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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: 51 min 2 sec ago

The Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection is now under market price on TCGplayer

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 10:58

TL;DR: TCGplayer has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) listed from $119.76 with shipping included. That puts it $0.20 below TCGplayer’s current $119.96 market price, while also undercutting Amazon’s $130.43 listing.

Where to buy the Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir): Best TCGplayer deal Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) $119.76 at TCGplayer Shop Now Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) $134.95 at Amazon Shop Now

Ascended Heroes has surged back as the hottest expansion from the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution set — causing prices on boosters, blisters, ETBs, and booster boxes to shoot back up. With that in mind, this new price on one of the poster collections is the best way to get booster packs at market price and get its included promo card and poster as a bonus. 

As of April 9, TCGplayer has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) listed from $119.76 with shipping included. That lands just under the site’s current $119.96 market price, while also sitting below its $121.63 listed median. TCGplayer’s pricing data also shows the product has cooled off notably from the sharper swings it saw over the past three months, making this a much easier buy than when listings were climbing much higher earlier in the expansion’s release window.

Over on Amazon, the main listing is still sitting at $130.43, which leaves TCGplayer ahead by $10.67. Amazon does show some lower marketplace offers, but even those are still not as appealing as TCGplayer’s best shipped price right now. Still, if TCGplayer runs out of stock, or you’re wary of buying on the dedicated trading card selling platform, Amazon is a fine backup. 

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Inside the box, you are getting 10 Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes booster packs, one foil promo card featuring Mega Gardevoir ex, one double-sided poster, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. 

You can also buy the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for under $80. As for rarer expansions, you can grab the Pokémon TCG Prismastic Evolutions Booster Bundle near market price at Walmart.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle has hit a record-low price at Amazon — buy now for market price

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 10:52

TL;DR: TCGplayer has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle listed from $39.81 with shipping included. That puts it just $0.15 above TCGplayer’s current $39.66 market price, while also undercutting Amazon’s record-low $42.95 listing.

Where to buy Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundles: Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle $42.95 at Amazon Shop Now Best TCGplayer Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle $39.81 at TCGplayer Shop Now

Perfect Order Booster Bundle pricing has kept sliding since its March 27 release, but this is the first time we’ve seen a Pokémon TCG expansion’s booster bundle drop to below $40 so soon after release.

As of April 9, TCGplayer has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle listed from $39.81 with shipping included. Amazon has the same bundle priced at $42.95.

That price works out to about $6.64 per booster pack for a bundle that includes six Perfect Order packs. If you prefer buying from Amazon over the dedicated trading card selling platform, $42.95 is the lowest price that the online retailer has offered for the booster bundle so far — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

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With six booster packs per box (with 10 cards per pack), the bundle is a straightforward way to start building out your collection of the Perfect Order’s lineup of over 120 cards. Special Illustration Rares of Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex, and Meowth ex are fantastic chase cards that make for beautiful pulls.

To get even more booster packs from the expansion, with exclusive extras, the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box is now under $80. As for other expansions, the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle is near market price at Walmart

Categories: IT General, Technology

Regularly $999, score a MacBook Air for $200 with this limited-time deal

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 10:39

TL;DR: Bring home a tiny, but mighty MacBook Air for just $199.97 (reg. $999) now through April 19, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2017 (Refurbished) $199.97
$999 Save $799.03   Get Deal

The MacBook Air may be tiny, but it’s still mighty. You shouldn’t underestimate Apple’s lightest laptop — it still packs plenty of power and a whole lot of storage in its sleek and portable frame. Right now, you can bring one home for a surprisingly light price — just $199.97 (reg. $999) — now through April 19.

Don’t sleep on the MacBook Air. This Apple device may be easy to take anywhere, weighing in at just 2.96 pounds, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on power. A 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM let you tackle even the lengthiest to-do lists, and the 13.3-inch widescreen display is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 6000, allowing you to see everything in high-quality images with smooth streaming capabilities.

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If you like to store files locally, you’ll have plenty of space thanks to 128GB of flash storage, along with room to download your favorite apps, too. You’ll enjoy easy connectivity thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, letting you go online and transfer files. And you won’t be hunting for an electrical outlet mid-day — this MacBook Air has an impressive 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Wondering how you’re saving $800 on this Apple laptop? It comes with a Grade A/B refurbished rating, which means it may arrive with light scuffing on the bevel or case, or light scratches or dents on the body, but there will be no dents, cracks, or missing parts.

Regularly $999, get this quality refurbished MacBook Air for only $199.97 (reg. $999) now through April 19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 10:38

TL;DR: Get a free iPhone 17e when signing up for a T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required. Alternatively, get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing up for an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible device.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 for free   Get Deal

Last month was absolutely huge for Apple. We got new iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads, but what now? Are we all expected to sit around and wait for the next batch of new products to drop? Absolutely not — we're supposed to find the best deals on this fresh lineup.

For those interested in investing in the new iPhone 17, we recommend checking out T-Mobile. The popular carrier is offering another "free iPhone" deal this week.

You can switch to almost any T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e with no trade in required. Alternatively, you can score the iPhone 17 for free when signing on for 24 months of an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible phone. T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals and a $35 device connection fee. That's mildly irritating, but that's how it often goes with this kind of deal.

SEE ALSO: Boost Infinite is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — upgrade to the latest model every year

We should note that the Experience More plan is designed for power users who want 4K streaming, massive hotspot data, and the best international roaming. It therefore comes with a higher monthly bill than more limited plans. The Experience More plan does include perks like Apple TV+ and Netflix, which helps offset some of that cost.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." That's enough for us to consider upgrading.

Score an iPhone 17 for free this week with T-Mobile.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Big Mistakes review: Dan Levys crime comedy gifts us with wild sibling hijinks

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 09:01

With Schitt's Creek, Dan Levy and Eugene Levy crafted the sweet story of the ridiculously lovable Rose family, who begin the series at their lowest point — freshly broke and awful to everyone around them — before embarking on the road to redemption.

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

In his newest project, Big Mistakes, Dan Levy and co-creator Rachel Sennott turn the tables on that redemptive arc, delivering a much darker tale of a family that's just beginning its own downward spiral.

What's Big Mistakes about? Taylor Ortega and Dan Levy in "Big Mistakes." Credit: Spencer Pazer / Netflix

The family in question is the New Jersey-based Morellis. Mother and hardware store owner Linda (Laurie Metcalf) is preparing to run for mayor of their small town, with the help of her peppy, annoyingly put-together daughter Natalie (Abby Quinn). Her other two children are... messier. Pastor Nicky (Levy) is hiding his boyfriend Tareq (Jacob Gutierrez) from his congregation, and school teacher Morgan (Taylor Ortega) has grown tired of her long-term relationship with high school sweetheart Max (Jack Innanen).

SEE ALSO: 'The Testaments' review: 'The Handmaid's Tale' sequel finds new power in its YA perspective

Their romantic lives are about to be the least of their concerns, though. When Morgan steals a necklace for their dying nonna (Judith Roberts), she lands the pair in the service of a local crime lord. Soon, Nicky and Morgan are running illicit errands for a criminal syndicate. Do they have any criminal bona fides or any desire to do this job? Absolutely not. But do their positions as a pastor and teacher provide the perfect cover? Unfortunately for Nicky and Morgan, they do.

Dan Levy and Taylor Ortega are a hysterical duo in Big Mistakes. Dan Levy, Ilia Volok, and Taylor Ortega in "Big Mistakes." Credit: Netflix

I've never really been a fan of stories where people are drawn into the criminal underworld against their will. Yet Big Mistakes won me over thanks to the dynamic between Nicky and Morgan, especially their blatant reluctance in the face of every task they're given.

Take the first episode, which ends with the pair in the back of gangster Yusuf's (Boran Kuzum) truck.

"It's fully giving kidnap homicide," Morgan moans as she climbs in.

"Those are your last words?" Nicky retorts, with a gun at his back.

That contrast between sibling bickering and the threat of bodily harm fuels the dark comedy of Big Mistakes. No matter where Nicky and Morgan wind up, be it a cattle auction or a Miami yacht, they're always complaining. The nonstop sniping can occasionally carry shades of David and Alexis Rose, but the show's grittier thriller tone, as well as a stress-inducing score from Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum and Peaches, helps distance Big Mistakes from Schitt's Creek.

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Levy and Ortega also establish themselves as a stellar comedy duo, feeding on each other's frenetic energy to turn each illegal deal into a tour de force of cringe comedy. Big Mistakes' broader ensemble is also a joy to watch, especially Metcalf as the beleaguered Linda. When we first meet her and her children, they're bracing for a family tragedy: the death of Nonna Morelli. We learn her decline has gone on long enough that her family's grief has morphed into the kind of pained resignation in which everyone is making her illness about them. For Nicky and Morgan, it's an inconvenience. For Natalie, it's an opportunity to performatively out-grieve her imperfect siblings. And for Linda, who's doing her best to keep her ailing mother under control, it's a hindrance to her campaign announcement.

"Make my mother's death easy on me," Linda asks her children. The line highlights how pitch-black Big Mistakes is willing to get, and the kind of self-absorption we'll be dealing with from all the Morellis as the series spirals further into criminal chaos.

Big Mistakes leans into the anxiety of Nicky and Morgan's double lives closing in around them. But it also finds wholesomeness amidst the sordid schemes, with Nicky and Morgan growing closer thanks to their new endeavors. Here, Levy and Ortega showcase a vulnerability that's not on display in their earlier, more abrasive arguments together, and the result is heartwarming. (Even if these moments of reconciliation often come at the worst possible moments.) It's proof of Levy and Ortega's chemistry, and it also helps set up what could be one of TV's next most compelling sibling duos.

Big Mistakes is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You, Me and Tuscany review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 06:00

This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.

In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro's back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from '90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid's Halle Bailey and Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.

What's not to love?

You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy. Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in "You, Me & Tuscany." Credit: Universal Pictures

Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany's credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.

Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a "spicy white boy" (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).

Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is "just sitting there." And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it's not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in "You, Me & Tuscany." Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can't get it off before Matteo's family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don't stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow's framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.

In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she's actually falling for when he and all his family believes she's engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo's "brother/cousin" Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair's TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine's interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.

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It's a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario's "Let Me Love You" and Ari Lennox's "Soft Girl Era."

Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble. Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in "You, Me & Tuscany." Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she's able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding's Nia Vardalos.

For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As "handsome winemaker" Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, "Spicy White has a brother that's a BROTHA with a six-pack!"

From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in "You, Me & Tuscany." Credit: Universal Pictures

Coiro's rom-com doesn't just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael's level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she's a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.

Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.

All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It'll make a perfect pairing.

You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for April 9, 2026

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 06:00

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

To throw.

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

PITCH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

The start of spring.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MARCH

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

Well done.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BRAVO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Jewelry measurement.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

CARAT

Final Hurdle hint

It keeps on turning.

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

WHEEL

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 hints today: Clues, answers for April 9, 2026

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 04:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're down in the dumps.

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.

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SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 9, 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: Dreary

  • Green: Provides relief

  • Blue: Astrological signs

  • Purple: Fit

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Gloomy

  • Green: Ointment

  • Blue: Zodiac symbols

  • Purple: Muscular, minus "Ed" sound

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 #1033 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Gloomy: BLUE, DARK, DOWN, LOW

  • Ointment: BALM, CREAM, PASTE, RUB

  • Zodiac symbols: ARCHER, FISH, GOAT, RAM

  • Muscular, minus "Ed" sound: JACK, RIP, SHRED, YOKE

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 9, 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 9, 2026

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 04:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're an artist.

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 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: In the paint

The words are related to art.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe art forms.

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 Medium.

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NYT Strands word list for April 9
  • Fresco

  • Enamel

  • Pastel

  • Medium

  • Watercolor

  • Acrylic

  • Tempera

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 9, 2026

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 04:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're stuffed.

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 9, 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 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Loaded.

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 I.

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...

LADEN

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

This $150 2-in-1 device can replace your laptop and tablet

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get an ASUS Chromebook — an affordable computer that’s part laptop, part tablet — for just $149.99 (reg. $369.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: 203 Trading LLC ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) Detachable Touchscreen 8GB RAM 128GB eMMC (Refurbished) $149.99
$369.99 Save $220   Get Deal

Trying to keep multiple devices powered up can feel like a full-time job. If you’re looking for a device that can pull double duty while still going easy on your wallet, it’s time to check out the ASUS Chromebook. This 2-in-1 device serves as a tablet and laptop, and it can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $369.99).

If you’re tired of juggling a laptop and a tablet, let the ASUS Chromebook be your new go-to device. This versatile Chromebook can handle the demands of today’s busy lives — allowing you to swap between laid-back tablet mode and work-time laptop mode.

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A MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor enables major multitasking, and 8GB of RAM and 128 GB eMMC storage ensure you have space to store files locally and run your favorite apps. There are also dual 5MP cameras on the front and rear for snapping photos or video chatting.

This ASUS Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, so you’ll have access to your favorite cloud-based apps. A 10.5-inch WUXGA touchscreen provides crisp visuals, but if you get tired of using your finger, a built-in push-pop garaged stylus is handy when you need it.

The keyboard detaches thanks to a magnetic stand, so it’s simple to swap from laptop to tablet. You don’t have to go easy on the ASUS Chromebook, since it’s made from a super durable, military-grade aluminum chassis. And a 12-hour battery life means you don’t have to power up mid-day.

You’re saving $220 on this device due to its Grade A refurb status, which means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with minimal to zero scuffing, while you secure a deep discount.

This ASUS Chromebook gives you the perks of a tablet and laptop in one, and right now you can get one for $149.99 (reg. $369.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $99.99 AI tool combines writing, images, and more in one app

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 00:00

TL;DR: 1min.AI is on sale for $99.99 (reg. $540), offering a lifetime subscription that combines multiple AI models and tools for writing, image generation, document processing, and more in one platform.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.99
$540 Save $440.01   Get Deal

Using AI efficiently often means using more than one tool, which is where things can start to feel a bit counterproductive. 1min.AI takes a more streamlined approach by combining those functions into a single platform. For a limited time, its lifetime plan is on sale for $99.99 (reg. $540).

1min.AI brings together multiple AI models like GPT, Claude, Gemini, MistralAI, and more into one workspace, so you can handle different tasks without switching between apps. Whether you’re writing, brainstorming, generating visuals, or analyzing documents, it’s designed to keep everything in one place.

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Instead of focusing on just one function, the platform covers a wide range of everyday use cases.

For writing and content tasks, it can generate blog posts, rewrite drafts, expand or shorten content, and help with keyword research and SEO. It also includes tools for paraphrasing, summarizing, and even adapting content for platforms like LinkedIn or X, which can be useful if you’re managing multiple channels. On the visual side, it offers image generation and editing tools, including background removal, object editing, and upscaling. You can also generate images from prompts or sketches, adding a layer of flexibility to creative projects.

For document-heavy work, it supports summarizing, translating, and interacting with files like PDFs and presentations. You can ask questions about documents or extract key information without manually digging through them. It also extends into audio and video, with features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, voice tools, and basic video generation or editing, making it useful if your workflow includes multimedia content.

Of course, like most AI tools, it works best as an assistant rather than a replacement. Outputs can speed things up, but they still benefit from human review and editing.

With this plan, you get 4 million credits per month, plus the ability to generate additional credits depending on usage. In practical terms, that can translate to over a million words, thousands of SEO keywords, and a large volume of generated images. You also get access to an unlimited prompt library, storage, and brand voice tools.

The subscription can be shared with up to 20 users, which makes it a more viable option for teams. There are built-in collaboration features and member management tools to support that setup.

The platform is also updated regularly, with new features added through its public roadmap and weekly updates. Formerly $540, you can get lifetime access to 1.minAI for $99.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 12 best headphones of 2026 — we tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 22:34

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2026 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the Marshall Monitor III, JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and though they had their merits, fell short of winning the best of the best spot on this guide.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

In the testing pipeline

For our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.

Recent updates to this guide
  • March 2025: We've designated the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds as the most comfortable ANC earbuds and crowned the Sony XM6 earbuds as the new best noise cancelling earbuds.

  • December 2025: We replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.

  • December 2025: We removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds, as they're frequently out of stock.

  • December 2025: We added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100.

  • December 2025: We added the Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, as our new honorable mention pick.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Was Bitcoins creator unmasked by the New York Times? Dont bet on it.

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 22:19

Who is the real human behind Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym for the still-anonymous creator of Bitcoin?

The question is more than just academic, and it's not about who controls the currency. If Satoshi (as he is universally known) is still alive, he's spent years sitting on about $68 billion worth of Bitcoin. It was worth about twice that at its peak in October 2025; crypto has had a bad six months. There may be worse to come, according to Google, now that quantum computers could unlock every Bitcoin. Spend it while you can, Satoshi!

The "Who is Satoshi?" parlor game has been going for more than a decade. We've seen more than a few con artists claim to be the Banksy of Bitcoin. We've even seen a Satoshi memoir announced (likely fake — whomever Satoshi is, he hasn't written anything under that name since 2011). A recent HBO documentary made its own case for Satoshi's secret identity.

So it was a big deal when a New York Times investigation pointed the finger at British cryptography expert Adam Back, a veteran bitcoin miner active in the crypto community around the time Satoshi was posting. This investigation is especially notable, as the reporter behind the story, John Carreyrou, is known for uncovering a lot of Elizabeth Holmes's infamous fraud at Theranos.

And it was a poke in the eye for the Times when Back calmly and clearly denied the claim in multiple social media posts.

The TL;DR of Back's denial: Damn, I wish.

"[Of course I'm] kicking myself for not [bitcoin] mining in anger in 2009," Back told one user on X. "Hindsight is always 20:20 in trading, so I'm relaxed about that could-have should-have."

This isn't the first time Back's name has been mentioned as the real identity of Satoshi. Carreyrou says he grew suspicious of Back after seeing his body language in the HBO documentary on this subject, which listed Back as a possible Satoshi.

The Times claim relies in part on an AI examination of early cryptography listservs where Satoshi was active; the AI noted that both Back and Satoshi mixed up their "its" and "it's" and shared a common vocabulary. Back said he told Carreyrou there was a form of "cognitive bias" at work in the fact that he simply posted on a lot of the same topics at Satoshi.

And of course, as Back didn't need to mention, AI is inherently and increasingly prone to hallucination.

"I also don't know who Satoshi is," Back wrote, "and I think it is good for bitcoin that this is the case, as it helps bitcoin be viewed a new asset class, the mathematically scarce digital commodity."

Back also tweeted an image he'd sent years earlier, one that emphasized the decentralized nature of Bitcoin: "we are all Satoshi."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bring this large and in charge 100-inch Hisense Class U6 Series Mini-LED 4K TV home for its best price yet

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 19:05

SAVE $500.03: As of April 8, get the 100-inch Hisense Class U6 Series Mini-LED 4K TV for $1,497.96 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,997.99. That's a discount of 25% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 100-inch Hisense Class U6 Series Mini-LED 4K TV $1,497.96 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $500.03   Get Deal

There's never a bad time to get a new TV. And it's an especially great time right now to add one to your living room, especially one at this price: a massive, 100-inch display that's ready to turn your home into an entertainment center.

As of April 8, get the 100-inch Hisense Class U6 Series Mini-LED 4K TV for $1,497.96 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,997.99. That's a discount of 25% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: There are huge deals on Hisense TVs in the Amazon Spring Sale — score $500 off a 100-inch monster

The Hisense Class U6 Series QLED 4K TV has bright, crisp colors, a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits with 600 dimming zones, 144Hz, HDR10+, and Dolby Visio IQ.

In the realm of audio, it has Dolby Atmos as well, for excellent sound regardless if you add a soundbar or other device. And if you're a gamer, it has a 144Hz native refresh rate with a special Game Mode Pro option to smooth lag while you're playing fast-paced games.

If you're planning on using it to catch up with your favorite shows and movies, it has built-in Alexa support with its Fire TV integration. That means you can watch a variety of live TV channels, stream content, and more all without having to add a streaming stick.

This is your chance to bring home a massive TV that has all the bells and whistles of a model twice its price. If you're ready to go all in on your entertainment setup, now's the time to head to Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AirPods Pro vs. the competition: $30 to $150 challengers

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 19:01

We compare AirPods Pro, Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, Nothing Ear (a) and SoundPEATS C30 in everyday use. The focus is on how they handle sound, comfort, and workouts in real-world conditions, and whether any of these lower-priced options can realistically replace a premium pair.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch PSG vs. Liverpool online for free

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is showcasing some huge quarter-final matchups this week, and it doesn't get much bigger than the defending champions hosting Liverpool. PSG will be expected to advance to the next round, but Liverpool possess the talent to upset the odds. They've not been at their best this season, but they could turn things around at the Parc des Princes.

Expect big performances from the likes of Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia as PSG look to build a lead to take to Anfield.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Liverpool?

PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on April 8. This fixture takes place at the Parc des Princes.

How to watch PSG vs. Liverpool for free

PSG vs. Liverpool is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream PSG vs. Liverpool for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

  5. Watch PSG vs. Liverpool for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream PSG vs. Liverpool (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection 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).

Live stream PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid online for free

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures continues with Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid. This is arguably the toughest contest to predict from the quarter-final stage, but you can be sure of big performances from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Julián Alvarez as these rivals battle it out at the Camp Nou.

They've already met a few times this season, most recently in a dramatic 2-1 win for Barcelona in La Liga. Atletico Madrid did knock Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey earlier this season, so they know how to beat Barcelona over two legs.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid?

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on April 8. This fixture takes place at the Camp Nou.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid for free

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection 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).

Watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hate vacuuming? This budget-friendly Eufy robot vacuum is down to $139.99

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 18:53

SAVE 50%: As of April 8, you can get the Eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX for $139.99, down from $279.99, at Amazon. That's a 50% discount or $140 savings.

Eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX $139.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $140   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon

Vacuuming is one of those necessary evils that you just have to do. (I mean, I guess you could boycott vacuuming, but that would most likely make your living space a nightmare). But there is a loophole: The robot vacuum cleaner, and right now you can get one of Amazon's top-rated models for 50% off.

As of April 8, you can get the Eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX for $139.99 at Amazon, down from $279.99. That's a 50% discount or $140 savings.

SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness

This super-slim robovac is ideal for anyone with low-clearance furniture. It'll run for 100 minutes on a single charge, which should be long enough to clean your entire apartment or the main floor of your house (unless you live in a palace). It's also super quiet (it operates at about the same noise level as a microwave).

My favorite feature of this robot vac is more of a non-feature. It doesn't connect to WiFi or an app. All operations are done using the included remote control. If you're sick of downloading a new app for every single thing in your house (why do I need an app for my washing machine or stove?), this is the best robot vacuum you can get.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mark Zuckerberg announces Muse Spark, the first AI model from Meta Superintelligence Labs

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 18:49

Mark Zuckerberg announced Wednesday that Meta Superintelligence Labs has reached its first major milestone: a new family of AI models called Muse, with the debut model, Spark, available now. In a Facebook post, Zuckerberg said that Muse Spark now powers an updated version of Meta AI, which users can access online at meta.ai or in the Meta AI app.

"Muse Spark is the first step on our scaling ladder and the first product of a ground-up overhaul of our AI efforts," a Meta announcement stated.

Spark is designed to be particularly capable in areas tied to everyday personal use — tasks like visual understanding, health, shopping, and social content. Looking ahead, Zuckerberg said Meta is building products that go beyond answering questions, toward AI that acts as agents "that do things for you."

Future AI models in the Muse lineup will also include new open-source releases.

Muse Spark is the first big product from Meta Superintelligence Labs

The announcement marks the public debut of work that has been underway — and at times turbulent — since last summer. When Zuckerberg first laid out his vision for "personal superintelligence" in a July 2025 manifesto, the ambition was an AI that helps people pursue their own goals rather than one controlled from the top down.

To build it, Meta went on one of the most aggressive hiring sprees in recent memory, personally recruiting more than 50 researchers from rivals including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, and bringing in former Scale AI chief Alexandr Wang to lead its new superintelligence research group.

Then, just as quickly, Meta froze hiring altogether — citing routine budget planning — and restructured the team into four smaller units focused on research, superintelligence development, products, and infrastructure. Zuckerberg explained the pivot by saying he believes breakthrough AI work is best done by compact teams who can hold the full picture in their heads, rather than sprawling organizations.

The whiplash raised eyebrows amid broader market jitters about whether the AI boom is sustainable. An MIT study circulating at the time found the vast majority of companies deploying AI were seeing no financial return.

In his original manifesto, Zuckerberg drew a sharp philosophical line between Meta and its competitors, arguing that some AI labs want to concentrate superintelligence and pipe its output to humanity like a utility. Meta sees it differently, he said.

In Wednesday's Muse Spark announcement post, he once again framed the lab's founding goal as "putting personal superintelligence in everyone's hands" — with the underlying belief that empowering individuals, not centralizing intelligence, is how humanity moves forward.

Wednesday's Muse announcement will be the first concrete product to emerge from these multi-billion-dollar investments. (Meta allocated $72 billion in AI development in 2025 and is expected to spend up to $135 billion in 2026.)

Muse Spark: Benchmark performance

So far, Meta's Llama family of AI models has lagged far behind its rivals on AI leaderboards. Whether Spark lives up to the superintelligence branding remains to be seen, but after months of hiring drama, restructuring, and big-picture theorizing, Meta has finally put something on the table.

As Zuckerberg put it: "I'm looking forward to sharing more soon."

As part of its Muse Spark announcement, Meta Superintelligence Labs released its scores on popular AI benchmark tests such as Humanity's Last Exam (HLE), ARC AGI 2, and GPQA Diamond. These scores could not be independently verified at this time, but Meta did release information on its testing methodology for Muse Spark.

Overall, Meta reported mixed results when comparing Muse Spark to frontier models such as Claude Opus 4.6 Max, Gemini 3.1 Pro High, GPT 5.4 Xhigh, and Grok 4.2, with Muse Spark outperforming on some benchmarks and underperforming on others.

Meta released a table comparing benchmark performance for Muse Spark.

Meta released this benchmark comparison table. Credit: Meta How to try Muse Spark from Meta

Muse Spark is available online now. Desktop users can access the new AI model online at meta.ai. Mobile users can also try Muse Spark in the Meta AI app. Additionally, Meta said that select users will be able to access a private API preview.

To compete with reasoning models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, Meta is also releasing a "Contemplating" mode for Muse Spark, "which orchestrates multiple agents that reason in parallel."

"This allows Muse Spark to compete with the extreme reasoning modes of frontier models such as Gemini Deep Think and GPT Pro. Contemplating mode provides significant capability improvements in challenging tasks, achieving 58% in Humanity’s Last Exam and 38% in FrontierScience Research."

Contemplating mode is not yet available; Meta said it will be released gradually at meta.ai, but did not provide a timeline for its release.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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