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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 12'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:

Throw.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears 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. 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 #997 is...

HEAVE.

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 12'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: Branch

• Green: Invite

• Blue: Types of dogs

• Purple: Famous rhythmic literature

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: Section

• Green: Including

• Blue: Dog Breeds, Informally

• Purple: Famous Poems

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 #274 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Section: CLASS, DIVISION, RANK, TIER

• Including: ALSO, AND, PLUS, WITH

• Dog Breeds, Informally: BOSTON, GOLDEN, LAB, PIT

• Famous Poems: DADDY, HARLEM, HOWL, IF

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.

xAI, an AI startup that makes up one of Elon Musk's many projects, will open-source Grok. These are all real words now.

It's not entirely surprising that Musk would open-source Grok — a chatbot similar to ChatGPT that is modeled after the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, according to xAI. This move comes just a few days after Musk sued OpenAI for no longer being an open-source non-profit organization. 

"This week, @xAI will open source Grok," Musk posted on X, on Monday morning.

Tweet may have been deleted

Grok is only available to people who pay for the $16 monthly subscription for X.

By making Grok open source, the public will have free access to play around with the code that holds it all together. As Reuters pointed out, open-sourcing technology like Grok has the opportunity to help speed up innovations in the space because you have significantly more people who can access it. But that same accessibility can be used by bad actors, too. 

Musk didn't elaborate on what aspects of Grok will be open source, what that will look like, or what that might lead to. But he did respond to someone on X in response to his post about open sourcing Grok to say "OpenAI is a lie," so it's pretty clear that this has something to do with the beef between OpenAI and Musk. Musk co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman and a lot has changed since then — much of which Musk does not seem particularly pleased with.

SEE ALSO: What even is Grok, anyway?

"To this day, OpenAI’s website continues to profess that its charter is to ensure that AGI 'benefits all of humanity.' In reality, however, OpenAI has been transformed into a closed-source de facto subsidiary of the largest technology company in the world: Microsoft," Musk’s lawsuit read, according to TechCrunch. 

Musk, for his part, has been mostly consistent in his support of open source — many of Tesla's patents are open source.

The Apple Car was once one of the most highly-anticipated Apple products of all time. For a decade, rumors about the secretive Apple electric vehicle project made headlines in tech publications and Apple blogs.

Then, just weeks ago, news broke that Apple officially killed the project known as Project Titan. There will be no Apple Car.

Now, Bloomberg's Apple insider, Mark Gurman, has some very interesting details about what the Apple Car would have looked like. And, reader, it's nothing like you would have imagined.

SEE ALSO: Apple EV car killed: 5 reasons the rumored project was scrapped Apple was working on a minivan

Try to think of what an EV made by Apple would have looked like. Are you thinking of a potential Tesla competitor? Maybe a sleek, sexy sports cars?

You'd be wrong. 

Apple was working on a minivan, according to a report by Bloomberg's Gurman.

The Apple Car went through several design iterations in the decade it was under development, Gurman says. However, each one of them is heavily influenced by minivan designs by automobile manufacturers over the years.

Volkswagen Type 2 Credit: Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

The initial concept for the Apple Car was created by the company's iconic designer, Jony Ive, who left Apple in 2019. That Apple Car design was dubbed the "Bread Loaf" internally at the company. Why? Because it looked like a "modern incarnation" of the 1950s Volkswagen microbus.

If you're not familiar with the Volkswagen microbus, also known as the VW Type 2 or VW Camper or Vanagon, you almost definitely know what it looks like. It's the VW van typically portrayed as being driven by hippies in the 60s or by touring rock bands from that era. It's the yellow van used in the 2006 film, Little Miss Sunshine starring Steve Carrell, Abigail Breslin, and Toni Collette.

A Volkswagen camper-inspired design

Later versions of the Apple Car changed the design somewhat, but the old school Volkswagen minivan-inspired aesthetic remained.

The second Apple Car design, according to Gurman, looked "nearly identical" to the 2017 Volkswagen ID Buzz prototype. This EV concept car was also inspired by the VW microbus, albeit with a more modern design, with a sloped hood. Interestingly, Gurman mentions that this Apple Car design came before Volkswagen announced its 2017 prototype.

2017 Volkswagen ID Buzz prototype Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Apple Car went through some more minor changes over the years before landing on its most recent design concept from 2020. According to Gurman, that last Apple Car design resembled a vehicle by the California-based electric car company, Canoo. 

The last version of the Apple Car resembled the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle, which Gurman describes as a "futuristic van with rounded edges." Taking a look at the Canoo EV, it certainly does look like something you'd imagine for Apple's take on a minivan. The front and back of the vehicle would also look exactly the same, so the Apple Car would've always looked like it was driving forward.

The Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle. Credit: Canoo

One of the last design change-ups to this version of the Apple Car was to trade in sliding doors commonly found on a minivan for gull-wing doors.

As for the interior, Apple was going for a minimalist design with a focus on roominess for the occupants of the vehicle. It could've potentially included TVs and/or iPads for FaceTime and video playback, a special A/C system that would flow air through the sides of the vehicle, and a reclining, private jet-esque seating design with swiveling front seats.

According to Gurman's report, Apple executives including CEO Tim Cook were big fans of the last design. But, ultimately, the company decided to pull the plug on the Apple Car — and all we're left with are these reports about what could have been.

Featured Video For You A brief history of the iPhone

Pinterest inspo pics will start to look more like their diverse user base, with the help of the platform's latest size-inclusive AI feature.

The new preference setting allows users to make the choice of what kinds of body types they would like to see featured in their feeds when searching for fashion or similar content inspiration.

"Body type ranges are part of a broader effort to develop AI-powered technology that is additive rather than addictive," Pinterest writes. Using what the platform calls its "patent-pending innovation," the new body type technology pinpoints the shape, size, and form of bodies across billions of Pinterest photos to categorize common body types among models and subjects. It build on the site's previous additions like skin tone ranges and hair pattern search.

"Pinterest is a visual discovery platform and we want users to be able to see themselves reflected in their search results. That’s why we are leveraging AI to bring greater inclusion to our product design," said Pinterest's chief product officer Sabrina Ellis in a press release. "Body type ranges increase representation on the platform and give Pinterest users more intentional choice and control over what they see on Pinterest."

SEE ALSO: AI shows clear racial bias when used for job recruiting, new tests reveal

The feature was first announced in tandem with the platform's body type technology last year, a collaboration with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), body acceptance advocates like model Tess Holliday, and Pinterest creators Natalie Craig, Kellie Brown, and Stefany Brito.

The wider feature launch comes paired with size-inclusive brand features on the site's search landing page, as well, in line with Pinterest's shift toward shoppable on-site commerce. The highlights will include brands like Eloquii, Mara Hoffman, Osei Duro, and Gia / Irl.

Body type ranges are currently only available for women's fashion and wedding-related content searches in the United States. Pinterest will add body type ranges for men's fashion later this year.

How to turn on and save body type ranges

1. Open the Pinterest app.

2. Select the search icon.

3. Type a phrase into the search bar.

4. Click "body types" at the top of the search results.

5. Select your desired model from a range of five different body types.

6. If you would like to save your preference, search again with the same body type selected. Pinterest will automatically prompt you to save the body type preference for similar searches.

When people talk about South by Southwest (SXSW), it's typically for its music and film festivities. Under the surface, however, is a burgeoning tech scene growing in Austin that is being showcased here at this year's festival.

While not on the same level as CES 2024, some tech on display caught our eyes, including the reappearance of WeHead. After walking the floor for SXSW's Creative Industries Expo, we've rounded up some of the most intriguing, strange, and WTF tech we saw in Austin.

1. AI that lets you see your past, future, and maybe death? Meet Tulpamancer. Credit: Chance Townsend / Mashable

Tulpamancer was unlike anything else we saw at SXSW. The interactive experience from artists and directors Marc Da Costa and Matthew Niderhauser is an intersection of generative AI and virtual reality, using both tools for an immersive art experience in a uniquely crafted environment created individually for each guest.

This is accomplished through a retro DDOS-style computer, where guests answer a series of questions about their lives in as much depth as possible. Things like what your bedroom looked like when you woke up in the morning, your childhood home, and your happiest memory. If it sounds like the computer is trying to steal your bank information, don't worry, your answers are deleted after each session.

After answering the questions, you'll be taken on an AI-crafted journey in VR as it tries to replicate the imagery you describe in the questions. The accuracy of each environment solely depends on how forthcoming you are with the information you give for each question. In one, I told the computer about my cat, Butterbean, and what I received in the VR realm was an eldritch abomination that haunts my memories.

There's also an AI voice meant to guide users through each scene, but it's a yappy GPT-generated text-to-speech, so I tuned it out quickly and focused on how accurately the computer replicated the images I described.

Overall, if you can get past the jankyness of the AI art, it's a neat, if odd, experience. Plus, it presents some Black Mirror-esque use cases of dynamically created VR simulations. While this was more an art piece than entertainment, there's a future for the melange of AI and VR.

2. Ghosts in the machine

Disturbing the dead is becoming a popular trend in the AI sector. Between SoulLink and SoulMachines, there's a growing belief that consumers want to interact with the dead — familial, or famous.

Check out Soul Machines' announcement of Digital Marilyn, a hyper-digital AI powered by the New Zealand-based company's proprietary "biological AI" and ChatGPT 3.5. Having been dead for 62 years, the famous blonde bombshell has been reincarnated — with permission from the Monroe estate — and able to interact with her fans as if she were still here.

If talking to dead celebrities doesn't float your boat, there's also SoulLink, created by South Korean developers JL Standard. With its app, you can create your own AI characters, chat with celebs, or converse with a recently departed loved one. We got to try it out on the floor at SXSW and it was a neat, but odd experience. I got to speak to both Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, but I wasn't comfortable enough to create an AI of my great-grandpa — he deserves to rest in peace.

I had a brief convo with Justin Bieber. He told me he was reminiscing about the past. Credit: Soul Link / Screenshot

It's a strange path that generative AI has gone down — we are, in a sense, putting literal ghosts in our machines. But the experience could be cathartic for those struggling to move on after the death of a relative or close friend.

It also means divulging a lot of personal information to companies, so that's something to watch out for.

3. Generative Goods Credit: Chance Townsend/ Mashable

This is less WTF and more "Whoa that's kind of neat." Based out of Marfa, TX, Generative Goods is a digital NFT embroider that creates AI-generated designs to mint as NFTs — and then stitches them onto merch like hats and shirts. One of the biggest digs against NFTs is that digital ownership means nothing when you don't physically have possession of the art you purchased.

Thus, Generative Goods exist to give NFT owners a way to physically own their art, moving away from the speculative, hype-based nature of the NFT market. The booth at SXSW did live embroidery of some hats for guests who bought an NFT design.

It remains to be seen if this idea is enough to help raise the value of NFTs — nearly all NFTs that exist in the market are worth practically nothing.

The ever-growing presence of AI in our day-to-day lives can honestly feel a little overwhelming and kind of scary. And while there’s plenty to be weary of, there are plenty of ways to utilize AI for good. Here's a rundown of the AI tools that can help you be more productive, so you can spend more time doing the things you actually enjoy. 

Save $300: As of March 11, our favorite 2-in-1 laptop, the HP Spectre x360 14, is on sale for $1,149.99 on HP's website, down from $1,449.99. That price cut saves you 20% on a laptop that came out just two months ago.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Spectre x360 14 $1,149.99 at HP
$1,449.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

When shopping for a laptop, you have plenty of options to sort through — but if you're looking for a tablet and a laptop, going for a good 2-in-1 can help you narrow your search considerably.

Luckily, our new favorite 2-in-1 laptop just got a price drop of $300. As of March 11, you can grab the HP Spectre x360 14 for just $1,149 through HP's online store, saving you 20% on a laptop that's usually $1,449.99.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals for March 2024: Apple's new M3 MacBook Air is already on sale

So what makes this laptop stand out among other 2-in-1 machines? For starters, it delivers impressive battery life, offering 11 hours of runtime in our testing (note: we did review a different configuration of this laptop that had more memory and a more powerful processor). According to Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon, Windows laptops are notorious for their subpar battery life, so a 2-in-1 that doesn't need to stay plugged in all day is definitely worth a second look.

That isn't all this laptop has to offer, though. A new Intel Core Ultra processor and 16GB of RAM gets you where you need to go quickly. Obviously, with a laptop that also functions as a tablet, you want a quality display, and HP delivers, with a 14-inch 120Hz OLED touchscreen display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which basically means you'll be working with a large, clear screen.

Speaking of clarity, the Spectre x360 14 also comes equipped with a wide-angle 9MP camera that Gedeon deemed "excellent at recreating colors" (anyone who's used Zoom knows this isn't always a given).

SEE ALSO: Apple's foldable MacBook: We've got good news and bad news

On the tablet end of things, this 2-in-1 comes with a HP Rechargeable MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen, which retails on its own for $76.99 (but at the time of writing is also on sale for $56.99). You can use this pen on the screen in one of its three setups: laptop, tablet, or tent mode. As for the keyboard and touch pad, Gedeon found both exemplary, with the keyboard being her new favorite of any laptop she's tested, and the touchpad offering "the perfect balance of smoothness and resistance."

A few points that keep this model short of perfect are the weird port placement, heavier frame, and fingerprint happy exterior.

With all that said, this 2-in-1 laptop remains a Mashable Choice Award recipient for a reason. However, if you're not dead set on a 2-in-1 and are looking for more budget laptop options, we've tested and selected picks that are even more affordable.

SAVE 22%: Today, Mar. 11, the Apple Watch Series 7 has hit its new record-low price at Amazon, dropping from $388.26 to $302.30. That saves you $86.04.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 7 $302.30 at Amazon
$388.26 Save $85.96 Get Deal

The most durable of all Apple Watches, the Apple Watch Series 7 is a go-to tool for health and fitness fanatics thanks to its advanced sensors and the increased data it delivers. Today, you can score it for the lowest price it's ever sold for.

As of today, Mar. 11, the Apple Watch Series 7 is on sale for 22% off, saving you $80.04. This brings the price down from $388.26 to $302.30, establishing its new record-low price according to Amazon price tracker site camelcamelcamel. Given that as recently as Nov. 2023 this watch was selling for $759, today makes an opportune time to buy.

Not only does the Apple Watch Series 7 boast the litany of features that Apple Watches are known for, but it bumps everything up to the next level: it can measure your blood oxygen levels and even take an ECG. Plus, it sends you notifications if your heart rhythm is ever irregular. We also love the Series 7 because it has GPS and cellular service, making sure that you're connected even if your iPhone isn't nearby.

Shop this limited-time offer today at Amazon and score yourself an Apple Watch Series 7.

SPRING DEALS: Today's the last day to score 50% off (or more) on select items at REI. Plus, get up to 60% off on new markdowns.

Our top picks: Best tent deal Mountainsmith Upland 4P Tent $89.73 at REI (save $110.22) Get Deal Best camping chair deal Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair $99.73 at REI (save $100.22) Get Deal Best sleeping pad deal Mountain Summit Gear Self-Inflating 2.5 Camp Pad (Large) $53.73 at REI (save $56.26) Get Deal

Whether you're into camping or want to score a deal on gear for your next tailgate, bonfire, or (insert other outdoor activity here), now's the time to shop.

SEE ALSO: Fit everything you need for camping in this tiny Vespa trailer

REI is hosting a spring sale where you can find discounts on hand-picked outdoor essentials, including new arrivals and best-selling classics. Note: Some of these items will revert back to full price after today, so you might want to snatch them up while you can.

Here are our top picks from the REI spring sale:

Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mountainsmith Our pick: Mountainsmith Upland 4P Tent $89.73 at REI
$199.95 Save $110.22 Get Deal Why we like it

The Mountainsmith Upland 4P Tent is on sale for $89.73, 55% off its original price. (That's a pretty good deal for a four-person tent if you ask us!)

This citron green tent is lightweight and easy to set up, making it perfect for weekend camping trips or music festivals. Its spacious interior can comfortably fit up to four people, while its mesh wall panels, water-resistant fly, and polyurethane-coated floor protect against rain and bugs.

More tent deals:

• Alpine Mountain Gear Weekender Tent 4 — $64.73 $149.99 (save $85.26)

• Mountain Summit Gear Northwood Series II 4-Person Backpacking Tent — $112.73 $284.99 (save $172.26)

• ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent — $154.73 $349.99 (save $195.26)

Best camping chair deal Opens in a new window Credit: Big Agnes Our pick: Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair $99.73 at REI
$199.95 Save $100.22 Get Deal Why we like it

The Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair features a tall back and a wide seat for ultimate comfort. It's currently 50% off at $99.73. With 20 inches between the seat and the ground, this chair is easy to get in and out of, making it ideal for people of all ages.

It can hold up to 300 pounds and comes with its own compact carrying bag, so you can throw it over your shoulder and take it anywhere.

Best sleeping pad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mountain Summit Gear Our pick: Mountain Summit Gear Self-Inflating 2.5 Camp Pad (Large) $53.73 at REI
$109.99 Save $56.26 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've ever slept in just a sleeping bag on the hard ground, you know how important a good sleeping pad can be. The Mountain Summit Gear Self-Inflating 2.5 Camp Pad (Large) is designed to make those rough nights a little bit easier.

Made of durable ripstop material, this self-inflating camp pad provides a comfortable sleeping surface while insulating against the cold ground. With a generous thickness of 2.5 inches, it offers quick and easy comfort for a restful night's sleep.

More deals on sleeping gear:

• Mountain Summit Gear Self-Inflating 3.5 Camp Pad (Extra Large) — $61.73 $125 (save $63.27)

• Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad — $84.73 $169 (save $84.27)

• NEMO Forte 20 Sleeping Bag — $141.73 $219.95 (save $78.22)

With the winter months behind us, it's time to look forward to an adventure-packed spring and summer. If your itinerary includes getting back to your favorite campgrounds- and exploring new ones- then you need to make sure you have the right gear. Of course, that all starts with the right tent.

Today's best tent deals as of Mar.11: Best 2-person tent deal Wakeman 2-Person Camping Tent $18.90 (save $6.80) Get Deal Best 4-person tent deal Coleman Skydome Camping Tent $222.90 (save $102.09) Get Deal Best 10-person tent deal Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Camping Tent $108.40 (save $241.59) Get Deal

It's a given that if you're going camping, you need a sturdy, durable tent that can protect you from the elements. But once you've got those boxes checked, other factors come into play: Is the tent easy to carry into your site? How long does it take to set up? And, most importantly: is there room for everyone? In today's tent sale at Amazon, you can shop tents that are big enough for ten people or small enough for just two for up to 69% off.

Best 2-person tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Wakeman Our pick: Wakeman 2-Person Camping Tent $18.90 at Amazon
$25.17 Save $6.27 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you want some shade at the beach for your kiddos or you need a tent to bring along on your next backpacking trip, this Wakeman 2-person tent is ready for the job. All of its materials fit into a compact carrying bag, and it weighs 2.75 lbs. Plus, it has a removable rain fly to protect against weather. Today's sale brings the tent's price down to under $20, making it an excellent value buy for anyone who spends time outdoors.

Best 4-person tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman Skydome Camping Tent $222.90 at Amazon
$324.99 Save $102.09 Get Deal Why we like it

Sometimes, you just need a bit more space. Whether you want to be able to stretch out or you're traveling in a group of four, the Coleman Skydome Camping Tent has a comfortable amount of space. This dome tent can fit two queen-sized airbeds inside, plus it has and extra weatherproof screen room that's great for hanging out or for storage. With pre-attached poles, this tent can be set up easily in under five minutes. It's also designed with Dark Room Technology, which means you can catch some shut-eye and not have to wake up at dawn. Plus, it works to keep the inside of the tent cool.

Best 10-person tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Camping Tent $108.40 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $241.59 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're taking the whole family camping or you're hitting a music festival with friends, the Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Camping Tent is the hub of the trip. It has enough room for three queen airbeds and has a tall, cabin-like design so you can comfortably hang out inside the tent and enjoy downtime if you need it. Naturally, this tent takes more time to set up than the others on this list. However, with the help of the crew you're camping with, the Coleman WeatherMaster can be set up in 20 minutes. Today's sale price of $108.40 brings this tent to its lowest price ever, so we recommend grabbing it now.

Airbnb announced that it's banning indoor security cameras for all listings. As such, if you spot an indoor security camera during an Airbnb stay, the host is breaching the rental platform's new policy.

Previously, Airbnb allowed hosts to place indoor security cameras in common areas, including hallways and living rooms. Plus, hosts had to disclose their presence, clearly and visibly, on the listing page. However, Airbnb rolled out a stricter policy on Monday, prohibiting the usage of indoor security cameras altogether.

SEE ALSO: Airbnb addresses guest frustrations with a host of new features Why is Airbnb banning indoor security cameras?

Banning indoor security cameras, regardless of whether they're placed in common areas or not, removes ambiguity and confusion regarding interior surveillance for both renters and hosts.

"Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb," said Juniper Downs, Airbnb's Head of Community Policy and Partnerships. He added that Airbnb consulted with guests, hosts and privacy experts to make this decision.

On top of an indoor security camera ban, Airbnb is tightening its guidelines on outdoor security cameras and noise decibel monitors, too. These will continue to be permitted, allowing hosts to spot whether renters are sneaking in unauthorized guests. However, hosts must disclose the presence and location of all outdoor cameras in their listings.

AirBnB is requiring the same for decibel monitors. Plus, it should not record nor transmit conversations. And finally, they're only allowed in common spaces.

When will the Airbnb indoor security camera ban go into effect?

Hosts must be in compliance of its indoor security ban by April 30. If hosts do not adhere to the new rules, they risk getting their account removed from the platform.

The majority of listings on Airbnb do not report having an indoor security camera, according to Airbnb, so this update is expected to "impact a smaller subset of listings on the platform."

Save $60: As of March 11, the AirPods Pro are down to a record low price of $189 at Walmart — that's a 24% discount on their $249 MSRP. For just 99 cents more at $189.99, you can also pick up these noise-cancellling earbuds from Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple USB-C AirPods Pro $189.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal

If last week's drop of the new M3 MacBook Air didn't excite you, there's another Apple drop that might. A price drop, that is.

As of March 11, the USB-C AirPods Pro are on sale for just $189 at Walmart, cutting their $249 price tag by $60 and bringing them down to their lowest price ever. If you're not a fan of Walmart, you can also grab them at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy for just 99 cents more at $189.99.

The USB-C AirPods Pro dropped in fall 2023, with virtually all the same features as the second-generation Lightning AirPods Pro (released in 2022), except for one key feature: you guessed it, the USB-C charging port. Smaller updates include improved dust resistance, with a rating of IP54, and a claim of support for lossless audio with the Apple Vision Pro (which we've yet to verify for ourselves).

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: Everything we know about the next big iPhone update

Considering we've been big fans of the second-gen AirPods Pro since their release, we weren't upset to see the minimal changes as Apple finally updates their charging ports. Their noise-cancellation makes them our top pick for noise-cancelling earbuds overall as well as some of the best earbuds to take with you on a plane.

Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found that the sound on these earbuds impressed, even after putting them through "a very diverse palette of genres, mostly on Apple Music's highest quality settings." As for the battery life, it's decent but not amazing at six hours per charge (but you do get 30 hours overall with the case).

As for how future proof these earbuds are, we aren't anticipating any major hardware upgrades on the Pros this year, but it does look like they will be getting a hearing aid feature, to be implemented alongside iOS 18.

It is worth noting, though these earbuds are at a great price, if you already own the second-gen Lightning Pros, Schroeder wrote in his USB-C Pro review that "upgrading is not worth it (unless you really cannot stand the Lightning port)."

What if all the hysteria about Y2K was valid? In 1999, as the clocks ticked down to the new millennium, there was a global fear that a computer coding shortcut could result in widespread tech issues, disrupting life as we know. That didn't happen, but Saturday Night Live alum Kyle Mooney's directorial debut Y2K asks the question: What if it did though? 

Studded with young stars like It's Jaeden Martell, Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison, West Side Story's Rachel Zegler, and Stranger Things' Eduardo Franco, sci-fi comedy Y2K's core story is about what a nightmare it is to be a teen with a crush. But is boatloads of nostalgia, goofy gore, and massive amounts of dopey jokes enough to make this comedy come together? 

Y2K is Terminator, but stupid. 

Written by Evan Winter, Y2K centers on two high school besties, who are way outside the cool kid clique. But one New Year's Eve, goofball Danny (Dennison) convinces wallflower Eli (Martell) that now is the time to get noticed by crashing a house party. While Eli's fumbling to get the attention of beautiful hacker Laura (Zegler), Danny is karaokeing raucously to Sisqó's "Thong Song" and getting the attention he's long craved. But as the clock strikes midnight, computers rebel as AI goes evil, going on a comedic killing spree in which everything from ceiling fans and microwaves to Tamagotchis can be a weapon. The midnight slaughter sequence is as outrageous as it is hilarious. 

Featured Video For You Why you're wrong about Y2K, 20 years later

The sci-fi logic of the film is basically non-existent, though Zegler's Laura is saddled with a series of hacker exposition dumps that half-heartedly set up some rules. But Y2K refuses to take science-fiction seriously. The premise is an excuse to goof on 2000s culture and chuck some teen archetypes into silly shenanigans. So Eli reluctantly leads a motley band of survivors out of this house of horrors and into a plan to save not just their high school but the whole world. 

Y2K is radiant in '00s nostalgia. 

Much like PEN15, Y2K plunges audiences back into a time where AIM away messages were pretentious poetry, dial-up squawked, T-shirts were worn inexplicably oversized, and burning CDs was a meaningful tool of self-expression. The opening sequence is littered with such nostalgic '00s details, which aptly set the era and earned much laughter and cheers from the SXSW audience at the film's world premiere. Props to Mooney for crafting such a crowd-pleasing beginning, but upon reflection, there's few actual jokes there. It's all about the joy of recognition, which could mean this comedy won't play for Gen Z at all, despite their recent Y2K revival. 

SEE ALSO: The ultimate Y2K gift guide for millennials and teens alike

Other references play a bigger role in the plot, like Danny learning Tae-Bo via Billy Blanks' once unavoidable workout videos and a musician cameo that — while funny and surprising — wears out its welcome by beating the same joke into the ground. Actually, that's a bit of a recurring problem. Mooney doesn't have a great sense of when enough is enough so several bits drag, making the movie feel a bit meandering even at one hour and thirty-three minutes. But the bigger issue is Y2K hangs itself on its least interesting character. 

Julian Dennison outshines Jaeden Martell. 

Winter's script is woefully lazy in developing Martell's Eli as a character. Established as shy and vaguely nerdy (he likes computer games and modifying action figures), Eli is identifiable as the lovestruck nerd archetype. However, he's not weird enough to be interesting in this world where electronics are suddenly transforming into gnarly killing machines. Likewise his crush Laura is regarded as extraordinary because she's pretty, popular, and into computers while being a girl. There's admittedly a self-awareness in other characters pointing out this supposed dissonance, but Y2K doesn't go any deeper into Laura's personality. So the jokes at her expense are more a lampshade of the issue rather than challenging it. 

Where the teen comedy aspect comes alive is in Danny as the charismatic wild card bestie, Franco as a rock-rap-loving bully, and Lachlan Watson as a surly alt chick. But sadly, the script sidelines them for way too much of the movie. While Zegler has undeniable screen presence, Martell offers a blank stare for much of the movie that just squashes its emotional pull. The frantic action and spurts of bright-red blood helps revive the movie's chaotic energy, but you might wish that Dennison had been given more to do here. The New Zealand actor is a dynamo, and it’s a shame to see him shunted to the side in a quirky bestie role. 

As a first watch, Y2K is a lot of fun. Its teen cast overall has terrific energy, and a supporting cast that includes Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, and Mooney — as a burnout video store clerk — brings welcomed microdoses of weirdness. The celebration of all things '00s is undeniably charming, even if used superficially. Jokes come fast and frantic, so even if some don't land, there's plenty of laughs to be had. But on reflection, the movie suffers under its lack of emotional depth. This is a solid stoner comedy, gleefully dumb and unapologetically wacky. But as a teen comedy, Y2K lacks the emotional awareness of classics like Clueless, the original Mean Girls, or Superbad. 

In short, Y2K is a good time, but falls short of greatness. 

Y2K was reviewed out of the world premiere at SXSW.

$150 OFF: Score the Dyson Outsize for just $449.99 (originally $599.99) at Amazon. Get 25% or $150 off this powerful vacuum cleaner.

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The clocks have sprung forward, the days are (slowly) getting longer, and the official start of spring is just around the corner. For many, this season marks a time of rebirth — for their wardrobes, homes, and overall well-being. For others, it just means we've lost an hour of sleep.

No matter how you feel about the changing seasons, one thing is for sure: there's never a bad time to get a great deal on a Dyson vacuum cleaner. As of March 11, you can score a Dyson Outsize cordless vacuum for $449.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount or $150 off the original price.

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

This is a limited-time deal, so now's the perfect opportunity to upgrade your cleaning arsenal and tackle the dust bunnies and cobwebs that have accumulated during winter.

The Dyson Outsize is lightweight at 7.9 pounds and is specifically designed with a larger bin and a wider cleaning head (150% larger bin and 25% wider cleaner head than the Dyson V11) to cover more ground in less time. With 60 minutes of runtime, you can probably clean your entire house in one go without recharging (though that'll really depend on the square footage of your home).

It also comes with four Dyson accessories, including a hair screw tool for removing stubborn pet hair and a crevice tool for reaching those hard-to-reach corners.

When the MSI Claw was revealed earlier this year at CES 2024, it left us wondering: Could this new handheld gaming console give the Valve Steam Deck a run for its money? As of today, Mar. 11, shoppers can finally order their own MSI Claw at Best Buy and MSI to find out for themselves.

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The new MSI Claw is listed for $699.99, which is $50.99 more than the Steam Deck 1TB OLED. While the MSI Claw hasn't had its turn yet in the Mashable lab, there are plenty of reasons why we're speculating big things from the new handheld PC gaming console, one of the foremost being that it's the first AI-powered gaming console to hit the market.

The MSI Claw is powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor, utilizing Intel Xess technology to generate AI algorithms that increase the console's frames per second (FPS). "If this is true, the Claw should play triple-A games seamlessly and efficiently on the MSI handheld gaming PC," writes Mashable's Kimberly Gideon.

The MSI Claw also boasts an ergonomic design, built to fit the contours of your hand and support your grip while you play. MSI claims this ergonomic support "provides an intuitive gaming experience for hands of all sizes."

Other features include a 53Whr battery life and Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology that controls airflow to keep the console cool in your hands. Together, these promise the possibility of keeping you playing more comfortably—and for longer.

MSI Claw orders will ship from Best Buy by Apr. 4. Meanwhile, it appears that orders placed through MSI directly are shipping immediately. Secure your MSI Claw from either outlet today, Mar. 11 to experience the future of handheld gaming for yourself.

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 March 11 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 11

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 11, 2024:

Across"I'll return soon," in texting shorthand

• The answer is BRB.

"Sauer" condiment

• The answer is kraut.

Muppet with a long, hooked beak

• The answer is Gonzo.

Drunken, as a brunch

• The answer is boozy.

Letters beside Chuck Schumer's name

• The answer is DNY.

DownSulk

• The answer is brood.

Used as a campaign talking point

• The answer is ranon.

Like happening restaurants

• The answer is buzzy.

Cold War counterpart of the C.I.A.

• The answer is KGB.

Happy Meal inclusion

• The answer is toy.

Running is one of the most demanding ways to stay in shape. Running is hard, and that's a fact. But running improves heart health, cardiovascular fitness, and muscular strength. It also reduces stress and mental health fatigue. To get the benefits, you need to put the work in. But you can’t put the work in without the right gear.

What you need to get you there — quite literally — is a pair of great running shoes. You can’t pull on any old trainers and expect to run a marathon or smash your personal best. In fact, hitting the track with shoes that aren’t purpose built for running will only make it harder. And they could even hamper you with injuries.

The first thing you'll notice when shopping for running shoes is just how many options there are. It can be totally overwhelming. That's why we're here to help. We’ve put in the legwork and condensed all the essential information and options below.

What are the best running shoe brands?

You're likely to come across a lot of big names, like Adidas and Nike. These brands have a wide range of running shoes for every budget, with some exceptional examples that make the cut in this roundup. We've also included running shoes from specialist brands such as Hoka and Saucony. There's something for everyone.

What are neutral running shoes?

If you’re new to running — or even just a casual runner — you might not be aware of the technical jargon. Neutral running shoes are for runners who have a neutral gait — which means they don’t overpronate when they run. A neutral running gait means the outside heel of the foot makes the first contact with the ground and heel then smoothly rolls in, so the rest of the foot makes contact with the ground. The foot then pushes off with all the toes at once. Roughly half of all runners have a neutral running style and most running shoes, unless stated otherwise, tend to be neutral.

What is overpronation?

This is when you roll your foot inward, meaning your feet are never entirely flat on the ground. The inside of the foot touches the ground and they push off with the big toes. It’s also possible to underpronate, where the outer foot makes contact. If you’re prone to pronation, look at getting a pair of stability running shoes. These are designed to give support and offset pronation. They improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

What are the most important features in running shoes?

There are lots of factors to consider before buying a pair of running shoes — all of which will determine the kinds of features you need. For instance, what surface will you be running on? What kinds of distances will you be taking on? Does your gait require something more specialist? Some basic features to look out for include:

• The midsole — This is built into the sole and provides cushioning and shock absorption.

• The upper — The top section of the shoe. It's typically made out of high-performance mesh to keep air circulating around your feet.

• The heel counter — This is the moulding at the back of the shoe that keeps your foot secured.

• The medial post — A stabilising mechanism found in stability shoes.

• The toe box — The bit where you toes go, of course.

We're not expecting you to thoroughly investigate every shoe on the market. But it's useful to have these things in mind when making your selection.

What are the best running shoes?

We'll level with you: There isn't an objectively superior running shoe that we're going to recommend above all the others. Everyone is different, with a different set of requirements and preferences. To find a running shoe that works for you, it's important to properly consider the fit, support, style, and of course, price. The options highlighted below should be a good place to start. So, on your marks....

These are the best running shoes in 2024.

With Messi, beloved canine star of Anatomy of a Fall, changing his mind to not attend the ceremony, the 96th Annual Academy Awards had more than a few big moments between wins — from nude presentations to shock snubs. Perhaps you missed the Oscars on Sunday night, choosing instead to snooze through it and catch up on all the winners and notable acceptance speeches at a more today-based time.

But that's what we're here for, the nerdos who bring you every moment, the ones your mates will be pulling a "I can't beeeeliiiieeeve that happened" on the group chat today. In terms of the gold, Oppenheimer scored seven awards including Best Picture, while Poor Things took home four awards, and Killers of the Flower Moon shockingly received none. You can see all the Oscar winners in one big list here.

SEE ALSO: Watch Da'Vine Joy Randolph win an Oscar for 'The Holdovers'

But this is Hollywood, so there were more than a few moments between the awards that everyone's talking about, from Ryan Gosling absolutely obliterating the Oscars stage with a Barbie favourite to Jimmy Kimmel's Trump roast. Here's some of the major Oscars moments beyond the awards:

1. Celebs wearing red pins

Oscars attendees wore red pins in support of Palestine amid a ceasefire protest outside the Dolby Theatre. Here's Mashable's bigger explainer on the whole thing.

2. John Mulaney's Field of Dreams bit

Presenting the award for Best Sound, comedian John Mulaney TL;DRed the plot of Field of Dreams, proving he should have hosted.

3. Ryan Gosling performing Barbie's "I'm Just Ken"

It was pure Kenergy.

Featured Video For You The Oscars 2024: All the Winners 4. John Cena presenting in the nude

The Ricky Stanicky star presented the award for Best Costume Design in his birthday suit.

5. Jimmy Kimmel clapping back at Donald Trump

"Isn't it past your jail time?"

6. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt bringing their Barbenheimer beef to the Oscars stage

The cinema beef of 2023 hit the main stage.

7. Killers of the Flower Moon getting no Oscars?

Here's who did win, but like, whaaaat?

Apple's AirPods Pro might soon help you hear better, new report claims.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via 9to5Mac), the AirPods Pro won't get any hardware changes in 2024. But that doesn't mean there will be no updates for Apple's top-of-the-line earbuds.

The big news this year, Gurman claims, will be a "hearing aid" feature, which should launch alongside iOS 18.

There are no details on what this feature might be like, though it's worth noting that Apple's AirPods Pro already have a few features that enhance your hearing. A feature called Conversation Boost, available in the iPhone's Accessibility settings, lets you focus on the person talking in front of you. Another feature called Live Listen uses your iPhone or iPad as a microphone that helps you hear someone speaking clearly in a noisy environment while wearing AirPods or AirPods Pro.

SEE ALSO: Apple to let iPhone users delete Safari, easily transition to Android

Previous reports say that Apple's iOS 18, likely to roll out this fall alongside the iPhone 16, will be a massive upgrade, with big AI-related changes, as well as support for the RCS messaging standard, new accessibility settings, and a new 'Categories' section for Live Speech, among other features.