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Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love the beach.

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 4, 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 4, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Dusty.

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 S.

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...

SANDY

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 today's Wordle.

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Late last year, weeks into a winning streak, meditation teacher and mindfulness coach Tim Hwang noticed something had changed about his Wordle habit. 

The New York Times puzzle challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six tries. Simple enough in itself, but Hwang had become overly focused on his stats. Revealing the word in the fewest possible guesses is a badge of honor for players. Long streaks also afford bragging rights. And Hwang began to feel like he was clinging to his record.

"I started noticing that by day 40 of the streak that it just felt like an obligation to actually do the puzzle," Hwang told Mashable. "I didn't [enjoy] solving the problems. It was a relief just to complete it to keep my streak alive." 

Meanwhile, what had begun as a pleasurable text exchange with friends about their results had curdled for Hwang into painful comparisons over who'd solved the puzzle and in how many tries. 

The joy of playing had fizzled. He'd become competitive about Wordle, and arguably even addicted. Hwang decided to stop playing for months — and would only return to the game after identifying ways to apply the skills he'd learned as a meditation teacher. 

SEE ALSO: Why friction-maxxing could be good for your tech usage

Crucially, he didn't believe the mindfulness problem was with Wordle itself. "The games can be really fun…and you get this flow and meditative state," Hwang says. "There's no multitasking. You're just problem solving, and you're just trying to figure out a puzzle. That can be really, really gratifying."

Hwang returned to Wordle two months ago. Now he sets clear intentions for playing, focuses on connection instead of competition, treats losses with a sense of radical acceptance, and remains aware of and curious about the feeling that he's clinging to victory. 

In short, he'd figured out how to preserve the best elements of online word games without playing obsessively and mindlessly.

Reckoning with Wordle and Spelling Bee obsession

I'd reached out to Hwang to learn more about his bittersweet experience because earlier this year, I'd started playing Wordle and two other Times games, Spelling Bee and Crossplay. 

Solving low-stakes puzzles thrilled my brain; I love words and enjoy spelling. Spelling Bee gives the player seven letters, one of which must be used in each word spelled. Crossplay, which I play with my mom, is the Times' version of Scrabble, or Words with Friends. Time spent on the puzzles felt like an indulgence in a fast-paced life. 

But, like Hwang, I came to realize that playing the games sparked something less wholesome in me. When I accidentally lost a 28-day Wordle streak because I forgot to complete the puzzle, the sting of disappointment felt out of proportion to the loss. 

I would wake up and feel an urgency to finish my physical therapy and yoga routine in time to start making Wordle and Spelling Bee guesses before my kids got out of bed at 7 a.m. I felt unsettled if I hadn't reached the highest Spelling Bee level — genius — before the day's end. 

The games also drew my attention to my phone more frequently, and that in itself was a habit I'd been trying to pare back. So I decided to use a notebook for Spelling Bee, which I typically solve in chunks throughout the day. 

Now instead of staring at my phone, I write down the day's letters, along with the hints (don't judge me), and wait until I've guessed roughly half the possible words. Then I allow myself a break from work or parenting to put them in all at once. I sometimes use my laptop browser to play, which minimizes the types of distractions I often experience on my phone. 

I also learned a valuable lesson from the Global Day of Unplugging, during which I abandoned my phone, as much as I could, for 24 hours. That meant no Wordle, Spelling Bee, or Crossplay, and no streaks. I craved the games initially, but the discomfort eventually resolved, and I felt peaceful instead. Now days can pass when I don't play, and I genuinely don't mind breaking a streak. 

These strategies worked for me, but what about others? I decided to learn more from mindfulness experts about how to course correct when an online word game has become the object of obsession. 

Set your playing intentions

Tara Anderson, a producer for the mindfulness podcast 10% Happier with Dan Harris, had a New York Times online crossword streak of more than 1,000 puzzles. Then she missed a single day. 

Anderson, who has practiced meditation for more than 30 years, said the streak lapse put into stark relief just how invested she'd become in solving the puzzles. 

"It was like, 'Oh, maybe I've been clinging to this too much," she told Mashable. "It was this bubble popping, and I saw it didn't mean anything anyway. And then I did the crossword puzzle again the next day. I do it now because I really enjoy the challenge." 

Anderson, who also plays Wordle and Spelling Bee, now approaches her word games with a simple thought in mind, courtesy of a colleague: "Am I doing this on purpose or not on purpose?" That deceptively simple question helps clarify Anderson's game-playing intentions. 

Though she's not clinging to streaks, the games can feel like a distraction from uncomfortable feelings or situations — even if they seem a more virtuous distraction than, say, TikTok. If that's the case, she tries to mindfully notice what's happening beneath the surface of her interest in playing. 

Like me, Anderson believes Spelling Bee's special badges for solving specific words and reaching certain thresholds, like Genius, can feel like getting a gold star. Rewards can make games fun, but they also pose challenges for the player who wants to solve the puzzle for the sake of doing so. 

Focus on your goals

Toby Sola, founder of the meditation app Brightmind, says games are a rewarding way to engage the mind and connect with others. They can also support a meditation or mindfulness practice, building important skills such as noticing your feelings without judgement, and identifying positive and negative behaviors. 

SEE ALSO: A brief history of meditation video games

The trick, Sola says, is making sure the game remains aligned with your values, specifically your goals — sharpening your mind, say, or playing with a family member — and how you want to spend your time. 

"Emphasize the playfulness, emphasize the connection, emphasize the gaming functions to the extent that they align with your values, but then de-emphasize all the other stuff," Sola says.

Anderson, for example, spends time with her kids and husband solving Spelling Bee. She's also decided to disregard the in-game awards, even if she enjoys them at the moment.

"I really don't pay attention to the streaks anymore or badges. Sometimes it's cool when it pops up," she says, referencing a panagram award for guessing a word that uses all available letters, "but what does it actually mean?"

How Wordle is like a meditation practice 

Meditation teacher Tim Hwang acknowledges that some days the games deliver on the promise of that meditative or flow state. But sometimes the puzzle might frustrate him, exposing deeper feelings about perfectionism and shame. 

This dynamic, Hwang says, is no different than an actual meditation practice — in which some days are "amazing" and on others you feel thwarted, all depending on what's happening in your life and in the world around you. 

When negative feelings bleed into the gameplay, Hwang recommends observing them with curiosity and being introspective about the factors driving your emotions. 

"Now I only play when I feel like I want to play it, and not like it's something I have to do." - Tim Hwang, mindfulness coach and meditation teacher

Hwang also asks himself whether his game strategies are partly responsible. If he's trying to solve Wordle in the fewest guesses possible or is worried about his stats, his satisfaction in the game can plummet. 

"Am I putting a lot of pressure on myself or am I going to enjoy this as a leisure activity?" Hwang asks. "These are prompts you can ask yourself in real time and reflect on." 

Hwang also accepts loss as a reality and feels compassion for himself when he doesn't solve a puzzle or breaks a streak. 

Ultimately, Hwang feels like he's found his balance with Wordle. 

"Now I only play when I feel like I want to play it, and not like it's something I have to do," he says. "I don't hold it as an obligation anymore."

Even without a new game on the immediate horizon, 2026 feels like a big year for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise.

There's been a larger-than-normal amount of chatter on social media and other parts of the internet about Zelda lately. Nostalgia-filled gamers are reminiscing about their favorite titles, characters, and moments from the series, while speculating about what is coming next. Heck, even I've been bouncing back and forth between older games in the series this past week.

Let's dig into why classic Zelda is having such a moment, even in an off-year, and how you can get in on the action.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo confirms live-action 'Legend of Zelda' movie arrives in 2027 Why are people talking about The Legend of Zelda in 2026? 'Breath of the Wild' on Switch 2 is amazing. Credit: Nintendo

As I mentioned, Nintendo has not announced a new Zelda game for 2026, and it's very unlikely that we'll get one. Tears of the Kingdom launched in 2023 and Echoes of Wisdom followed in 2024, and given how long it takes to make these games, we can safely assume it'll be at least a couple of years before either of the teams behind those two titles have anything new to show.

So, why has Zelda been a trendy topic online in recent weeks?

The simplest explanation is that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the original game's launch, so even without the appearance of a new game, a lot of us have Link on the brain. Then there's the fact that an official live-action Hollywood movie adaptation is currently being filmed with a tentative 2027 release date. Given the absurd financial success of Nintendo's recent Mario-fueled Hollywood forays, one has to imagine Nintendo foresees a similar fate for Zelda, a series that has sold exceptionally well over the past decade or so.

Beyond that, Nintendo has done a lot to keep Zelda in the discourse. Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild got serious upgrades for Nintendo Switch 2 when that console launched last year, making them almost feel like new games. Nintendo also gave Switch 2 owners the ability to play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, a GameCube classic, via Nintendo Switch Online on Switch 2 last year. I've been playing through that one on my own time, and I can confirm it's still absolutely incredible.

Artwork from the Nintendo 64 classic 'Ocarina of Time.' Credit: Nintendo

Fans are keeping older games alive, too. An extremely unofficial and not-at-all-sanctioned-by-Nintendo fan remake of Link's Awakening for Game Boy just hit the finish line, for example. PC fan ports and upgrades of older Zelda games are always happening, but especially so in the past year or two.

Having said all of that, easily the biggest reason why Zelda has been on people's minds in the last week or two is that a full-scale Switch 2 remake of the Nintendo 64 classic Ocarina of Time is rumored to launch during this holiday season. Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed this news, and we have no way of knowing if it's real, but that would be absolutely massive, if true. Ocarina is frequently cited as one of the greatest video games ever made, and a remake would put it in front of a whole new audience.

What's the best way to join the Zelda zeitgeist? Credit: Nintendo

Aside from just going on social media and yapping about how cool Zelda is, I would recommend firing up your Nintendo Switch 1 or 2 (provided you have a Switch Online) and just playing a bunch of classic Zelda titles until the cows come home.

Many of the classic 2D Zeldas are available via Switch Online, as are several of the later 3D titles. In fact, the only 3D Zelda you can't currently play on a Switch 2 is 2006's Twilight Princess, though one has to imagine that's coming at some point.

But seriously, every single game in the series is worth checking out on some level. The very first game, celebrating its 40th birthday this year, is far more open-ended than most games in the series. Zelda II is a fascinating, extremely difficult experiment. A Link to the Past is an all-time classic. Most of the handheld titles, such as Link's Awakening and Minish Cap, are also available on Switch, and are great in their own right.

You really can't go wrong. Whether you're a Zelda obsessive or someone with a more casual appreciation of the series, I highly recommend stepping into Link's shoes in the near future.

California just launched the largest public broadband network in the country — and its serving Indigenous communities first.

On April 2, Governor Gavin Newsom officially "turned on" California’s new Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN), part of the state's Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative and Broadband for All pledge. One of several projects funded by the $3.2 billion initiative, California's Department of Technology (CDT) repurposed dormant fiber infrastructure in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain region and created a full-fledged, high-capacity broadband backbone for use by nearby rural communities. The effort joins other nationwide projects aimed at filling out the country's "missing miles" of internet by providing fiber-optic cables, a gap that predominantly affects rural and indigenous communities.

The state also unveiled its first customer: The Bishop Paiute Tribe, located at the base of the Sierra Nevada in Bishop, California.

"Today marks a historic first as a California tribal nation enthusiastically leads the way to provide increased access and reliability to their local community," said Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari in a press release.

SEE ALSO: The Earth is glowing in new Artemis II pictures of home

Through the partnership, the Bishop Paiute Tribe will act as its own Internet Service Provider (ISP), independently managing and operating its broadband service, including setting pricing and service offerings for households on and off the reservation.

"A lot of work has gone into this project," Emma Williams, chairwoman of the Bishop Paiute Tribe. "We’re so happy to have this portion of the state’s middle-mile network turned on so the people in our community who desperately need a reliable and affordable internet connection can access everything from schoolwork to telehealth appointments."

It's especially significant that the state's first live project is connecting a federal tribe. Much like other rural areas across the country, Indigenous communities are still grossly underserved by ISPs, reporting lower broadband subscription rates, slower download speeds, and a higher reliance on smartphones for internet usage when compared to the general population. In early federal funding allotments for rural broadband projects, tribal lands and organizations made up less than 3 percent.

The Biden-Harris administration significantly ramped up investment in such projects, but connecting these areas takes time. To fill the gap, many tribal nations have funded their own community internet projects or turned to communication giants, like AT&T, to secure reliable internet connectivity.

While California has continued investing in projects to connect communities via last mile projects, the federal government has waned in its commitment to rural broadband connectivity under the Trump administration. Zeroing out rural broadband funding and rebranding the existing Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, the Trump administration has instead placed its focus on private satellite internet providers, including Elon Musk-owned Starlink.

"This is a meaningful step in the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, as it signifies the first active connection, but also the commitment to Tribal communities," Matthew Rantanen explained in a statement to Mashable. A connectivity veteran, Rantanen has consulted on California's Tribal Advisory Group, serves as director of technology at the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, and is the vice president of tribal relations for GoldenStateNet, the third-party administrator to CDT and MMBN. "It is particularly relevant for the Bishop Paiute Tribe, as it is a key ingredient to the success of their next phase, building fiber to the home and establishing their own ISP."

Speaking to Mashable last year, Rantanen explained that the Trump administration's new internet priorities could pose a risk to existing Middle Mile and tribal connectivity projects, many of which were already allocated federal dollars. State governments are filling in gaps, but many face additional pressure from Trump and his appointees, including FCC chair Brendan Carr.

A quick look at the April 2026 Samsung TV releases Samsung The Frame Pro TV (LS03HW) starting at $1,999.99 (65 through 85 inches) Shop Now Samsung S95H OLED TV starting at $2,499.99 (55 through 83 inches) Shop Now Samsung S90H OLED TV starting at $1,399.99 (42 through 83 inches) Shop Now Samsung S85H OLED TV starting at $1,199.99 (48 through 83 inches) Shop Now

We're finally getting some new Samsung TVs that aren't the $29,999.99 115-inch Micro RGB TV. At the end of March, Samsung announced the release of its new Neo QLED (mini LED) TVs. And on April 2, the TV tour continued as Samsung launched its full 2026 OLED TV lineup, plus a light refresh to The Frame Pro. But for all intents and purposes, it's safe to count the new flagship Samsung OLED as an honorary The Frame TV. You'll see why.

The 2026 Samsung OLED line and 2026 The Frame and The Frame Pro line are available for purchase at Samsung.com. Let's discuss the details.

SEE ALSO: How to get a free 55-inch Hisense Canvas TV: Preorder Hisense's cool new RGB TV Not much is new with the new The Frame Pro The 2026 Samsung Frame Pro. Credit: Samsung

The original Frame Pro just came out in April 2025, and Samsung didn't make a big deal about an update to the Frame lineup at CES — so we knew not to expect anything revolutionary on this front. The 2026 Frame Pro's only real technical update is a Micro HDMI port that supports eARC. Samsung also bumped The Frame Pro's smallest size to 55 inches, but it's not available to purchase yet.

Here's how much The Frame Pro 2026 will cost:

• 65-inch The Frame Pro — $1,999.99

• 75-inch The Frame Pro — $2,799.99

• 85-inch The Frame Pro — $3,999.99

Upgraded non-Pro Frame models from 55 to 85 inches are also on the way. As a refresher, the main difference between the two frame models is that The Frame is LED and The Frame Pro is QLED.

The new Samsung OLEDs are more exciting — and artsy The Samsung S95H has a metal bezel and lays flush to the wall. Credit: Samsung The Samsung S90H has a 165Hz refresh rate. Credit: Samsung

Oddly enough, it's Samsung's latest flagship OLED TV that has gotten a creative overhaul. The new Samsung S95H isn't officially an OLED version of The Frame, but it certainly has Frame-like tendencies. First up: The S95H doesn't have the classic black TV frame. Its new steel-colored metal bezel mounts the TV flush to the wall for a "gallery-like" floating aesthetic — sound familiar?

The S95H (and the mid-range S90H) also marks the first time that the Samsung Art Store will be accessible on an OLED TV. Complete with Wireless One Connect Ready compatibility, gaming features like Motion Xcelerator 165Hz, and improved Glare Free technology, the Samsung S95H could quickly become the best Samsung TV you can buy right now.

SEE ALSO: Sony hands TV business to TCL. What it means for you.

The mid-range Samsung S90H steals several of the same impressive upgrades from the S95H, including upgraded reflection handling and the Ultimate Gaming Pack. Both the S95H and S90H see higher peak brightness, thanks to improved HDR formats (OLED HDR Pro and OLED HDR+, respectively). Brighter than last year's Samsung S95F, which was already possibly the brightest OLED TV on the market? This is huge news for anyone whose TV time is truly split between bright and dark rooms.

The entry-level Samsung S85H should easily make our "best 65-inch TVs" list as the best budget OLED TV. (Not that there are a ton of those to begin with, but still.) It's armed with the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor (the same as Samsung's mid-range QN80F Neo QLED TV from 2025), a 120 Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos sound. It'll even be compatible with the upcoming 2026 Q-Series Soundbars and Music Studio speakers.

Here's how much the 2026 Samsung OLED lineup will cost:

Samsung S95H

• 55-inch Samsung S95H — $2,499.99

• 65-inch Samsung S95H — $3,399.99

• 77-inch Samsung S95H — $4,499.99

• 83-inch Samsung S95H — $6,499.99

Samsung S90H

• 42-inch Samsung S90H — $1,399.99

• 48-inch Samsung S90H — $1,599.99

• 55-inch Samsung S90H — $1,999.99

• 65-inch Samsung S90H — $2,699.99

• 77-inch Samsung S90H — $3,699.99

• 83-inch Samsung S90H — $5,299.99

Samsung S85H

• 55-inch Samsung S95H — $2,499.99

• 65-inch Samsung S95H — $3,399.99

• 77-inch Samsung S95H — $4,499.99

• 83-inch Samsung S95H — $6,499.99

Next on the docket: The smaller, more practically-priced Samsung Micro RGB TVs that we were promised at CES.

In space, no one can hear you scream in frustration at your computer.

With Artemis II on its way to the moon for a historic lunar mission, many of us are glued to the ongoing NASA livestream of the mission to make sure everything is OK. So far, so good on the important moon mission side of things, but when it comes to email management, the crew ran into a bit of a snag on Thursday.

Bluesky user Niki Grayson noticed and clipped a short segment of the livestream involving the crew needing help to deal with Microsoft Outlook problems, just like us regular people back on Earth.

right now the astronauts are calling houston because the computer on the spaceship is running two instances of microsoft outlook and they can't figure out why. nasa is about to remote into the computer

[image or embed]

— niki grayson (@nikigrayson.com) April 2, 2026 at 2:06 AM SEE ALSO: The Earth is glowing in new Artemis II pictures of home

The hilariously mundane problem occurred because Commander Reid Wiseman somehow had two different instances of Outlook open on his personal computing device (or PCD), which in this case is a Microsoft Surface Pro, according to our colleagues at PCMag. That was on top of another problem that prompted Wiseman to request mission control in Houston to actually gain remote access to the device. After an hour or so, mission control had managed to get in, fix the problem, and get out.

Anyone who has ever had to navigate IT problems at work can certainly relate.

The astronaut's email problems aren't the only mishap experienced by the crew in the early days of the mission.

The crew's toilet malfunctioned while the crew was still orbiting the Earth, requiring an emergency fix.

SEE ALSO: What 'home' will look like for the Artemis 2 crew headed to the moon

As Earth's 8 billion inhabitants beam well wishes up to the sky, the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission is looking back at us with just as much hope.

The mission's Orion spacecraft sent back its first image of Earth yesterday, a beautiful shot of a crescent Earth peeking out through the dark expanse of space, and the crew has gifted us even more stunning high-quality images today.

This black-and-white picture of planet Earth was taken by an optical navigation sensor on the exterior of the Orion spacecraft. Credit: NASA

The new Artemis II images — coupled with initial shots of the spacecraft hurtling through Earth's orbit, surrounded by glittering, galactic ice — have rendered much of the public awestruck, feeds flooding over with an overwhelming sense of emotion as the astronauts look back at our home.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Artemis II just reached a point of no return. Next stop: The moon.

Artemis II's crew — Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and pilot Victor Glover — includes the first woman and first Black astronaut to go to the moon. For many, the diverse team represents the best of what humanity has to offer, the pinnacle of human ingenuity and bravery.

"Trust us: You look amazing, you look beautiful, and from up here, you also look like one thing," Glover said during a broadcast on Flight Day 2. "We're all one people."

The historic, awe-inspiring mission to the moon will take them farther than any humans have gone in space. It will hopefully be the first of a series of efforts to get us back on the lunar surface — and back to the age of Apollo. And it's just getting started.

NASA is sharing images on its website, where you can check out more of the new Artemis II images:

Wave hello! Artemis II is watching us. Credit: NASA / Reid Wiseman

Well, there we all are. The blue marble. For those who need a little orientation: The large landmass you see in the center-left is Africa. The thin line of glowing green light on the top right and bottom left? The aurora borealis, hovering above us earthbound humans and lighting up our sky as Artemis II sails away.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Credit: NASA / Reid Wiseman

Take a look at this incredible shot of the Earth through the Orion capsule window, which NASA posted with a cheery "Good Morning" to the spacecraft's inhabitants and the mission's stateside teams.

Stay safe, Orion crew. That's all of us cheering you on.

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

Curious where the Artemis II mission is right now? Check out NASA's live mission tracker.

TL;DR: Live stream Chelsea vs. Port Vale in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The latest round of FA Cup fixtures includes some really interesting matchups, including Chelsea vs. Port Vale.

Chelsea will be expected to progress into the semi finals without too much trouble, but Port Vale have been the story of this year's competition. They've already beaten Premier League opposition to reach this round, so why couldn't they do it again? All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for a potential giant killing, and you can follow all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chelsea vs. Port Vale?

Chelsea vs. Port Vale in the FA Cup kicks off at 12:15 p.m. ET on April 4. This fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale for free

Chelsea vs. Port Vale in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chelsea vs. Port Vale 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Chelsea vs. Port Vale 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 Chelsea vs. Port Vale without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the FA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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• 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 Chelsea vs. Port Vale in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE 42%: As of April 3, you can get the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System in the Blossom Bliss colorway (with a storage bag) for $219.99, down from $379.99, at Amazon. That's a 42% discount or a $160 price cut.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System in the Blossom Bliss colorway (with a storage bag) $219.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $160   Get Deal at Amazon

I honestly hate doing my hair, which is exactly why I rely on my Drybar brush to get me out the door in under 10 minutes. But if you're someone who wants a little more versatility to do real curls and bouncy blowouts without spending an hour in the bathroom, you might want to check out the Shark FlexStyle.

Right now, you can get the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System in the limited-edition Blossom Bliss colorway for just $219.99 at Amazon. That's 42% off the list price and a new record-low price as of March 29.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle isn't your only option

The FlexStyle goes from a traditional hair dryer to a styler in seconds and comes with auto-wrap curlers that basically do the work for you, plus a concentrator and a storage bag, so you aren't leaving attachments all over the bathroom sink.

But you don't just have to take my word for it: Mashable's Lead Shopping Reporter and beauty tech expert, Bethany Allard, officially named it the "best Dyson Airwrap dupe." She gave it a Mashable Choice Award because the performance is "nearly indistinguishable" from the $600 Dyson, but pointed out that the Shark's unique twisting base and travel-friendly design make it "the superior hair tool."

Earlier this week, Apple released the iOS 26.5 beta for developers, and now we know what changes are included in the release.

Most of the changes are pretty minor, but here's everything Apple's early adopters have spotted so far.

iOS 26.5 beta: A notable absence

As Apple readies the long-awaited AI version of Siri (which will be powered by Google Gemini), developers and journalists are keeping a very close eye on every new iOS update.

However, there's no sign of the new Gemini-powered Siri in this particular beta.

In all likelihood, Apple will debut the new and hopefully improved Siri with iOS 27.

iOS 26.5 beta: What's new

So, what is new with this release?

The most notable changes is visible within Apple Maps. As we reported previously, rumor has it that advertisements will soon be coming to Apple Maps, and Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for these ads in the iOS 26.5 beta.

Within Apple Maps searches, you'll now see a Suggested Places tab (as spotted by MacRumors). Presumably, this is where the future Apple Maps ads will live.

Other changes include:

• You can more eaily pair "Magic" Apple accessories with your iPhone (as reported by our colleagues at Lifehacker)

• MacRumors reports that Apple brought back end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iOS and Android devices

• Updates to StoreKit for developers

• EU-specific changes for third-party wearables and accessories (read more at 9to5mac)

• Wallpaper bug fixes

How to try iOS 26.5 beta

To try iOS 26.5 beta (and the iPadOS 26.5 beta), you'll need to sign up for the Apple beta software program. This will allow you to try out pre-release versions of upcoming iOS updates. As a best practice, always back up your device before installing a beta version of a new OS update.

You can also review the iOS 26.5 beta release notes.

SAVE $29:54: As of April 3, the Beats Flex earbuds are on sale for only $40.41 at Amazon. That's 42% off their list price of $69.95 and only a dollar away from their best-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Flex wireless earbuds $40.41 at Amazon
$69.95 Save $29.54   Get Deal

While true wireless earbuds have dominated the market for years now, there's still a case to be made for the neckband-style earbuds connected by a wire. They're much harder to lose. You can leave them dangling around your neck like a pendant. You can just slip them out of your ears without worrying about finding a place to put them. And you can find them for pretty dang cheap.

The Beats Flex offer this convenient neckband style and as of April 3, they're on sale for only $40.41 at Amazon. That's 42% off the list price of $69.95 and only about a dollar away from their lowest price to date.

Now quite a few years old, the Beats Flex don't have all the bells and whistles you might expect from brand-new AirPods. But some folks don't care for all of those added features anyway. If you want some earbuds that'll remain in your ears, are comfortable and lightweight, sound good, and are hard to lose, these should do the trick.

They magnetically clasp together when you're not using them and automatically unpause your music when you pull them apart. You'll get about 12 hours of battery life per charge and a quick 10-minute USB-C charging session will give you an extra 1.5 hours of playback. While the Flex have Apple's W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple gadgets, they're also surprisingly Android-friendly, making them a great choice for just about anyone looking for cheap earbuds with the Beats logo.

GET 25% OFF: Today only, add one or more Main Woot and/or Category Daily Deals to your cart to score 25% off your order subtotal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Get 25% off at Woot Use code 25OFF at checkout Shop Now

If you haven't heard of Woot yet, I highly recommend checking it out. The website isn't as sleek or user-friendly as its parent company (which is Amazon, BTW), but if you're willing to do a little digging, you'll find tons of deals on things Amazon hasn't even discounted yet.

SEE ALSO: Dyson's double-laser, ultra-light PencilVac just hit a record-low price at Amazon

Today only, you can get 25% off your order subtotal just by adding one or more Main Woot and/or Category Daily Deals to your cart. All you have to do is enter the promo code 25OFF on the final checkout screen right before you hit the "Place order" button. It's super easy, but you have to act fast because the promotion ends tonight, April 3, 2026, at 11:58 p.m. CT.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your home or just stock up on everyday essentials, the eligible categories have a little bit of everything, including Amazon Kindles, DeWalt flashlights, and the "Grocery and Beauty Palooza."

But my favorite find is on the Bissell TurboClean Cordless Wet/Dry Vac (which is basically a must-have if you have messy pets). Right now, you can get it at Amazon for $281.72, but Woot has it listed as a daily deal for $93.99. When you apply the 25OFF promo code, the price drops to around $70. That's an unbeatable steal for a cordless vacuum with a 30-minute run time and a self-cleaning cycle.

SAVE $54: As of April 3, the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro is on sale at Woot! (an Amazon company) for only $44.99. That's $54.01 or 55% off its list price of $99 and the cheapest we've ever seen it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $44.99 at Woot
$99 Save $54.01   Get Deal

In a world of expensive Apple watches, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is a delightfully affordable and surprisingly fantastic alternative. It was one of Mashable's favorite smartwatches of 2025 and earned a near-perfect rating in our testing. It's an excellent value at full price (just $99), but on sale for under $50, it's an absolute steal.

As of April 3, you can grab the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro at Woot! (an Amazon company) for only $44.99 instead of $99. That's 55% in savings and its best price ever. Just last week, we saw the smartwatch drop to $69 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. This beats that sale price by an extra $24. The only catch? You'll have to go with the light green colorway. Though, honestly, I think that's the best choice anyway.

Mashable Contributor Lauren Allain tested the watch last fall and still wears it every day. She writes that it "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." It offers loads of features like stress tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, precise heart-rate monitoring, dual-band GPS tracing, and in-depth sleep tracking, but where it truly outshines the competition is in battery power. As Allain puts it, "it just would not die." She had to turn on extra features to wear this thing down; it finally died after 16 days. That blows Apple's single day of battery life out of the water.

If you're in the market for a new smartwatch, fitness tracker, or sleep tracker, the CMF Watch 3 Pro does all three beautifully — and for less than $50 if you act fast.

Experts have warned about how age verification laws will impact people's work and bank accounts — and now preliminary research suggests that they're right.

Age verification laws vary by state and country, but usually require submitting proof of age, be it a facial scan or uploading a government ID, to view potentially adult content. Since 2022, these laws have been enacted in different U.S. states. Other countries, such as the UK, have also instituted age verification via the Online Safety Act.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Pornhub for free

Sexual freedom nonprofit, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, found that around one in five sex educators (18 percent) say these laws have already impacted their work. For sex educators working in states with age verification mandates, one in three (33 percent) report this. 

Approximately 60 respondents completed the survey last month, so this isn't a wide sample, but it hints at the trickle-down effects of age verification. 

"Age-verification laws are already impacting sex education in the U.S.," says Woodhull president and CEO, Ricci Joy Levy, in a press release. 

The majority of sex educators surveyed, 73 percent, are concerned that these laws will impact their work, while 76 percent fear they could be used to restrict access to sex education and related resources. As it is, only 37 percent of U.S. states require school sex education to be medically accurate, according to Boston University.

"Again and again, we were told this was only about keeping minors from accessing porn," Levy's statement continues. "Woodhull warned these vague and overly broad policies would also result in censorship of vital, non-explicit information about sex and gender, and the data bear this out. The current age-verification protocols are ripe for abuse, and educators are right to be scared."

Separate research from adult industry research firm SWR Data hints at a similar story when it comes to adult creators. Nearly half (45.2 percent) of the 500 surveyed last fall reported that their income from adult work decreased in the past year, with two-thirds (63 percent) saying it got harder to earn money in the past year as well.

There are several possible reasons for this trend, including overall socioeconomic uncertainty, but a staggering 98 percent of creators who reported lower income said they've experienced difficulties related to the "War on Porn." 

The so-called War on Porn can refer to age verification as well as other attempts to remove adult content from the internet. Project 2025, the blueprint for President Trump's second term, calls for an outright ban on pornography and imprisoning its creators. In 2024, one of the co-writers of Project 2025, Russell Vought (now the director of the Office of Management and Budget), reportedly called age verification the "back door" to a porn ban. 

The majority of surveyed adult creators who lost income also reported increased social media censorship and increased restrictions on what they can sell, and even fans are having trouble accessing their content.

The latter point — trouble with access — especially affected adult creators in U.S. and UK markets, according to SWR Data. They're also dealing with piracy, showing that viewers are finding ways to work around age verification. 

Two separate studies last year suggested that age verification laws don't work to keep children off of porn sites. Reasons include VPN usage and going to non-compliant websites. But it appears that age-verification is working to hurt sex workers and sex educators. 

Reddit has finally (mostly) killed r/all.

The internet's home page confirmed in a site update changelog that all links to the r/all feed now redirect to the main Reddit home feed.

"As part of ongoing efforts to simplify Reddit and improve Home feed personalization, the final steps to deprecate r/all are being implemented. All links to r/all will now redirect to the Home feed, following the prior removal of r/all entry points. Trending content remains available via r/popular," the changelog reads.

For those who don't know, for years, r/all has been a way for users to see a "less filtered" list of the most popular posts on the site than the r/popular feed, per Reddit itself. On r/all, sexually explicit posts would be filtered out, but other NSFW content would make it in, and users had the ability to filter out communities they didn't want to see from the feed.

SEE ALSO: Reddit addresses bot problems, ID verification

In order to simplify things, Reddit decided to end r/all and have users focus on their home feeds instead, which is personalized for each user. This algorithm-based, curated feed will be the new homepage for the homepage of the internet.

This may end up being a sore spot for longtime Redditors, but there is good news for holdouts: r/all continues to exist on Old Reddit, the officially supported old-school version of the site that works like it did prior to all the big recent redesigns.

On ye olde Reddit, you can still experience r/all as you always did. Reddit hasn't taken that away...yet.

Of course, that doesn't help users of the mobile app, so maybe r/all will have to be a home-computer-only experience.

This is a big sea change for Reddit, but it's not entirely a surprise if you've been following the news. Reddit announced its intentions to deprecate r/all back in December. The only strange thing is that, last year, Reddit's CEO also said r/popular would be going away, per The Verge. Something must have changed, though, as r/popular remains while r/all is mostly dead.

SAVE 25%: As of April 3, you can get the Dyson PencilVac for $449.99, down from $599.99. That's a 25% discount or $150 savings.

Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Cordless Vacuum $449.99 at Dyson
$599.99 Save $150   Get Deal at Dyson Get Deal at Amazon

If you've been looking for a vacuum that takes the term "stick vacuum" literally, the ultra-slim and aptly named Dyson PencilVac features a 1.5-inch handle that fits right into the palm of your hand.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuums we've tested at home, from robots to Dyson stick vacs

Right now, you can get the Dyson PencilVac at Amazon for $449.99, down from $599.99. That's a 25% discount or a $150 price cut. It's also the lowest price we've seen this model go for, according to our trusty price-tracking tool CamelCamelCamel. (Prime members can also take advantage of free returns and fast delivery.)

Mashable's Senior Shopping Reporter and vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says the Dyson PencilVac "is a stick vacuum in the most literal sense of the term." It's super lightweight (less than four pounds), and the motor, battery, and dustbin are built completely flush into the wand. It also features these cool "Fluffycones" that actively strip long hair from the brush roll so it doesn't get tangled — though it doesn't come with a mini motorized pet tool. However, it more than makes up for it with its dual-laser action that lights up hidden dust and crumbs on your hard floors.

If you're watching comedy on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok these days, chances are you've at least seen clips from Dropout. Whether it's Sam Reich pushing contestants to the brink of madness on Game Changer or Vic Michaelis interviewing comedians disguised in wild and extravagant costumes on Very Important People, Dropout is pushing the boundaries of improvised comedy on the internet.

No doubt, if you are familiar with Dropout, you've seen these two comedians grace their myriad of shows: Jeremy Culhane and Kurt Maloney. You might also know Jeremy Culhane from the latest season of Saturday Night Live.

This year, the Dropout crew descended on SXSW, where they performed shows ranging from Lily Du and Grant O'Brien's Dirty Laundry to Jacquis Neal's Crowd Control to good old-fashioned long-form improv.

Before their big improv SXSW show at Austin City Limits Live, Culhane and Maloney came by Mashable's SXSW Say More studio to talk comedy, Jeremy's journey to Saturday Night Live, and how Dropout continues to change the game not only in comedy but in how comedy is consumed online. Be sure to check out the full episode on YouTube.

And for more on any of their shows and improv tour dates, check out Dropout.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, April 3, 2026:

AcrossJumped up ... or a season in the past tense?

• The answer is Sprang.

Basketball player, informally

• The answer is Hooper.

___ balloon

• The answer is Hot air.

Tumbled down ... or a season in the past tense?

• The answer is Fell.

Down"Be quiet!"

• The answer is Shh.

Sound of disappearance

• The answer is Poof.

Memorization technique based on repetition

• The answer is Rote.

"C'mon, be ___" ("Help me out")

• The answer is A pal.

Astronaut Armstrong

• The answer is Neil.

Dog's warning

• The answer is Grr.

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

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

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

PREORDER A TV, GET AN ART TV FREE: Through April 22, Hisense will give you a 55-inch Canvas art TV (a $599.99 value) when you preorder a new Hisense UR9 RGB TV between 65 and 85 inches ($3,499.99 through $5,999.99, respectively).

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV (65 through 85 inches) Preorder and get a free 55-inch Canvas TV Get Deal

We always see discounts on past-year TVs in the spring when the current year's flagship TVs finally hit shelves. (The proof was in the TV deals at Amazon Big Spring Sale.) But Hisense is putting a spin on the classic promo that won't make you choose between the old and new TVs: Hisense will give you a free 55-inch Canvas art TV when you preorder Hisense's new UR9 RGB TV.

The Hisense UR9 will officially start shipping on April 23. Customers who sign up to preorder theirs by April 22 will receive a redemption code for the free 55-inch Hisense Canvas. We'd call that a free $599.99 value — the 55-inch Hisense Canvas originally retails for $999.99, but it's on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of $599.99.

Just head to the Hisense website and submit your name and email, and the company will send you a unique promo code for a free CanvasTV when you purchase the Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV from BestBuy.com, starting April 23. See the full terms and conditions here.

SEE ALSO: TCL QM6K mini LED review: An impressive TV between the super cheap and super expensive

How much does the Hisense UR9 cost? Here's a price breakdown by size:

• Hisense 65-inch UR9 — $3,499.99

• Hisense 75-inch UR9 — $4,999.99

• Hisense 85-inch UR9 — $5,999.99

• Hisense 100-inch UR9 — $8,999.99 (not available for the CanvasTV promo)

Those prices are definitely steep compared to other Hisense, TCL, and Samsung mini LED TVs on the market. But it's the new RGB technology that sets the UR9 apart from plain mini LED models. Compared to the only other mainstream RGB TV that has come out so far in 2026, Samsung's $29,999.99 115-inch Micro RGB TV, the Hisense UR9 feels quite practically priced.

LG and Sony announced RGB TVs at CES as well, though release dates and pricing for those are still up in the air. Still, Hisense is consistently one of the top TV brands because of its affordability. No one would be surprised if the UR9 remained one of the most budget-friendly RGB TVs of the year. (Only Hisense's own UR8 RGB TV might be cheaper.)

What is an RGB TV?

Your typical QLED or mini LED TV creates its color by filtering light from a white or blue backlight. An RGB TV skips the middleman, instead using a panel of thousands of microscopic red, green, and blue LEDs to generate color directly.

The technology is said to cover the full possible spectrum of visible colors while boosting brightness, contrast, and black levels, regardless of whether you're in a sunlit room or a dark room. Between the two TVs in this Hisense deal, the UR9 is the shoo-in for the home theater.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

The CanvasTV would be a great choice for a room where you don't always want the TV to be the focal point. The Canvas TV's matte screen, teak-colored frame, and changeable digital art display turn it into makeshift wall art when it's not in use. Unlike the paid subscription required to access Samsung's art library, Hisense's art collection is free. There's a reason that the Canvas is the internet's favorite The Frame dupe.