Blogroll

TL;DR: Through May 22, this grade-A refurbished 9.7-inch iPad 6th-Gen is on sale for $154.97 (reg. $249.99). It comes with a case, stylus, charger, and screen protector.

Tablets are great 'happy medium' devices because they are bigger than smartphones but not as large or cumbersome as laptops, which is ideal for portability. In the world of tablets, the Apple iPad remains the benchmark for quality and performance. Those looking for Apple quality without the brow-raising price of Apple retail should take a look at refurbished models. 

This iPad comes with a case, stylus, and screen protector. It also has a grade "A" refurbished rating. This means it arrives in near-mint condition with the possibility of minimal light cosmetic blemishes (or none at all). It's on sale through May 22 for $154.97 (reg. $249.99) and would be a terrific option for professionals, students, and home users looking to enjoy everyday tasks, streaming, browsing, and more.

The 6th-generation iPad features a 9.7-inch Retina display that provides vivid and crisp visuals whether you're shopping, watching videos, playing games, or working. Powered by a 2.3GHz Apple A10 Fusion chip, it offers more than enough horsepower to handle multitasking and beyond.

With 32GB of storage, you'll have enough space to store apps, documents, and media. Plus, the 32GB of storage means you can keep files, media, photos, and more locally. 

While it's a 2018 model, it still has the modern features and conveniences we've come to rely on, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple Pay, Siri, and double cameras.

Its comprehensive features and included accessories make it a good choice for anyone seeking a powerful and versatile tablet experience without eating into their savings.

This grade-A refurbished Apple iPad 6th-Gen with a case, stylus, and screen protector is on sale for $154.97 (reg. $249.99) through May 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 6th Gen 9.7-inch (2018, Refurbished, Wi-Fi) + Accessories Bundle $154.97 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $95.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 22, pick up a 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for $39.97 and stay incognito while online. You can also score a 1-year subscription for just $19.97.

Your digital footprint may be as obvious as your physical one. And if you think incognito mode keeps you anonymous, think again. Only a virtual private network (VPN) allows you to feel at peace on the internet while keeping your data secure and your activity private. For those interested, this 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN is just $39.97 through May 22.

AdGuard VPN is designed to provide a secure and encrypted path through which all your internet traffic is routed. This encryption means that whether browsing on a public Wi-Fi network or from the comfort of your home, your personal information and online activities are safeguarded against unauthorized access. 

It has more than 60 server locations worldwide, so you can connect securely and privately even when traveling. With a VPN enabled, you can broaden your streaming options and watch content normally unavailable to you.

This tool masks your IP address and encrypts your network data and has a zero-logging policy, which means even AdGuard doesn't track your IP address, history, or activities. 

This subscription is valid for new users only and is good for five years on up to ten devices. (You can also sign up for discounted 1-year and 3-year memberships.) Enjoy lightning-speed servers, unlimited data, and compatibility across platforms (iOS, Android, Chrome, etc.). Updates are included.

Whether for personal use or professional needs, a VPN can be a powerful ally.

Get this 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for $39.97 (reg. $359.40) until May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGaurd AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription $39.97 at the Mashable Shop
$359.40 Save $319.43 Get Deal

Where to watch 'Dune: Part Two' at a glance: BEST MAX DEAL FOR MOST PEOPLE Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save $1.66/month) Get Deal BEST MAX DEAL WITH NO ADS Max (No Ads) annual subscription $149.99/year (save $3.50/month) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Purchase 'Dune: Part Two' on demand $17.74 at Prime Video (save $7.25 as a Prime member) Get Deal

A "deeply weird and wonderful" film experience, as Mashable's Belen Edwards describes it, Dune has become quite the pop culture phenomenon. Though it's still in select theaters, Dune: Part Two has already dominated the box office with over $710 million globally — surpassing the entire run of Dune: Part One.

Like Part One, the newest addition to the Duniverse has been showered with praise from both critics and audiences alike. The Denis Villeneuve-directed film "swings bigger and often hits harder, soaring beyond even the epic highs of its predecessor," Edwards writes in her review. And, of course, there are already talks of it being a Best Picture contender for next year's Oscars.

The already epic cast from the original, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Stellan Skarsgård adds Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux.

Get a glimpse at the second Dune installment in the official trailer:

Whether you missed it in theaters or want to revisit Arrakis from home, the film is officially headed to streaming. Here's everything you need to know.

Is Dune: Part Two streaming?

Villeneuve's second installment of the sci-fi franchise officially starts streaming on Max on May 21, 2024, just shy of three months out from its theatrical debut. That means you'll need a Max subscription to stream it at home. Fortunately, Dune: Part One is also streaming on Max, so you can make it a double feature.

How to watch Dune: Part Two: Is there a Max free trial?

Sadly, Max no longer offers a free trial of its premium streaming service. However, it does offer a "Watch for free" portal where you can catch single episodes of Max Originals for free to test the waters before committing to a paid subscription.

Best Max streaming deals to watch Dune: Part Two

Since there's no free trial, you'll need a paid subscription in order to watch Dune: Part Two at home. Before you sign up, however, we've broken down the best deals on HBO's premium streaming service below. Here are the best ways you can save some money on your subscription.

Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 17% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 17%) Watch Now

Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads. You can easily sign up for a month, watch Dune (Part One and Part Two), then cancel before you're charged for another month. However, if you're in it for the long haul, we'd recommend the yearly subscription instead. An annual plan with ads goes for $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month instead of $9.99. That's 17% (or $1.66) per month in savings.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 22% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $149.99 per year (save 22%) Watch Now

If you prefer not to have ads interrupting your viewing experience, you have the Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate tiers to choose from. The Ad-Free tier costs $15.99 per month, while the Ultimate tier costs $19.99 per month. If you opt for the yearly plan instead, though, it'll only cost you $149.99 per year (which breaks down to $12.49 per month) or $199.99 per year (which breaks down to $16.67 per month). That's a total savings of 22% on the Ad-Free yearly plan or 17% on the Ultimate plan.

Note: the Ultimate plan offers not only an ad-free viewing experience, but also 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

Cricket Wireless customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get Max with ads for free as long as their account remains in good standing. Just head over to the Max app or navigate to Max on a browser, choose Cricket as your provider, and use your Cricket credentials to log in. Then you'll be able to watch Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two for no extra cost. Cricket Wireless customers on different plans can change or upgrade in order to secure the deal. Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more.

Other ways to watch Dune: Part Two at home

If you want to avoid signing up for another streaming service and/or add the digital version of Dune: Part Two to your library and watch whenever you please, you can purchase the film on demand. You'll also be able to rent the film at the same digital retailers as of May 28. Just note that you'll only get 30 days of access and just 48 hours to finish watching once you begin if you choose the rental route.

You can purchase Dune: Part Two on demand at the following digital retailers (available to rent on May 28):

• Prime Video — $17.74 for Prime members 24.99 (save $7.25)

• Apple TV —$19.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) —$19.99

• Google Play — $19.99

The best ways to watch 'The Bear': BEST OVERALL Hulu monthly subscription free one-month trial, then $7.99/month Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu + Disney+ (with ads) $9.99/month (save $5.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu Basic (with ads) free for select T-Mobile customers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu free one-month trial, then $4.99/month (save up to $12.99/month) Get Deal BEST LONG-TERM DEAL Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

Just a month after its groundbreaking summer 2022 premiere, FX had already renewed The Bear for Season 2. FX Entertainment President Eric Schrier said "The Bear has exceeded our wildest creative, critical, and commercial expectations."

Now, two years later, we're approaching the third season of the hit restaurant dramedy that Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards called "a delectable treat." And Season 4 has already been confirmed as well.

Golden Globe winner Jeremy Allen White and costars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri — along with the rest of the kitchen staff — are back to re-open The Original Beef of Chicagoland as an updated, family-style restaurant named The Bear. "Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the crew to new levels and stress the bonds that hold the restaurant together," the official description for Season 3 reads.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the chaos unfold in every season of the critically acclaimed original series — including the premiere date for Season 3, the best streaming deals, and more.

When does Season 3 of The Bear come out?

The highly-anticipated third season of FX's The Bear premieres on June 27, 2024. Hulu will drop all 10 episodes at once, so fans can binge-watch Season 3 as quickly or as slowly as they desire. The show has already been confirmed for Season 4 and is expected to begin filming right after the third season. However, there's no estimated date yet for when Season 4 will make its debut.

Is The Bear on FX or is it only on Hulu?

Even though The Bear is an FX Original, it's only available to watch on Hulu. It's confusing, we know. The series is produced by FX Productions but premiered as a part of Hulu's dedicated FX content hub for current, classic, and new FX Series. FX's branding has been a bit chaotic in the streaming world over the past few years, but all you really need to know is that you can't watch The Bear on cable; only on the streaming service.

Can you watch The Bear online for free?

If you've never had your own Hulu account before, then yes. You can easily watch The Bear for free by signing up for a free trial. Returning customers who haven't had an active Hulu account for a while may also be eligible for the free trial. T-Mobile customers and students also have a couple of options to score a free subscription. Keep scrolling to learn more.

How to get Hulu for freeBest for most people: Hulu 30-day free trial Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) free one-month trial, then $7.99 per month Get Deal

For Hulu newbies, it doesn't get much better than a 30-day free trial. In fact, it's quite rare for streamers to still offer trials at all, let alone such a generous one. If you take advantage of your free trial (which is valid only for the Basic plan with ads) right around the time of the Season 3 premiere on June 27, you can easily watch the entire season for free — and even revisit the first two seasons as well. If you decide to keep your subscription after the trial, you'll have to pay $7.99 per month ($79.99/year) for the Basic plan with ads. Cancel before the month is up and you'll owe zero dollars.

Best for T-Mobile customers: Hulu (with ads) included for one year Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

If you're not a T-Mobile customer yet, this incentive may be enough to convince you to make the switch. T-Mobile customers on the Go5G Next plan can get Hulu with ads included for free as part of their plan — and that's on top of the already stacked lineup of Netflix, Apple TV+, and MLB.tv. Just navigate to the T-Mobile website and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll just have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu. After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll have to take action in order to keep your Hulu subscription alive.

Best for students: Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify / Hulu Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu free one-month trial, then $4.99 per month Get Deal

Students looking to watch The Bear have a few great options. Our favorite is Spotify Premium for Students, which not only offers a generous one-month free trial, but also includes Hulu (with ads) for no extra charge. Once your free month is up, you'll pay just $4.99 per month for both Spotify Premium and Hulu. Of course, you'll have to have access to a .edu email address to prove you're actually a student in order to secure the deal.

Alternatively, you could sign up for a student account via Hulu without Spotify for just $1.99 per month. There's currently no free trial, but at $1.99 per month, that's totally forgivable.

Other ways to watch The Bear on Hulu

If you don't qualify for any of the free options above, there's still a way to save on a Hulu subscription, but it will require some commitment — a full year, to be exact. Only interested in catching up on Season 3 of The Bear and going on your merry way? You can also sign up for a single month and cancel once you've finished all 10 episodes of the new season. You won't technically save any money this way, but you won't waste any either. If you're all about getting the most bang for your buck, the Disney bundle (which includes both Hulu and Disney+ or Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) can save you up to 49%. You'll pay more overall, but you'll get access to two or three different streaming services for one low price. It's all about personal preference in the age of streaming.

Best for long-term viewing: Hulu (with ads) annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription free one-month trial, then $79.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

Opting for an annual Hulu subscription instead of paying monthly will knock the $7.99 per month cost down to only $6.67 per month. That saves you about 17% by simply paying for a whole year in advance. If you're a new or returning subscriber, you may even qualify for a free month trial, which would then knock the price down to about $6.15 per month for 13 months. With a long-term subscription, you can rewatch The Bear Seasons 1, 2, and 3 as many times as you want, plus tune into other FX and Hulu Originals we highly recommend — like Tiny Beautiful Things and The Great.

Best bundle deal: Hulu + Disney+ (with ads) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $9.99 per month (save 37%) Get Deal

The Disney Duo Basic bundle gives you access to all of the content Hulu and Disney+ have to offer for only $9.99 per month — that's just $2 more than paying for Hulu on its own. You can also add ESPN+ into the mix for $12.99 per month with the Disney Trio Basic Bundle and save a total of 49%. It's certainly not the best option for someone looking to only watch The Bear and move on, but if you're hoping to watch tons of new series and films (and even some live sports) this year, the Disney bundle is one of the best deals around.

When you're on the hunt for the best laptops under 500 bucks, there are two important words to keep in mind: "Buyer beware."

Many popular gadgets have wildly inflated prices, but in the highly competitive laptop market, you get what you pay for. And that means it can be very dangerous to buy cheap laptops. Choose wrongly, and you'll be stuck with a slow, outdated computer that causes more problems than it solves.

Mashable has previously tested some of the best cheap laptops overall, but if $500 is your upper limit, then you're going to be priced out of some popular budget laptops. Even so, there are some great computers inside your budget.

Testing the Samsung Chromebook 4. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable A quick guide to laptop pricing

Our favorite cheap Chromebook can be yours for just $159, while our favorite gaming laptop will set you back $2,099. And in our guide to the best laptops in general, you'll find machines for every budget. So, how much should you plan on spending?

Typically, laptops fall into one of the following categories:

• Chromebooks ($150-$650): These computers have minimal storage and are designed to run web applications. They're light, portable, and very affordable.

• Budget laptops ($250-$750): Even the best cheap laptops won't have the most impressive specs, but they should have enough RAM and storage for everyday use at school or work.

• MacBooks ($750-$3,500): The cheapest MacBook worth buying (the always-popular M1 MacBook Air) will set you back $750, while a fully specced-out MacBook Pro can cost as much as $3,500.

• Ultrabooks ($1,000-$3,500): These high-end laptops have enough processing power to handle tasks like photo and video editing. They typically have a sleek and modern aesthetic, too. MacBooks also fall into this category.

What are the best laptops under $500 in 2024?

Below, we've put together a detailed guide of our best budget laptop recommendations. The right laptop will vary depending on your needs and budget, but our overall top pick is the Acer Aspire 5. We've also gathered computers that are great options for school, work, and personal use.

TL;DR: As of May 13, get The Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle for only £76.19, a significant price drop since the last time it went on sale.

Whether you’re looking for a career change or a fun hobby, this Microsoft Tech Certification Training bundle might be the answer. Having more certifications and skills on your resume can be a great way to stand out among candidates applying for a role, or even to make moves in your current IT position. With 11 courses and 246 hours of content, this collection of lessons teaches you the ins and outs of Microsoft-powered IT, while allowing you to learn at your own pace. And for a limited time, it's on sale for £76.19.

This course bundle has everything you need to get started on your Microsoft IT education journey no matter your level of experience.

The bundle was designed by IDUNOVA, a specialized platform that focuses on IT education. The curated courses are taught by industry experts and help equip learners with the most relevant skills to earn IT vendor-specific certifications.

Dive into the Microsoft 365 Identity & Services course and dissect the latest version of Microsoft Office, or check out the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst course if you’re interested in tackling cyber threats.

A few more course highlights from this bundle include:

• Managing Modern Desktops 

• Managing Microsoft Teams

• Microsoft Mobility & Security

• Microsoft Azure Administrator

• Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

• Microsoft Azure Security Technologies

For a limited time, get this Microsoft Tech Certification Training bundle on sale for just £76.19 (originally £545.04). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: IDUNOVA The Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle £76.19
£545.04 Save £468.85 Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the 70th match of the IPL, and the final game before the first round of qualifiers. This fixture will see the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders go head-to-head for the second time. The teams first played in April when the Rajasthan Royals won by two wickets. Who will be victorious this time?

Want to watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

When is Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders?

Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders starts at 3 p.m. BST on May 19. This fixture will be played at theBarsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India.

How to watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free

You can tune into the last few fixtures of the IPL on JioCinema. The streaming service is offering free live streams in 4K resolution on its app.

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

Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 India

4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)

5. Watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including India

• 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 $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Punjab Kings in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 IPL season is almost over, but there's still plenty of excitement to be had. The latest fixture sees the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings take to the pitch for the second time. The two teams went head-to-head in April where the Sunrisers Hyderabad won by two runs.

Want to tune in? You can watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Punjab Kings for free from anywhere in the world, and we have all the information you need.

When is Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Punjab Kings?

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Punjab Kings starts at 11 a.m. BST on May 19. This fixture will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, India.

How to watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Punjab Kings for free

Head over to JioCinema is find free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season.

JioCinema is actually geo-restricted to India, but you can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world.

Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 India

4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)

5. Watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Punjab Kings for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including India

• 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 $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

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 May 19'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:

A minor obstacle or delay that might interrupt smooth progress.

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 H.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1065 is...

HITCH.

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 May 19'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: 1%er

• Green: Sharply divided into small parts

• Blue: Old soul

• Purple: Sounds like a fruit

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: Affluent

• Green: Cut Into Pieces

• Blue: Old-Fashioned

• Purple: Fruit Homophones

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 #343 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Affluent: FLUSH, LOADED, RICH, WEALTHY

• Cut Into Pieces: CHOP, CUBE, DICE, MINCE

• Old-Fashioned: SQUARE, STRAIGHT, STUFFY, TRADITIONAL

• Fruit Homophones: BURY, CURRENT, LEACHY, PAIR

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.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Jet 75 Pet cordless stick vacuum $199 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal BEST DEAL FOR NEW MOMS Nanit Pro smart baby monitor and wall mount $192.79 at Amazon (save $107.20) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee and espresso machine with Aeroccino milk frother $153.97 at Amazon (save $65.98) Get Deal BEST OUTDOORS DEAL Thermacell Patio Shield E55 mosquito repellent $29.98 at Amazon (save $10.01) Get Deal

Have some extra money in your pocket heading into the weekend? Amazon's daily deals are calling your name.

As always, there's a whole lot of noise to sort through on Amazon's deal pages — and plenty of listings that are too good to be true. We've done the hard part for you and handpicked some diamonds in the rough.

Here are the best Amazon deals of the day for May 3. And be sure to check out our picks from May 1 and May 2 if you missed them — many of those are still live as well.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Amazon deal of the day: Samsung Jet 75 Pet cordless stick vacuum $199.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

If you're jealous of your friend's fancy Dyson stick vacuum, you can get a similar style cleaning device for a whole lot cheaper with this deal on the Samsung Jet 75 Pet. Ideal for pet owners, the Jet 75 Pet features a mini motorized tool that removes fine particles and pet hair on furniture, rugs, and other surfaces. Similar to our favorite lightweight cordless, the Samsung Jet 60, the Jet 75 offers an easy breezy cleaning experience that lets you maneuver from the stairs to beneath the couch and even above cabinets in one fell swoop. It's slightly more powerful with 200 air watts versus the Jet 60's 150 and lasts longer on a single charge (one hour vs. 40 minutes). The only thing the Jet 60 has over the 75 is a more affordable price. But with this 50% off discount at Amazon as of May 3, the Jet 75 is only $199. That beats the 60 and is its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nanit Nanit Pro smart baby monitor and wall mount $192.79 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $107.20 Get Deal

As of May 3, the Nanit Pro — the high-end baby monitor Mashable reviewer Becky Wade Firth was very impressed with — is on sale for just $192.79, its lowest price to date. And considering one of her only pain points with the luxury monitor was its steep cost (reg. $299.99), this is all the more reason to grab it ASAP. The Nanit Pro "features a clear overhead crib view, valuable sleep reports, and other bonuses such as two-way audio, breathing motion detection, and height monitoring." If you don't mind having to plan your nursery layout around the mounting situation, it's definitely a solid purchase for new parents.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee and espresso machine with Aeroccino milk frother $153.97 at Amazon
$219.95 Save $65.98 Get Deal

Making coffee at home doesn't have to be boring. With a Nespresso VertuoPlus machine, you can brew single or double shots of espresso, straightforward black coffee, or fancy frothy drinks like lattes and cappucinos at the touch of a button. The coffee maker offers four different cup sizes (5oz and 8oz coffee, single and double espresso) that each has their own brewing technique and uses barcode technology to ensure your to brew up the perfect blend. You'll also get an Aeroccino milk frother with your purchase, which prepares both hot and cold milk froth, so you can whip up your coffee house favorites from your kitchen. Usually $219.95, you can grab the bundle for only $153.97 at Amazon as of May 3 — that's 30% in savings and just $14 away from its all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Thermacell Thermacell Patio Shield E55 mosquito repellent $29.98 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.01 Get Deal

Experts are expecting a doozy of a mosquito season for 2024, so you might as well prep now with the right gear. The Thermacell Patio Shield E55 could certainly come in handy when things start ramping up. It's a larger, more updated version of one of our favorite camping gadgets, with a 20-foot repellant radius and 5.5-hour battery life. The rechargeable battery powers up a heat source inside, which then draws the repellant upwards and disperses to form a mosquito-free zone. Your puchase includes 12 hours of mosquito repellant, which is unscented and requires no sprays or chemicals on your skin. The only downside is you'll have to purchase refills once your initial amount runs out. Usually $39.99, you can save 25% as of May 3 and snag it on sale for $29.98.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Unlimited Free for 3 months (save $35.97) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Scribe $239.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL ASUS Vivobook Go 12 L210 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $179.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL AirPods Max $449.99 at Amazon (save $99.01) Get Deal

Between Mother's Day sales, leftover Pet Day discounts, and early Amazon Book Sale deals, the savings are through the roof this week at Amazon. We've gathered up a few of our top picks for you to shop on May 9, including brands you know and love like Kindle and Apple.

Here are the best Amazon deals of the day. Make sure to check back at our top picks for May 8 as well — a few of those are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon deal of the day: Kindle Unlimited 3 months for free (save $35.97) Get Deal

Want to read more books? Kindle is offering a three-month membership for free as part of the Amazon Book Sale. It would usually run you $11.99 per month, so that's $35.97 in savings. Despite the name, a Kindle Unlimited account does not require a Kindle. You can enjoy the over 4 million digital titles from your phone, tablet, or Kindle e-reader. You'll have access to best-selling books, the newest popular series, and all of the classics in multiple formats (yes, even audiobooks). Three months gives you plenty of time to test the waters before deciding whether or not to keep your membership going and pay the monthly fee.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (16GB, Basic Pen) $239.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you really want to double down on your reading habits, pair your free three-month Kindle Unlimited membership with a new Kindle Scribe. Also part of the Amazon Book Sale, the Kindle Scribe (16GB, Basic Pen version) is on sale for just $239.99 — that's $100 off and matches its all-time low price. As Mashable's Alex Perry noted in his review, the Kindle Scribe is not a perfect device. However, it does manage to bridge the gap between traditional reading and e-reading by including a stylus to mark up books to your heart's content.

Read our full review of the Kindle Scribe.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Vivobook Go 12 L210 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Need a laptop for everyday tasks that won't break the bank? The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is an affordable pick that weighs just over 2 pounds and packs a variety of convenient features for on-the-go work and play. It'll last you up to 12 hours on a single charge, can lay flat for sharing purposes, thanks to a 180-degree hinge, and includes a touchpad that doubles as a number pad. The specs aren't top notch (Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD), but this isn't a laptop meant for your heavy duty tasks anyway. As of May 9, it's on sale for just $179.99 — that's 22% in savings and its first price drop since release.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Max $449.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal

Apple's uber expensive AirPods Max are back down to their Black Friday price of $449.99. That's not the lowest price they've ever been — that honor would go to the $429 deal from Sept. 2022 — but it's still a sweet $99 discount. Upon release at the end of 2020, the AirPods Max were praised by former Mashable tech reporter Branda Stolyar for their "excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life." They have some fit issues that can make them hard to wear for hours at a time, but if they snugly fit on your noggin, you can't go wrong.

Read our full review of the AirPods Max.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

This week, OpenAI's co-head of the "superalignment" team (which overlooks the company's safety issues), Jan Leike, resigned. In a thread on X (formerly Twitter), the safety leader explained why he left OpenAI, including that he disagreed with the company's leadership about its "core priorities" for "quite some time," so long that it reached a "breaking point."

The next day, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman and president and co-founder Greg Brockman responded to Leike's claims that the company isn't focusing on safety.

Among other points, Leike had said that OpenAI's "safety culture and processes have taken a backseat to shiny products" in recent years, and that his team struggled to obtain the resources to get their safety work done.

SEE ALSO: Reddit's deal with OpenAI is confirmed. Here's what it means for your posts and comments.

"We are long overdue in getting incredibly serious about the implications of AGI [artificial general intelligence]," Leike wrote. "We must prioritize preparing for them as best we can."

Altman first responded in a repost of Leike on Friday, stating that Leike is right that OpenAI has "a lot more to do" and it's "committed to doing it." He promised a longer post was coming.

On Saturday, Brockman posted a shared response from both himself and Altman on X:

Tweet may have been deleted

After expressing gratitude for Leike's work, Brockman and Altman said they've received questions following the resignation. They shared three points, the first being that OpenAI has raised awareness about AGI "so that the world can better prepare for it."

"We've repeatedly demonstrated the incredible possibilities from scaling up deep learning and analyzed their implications; called for international governance of AGI before such calls were popular; and helped pioneer the science of assessing AI systems for catastrophic risks," they wrote.

The second point is that they're building foundations for safe deployment of these technologies, and used the work employees have done to "bring [Chat]GPT-4 to the world in a safe way" as an example. The two claim that since then — OpenAI released ChatGPT-4 in March, 2023 — the company has "continuously improved model behavior and abuse monitoring in response to lessons learned from deployment."

The third point? "The future is going to be harder than the past," they wrote. OpenAI needs to keep elevating its safety work as it releases new models, Brock and Altman explained, and cited the company's Preparedness Framework as a way to help do that. According to its page on OpenAI's site, this framework predicts "catastrophic risks" that could arise, and seeks to mitigate them.

Brockman and Altman then go on to discuss the future, where OpenAI's models are more integrated into the world and more people interact with them. They see this as a beneficial thing, and believe it's possible to do this safely — "but it's going to take an enormous amount of foundational work." Because of this, the company may delay release timelines so models "reach [its] safety bar."

"We know we can't imagine every possible future scenario," they said. "So we need to have a very tight feedback loop, rigorous testing, careful consideration at every step, world-class security, and harmony of safety and capabilities."

The leaders said OpenAI will keep researching and working with governments and stakeholders on safety.

"There's no proven playbook for how to navigate the path to AGI. We think that empirical understanding can help inform the way forward," they concluded. "We believe both in delivering on the tremendous upside and working to mitigate the serious risks; we take our role here very seriously and carefully weigh feedback on our actions."

Leike's resignation and words are compounded by the fact that OpenAI's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever resigned this week as well. "#WhatDidIlyaSee" became a trending topic on X, signaling the speculation over what top leaders at OpenAI are privy to. Judging by the negative reaction to today's statement from Brockman and Altman, it didn't dispel any of that speculation.

As of now, the company is charging ahead with its next release: ChatGPT-4o, a voice assistant.

Featured Video For You OpenAI reveals its ChatGPT AI voice assistant

Online dating is getting a little too niche. There's an app for vegans, farmers, rich people, Christians, the musically-inclined, and Christian farmers. So inevitably there's a dating app for the chronically online, too. Available only on web or Android devices, Duolicious is the dating app for the "Based and true love-pilled," according to its website.

Completely free and open software, the site is marketed towards Reddit and 4chan users and has gotten a rep online as the "femcel dating app." ("Femcel" refers to a woman who's an "incel," involuntarily celibate.) I guess if you're in the market for a GF who's willing to put up with "ironic" racism and edgelord humor, then the "4chan dating app" is the best place to be. At least this app doesn't require you to look like you have your life together.

SEE ALSO: Dating culture has become selfish. How do we fix it?

The first Duolicious user apparently signed up last August, according to the site's anonymous creator on X (formerly Twitter). Earlier this month, the site went viral, rocketing its user base from 5,000 users to over 50,000, according to its website. However, like many other dating apps, Duolicious is overwhelmingly male, with 15 men to every one woman — so not much of a "femcel" app at all. This demographic insight comes from user data that was scraped from the website.

And while the app is indeed a big, online sausagefest, that shouldn't stop you from seeking the cringe internet love you so desperately crave.

Who asked for Duolicious?

Duolicious (not to be confused with the language-learning app Duolingo) has gotten a decent bit of attention on social media, mostly from just how unhinged (content warning for offensive language, including slurs) some of the app's users can be. The app's website itself even includes facetious reviews from 4chan and Reddit like "utter garbage" and "Biggest psyop in 4chan history."

4chan, for context, is an anonymous imageboard website infamous for its lack of moderation and the proliferation of offensive, illegal, and harmful material, including cyberbullying, harassment, and right-wing extremism.

With the app going viral, social media reactions have been mixed — either making fun of the existence of the app or the people who would use it. Either way, there are a lot of slurs involved unsurprisingly, and subsequent links may contain offensive language.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Plus, with blog posts titled "Psychoanalysing ChatGPT using statistics to make a decent dating app," it doesn't help that the site itself feels like a giant troll. Another blog post leads off with, "Men and women on 4chan differ substantially in their views on vaccines, incest, and pub quizzes."

Even the app's creator said on X, "It was only meant to be a meme app."

Tweet may have been deleted What's it like using Duolicious? I'm not chronically online enough to make a better profile. Credit: Chance Townsend

Using Duolicious is such a benign experience. The app itself is an amalgamation of other, better dating apps like Grindr and OkCupid. After registering and creating an account, you're prompted to answer a series of questions that range from standard, "Would you date a robot if it had a great personality?" to rage-bait like, "Is cancel culture a threat to free speech?" or, "Would you give up some of your rights to stop terrorism?"

There are over 2,000 questions you can answer and for every normal one, there are five that seem designed to attract annoying "would you rather" X posters. Just like OkCupid, the more questions you answer, the higher your compatibility with other users.

There are 2,005 questions waiting to be answered. Credit: Chance Townsend / Duolicious screenshot Duolicious compatibility questions. Credit: Chance Townsend / Duolicious screenshot

If you don't want to waste your time answering questions, you can directly message users instead. Profiles are made up of standard identifiers of height, sexual orientation, work, dating intentions, and a bio. Users can also add tags, called "Clubs" that denote hobbies or boards they participate in.

As the "4chan dating app," Duolicious heavily encourages anonymity, so most profile photos are made up of memes, the occasional real human, and the one user I found catfishing as a Black guy.

Mom help, I'm scared. Credit: Chance Townsend / Duolicious screenshot Duolicious user profile juxtaposed with finding the exact image on Google Lens. Credit: Chance Townsend / Duolicious screenshot

Speaking of catfishing, if you're worried the woman you've been chatting with is a Fed, then be concerned; nothing is stopping me (or anyone) from making a fake profile. There are no verification mechanisms on the app other than the code sent to your email when registering.

Tweet may have been deleted

With an AI face-tuning app and a dream, you too can chat with vulnerable young men online — which is exactly what I did by making a profile of myself but gender-swapped. It took less than 10 minutes to make an account, and I spent more time registering with the Facetune app on my phone than making this profile.

Isn't she pretty? Credit: Chance Townsend / Duolicious screenshot

I didn't stay long enough to see if I would get banned. Based on an X interaction with the site's creator in which they advised a user to only use slurs when the audience is receptive, I won't lose my account unless I get reported. "Acts of racism, intolerance, hate, or violence...are completely unacceptable" according to Duolicious's Community Guidelines, but the rule goes on to tell users to report only if they believe the "guidelines have been violated."

The general structure of Duolicious is just fine. Unlike other apps, everything is free so you don't have to buy a subscription to swipe on more people or change your location. However, it doesn't do anything special compared to other dating apps which is compounded by the inconsistent moderation policies and privacy concerns.

Duolicious is fun for the bit — just don't be surprised when users on the 4chan dating app start acting like 4chan users.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 18 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 18

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, May 18, 2024:

AcrossPresidential "no"

• The answer is Veto.

Members of Russia's largest ethnic minority

• The answer is Tatars.

Genre for a date night movie, perhaps

• The answer is Romance.

Mischief-maker

• The answer is Imp.

"You're ___ best!"

• The answer is The.

Vacation spent on a mountain

• The answer is Ski trip.

Tiny headphone

• The answer is Earbud.

One of sixteen playing in the Sweet Sixteen

• The answer is Team.

DownSomeone who really sucks?

• The answer is Vampire.

Flight tracker's prediction, for short

• The answer is ETA.

Hissy fit

• The answer is Tantrum.

Flower that can mimic a female insect to attract males for pollination

• The answer is Orchid.

The onetime celebrity couple of Cruise and Holmes, in tabloids

• The answer is TomKat.

Ooze

• The answer is Seep.

React to yeast

• The answer is Rise.

"Still undecided," on schedules: Abbr.

• The answer is TBA.

Finally, an iPhone for the delicate, dainty-handed Apple user.

Rumors from inside Apple's design brainstorming allege the company is looking into thinning out its iPhone profile, the Information reports. While precise details haven't been hammered out, the new model could see a new, smaller combination of its front-facing camera and Face ID sensors, or a lighter aluminum casing. In the farthest step away from the current design, Apple could possibly shift the back lenses to the center of the phone to accommodate a sleeker silhouette.

According to insiders, the plans suggest an "iPhone X-level leap forward in design language for the company," writes Engadget. Whatever that means.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16: Release date, price, specs, features, and other rumors

The slimmer iPhone profile could replace the company's current Pro model design, which is rumored to be getting an even larger standard screen size in the upcoming iPhone 16 line.

Last week, Apple introduced its new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad pro models, which were advertised as the company's thinnest devices ever created, thinner even than the company's old iPod nano.

So phones are getting bigger, but also thinner, and they may soon be the harbingers of a generative AI takeover. Lovely!

Feeling overloaded with AI announcements? Sorry, but it's tech developer conference season and Microsoft Build is next.

Microsoft's annual developer conference is following on the heels of Google I/O and OpenAI's Spring Update, and Apple's WWDC is just a few weeks later. So, for this year's edition of Build, you can expect a lot of AI announcements relating to how Copilot AI is being integrated into Windows.

The event will be held on Tuesday, May 21, but not before Microsoft holds a Surface AI event on May 20 to showcase its new Qualcomm Snapdragon Surface Pro laptops. These were announced back in March, and the rollout follows a similar strategy to what's been seen past the few weeks at Google's Pixel 8a and Apple M4 iPad reveals — announcing all the new hardware before dumping heaps of AI announcements on consumers.

This year's Build event will run from 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, and you can watch the entire event live. Here's how to watch:

How to watch Microsoft Build 2024

You can catch the event live on YouTube (embedded below). Additionally, you can watch on the event's official site, build.microsoft.com. You'll need to complete the free registration, and then you'll gain access to the event's sessions and information directly from the website.

A complex mission to Mercury that began its epic space voyage six years ago has encountered critical thrust problems that controllers say could imperil plans to study the closest planet to the sun. 

BepiColombo, a joint European and Japanese mission, is on its way to reach Mercury on Sept. 5 for the first of three crucial flybys intended to put the robotic spacecraft on the correct course around the planet next year. In October 2025, its two science probes — one operated by the European Space Agency and the other by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency — would separate from a module to then investigate the planet's surface and magnetic field.

But whether those science operations can still happen as planned is uncertain. During a maneuver on April 26, the electric propulsion module, which runs on solar energy, didn't provide enough power to the spacecraft's thrusters, according to ESA. About 11 days later, engineers had restored the spacecraft's thrust almost to its previous level, but still 10 percent lower. 

"A team of experts is restlessly working on understanding the root cause of the problem and further impact on the remainder of the trajectory," Camille Bello, a spokesperson for ESA, told Mashable. 

SEE ALSO: How a NASA nuclear rocket engine could unleash the solar system Mercury is perhaps the most understudied of the rocky worlds in the solar system. Credit: NASA / JHU Applied Physics Lab / Carnegie Inst. Washington

To adjust for the spacecraft's lower thrust level, the team has extended the duration of the propulsion arc so the craft can get back on track with the planned flybys between September and January 2025. As to what led to the thrusting issue, engineers are still trying to figure that out, scrutinizing every last bit of available data.

"We know that we are dealing with an issue with the availability of electrical power from the Mercury Transfer Module," Bello said. "The electric propulsion thrusters themselves are fine." 

Mercury is perhaps the most understudied of the rocky worlds in the solar system. Hot and harder to reach than even Saturn, it hasn't enjoyed the level of exploration that other planets around the sun have received. Only two previous spacecraft, both NASA missions, have flown to the Swift Planet, nicknamed for its fast orbit around the sun.

Tweet may have been deleted

BepiColombo, launched in October 2018 on an Ariane 5 rocket from a French spaceport in South America, seeks to study the polar craters filled with ice, the planet's magnetic field, and the enigmatic "hollows" on the surface. Mercury's outer shell is covered in ancient lava flows, pitted by space rocks for the past 4 billion years or so.

By expanding knowledge of Mercury's composition, atmosphere, and magnetism, scientists can better understand how rocky, Earth-like planets came to be.

But this isn't the first rough patch for BepiColombo. Last year, mission controllers performed a significant course correction to compensate for earlier thruster outages. Without it, BepiColombo might have veered about 15,000 miles off track and onto the wrong side of the planet, according to ESA.

The mission's many years of sequential flybys are necessary because of how difficult it is to get to Mercury's orbit. Credit: ESA

The mission's many years of sequential flybys are necessary because of just how difficult it is to get to Mercury. To enter orbit around the planet, the spacecraft needs to be flying slow enough to be reeled in by Mercury's gravity. Too fast and it will skip right past. The trouble is, as the spacecraft gets closer to the sun, it picks up speed like a bicycle downhill. 

Slowing down in the vacuum of space is no easy feat. The careful choreography of swinging around planets is a way for the spacecraft to burn off energy without carrying excessive amounts of fuel that would otherwise render the spacecraft too heavy to launch in the first place. 

If mission control can sufficiently counter the spacecraft's power problem, science operations could begin in the spring of 2026.

Mars is collecting artifacts.

Without the large, powerful camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which observes Martian terrain for past evidence of water and how the Red Planet is changing, we might miss it. But the craft captured the space agency's defunct InSight lander and surrounding landing site, slowly being blanketed in desert dust.

"Can you spot @NASAInSight?" NASA asked on X (formerly Twitter). "The retired lander was recently spotted by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. By studying InSight's landing site over time, scientists can see how quickly dust accumulates, which helps estimate the age of other surface disturbances."

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The InSight lander's mission ended in December 2022, after four productive years of investigating geologic activity on Mars. The NASA robot measured over 1,300 marsquakes, including a "monster" temblor, providing further evidence that Mars isn't nearly geologically dead. It analyzed Mars' core, and also beamed back daily weather reports.

Yet unlike NASA's Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, which are nuclear-powered, the InSight lander ran on solar power. Martian dust had expectedly whittled down the power of the lander by blanketing its solar panels in a thick layer of sediment. Eventually, its batteries died.

At the center of the image below is InSight. Looking closely, you can see its two deployed circular solar panels sandwiching the main body.

NASA's retired InSight lander collecting dust on the flat plains of Elysium Planitia. Credit: NASA The InSight lander's solar panels deployed during testing in 2015. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Lockheed Martin Space Tweet may have been deleted

Other past Martian explorers also rest quietly in the Red Planet's global desert, including the Phoenix lander, Opportunity rover, and Ingenuity helicopter. NASA has spotted discarded landing gear and parachutes, too.

One day, perhaps, these relics of early Martian exploration will be protected, similar to national park sites on Earth today.

For now, InSight collects dust on the flat equatorial plains of Elysium Planitia.

Featured Video For You 10 mind-blowing discoveries from the James Webb Telescope

TL;DR: Through May 22, navigate any project with ease with a lifetime license to Microsoft Project Professional 2021, on sale for $19.97.

Project managers are professional task jugglers. They have to see to it that a project is completed — not to mention done well — on time and on budget. They must also oversee team performance, all the while knowing that they are personally accountable for the project's outcomes. It's no easy job, but the right project management tools can help.

Microsoft Project stands out as one of the original project management software systems, and it has built-in tools that allow you to track timelines, budgets, and resources efficiently. Through May 22, you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows on sale for under $20.

We won't say that Microsoft Project will make project management a walk in the park, but it brings you pretty close. Whether you're fiddling with a small task or navigating a long-term project, this intuitive app packs the tools to get it done.

Pre-built templates are available to give you a head start on any deliverable, while timesheets let you track time spent on project to accurately measure team productivity.

If you're having a tough time estimating timelines, you can either let the program auto-populate start and end dates based on dependencies (which you can tweak as needed), or you can make visual representations of schedules to reveal the bigger picture. You can even run what-if scenarios to see if your plans are foolproof. There's also an option to access built-in reports that point out inefficiencies, allowing you to see specific points of improvement.

This offer is only available to new users, and you'll need a device running Windows 11 or 10, or Windows Server 2019.

Keep all of your projects on track with a subscription to Microsoft Project.

Until May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT, a lifetime license to Microsoft Project 2021 for Windows is on sale for only $19.97, no coupon necessary.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Project 2021 Professional (Windows PC) $19.97 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal