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Wondering how to watch the college basketball tournament? Here are your best options: Most affordable Paramount+ with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $11.99/month Get Deal Most channels FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99 for the first month (Save $20) Get Deal

The NC State and Marquette men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in a tournament game in Dallas on Friday, March 29. The game is scheduled to start at 7:09 p.m. ET/6:09 p.m. CT. 

No. 11 seed NC State comes into the matchup 24-14 overall. Most recently, NC State beat Oakland 79-73 on Saturday in the tournament’s second round. NC State got 24 points and 11 rebounds from DJ Burns Jr. in the win. 

No. 2 seed Marquette enters the matchup 28-9 overall. On Sunday, Marquette defeated Colorado 81-77 in the second round of the tournament. Tyler Kolek led Marquette with 21 points and 11 assists in the victory.

SEE ALSO: How to download the 2024 March Madness basketball bracket

Shaka Smart is the Marquette men’s basketball head coach. Kevin Keatts is the NC State men’s basketball head coach.

Marquette vs. NC State basketball game time and network

The Marquette vs. NC State men’s basketball game is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS at 7:09 p.m. ET/6:09 p.m. CT on Friday, March 29. CBS broadcasters for the game are scheduled to be Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Raftery (analyst), Grant Hill (analyst), and Tracy Wolfson (reporter).

Whatever team wins this game advances to play in Dallas on Sunday, March 31.  

If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, online live-streaming platforms such as Paramount+ and FuboTV offer alternatives for enjoying the game.

Best streaming services for the NCSU vs. Marquette basketball game 

Eager to witness the NC State vs. Marquette men’s basketball game? Here are your best streaming options.

Most affordable: Paramount+ Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $11.99/month Get Deal

If you want to watch the NC State vs. Marquette men’s basketball game via CBS, Paramount+ offers a solution.    

New subscribers to Paramount+ get a seven-day free trial. Then for the Paramount+ plan that includes live streaming CBS, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, which is $11.99/month. If you choose the annual plan, it is $119.99 for a year, saving about $1.99/month. 

For students, Paramount+ will give you a 25% discount.

Most channels: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan $59.99
$79.99 Save $20.00 7-day free trial, then $59.99 for first month Get Deal

With FuboTV, new subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial and more than 250 live TV channels, along with the ability to simultaneously stream on 10 devices. College sports fans who want access to CBS for matchups such as the Marquette vs. NCSU men’s basketball game will want the FuboTV Pro tier, which is $59.99 for the first month and then has a rate of $79.99 per month.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. 

If at any point you think you know where Dead Hot is going to go next, you must have one hell of an imagination.

Charlotte Coben (Harlan Coben's daughter, who worked on the TV adaptations of The Stranger, Stay Close, Shelter, and Fool Me Once) has taken on the murder mystery thriller game herself, creating and writing one of the most simultaneously weird, erratic, and addictive series you'll stream through in a day. Directed by Sam Arbor and David Sant, this six-episode series with a penchant for dun-dun-DUUUUUUN reveals has it all: a missing person, a bloody finger, false identities, dating app catfishing, crime families, a miniature horse, corrupt cops, furries, an equine-themed bachelorette party, and dalliances with mysterious strangers.

SEE ALSO: 'Dead Hot' trailer teases your next big mystery watch

But among the sporadic MDMA day sessions, ill-advised hook-ups, and secret meetings in red-lit bars, the series boasts two immensely compelling leads to steer this chaotic ship: Rye Lane's Vivian Oparah and Extraordinary's Bilal Hasna.

What is Dead Hot about? Who is Will (Marcus Hodson), exactly? Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Set in Liverpool, Dead Hot follows Oparah and Hasna as best friends Jess and Elliot, who are united in torment over the disappearance of Peter (Olisa Odele), Jess' twin brother and the love of Elliot's life. Five years ago, Peter vanished, with the only trace being his severed finger left in a pool of blood, disturbingly discovered by Elliot himself.

Attempting to move on half a decade later, Elliot has a whirlwind date with dreamy stranger Will (Marcus Hodson). Navigating his feelings of guilt with Jess' support, Elliot thinks this guy could be his first big romance since losing Peter. But there's something mystifying about Will, especially when messed up things start happening. Meanwhile, Jess gets a sudden match on a DNA-pairing app. Could it be Peter? Who is this anonymous stranger who could be related to her? Who is on the other end of the red telephone in the bar? Who left this cat here? So many questions.

It's these parallel narrative strings that Dead Hot follows, as Jess and Elliot's frantic yearning for any skerrick of hope leads them further and further into dangerous territory — and when I tell you this is merely the tip of the iceberg of this often bonkers narrative, that's sugar-coating it. But what these moments of chaos and breakneck twists and turns do for the protagonists is give them unreal moments dramatic enough to match the sheer surrealism of their own grief.

Vivian Oparah and Bilal Hasna make the show Vivian Oparah and Bilal Hasna as Jess and Elliot. Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

As besties and amateur detectives Jess and Elliot, Oparah and Hasna fuel Dead Hot, moving their characters through reluctant mourning, fearless determination, and sheer terror with a measured levity. Coben's script pushes them into some pretty dark places (physically and emotionally), but the characters' relatability and fearlessness means the audience isn't plunged into Broadchurch-level misery. Every step of the way, Jess and Elliot hold on to hope that the worst hasn’t happened, and they both take moments of escapism when they can, which are also moments of reprieve for the audience, and which allow both Oparah and Hasna to tease out some comedy.

Featured Video For You Rye Lane’ includes the ultimate scene of meeting up with an ex

They're surrounded by a talented support cast, including the criminally underused and downright hilarious Jaylin Ye and Brandon Fellows as Jess and Elliot's friends Karis and Charlie (honestly, every time Ye and Fellows are onscreen it's a good time), and Andro Cowperthwaite as Jess' perpetually unimpressed boss Raphael, none of whom get enough screen time until later episodes.

Andro Cowperthwaite, Jaylin Ye, and Brandon Fellows deserve more screen time. Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Downton Abbey's Penelope Wilton commands her role as Elliot's bigoted aristocrat grandmother Francine (saved as 🖕👹🖕 in his phone) who refuses to acknowledge he's gay, instead literally paying him to go on dates with women. Rosie Cavaliero is gloriously unfathomable as Elliot's spoiled horse-loving aunt Bonnie, Rebekah Murrell plays the mystery card well as enigmatic stranger Mary, and Peter Serafinowicz has a grand run as the crooked DCI Danny, spewing unscrupulousness and threats as casually as ordering a coffee.

Dead Hot blends mystery thriller with hedonistic partying Before we investigate that lead, there's always time for a cocktail. Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

If your twin or boyfriend vanished, leaving only a digit behind, no one could judge you for wanting to escape into a heady stream of partying to escape the darkness. That's exactly what Jess and Elliot do, often finding their way to the dancefloor of Liverpool's late night venues in the middle of their investigations or cannonballing into copious amounts of Baby's Blood cocktails before lunch. It's here the show places the characters in many a neon-lit bar, bright pink salon, or heaving nightclub, which proves a unique, aesthetically lush setting for their yarn-walling through heavier things. While it seems a random choice for a mystery thriller to drop a dancefloor in the middle of a mystery, it makes sense for the characters themselves, whose mid-20s have been filled with one big unanswered question and only each other who truly understands that.

Ultimately, Dead Hot is a relatively hard to pin down mystery thriller that careens through narrative gear changes and reveals as chaotically as possible, gifting you two wonderful protagonists to cling to through the mess. There's drama at every turn underpinned with deep grief and the power of friendship (don't look at me like that), and you'll probably breeze through these episodes in one weekend.

Dead Hot is now streaming on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland and on Tubi in the U.S.

Some Apple users are reportedly being targeted by a sophisticated attack, requesting them to hand over their Apple ID credentials over and over again.

According to KrebsonSecurity, the attack starts with unsuspecting Apple device owners getting dozens of system-level messages, prompting them to reset their Apple ID password. If that fails, a person pretending to be an Apple employee will call the victim and try to convince them into handing over their password.

SEE ALSO: Apple confirms dates for WWDC 2024

This is exactly what happened to entrepreneur Parth Patel, who described their experience on Twitter/X. First, all of Patel's Apple devices, including their iPhone, Watch, and MacBook, started displaying the "Reset Password" notifications. After Patel clicked "Don't Allow" to more than one hundred requests, the fake Apple Support called, spoofing the caller ID of Apple's official Apple Support line. The fraudster Apple employee actually knew a lot of Patel's real data, including email, address, and phone number, but they got their name wrong, which had confirmed Patel's suspicions that they were under attack.

Tweet may have been deleted

While the attack was ultimately unsuccessful in this example, it's easy to imagine it working. The victim might accidentally allow the password reset (mistakes are easy to happen when you have to click on something hundreds of times), or they could fall for the fairly convincing, fake Apple Support call.

Patel's example isn't isolated, either; KrebsonSecurity has details on a very similar attack that happened to a crypto hedge fund owner identified by his first name, Chris, as well as a security researcher identified as Ken. In Chris' example, the attack persisted for several days, and also ended with a fake Apple Support call.

How did the attackers know all the data needed to perform the attack, and how did they manage to send system-level alerts to the victims' phones? According to KrebsonSecurity, the hackers likely had to get a hold of the victim's email address and phone number, associated with their Apple ID. Then they used an Apple ID password reset form, that requires an email or phone number, alongside a CAPTCHA, to send the system-level, password reset prompts. They also likely used a website called PeopleDataLabs to get information on both the victim and Apple employees they impersonated.

But there could also be a bug in Apple's systems, which should in theory be designed not to allow someone to abuse the password reset form and send dozens of requests in a short period of time (Apple did not respond to KrebsonSecurity's request for comment).

It appears that there's no easy or foolproof way to protect oneself from such an attack at this time, save from changing one's Apple ID credentials and tying them to a new number and email. It's hard to tell how widespread this attack is, but Apple users should be vigilant and triple-check the authenticity of any password reset request, even if it appears to come from Apple itself.

For on spammers and scammers, check out Mashable's series Scammed, where we help you navigate a connected world that’s out for your money, your information, or just your attention.

Seth Meyers' day drinking segment is always an eventful experience, whether he's getting a makeover from Rihanna or downing gross cocktails with Dup Lipa.

In the 17-minute video above he's joined by Love Lies Bleeding star Kristen Stewart, with the two playing "truth or shot" before throwing darts at balloons to give the other a penalty that's anything from tequila to prune juice.

It's a lot of alcohol, but luckily they both manage to hold it together for the big finale.

We hate to break it to you, but the online world is full of restrictions, surveillance, hackers, and advertisements. You might think that you can navigate this world freely, but unless you're using a VPN, you're wrong.

VPNs are clever security tools that encrypt all of your internet traffic. This means that all of your online activity is hidden and your data is protected. The best VPNs also offer a wide range of advanced security features like ad blocking, malware defence, and much more. Cybersecurity is obviously absolutely vital these days, but there's another reason that these services are getting more and more popular, and it concerns streaming.

VPNs hide your real IP address, which means you can bypass online restrictions to access more of the content you love. Whether you want to stream films, shows, or sports, VPNs can unblock leading sites from around the world, significantly boosting your content options. This is particularly useful if you follow a sport or team from another country, because you can use a VPN to watch live games without relying on a seriously dodgy stream with adverts, viruses, and other nasty online threats.

What are the most important VPN features for streaming sport?

We know that the world of VPNs can be a complicated place, so we've researched everything you need to know about these services. We've done all of the hard work for you and highlighted a selection of features that matter when it comes to streaming sport: 

• Bandwidth — There are some cheap services that only let you download a certain amount of data per month. These should be avoided at all costs, because it simply isn't possible to stream with a limit on your bandwidth. Instead, you should opt for a VPN with unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream and download as much sport as you want.

• Connection speed — Every VPN is going to cause a drop in connection speed, but it shouldn't result in lag or buffering. This interference completely ruins a streaming session, so you should make sure you select a VPN with consistently strong connection speeds.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same account, so everyone can securely watch the NFL at the same time. Most of the best services let you connect at least five devices simultaneously, which is still great for large households or people with multiple devices.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of servers located all around the world. It's important to pick a VPN with a large and diverse selection of servers so that you can always find a reliable and speedy connection to the NFL Game Pass.

Take all of this into consideration when selecting a VPN for streaming the NFL. Weigh up these features against your own set of personal priorities, and then you should have a much clearer idea about what really matters to you.

Should you use free VPNs?

We have some good news for you: There are plenty of free VPNs on offer that provide users with a decent set of features. There is a catch though, and it's that these free VPNs always come with limits on data, server network, and connection speed. There are free trials available that don't have limitations, but these don't tend to last very long. What we're saying is that if you want to stream sport freely, we really wouldn't recommend a free VPN (unless you're using a free trial for one game).

Fortunately, there are a lot of great deals available on the leading services, especially if you're willing to commit to a particular provider. The cheapest monthly rates are reserved for the longest contracts, so if you find a VPN that works for you, it might be worth making a big commitment.

If you want something that lets you stream without constant interruptions, whilst providing you with advanced online protection for your data and identity, you're going to have to pay. That doesn't mean it needs to be expensive though. Be patient, because new deals drop all the time. It's all about taking your time and picking your moment to invest.

What is the best VPN for watching the NFL? 

There are plenty of VPNs out there that claim to be great for streaming sport, but only a small selection of services provide everything you need and more. We have checked out everything on offer and matched up providers against the most important features for streaming, and highlighted the best VPNs for the NFL.

There should be something for everyone and every budget on this list, with popular providers like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN making the cut. All you need to do is consider everything on this list, and pick something that works for you.

These are the best VPNs for watching the NFL in 2024.

There is no better way to spend your free time than sitting back and watching your favourite sport, preferably surrounded by mountains of snacks and refreshments.

You simply can't escape sport these days, as every news channel, social media platform, and panel show constantly pumps out the latest highlights from all over the world. Global sport has never been easier to follow, which has resulted in a growing contingent of fans who follow sports and teams from other countries. We're all for following your passion, but this interest does cause an issue. What if your favourite sport is not readily available in your location?

It's all well and good checking in on your team from time to time online, or maybe watching the highlights from last night's game on YouTube, but this just isn't going to be enough for the most dedicated of fans. This group will need to watch games live, which can be tricky if you're based on the other side of the planet.

Whether you desperately want to follow the NBA, NFL, NHL, or some other three-letter acronym, there is a solution to your problem. No, we're not going to suggest that you try and find some dodgy stream that throws even dodgier ads your way. Instead, you should consider investing in a VPN.

Do you need a VPN to watch the NBA?

The NBA League Pass provides a solution for anyone who wants to watch their favourite teams live online. However, if you live in U.S. or Canada, NBA League Pass blackouts prevent you from watching certain live games.

The only way to get around these geo-restrictions is with a VPN. These security services encrypt all of your data, protect your identity, and hide your real IP address. By connecting to a server in a location with full access to the game you want to watch, you can trick NBA League Pass into thinking you are based in a location that isn't blocked. This is the same technique used by lots of VPN subscribers to access extra libraries of streaming sites like Netflix.

Also, you can find much cheaper subscription deals if you sign up from a server in another country. There are always new deals dropping, but at one point you could have saved 75% on an annual NBA League Pass subscription from India. It's quick and easy to switch your location to India with a VPN, meaning you could access the best deal in a matter of seconds.

It's important to point out that you will always need a subscription to the NBA League Pass if you want to watch every game. A VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and save you a lot of money on a subscription, but they do not grant you access to everything for free.

What are the most important VPN features for streaming sport?

The world of VPNs can be a complicated and frankly overwhelming place to be if you don't know what's going on. This is where we can help. We've researched everything you need to know about VPNs, and highlighted a selection of features that actually matter when it comes to streaming sport:

• Bandwidth — The best VPNs do not place monthly caps on network bandwidth, but there are some cheap services that only let you download a certain amount of data. Obviously, you should avoid these services. You should only consider VPNs with unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream as much sport as you wish.

• Connection speed — If there is one thing that completely ruins a sport streaming session, it's buffering. Every VPN is going to cause a drop in connection speed, but it shouldn't result in lag or buffering. Make sure you select a VPN with consistently strong connection speeds so that you can watch the NBA without interruptions.

• Number of connections — This feature isn't the most important if you only ever use one device, but if you're in a large household with loads of devices, it's better to subscribe to a VPN with an unlimited number of multi-logins. This means you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same account, so everyone can watch their favourite sport at the same time. Not many VPNs offer unlimited connections, but most of the best services let you connect at least five devices simultaneously, which is probably enough for most people.

• Server network — VPNs provide access to literally thousands of servers located all around the world, and it's these servers that grant you access to things like the NBA International League Pass. It's important to pick a VPN with a large and diverse selection of servers so that you can always find a reliable and speedy connection.

It's important to take all of this into consideration when selecting a VPN for streaming any sort of sport from around the world. The best strategy is to think through these important features, and weigh them against your own set of personal priorities. Then you should have a clearer idea about what really matters to you.

Should you use free VPNs?

Before we get into the best VPNs for watching the NBA, it's worth tackling to most common question when it comes to VPNs. Should you pay for a VPN, or try a free service?

There are plenty of free VPNs out there that offer a decent set of features, but these almost always have limits on data, server network, and connection speed, so if you want to stream freely, we really wouldn't recommend them.

The good news is that there are a lot of cheap plans on offer from the leading services, especially if you're willing to commit to long contract. The cheapest monthly rates are reserved for the longest contracts, so if you find a VPN that ticks all of your boxes, it might be worth signing up for a lengthy plan.

What is the best VPN for watching the NBA? 

There are a lot of VPNs that provide a user-friendly viewing experience for the NBA, but we know you're only interested in the very best. That's why we have lined up a selection of the best VPNs for streaming sport, including the best deals on popular services like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

There should be something for everyone and every budget on this list, so all you need to do is consider the options we have highlighted, and pick the service that suits you best.

These are the best VPNs for watching the NBA in 2024.

We wouldn't go as far as to say that football can solve all of life's problems, but it can help with pretty much everything life throws at you. Feeling down? Watch a live game. Nervous? Catch up on last night's action. Bored? Watch highlights from your favourite match.

Whatever your problem, football is the solution.

Fortunately for all football fans out there, the Premier League is back, which means there is something to watch almost every weekend. But what if you didn't have access to all of these games? We know this is an absolutely terrifying thought, but it's important to face your fears.

There are two scenarios that would cause you to lose access to the Premier League. The first is that you're travelling in a location without broadcasting rights. The second is that you're based in the UK, and you aren't subscribed to BT Sport or Sky. Even if you are subscribed to these channels, there is no guarantee that they will be showing the fixture you absolutely need to watch. This is all very scary stuff, but please remain calm.

There really isn't any need to panic, because there is one effective solution to both of these issues. You can use a VPN to watch the Premier League this season.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. Your online activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

This act of hiding your real IP address is what tricks streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN to watch the Premier League?

All broadcasting services have digital borders, meaning not all countries can show Premier League fixtures. However, with the help of a VPN, you can hide your real IP address and location, which means you can trick leading streaming services into thinking you’re based somewhere with those precious broadcasting rights. It's all about bypassing online restrictions to watch more content from all over the world.

If you're abroad with a VPN, you can make Sky or BT Sport think you're back home by connecting to a server based in the UK. If you're in the UK without access to these services, you can watch the best sport streaming sites from all over the world by securely connecting to a server in that location and bypassing geo-restrictions.

What is the best VPN for watching the Premier League?

Once you have established that you're going to need a VPN to watch the Premier League, the tricky process of picking a service begins. Deciding that you need a VPN is actually the easy part. There are absolutely loads of VPNs out there, so it can be a difficult task to pick the right option for you. This is where we can save you a lot of time and hassle.

We have checked out everything out there and assessed how well these services unblock streaming sites. We've also taken into consideration things like connection speed, server network, and number of simultaneous connections. Basically, we've done all of the hard work and lined up a selection of the best VPNs for watching the Premier League.

It's worth taking some time to properly consider everything in this list, because we have tried to track down something to suit everyone and every budget. Take your pick from the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. You just need to pick a favourite and start streaming.

These are the best VPNs for watching the Premier League in 2024.

Spiritually and visually luminous, Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing is one of the year’s most powerful works. The movie follows a theater production at a New York prison arts program, and is for all intents and purposes a dramatization — but it remains so closely tethered to reality that it may as well be docufiction. Rustin Academy Award-nominee Colman Domingo leads an impeccable cast, many of whom were formerly incarcerated and play versions of themselves, in a tale of learning to "trust the process" of performing.

The film is an aesthetically alluring, emotionally rigorous look at the way men are molded — and broken — by punitive systems. Yet, at its core, Sing Sing is about finding hope and catharsis through creation, and the difficulties therein. Kwedar’s deft direction works in tandem with fine-tuned drama to craft naturalistic mosaics, drawn from a patchwork of real prison experiences, resulting in a work of community storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. 

That its cast and crew were all paid the same rate across the board, and given a share of the profit, isn’t just a necessary equity model — Hollywood at large, take note — but an embodiment of the movie’s collective spirit, which radiates off its canvas in every scene.

What is Sing Sing about?

Shot in a number of real penitentiaries — including Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in upstate New York — the film is inspired by the true story of  an unlikely friendship that was perhaps destined to be. Domingo plays John "Divine G" Whitfield, an author/playwright incarcerated at Sing Sing, who takes a keen interest in the prison’s RTA program (Rehabilitation Through the Arts), which stages a new theater production every season. Meanwhile, Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin plays himself: a drug dealer and prison yard extortionist who is reluctantly roped into Whitfield’s program. That the two men have similar nicknames is about where commonalities end.

Though the film pulls from real experiences, Sing Sing takes dramatic liberties in order to inject the story with intention and propulsive drama. Whitfield sees something in Maclin that perhaps he doesn’t see in himself, whether talent or the need (and potential) for rehabilitation. Whitfield has seen and experienced the RTA’s positive effects up close, but Maclin’s closed-off, hyper-masculine approach to emotional expression — which one can intuit as a survival mechanism in a world that shows unjust cruelty toward Black men — proves a hurdle to his participation.

SEE ALSO: Best documentaries streaming now on Prime Video

However, Maclin reaches a turning point when the group gives him the floor and actually listens to his advice. He suggests a comedic approach for the RTA’s next production, rather than their usual fodder of Shakespearean tragedy or one of Whitfield’s straightforward dramas. Soon, the whole group has their input heard, and a riotous mix of Hamlet, ancient Egypt, and A Nightmare on Elm Street becomes a brazen time travel musical titled Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code — a real play once staged at the RTA, which Kwedar discovered in the 2005 Esquire article The Sing Sing Follies.

The path to staging Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code is winding, between attempts to garner more prison funding for elaborate sets and costumes to simply easing the tensions arising from Maclin’s involvement in an otherwise well-oiled unit. He’s confrontational, to the point of rejecting Whitfield’s help in both his performance and his upcoming appeal for parole. The enthusiastic author isn’t about to give up on him so easily. However, when Whitfield himself struggles with hopelessness and ire, it's Maclin who uses the emotional tools he’s learned at the RTA to come to his friend's rescue.

In centering its characters’ humanity through the lens of performance, Sing Sing becomes one of the best modern films about acting as well.

Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin deliver tremendous performances in Sing Sing.

For the most part, Sing Sing’s ensemble blends into the movie’s naturalistic fabric, but the dynamic between Domingo and Maclin isn’t so seamless — albeit with good reason. Domingo brings a rehearsed, boisterous, theatrical quality to Whitfield, befitting of a seasoned stage performer who takes a special interest in shaping the RTA. Which is to say: He’s distinctly Domingo, with all the pronounced inflections, buttery-smooth delivery, and penchant for melodrama that makes his performances so worthwhile.

Whitfield’s resilience, and his belief that he’ll successfully appeal his conviction, make for vital dramatic centerpieces that inform Domingo’s approach. He’s so jovial and conversational that he never feels at odds with the film, but he does feel like an outsider — an erudite who displays hints of arrogance as he takes control of rehearsal sessions — which makes things all the more difficult for him when he begins to lose hope. Domingo, like Whitfield, has Shakespeare on his mind when he nears the end of his rope, becoming emotionally shattered in mind, body, and soul while projecting for the back row.

This makes for an intriguing dramatic contrast with the more naturalistic Maclin, and creates a wider chasm between them, which they need to work even harder to overcome. Maclin carries himself with a street-smart self-assuredness that frequently gives way to a deep sensitivity and pain — which Whitfield encourages him to access in their rehearsal sessions. Watching both actors perform, with different modes and methods but striving toward a common emotional goal, is a moving meta-text, and Sing Sing invites this reading through its numerous scenes of introspective acting exercises, allowing each participant to access their most walled-off emotions.

The RTA’s purpose isn’t just playtime, but rehabilitation of a kind entirely separate from the cruelty of prisons. Where punitive lockup and invasive searches don’t do the characters much good, their creative outlets afford them the chance to get in touch with their emotions in ways even those in the outside world might not. The film, in this regard, mirrors the harrowing and incisive 2017 film The Work, a powerful prison documentary whose group therapy sessions are strikingly akin to the emotional recall exercises of Russian theatrician Konstantin Stanislavski, whose acting "system" was a precursor to Lee Strasberg’s modern "method acting." The more the characters in Sing Sing rehearse, the closer they get not just to their immediate physical goal of putting on a great comedic performance, but to the spiritual goal of finding their most authentic selves.

The movie’s ensemble captures this journey in thoughtful fashion. The central relationship between Whitfield and Maclin may be key to the unfolding drama, but let it not go unsaid: The performances are incredible across the board.

Sing Sing’s supporting players shine. 

The two other actors who join Domingo from outside the prison system are Paul Raci as Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code writer and RTA director Brent Buell, and Sean San José as Whitfield’s close friend "Mike Mike," a Latino man whose "Hare Krishna" appearance — rosary beads, along with a bald head and shikha ponytail — hint at a turn towards ISKCON Hinduism for comfort. However, both Raci and San José come from a place of empathetic involvement with the prison system too. Raci, who appeared in Sound of Metal, is a CODA (a Child of Deaf Adults) and works as a sign language interpreter within the criminal justice system, while San José has worked with numerous theater workshops in Bay Area prisons and county jails.

Both actors bring a sense of fun, conversational naturalism that matches the rest of the cast, who largely play themselves, and draw from their experiences as RTA performers. Sean "Dino" Johnson has a tranquil presence, and his repetitive rehearsal techniques in the corner of numerous frames are sure to catch your eye; Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez brings a reserved toughness that hides a subtle but recognizable vulnerability; David "Dap" Giraudy shines with a youthful energy that’s magnetic and tragic in equal measure (he should be at the club); practically every supporting actor has a story to tell and a face so interesting that their silent close-ups are usually enough to tell it.

In this way, Sing Sing is a beautiful, multifaceted movie that not only draws from the real lives of its ensemble, but centers each of their stories and personalities with a commitment to realism, which Kwedar and cinematographer Pat Scola ensure in immensely thoughtful ways.

Sing Sing is a gorgeously crafted drama.

Sing Sing, for the most part, avoids the question of what these men did in order to end up behind bars. This only comes up for specific, plot-centric reasons concerning Whitfield and Maclin. Otherwise, the movie allows us to get to know each man through their jokes, their rehearsal techniques, their idiosyncrasies, and their deepest fears and fantasies when it comes to life outside the prison’s walls, as relayed through various thoughtful acting exercises. We get to know them as people first and foremost, and as artists rather than as "criminals" as determined by the state.

Like Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code — a combination of theatrical and cinematic influences — the direction in Sing Sing combines elements of the stage and screen to create something wholly unique. Its opening images, plucked out of time, feature Whitfield performing a Shakespeare piece in order to set the mood. The combination of this show’s blinding stage lights and the celluloid film stock create a dreamlike haze, with visual grain practically coming alive as it darts across the screen.

The movie also features a sense of stage-like blocking; the actors’ posture and body language speak as loudly as their voices, in moments of both camaraderie and conflict. However, as the camera captures these interpersonal dynamics, the cinematography takes a loose, freeform approach — a documentarian, cinéma verité aesthetic — playing with shifting focus in order to reveal new layers to each relationship.

SEE ALSO: ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ review: 'Grand Theft Auto' meets Shakespeare in hilarious, moving doc

Following an argument between Maclin and Whitfield, a two-shot of the would-be friends in profile captures their proximity, as the camera keeps a distracted Whitfield out of focus while centering Maclin’s silent remorse. It’s as though his attempts to reconcile were being blocked by the film itself, conveying the underlying emotions more powerfully than dialogue possibly could. Sing Sing never slows down, but Scola’s camera lingers just long enough on these silent moments in between conversations to be able to capture the words that go unspoken by men unwilling — or unable — to speak them.

Kwedar and Scola’s use of 16mm film creates a sense of timelessness. Through its visual language, and its production and costume design — limited to what’s seen inside the prison walls — Sing Sing feels evergreen, as though it could’ve been made, or set, in practically any decade. The movie also obscures the passage of time in disorienting ways, an effect of living behind harsh walls and razor wire fences.

However, the use of film also creates a vibrant visual contrast that feels vital to the movie’s underlying themes. The prison’s walls may be drab, but their cream and beige pillars are interrupted by light that doesn’t just stream through narrow windows, but wraps its way around them. The filmmakers lean into the natural texture of celluloid — particularly, the halation effects of Kodak 7207 film stock — to create an ethereal glow emanating from the outside world.

The men of the RTA, who mostly joke around with each other and try to get along, have to hold on to hope in some fashion. This usually takes the form of thoughts, stories, and fantasies of their lives outside the prison’s walls, which we never see, but which the cast narrates with longing and determination as they meditate during recall exercises. This affords them a sense of infinite emotional possibility, despite their physical confines. 

SEE ALSO: 'Forgiving Johnny' review: Exploring a paperless framework for restorative justice

Despite the movie’s documentarian feel, and its self-reflexive approach to performance, Sing Sing is first and foremost an entertaining, engaging story of a community thrown together under oppressive circumstances. As much as it resembles The Work, it also echoes the rousing classical drama of Miloš Forman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — only its Nurse Ratched is the ever-present specter of the American prison system, which seeks to stifle hope and personal growth.

For the men of Sing Sing, art becomes both refuge and rebellion, presented not only as a coping mechanism for incarceration, but a therapeutic alternative. Kwedar, through his gentle visual approach, affords each imprisoned character (and formerly imprisoned actor) the room — and just as importantly, the time — to tell their own stories, in ways that cinema seldom does. The result is a heartrending, visually enrapturing balm for the soul.

Sing Sing was reviewed out of its U.S. premiere at SXSW 2024.

TL;DR: Through April 2, use AI to your advantage with a lifetime subscription to Write Bot Pro on sale for just $19.97.

We all have a lot on our plates. Busy professionals across industries have a multitude of tasks to complete daily, including writing.

Artificial intelligence has opened up opportunities to streamline workloads everywhere. Creating written content using AI support can drastically cut the time used and remove some of the frustration. That's why Write Bot could be a lifesaver. It's currently on sale for just $19.97 for a lifetime subscription through April 2.

Write Bot was created to generate natural-sounding content using machine learning algorithms and special language processing techniques. Within minutes, it can write the marketing material, blog content, or product descriptions you need to reduce your workload. It's also a terrific option for SEO meta descriptions, social posts, business plans, and more.

Select your Use Case and fill in the blanks with as much information as you'd like. Write Bot will generate your content, and you can then edit it as you see fit.

You can also use this tool to summarize info, translate text, and more. 

This offer is only available to new Write Bot users. You'll get a million AI words per month.

Add this lifetime subscription to Write Bot Pro to your productivity arsenal while it's on sale for just $19.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Write Bot Write Bot™ Harness the Power of AI Content Creation: Lifetime Pro Subscription $19.97 at the Mashable Shop
$539.40 Save $519.43 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, you can gain over 1,000 Mac features and enhance your user experience with a lifetime license to MacPilot for just $29.97 (reg. $99).

We Mac users love our machines. Wouldn't it be exciting to level up your Mac experience with a key to hidden features? That's what MacPilot is made to do. And through April 2, you can get a lifetime license for just $29.97 (reg. $99).

Unlock your Mac's untapped power while still enjoying the Apple interface you know and love. This offer gets you lifetime access to over 1,200 features. And the best part is that you don't need to employ complex file operations to do so.

Have some fun with your Mac using MacPilot while optimizing performance. Add spacers and stacks to the dock, display certain hidden files in Finder, change the file format of the screenshot, toggle animations, optimize and repair your system, and more.

MacPilot makes it easy to see everything about your computer, including the graphics card, RAM, and serial number.

This lifetime license is available on up to three desktop devices. It also includes all updates needed.

Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all Mac experience. With MacPilot, you have the power to customize your Mac to suit your needs. 

Take the pilot's seat while using your Mac with this lifetime license to MacPilot — on sale for just $29.97 (reg. $99) until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koingo MacPilot Lifetime License $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$99.00 Save $69.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, lifetime access to FastestVPN PRO on 15 devices is just $24.97 for a limited time.

Online security and privacy are both extremely important when it comes to using the internet, so having a reliable virtual private network (VPN) is usually a good idea. Whether you’re conducting online banking, working with certain sensitive data, or just want some added security, you could benefit from using a VPN.

FastestVPN PRO offers a comprehensive solution that not only helps protect your digital life but enhances your online experience with a plethora of advanced features. Through April 2, you can get a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN PRO while it’s on sale for $24.97.

FastestVPN PRO lives up to its name by providing lightning-fast speeds with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. With access to over 350 high-speed servers globally, users can enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading without any lag or buffering. Whether you're accessing the internet from your Windows PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TV, or router, FastestVPN ensures a smooth and uninterrupted connection.

Using the WireGuard protocol, users experience secure and unhindered speeds of up to 10 GBPS on the fastest available servers. The inclusion of double VPN servers adds an extra layer of protection, encrypting your data twice for enhanced privacy. Plus, the Internet Kill Switch feature ensures that your IP address remains hidden even if your connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any potential breaches.

The inclusion of a NAT firewall and ad blocker ensures that your device is shielded from potential threats and intrusive advertisements. Additionally, the AES 256-bit encryption safeguards your data with military-grade protection, giving you peace of mind knowing that your information is secure.

This VPN is very user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive interface allows for easy navigation and setup, while the multi-device login feature enables you to protect up to 15 devices simultaneously.

Until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can grab a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN PRO on sale for $24.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN PRO: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
$600.00 Save $575.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, pick up a lifetime subscription to AdGuard's Family Plan (on up to nine devices) while it's on sale for just $22.97 (reg. $79).

There is so much to love about the internet. The ability to hop online, buy something, and have it arrive almost instantly is pretty cool. And while having enormous amounts of information at our fingertips is helpful, those unwanted ads we have to suffer through are not. Of course, people have already figured out a way around that, like the people at AdGuard. 

Through April 2, new users can avoid annoying advertisements with a lifetime subscription to AdGuard's Family Plan for just $22.97 (reg. $79). That covers up to nine devices for life.

AdGuard is an intuitive ad blocker that can give you a more efficient, less frustrating online experience. In addition to blocking ads, AdGuard acts as a privacy tool that helps protect your devices from malware and offers parental controls for the young ones in the group. That means you can easily set the kids up with restricted access to inappropriate sites.

This ad-blocking privacy solution can work to hide your data from trackers and analyzers. It's also compatible with a wide variety of devices, including Apple and Android, so you can cover everyone in the family, even if they use different tech brands.

Block ads and enjoy a safer, more streamlined online experience with a lifetime subscription to AdGuard's Family Plan (on up to nine devices) for just $22.97 (reg. $79) until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $22.97 at the Mashable Shop
$79.99 Save $57.02 Get Deal

An enchanting solar eclipse is imminent. Are you ready?

Witnessing a total solar eclipse — wherein the moon completely blocks out the sun — is a rare opportunity. But on April 8, 2024, millions of Americans will be in the "path of totality" (shown below), allowing many to experience something that's at once astonishing, unsettling, and thrilling. It's an event that's difficult to convey.

"In my experience you can't overhype it," Richard Fienberg, an astronomer and senior advisor at the American Astronomical Society, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: What's the 'best' place to see the solar eclipse? Experts explain.

It's worth preparing for this celestial happening, so you can enjoy it, and enjoy it safely. What follows is guidance from the experienced astronomer Fienberg, who has witnessed 14 — soon to be 15 — total solar eclipses.

"In my experience, you can't overhype it." The path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Credit: NASA Science Visualization Studio How to experience "totality"

When the moon passes in front of the sun, it casts a shadow on Earth that passes over a relatively thin band of our planet's surface. On April 8, this band — shown in the map above — is about 115 miles across and passes over Mexico, from Texas through Maine, and finally across Eastern Canada.

Crucially, to experience a total solar eclipse — as opposed to a partial eclipse — one must be in this path. "There is no such thing as a 50 percent total eclipse, or 99 percent total eclipse," Fienberg emphasized. "There's only a total eclipse or a partial eclipse."

Put another way, "Seeing a partial eclipse bears the same relation to seeing a total eclipse as kissing a man does to marrying him," the author Annie Dillard wrote in her essay "Total Eclipse," a poignant tale about experiencing totality in Washington state.

Only during a total solar eclipse will you witness the star of the show.

"The star of the show is always the solar corona," Fienberg emphasized.

A composite image showing the progression of the total solar eclipse from partial to totality, and again to partial. Credit: NASA / Aubrey Gemignani

The solar corona, which is the sun's outer atmosphere, is almost always impossible for us to see, because of the sun's intense brightness. But when the moon blocks the sun during totality, the ghostly wisps of the corona are revealed.

"The total phase is spectacular," Fienberg marveled.

"The star of the show is always the solar corona."

If weather allows, any person in the path of totality will first witness the partial eclipse — as the moon gradually moves in front of the sun — followed by totality, and then once again a partial eclipse as the moon moves away.

Eclipse viewing: Arrive early. Stay put. And leave late.

Many of us will travel to reach the path of totality. I, for example, drove from Southern California to Central Oregon to witness 2017's total solar eclipse.

For travelers, plan to make eclipse viewing at least a full-day event.

"Don't leave right after the eclipse. Otherwise you'll just get stuck in traffic," Fienberg, an experienced eclipse viewer, explained. "Arrive early. Stay put. And leave late."

While the totality phase will last three or four minutes, the greater eclipse event will last some two and a half hours. For example, on April 8, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, the moon will begin moving in front of the sun at 12:23 p.m. CDT. This is the start of the partial eclipse phase. Then, over an hour later, at 1:40 p.m. CDT, totality begins, meaning the moon has completely blocked the sun. Totality lasts until around 1:44 p.m. CDT. Then the moon gradually moves away from the sun, with the last of the partial eclipse ending at 3:02 p.m. CDT.

As you can see, it's an event. Add on travel time, traffic, finding a place to watch, and beyond. It's best to make it a trip.

Prepare for a full eclipse experience — not just a view

When totality hits, the whole world around you changes.

"It's not just something you see. It's something that you feel," Fienberg said.

"It's not just something you see. It's something that you feel."

The world immediately shifts from day to appearing as dark as deep twilight. The temperature drops. The change can prompt reactions among animals, like bats awaking and birds flying into trees. You might even hear crickets.

Combine these effects with a suddenly blackened sun (like a great black eye in the sky), surrounded by the brilliant corona, and the experience is poignant.

"So much happens in that moment, so much happens above you, around you, and within you," Kate Russo, a former psychologist and avid eclipse chaser, previously told Psychology Today.

"I've seen people cry during totality. I've seen people with their mouth agape, and everything in between," Fienberg said.

You can only remove your eclipse glasses during totality

During the totality phase — and only during totality — you can remove your specialized eclipse viewing glasses.

"You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer,)" NASA explains.

But during the partial eclipse, you'll need to view the event with eclipse viewers or glasses. So get ready to put those glasses on again. "As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun," the space agency said.

Make sure to view a solar eclipse with approved eclipse glasses. Credit: NASA / Mamta Patel Nagaraja

The American Astronomical Society has amassed a great list of vetted sellers. You can find them at https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters. If you choose to buy your eclipse glasses from a website, see if the vendor is selling products that have been vetted by the AAS. There's a risk of purchasing unsafe or misleading products.

In the few minutes or so of totality, the only light you'll see is from the corona, whose "radiation is too weak to have any harmful effects on the human retina," NASA explained.

Don't try to take an amazing total solar eclipse picture

If it's one of your first eclipses, Fienberg recommends focusing on the rare experience rather than trying to get a potentially OK picture.

"Don't worry about trying to get great photos of it," he emphasized. "Use those precious few minutes to observe all around you." 

Have a great time.

Some places have better odds, climatically and statistically, of having clear skies on April 8. Texas, for instance, has better odds of clear weather on April 8 than many parts of New England, where it can be overcast in early spring.

But no one knows what exactly the weather will be doing, and where, months in advance. So make your plans, choose a location that works for you, and see what you can experience.

An image of the sun just before totality taken aboard NASA’s Gulfstream III jet in 2017. Credit: NASA

And for those who live in the path of totality, you ought to embrace the opportunity.

"If you're in the path of the eclipse, consider yourself really fortunate," said Fienberg. "This is your shot. Take advantage of it."

This story has been updated with more solar eclipse information.

TL;DR: A lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro is on sale for £19.80, saving you 75% on list price.

In this digital world, it can be incredibly useful to have tools to make some of the more time-consuming jobs easier. Case in point, this PDF Converter Pro was created to make easier work of converting files to and from the PDF format. A lifetime license is on sale for just £19.80 through April 2.

Available only to new users, students, professionals, and business owners alike will find it easier to change document formats. Convert PDFs to a variety of formats, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Text, HTML, PNG, and JPG. You can also create PDFs from Word, Excel, PPT, and images to be more efficient and back up your work.

Say goodbye to manual retyping and tedious formatting — PDF Converter Pro was made to transform your documents with just a few clicks. It also has other tricks up its sleeve, including the ability to merge and split PDF docs, extract images, compress, and more. You can even secure your PDFs through easy encryption.

You need to have Windows 8 or higher or macOS X 10.8 or later. You'll get access on two devices for life, with updates included.

Take control of documents and streamline your workflow with this invaluable tool. Get a lifetime license to the PDF Converter Pro for just £19.80.

Opens in a new window Credit: PDF Converter Pro PDF Converter Pro (Lifetime License) £19.80 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

When your company is having a tough time, you might feel compelled to work longer hours in an attempt to help right the ship. But if you’re not careful, your valiant efforts could lead to burnout. Here’s how to strike a balance between being loyal to your company and to yourself. Get specifics before taking […]

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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 27'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:

Piecered by a bug.

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 #1012 is...

STUNG.

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 27'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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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: Corrections

• Green: Argue

• Blue: Casino games

• Purple: Types of chips

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: Update for Accuracy

• Green: Quarrel

• Blue: Games of Chance

• Purple: ___Chip

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 #289 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Update for Accuracy: AMEND, CORRECT, FIX, REVISE

• Quarrel: FIGHT, ROW, SCRAP, TIFF

• Games of Chance: BINGO, LOTTERY, ROULETTE, WAR

• ___Chip: BLUE, COMPUTER, POKER, POTATO

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.

Everything is better without ads ruining the vibe, and your perfect playlist deserves to play on uninterrupted. Don't believe us? As of December 2023, Spotify had more than 230 million Premium subscribers enjoying ad-free songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. Here's how each of the platform's Premium plans break down.

What do I get with a free Spotify account?

You'll have access to Spotify's music library, but you'll have to listen to ads and won't be able to download music to your phone for times when you don't have W-Fi access (like on planes).

What do I get with a Spotify Premium plan?

If you want an ad-free and offline listening experience, Premium is the way to go. You'll get ad-free access to Spotify's entire music library and be able to download music and podcasts to your device. Plus, you have the option to bump up the quality of your audio, play songs in any order, and create a listening queue, none of which are available on Spotify's free plan.

SEE ALSO: Spotify is dabbling in online learning What are Spotify's Premium plan options?

• Premium Individual (Two months free, then $10.99/month): This plan is for one person and includes all the Premium features.

• Premium Student (One month free, then $5.99/month): Students at an accredited higher education institution can get 50% off all Premium features for up to 4 years, in addition to access to Hulu's ad-supported plan at no extra cost (a $1.99/ month value for students).

• Premium Duo ($14.99/month): Two people can each get their own Premium account with Premium Duo. Spotify stipulates that these two people must be living together but, since there's no way for them to know that, you could probably split this plan with a bestie or sibling. You'll also get 15 hours of audiobooks listening time per month.

• Premium Family ($16.99/ month): This plan offers a discounted rate for families of up to six, and each member gets their own account. One family member, the "plan manager," pays for the plan, manages members, and can set explicit content filters for members.

  This plan is great for parents who want to ensure that their little ones aren't listening to explicit material, or parents who want to give their child their own account in the Spotify Kids app. On the Premium Family plan, only the plan managers get 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month.

Sometimes a simple screenshot doesn't suffice.

When you want to show off a new app feature you're experimenting with or need to share a looong conversation with a trusted group of friends, it's better to record a video. If you have an iPhone, recording your screen can be done in a few simple steps. Here's how.

SEE ALSO: How to easily combine photos on an iPhone Total Time

• Less than 1 minute

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Add Screen Recording to Control Center

Go to Settings > Control Center and tap the plus sign to add the Screen Recording tool. This enables you to prepare for the next step and easily start recording.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Step 2: Open Control Center

Open your Control Center on newer iPhone models by swiping down from the upper righthand corner. On iPhone models with a home screen, open Control Center by swiping up from the bottom.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Step 3: Hit record

Tap the Screen Recording button which is the circle icon of the recording symbol. Once you do this, you'll receive a three-second countdown. You'll know your iPhone is recording when there's a red dot at the top of the screen.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Step 4: Make your video

Now that your iPhone is recording, navigate to what you want to record. Whatever action you perform on the device is being captured, so essentially your iPhone records what you see. To stop recording, tap the red dot at the top of your screen, and then tap the Stop button to end the video.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Step 5: Find and edit your recording

Once you hit Stop, your recording is automatically saved to your Photos app. From here you can edit it however you would with any other video, like cutting, cropping, or adding filters.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Try to contain your surprise: Apple is going to hold a big event later this year.

No, not the one announcing new iPhones, though that's inevitable, too. This one will be focused on the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, and the rest of Apple's software suite. That's right, the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference is starting on June 10, per an official announcement from Apple on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: I used the Apple Vision Pro on a flight to Costa Rica — and it was chaotic Tweet may have been deleted

Apple marketing exec Greg Joswiak gave us the biggest clue as to what to expect in his tweet, with the conspicuous capitalization of "Absolutely Incredible." A CNBC report came out not 24 hours prior to Apple's announcement claiming that the company would have some kind of AI-infused app store available by June. This could be a cornerstone of iOS 18, which we don't know a lot about so far.

WWDC is typically not a hardware event, though it is worth noting that Apple Vision Pro was announced there a year ago. Maybe that'll happen again, but given Joswiak's tweet (and the fact that Apple is generally not that subtle about these things), software might take the forefront yet again in 2024.