%. This price is for the 32-inch model and for the TV only; to add on a four-year protection plan, you'll need to pay more.

SEE ALSO: I think Sony’s 77-inch A95L OLED is the ultimate PS5 TV, and it’s $1,000 off right now

Like most Amazon devices, this TV comes with Alexa voice control. Not only can you use this to control some of your other smart home devices (think speakers, robot vacuums, or light bulbs), but you can also use it to search through multiple streaming platforms at once, ask questions, and find out the answers to all your hard-hitting questions.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. It also supports Dolby Audio for even better sound quality.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal.

SAVE $30: As of April 25, Bose QuietComfort earbuds are on sale for $149 at Amazon. This deal saves you 17% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $149 at Amazon
$179 Save $30 Get Deal

We're always on the hunt for deals on some of the best earbuds and headphones here at Mashable, and this latest Amazon discount on the Bose QuietComfort earbuds is one that really catch our eye. As of April 25, these earbuds are reduced by $30, down to $149. They come in three colors: black, chilled lilac, and white smoke.

These earbuds are an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for stellar noise cancellation. The noise cancellation is designed to block out any and all distractions, creating an immersive listening experience. These earbuds will block out the annoying chatter, so you don't need to turn up your music.

SEE ALSO: I tried Soundcore’s Space A40 earbuds and they shouldn't be this good for under $50

You'll also get up to 8.5 hours of listening time on the go, and with a quick 20-minute top-up charge, you get an extra two hours. Style-wise, like most, these earbuds come with multiple ear tips so they fit comfortably. Not to mention, a secure fit means they are better for sports such as running or gym workouts.

And one of our favorite features is the customizable tap controls. Choose whether you want these to adjust the volume, skip tracks, or pause your music. Do this in the Bose QCE app, where you'll also find more personalization options to tweak EQ settings and check battery life.

Grab this great earbud deal from Amazon.

Another year, another batch of enjoyably strange LOVE DEATH + ROBOTS stories.

Netflix has dropped its trailer for VOLUME 4 of Tim Miller's genre-spanning anthology, teasing tales about everything from Godzilla-sized babies to talking cats.

MrBeast, John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, Chris Parnell, Kevin Hart, John Boyega, Brett Goldstein, Rhys Darby, Niecy Nash-Betts and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are just some of the new cast additions.

LOVE DEATH + ROBOTS VOLUME 4 is streaming on Netflix from May 15.

SAVE $1,000: As of April 25, Sony’s 77-inch Bravia XR A95L OLED TV is available for $3,998 at Amazon. That’s $1,000 off its regular $4,999.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 77-inch Bravia XR A95L OLED TV $3,998 at Amazon
$4,999.99 Save $1,001.99 Get Deal

I don’t exactly need a $4,000 TV, but Sony’s A95L makes a pretty compelling case for why I should pretend otherwise. This 77-inch QD-OLED display is sitting at $3,998 right now at Amazon, which is $1,000 off its list price. Yes, it’s still expensive. No, it’s not overkill if you’re trying to future-proof your entire living room.

In my opinion, Sony nailed it with this panel. The QD-OLED tech paired with XR Triluminos Max delivers a level of color saturation and contrast that makes most TVs look like they’ve got a screen protector made of fog. It’s powered by Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, which is basically a way of saying the picture looks freakishly lifelike and way sharper than whatever your cable provider is serving you.

SEE ALSO: Sony's WH-CH720N headphones have dropped below $100 for a limited time

But let’s be honest — if you’re buying this TV, you’re probably also gaming on it. And this thing is built for that. With HDMI 2.1 features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, it’s clearly designed with performance in mind. The real cherry on top is the PlayStation 5 optimization. Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode give you the best possible picture settings without having to dig through menus.

It’s also a smart TV, obviously. Google TV handles the UI, and voice control works through Google Assistant and Alexa. You also get 10 movie credits and a two-year subscription to BRAVIA CORE for streaming in actual high-bitrate 4K, which feels like a dig at every other service that throws around “HD” as a buzzword.

Specifications:

• Price: $3,998 $4,999.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 77-inch QD-OLED, 4K UHD

• Processor: Cognitive Processor XR

• HDR: Dolby Vision, XR Triluminos Max

• Refresh rate: 120Hz

• Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode

• Smart TV: Google TV with Google Assistant and Alexa support

• Streaming extras: BRAVIA CORE (10 movie credits, 24-month subscription)

• Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

The A95L doesn’t pretend to be a budget pick, and I’m glad it doesn’t. I think if you’re serious about gaming or just want to watch nature documentaries in a way that makes you feel like you’re about to be eaten by a tiger, this is the upgrade worth making.

SAVE $35: As of April 25, Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds are available for $44.99 at Amazon. That’s 44% off their regular $79.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Space A40 Wireless Earbuds $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

I’ve tested more wireless earbuds than I care to admit, and I don’t usually expect much from anything under $50. But Soundcore’s Space A40 earbuds are the exception. They’re currently down to $44.99 at Amazon, a solid 44% off the usual $79.99. That’s not just a good deal — it’s the kind of price that makes you rethink what budget earbuds can do.

I think the biggest surprise is the noise cancellation. These things claim to reduce noise by up to 98%, and while I didn’t whip out a decibel meter, I will say they’re impressively quiet. The adaptive system adjusts automatically depending on where you are, and it works. I used them while walking near a busy road and didn’t need to crank the volume just to hear my music.

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

Battery life is also no joke. With 10 hours per charge and up to 50 hours total with the case, they outlast some high-end models. And if you’re down to 10% and in a rush, a quick 10-minute charge gets you four hours of playtime. That’s the kind of stat I didn’t expect to care about until I was running late and didn’t have time to babysit a charging case.

In terms of sound quality, they’re clearly tuned with mass appeal in mind. The bass is warm, vocals sit nicely in the mix, and the treble doesn’t shred your ears. There’s even a Hi-Res Audio Wireless mode via LDAC if you’re the type who notices those things. I appreciate that they didn’t just phone it in on the audio front.

Specifications:

• Price: $44.99 $79.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Form factor: In-ear wireless

• Noise cancelling: Adaptive active noise cancellation

• Battery life: 10 hours single, 50 hours total with case

• Sound quality: Dual-layer diaphragm drivers, LDAC Hi-Res mode

• Comfort: Lightweight, compact, ergonomic design

• Color: Black (also available in blue, green, purple, white)

• Charging: Wireless charging, 10-minute quick charge for 4 hours of playtime

Comfort-wise, they’re smaller than most ANC buds I’ve worn, and they actually stay put. I forgot I had them in a few times, which, for in-ear anything, is about as high a compliment as I can give.

If your budget’s tight or you just want a backup pair that doesn’t feel like a compromise, I think this deal makes a pretty strong case. They’re cheap, but they don’t act like it.

SAVE $50: As of April 25, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are available for $199.99 at Amazon. That’s 20% off their regular $249.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal

I want earbuds that do more than just play music, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro check that box with a Sharpie. They’re down to $199.99 at Amazon, a full 20% off the usual $249.99. For a product that only came out recently, that’s a price cut worth a second look.

In my opinion, this update finally makes Samsung’s earbuds feel premium. They’re redesigned for a more secure fit, which means I’m not constantly poking them back into place like some sad ear-Tamagotchi. The silver finish is understated and clean, and they come with a two-year warranty exclusive to Amazon. I don’t usually get excited about warranties, but I’ll make an exception when the product is this small and this easy to lose in a coat pocket.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's 4TB T5 EVO SSD is over $100 off and includes a free Sonic microSDXC

Sound-wise, the Buds 3 Pro lean heavily into AI. They use adaptive noise cancellation to filter out distractions when you want focus, then let in voices or ambient sounds when the context calls for it. There’s also an adaptive equalizer that tweaks your audio in real time based on fit. I didn’t expect to care about this feature, but it makes a noticeable difference. Everything sounds sharper and more balanced, like your music went through a finishing school.

The real party trick is translation. With Galaxy AI, you can hear live translations during phone calls or face-to-face conversations. It’s the kind of feature that sounds like a gimmick until it’s not. I wouldn’t rely on it to negotiate an international treaty, but for travel or quick exchanges, it’s surprisingly competent.

Specifications:

• Price: $199.99 $249.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Form factor: True wireless in-ear

• Noise cancelling: Adaptive active noise cancellation with Galaxy AI

• Sound optimization: Adaptive equalizer with Galaxy AI

• Unique features: Real-time interpreter, intuitive touch controls

• Durability: Two-year limited Amazon-exclusive warranty

• Color: Silver (also available in white)

• Compatibility: Optimized for Samsung devices

I think if you already use a Samsung phone, this deal is almost too logical to ignore. The integration is seamless, the features are actually useful, and the price is finally in a range that feels fair. If your current earbuds are more “wireless-ish” than wireless, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

FREE LEGO: On April 27, build a Mother's Day Flower model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free Mother's Day Flower Learn More

Lego's make and take events provide an awesome opportunity for fans to take home something exclusive for absolutely nothing. In 2025, Lego has run a number of these generous events, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Following in the footsteps of the popular Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, and Grogu events, Lego is now offering a Mother's Day Flower model for free.

Thanks, Lego.

SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I needed

Visitors to select Lego Stores on April 27 (from 12-2 p.m.) will have the chance to participate in a Lego Mother's Day Flower model make and take event. During this event, participants can build and bring home a stunning Flower model for free. This event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and the model will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis, at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada, while supplies last.

What's important to note is that the Flower model is not available for purchase. So you're getting your hands on something exclusive in this special event. The only catch is that you're limited to one build per participant, which seems fair.

Build and take home an exclusive Mother's Day Flower model for free on April 27.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, April 25, 2025:

Across"Beware the ___ of March"

• The answer is Ides.

Sends a message

• The answer is Texts.

Pond scum

• The answer is Algae.

Teeny-tiny bit

• The answer is Iota.

Doctor who might more aptly be called a "dogtor"

• The answer is Vet.

Down"Don't call ___ comeback!"

• The answer is ItA.

Supermarket section

• The answer is Deli.

Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short

• The answer is ExGov.

5-Across or 8-Across, if you change the T's in this answer

• The answer is State.

Musical chairs need

• The answer is Seat.

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

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

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

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

Netflix is introducing a new type of original language subtitles.

On Thursday, the company announced a new subtitle option: original language subtitles that only show the spoken dialogue.

The only option for subtitles in the original language before was Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH/CC). These subtitles include dialogue but also audio cues such as [dramatic music swells], as well as names of the people speaking on screen.

However, Netflix has realized that a lot of folks watch content with subtitles (fifty percent of Americans do it most of the time), and decided to offer a subtitle option that only covers spoken dialogue. If you're wondering why that is, you've probably never seen Brad Pitt's legendary performance in Guy Ritchie's "Snatch."

Now you get both the CC and the non-CC version. Credit: Netflix

Unfortunately, this will not be available for older titles, at least not right away. Netflix says the new subtitle option will first appear on new titles coming to the platform, with the first show to get it being the fifth season of You.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock and watch U.S. Netflix

Netflix also said that, going forward, the non-CC subtitles will be available on all new Netflix originals in every language that the platform offers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Happens at a track competition

• Green: Descriptions given for athletes

• Blue: Heard their name called first

• Purple: Share a second word

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: Track and field events

• Green: Bio info for an NFL draft pick

• Blue: Previous No. 1 NFL draft picks

• Purple: _______ball sports

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 #214 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Track and field events - C100 METERS, DECATHLON, POLE VAULT, STEEPLECHASE

• Bio info for an NFL draft pick - HEIGHT, POSITION, SCHOOL, WEIGHT

• Previous No. 1 NFL draft picks - BURROW, FISHER, LONG, LUCK

• ________ball sports - FOOT, PICKLE, SOFT, VOLLEY

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.

A TV is the centrepiece of most living areas — not only a source of constant entertainment, but the thing that all your furniture is pointed towards — so it's vital that you get it right. Even when you're shopping on a budget.

The great thing about modern tech is that when you are shopping on a budget, there's a surprising number of features that you can get for your money. 21st Century TVs can do much more than just tune into a couple of channels.

If you need some help choosing a TV, we've trawled the internet to find a selection of the best models. We have information on the best 4K TVs, TVs for gaming, and TVs for under £500. We wouldn't want budget shoppers to feel left out though, so here’s a quick guide to buying a cheap TV, along with some of the very best models.

How much do budget TVs cost?

As you can see, we’ve kept it to £300 or below. Indeed, there’s lots of talk about huge, mega-resolution smart TVs — eye-popping 4K sets and eye-watering prices — but it’s perfectly possible to get a good television set for a few hundred pounds. In some cases around the £150 mark. It’s worth remembering that if you’re not fussy about having the very latest model, you’ll find that more expensive models from the last few years are now marked down to a more agreeable price.

Do budget TVs offer smart features?

Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean lacking in quality. Because some of these models even offer impressive features like Ultra HD image resolution and HDR support. Enormous QLED TVs are obviously not going to make this list but you can still find real quality, if you know where to look. All the TVs featured in this roundup have smart platforms that offer a selection of streaming apps as well access to free-to-view channels. You’ll also find features such as Alexa compatibility, gaming modes, and audio technology.

What is HDR?

This is a common selling point in modern TVs, so it’s worth knowing about — especially if you’re particular about having the best quality image. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This essentially means a wider gamut of colours and shades of light and dark. It produces more vivid, nuanced colours — deeper, richer, and more detailed. There are different HDR formats — notably Dolby Vision and HDR10 — and you’ll find that certain TVs support certain formats (or both).

Can you get 4K for under £300?

In years gone by, most TVs at this price range were either HD Ready (720p) or Full HD (1080p), but that seems to be changing. It's relatively easy to find 4K in the budget price range now, as you can see from the selection below.

Can you watch streaming apps on a cheap TV?

Streaming apps are a feature of smart platforms, which you'll find on all of the TVs we've selected. You'll be able to watch the likes of Netflix, Disney, and iPlayer — though you need a subscription in some cases and an internet connection, of course. You can watch live digital channels through platforms such as Freeview Play and Freely, which may also be included on budget TVs.

What is the best TV for under £300?

We have painstakingly checked out everything on offer at this price range to bring you a selection of your best options. Whether you want something for your spare room, university halls, or home office, there will be something for you in this list. We’ve done the hard work so you can focus on the more important details, like where the TV is going to live in your room and what you're going to sit on. You know, all the fun stuff.

These are the best TVs for under £300 in 2025.

Working from home — or WFH to use the modern parlance — is now well established. That means you can no longer get away with an uncomfortable or amateurish setup in your home office. It's time for a serious upgrade. It's time to get profresional.

If you regularly WFH, consider a good quality computer monitor. Your desk chairs, keyboards, and mouse would seem pretty useless without one. A good monitor can also be essential for boosting productivity, helping you to organise, prioritise, and focus. It could be just what you need to overcome productivity issues. Because it is easy to get distracted when you're at home, even if you are technically on the clock.

But how to choose a monitor? As with all tech purchases, it’s easy to get blindsided with spec and jargon. But we can help with choosing a monitor to upgrade your office. Here’s some handy information to get you started.

What size are computer monitors?

Computer monitors are somewhere between a laptop and a TV. They tend to average out at around 24 or 27 inches, though there are definitely bigger options available. If you like to mix up work and play — as in, use the monitor for gaming as well as WFH — a larger monitor might be best. We’ve included a range of sizes below.

What is the best resolution for a computer monitor?

If you’re using the monitor just for work — spreadsheets, documents, and video calls — regular HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) will do the trick. But if you are also using it for gaming or streaming in your downtime, consider a monitor that goes all the way up to 4K. You’ll find a selection of resolutions in this roundup. And it's not just about resolution. Monitors may also be equipped with HDR (high dynamic range), which means the monitor can produce richer colours and sharper details.

What features do monitors offer?

You might come across some jargon and tech speak while shopping for monitors, so here's a simple breakdown of key features:

• Eye Protection — Some monitors are built with technology to protect you from blue light or reduce eye fatigue — always a problem when you’re staring at a screen for the whole working day. There are also features that make it easier to read on the screen, and display technology that ensures you see the monitor clearly from any angle.

• Ergonomic Features — Ergonomic is a term that comes up with lots of office equipment. It basically means that it’s built for the most efficient and safest use. In the case of monitors that means they can be adjusted to tilt, pivot, and angle at a position that’s comfortable and reduces the chance of neck and posture problems. Sitting at a desk poorly can have bigger health impact than you might realise.

• Built-In Speakers — Basic monitors tend to not have speakers, which means you’ll need to add external speakers if you want audio. More advanced monitors like gaming monitors are more like little TVs, so may come with speakers already built-in.

• Ports and Connections — Depending on the price, different monitors will come with a different selection of ports. This will of course depend on your home set-up and what devices you need to connect. But look for monitors that have a range of HDMI and USB connections. And take note whether they offer USB A or C.

• AMD FreeSync — You'll find this technology on monitors that are designed for video playback and gaming. It helps minimise issues such as screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag, and improves the overall fluidity of the monitor's visuals.

Keep these features in mind when shopping for a monitor.

What is the best monitor for working from home?

To help you find a monitor that works for you and your budget, we have tracked down a selection of devices from a bunch of top brands. We're confident that there's something for everyone — not to mention every budget — on this list.

These are the best monitors in 2025.

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 crest.

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

RIDGE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Mushrooms.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FUNGI

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Lopsided.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

WONKY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An imposter.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 25 Hurdle Word 4 answer

FRAUD

Final Hurdle hint

A popular seed.

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

POPPY

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

Threads, Meta's alternative to X, formerly Twitter, had almost everything it needed to succeed. It's backed by one of the biggest of the Big Tech companies. It's directly integrated with Instagram, the mega popular photo sharing app. With all its powers combined, Threads was able to grow to 100 million users in just 5 days.

However, there was one crucial element that the platform was missing: A 'dot com' domain name.

But, as of April 24, Meta has solved Threads' URL problem. Threads.com now officially points users to the web version of the Threads platform.

"Today, we’re moving from Threads.net to Threads.com," Meta said in an announcement posted on the company blog alongside feature updates to the platform.

As Elon Musk continues to put his unique stamp on X, many liberal users are seeking out new social media homes. X competitors like Bluesky and Threads appear to have won out as the official Twitter replacements, although neither have come close to achieving critical mass.

Threads finally using Threads.com as its official URL won't beat out X alone, but studies have shown that internet users still use and trust .com domain names more than any other domain extension. This move from Threads.net to Threads.com will only help the platform.

Threads originally launched in July 2023 strictly as a mobile app. One month later, Threads rolled out the web version of the social media platform. However, Threads on the web was previously located at Threads.net.

Why? At the time, Meta simply did not own the dot-com domain. Plenty of users went to Threads.com when Meta launched the platform. However, users who visited the URL were then directed to a website for a startup company that was building a Slack alternative called Threads — not exactly an ideal user experience.

Unsurprisingly, the Slack alternative unfortunately named Threads later noted that it received acquisition interest from Meta. The following year, the startup announced that Shopify had acquired the company. Then, in September 2024, tech outlets noticed that the ownership information listed in the Whois domain records for Threads.com pointed to a new owner — Meta.

It's unclear how much Meta paid for the domain name, but on Thursday, the company made Threads.com official.

Motorola finally shut off all the leaks surrounding its new Razr phones on Thursday by just announcing them officially.

The American tech firm announced its latest batch of foldable phones, which consists of three new Razr devices: The Razr (2025), Razr Plus (2025), and Razr Ultra. You can see a full rundown of specs and features in Motorola's company blog post, but suffice it to say, the Ultra with the wood finish is probably the star of the show here.

Motorola claims that thanks to its Snapdragon processor, the new Motorola Razr Ultra will be the world's most powerful flip phone, as well as the fastest-charging flip phone.

The new Motorola Razr comes in a sick wood finish. Credit: Motorola SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the new Motorola Razr: Leaks, launch date, price The Motorola Razr Ultra: Flagship specs and a Snapdragon processor

It's the most expensive phone of the bunch at $1,300, but you get what you pay for, specs-wise. The Razr Ultra has a 4-inch cover display on the exterior and a 7-inch display on the interior, with a beefy 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. You'll also get a big 4,700mAh battery on top of a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, plus a trio of 50MP camera lenses to play with. It also comes in a swaggy new faux-wood finish as an option, which is definitely one of the coolest-looking phones I've seen in a minute.

Here are the key specs:

• Displays: 4-inch external screen, 7-inch internal screen

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite processor

• RAM: 16GB

• Storage options: 512GB, 1TB

• Battery: 4,700mAh

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP selfie

• Colorways: Pantone Cabaret, Pantone Scarab, Pantone Rio Red, Pantone Mountain Trail (wood finish)

The Motorola Razr Ultra also has a dedicated AI button, though the features you can access with it as a shortcut are also available on the other new Razr devices.

The Motorola Razr 2025 lineup comes with Moto AI

"Moto AI," as it's called, can do interesting things like keep a pin in items you specifically ask it to remember for you to bring up later. There's also a "Group Shot" photo feature similar to what's been on recent Google Pixel phones, which lets you put multiple group photos together into one, giving you a "perfect" shot where no one is making a funny face.

AI features like this are becoming standard now in the smartphone market, with each successive launch bringing new AI features to the market. Moto AI gets a boost from Google Gemini, including Google Gemini Live mode.

Credit: Motorola SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel 9a is available now: How to buy The new Motorola Razr and Razr Plus

The other two new Razr phones aren't quite as fancy as the Ultra, but as a consolation, they're also considerably cheaper. The base model starts at $699 and comes with a smaller 3.6-inch cover screen and a slightly smaller 6.9-inch interior display. You only get an older MediaTek Dimensity 7400X processor to go along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and the camera array isn't as impressive, but if you want an affordable foldable, this is an affordable foldable.

Here are the base model's specs:

• Displays: 3.6-inch external screen, 6.9-inch internal screen

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7400X

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 256GB of storage

• Battery: 4,500mAh battery

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie

The $999 Razr Plus is an interesting middle-ground. It retains the 4-inch cover screen from the Ultra and the 6.9-inch display from the base model. It uses a slightly newer Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 processor than what's in the base model, but it still probably won't be as performant as the Ultra. You get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage here, as well as a 50MP wide lens and 50MP telephoto lens to play with on the back.

And here are the key specs for the Razr Plus, with our colleagues at CNET filling in some details on the processor and battery:

• Displays: 4-inch external screen, 6.9-inch internal screen

• Processor: Snapdragon 8S Gen 3

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256GB of storage

• Battery: 4,500mAh battery

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie

One thing is clear: Motorola has come a long way since the first, very disappointing attempt at bringing back the Razr as a foldable five years ago.

The 2025 editions of the Motorola Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra will be available for pre-order for U.S. customers starting May 7 at Motorola, Best Buy, and Amazon. For now, you can register for updates at the Motorola website.

We'll update this post with additional purchase details when we have them, and we're hoping to have a full hands-on review of the new phones soon.

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as teams look to land their next big star from a deep pool of collegiate talent.

If the draft feels overwhelming, you're not alone. With hundreds of college prospects, complex draft mechanics, and constant speculation about which teams are eyeing whom, it can be a lot to take in. Thankfully, draft coverage is practically its own industry. The NFL reigns supreme in American sports, and that means there’s no shortage of expert analysis, tools, and resources widely available online.

SEE ALSO: How much would it really cost to watch every NFL game on TV?

We’ve rounded up a few to help you navigate it all.

NFL mock drafts

Everyone and their second cousin has a mock draft these days, so knowing where to start can be overwhelming. But my personal favorite resource is The Ringer's NFL Draft Guide, for a few reasons. First, I listen to their NFL podcasts and trust their coverage. Second, the guide is comprehensive. They have four different mock drafts from four of their experts (Danny Kelly, Diante Lee, Danny Heifetz, and Todd McShay), a big board, and a team need guide. And, finally, the Ringer's NFL Draft page is wildly easy to use. It's simple to navigate and allows you to dive deeper into every pick or player.

You can also find mock drafts at ESPN, CBS, Yahoo, or pretty much anywhere else online.

top 100!

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— Danny Kelly (@dannybkelly.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 9:05 AM NFL Draft simulators

If you want to try your hand at a mock draft or a draft simulator, you can do that, too. ESPN has a simulator tool that'll let you play out the dream of being your favorite team's GM — so you watch the other teams pick and then make your selections for one franchise.

If you want to control every team — aka make your own mock draft — you can do so at NFL Mock Draft Database, which also has a comprehensive list of expert mock drafts.

What's one more mock draft for the road, eh? Our expert's final iteration of the first round features just one trade, two quarterbacks... and no Shedeur Sanders. :link: http://dlvr.it/TKLYm1

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— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM NFL Draft expert opinions and who to follow online

Let me be clear: There are so, so, so many draft experts, and there is no way I know them all. But I do consider myself a bit of an NFL draft sicko and, thus, have my favorites. So here is a quick list, with their social media account linked, of some of my favorite follows for NFL Draft content:

• Ben Solak, ESPN

• Robert Mays, The Athletic

• Danny Kelly, The Ringer

• Mina Kimes, ESPN

• Danny Heifetz, The Ringer

• Diante Lee, The Ringer

• Dianna Russini, The Athletic

• Dane Brugler, The Athletic

• Charles McDonald, Yahoo

• Nate Tice, Yahoo

• Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

• Colleen Wolfe, NFL Network

• Peter Schrager, ESPN

The draft's first round is scheduled to begin on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. It seems certain that Miami QB Cam Ward will go first overall to the Tennessee Titans. After that, who knows? But at least now you'll be informed and prepared.

Google is currently in the midst of a major antitrust trial (make that two antitrust trials, actually), which may result in the company being forced to sell off its popular web browser, Google Chrome. However, the search giant made a major, unrelated Chrome announcement earlier this week:

Google is abandoning its plans to drop third-party cookies from Chrome.

Back in January 2020, Google made a big announcement that was welcomed by privacy advocates. The company said it planned to completely eliminate third-party cookies within its Chrome web browser over the next two years. Now, more than five years later, those plans have been scrapped entirely. Last year, Google hinted it might keep the cookies but make it easier for users to opt out, but now the company has even backtracked from this middle ground option.

"We’ve made the decision to maintain our current approach to offering users third-party cookie choice in Chrome, and will not be rolling out a new standalone prompt for third-party cookies," wrote Google Privacy Sandbox VP Anthony Chavez in a blog post on Tuesday. "Users can continue to choose the best option for themselves in Chrome’s Privacy and Security Settings."

The verdict is clear: third-party cookies are here to stay for most Chrome users.

What is an internet cookie?

An internet cookie is basically a small file that is saved to your computer when you visit a website. Cookies store relevant user information in order to enhance a users' experience. When a website remembers your login details or an e-commerce store already has your last shopping cart saved, that's thanks to the cookie stored in your web browser.

Third-party cookies, however, are internet cookies that share this user data with a party separate from the website the user is actually visiting. Third-party cookies are commonly used by advertisers. For example, when a user searches for a product online and then finds ads for that product on Instagram, that's due to a third-party cookie.

"Third-party cookies allow companies to build detailed profiles of your online activities, which can be used for targeted advertising or sold to the highest bidder," digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) explained in a post last year. "The consequences are far-reaching and deeply concerning. Your browsing history can reveal sensitive information, including your financial status, sexual orientation, and medical conditions. Data brokers collect and sell this information without your knowledge or consent."

Google already signaled it was heading in this direction in 2024. The company said that it would find a middle ground in its internet cookie strategy so as to avoid disrupting third-party advertising. And don't forget that Google itself is a massive advertising technology company. Too big, in fact, a judge recently ruled.

Back in 2024, Google said it would provide new features that would provide users with more transparency and the ability to make informed opt-out choices about third-party cookies.

Now, Google has scrapped those plans and will keep third-party cookies without any changes.

How does this affect the rest of the web?

Web browsers like Mozilla's Firefox and Apple's Safari already block third-party cookies by default, so Google Chrome would have just been playing catch-up. However, Chrome makes up a whopping 66 percent of the global web browser market share, so most internet users are still exposed to third-party cookies thanks to Google.

Previously, Google set up its Privacy Sandbox initiative specifically to offer alternative solutions to third-party cookies for developers and online advertisers. However, even this was met with criticism, as Google would continue to track users in Chrome for its own advertising purposes. (Just this week, Google was found to be "engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts" with its ad products.)

Google's decision to reverse course on third-party cookies will likely be welcomed by online advertising companies, though some have already been looking for alternatives.

"While we expect to see marketers continue to rely on third-party cookies indefinitely for reach, we also expect an increased emphasis on tools that can incorporate the third-party cookie alongside newer destinations and experiences," said Travis Clinger of data platform LiveRamp in a statement to Mashable. “Consumer preferences for privacy and personalization, and marketers’ demand for better performance, have already lessened the popularity of third-party cookies."

But Google clearly heard enough support for third-party cookies from the digital ad industry to change its mind.

"As we’ve engaged with the ecosystem, including publishers, developers, regulators, and the ads industry, it remains clear that there are divergent perspectives on making changes that could impact the availability of third-party cookies," Chavez said in the post announcing the decision.

So, it seems third-party cookies are here to stay in Google Chrome. That is, unless the judge in Google's antitrust trial decides Google must sell off Chrome. Then, a new potential owner (like, say, ChatGPT-maker OpenAI) could follow Firefox and Safari's lead and rid Chrome of third-party cookies once and for all.

TL;DR: Live stream Vancouver vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The semi finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup are here, with all eyes on the four remaining sides. At this late stage, each team will be dreaming of lifting the trophy.

There are plenty of stars on Inter Miami who are used to that feeling, including the likes of Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and of course, Lionel Messi. Standing in their way are the Vancouver Whitecaps, fresh from knocking out Pumas UNAM in the last round.

If you want to watch Vancouver vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Vancouver vs. Inter Miami?

Vancouver vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 10:30 p.m. ET on April 24. This fixture takes place at BC Place.

How to watch Vancouver vs. Inter Miami for free

Vancouver vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is available in most locations around the world, but not in North or Central America. Fortunately, fans in these excluded territories can still access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK (or somewhere else with access), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Vancouver vs. Inter Miami by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK (or somewhere else with access)

4. Visit YouTube

5. Live stream Vancouver vs. Inter Miami for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Vancouver vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Vancouver vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

You've heard of AI models taking the bar exam, but this time, AI also helped write the questions.

The State Bar of California revealed on Monday that it used AI to develop a portion of its exam questions, according to the LA Times. The AI-generated exam questions were created by an independent psychometrician called ACS Ventures hired by the State Bar. The questions were "developed with the assistance of AI and subsequently reviewed by content validation panels and a subject matter expert in advance of the exam," announced the State Bar in a statement addressing technical glitches and question errors that test takers had previously complained about.

The LA Times reported that 23 out of the 171 multiple choice questions were made by ACS Ventures. The majority of the multiple choice questions were developed by Kaplan, and a "small subset" were taken from the First-Year Law Students' Exam. This past year, the bar was offered remotely to California-based test takers. Students and educators alike were already outraged about the remote test platform crashing and being riddled with bugs. But now, the discovery that some of the exam questions were created with AI has further fueled that outrage.

"I'm almost speechless. Having the questions drafted by non-lawyers using artificial intelligence is just unbelievable," Mary Basick, assistant dean of academic skills at UC Irvine School of Law told the Times. "It's a staggering admission," Katie Moran, an associate professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law told the outlet.

Moran also pointed out the fact that ACS Ventures, the firm used to craft the AI questions, was the same firm to approve the questions.

Alex Chan, who chairs the State Bar's Committee of Bar Examiners, told the outlet that the California Supreme Court had pressured the State Bar to look into "new technologies, such as artificial intelligence" as a means of improving reliability or cost-efficiency.

Automating tasks with AI has surged since the rise of generative AI — and not just simple tasks or low-stakes work, but critical work that has very real consequences. Some suspect that the formula used to calculate the Trump Administration's tariff rates was created by ChatGPT or something similar. In 2023, two New York lawyers were sanctioned for using ChatGPT in a legal brief, which cited fake cases. And academic journals are flooded with papers that include AI-generated text.

And those are just a few examples of the ones that got caught. Generative AI's ability to rapidly write, summarize, and source information has been an irresistible way for workers to save time and effort. But it has innate hallucination problems and poses ethical issues by outsourcing work to a bot — especially when it comes to law students whose entire career rests on passing the bar.