Mashable

Music streaming service Spotify is unavailable to many users early on Wednesday.

The company's official Spotify Status account on X tweeted they are "aware of some issues right now and are checking them out!"

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

Downdetector, a service that tracks uptime for popular internet sites and apps, indicates that Spotify is down for numerous users in the past hour or so. Downdetector data shows that most users are reporting problems with the Spotify app in particular. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis owns both Mashable and Down Detector.)

That doesn't look good. Credit: Downdetector

There's no official word on what's causing the outage. As of 10:00 a.m. on April 16, Spotify was trending on X, with hundreds of users reacting to the problem. We'll update this article when we know more.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Companion' at home: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy or rent 'Companion' on Prime Video $19.99 to buy, $5.99 to rent Get Deal BEST OVERALL Max (With Ads) annual subscription $79.99/year for a limited time (save $20) Get Deal BEST NO-ADS OPTION Max Ad-Free annual subscription $139.99/year for a limited time (save $30) Get Deal GET MAX FOR FREE Max (With Ads) for Cricket customers Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal GET MAX FOR FREE Max (With Ads) Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 38%) Get Deal

Not every AI-based narrative is the same, and Companion is here to prove it. Full of twists and plenty of gruesome violence, the deranged thriller is coming to the small screen this spring after an impressive box office run. The movie stars Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend. As our reviewer said before its release, Companion "takes its riveting premise into a rich terrain of twisted turns embedded with smart and sick humor," turning it more into a dark comedy than your typical thriller.

If you missed Companion in theaters, we have good news: You can start streaming the sci-fi thriller at home beginning April 18 on Max. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Companion.

What is Companion about?

Written and directed by Drew Hancock, Companion follows a small group of friends on a weekend getaway at a remote cabin in the woods. However, one of them is not what they appear to be — Iris is actually a companion robot who becomes aware of her reality, seeking revenge and quickly turning the weekend into a bloody mess. "But if you think Companion is going to go the way of M3GAN or AfrAId, you're in for a slew of slick surprises," Mashable's reviewer notes.

Check out the full trailer:

Is Companion worth watching?

The Sophie Thatcher-led thriller took home an impressive $36.7 million at the worldwide box office when it released in theaters back in January. What's more impressive is it managed to win over audiences — which isn't always the case with box office hits. It nabbed a 94 percent critic rating and 89 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Mashable's own reviewer, film editor Kristy Puchko, called it "a rollicking thrill ride that's as spiked with surprises and gore as it is sharp punchlines."

"Aside from the delicious twists that lead to a string of gruesome yet amusing murders, Companion also boasts an ensemble cast that expertly keeps things light and fun amid the horrors," Puchko wrote. "Altogether, they create a compelling, funny, and fierce thriller that's a deranged delight."

Read our full review of Companion.

How to watch Companion at home Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

There are a few different ways to watch Companion at home: purchasing via digital video-on-demand, renting via digital video-on-demand, and of course, streaming. The cheapest route would be renting, but it's also the most limited option.

Buy or rent Companion on digital

Companion made its theatrical debut on Jan. 31, then became available to watch at home a few weeks later via digital video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. You can purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days for $19.99 or $5.99, respectively. If you choose to rent, just take note that you'll have 30 days to watch, but just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers as of Feb. 18:

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent for as low as $4.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent for as low as $4.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Companion' at Prime Video $5.99 or $19.99 Get Deal Stream Companion on Max

As a Warner Bros. Pictures film, it comes as no surprise that Companion will make its streaming debut on Max — the Warner Bros.-owned streaming service. You can stream the sci-fi thriller on Max beginning April 18.

Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways to save some money on your plan. Check out the best Max streaming deals below.

The best Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 33% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $79.99 per year (save $20/year) Get Deal

While the cheapest monthly Max subscription goes for $9.99 (with ads), an annual subscription brings that cost down to just $8.33 per month. Even better, through May 7, that cost drops to just $6.67. You'll have to pay $79.99 up front for your first year, but that will ultimately save you about 33% compared to a monthly plan. After your initial discounted year is up, the price will revert back to the typical annual plan fee, which is $99.99, and still a very good price.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save up to 32% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $139.99 per year (save $30/year) Get Deal

Similarly, you can save up to 32% by committing to a yearly plan of the Max ad-free tiers while they're on sale (for those who cannot fathom watching with ads). You have two tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs either $16.99 per month or $139.99 per year (about $11.67 per month), while the Ultimate tier costs either $20.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month) through May 7. The price drop is only valid for your first year of streaming.

Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier comes with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Get Deal

Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan can score Max with ads for free. Just choose Cricket as your provider when logging into Max and enter your credentials to log in. That's all, folks.

Best Max deal for DoorDash users: Free Max with ads with DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / Max Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal

Another way to get Max for free in 2025 is by signing up for DoorDash's annual DashPass plan. An annual DashPass membership costs $96 per year ($8 per month) and gets you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, plus a Max subscription (with ads). Eligible subscribers will have to activate their Max subscription through their DoorDash account. Take note that while the free deal only applies to the Max plan with ads, you can also choose to upgrade for a discounted rate to eliminate them.

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can get an entire year of Max with ads for half price. Verify your student status with UNiDAYS, retrieve your unique discount code, and watch the price drop from $9.99 to $4.99 per month.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

It's not exactly the cheapest way to watch Companion and other movies on Max, but the Disney+ bundle remains one of the best streaming deals around. You'll get the most bang for your buck — it's just $16.99 per month for Max, Disney+, and Hulu with ads. That lineup of streaming services with ads would usually run you $25.97 per month. If you'd rather go ad-free, it'll cost you $29.99 per month as opposed to $48.97. That's up to 38% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries.

Let’s get this out of the way: Bionic Bay is going to be compared to Limbo and Inside. A lot. It’s inevitable. Psychoflow Studios, in collaboration with Mureena Oy, has delivered what feels like a sci-fi reimagining of Playdead’s moody 2010 classic. The visual storytelling, the shadowy menace, the precisely brutal puzzles — it’s all here, reassembled with a slick, biomechanical sheen.

But don’t mistake Bionic Bay for a copycat. Beneath the familiar silhouette lies a wildly inventive and occasionally maddening precision platformer that plays like a love letter to physics. This isn’t just puzzle-solving; it’s gravity-bending, object-swapping, mid-air improvisation that can make you feel like a time-warping parkour demigod when it all clicks.

Clocking in at around 8–10 hours (depending on how reckless or masochistic you are), it’s tightly paced — though not always evenly. I played on PlayStation 5, and somewhere in the middle of its surreal, flesh-and-metal dreamscape, I found myself wondering: How the hell are they going to top this?

Welcome to the Otherworld Credit: Psychoflow Studios / Mureena Oy / Kepler Interactive

Bionic Bay technically has a story, but don’t expect much of a narrative to latch onto. Most of it unfolds through cryptic text logs that pop up as you stumble across the corpses of long-dead scientists, scattered like breadcrumbs across this eerie, decaying world.

From what my very smooth, very confused brain could piece together, you’re the unfortunate scientist who has survived an experiment gone sideways — catapulted into the guts of an ancient, hyper-advanced alien civilization. That’s...pretty much it. And honestly, that’s fine. The "plot" is more ambient than essential — it's just vibes, bro. Really, it’s just an excuse to hurl yourself over chasms wider than your rent bill.

Thankfully, you’re not doing it alone, or entirely as a human. Early on, the game zaps you with a genetic upgrade called "elasticity," essentially turning your character from discount Gordon Freeman into a wall-bouncing, momentum-bending physics god.

As you progress, Bionic Bay hands you a trio of reality-breaking tools that would make any physics professor sweat. First up: a transporter that lets you swap places with nearby objects. Then there’s the Chronolag, a pair of sunglasses that slows time in a tight radius around you. Finally, the gravitational backpack, a piece of high-tech wizardry that lets you rotate the direction of gravity with a flick of the right stick.

Naturally, these gadgets come with caveats. The swap tool only works with objects currently on screen (no teleporting cheese here). The Chronolag is limited to a tense 30 seconds and cuts off the second you take damage or go full ragdoll. The gravity backpack allows for two midair uses — after that, you're out of tricks and headed straight for a hard landing.

But despite the limitations, or even because of them, each tool is essential to cracking Bionic Bay’s brutally tight puzzle platforming. And I mean tight. These puzzles don’t just flirt with precision; they demand pixel-perfect timing and surgical object placement. Especially in the later levels, success hinges on mastering momentum, nailing swaps mid-fall, and contorting through gaps designed to mock your sense of space and rhythm.

Even with all the high-tech tools at your disposal, mastering your own movement is essential to solving Bionic Bay’s intricate puzzles. One of the most versatile mechanics is the dash, triggered with the Circle button. It sends your character hurtling forward in a curled, high-speed motion — part movement boost, part crouch — perfect for slipping through tight gaps or gaining momentum.

The dash can also be chained with jumps for extended traversal. Combining it with the X button allows for long, arcing leaps that feel like controlled bursts of flight. In practice, it’s a rhythmic sequence: dash, jump, dash again. The Circle button also functions as a dive midair, letting you fine-tune your trajectory or squeeze through narrow environmental windows with just the right amount of force.

A solution for everyone Credit: Psychoflow Studios / Mureena Oy / Kepler Interactive

The environments in Bionic Bay aren’t just backdrops — they're fully interactive playgrounds where the rules are loose, and experimentation is everything. Most puzzles don’t lock you into a single solution; instead, they hand you a toolbox and let your grasp of the game’s intricate physics system guide the way. Getting from point A to point B is less about following a path and more about inventing one, usually while avoiding hazards like vaporizing lasers, insta-freeze traps, and an absurd number of explosive land mines.

Take one scenario: I needed to reach a high cliff from ground level. One option was to roll a barrel into place, launch myself off it, swap positions mid-air, race over to climb the object, jump off it, and grab the ledge. Another route? Use the land mines — delicately timed detonation included — to catapult me skyward using the previously mentioned object as a shield. The game doesn’t just allow for creativity; it thrives on it, practically begging players to break it in the most stylish ways possible. It’s built for the kind of player who sees every mechanic as a potential exploit, and Bionic Bay rewards that mentality at every turn.

Bionic Bay drips with atmosphere — equal parts decaying alien architecture and rusted industrial labyrinth. In one moment, you’re dwarfed by writhing, root-like structures lit by an amber glow that feels almost biblical in its intensity. In the next, you’re navigating a colossal tangle of mechanical guts like massive gears, broken scaffolding, and planet-sized orbs suspended in shafts of scorching light. It's biomechanical horror meets cosmic wonder, with every frame soaked in grime, heat, and a strange, almost sacred silence. It’s haunting, oppressive, and stunningly beautiful all at once.

Bionic Bay walks a fine line visually. Despite the protagonist being mostly a black silhouette, the environments are detailed enough that you never lose track of him, even in the most chaotic moments. And — maybe this dates me — but the contrast between the character and the background instantly brought Vector to mind, that sleek parkour side-scroller from the iOS glory days of 2012. It’s as if Psychoflow took that minimalist, kinetic style and mashed it together with moody pixel art, otherworldly concept design, and the eerie tone of Limbo.

The result is something familiar yet fresh, a visual identity that feels both nostalgic and completely alien.

Is Bionic Bay worth it? Credit: Psychoflow Studios / Mureena Oy / Kepler Interactive

Performance-wise, there’s not much to complain about. Bionic Bay runs smoothly on PS5, with just a single framerate dip cropping up late in the game. I’m curious to see how the online mode holds up, but since I was playing on a pre-release build, the multiplayer was a ghost town even after I unlocked it by finishing the main campaign.

As for sound design, I was fully locked in. The soundtrack rarely takes center stage, but when it does, it hits — pulsing synths that creep in and swell at just the right moments, adding a heavy, unnerving layer to the game’s far-future horror vibe. It looks great, it sounds great, and while the single-player campaign does drag a bit in the middle, it’s a gorgeous slog. A stylish, ambient descent into mechanical madness that knows how to hold your attention, even when it's testing your patience.

Bionic Bay is absolutely worth your time, especially if you're the kind of player who thrives on challenge, experimentation, and atmospheric immersion. It doesn't reinvent the puzzle platformer but pushes the genre in a clever direction with its physics-driven mechanics and open-ended puzzle design. It's a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity while looking like a fever dream built from scrap metal and alien roots.

It’s not perfect — the pacing stumbles in the middle, and the story barely registers — but the overall experience is too striking to ignore. For fans of Limbo, Inside, or even old-school Vector, Bionic Bay is a beautifully harsh evolution of the genre. Just be prepared to die. A lot.

For more Mashable game reviews, check out our OpenCritic page.

SAVE $20: As of April 16, the JBL Clip 5 portable speaker is on sale for $59.99 at Best Buy. That's 25% off its list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $59.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

There have been quite a few portable speaker deals popping up recently, including in Best Buy's Spring Sale. With the weather heating up, it makes sense to pick something up to take on your outdoor adventures this year, and we've found some great offers that are worth a look. If you're looking for a portable option to hook onto a bag or backpack, this deal on the JBL Clip 5 at Best Buy is one you don't want to miss.

The JBL Clip 5 has received a $20 price drop at Best Buy, which has brought its price down from $79.99 to $59.99. This deal applies to multiple color options as well, so you can choose between black, purple, camouflage, red, white, and blue to add a nice personal touch. This speaker boasts big sound that makes it worth picking up, too.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best Bluetooth speakers, tested

While the JBL Clip 5 boasts an incredibly portable design — complete with a carabiner so you can easily attach it to a bag, backpack, and more — it still features high-quality JBL Pro Sound that'll make whatever you choose to listen to sound loud and full. It also features up to 12 hours of battery life so you can keep the tunes going for longer between charges.

This deal may not last for long beyond Best Buy's Spring Sale, so act fast to save on the JBL Clip 5 at the retailer while the deal is still live.

As mentioned earlier, there are a few more portable speaker deals that have crossed our radar recently and are worth a look alongside this one. Also at Best Buy, you can save on the JBL Xtreme 4, and at Amazon, the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is on sale.

Beyond a staggering amount of journalism, there have been many true crime books written and documentaries made about British serial killers Fred and Rosemary West. Now, Netflix is set to release its own three-part series.

Announced on Wednesday with a trailer, Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story comes directed by Dan Dewsbury (Louis Theroux's Forbidden America) and produced by Blink Films, which has released a number of documentaries about the Wests and their brutal crimes. The second in Netflix's series subtitled A British Horror Story, Fred and Rose West follows the platform's documentary series about British paedophile and sex offender Jimmy Savile.

Between 1967 and 1987, as the BBC reports, the Wests tortured, raped, and murdered at least 12 young women in Gloucestershire: Ann McFall, Catherine 'Rena' Costello, Charmaine West, Lynda Gough, Carole Ann Cooper, Lucy Partington, Therese Siegenthaler, Shirley Hubbard, Juanita Mott, Shirley Anne Robinson, Alison Chambers, and Heather West, the Wests' daughter. The couple committed many of their crimes at 25 Cromwell Street, referred to as the "house of horrors" by media since the 1990s investigation.

In a press release, Netflix said the series will focus on the Gloucestershire police investigation and include "previously unseen police video and unheard audio recordings." Notably, the series will also include interviews with some of the victims' family members; Netflix said "a few of whom are speaking for the first time."

It remains to be seen how Dewsbury and Netflix will approach such a known, chilling case amid a continually complex ethical landscape of true crime entertainment media — a contentious genre Netflix is no stranger to.

Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story will be streaming on Netflix May 14.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

SAVE OVER $50: As of April 16, the Sony ULT WEAR headphones are on sale for $148 at Amazon. That's 26% off their list price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones $148 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $51.99 Get Deal

With so many great deals floating around at the moment, now is a great time to invest in new headphones. If you've been looking for a solid noise-canceling pair to keep you immersed in your favorite tunes, Amazon's offering a very nice deal on Sony ULT WEAR headphones that's worth checking out.

The Sony ULT WEAR headphones have received a 26% discount, dropping their price from $199.99 to $148. Amazon currently has them listed as a limited-time deal, so if this discount has caught your eye you'll want to act fast to secure them at this price. Both the black and off white models have been discounted as well, so you can choose the headphones that best suit your personal tastes.

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

Alongside noise-canceling features that'll keep you absorbed in what you're listening to without the outside world interrupting, the Sony ULT WEAR headphones also boast a comfortable design and up to 30 hours of battery life so you can listen for longer between charges. They've even earned a spot in our roundup of the best noise-canceling headphones as the best pick for bass lovers, with Mashable's Bethany Allard saying, "They're designed for anyone who's a fan of bass. In addition to the equalizer in the app, the headphones have a dedicated ULT button that lets you bump up the bass on demand."

Score the Sony ULT WEAR headphones for $148 at Amazon before the limited-time deal is gone for good.

If you're looking for more headphone and earbud deals, Best Buy's offering some great discounts on a wide variety of options as well. At the moment, you can save on the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose Ultra Open-Ear earbuds there.

MAX BUNDLES: Max is offering a few different bundle deals so you can stream from its library without making a massive dent in your wallet.

The best Max deals and bundles in April 2025: Best Max Annual Deal Max (Annual Plan) $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Student Discount Max Student Discount Students save 50% on Max Basic With Ads plan Get Deal Best Bundle with Hulu Hulu with Max Add Max to your Hulu base plan from $9.99 per month Get Deal

Some of the most prestigious shows and films live on Max's streaming service. From The White Lotus to Dune: Part Two and so much more, Max is worth the investment for those looking to dive into the most talked about pieces of entertainment. And with highly-anticipated shows like The Last of Us starting up again — you can check out our review of The Last of Us season two to learn our thoughts about the show's return — there's no better time than now to start looking at plans and bundles.

The good news is that Max has a few different bundles available at the moment that are worth checking out, including a big bundle with Disney+ and Hulu. With streaming prices on the rise, a bundle like this can be a great way to save some cash while getting access to your favorite services. Max is also offering a great deal at the moment on its yearly plans, which you can learn more about below.

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

Alongside that deal and a couple more, we've also broken down Max's standard plans in case you're just interested in its service on its own.

Best Max Annual Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Annual Plans Basic With Ads, Standard, and Premium Get Deal Why we like it

For a limited time (until May 7), Max is offering a deal on its yearly plans so you can save on either the Basic With Ads, Standard, or Premium plan for your first year. The Basic With Ads yearly plan is currently down to $79.99 (usually it's $99.99), the Standard yearly plan is down to $139.99 (usually it's $169.99), and the Premium yearly plan is down to $169.99 (usually it's $209.99).

• Max Basic With Ads Yearly Plan — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Max Standard Yearly Plan — $139.99 $169.99 (save $30)

• Max Premium Yearly Plan — $169.99 $209.99 (save $40)

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Max, Disney+, and Hulu bundle is a top-tier choice for those looking to have access to some of the biggest streaming services around. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for them on their own. If you've already got Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, this bundle is worth every cent. If you're interested, there are two plan options to choose from:

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Max Student Discount Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student Discount Students save 50% on Max Basic With Ads plan Get Deal Why we like it

It's always nice when streaming services have a deal for students, and Max's offer is definitely worth taking advantage of. Students who can verify their status with UNiDAYS are eligible to get the Max Basic With Ads plan for just $4.99 per month. That's a 50% discount off its usual price of $9.99 per month. After verifying your status, you'll receive a unique code that can be used to redeem the discounted plan on Max.

• Max Student Discount — $4.99 per month (save 50%)

Best Bundle with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with Max Add Max to your Hulu base plan from $9.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not interested in the Disney+, Hulu, and Max mega bundle, you can just get Hulu and Max together if you already have a Hulu base plan, which starts at $9.99 per month. Max (With Ads) can be added onto your plan for $9.99 per month, or you can splash out on the Max (No Ads) plan for $16.99 per month.

• Hulu with Max add-on — from $9.99 per month

Max's monthly plans

Max offers a few different subscription plans. If you don't mind having to sit through ads, Max's Basic With Ads plan starts at $9.99 per month or the annual plan usually runs for $99.99 per year, which ultimately saves you $19. If you can't stand ads and don't mind throwing down a bit more cash, the Standard plan will cost you $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year, which saves you $33. If you really want to go big on a Max plan, you can spring for the fancy Premium plan, which costs $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year.

Below we've broken down what comes with each of these plans, per Max's website, so you can know a bit more before you buy.

Basic With Ads — $9.99 per month, $79.99 for the first year $99.99 per year

• Stream on two devices at once

• Full HD 1080p resolution

Standard (Ad-free) — $16.99 per month, $139.99 for the first year $169.99 per year

• Stream on two devices at once

• Full HD 1080p resolution

• 30 downloads to watch on the go

Premium (Ad-free) — $20.99 per month, $169.99 for the first year $209.99 per year

• Stream on four devices at once

• 4K Ultra HD video quality (as available)

• Dolby Atmos immersive audio (as available)

• 100 downloads to watch on the go

If you're wondering where to start once you've set yourself up with a Max subscription, we've got an excellent selection of recommendations to point you in the right direction. Looking for a great TV show to kickstart your next binge-watching session? Have a look through our roundup of the 20 best TV shows streaming on Max. Or if you prefer movies, we narrowed down the 25 best movies on Max to make your next movie night a spectacular one.

According to Forbes, there are currently more billionaires on Earth than ever. Over 3,000 of them, including all the billionaire tech bros who attended billionaire president Donald Trump's inauguration, and the 13 billionaires now in the White House.

So Stephen Colbert dedicated a song to those who opt for faberge eggs in a crisis during Tuesday night's Late Show, joining The Traitors and Doctor Who icon Alan Cumming for a bonafide chilling bop about why billionaires are good, actually! Are they watching? Of course they are! Sing it loud! "Hey boss!" Colbert says to a surveillance camera. "You're one of the good ones, hope you're liking the song!"

It's a pastel-hued banger with an 11/10 kicker: "Sing their praises and maybe when we are done, they’ll fuck off and colonise the sun."

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 16 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A lesson.

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 M.

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...

MORAL.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16

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

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

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

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 16 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: Worn during a variety show performance

• Green: To graze

• Blue: They're loud

• Purple: Accompanied by Latin music

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: Burlesque wear

• Green: Mess up the surface of

• Blue: They roar

• Purple: Latin dances with a vowel changed

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Burlesque wear: BOA, CORSET, GARTER, STOCKINGS

• Mess up the surface of: SCAR, SCORE, SCRAPE, SCRATCH

• They roar: CROWD, ENGINE, KATY PERRY, LION

• Latin dances with a vowel changed: MAMBA, MERINGUE, SIMBA, TANGY

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16

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.

DISNEY+ BUNDLES: Disney+ is offering bundle deals so you can stream the best of its library at a lower price.

The best Disney+ deals and bundles in April 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Basic Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal

Whether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.

Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and so much more, Disney+ offers a library that's chock-full of shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained when it matters. This includes the highly-anticipated second season of Andor, which is set to drop on the streaming service on April 22.

If you've had this streaming service on your radar but are unsure which plan is the best fit for you, we've got you covered with a selection of Disney+ streaming deals.

SEE ALSO: 'Andor' creator on Lucasfilm censoring f-bomb: 'They were right.'

There are quite a few bundle deals to check out with Disney+ right now, including the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle. This is a great investment for those who already own the other two streaming services and are looking to cut down on costs. And with streaming prices on the rise (Disney+ even increased its prices just last year), now's a great time to jump on a bundle like that.

We've detailed all of the available bundle deals below, alongside basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand, which is a great offer to take advantage of given streaming service prices keep going up. The $16.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan comes to $29.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 43% with the ad-supported plan and 42% with the ad-free plan.

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Basic Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If the Disney+, Hulu, and Max mega bundle feels like a bit too much, there are smaller bundle deals to check out instead. One of the most affordable bundle options the service has is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This brings together Disney+ and Hulu (With Ads) for $10.99 per month. This is a great way to gain access to both of their libraries for only $1 more than what you'd pay for their ad-supported plans on their own.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $10.99 per month

If you'd rather spring for the ad-free version of that bundle, Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium is what you need. This offers both Disney+ and Hulu without ads for $19.99 per month instead. Disney+ also has bundles that throw in ESPN+. The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic plan, which has ads, runs for $16.99 per month, and the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium plan without ads costs $26.99 per month.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $16.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $26.99 per month

Disney+ monthly plans

Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ Basic ad-supported plan comes to $9.99 per month while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.

• Disney+ Basic (With Ads) — $9.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $15.99 per month, $159.99 per year

Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people using your account that live outside of your household as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person onto your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:

• Disney+ Basic — $6.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $7.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $10.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $11.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $14.99 per month

There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.

HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its impressive library without breaking the bank.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in April 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Add-On Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal

There's a wide range of excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From A Complete Unknown to season 6 of The Handmaid's Tale, it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained for hours. You can even catch Oscar Best Picture winner Anora on the service right now.

If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help you get the best deal. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.

SEE ALSO: How to watch 'The Monkey': When is the Stephen King adaptation streaming?

With streaming prices on the rise (Hulu even recently increased its prices just last year), there's no better time than now to find a way to save on streaming services like this one. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending.

You'll even get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

Released last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Disney+ Add-On Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and Max bundle, the next best thing is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $10.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $10.99 per month

This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead. And if you're a sports fan and want to throw in ESPN+, there are also Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic and Premium plans, which run for $16.99 per month and $26.99 per month, respectively.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $16.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $26.99 per month

Best Student Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.

• Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month

Hulu's monthly plans

If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $9.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.

• Hulu (with ads) — $9.99 per month (get first month free)

• Hulu (no ads) — $18.99 per month

If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $82.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (No Ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $95.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.

• Hulu + Live TV (with ads) — $82.99 per month (three day free trial)

• Hulu + Live TV (no ads) — $95.99 per month

Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.

SAVE $30: As of April 16, the Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series is on sale for $119.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% savings 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

A TV upgrade doesn't have to mean spending hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars. 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 under $120. As of April 16, 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.

For such a low price, this is a great TV. Like most Amazon devices, it 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, helping you find your favorite shows and movies much more easily.

SEE ALSO: LG's brand-new C5 OLED TV already has a discount

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. The image quality is also great, with an HD 1080p resolution.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $45: As of April 16, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is on sale for $234.99 at Amazon. That's a 16% saving off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 $234.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $45 Get Deal

If a tablet upgrade is on your horizon, this latest deal on the Amazon Fire Max 11 is definitely one to check out. As of April 16, this device is still at its reduced Big Spring Sale price of $234.99, saving you 16% on list price. This deal is specific to the 128GB device without lockscreen ads.

This tablet is one of the most advanced in the range, and is perfect for both work and play. The screen boasts an impressive 2000x1200 resolution and a bright display with over 2.4 million pixels. It's also certified for low blue light, so it's easy on the eyes, especially if you're looking at the screen for long periods of time.

SEE ALSO: Score $100 off the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) right now at Best Buy

You can add optional accessories to this tablet so you can adapt it to what you need. Accessories like a keyboard case and stylus pen can be purchased separately, and you can even download Microsoft 365 for all your work or study needs.

And we can't not mention the battery life, promising to last up to 14 hours, so it's perfect for on-the-go streaming or browsing. And with storage expandable to 1TB, it’s got plenty of room for all your favorite apps, movies, and documents.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $15: As of April 16, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 43% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon's HD Fire Stick is back on sale and for only the second time this year, it is reduced to under $20. The Fire TV Stick HD is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. And as of April 16, you can buy it for $19.99.

The Fire Stick comes with a remote with Alexa built-in, allowing you to turn almost any TV into a smart TV. The Alexa feature is a great tool for searching through multiple platforms at once to find your favorite movie or comfort show, as well as using it to ask questions or search things on the internet.

SEE ALSO: How to watch 'Nickel Boys': One of our top films of 2024 is coming to Prime Video

And let's not forget, with this Fire Stick, you'll be enjoying these shows in beautiful HD quality.

The setup isn't confusing either, these handy remotes are so simple to use. All you need to do is pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

The last time I was around Tim Cook, I was screaming, "Queer kids need you" at the top of my lungs. Holding signs asking him to stop selling unsafe phones to kids, our team at the Heat Initiative — a nonprofit working to keep kids safe online — tried calling on someone who we thought was one of the last Big Tech CEOs with a heart. Being the first openly gay man to head a Fortune 500 company, I hoped he would shatter the glass ceiling, allowing more young LGBTQ+ people to envision a similar path of excellence. Instead, he carved out just enough space for him to step through, sealing it back up and joining the other tech oligarchs in their pristine detachment from the rest of society. 

The Big Tech oligarchy was front and center at Trump’s inauguration, showing Americans who were really about to run our country. Watching Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg play teacher’s pet was expected. But Cook donating $1 million to Trump’s inauguration was a shock. Until then, I had relatively neutral-to-positive things to say about Cook’s leadership. I hoped the company’s failure to keep kids safe on their devices and platforms would end up being one of the rare black spots in Cook's rather impressive corporate history. One thing has become abundantly clear: Child safety is no longer the only black spot in Cook’s time at Apple. Tim Cook himself is harming Apple’s reputation. 

Trump’s tariffs have been getting a lot of air time. Given that they impact working-class Americans' lives, I hoped my dissenting opinion on them would be proven wrong. After all, the idea of more manufacturing in the U.S. sounds good, I just think that using the livelihoods of Americans as a bargaining tool is wrong.

SEE ALSO: President Trump says semiconductor tariffs are next

But tech giants like Apple are also being hammered by the tariffs, with their stock price see-sawing thanks to Trump's chaotic policy. It was refreshing to see that these attacks were not just happening to our most vulnerable, but also to our most powerful — including a giant corporation that has not done enough to protect vulnerable populations, like kids and LGBTQ+ Americans, from online dangers. Thanks to the tariffs, Cook's $1 million suck up donation to Trump was turning out to be a waste. 

That was short lived. Suddenly, smartphones were now temporarily exempt from the tariffs, proving once again that it really is that easy to buy favors from the leader of the "free" world. With the exemption, presented to the public as a way to protect Americans' accessibility to devices, Cook could rest easy knowing that his stock price would bounce back and his and his stockholders' pockets would continue to fill. Then, Trump equivocated again, calling the exemption temporary. Maybe Cook's $1 million wasn't enough? Or maybe having a strong moral code, and standing up for what (and who) is right, is good business sense in the end.

SEE ALSO: Trump admin already walks back smartphone, laptop tariff exemption

This past weekend, Cook’s alma mater, Auburn University, celebrated their famous alumni day. My team and I were on the ground, with a hilarious parody blimp of Cook holding money bags and a phone that says "profits over kids," talking to people on campus. We connected with an engineer that geeked out about hash matching technology, a privacy forward technology to detect known child sexual abuse material; a family talking about the regret of giving their daughter a phone too early; and young people aware of their iPhone addiction.

I miss the feeling of being excited about Apple’s newest technology. Here’s hoping Cook, thanks to Trump's treatment, has an epiphany and transforms back into the leader we know he should be. 

Lennon Torres is a Public Voices Fellow on Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse with The OpEd Project. She is an LGBTQ+ advocate who grew up in the public eye, gaining national recognition as a young dancer on television shows. With a deep passion for storytelling, advocacy, and politics, Lennon now works to center the lived experience of herself and others as she crafts her professional career in online child safety at Heat Initiative. Lennon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennon-torres-325b791b4/

"With so many 'rules' around what to do and what not to do anymore, who the **** knows," laments a Reddit user on a post about texting etiquette whilst dating. The goalposts continue to shift in the dating world, from waiting for a phone call to come the next day to now, an age of constant contactability. So, what exactly are the rules of engagement for texting in the early stages of dating? 

As a relationship blooms, it can be hard to know what and how frequently to message. Difficult enough that Redditors have formed comprehensive "how-to" guides on navigating messaging in the "beginning stages" of a courtship. Some daters are keen to meet extremely quickly to the understandable discomfort of others, while others are happy to exchange lengthy messages until the situation enters pen pal territory.

SEE ALSO: Are we sharing too much too soon while dating online?

Even after meeting IRL, how much are you supposed to stay in touch between dates one and two (if the vibe is there), and you want to keep up the momentum but save something for in-person? How can we create an image of the person we're trying to get to know if all we actually know of them is words on a screen? Without inflection, personality, or anything beyond a blue box and white text? 

How do we create intimacy in those early stages and keep it alive before dates, and can digital intimacy meet our needs like physical intimacy? We asked daters and the experts.

How often should we be texting during early dating stages?

Research by associate professor of psychology Dr Darcey N. Powell, then at Roanoke College and now at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, shows that in the early stages of dating, referred to as the talking stages, "there is less information shared, fewer physical acts of intimacy, and less commitment to the partner than when dating."

When talking to Mashable's features editor and author Rachel Thompson in The Love Fix, Powell says these stages are "a balancing act of trying to protect oneself because you're unsure of what's going to happen, but people aren't good at breaking up with each other or being rejected."

"I'll usually use a dating app to communicate up until a date has been set, and I'll probably check in once a day or maybe more if I'm really keen," says Polly, 29, an active dater from London. Polly, like other people Mashable spoke to, requested to go by their first name only for privacy reasons.

"Ideally, I want to be texting somebody I'm dating roughly four times back and forth each day. If it's less than that, then I'd prefer the texts to be longer and more detailed," she says. By the time she meets someone in person, WhatsApp is her preferred method of communication.

"I think the problem is that we know people are on their phones ALL the time, so we're now hardwired to expect people to respond instantly, and if they don't, we automatically assume they can't be that interested," says Polly.

This feeling isn't unique. A 2016 Harvard sociology study revealed that 94 percent of respondents (all millennials) said receiving, writing, or waiting for text messages can make them anxious. Reddit users, too, have experienced this, seeking help on subreddits such as r/SocialSkills. 

Despite this common experience, the average American has 43 unread texts, according to 2021 research.

"Hypercommunication [constant exchanges] can negatively impact relationships by fostering an over-reliance on asynchronous messaging as a measure of relationship success, rather than meaningful in-person connection," says Caitlin Begg, author of the 2016 study, sociologist, and founder of research firm Authentic Social.

How do we create real intimacy?

While some daters like to text about one's day, that's not the case for everyone.

"I only text if it's regarding planning or if I have a question. I hate being in constant contact with someone when I'm not physically with them," expresses a Reddit user in a comment on r/Dating Advice.

"I am a big fan of spending time in person and if that isn't possible, incorporating FaceTimes or phone calls," says Allison Raskin, writer and relationship coach.

"Having experiences together also creates intimacy because it creates memories and shows you what the other person is actually like in the world," Raskin continues, recognising that there is only so much you can glean through a screen. "Texting shows you people's thoughts but not how they behave in different situations."

We can text a romantic interest repeatedly, but what we learn about them is filtered through their mind, edited with rapid precision, and then read in a tone we create in our minds. Messaging can conjure an image we find attractive without offering a real-life experiment to test it. 

SEE ALSO: Is the ick just a lack of attraction?

Research also shows that the benefits of face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable. A 2022 paper in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication found that face-to-face interactions make us feel more connected and less lonely. Whilst voice calls brought some level of connection, texting and video calls were less beneficial. 

"If you think about the best, most real conversations you've had, they usually happen when you're feeling your most relaxed, comfortable, and safe," says Dr Nikki Coleman, psychologist and wellness coach.

"Envision those late night/early morning conversations under a blanket. The things shared in those moments are intimate. Try to create that same energy even in the early stages," she recommends. "You have to get to know someone in 3D — the wild, outside — to be able to build intimacy. Until you really know someone in that way, you're really building a relationship with a fantasy in your mind."

What is the difference between 2D connection and 3D intimacy?

"We learn slivers of information about a person and our brain does the rest, filling the gaps to make a whole person make sense in our heads — but it isn't real. It's a romanticised picture of a person that does not exist, and sometimes creates a narrative the real person cannot match," says Georgie, 24, an active dater in London.

While a text can bring a smile to your face and allow that touchpoint often lost in the days that can sometimes feel endless between seeing each other, a pinch of salt must be taken during digital exchanges. 

The gap between first contact and meeting, or between dates, can stretch depending on diaries, desires, and other factors. Phone calls and voice notes might be too intimate for the level of connection being fostered at this stage, leaving texting as the most appropriate, accessible, and immediate method of communication in the interim. Texting is also the most ambiguous and open to interpretation. 

"I once was super excited for a first date because we had been texting for a few weeks leading up to the date, and I thought he was hilarious," Georgie says.

"This person that I had in my head in no way matched up to the reality of the person I met. He was lovely, but most definitely not for me, which was probably exacerbated by my utter shock at the stranger that rocked up to the date when I had been mentally dating an entirely different human being," Georgie continues. "The date lasted all of 26 minutes."

This person that I had in my head in no way matched up to the reality of the person I met...The date lasted all of 26 minutes. - Dater Georgie What communication rules exist in dating?

Digital communication is important today, especially when dating. However, a balance between real-life and digital interactions must be struck, with a dash of skepticism and the ability to look beyond the paragraphs on screens. To what extent? That's different for everybody.

"People love to give 'hard and fast' dating rules. 'Dating experts' and others try to prescribe set norms for digital communication in dating, but the reality is it's messy. This means it's key to find someone who aligns with your communication style," Begg believes.

And we can control more than we may think within these early stages.

"I would recommend that folks be honest and direct about the amount of communication they need, and to walk away from connections that can't meet those needs," recommends Melissa Fabello, PhD, sex and relationships educator.

"Co-creating that dynamic, which includes sharing when you desire more or less communication, is the real goal."

Each of us will have different expectations, desires, and comfort levels when dating. But what we can do is set our own expectations, recognise our needs, and be ready to respond appropriately — whether in person or digitally. 

TL;DR: Save $417 on this AI stock-picking app that can help you navigate crazy markets and keep your cool.

I was watching the first of the month’s market crashes and wondered, ‘Does it make sense to invest right now?’ I’d always been curious about the stock market, at least in terms of how people actually got rich by practically gambling, but I didn’t have a single clue where to begin — let alone how to even buy a stock.

Once I saw a TikTok calling this period a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (take that with a grain of salt), I decided to take my chance. But I needed help researching everything: what stocks to choose and how to track them. That’s when I found Sterling Stock Picker, and made my first investment with their $68.99 lifetime subscription (reg. $486).

How I invested my first dollar

My biggest concern wasn’t that the market wouldn’t eventually recover, but that I would choose ‘bad’ stocks due to my lack of experience. Sterling Stock Picker helped me feel calm with the 5-minute questionnaire covering my wants and ability to handle risk.

Then, I started researching stocks with help from AI. I also learned about something called exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are like groups of stocks. I didn’t know what these were at first, so I consulted the AI assistant, Finley AI, and it told me that it’s like putting a stake into a huge nest of companies at once rather than individually.

Once I selected a few ETFs to invest in, I opened a free brokerage account (sadly, you can’t directly invest through Sterling Stock Picker). I purchased my shares and put the information into Sterling Stock Picker so I could view my portfolio with fun graphs and charts and get alerts when prices change — which may help me determine when to sell.

How it’s going

Well, it’s only been a few days since I’ve made my investments and, if you’ve been keeping up with the news, things have been up and down. One day, my $1,000 portfolio was up $100, and the next, it was down $20. 

As a total beginner, I won’t offer any formal advice to you other than to do your research and be well-informed, and Sterling Stock Picker is a great tool to do just that.

Get a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription for $68.99 (reg. $486).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SSP Software Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $68.99
$486 Save $417.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Be prepared for anything with the FlashMini PRO, a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight, now just $14.97 (reg. $34) through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab FlashMini PRO $14.97
$34.99 Save $20.02 12-in-1 Super Bright Utility Flashlight Shop Now

Power outages usually catch us by surprise. Being prepared for emergency situations can provide some peace of mind, and the FlashMini PRO is a convenient way to make sure you always have light.

The FlashMini PRO is a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight with a conveniently sleek design that can tag along anywhere. And right now, you can score one for only $14.97 (reg. $34). 

Light the way with this multitasking flashlight

Let the FlashMini PRO light the way at home and on the go, thanks to a built-in carabiner that easily attaches to keys to backpacks. If you're traveling light, you can pop it into your pocket. 

Aside from serving as a powerful flashlight that shines 30 times brighter than your smartphone's flashlight, the FlashMini PRO offers seven quick-adjust light modes to suit your needs, available in white and yellow light. And a red warning light and emergency strobe are available if needed.

The FlashMini PRO includes a foldable kickstand to adjust the light at different angles. The magnetic base also allows it to attach easily to metal surfaces. And it doubles as a bottle opener, so it'll come in handy if you need to open a beverage. 

Enjoy up to 3.5 hours of use from the rechargeable battery, or one hour of runtime at maximum brightness. It's easy to power back up. 

Whether you're heading out on a hike, off on a camping trip, or simply making sure you're never stuck in the dark, the FlashMini PRO offers plenty of perks. 

Get your own FlashMini PRO, a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight, now just $14.97 (reg. $34) through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This Apple Mac mini M2 proves bigger isn't always better, and right now, this powerful, compact desktop computer is yours for $359.99.

Looking for a desktop computer that won't take up too much space? Enter the Apple Mac mini, a petite yet powerful device powered by Apple's lightning-fast M2 chip. 

You can currently snag your own Apple Mac mini M2 for just $359.99, $140 off the usual price tag, right here.

Upgrade your workstation with this Apple Mac mini

Whether you're working from home, studying, or setting up a dedicated gaming station, a desktop computer can give your workspace a more professional feel. And this Apple Mac mini M2 saves you much-needed desk space thanks to its tiny casing. 

Don't be deceived by its small size; this Apple Mac mini is powered by an Apple M2 chip that allows for serious power, speedy multitasking, and even 8K video editing. Tackle even the heaviest lifts on your to-do list thanks to the 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. 

256GB of SSD storage allows you to save files right to the device. There's also plenty of input and output options available if you need to hook up an external hard drive with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. 

The Mac mini has macOS Ventura pre-installed, so you'll be running smoothly with your favorite apps in no time. And connectivity is a breeze thanks to the Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster wireless speeds for smoother data transfers and easy cloud access.

Curious why you're securing such a great price? This model comes with a grade A refurbished rating, which means your device will arrive in near-mint condition, but you'll still receive the discounted price. 

Bring home your own Apple Mac mini 2 for just $359.99 (reg. $499) while supplies last. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini M2 (Early 2023) 8GB RAM 256GB SSD (Refurbished) $359.99
$499 Save $139.01 Get Deal