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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 5 min 41 sec ago

A huge Stuff Your Kindle Day is live this week — score hundreds of free books for Kindle and Kobo

12 hours 27 min ago

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on April 15-18. Stuff Your E-Reader, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering books in a variety of genres for Kindle and Kobo.

A lot has been said about Kindle in the last week or so, and we've tried our best to make sense of the situation. We're not going to get into the weeds of why "BookTokers, Bookstagramers, and the most passionate Kindle users across the internet are fuming this week," because another Stuff Your Kindle Day is live right now.

Stuff Your E-Reader, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering participants the chance to download books from a variety of genres without spending anything. Everything that you download is yours to keep forever, and unlike a lot of these giveaways, Kindle and Kobo readers can stock up during this limited-time event.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your E-Reader takes place on April 15-18. A lot of these free giveaways only last 24 hours, so it's refreshing to have so much time to consider your options. You can relax and make a plan without stressing about missing the deadline.

Which ebooks are free?

Stuff Your E-Reader is an all-genre book blast for Kindle and Kobo readers. Stuff Your Kindle Days usually focus on a particular genre, which can exclude large portions of the reading world who might not be interested in downloading hundreds of romance titles. This event is truly for everyone.

The Indie Author Collective has launched a hub page for this event, with filters for promotions, genre, and representation. Check out everything on offer here.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best dating apps of 2026

12 hours 27 min ago

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

All the single ladies — as well as the single fellas — are complaining about the same thing lately. Everyone's exhausted from the stress, admin, and the general minefield that is online dating. App fatigue isn't just a buzzword term. It's a real phenomenon, and it makes connections all the much harder to find. Sometimes it feels actually impossible, like getting lost in the never-ending app-scroll. We understand the basic problem all too well: You just want the dating apps that actually work. Which begs the question: Which dating apps do actually work?

There are no right answers, of course. Because it’s less about finding an app that works than finding the right app for what you actually want. People on eharmony are probably looking for long-term commitment, while people swiping through hookup apps such as Tinder are after… well, let’s just say we know what they’re looking for.

The crucial thing is to remember you'll get results if you know how to navigate the right apps. Sure, we're all suffering from dating app burnout, but research proves that they do get job the done. A SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged between 18 and 29 have used dating apps, while a 2023 report found that one in five young people met their partner via an app. The best dating apps are one of the most reliable ways to meet a partner.

Thankfully, Mashable’s dating experts know what they're talking about here. They've put valuable hours into testing and using datings apps IRL, determining the best apps for every kind of dater. So, to help you make a match, we've put together this roundup of the dating apps worth downloading in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock ePorner for free

12 hours 27 min ago

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

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content. After the introduction of these age verification laws, some porn sites blocked users from those locations. The same situation is now taking place in other parts of the world.

So where does that leave frustrated users? Desperately seeking a solution, that's where. Fortunately, you can still access all your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps. There's a quick and easy hack that can secure access to restricted content from any location or network. You don't need to be a skilled hacker. Anyone can follow this simple solution.

If you want to unblock porn sites like ePorner for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock ePorner for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process tricks porn sites into providing you with access even if there is a block in place over your network.

Unblock ePorner from anywhere in the world by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to ePorner

  4. Connect to ePorner from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most leading services do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like ePorner without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it means you can temporarily unblock porn sites like ePorner and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for ePorner?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like ePorner, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries and all 50 U.S. states

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

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

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock ePorner for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 10 best e-readers to buy: Comparing Kindles, Kobos, iPads, and more

12 hours 32 min ago

So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. So, if you're gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you'll love.

PS: For book lovers, we'll be on the ground at BookCon 2026, covering all the best gadgets and the latest news from your favorite authors.

Featured Video For You New e-readers in this guide

As of April 2026, we've added two new e-readers to the list. After months of testing, we've included the Durobo Krono, an open Android e-reader that allows you to access your Kindle, Libby, and Kobo libraries on one device. The Xetink X4 e-reader is a unique, compact device that doesn't look like much, but is pretty impressive.

We're currently in the process of testing the Boox Palma 2 and the Boox Go 10.3 (Gen II).

2026 Kindle updates

On April 7, 2026, Amazon sent a notice to some Kindle users stating that as of May 20, 2026, Kindle e-readers released in 2012 or earlier will no longer be supported. After May 20, Amazon will no longer lend software updates or provide web services to these devices, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

  • Kindle (1st generation)

  • Kindle (2nd generation)

  • Kindle DX

  • Kindle DX Graphite

  • Kindle Keyboard

  • Kindle 4

  • Kindle Touch

  • Kindle 5

  • Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo or the Durobo Krono, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The latest e-readers I tested were the Kindle Scribe (2025) and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Previously, Kindle Scribes were disappointing e-readers, but Amazon made major improvements on these devices, and now, they're worthy of your attention. We've included the Kindle Scribe (2025) on this list because it's a better value, even if the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is technically more impressive. For more details on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, you can read our full review.

We've also tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy.

Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It's the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.

If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Spider-Man Play Booster Box is under market price at TCGplayer

12 hours 37 min ago

TL;DR: TCGplayer has unopened listings for the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Spider-Man Play Booster Display Box starting at $102.49 with shipping included.

Where to buy the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Display Box: Best TCGplayer deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Display Box $102.49 at TCGplayer Shop Now Best Amazon Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Display Box $114.95 at Amazon Shop Now Best Walmart Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Display Box $114.95 at Walmart Shop Now

The Spider-Man crossover set may have slipped under the radar compared to other popular sets like Final Fantasy and Avatar: The Last Airbender, but you can now buy more packs of the wall-crawler’s set at under market value.

As of April 16, unopened listings for Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Box start at $102.49 with shipping included. That’s only 42 cents under TCGplayer’s own $102.91 market price, but it also undercuts Amazon and Walmart. While Amazon is calling that its lowest price in 30 days, but TCGplayer still comes out ahead as the go-to place to buy right now.

In this 30-pack box, you’re getting boosters with 14 Magic cards, as usual — with at least one card of Rare rarity or higher, and at least one Traditional Foil card. The Land slot is also Traditional Foil in 20% of boosters, so there’s still plenty of room for the kind of flashy pulls collectors chase.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

For any Marvel fans who also love trading card games like MTG, the Spider-Man crossover expansion is a must-buy: featuring not only cards and mechanics based on the comic book industry’s favorite web-slinger, but those around other heroes and key villains, too. 

If Magic: The Gathering is still new to you, or you’re checking out the other expansions in the game right now, you can also grab the MTG Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box for a new low price of $18.99. Alternatively, the 30-pack MTG Play Booster Box from the Avatar set is also available for around $120.  

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle is now at market price at Walmart

12 hours 40 min ago

TL;DR: Walmart has the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle listed for $99.97, down from $125. Amazon is matching that price right now, but there’s limited stock.

Where to buy the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle: Best Walmart Deal Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle $99.97 at Walmart Shop Now Best Amazon Deal Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle $99.97 at Amazon Shop Now Best TCGplayer deal Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle $101.47 at TCGplayer Shop Now

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover has delivered some of the most eye-catching Magic: The Gathering products of the year, available at some tempting price points.

As of April 16, Walmart has the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Bundle listed for $99.97, down from $125. Amazon is currently sitting at the same price, but only one unit is left at that price. After that, the next lowest Amazon seller is asking $103.28 with another $3.99 for delivery, which brings the real total to $107.27.

As the only contender under market price that also has stock readily available, Walmart is the go-to spot for this MTG TMNT box.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The Pizza Bundle comes with nine TMNT Play Boosters and one Collector Booster, plus two of six promo trading cards, five traditional foil full-art pizza basic lands, 25 non-foil full-art pizza basic lands, and a special oversized Spindown life counter. So while the pizza-box presentation is a bit of a gimmick that’s part of the appeal, there’s more than enough underneath to make a feast both for your decks and binders.

If you want to test out any of the other new Magic: The Gathering expansions, the MTG Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is still at a new low price of $18.99. In the event you’re already up to speed on the Avatar expansion, you can buy its MTG Play Booster Box for around $120.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What are open-back headphones? Heres what you need to know about the latest headphone trend.

12 hours 42 min ago

If you've noticed that nearly every major audio brand now has some form of open earbuds, you're not mistaken — seats are filling up quick on the latest audio bandwagon. Naturally, it would follow that open headphones are slowly starting to creep into the market.

The idea of open headphones, however, isn't quite as intuitive as their earbud counterpart. While it's easy to picture earbuds with a hook or cuff component holding them in place, headphones by design have ear cups that cover — and close off — the ear.

SEE ALSO: Open earbuds guide: What they are, who should buy them, and why they're popping up everywhere

So how do they work? Below, we break down the emerging trend of open headphones (spoiler alert: they've been around longer than you think), how they're different from traditional headphones, and the pros and cons of trying them out.

What are open headphones?

In the most basic terms, open headphones allow air to pass through the ear cup, allowing for a more natural soundstage that feels like it's coming from the space around you — because the sound is actually able to reach the space around you.

Typically, this means open headphones have a mesh ear cup, so there's still a physical component covering the ear. This also makes the open headphones' other common name, open-back headphones, make more sense — the back is there, it's just very permeable. This design also means that open-back headphones absolutely do not come with any active noise cancellation, or any passive noise cancellation, as the ear cup isn't designed to keep sound out.

The Sony Inzone H6 Air headphones are the latest open-back headphones to hit the market. Credit: Sony

Traditionally, open-back headphones have occupied the studio headphone space — think audio engineers, music producers, or just straight-up audiophiles. Again, the open space can allow for a more natural spatial audio (which is especially helpful, considering how horrific microphone-induced spatial audio can get). Open-back headphones are also known for more faithfully reproducing sounds as intended by the original mixers of audio, whether that be music or video games.

Right now, popular models of open-back headphones come from brands like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and Sony, with the latter just releasing its first pair of open gaming headphones. JLab also recently released a pair of open-back headphones with an entirely removable mesh panel, to more closely mimic the experience of an open earbud (but more on that below).

SEE ALSO: Hands on: The new Sony Inzone H6 Air open gaming headset isn't like anything I've tested before Open headphones vs. closed-back headphones

To the average consumer, high-end headphones can be synonymous with flagship noise-cancelling headphones. Understandable, as they usually offer some of the best audio performance, comfort, and of course, noise cancellation.

However, those headphones aren't necessarily always the best for a certain listening experience. As one of our testers explained, the open-back Sennheiser HD 599 offered the best audio quality against traditional, closed-back headphones because they incorporated the ambient environment and allowed for that wider soundstage you might get from studio monitors or surround sound speakers. As our guide points out, this can be great for "deep, critical listening, especially if you plug them into a vinyl record player."

Open-back headphones may look like normal headphones, but different mechanics are at play to create the best sound possible. Credit: Sennheiser

Open-back headphones are also likely to produce a more flat sound, or in other words, one that does not emphasize any particular frequency. This can be great for hearing the mix as it may have been intended, but bass-heads can sometimes have issues with these headphones as a result (if you fall into that category, we recommend you check out the Sony ULT Wear headphones). Finally, as many are intended for the best audio quality possible, many open-back headphones are wired, which is a notable deviation from the almost entirely wireless options from closed back headphones.

Open headphones vs. open earbuds

While both open headphones and open earbuds can offer you greater awareness of the environment around you, for the former, it's a byproduct, while for the latter, it's by design.

A large part of the reason open earbuds became popular in the first place is because they provide a degree of safety when running through a park or riding a bike. The situational awareness allows for the wearer to listen to their audio with relative privacy, but not totally be in their own bubble, whether at home or out and about.

Open earbuds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, while generally open headphones look like standard headphones. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The major downside of open earbuds is that they tend to require some degree of sound sacrifice. Their small housing means they can't pack a ton of drivers, and don't benefit from sitting outside of the ear canal — the result can mean a less robust and nuanced sound profile than you would get with traditional earbuds.

On the other hand, open-back headphones were made with sound at the forefront of their design. As mentioned above, the transparency they provide allows for the most natural-sounding spatial audio possible, letting the nuances of the audio envelop the listener. And the sheer size of the headphones means they can typically house more, and better, drivers for a superior listening experience similar to studio monitors.

The fact that both open earbuds and headphones allow you to hear the world around you better is merely an inevitability for the headphones' design, but it wasn't the reason they were created. That said, earbuds and headphones share the common problem of not being the easiest to use in louder environments. And as both allow for sound from the outside to come in, they also both allow for sound to come out, so you'll want to be aware that both are prone to sound leakage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Focker-In-Law trailer teases Ariana Grande feuding with Ben Stiller

13 hours 50 min ago

It's been 26 years since Greg Focker first tried (and mostly failed) to impress his new father-in-law (Robert De Niro) in Meet the Parents, and now there's a new family member in the hot seat.

In the trailer above for Focker-In-Law, Greg welcomes his son's new girlfriend (Ariana Grande) into the family home — only to suspect that she may be up to no good.

The problem? She appears to have the entire family fooled, including the gatekeeper of the circle of trust himself. Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Skyler Gisondo, Beanie Feldstein, and Eduardo Franco also star.

Focker-In-Law is in theaters Thanksgiving 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Val Kilmer AI deepfake in As Deep as the Grave trailer sparks outrage

14 hours 18 min ago

Val Kilmer AI deepfake film As Deep as the Grave has just released its first trailer. The internet has responded with overwhelming disgust.

A widely recognised actor known for his roles in films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Kilmer died from pneumonia last April at 65 years old. Upcoming film As Deep as the Grave has now used generative AI to create a digital puppet in Kilmer's likeness, having it portray a character appearing in "a significant part" of the historical film.

As Deep as the Grave follows married archaeologists Ann Axtell Morris (Abigail Lawrie) and Earl H. Morris (Tom Felton), who conducted fieldwork in the U.S. southwest during the 1920s. Kilmer's AI-generated likeness will be used to depict Father Fintan, a Catholic priest who is also a Native American spiritualist. The film also features Abigail Breslin, Wes Studi, and Finn Jones.

Though Kilmer was cast in As Deep as the Grave prior to his death, delays in production and issues with his health meant he never shot any scenes. Kilmer had previously given a tech-assisted performance in Top Gun: Maverick, which digitally altered his real voice. He also worked with UK company Sonantic to create an AI speaking voice based on his old recordings. However, As Deep as the Grave will be the first time his likeness and voice will be completely AI-generated in a film.

"Very fitting that this trailer includes a scene where a corpse is unceremoniously yanked out of the ground," read one of the top comments on As Deep as the Grave's trailer at time of writing.

CGI likenesses of deceased actors have been used in feature films before. In 2016, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story gained attention for using CGI and motion capture to resurrect Peter Cushing and portray a younger Carrie Fisher for a few minutes of the film. In 2015, Furious 7 used similar techniques to insert Paul Walker into the remainder of the film after he died mid-shoot. Though Furious 7 largely received a pass due to the circumstances, Rogue One received criticism regarding the ethics of its CGI Cushing. Using generative AI to completely create a performance out of nothing appears to go a step even further, completely removing any actors from the process.

Writer and director Coerte Voorhees told Variety that he chose to use AI rather than recast the role due to budget constraints, and that Kilmer's children gave the project their blessing. Even so, online commenters have labelled it disgusting and disrespectful, not only for digitally reanimating Kilmer but also for the damaging precedent As Deep as the Grave's use of AI could set for the film industry as a whole.

Reddit Reddit
Categories: IT General, Technology

Warring couples keep Beef juicy: Season 2 review

14 hours 26 min ago

Let's get your biggest question out of the way: Does Season 2 of Lee Sung Jin's anthology series Beef surpass the highs of Season 1?

It does not, but that doesn't mean the season is a disappointment. Season 1 set an extraordinarily high bar for any follow-up to clear, and Lee does his best to clear it by going bigger than before. In Season 2, the people involved in the show's titular beef have multiplied. Instead of two people going head-to-head like Steven Yeun and Ali Wong did in Season 1, Beef Season 2 throws two couples in the arena, played by Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny. It also goes international, spinning a tale of cover-ups and corruption that will take its rage-fueled antics all the way to Seoul, South Korea.

SEE ALSO: 'Euphoria' Season 3 review: It should be great. Instead, it's gross.

The widening in scale leads to both Beef's biggest successes and pitfalls. Everything involving the couples is divine: a dizzying whirlwind of blackmail, shifting allegiances, and astounding performances from the show's core four. It's when Beef Season 2 moves beyond them that it loses some of its focus (although it never lets up on the stress).

Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan face off against Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny in Beef Season 2. Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny, Carey Mulligan, and Oscar Isaac in "Beef." Credit: Netflix

In one corner of Beef Season 2, we have married couple Josh (Isaac) and Lindsay (Mulligan). He's the general manager of a swanky country club; she's an interior designer who's helped shape the club's look. (Think crushed velvet and swaths of patterned wallpaper.) From the outside, they look extremely well off. They rub shoulders with the California elite, host elaborate fundraisers, and exude an aura of love, even 15 years into their marriage. In reality, they're drowning in a money pit, and those financial troubles have festered into rank hatred.

That hatred spews forth mere minutes into Beef Season 2's first episode, with an argument that starts at a 10 and escalates to Marriage Story levels of personal attacks and beyond. Adam Driver punching a hole in drywall pales in comparison to Isaac and Mulligan tearing Josh and Lindsay's house to shreds.

Watching the fight is Beef Season 2's second pair of combatants: lower-level club workers Ashley (Spaeny) and Austin (Melton). The engaged couple stopped by Josh and Lindsay's to drop off Josh's wallet, only to stumble on a war zone. Now armed with a video of Josh accosting Lindsay, Ashley and Austin realize they have enough leverage to blackmail their way into higher-paying jobs, kicking off a simmering workplace feud that interrogates both couples' relationships.

SEE ALSO: 'The Boys' has overstayed its welcome: Season 5 review

The ensuing beef is full of jaw-dropping moments, from electrifying shouting matches to a gag-worthy scene involving a Shirley Temple. But what's really enticing about Beef Season 2 is seeing the ways in which these couples become a twisted mirror to one another. Josh and Lindsay are a couple on the last legs of their romantic relationship, while Ashley and Austin's own relationship is truly kicking off. (They've been together for one and a half years.) The former are jaded yet accustomed to fights. After their episode 1 blowup, they laugh it off and calmly rearrange the wreckage of their argument. The latter, on the other hand, are so conflict-avoidant that they can barely express their true feelings. Instead, they couch them in therapy speak about radical honesty and being each other's "safe space." But as money becomes more and more of a stressor, the anger becomes clearer, and Ashley and Austin's love, like Josh and Lindsay's, begins to decay.

As the couples interact more, Lee plays with alliances. Unexpected friendships pop up between the men and women, adding a gendered layer to the tense proceedings. The pairs also become more similar, with one couple unknowingly echoing the other's manipulative tactics or nasty revenge plots. In the end, Beef asks, is rage the great equalizer? Are these couples really the same, deep down?

Beef Season 2 is full of spectacular performances. Charles Melton, Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, and Cailee Spaeny in "Beef." Credit: Netflix

Each of Beef Season 2's leads delivers exceptional work. Isaac is both magnetic and repulsive as Josh, who occupies a strange middle ground between managing his staff and being at the beck and call of his club's clientele, who treat him as a friend before asking for a free round of golf. Josh is always calculating how much power he has in a room, and Isaac makes sure these calculations — as well as Josh's menacing power trips and nightmarish humiliations — ring loud and clear even in Beef's most pregnant pauses.

Mulligan thrives in Lindsay's nastiness, even in text conversations where she doesn't have to utter a word. But between her pointed remarks and clear disdain for the other women at the club, Beef and Mulligan find ways to deepen Lindsay, highlighting insecurities about aging or her relationship with Josh. Watching Lindsay facetune herself is heart-wrenching, as are scenes when Mulligan sheds Lindsay's prissier exterior for more introspection.

SEE ALSO: 'The Audacity' tears Silicon Valley a new one: Review

As Austin, Melton often displays the wounded-puppy melancholy that earned him acclaim for May December (for which he was eternally robbed of an Oscar nomination). However, he also proves he has serious comedy chops with Austin's daffy sweetness, which later morphs into a more steely cunning that's among the show's biggest and most compelling transformations.

Spaeny's Ashley undergoes a major transformation of her own. Early episodes see Spaeny channeling the fresh-faced ingenue energy she brought to projects like Priscilla or Civil War. But as Ashley gains more power and status, that sweetness curdles into Karen-esque expectations of servitude from those around her, including Austin. Darkly funny and a little frightening, it's delightful to see Spaeny play against type.

Another key piece on the board is Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung as Chairwoman Park, the new billionaire owner of the country club. The most powerful player in Beef's game, she's also its quietest, sitting back while everyone scrambles to please her. Youn is formidable as this calm titan, yet Beef Season 2 often struggles to thread the needle between Park's bigger plans and the meaty couple drama at its heart.

Beef Season 2 offers a frightening look at late-stage capitalism. Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny in "Beef." Credit: Netflix

Beef Season 1 earned rave reviews for its examination of Asian American identity. That examination takes a backseat in Season 2, with the exception of Austin, who is half Korean and realizes he needs more "Korean presence" in his life after connecting with Park's translator Eunice (Seoyeon Jang).

The lessening of that theme is a shame given how crucial it was to Beef Season 1. Lee does keep Beef connected to South Korea in Season 2, though, using Park's involvement at the club as one of the many ways in which the season examines late-stage capitalism.

Name-dropped throughout the season, capitalism is the reason Josh, Lindsay, Austin, and Ashley are struggling. Austin and Ashley weather horrifying debts, including health insurance woes incurred in an episode that makes The Pitt look like a pleasant daydream. Josh and Lindsay are also in compounding financial struggles, all while trying to keep up appearances of their own wealth. (It doesn't help that all four are surrounded by the ludicrously wealthy club members.) These problems all eventually lead them to the same place: under Park's thumb.

Most of Park's shady dealings feel disjointed from the rest of the season. They eventually culminate in a series of wild set pieces, ranging from corporate espionage to bloody slapstick. These are big swings that don't entirely gel with what's come before. However, they do emphasize how our four leads' problems may seem big until they're dwarfed by the machinations of the ultra-rich doing their best to protect themselves at any cost necessary. That's why Beef Season 2 is littered with imagery of ants and bees, all worker insects laboring in service of their queen. In the end, that's all Josh, Lindsay, Austin, and Ashley are to Park.

Of course, it's the relationships between these four that truly make Beef Season 2 tick, so the switch-up isn't always the most satisfying. Still, Beef Season 2 is ambitious, impeccably acted, and proof that the series, while brilliant as a stand-alone, does have legs as an anthology.

Beef Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Every random cameo in Beef Season 2

14 hours 26 min ago

In amongst all the double-crossing and back-stabbing, Beef Season 2 is loaded with cameos.

A lot of them are fairly brief, and most of them are impressively unexpected, so much so that you may have missed a couple. From Olympic athletes to award-winning musicians, we've broken down all the famous faces that pop up in the second season of Lee Sung Jin's show below.

SEE ALSO: The 20 best Netflix TV shows of 2025 Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps' cameo, which comes in episode 2 along with a couple more famous faces below, is actually pretty crucial to the plot, as he inadvertently starts Josh (Oscar Isaac) down the path of embezzling money from the club. In the scene in question, Josh pours whiskey for rich club member Troy (William Fichtner) and some famous friends while they play cards.

Distracted by their conversation, Josh knocks over a bottle, the penalty for which is apparently joining in on a round.

"Put your money in," growls Phelps when Josh hesitates, only for him to quickly lose what is presumably a substantial sum.

"What's your Venmo?" Josh asks the Olympic swimmer and record-breaking gold medallist.

"@MichaelPhelps," comes the response.

"There's a $5k limit," says Josh.

"Back to back days is fine," replies Phelps.

Oh, dear.

Benny Blanco and Baron Davis

Also appearing in the scene are record producer Benny Blanco and NBA player turned TV host Baron Davis. The pair are part of a conversation with Troy where he talks about a "buy-borrow-die" loophole that his accountant set up.

"I've got a capital gains situation," Blanco tells Troy. "Who's that tax guy you got?"

Davis, meanwhile, is the one that encourages Josh to join in the card game. "Party foul!" he calls out when Josh spills the whiskey. "I saw that, Joshie! Now you gotta play."

Hot Chip

In an entertaining sequence in episode 5, Troy whisks Josh away on a private jet to his chalet, where Hot Chip happen to be performing a few songs. "They were in town for a festival," says Troy. "Called a few favors in."

Josh, a would-be musician, gets called up on stage to perform "Over and Over" with them while he really should be back home helping Lindsay (Carey Mulligan) search for their missing dog — a decision that's the final nail in the coffin for their relationship.

Suni Lee

In episode 6, Austin (Charles Melton) is thrown into the deep end in his new role as a physical therapist at the club's wellness center by the arrival of gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee.

"Josh says that you'll work with my team to get me right for L.A.," says Lee, before arching her back into a handstand and performing the splits. "Nobody's been able to figure out why, but I feel a slight pinch in my QL and my psoas when I do this."

Austin, who isn't even a qualified physical therapist, attempts to blag his way through the interaction while growing increasingly nervous.

"You're sweating like crazy," Lee comments.

"Yes," replies Austin. "I run hot due to my high basal metabolic rate."

Finneas O'Connell

Another unexpected cameo occurs in episode 7, when Josh pops into the wellness center and finds Troy with musician Finneas O'Connell — who says it's "about time" when he finds out Josh and Lindsay are getting divorced.

"Oh man, Billie hated it when you bought Lindsay round," Finneas says, referring to his sister Billie Eilish. "Even when she said something nice, it always felt like a diss."

A nice touch is Eilish's "Bad Guy" playing in the background during the scene.

Beef Season 2 is streaming now on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for April 16, 2026

17 hours 27 min ago

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.

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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

Force.

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

POWER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

1, 2, 3..

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

COUNT

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

A name.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TITLE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Smooth.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SLICK

Final Hurdle hint

A curtain.

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

DRAPE

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on April 16

17 hours 27 min ago

The New Moon is fast approaching, meaning the Moon will be barely visible for the next few nights. This is to due with the lunar cycle, a roughly 29.5-day period in which the Moon orbits Earth and changes how much of its sunlit side we can see.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, April 16, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, 2% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Although part of the Moon is still visible, the illuminated portion is too small to make out any surface details tonight.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA explains that the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete a full orbit around Earth, moving through eight distinct phases in the process. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the portion lit by the Sun changes as it travels, creating the familiar cycle of full, partial, and crescent shapes. These changing views are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for April 16, 2026

19 hours 27 min ago

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for April 16 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this purple space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): The domino half in this red space must have 4 pips. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 3 pips. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (1): The domino half in this yellow space must have 1 pip. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this dark blue space must have 4 pips. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 16 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this purple space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this red space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (0): The domino half in this light blue space must have more than 0 pips. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 3 pips. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): The domino half in this dark blue space must have 6 pips. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this green space must have 4 pips. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally; and 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 16 Pips

Equal (5): Every domino half in this purple space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; and 5-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Every domino half in this red space must have 6 pips. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (4): The domino half in this light blue space must have 4 pips. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 1 pip. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this green space must have 4 pips. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally; and 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this purple space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Every domino half in this red space must have 1 pip. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 0 pips. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; and 0-2, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16, 2026

19 hours 27 min ago

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be a little easier if you love basketball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Verbs

  • Green: Basic Ball Knowledge

  • Blue: AA

  • Purple: Women's Basketball

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Look At

  • Green: Seen at an NBA Court

  • Blue: Double-A Baseball Teams

  • Purple: Starts with a WNBA Team

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 #570 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Look At — OBSERVE, SPECTATE, VIEW, WATCH

  • Seen at an NBA Court — BENCHES, HALF-COURT LOGO, SCORER'S TABLE, SHOT CLOCK

  • Double-A Baseball Teams — BISCUITS, DRILLERS, TRASH PANDAS, WIND SURGE

  • Starts with a WNBA Team — DREAMY, FIREFLY, SKYPE, SUNDIAL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16, 2026

19 hours 27 min ago

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love comics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 16, 2026 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: To mock

  • Green: HVAC options

  • Blue: Batman's lover

  • Purple: Prepping

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Tease

  • Green: Thermostat settings

  • Blue: Features of a Catwoman costume

  • Purple: Training ___

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 #1040 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Tease: NEEDLE, RIB, RIDE, ROAST

  • Thermostat settings: AUTO, COOL, FAN, HEAT

  • Features of a Catwoman costume: BODYSUIT, CLAWS, MASK, WHIP

  • Training ___: BRA, CAMP, DAY, WHEELS

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, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 16, 2026

19 hours 27 min ago

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you have many hobbies.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: This is not working

The words are related to leisure.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe side activities.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Just for Fun.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

NYT Strands word list for April 16
  • Pastime

  • Interest

  • Sideline

  • Just for Fun

  • Recreation

  • Hobby

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2026

19 hours 27 min ago

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're good with measurements.

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 hints today: Clues, answers for April 16, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for April 16, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Elbow to finger.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CUBIT

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.

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is sitting at a record-low price — save more than $200 at Amazon

22 hours 27 min ago

SAVE $220: The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $499, down from the standard price of $719. That's a 31% discount and a record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo $499 at Amazon
$719 Save $220   Get Deal

Now that the weather has improved, we're back to outdoor adventures. If you're looking for a new outdoor hobby, becoming a pro drone pilot could be a great endeavor. It gets you outside, offers incredible vantage points, and you can share your footage with the rest of the world. If you could use a new or upgraded drone, check out this Amazon deal.

As of April 15, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $499, down from the standard price of $719. That's a 31% discount that takes $220 off the price. It's also a record-low price at Amazon by $100.

While the brand has branched out in offerings over the last decade, DJI drones still remain some of the best on offer. DJI faced an FCC ban last year, but that hasn't stopped third-party sellers from getting DJI drones out to U.S consumers. Just be a bit cautious about which third-party seller you're buying from.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 is on sale at Amazon for over $500 off — one of the best portable power stations for creators

Today's deal on the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo with the DJI RC is from Smart Fly Gear which has a 100% positive rating over the last 12 months at Amazon, so this is a good option.

The DJI Mini 3 is a beginner friendly model and comes with plenty of accessories for making learning a breeze. It's a lightweight model that folds down into a compact size and DJI threw extra batteries into this bundle. The three batteries will spell approximately 114 minutes of flight time. It also has level 5 wind resistance which means it can safely capture stable footage and return home in winds up to about 23 miles per hour.

There's also one-tap takeoff and landing functions as well as several beginner tutorials available. Video transmission is possible within 32,800 feet and you can record in 4K HDR video.

While it's at a never-before-seen low price, snatch up the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo for under $500. Your spring and summer adventures will get a major level-up with your new hobby.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lego unveils a new Star Wars build of The Mandalorians N-1 Starfighter, arriving May the 4th for $250

23 hours 27 min ago

Today, Lego unveiled the new flagship Star Wars-themed building set it's releasing on May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day. The Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter (75442) will be the latest entry in the company's Ultimate Collector Series of rare and elaborate builds for adult fans, the most popular being its 7,541-piece Millennium Falcon.

The N-1 Starfighter set is priced at $249.99. Members of the free-to-join Lego Insiders loyalty program will be able to purchase it starting Friday, May 1, three days before it's available to the public on Monday, May 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter (75442) $249.99 at the Lego Store
Available May 1 for Lego Insiders and May 4 for everyone else. Learn More

Those who buy it between May 1 to 6 will receive three freebies while supplies last, including a 278-piece Darksaber building set, a Razor Crest Mini-Build, and a collectible trinket.

Lego's N-1 Starfighter is a brickified version of the ship helmed by the titular bounty hunter in the third season of Disney+'s The Mandalorian, as well as its spin-off series, The Book of Boba Fett. That saga continues on the big screen in next month's The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Credit: Lego

The N-1 Starfighter set contains 1,809 pieces, making it the second-smallest Ultimate Collector Series build (after last year's 1,513-piece AT-ST Walker). In a press release, Lego said it "uses advanced Lego building techniques and special silver Drum Lacquered elements to capture the ship’s distinctive Naboo-inspired silhouette and intricate detailing."

The set comes with a Mandalorian minifigure, a Grogu figure, and a stand with an information plaque. It can be displayed in two different orientations.

Credit: Lego Credit: Lego What is Star Wars Day?

Star Wars Day is an unofficial holiday commemorating the Star Wars franchise. It's always celebrated on May 4 or "May the 4th," a play on the phrase "May the Force be with you."

Lego typically commemorates Star Wars Day by releasing one new Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series set in addition to several smaller Star Wars-themed builds, by giving away free items with select purchases, and by hosting in-store "Make & Take" events. This year, participating Lego Store locations will let fans build free miniature N-1 Starfighter sets from May 2 to 4.

SEE ALSO: Mid-April's free Legos include a Lego taco stand or mini TIE fighter

Lego Stores in London and Munich will also be hosting signing events with César Soares, the designer behind the new flagship N-1 Starfighter build, on May 1 and 2, respectively.

Lego will be dropping seven other new Star Wars sets on April 26, about a week before Star Wars Day. Three of them currently available for preorder — though if you wait until May 1 to buy them, you'll get the aforementioned Razor Crest Mini-Build for free. (It's a bonus with any purchase over $40, not just with the big N-1 Starfighter.)

To learn more about Lego's Star Wars Day festivities, visit its website.

Preorder Lego's other Star Wars Day 2026 sets: Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship (75445) $74.99 Pre-Order Here Lego Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) (75446) $129.99 Pre-Order Here Lego Star Wars The Razor Crest (75447) $149.99 Pre-Order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

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