Blogroll

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 22, 2026

Mashable - 4 hours 45 min ago

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who like a word game.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Equal

  • Green: Spelled the same, front and back

  • Blue: Basketball bros

  • Purple: Types of zones

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: All Square

  • Green: Palindromes

  • Blue: NBA Brothers, Past and Present

  • Purple: ____Zone

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #545 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • All Square - DEADLOCKED, EVEN, LEVEL, TIED

  • Palindromes - KAYAK, POP, RADAR, STATS

  • NBA Brothers, Past and Present - ANTEKOUNMPO, BALL, CURRY, GASOL

  • ____Zone - 2-3, NEUTRAL, RED, STRIKE

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The pseudo-SLC cache lie that makes cheap SSDs look faster than they really are

How-To Geek - 4 hours 54 min ago

Although I firmly believe that most people don't need an expensive SSD, cheaper drives have some downsides. One glaring flaw is that they seemingly slow down for no reason.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel has lost its way, and I’m finally ready to admit it

How-To Geek - 5 hours 9 min ago

I've been using Google's smartphones for a long time. Although they aren't technically "stock Android," they do represent Android in its peak form: smooth, clean, uncluttered. For years, they felt like the closest thing Android had to an iPhone-style experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found the perfect free Vim companion that runs on nearly any computer

How-To Geek - 5 hours 24 min ago

This text editor is a bit of a hidden gem, but it borrows some of Vim’s best features and works well alongside it, too. Find out how to get up and running with Textadept, and why it could be a vital addition to your toolbox.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 reasons I always keep my Kindle in airplane mode (and you should too)

How-To Geek - 5 hours 39 min ago

In modern culture, every movie and TV show seems to be a book adaptation, and reading has entered a golden age. So many people are turning to currently trending novels, old bestsellers, and classics galore to read about the tales before they watch them on streaming websites, even if some, like Netflix, aren't the best anymore.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ethernet flow control is wrecking your mixed-speed network (and you probably don't know it)

How-To Geek - 5 hours 54 min ago

Don't you just love it when one setting can affect your entire network, and you may often not even know about it? In this case, we're talking about an often overlooked legacy setting that can completely wreck mixed-speed setups.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I stopped freezing panes in Excel. These tools work better

How-To Geek - 6 hours 9 min ago

Freezing panes was once the go-to method for keeping headers in view, but on modern 16:9 screens, it takes up valuable vertical space. If you're still locking rows like it's 1997, it's worth exploring newer tools that achieve a similar outcome while making better use of your screen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I 3D printed some LEGO bricks and ruined my whole day

How-To Geek - 6 hours 24 min ago

LEGO is fun, whether you’re eight or 80. If you have a 3D printer, you might think that the two hobbies go hand in hand. While it’s true that there are a lot of resources available, LEGO and 3D printing aren’t the match made in heaven you’re hoping for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 ways Windows still relies on DOS features

How-To Geek - 6 hours 39 min ago

The last version of DOS was released more than 30 years ago, but even after all that time, many DOS features have survived in Windows. Some of them are even among the most common and useful tools you can use in the Windows Terminal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I live in an apartment and still use a subwoofer—here's how I make it work

How-To Geek - 6 hours 54 min ago

The low-frequency rumble of a subwoofer is usually the greatest source of contention between you and your neighbors if you live in an apartment, since you need to place it in specific places for the best sound.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone has hit its best-ever price at Amazon — save $500 this weekend

Mashable - 7 hours 47 min ago

SAVE $500: As of March 21, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price and the best-ever price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

The ban on DJI imports will surely cause stock to drop at some stage, but we haven't yet reached that point just yet. Instead, you can still find popular drones at record-low prices ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale.

As of March 21, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price and a record-low price on Amazon. This bundle includes the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone, the DJI RC 2 camera-drone remote controller, a set of filters, three DJI Mini 5 Pro Intelligent Flight batteries, three propeller sets, a shoulder bag, and more.

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

The DJI Mini 5 Pro features a one-inch CMOS camera with 4K HDR filming at 60fps. You can opt for 4K 120fps for slow-motion filming, and night flying is a possibility thanks to the 360 degree Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing and Nighttime return-to-home function. It's a premium product for content creators and anyone looking to capture epic footage.

This isn't the first time we've seen this low price, but we've never seen anything better. And with the uncertainty around the future of DJI drones in the U.S., we don't see this sort of deal sticking around for long. There's no need to panic, but if you're interested in buying, we wouldn't recommend waiting around for too long.

Score the best-ever price on the DJI Mini 5 Pro at Amazon this weekend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim yours this weekend

Mashable - 7 hours 47 min ago

TL;DR: Get any model of the Apple 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: Free Apple iPhone 17   Get Deal

This has been such a big month for Apple. We got new iPhones, game-changing MacBooks, and upgraded iPads. And with any new releases, new deals are dropped to tempt shoppers into an upgrade.

T-Mobile is doing exactly that with a number of iPhone deals live right now. You can sign up for almost any T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e with no trade in required. Alternatively, you can score the iPhone 17 Pro for free when signing up for 24 months of an Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone. It's worth noting that T-Mobile will charge taxes on these "free" deals and a $35 device connection fee.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Fold may come later than we thought

Apple is now using the A19 chip in the new iPhone 17e. This should lead to improved performance and AI compatibility. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the iPhone 17e and said, "The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years."

You don't get much for free these days, so this free iPhone 17 from T-Mobile offer is something to carefully consider. If you're not impressed, check out our roundup of the best unlocked phone deals ahead of Amazon's Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 ESP32 projects that solve real smart home problems

How-To Geek - 7 hours 54 min ago

The ESP32 has become a killer gadget for anyone who wants to DIY their own smart home solutions. Why wait for someone to make the smart home gadget of your dreams when you can combine an ESP32 with a few accessories and program it to do exactly what you need?

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch MotoGP live streams online for free

Mashable - 8 hours 23 min ago

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Are you looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing? No we're not talking about F1, unless you like regular pit stops, safety cars, and the same driver winning almost every week. We're talking about a form of two-wheel racing where anything could happen.

MotoGP is where the real action can be found. Every week you see the best riders in the world go wheel to wheel with their rivals, throwing their bikes into corners with absolutely no sense of self preservation. It's an awesome spectacle, and it doesn't need to cost you anything to watch.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Want to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is MotoGP?

MotoGP is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires.

The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Marc Márquez is the defending champion.

When is the 2026 MotoGP World Championship?

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:

  1. Thailand GP — March 1

  2. Brazil GP — March 22

  3. USA GP — March 29

  4. Qatar GP — April 12

  5. Spain GP — April 26

  6. France GP — May 10

  7. Catalonia GP — May 17

  8. Italy GP — May 31

  9. Hungary GP — June 7

  10. Czechia GP — June 21

  11. Netherlands GP — June 28

  12. Germany GP — July 12

  13. Great Britain GP — Aug. 9

  14. Aragon GP — Aug. 30

  15. San Marino GP — Sept. 13

  16. Austria GP — Sept. 20

  17. Japan GP — Oct. 4

  18. Indonesian GP — Oct. 11

  19. Australia GP — Oct. 25

  20. Malaysia GP — Nov. 1

  21. Portugal GP — Nov. 15

  22. Valencia GP — Nov. 22

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2026 MotoGP World Championship without spending anything.

How to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, 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 Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Visit ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races without actually spending anything.

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

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

  • 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

  • Impressive streaming speeds without buffering

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Linux filesystem was supposed to change everything—here's the dark reason it failed

How-To Geek - 8 hours 24 min ago

There are dozens of Linux file systems, and I'm sure you've heard of ReiserFS at least once. It promised a great deal but ultimately failed. I could give you some technical reason for its demise, but that would be dishonest. The true reason is much darker, and if you heard it, you might appreciate your day a little more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

IKEA released a smart version of its viral Varmblixt donut lamp — I tried it

Mashable - 9 hours 49 min ago

In 2023, the internet was ablaze with IKEA's Varmblixt lamp, aka the viral donut lamp. If you were among the crowd trekking to IKEA, attempting to find the donut lamp in stock, we've got some news for you — there's a new version of the lamp to covet. At CES 2026, IKEA unveiled a smart version of its viral donut lamp. Now you can enjoy the same shape lamp in a whole new array of colors.

As the owner of an OG Varmblixt lamp, I've been waiting for the smart version to drop, and it's finally here. And I got to go hands-on with the new donut lamp to see what it's all about.

Opens in a new window Credit: IKEA IKEA Varmblixt Smart Lamp $99.99 at Ikea
  Shop Now About the IKEA Varmblixt lamp The OG Varmblixt lamp has the donut design, encased in a warm orange glass shade. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The IKEA Varmblixt lamp first debuted in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. Operating as either a table or wall lamp, the Varmblixt is crafted from orange glass, bringing gorgeous ambient glow to any room.

Differences between the OG and smart Varmblixt lamp The new Varmblixt lamp has a glowing white light, compared to the warm orange of the original lamp. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

With the Varmblixt lamp getting the smart upgrade, it's a slight departure from the original. The Varmblixt still has the same donut shape and can still be installed as a table or wall lamp. However, unlike the OG, it's no longer orange. Instead, the updated smart Varmblixt has a matte white glass finish. The color instead comes from the inside with a color-changing bulb. The old Varmblixt has a simple on/off switch, while the new version has a remote to adjust the lamp's color and brightness. Plus, the smart Varmblixt is a Matter device, meaning it will connect to any smart home hub.

How does the new Varmblixt lamp work?

The new Varmblixt doesn't look as exciting from the outside with its white base. But once you turn on the lamp, you can adjust the color and brightness with the included remote.

Using the Varmblixt required a bit more trial and error than I anticipated because, as I should have expected, IKEA's instructions were sparse. You don't need a smart home hub to operate the Varmblixt, although it will connect to yours if you have one.

In classic IKEA fashion, the remote didn't come with explanation of its controls. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you don't have a smart hub (or even if you do), use the included remote to turn the lamp on or off, adjust the color, and adjust the brightness. IKEA doesn't provide instructions on which remote buttons do what. Luckily for you, I struggled through some trial-and-error, so you don't need to.

The remote has two buttons, marked by a large dot and a small dot. To change the lamp's color, double-click the large or small button. The large button moves you forward through the color wheel, but you can move back if you skip over a color you like, using the small button. To dim the light, hold the small button; to increase the brightness, hold the large button.

You can swap the Varmblixt bases

A cool feature of all Varmblixt lamps is that the base and glass shades are swappable. So, potentially, I could move the smart base to my existing orange shade, a huge boon for smart home aficionados who want to turn on the Varmblixt with their smart home hub.

How does the new Varmblixt look?

While the OG Varmblixt lamp embraced the warm, orange tones, the new smart version is notably cooler. The matte white shade is quite stark and bright, so to warm it up, adjust the color toward orange or red hues.

The full smart Varmblixt color range. Credit: IKEA

The color palette of the Varmblixt is not as extensive as you'll find in other smart light bulbs that let you choose from millions of hues. The IKEA colors are preprogrammed and tend to be cooler pastel shades. It's a definite departure from the warmth of the original Varmblixt. Luckily, if you're not into the cool pastels, the OG orange lamp is available.

Will I be swapping the new Varmblixt for the old? While I don't love the cool tone of the new Varmblixt lamp, I see its potential. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The new smart Varmblixt lamp is a fun progression in the lamp's lineup, but will I be swapping out my own? Probably not. We're not big into smart home in my house, so I don't get the benefit of its Matter connectivity. And while I like the new colors, I still prefer the OG's warm orange shade that adds an ambient glow to my house. While I could see myself incorporating the new smart Varmblixt elsewhere in my home, it's not going to take the OG's spotlight.

Do I think the new light is worth it? Certainly. Especially for those excited about its smart home potential.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $430 MacBook Pro deal wont stick around for long — act fast to save

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago

TL;DR: Get a near-mint Apple MacBook Pro (2020) for $429.97 (reg. $1,999) — featuring a Retina display, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD while stock lasts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

MacBook Pros are known for their performance and build quality, but they’re also known for their price tags. That’s why refurbished deals can be worth paying attention to, especially when they involve higher-end models.

Right now, a near-mint Apple MacBook Pro (2020) is available for $429.97 (reg. $1,999) for a limited time. With Grade A refurbished condition, it arrives in like-new condition, while delivering the same performance the MacBook Pro line is known for.

Key features:

  • 2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz

  • 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking and demanding workloads

  • 1TB SSD storage for fast performance and plenty of space

  • 13.3″ Retina display (2560×1600) with Apple’s True Tone technology

  • Intel Iris Plus Graphics for creative work and streaming

  • Touch Bar for shortcuts

  • Touch ID fingerprint login

  • Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports

  • Up to 10 hours of battery life for working on the go

  • Optimized for the latest macOS

If you’ve been waiting for a reasonably priced MacBook Pro, this refurbished 2020 model is on sale for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) while stock lasts.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 AdultFriendFinder features other hookup sites lack

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago

For 30 years now, AdultFriendFinder has quietly positioned itself as the internet's premier adult dating site and a go-to destination for singles chasing casual flings and hookups. Their success hasn't been an accident. They've stayed on top of the game, and even survived the emergence of dating apps, by forging a unique identity to help them stand out in an incredibly crowded and competitive field. 

If you're looking to let your freak flag fly, AFF offers you the greatest variety of ways to do it — here are six features AdultFriendFinder has that you won't find on any other dating site.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Naked content

One of the first things you'll discover after creating an AFF account is that the site doesn't shy away from hosting nudity, nor is it hard to come by. In fact, it's extremely common for people's profile photos to contain genitalia or full-frontal nudity rather than the typical headshot you're likely to find on most other dating sites. 

The nudity isn't confined to photos, either. You can host videos on your profile, including explicit videos, and there are webcam feeds live at any given time that feature amateur and professional models in various states of undress. 

If you find yourself distracted by all of the nudity or just want to browse the site in public without getting arrested, you can turn on the adult content filter by navigating to your profile settings in the top right of the screen, scrolling down to Content Filter and then selecting either No Nudity, Some Nudity or Everything (the default setting, naturally).

Live webcam feeds

There's certainly no shortage of webcam sites on the internet, but it's rare to find a dating site that hosts live webcam feeds, not only of professional models but also of regular men and women looking for connection. 

Navigate to the Live Action menu at the top of your AFF window and choose between either Member Webcams or Pro Models. Once you've made this choice, you'll be able to create even more specific search filters, including by gender (Men, Women or Trans), Nude or Non-Nude, and even by proximity to you.

SEE ALSO: The Looksmaxxing Glossary: Every term you need to understand the internet's most unhinged subculture

One thing to note, however: while free members can view webcam feeds (including more than one at a time), only Gold members and above can actually chat with models.

Discussion forums, blogs, and group chats

Unlike traditional dating sites, which only seek to match people in one-on-one interactions, AdultFriendFinder encourages group dynamics, especially in their Community section. Here you'll find not only personal blog posts by AFF users commenting on their experience, sharing stories or posting queries, but also group discussion boards organized around literally hundreds of interesting topics. 

Many of these are sexual in nature (there's a polyamory group, for example, and a "women who like older men" group), but many are organized around interests and hobbies, including politics, tech, travel, movies and music. 

Best of all, you can participate in these communal discussions without having to subscribe to AFF's Gold membership, which helps to keep these places more lively than they would otherwise be if only paying members could access these spaces. 

Erotic stories

Fun fact: erotic fiction now accounts for approximately 25 percent of all fiction sold in the United States, so it's hardly surprising that erotic writing ("literotica" for those in the know) would be a major draw. What is surprising, however, is how few online dating sites take advantage of it.

AdultFriendFinder members who wish to read or write sexy stories, real or imagined, can navigate to the Community menu and select Stories, where they'll uncover a near-unlimited array of stories, novels, fan fiction and even erotic poetry. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 best free dating apps to find your spring fling

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the stories at random, but AFF also deploys a clever tagging system that allows you to search by topic, with popular options including First Time, Sci-Fi, TSTV (trans and transvestite), and Voyeur. 

Popular stories achieve higher ratings and greater on-site visibility, and popular authors can actually build a large following on the site, so whether you're eager to read more erotic fiction or aspire to write some, AFF has you covered. 

Contests

One of the more fun aspects of AdultFriendFinder is that it genuinely seeks to cultivate a sense of community and actively encourages its users to spend more time on the site, especially in the public-facing sections. Their on-site contests are a fantastic example of this in action. 

About once a month, the site hosts a themed photo contest, asking members to submit photos and then allowing the rest of the site to vote on which submissions best reflect or embody the contest caption. 

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

The most recent photo contest theme was "Velvet Secrets: Valentine's Masquerade," while prior contests include "Naughty & Nice" for the holidays and "Midnight Mischief." Winners get a special badge they can display on their profile, as well as tons more profile visibility, so there's a strong incentive to participate. 

To enter, scroll to the Community menu and then find Contests at the very bottom of the options list. If there's an active contest and you are logged in to your account, you'll be given the option of participating.

Kink-based profile search

Every online dating site or app has a profile section, where you can fill out pertinent personal information such as your sexual orientation, level of education, and whatever hobbies, interests or special skills you have that might make you stand out from the crowd, but AdultFriendFinder takes things a step further by offering members the opportunity to list their kinks.

If you navigate to your profile name in the top right of your AFF screen and then select Dating Profile and Edit Profile, you'll have the opportunity to add to your My Kinks section. Popular options here include BDSM, voyeurism and cross dressing, but the full list is far more extensive.

SEE ALSO: How to use the internet to figure out what you’re into in bed

Best of all, these kink lists aren't merely decorative. If you have a premium account, you can actually search out other members by their chosen kinks, allowing you to find the people in your area who like exhibitionism or have a foot fetish, for example. 

There's no shortage of online dating sites, and even no shortage of hookup-first sites, but when it comes to adult dating, AFF clearly separates itself from the competition with its wide array of kink-friendly features and accommodations. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to contact Amazon customer service during your Big Spring Sale shopping spree

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago

Another Amazon sale is upon us. The Big Spring Sale returns for its third year in a row in 2026 and runs from March 25-31.

With new deals dropping all week long, shopping can get pretty overwhelming. We know all too well that it's easy to get caught up in the sales, indulge in some impulse purchasing, and experience a little buyer's remorse. No judgment.

As with every major Amazon sale, deals started popping off ahead of the official event kickoff, and there are lots more to come. If you run into some questions or concerns during your shopping journey — from classic cases of buyer's remorse to damaged packages to Prime membership questions — it's good to know that you can actually speak to customer service.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership

Since contacting Amazon can be tricky at times, here are all the ways you can get in touch with customer service for a smoother online shopping experience before, during, and after the Big Spring Sale:

Amazon customer service help page

This is probably the most common and easiest way to look for answers to common queries, such as those about Amazon’s return policies or information about international shipping. The page contains a whole library of questions that users can get answers to, including how to track packages, cancel orders, or start a return. Your most recent purchases will pop up at the top of the page for easy navigation.

To access Amazon’s Customer Service Help Page, go to the website landing page and click on "Customer Service" in the top left of the screen. 

Amazon customer service email

Sometimes customer queries need to be worked through on a case-by-case basis, and the answers on the official website need to be more specific to offer any help to shoppers. In these cases, users can email cs-reply@amazon.com and explain their issues. Remember that contacting Amazon’s customer service via email might not be the best solution if you have an urgent question regarding your purchases, since customers are unlikely to get a prompt response.

Amazon customer service phone number

Need a quicker reply? Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331. When customers call this number, a bot picks up the phone and eventually connects them to Amazon staff, depending on the type of query that needs to be answered. It’s important to note that customers should have a cell phone number connected to their Amazon account. Customers must enter verification codes that will be messaged to their linked contact information before using this service. In other words, things can get a bit tricky if you're sharing an account with someone else.

Amazon online chat service

Real-time chatting with Amazon representatives is the most convenient way to get all your questions answered. To use the live chat feature, return to the Customer Service help page and click on "Help with something else." When the list pops up underneath, choose "something else" once again. Another page opens with a list of more help options. Select "I need help with something else."

Now you've officially entered the chat. Type "Talk to associate" in the chat box. Amazon's messaging assistant might prompt you to give more info on your issue, which you can, but if you'd rather get to a real person ASAP, you can select "I need more help" from the pre-written responses.

From there, you can choose if you’d prefer to talk via chat or call. If you're looking for immediate help with a Prime Day purchase — be it due to buyer's remorse, a damaged package, an address change, etc. — this is your best bet to get your needs met.

For simple questions, Amazon's AI chat feature (launched in 2024) called "Rufus" can help customers solve some problems and make more informed purchase decisions.

Contact Amazon via social media

If your questions aren’t that urgent, you can contact Amazon Customer Service at @amazonhelp on X, @amazon on Instagram, and www.facebook.com/Amazon on Facebook.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Comeback Season 3 review: Lisa Kudrow warns us of the AI apocalypse

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago

Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King's cult comedy gem The Comeback has always been a frighteningly prescient satire of Hollywood.

Season 1, which aired in 2005, was ahead of its time in its portrayal of the manipulative tactics that power reality TV. Season 2, coming almost a decade later in 2014, poked fun at prestige antihero dramedies. Now, The Comeback makes its second (and supposedly final) comeback with a third season that's all about Hollywood's hottest topic: AI.

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

That AI focus lends The Comeback Season 3 an urgency that sets it apart from its prior two outings. Yes, it's still hilarious, cynical, and a remarkable showcase for Kudrow in her best role. But on top of all that, it's also something else: a warning.

What's The Comeback Season 3 about? Zane Philips, Brittany O’Grady, Barry Shabaka Henley, Lisa Kudrow, Tim Bagley, and Matt Cook in "The Comeback." Credit: Erin Simkin / HBO

The warning signs begin early, as The Comeback Season 3 picks up during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

"AI is coming after all of us," then-SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher (in one of The Comeback's many celebrity cameos) tells a crowd of striking actors and writers.

The Comeback's embattled sitcom star Valerie Cherish (Kudrow) nods along, but in true Valerie fashion, she's more focused on the optics of her presence at the strike than the strike itself. Now trying to master the social media game to stay relevant, she's too busy directing her Gen Z social manager Patience (Ella Stiller) to truly take in the gravity of the situation. (Kudrow is already on Emmy watch for Valerie's posing with the picket sign alone.)

SEE ALSO: 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' review: An alien OnlyFans is the highlight of Apple's family dramedy

Flash forward to 2026: Valerie is struggling to get a podcast (Cherish the Time) off the ground, and she's taking bit roles in the lowest of low budget films. But her luck is set to change when she's offered the lead of new multi-cam sitcom How's That?!. It's everything she's ever wanted, with one huge catch: It's completely written by AI.

The Comeback Season 3 examines the role of AI in show business. John Early and Abbi Jacobson in "The Comeback." Credit: Erin Simkin / HBO

On paper, How's That?!'s showrunners are two humans, Mary and Josh (Abbi Jacobson and John Early). But in reality, their only job is to babysit the AI program that's actually churning out the show's scripts, sending the two of them down a disillusioned spiral.

Part of that comes from the fact that The Comeback initially approaches AI writing as somewhat competent. It churns out tens of alternate lines before Mary and Josh can think of one. Its jokes resonate more with How's That?!'s live studio audience than the one or two gags Mary and Josh manage to sneak in themselves. In terms of speed and sheer writing volume, it's impressive, and Valerie certainly seems to agree. That she has to deal less with difficult writer types like her past antagonist Paulie G. (Lance Barber) also seems to sweeten the deal.

However, as Season 3 continues, How's That?!'s shiny new tool begins to lose its sheen. AI hallucinations turn scripts incomprehensible, and the program's hastily-produced alts prove unsurprising and dull. Of course they would — they're just scraping other writers' work for inspiration.

That's what The Comeback Season 3 hammers home. AI can crank out script after script, but it's completely soulless. It has no sense of what will truly resonate with an audience. That, The Comeback says, can only come from writers pitching in the crucible of production, grinding it out until they find the perfect one-liner.

According to How's That?!'s network's CEO (played to skeezy perfection by Andrew Scott), the use of AI will help cut costs and optimize the show for maximum audience enjoyment. (Or really, just throwing it on in the background.) Ironically, he asks Valerie to keep it a secret from the cast and crew, a process that requires more effort than simply bringing more human writers onboard.

Featured Video For You Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, and Bobby Cannavale bring Broadway history to the big screen

Valerie has never been great at keeping things to herself, which is why she lets How's That?!'s AI use slip to The Comeback documentarian Jane (Laura Silverman). The slip brings Jane back into the fold for a new documentary project: exploring the making of the first-ever AI-written show.

It's clear from the start that Jane understands the existential threat AI poses to the entertainment industry. Things are already awful for the majority of workers in the field. Now an Academy Award winner, Jane's main job isn't filmmaking, but rather working as a cashier at Trader Joe's. Crew members on How's That?! have worked on films whose production has been drastically shortened due to AI, robbing them of over 10 weeks of pay. Elsewhere, The Comeback populates entire coffee shops with talented writers who have to pivot because the industry is a mess. As one writer notes in the show, the normalization of AI in TV won't just be an evolution of the form, it'll be "an extinction event."

Yet somehow, Valerie is the rare example of someone in the entertainment industry benefitting from AI. It's given her the job of a lifetime, and in her mind, she's willing to set aside a lot of her misgivings in exchange for a lead role and a shiny executive producer credit. But really, Valerie is the proverbial frog in a slowly boiling pot of water. She doesn't realize that the danger is coming for her too, even as The Comeback works its way up towards a Black Mirror-esque conclusion.

The Comeback Season 3 isn't all AI doom and gloom, though. It's full of standout running gags, including Valerie's obsession with her under-viewed show Mrs. Hatt. (Nobody watched it because it was on Epix, a cutting jab at the sheer amount of streaming shows.) It also provides a touching send-off to Valerie's hair stylists and closest friend Mickey, whose actor Robert Michael Morris passed away in 2017. Trust The Comeback to make me tear up and belly laugh all at once.

Kudrow's performance remains pure comedic excellence, managing to make even Valerie's most selfish moments endearing. That The Comeback plays more loosely with its documentary format helps here as well: We tend to see Valerie through the lens of Jane's camera, Patience's phone, or security footage in her and Mark's (Damian Young) apartment. Often, though, The Comeback Season 3 allows us to see parts of Valerie's life that the cameras don't capture, a tactic that closed out its touching Season 2 finale. In keeping it up, Season 3 offers up the most humanized view of Valerie yet, and Kudrow is spectacular through each high and low.

Of course, much of those lows revolve around AI. The Comeback can occasionally get uncharacteristically heavy-handed about the subject matter, but then again, in a world where entertainment giants like Disney are investing in OpenAI, it's not wrong to sound the alarm about something that could so thoroughly decimate the industry.

In The Comeback's eyes, bringing AI into TV will result in nothing but lowest common denominator "content," and that's about as far from the show's sharp, superb swan song as you can get.

The Comeback Season 3 premieres March 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker