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Polestar 4 is finally arriving in the U.S.

The "performance SUV coupé," as Polestar calls it, first launched in China last year, followed by a launch in Europe and Australia in February 2024.

The model with all the bells and whistles costs $72,900. Credit: Polestar

In the U.S., the long range, single motor version will start at $54,900, while the long range, dual motor variant will cost $62,900 (that's before the $1,400 destination fee). There are a couple more variants in between, depending on which upgrade packs you choose; the priciest version is the long range, dual motor Polestar 4 with Plus and Performance packs, which will cost $72,900.

While the optional upgrades bring additional goodies such as a heads up display, larger wheels, and better brakes, all the key figures are essentially the same across the board, depending only on whether you choose the single motor, or the dual motor version.

Yes, you can also get it in gold. Credit: Polestar

All models have the same, 102kWh battery, with a maximum DC charging speed of 200 kW. For the single motor version, you get 300 miles of estimated EPA range, 272 horsepower, and a 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds. The dual motor version loses some of that range, which drops to 270 miles, but has exactly double the horsepower at 544hp, and a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds.

None of these figures beat the Polestar 4's main rival, the Tesla Model Y, which starts at $43,990. Even its top variant, Tesla Model Y Performance, is cheaper at $52,490, faster with a 3.5 second 0-60mph time, with an estimated range of 279 miles.

A 10.2-inch driver display comes as standard in all variants. Credit: Polestar

Besides a very distinctive design and that Swedish charm (Polestar started out as a Volvo spinoff, though the Swedish company has recently been handing over the reins to parent company Geely), Polestar 4 does have a few more things going for it. It's slightly longer and wider, its infotainment is powered by Android Automotive OS which Android users will probably love, and its interior is less sparse, with a 10.2-inch driver display coming as standard (that's besides the main, 15.4-inch center display), while a 14.7-inch HUD is optional.

Those dual blade front lights are something else. Credit: Polestar

Safety should also be top-notch, with a driver assist system powered by twelve cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and a radar (some safety features are optional, though, and must be purchased separately).

SEE ALSO: Polestar 4 is an electric car that combines everything into one

Polestar 4 will become available for pre-order in the U.S. in "late April," with customer deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.

TL;DR: Through April 2, get a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for just $7.97 (reg. $15).

A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate could enhance the experience for Xbox players who are looking to elevate their gaming experience. And if you've been hesitant to try the Game Pass, this might be an excellent opportunity to give it a whirl because a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is on sale — marked down to just $7.97 (reg. $15) through April 2. 

This pass gives you access to over 100 games to play with friends, and new games are added frequently. You'll also get all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, which allows you to connect online with a like-minded community of gamers. There's even cloud gaming available across your devices.

This subscription gets you an EA Play membership at no extra cost. This gives you access to exclusive content, in-game challenges, and select game trials to check out for up to ten hours.

This offer is only available to new users and those with existing but expired Game Pass accounts. And it should be noted that this offer is not stackable.

If you've always wanted to know what Game Pass Ultimate is all about, here's a chance to explore it at a fraction of the usual cost.

Get a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for just $7.97 (reg. $15) until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: NERDUSED Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 1-Month Subscription $7.97 at the Mashable Shop
$15.00 Save $7.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, you could take the first steps toward a coding career with this 15-course Learn to Code bundle while it's on sale for just $39.97.

If you want to learn to code, there are easier and more affordable ways to begin than going back to a classroom. Online learning is an unexpected perk of living in a digital world. Learning from home is easier to manage around your busy schedule and can save you money. Case in point, the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is on sale for $39.97 through April 2.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries and ChatGPT tech becomes more widely used, the demand for skilled developers in these areas is soaring. According to Coursera, the field of AI engineering is projected to see a 23 percent growth through 2032. If that stat excites you, you could get in on the fun and start learning to code immediately with this comprehensive bundle.

Featuring fifteen courses and 213 hours of instructional content, it's a low-cost, low-commitment way to determine whether this industry is right for you.  

It covers nearly all the most in-demand coding languages, including the versatile Python, C++, JavaScript, and Vuex. You'll also dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with specialized courses that cover fundamental concepts, advanced techniques, and real-world applications. There's even a course called Game Development and Coding for Kids.

Don't miss the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of coding, AI, and ChatGPT development at a limited-time price drop.

Save hundreds on this Learn to Code bundle while it's on sale for just $39.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $39.97 at the Mashable Shop
$1,500.00 Save $1,460.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, this limited-time sale gives you lifetime access to StackSkills Unlimited for only $34.97.

We live in a world where things evolve and change pretty quickly. If you want to stay on top of your game professionally, staying current with in-demand skills is a must. Fortunately for all of us, online learning allows us to do that more easily than before. For example, StackSkills Unlimited offers tons of courses to support your efforts, and lifetime access is on sale for just $34.97 through April 2.

StackSkills Unlimited gives you access to over 1,000 online learning courses. The variety is vast and includes topics like IT, graphic design, coding, business, marketing, learning a new language, playing an instrument, and more. The teachers include hundreds of what's said to be the top instructors online. 

One benefit of having lifetime access to the courses is that you get to benefit from the new courses added every month. This means you should have new subjects to explore on a consistent basis. 

You will also be able to track your progress and participate in quarterly question-and-answer webinars with instructors. This subscription also includes high-quality customer service if you ever need it.

It's compatible with both mobile and desktop, and you have access to unlimited devices. This lifetime access also includes StackSkills Unlimited updates.

This offer is a super easy way to continue educating yourself on the things that matter to your professional and personal world.

Don't miss out on the hundreds of dollars in savings on lifetime access to StackSkills Unlimited for just $34.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills StackSkills Unlimited: Lifetime Access $34.97 at the Mashable Shop
$600.00 Save $565.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, you can score this Introduction to ChatGPT course for 79% off — just $16.97.

Are you ready to improve the way you work and engage with AI? You can with this Introduction to ChatGPT course! This course, led by International Open Academy, delves into the world of cutting-edge artificial intelligence in order to teach you the ins and outs of using ChatGPT.

ChatGPT isn’t just another AI tool — it's a game-changer. Through this certified course, you'll learn the secrets behind ChatGPT's capabilities and uncover how to harness its power for both personal and professional purposes. Originally, this course cost $80, but it’s on sale for $16.97 through April 2.

With ChatGPT, you can write captivating content, deliver exceptional client services, and generate valuable leads — all with the help of AI. With nine educational lectures and 25 hours of content, you'll dig deep into the fundamentals of ChatGPT, from understanding its inner workings to exploring its economic potential. Plus, you'll gain practical skills that you can use in your professional life.

Completing this course and using ChatGPT can help you create engaging content, perform quality market research, use data to make informed decisions, improve your sales and marketing techniques, and more.

By completing each lesson and passing the module exams, you'll earn an official certificate of completion. This recognition not only validates your newfound skills but also shows that you're ready to thrive. With ChatGPT as your sidekick, you'll not only improve your productivity but also learn how to navigate the advanced world of artificial intelligence.

Until April 2, you can get the Introduction to ChatGPT course at the best price online while it’s on sale for $16.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: International Open Academy Introduction to ChatGPT $16.97 at the Mashable Shop
$80.00 Save $63.03 Get Deal

The best deals to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at a glance: BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Peacock Premium annual subscription $59.99/year (save 17%) Watch Now BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free with eligible Xfinity accounts (save $59.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for Students $1.99/month for one year (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Peacock Premium $1.99/month for one year (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART USERS Peacock Premium Free with Instacart+ subscription (save $59.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE MEMBERS Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $59.99) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy on digital $19.99 or $29.99 at Prime Video Get Deal

Mix equal parts '80s nostalgia, teen rom-com, and oddball horror and you'll get Lisa Frankenstein — soon to be the latest addition to the Peacock movie catalog. The film landed in theaters in February and is already headed to streaming, where it'll likely fare better.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Lisa Frankenstein, the fresh spin on an old corpse tale. Plus, the best Peacock streaming deals.

What is Lisa Frankenstein about?

Written by Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body) and directed by first-timer Zelda Williams, Lisa Frankenstein follows Lisa (Kathryn Newton), a high school outcast in the '80s. She longs to be with her dream guy, who happens to be a 19th century dead guy buried in the graveyard she frequents. A Mary Shelley-esque miracle brings her dream guy (Cole Sprouse) to life, which spawns a newfound confidence in Lisa and leads to a journey of love and murder. It's a "delightfully deranged" rom-com, as Mashable's Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review.

Here's a look at the horror-comedy in the official trailer:

Is Lisa Frankenstein worth watching?

It may not have dominated the box office or scored perfect ratings across the board of critics, but this teen tale is anything but dull. And if Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, it's a hit amongst audiences.

Puchko notes that this "gleefully fucked-up comedy" may have a few wonky bits, but that's what helps it "hit the sweet spot of those '80s comedies that have come before."

"Here is a movie that isn't afraid to wear its oddball heart on its sleeve, combining the horny and horrific, the goofy and the gross, to dynamic effect," she adds.

Read our full review of Lisa Frankenstein.

Is Lisa Frankenstein streaming?

Lisa Frankenstein will officially make its streaming debut on Peacock on March 29, less than two months after its theatrical debut. If you already have a Peacock subscription, you're good to go. If not, you'll need to sign up to watch — and unfortunately, there's no free trial.

Peacock is still one of the most affordable streaming services on the market, despite its price hike last summer. If you don't mind a few ads interrupting your streaming experience, it'll cost you just $5.99 per month. For the ad-free Premium Plus plan, it'll run you $11.99 per month instead.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium or Premium Plus $5.99 per month or $11.99 per month Watch Now How to watch Lisa Frankenstein at home: Best Peacock streaming deals

Before you sign up for Peacock to watch Lisa Frankenstein, do yourself a favor and check out the deals below. You can score a Peacock subscription at a discount or you may even qualify for a free account if you're eligible.

Best long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $59.99 per year (save $11.89) or $119.99 per year (save $23.89) Get Deal

If you're not interested in long-term streaming on Peacock, you can sign up for as low as $5.99 for the month, then cancel. However, you can get a whole lot more bang for your buck if you subscribe to an annual plan instead of a monthly plan. It'll cost you either $59.99 per year with ads or $119.99 per year without — that's 12 months of streaming for the price of 10, or about 17% in savings.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

Select Xfinity customers can still secure Peacock Premium for free. Be sure to check your own eligibility through your account.

• Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).

• Xfinity Internet customers that are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can also score Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then wait for your email (it may take a couple hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock Deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $1.99 per month for one year Watch Now

Students who want to watch Lisa Frankenstein can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. That's less than your daily coffee purchase. You'll have to prove you're actually a student through SheerID, but once you do, you'll get a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember the code can only be used once.

Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders $1.99 per month for one year Watch Now

If you're a first responder, you can take advantage of this special offer and score Peacock Premium for only $1.99 per month instead of $5.99 per month. You'll have to verify your first responder status via SheerID and sign up using the unique promo code sent to you. You can renew the deal annually if you continue to meet verification qualifications, but you'll have to go through the process and receive a new promo code each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $59.99/year) Watch Now

At the end of 2023, Instacart announced a new partnership with Peacock — new and existing Instacart+ members ($99.99/year) now get Peacock Premium included for free with their subscription. That's a $59.99 per year value. Make sure to take advantage of this freebie if you haven't yet. Instacart+ members also enjoy free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, credit back on eligible pickup orders, and more perks for $99.99 per year. Plus, your first two weeks are free, which means you can enjoy Lisa Frankenstein and other Peacock shows and movies for free during that trial period.

Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Watch Now

Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. Meanwhile, TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can get an entire year of Peacock Premium for free (a $59.99 value). Unfortunately, the offer is only valid for new Peacock subscribers. Learn more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

Other ways to watch Lisa Frankenstein at home

Don't want to sign up for another streaming service just to watch a single film? You can also opt for renting or purchasing Lisa Frankenstein on digital video-on-demand services like Prime Video and Apple TV for $19.99 or $29.99, respectively. With rentals, you'll get 30 days to start watching and only 48 hours to finish once you begin. If you struggle to watch things in a specific time frame, you'll likely be better off purchasing a digital copy of the film instead.

Here are all the links to rent or purchase the film on digital:

• Prime Video — $17.74 to rent, $27.74 to buy (for Prime members)

• Apple TV — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy

• Google Play — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy

• YouTube — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy

Netflix's sci-fi series 3 Body Problem features a myriad of fantastical elements, from proton supercomputers, to razor-sharp nanofibres, to ridiculously high-tech virtual reality headsets which let you eat dirt. Yet the most unbelievable, unforgivable, infuriating part of the entire show had nothing to do with any of this amazing technology.

Instead, it was when lovelorn cancer patient Will Downing (Alex Sharp) shelled out £19.5 million to buy his crush a star.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Netflix's '3 Body Problem'

In 3 Body Problem's sixth episode "The Stars Our Destination," Will visits the titular organisation in order to purchase a star. Having recently been bequeathed a fortune of £20 million, the sad dying physics teacher decides to spend £19.5 million of it to buy star DX3906 as an anonymous gift to Jin (Jess Hong), the unwitting object of his affections. 

For those of you playing from the U.S., that’s a price tag of over $24.5 million at the current conversion rate. It's also one of the biggest, most brazen scams I have ever heard of.

How to buy a star (Spoiler: You can't) Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

The first and most obvious issue is that The Stars Our Destination's entire business model is illegitimate, because it's impossible to buy or sell a star.

One of the first rules of commerce is that you can't sell anything you don't own. In order to sell a star, you must first own the star. However, Article II of the United Nations' 1967 Outer Space Treaty states that no nation can claim sovereignty or ownership over any celestial body. Article VI further dictates that nations are held responsible for the outer space activities of their non-government entities, and must ensure they act in accordance with the treaty. The UK, China, and the U.S. are all signatories.

In short, nobody can own a star, whether they're a government, organisation, or private individual. Yet despite this, unsung villain The Stars Our Destination seems to have unilaterally and unlawfully claimed ownership of the entire universe in order to sell off chunks of it for cash. 

The whole endeavour reeks of an imperialist power dividing up land in anticipation of conquering it. Though to be fair, it is pretty on brand for humans to make contact with aliens then immediately resort to space colonialism.

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

One could argue that The Stars Our Destination's ownership paperwork is merely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for generous donations, rather than a legal certificate of title. After all, the organisation's purported purpose is to raise funds for a global defence rather than operate as a profitable commercial entity. 

However, Will makes it explicitly clear that he feels no loyalty to the human race, only to Jin. Considering this, it makes no sense that he would decide to make a £19.5 million donation toward humanity's survival, the benefits of which won't be seen until long after both he and Jin have passed. He wouldn't even sign a document pledging allegiance to humans on his deathbed.

The only way Will would shell out that much cash is if he thought he was actually buying Jin legal ownership rights to a star lightyears away. The Stars Our Destination essentially scammed a dying man out of millions.

I have renamed the North Star. It's Bartholomew now. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

Setting aside the issue of ownership, The Stars Our Destination can't even sell legitimate celestial naming rights.

Like gift cards and charitable donations, naming a star has long been a stalwart among presents for people you don't really know or like. There are numerous organisations that claim to sell the stars' naming rights, such as Star Register, Name a Star, Star Registration, and International Star Registry. Absolutely none of them are official. 

Each such commercial star registry keeps and maintains its own record of stars, which carries about as much weight as the registration certificates they email out to you. When you purchase star naming rights from such businesses, all you're paying for is a piece of paper and a line in the company's internal documents.

I could sell star naming rights of equal legitimacy by simply knocking together a few certificates in Canva, flogging them for 50 bucks a pop, then jotting down customers' chosen names in my Notes app. On an unrelated note, if anyone would like to name a star, hit me up — I have a few billion you can pick from.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the only earthly organisation with the authority to name celestial bodies, and it doesn't offer that privilege for sale.

"As an international scientific organisation, the IAU dissociates itself entirely from the commercial practice of 'selling' fictitious star names, surface feature names, or real estate on other planets or moons in the Solar System," reads the IAU's website. "Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee. However, such 'names' have no formal or official validity whatsoever."

Importantly, the IAU doesn't claim to actually own any of the celestial bodies it names. It just labels them so that scientists are all on the same page. It's a bit like how you might call a squirrel at the park "Peter," prompting all your friends to do so as well. None of you own Peter, but everyone knows which furry rodent you're referring to.  

Men will literally buy a celestial body instead of going to therapy Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

Okay, so star naming and ownership are scams. But what about looking at Will's present from a more romantic point of view? Some may see blowing millions of dollars on a shiny, useless gift for a loved one as a grand gesture of love. To quote the poets, a star is like a diamond in the sky, and diamonds are a girl's best friend.

You know what would be even more romantic? Literally setting someone up for life.

Twenty million entire British pounds is an exorbitant amount of money, more than the vast majority of humans could ever dream of seeing in one lifetime. This life-changing pile of cash could easily fund more than one person living out the rest of their days in comfort, free of the stress and uncertainty that plagues all us wretched souls condemned to capitalism’s rat race.

However, Will is apparently beyond such concerns. Will's under-2kg brain determined that the best possible use of £20 million wasn't to buy his unspoken love a house, or a car, or a real physical diamond she can hold in her hand. Rather than materially improving Jin's life, Will decided to spend the cash on a dubious certificate of ownership for something she doesn't want, from an organisation she's shown no interest in.

For comparison, here is an incomplete list of things one could purchase for £20 million in the year of our Lord 2024:

• At least five apartments in SoHo, Tribeca, or any of the other most expensive neighbourhoods in New York City. Not rent. Buy.

• Over 215 years of tuition and expenses at Harvard Law School.

• Both lunch and dinner at Sublimotion, the most expensive restaurant in the world, every single day for over 14 years.

• Tumblr.

• Seven thousand Apple Vision Pros, none of which will allow you to taste dirt.

• The production of a ninth episode of 3 Body Problem.

• Probably a lot more than just three bodies on the black market.

If I found out someone dropped £20 million to buy me a star I would immediately lose all interest in them. In a time when the mere cost of living is a pressing concern, spending millions on questionable rights to a celestial body is thoughtless at best and willfully spiteful at worst. I cannot fall in love with someone who could have easily ensured I never had to work again, but chose to give me a glorified NFT instead. 

Credit: Chris Baker / Netflix

3 Body Problem only adapts the first instalment of Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, so there's a chance we could see the consequences of Will's terrible shopping decisions in a second season. 

But based on all the information the Netflix series has provided thus far, and what the characters actually know, spending £19.5 million to buy a star is one of the worst decisions anyone in the series has made. Considering someone knowingly invited invading aliens to Earth, that's saying a lot.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you were picking your favourite matchup for the FA WSL Cup final, Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women would probably be pretty high up on the list. Two of the most successful teams in women's football, littered with star players, in a winner-takes-all final? Yes please.

If you want to watch Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women?

Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women kicks off at 3 p.m. BST on March 31. This fixture takes place at the Molineux Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women for free

Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 2:30 p.m. BST on March 31. You can also live stream this fixture 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 tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This process makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer 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. Stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you should consider a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan is on sale for £18.22, saving you 71% on list price.

The internet is such a great tool. Instant connection to so much information and people worldwide has changed our world irrevocably. However, it's not all roses and rainbows. There are annoying things like ads that pop up virtually everywhere, messing with our flow. And, of course, the concern of cybersecurity.

That's why the fine minds at AdGuard created a way to help remove some of the downsides that our online activity can bring. A lifetime subscription is currently on sale for as low as £18.22 for a Family Plan.

AdGuard will block those ever-present ads, including the barber type, pop-up ads, and video ads. A subscription to AdGuard also includes privacy protection to help keep your information safe from trackers and analysts. You can also rest assured that the service's data privacy tools will block fake websites, malware attacks, and phishing. It also features a no-logging policy, which means your information is never saved anywhere.

If you have a family with children and decide to go with the Family Plan, you can also activate parental controls. This means you can block your little ones from accessing sites and information, images, and videos that they shouldn't be seeing. 

Don't miss this chance to stay protected and ad-free for life. Pick up a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for under £20.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Family Plan AdGuard Family Plan (Lifetime Subscription) £18.22 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

If you’re not careful, flexible work can blur the boundary between your employees’ personal and professional lives, leading to a culture of overwork. If your organization needs to make a change, you can follow a three-step plan. Start by assessing the level of overwork in your organization. Conduct interviews and surveys to identify how deeply […]

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 28's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Say something.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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 Wordle #1013 is...

SPEAK.

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.

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 28's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: French exiting the party

• Green: Anjin

• Blue: Very large aquatic mammals

• Purple: Places and things that use slots

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Exited

• Green: One Flying An Airplane

• Blue: Kinds of Whales

• Purple: Things with Slots

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 Connections #291 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Exited: DEPARTED, LEFT, SPLIT, WENT

• One Flying an Airplane: ACE, AVIATOR, FLIER, PILOT

• Kinds of Whales: BLUE, FIN, GRAY, RIGHT

• Things with Slots: ATM, CASINO, SCHEDULE, SPATULA

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

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

An uptick in bots, a rise in hate speech, and content moderation policies that are unevenly applied to the social media platform's users.

These are just some of the issues that have plagued X, formerly known as Twitter, since Elon Musk acquired the company back in October 2022.

Now, roughly a year and a half later, it appears that Musk's X has lost almost a quarter of its user base.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says Grok AI will be available to premium X users 'later this week'

According to new data from third-party mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower, X's number of daily active mobile app users in the U.S. has fallen by 23 percent since November 2022. That would be the first full month in which X operated under Musk. 

When looking at year-over-year data, mobile app users in the U.S. are down 18 percent from just one year ago.

As of last month, there were 27 million daily active users on X's mobile app in the U.S.

X on the decline?

According to Sensor Tower's research, as first reported by NBC News, X had "the most material decline in active users compared to its peers."

And the contrast between X's social media competitors is stark.

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Next to Musk's X, the platform that has faced the biggest decline in users based on mobile app data from Sensor Tower, is TikTok. The viral short form social video app use base declined by 9.5 percent since Nov. 2022. Instagram fell nearly 4.5 percent, Snapchat declined by nearly 2 percent, and Facebook was down by less than one percent.

"This decline in X mobile app active users may have been driven by user frustration over flagrant content, general platform technical issues, and the growing threat of short-form video platforms," Sensor Tower said in its research.

The most abrupt decline in X usage seems to have occurred over last Summer. In a two month span, Musk heralded two of the platform's biggest changes: Musk kicked off July 2023 by rate limiting then-Twitter's users, capping how many times they can reload their Twitter feed and limiting how many tweets they can view in a day. Then, in August 2023, Musk started to rid the platform of its Twitter brand, dropping the iconic bird logo as well as the name "Twitter" and replacing it with "X."  At the time, researchers noticed that X's App Store downloads were immediately negatively affected by the name change. 

By September of last year, X had already lost more than 17 percent of its mobile app users in the U.S. according to Sensor Tower.

X disputes the findings but doesn't prove much

Musk's platform has addressed Sensor Tower's findings and the NBC News report via a public statement posted by an official X account, @XData.

X says that the report "incorrectly claims that fewer people are using X today than previously."

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The statement continues by pointing out that the report is "based solely on estimates from @SensorTower, which does not have access to the actual data from these platforms and does not include mobile."

Mashable must note that Sensor Tower's estimates are based solely on mobile user data via the platform's official app, so it does include mobile estimates. X might be trying to refer to mobile web usage through a mobile web browser, which Sensor Tower does not account for.

The statement from X concluded with a "too long; didn't read it" summary: "tl/dr: Both our own data and self-reported data from other platforms tells a different story."

X did not provide any data or evidence to refute the report or back up its claims.

In an unrelated post published before the Sensor Tower report, the @XData account claimed that X had "250 million people use X every day" and "550 million people visit the global town square every month."

However, based on data Musk posted to his account shortly after his takeover of the company in Nov. 2022, X was pulling in close to 260 million daily active users at the end of that month. If the recent stats posted by the @XData account are representative of X's daily active users, then this would indeed prove that there has been a decline in users on X. 

The celebrities are back on the auction block, this time in support of humanitarian relief in Gaza.

Cinema for Gaza, a new coalition of British film and television creatives, organized an auction raising money for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP) amid the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. As entertainers, the experiences and items for sale are of the most unique and attention-grabbing sort.

SEE ALSO: Here's why celebs might sport red buttons on the Oscars red carpet

For sale is a bedtime story from Tilda Swinton, a perfect porridge tutorial from Challengers star Josh O'Connor, and a cuppa with Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn — all over Zoom. If none of those suit your fancy, there's always a "restorative drink" with Alison Oliver from Saltburn or chat about astrology with Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood, also over Zoom. For an IRL experience, bidders have the opportunity to attend comedian and Poor Things star Ramy Youssef's show, afterparty, and meet and greet.

There's also a variety of memorabilia for sale ranging from from Doctor Who scripts to several The Iron Claw posters with custom doodles by Harris Dickinson.

The auction is the brainchild of Hanna Flint, Julia Jackman, Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman, and Helen Simmons, all of whom are filmmakers or journalists in the UK. In a statement to The Guardian they said, "As we enter the sixth month of Israel's military siege of Gaza, it has never been more vital to raise funds for the urgent humanitarian work conducted by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Their efforts are not only essential but lifesaving, as Israel's bombardment has obliterated Gaza's healthcare infrastructure."

They sees art and politics as "inextricably linked" and described Cinema for Gaza as "a passionate, inclusive fundraising space powered by the generosity of people from all corners of the film industry who will not stand idly by while Palestinians are dehumanised and attacked with impunity."

Cinema for Gaza is one of several coalitions of artists showing solidarity with Palestine. At the Oscars, many attendees including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, and Ava DuVernay sported Artists for Ceasefire buttons. Jonathan Glazer, the director of Zone of Interest, drew parallels between his Holocaust film and the current bombardment of Gaza in his acceptance speech for Best International Feature.

The Cinema for Gaza auction begins April 2 and runs through April 12.

The fight for reproductive rights is happening on social media — and major tech giants may not be helping the cause.

A new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and global charity MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI) says that Meta and, in a few instances, Google, are restricting abortion information, while furthering misinformation and abuse across countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The CCDH reports that some abortion providers are restricted from advertising on Meta and Google platforms globally, while Meta also profits from anti-abortion ads placed from within the U.S. that aim to deter people seeking abortions overseas.

SEE ALSO: Abortion fund networks endure in fight against restricted access How are abortion ads being restricted?

The report claims that ads from MSI have been rejected or removed by Meta in Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, and Vietnam, for indeterminate reasons such as "sensitive content", and that Meta has placed blanket advertising restrictions on MSI's local teams based in Nepal and Vietnam, without thorough justification.

Meanwhile, ads on "pregnancy options" in Ghana were reportedly blocked by Google. More specifically, MSI's local team in Ghana said that when planning a campaign using Google Adwords themselves, they were banned from using the term "pregnancy options".

In addition, the report outlines that Google and Facebook both feature fake pages and websites that imitate MSI's content, with the intent to scam users in Kenya, Nigeria, and Vietnam; some of these pages are described as asking prospective clients to make mobile money transfers.

Speaking to Mashable, Google representative Michael Aciman said, "This report does not include a single example of policy violating content on Google’s platform, nor any examples of inconsistent enforcement. Without evidence, it claims that some ads were blocked in Ghana for referencing 'pregnancy options'. To be clear, these types of ads are not prohibited from running in Ghana – if the ads were restricted, it was likely due to our longstanding policies against targeting people based on sensitive health categories, which includes pregnancy."

Aciman also noted that Google does not prohibit ads using the term "pregnancy options"; however, as a part of Google's Personalized Advertising Policies, advertisers cannot target curated audiences when running ads for products or services related to "sensitive interest categories". Therefore, if MSI or other advertisers tried to run a targeted campaign for their own audience list in any these categories, this campaign would not run.

Ryan Daniels, a spokesperson for Meta, said in a statement to Mashable, "We allow posts and ads promoting health care services, as well as discussion and debate around them. Content about reproductive health must follow our rules, including those on prescription drugs and misinformation, and ads promoting reproductive health products or services may only be targeted to people 18+." Meta reiterates this policy in its Transparency Centre.

Daniels added that Meta will be reviewing the information within CCDH's report: "We prohibit ads that include misinformation or mislead people about services a business provides, and we will review the content of this report."

Vital information versus misinformation

The report also alleges misinformation is allowed to run on Meta's platforms: specifically, misinformation was found by the CCDH to be prominent in Mexico, with anti-abortion ads on Meta claiming that abortion drugs pose "high risks" to women. Many of these ads were reported to have been viewed millions of times, and restrictions on ads that promote sexual and other reproductive health services in Mexico were also found to be restricted.

In Ghana, similarly, anti-abortion groups, such as as Americans United for Life (AUL) and Tree of Life Ministries, run by American-born evangelical Christians based in Israel, reportedly placed ads that featured misleading claims about abortions. Such ads were viewed up to 3.83 million times globally, the CCDH says.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp messages from anti-abortion platforms were found to circulate in Ghana, using abusive language and claiming that MSI is part of a "satanic" agenda. According to MSI country teams, including the one in Ghana, such messaging has resulted in clients being too scared to visit local clinics. In Kenya, too, MSI teams said they have been targeted with abusive language on Facebook and X.

Whitney Chinogwenya, marketing specialist at MSI Reproductive Choices, said in a statement, "False information can only be corrected with facts and evidence, yet from Ghana to Nepal, Meta is removing our Facebook pages and ads with no explanation, while turning a blind eye to abusive messages directed at our team members for simply doing their jobs."

"Meanwhile Google does next to nothing about harmful websites advertising fake clinics that put women and girls at serious risk. We’re always firefighting the next issue, with no one to turn to but a chatbot," continued Chinogwenya.

Meta's responses to concerns from MSI teams about advertising and restrictions have been noted by CCDH and MSI to be inconsistent and vague. In Nepal and Vietnam, for example, MSI says its official accounts on Meta platforms have been restricted from advertising, with the team having to open new accounts — and starting from scratch — to proliferate information.

"Social media companies mine users’ personal data in the Global South, but take little care to protect local human rights and civil liberties." - Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH

MSI is one of many abortion rights groups facing these difficulties, says the report, with the likes of Amnesty International and several activists also mentioned as being restricted from providing abortion-related content.

"Meta, Google, and others own the platforms on which billions of people get information and share advice, but they refuse to accept the corresponding duty of care to protect people’s ability to access vital medical advice and to take swift action against bad actors who put people’s health at risk," Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH, said in a statement. "Social media companies mine users’ personal data in the Global South, but take little care to protect local human rights and civil liberties."

In many of these countries, abortion rights are restrictive. In Ghana, women can seek abortion in certain cases, including rape, incest, or if a risk of fetal abnormality is posed. Kenya has made promises to recognize abortion as a fundamental right, but legal ambiguity around abortion has led to misinformation and illegal procedures at backstreet clinics. In Nepal, abortion has been legalized since 2002, but unsafe procedures are still cause for concern. Mexico decriminalized abortion in 2023, just six months ago, while in Vietnam, abortion in the first 22 weeks of pregnancy is legal.

Regardless of legalities surrounding abortion, information is crucial to communities in the so-called Global South. As Dr. Rishita Nandagiri, a feminist and health lecturer at LSE, wrote in 2022, "While it is important to fight laws that restrict access to abortions, feminist networks and hotlines which provide timely information, such as how to access medical abortion drugs and how to administer them, are equally important."

Google has some new Maps and SGE features for travel if your summer plans are heating up.

On Wednesday, Google announced the ability to create an itinerary in SGE (Google's experiment for AI-powered search) and new ways to find recommendations and customize lists in Maps.

SEE ALSO: How to save locations in Google Maps

Google SGE, which stands for Search Generative Experience, is a testing platform for Search-related generative AI features. Users can sign up to see what Google is working on for the future of search — specifically AI-generated responses for queries. It's not live yet for users who haven't opted in, but Google is already quietly testing AI-powered search results to non-testers. With SGE's travel planning feature, you can ask it to plan you an itinerary with recommendations pulled from around the web including Business Profiles for restaurants and sites with images and user reviews.

Via Giphy

SGE itineraries include links to sources of travel information, so at least it's citing its work, but we can't imagine travel blogs and publications would be too happy with SGE responses taking up so much search real estate. Plagiarism and its impact on SEO traffic has been a major concern for the tool that has yet to be unleashed to the public. But for users, its potential for finding information more easily across the web is undeniable.

New features for Google Maps also aim to help people plan trips. Now, when you search for a city, Maps will show you "curated lists of recommendations" from top travel sites like Lonely Planet and The New York Times' "36 Hours" series and and Google Maps users. This also works for restaurants lists which Google organizes by "Trending," "Top," and "Gems."

Find recommended lists when you search for a city on Google Maps. Credit: Google

For Maps users who are devoted to curating their own lists, there are also new ways of customizing their favorite places. Now, you can organize places on your list chronologically and rank them so your list can be updated as you go along. Users can also share their curated lists on social.

SGE travel itineraries is available in the U.S. by enrolling in Search Labs. List recommendations will start showing up for users in the U.S. and Canada this week, and list customization will roll out globally on iOS and Android later this month.

Better late than never.

Apple has a long history of adopting features (and, to be fair, occasionally putting its own spin on them) that competitors have had for years. This time, it might be custom routes on its signature navigation app, Apple Maps. MacRumors spotted a file on the Maps back-end called "CustomRouteCreation" tied to the upcoming iOS 18, which so far is the only evidence we have that this is happening.

SEE ALSO: Apple users targeted by incredibly annoying 'Reset Password' attack

While it's not a lot to go on, the file name is pretty telling, and would provide a feature that Apple Maps frankly should've had a while ago. Google Maps (at least on a browser) gives users the ability to plan out their own custom routes rather than just going with the one the app suggests. If Apple were able to give iPhone users this feature and not require any kind of browser use to make it happen, that could finally give Apple Maps a much-needed leg up over Google's equivalent — especially when there's a chance Apple's default navigation app could have a rocky road ahead in the EU thanks to new Big Tech regulations.

As for when we'll get confirmation of this rumoured Apple Maps feature, it won't be long now. Apple plans to show off iOS 18, as well as the rest of its upcoming software suite, at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

SAVE $20: A $200 digital Instacart gift card is on sale at Best Buy for $180. That's a 10% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart gift card ($200) $180.00 at Best Buy
$200.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal

There are never enough hours in the day to check off everything on the to-do list. If your fridge is often skint of essentials because you keep running out of time to get to the grocery store, ordering a doorstep delivery could be a time-saving option. And thanks to today's deal, you could get some items in your next Instacart order for free.

As of March 27, a $200 digital Instacart gift card is just $180 at Best Buy. That means you'll save $20, a 10% discount. After ordering, Best Buy will follow up with email instructions on how to redeem the gift card.

SEE ALSO: 40+ deals still live after Best Buy's Member-Exclusive Sale

With the Instacart app, you can order groceries to your doorstep with same-day delivery on many orders. Or, if you prefer, order for curbside pickup at your desired store and staff will load groceries into your car. Over 500 retailers and grocers are linked within Instacart, so you'll have plenty of selection.

After ordering you'll be able to see progress on your order, including when an Instacart shopper has arrived at the store. Through the messaging function, the shopper can ask about preferences and any substitutions, should they be necessary. If you've opted for delivery, you'll also be able to keep tabs on when your groceries will arrive.

If you use Instacart, today's deal is a great way to save some money on your next grocery order.

UP TP 44% OFF: Amazon is hosting a sale on spring cleaning essentials including laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, and more. Get up to 44% off your favorite brands.

Our top picks: Best trash bag deal Hefty Ultra Strong tall kitchen trash bags (80-count) $11.98 at Amazon (save $4.01 ) Get Deal Best laundry detergent deal Clean Cult Laundry Detergent Sheets (60-count) $9.99 at Amazon (save $3.99 ) Get Deal Best disinfecting cleaner deal Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 2-Pack (75-count) $9.68 at Amazon (save $1.81) Get Deal

Spring has officially sprung, so you're probably itching to throw out the old and bring in the new. (I just reorganized my entire closet, and even though it took me two days, I'm so proud of the outcome.) But cleaning up means you'll need supplies, which can add up quickly.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuum deals this week include every self-emptying mopping Roomba on sale

Thankfully, Amazon is hosting a sale on dozens of spring cleaning essentials including laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, and more.

Here are some of the best deals we could find:

Best trash bag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hefty Our pick: Hefty Ultra Strong tall kitchen trash bags (80-count) $11.98 at Amazon
$15.99 Save $4.01 Get Deal Why we like it

It's crazy to think that we spend real money on things we literally throw away. Trash bags, aside from paper towels and toilet paper, are one of the most expensive household essentials and can cost up to $15 at some retail stores (we're looking at you, Target).

But with this limited-time Amazon deal, you can get 80 Hefty Ultra Strong, tall kitchen trash bags (13-gallon) for just $11.98. With a lavender and sweet vanilla scent and Arm & Hammer odor control technology, you can put the stinkiest leftovers in these bags without worrying that your entire kitchen will smell.

Best laundry detergent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Clean Cult Our pick: Clean Cult Laundry Detergent Sheets (60-count) $9.99 at Amazon
$13.98 Save $3.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Laundry detergent is another household essential that can quickly add up in cost. It's also hard to find a detergent without a strong chemical scent or a formula that irritates sensitive skin. But Clean Cult offers a solution with its eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets.

These sheets are free from harsh chemicals, making them a great option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, they're designed to fight stains and remove odors effectively, so you can trust that your clothes will come out fresh and clean.

You can get them in Free & Clear, Fresh Linen, or Wild Lavender. Each pack contains 60 sheets and is available for just $9.99 with this limited-time Amazon deal. That's 60 loads of laundry for under $10.

Best disinfecting cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Clorox Our pick: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 2-pack (75-count) $9.68 at Amazon
$11.49 Save $1.81 Get Deal Why we like it

If the pandemic taught us anything, you can never have enough Clorox wipes or disinfecting spray. This two-pack of Clorox disinfecting wipes is a steal for just $9.68. You'll get 75 wipes per canister, so you'll have plenty to go around for various surfaces and high-touch areas. Plus, you can get 5% off your order if you subscribe and save.

With five times the cleaning power of other disinfecting wipes and the ability to kill COVID and other viruses, bacteria, and germs, these wipes are a must-have for keeping your home clean and safe.

Even more deals:

• Tide Ultra Oxi Whitening Boost (57-ounce) — $7.99 $9.99 (save $2)

• Clean Cult Liquid Hand Soap, Wild Lavender (32-ounce) — $8.08 $14.99 (save $6.91)

• Clean Cult Ultra Power Dishwasher Detergent (32-count) — $9.98 $14.99 (save $5.01)

• Arm & Hammer Power Sheets Laundry Detergent, Fresh Linen (50-count) — $9.99 $14.99 (save $5)

• Tide PODS Liquid Laundry Detergent Soap Pacs, Spring Meadow (76-count) — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

In matching Instagram posts that were in inverse black and white color schemes, Anjali Chakra and Sufi Malik, a queer South Asian couple seemingly birthed by the internet itself, announced the end of their relationship just weeks before they were set to be married. The stark posts read almost identically, disclosing that Malik had cheated and that they decided to end the relationship. 

View this post on Instagram

The reactions were swift on social media, from heartbroken fans who had at one point lauded the couple for the way they bridged religious and cultural divides to posts on the nature of public breakups and cheating. Memes, jokes, and meta-commentary also all popped up in the wake of the breakup, as if to signify that the loss was one big communal experience — a not uncommon reaction in collective-based cultures.

SEE ALSO: What happens when your favourite TikTok couple breaks up

For many queer South Asians, Chakra and Malik were ours, a couple that looked like our friends and found family rather than what the narrow expectation of heterosexuality looked like. 

How a viral moment made a couple famous 

The space that Chakra and Malik occupied was not nominal to fans or to internet users vaguely aware of their existence. It is rare to find an interfaith, intercultural Pakistani-Muslim and Indian-Hindu couple, much less one that is queer and publicly out.

For Devashree Thaker, 24, it's hard to overstate the couple's importance. 

"They were one of the first queer 'mainstream' desi couples I ever saw," they said. "It was honestly so heartwarming to see how Anjali's family supported them and their relationship." 

Examples like this can be few and far-between because of homophobia in South Asia and the diaspora. Just last fall, the Indian Supreme Court refused to recognize same-sex marriage, dealing a blow to activists and lawyers who had spent years organizing around the issue. In the United States, even after the Supreme Court recognized marriage equality, many South Asians still face homophobia and transphobia from family and community members. And then there are the national and cultural differences, which have only worsened amidst rising Hindu nationalism in India. 

"Pakistan and India have a long history of political, ideological, religious differences," said Nur E. Makbul, assistant professor of communication arts at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. "Even when [people] come to the U.S. those things are still there: the history of war, segregation, communal history." 

What made Chakra and Malik different was their relationship showed that despite rampant homophobia as well as religious division, love could conquer those barriers. 

"It felt like a collective win to see them be so happy and in love at the same time," said Thaker.

The couple first emerged prominently online in the summer of 2019, when they shot what would become a viral ad for a company called Borrow the Bazaar. The photos prominently featured both Malik and Chakra in matching marigold and red floor-length lehengas. While fans online cheered, the couple still had to navigate murky emotional and cultural territory.

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In those initial days it was impossible to avoid those photos. They represented something much larger than just two queer people in traditional clothing for me: a future, one after difficult conversations and coming out and yelling. Chakra and Malik's relationship felt bigger than the small-mindedness of our relatives — it was a different path; a way out. 

Makbul, who has studied LGBTQ+ breakups, also notes that cultural, religious, and ethnic divisions can prove to be obstacles that other couples within the same community don't have to face.

"[In] the interfaith relationship, [between] a Pakistani-Muslim and an Indian-Hindu, there are more struggles than any kind of [intracommunity] relationship," said Makbul. He noted that besides bridging those cultural divides between themselves individually, intolerance from family members and community also poses a threat. 

Makbul also said that differing values about marrying within one's own community often make it difficult for families to fully accept any relationships that happen across communities in South Asia. 

Serena Zets, 23, remembers the viral moment clearly because it coincided to when they were also dating another queer South Asian person. The only downside? It invited unwelcome comparisons of Zets' relationship to Malik and Chakra's. 

"I started to notice that people who were not South Asian would refer to me and my partner at the time as, 'they're Sufi and Anjali,' which was weird, racist, and uncomfortable," said Zets. 

Still, Zets supported Chakra and Malik's relationship for the most part, only becoming slightly disillusioned as the couple became more like every other influencer couple. 

"I think that the initial photo shoot, which they didn't intend to become as big as it was, people looked at that and saw, like, beauty and love in it," they said. "But over the years, I think that kind of became their livelihood." 

A shocking breakup

For Keerthi, 24, the most interesting part of the breakup has been the way in which they publicly announced it. Keerthi requested to be referred to by their first-name only because they're not out to their family.

"[It was] so jarring for it to be like, matching inverse color palette Instagram posts released at the same time," they said. "It was clearly this, like, planned out, 'okay, you hit post, I'll hit post,' and, you know, that was so weird to me."

They were also struck by how, since their fame was accumulated from showcasing their identities, the breakup also was similarly informed by those same identities. 

"They don't get to be a couple that broke up, they're 'the Indian-Pakistani WLW' couple that broke up." 

View this post on Instagram

Similarly, Thaker is concerned about how Chakra and Malik's public personas mean that it is impossible to ignore the onslaught of social media posts about them. 

"​​Having your relationship be on such public display and under such heavy scrutiny is so intense, and it's a little sad to see how there's a need to be answerable to the larger public during this time," said Thaker.

Even the way that people are communicating about the breakup online and in group chats highlights the found community that many queer South Asians in the U.S. have. Stuti Sharma, 27, found out while preparing to travel to help care for their friend who was about to undergo top surgery. 

"I was getting ready to go on the flight to come and take care of them and that's when I found out all of this, I was on Twitter," said Sharma. Since then there's been group chat messages, Reddit deep dives, and many, many discussions on the topic.

"I understand the deep attachment that people are probably having," they said.

More than the discourse or the drama, Sharma notes that what people loved about the couple was their care and devotion to each other.

"It sucks when there's somebody who you are looking up to and you really love their love, and you're like, 'wow, it didn't work out,'" Sharma said. But, they said, it's important to remember — "love is so real." 

UPDATE: Mar. 27, 2024, 6:02 p.m. EDT This story has been updated from its original version to reflect Stuti Sharma's correct age.