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TL;DR: Through March 17, get this Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro bundle for $79.97 and save 80%.

We are all looking for ways to streamline our lives. If you need to upgrade your computer, All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2021 lifetime license for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for $79.97, which is hundreds less than the combined regular prices.

This bundle can give lagging computers a shining new upgrade. Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 were made to work together seamlessly, which means the flow should be optimal. Office doesn't come with recurring fees or monthly payments like Microsoft 365 does. You pay once, and you don't have to pay again.

The Windows 11 Pro is the latest OS from Windows, with a bunch of updates. It has updated security enhancements like BitLocker encryption, Microsoft Information Protection integration, biometrics login, and more. There have also been updates to Windows Studio Effects, as well as touchscreen capabilities. You also get updates going forward.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows is a lifetime license for one PC with instant delivery and download. It allows you to utilize Microsoft's most popular apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more.

Transform the way you work, create, and collaborate with this powerful combination of essential productivity tools and the latest operating system.

Grab the Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro bundle for a one-time payment of $79.97 when you order by March 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $79.97 at the Mashable Shop
$418.99 Save $339.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through March 17, save hundreds on OneAir Elite Plan and get it for just $79.97 — the best price online. Discover savings on fights, hotels, rental cars, and more.

With spring just a few days away, it’s already time to start booking your summer travel plans. However, with a recent Squaremouth report sharing record levels of travel spending, you might run into some wallet-related hassles. If you want to get more bang for your travel bucks, you might want to try OneAir.

It’s an AI-powered travel app that helps you find better prices on airfare, hotels, activities, and more. You can even start with the lowest-on-web price for a lifetime subscription right here, just $79.97 (reg. $790) through March 17.

Unlock a lifetime of travel savings with OneAir

OneAir thinks you could save up to 40%-90% on flights from your home airports, and getting started is super simple. Just add up to ten departing locations and any specific destinations you want to visit, and OneAir’s AI engine will scan and track millions of fares in real-time to alert you with some of the greatest deals on economy, premium, business, and first-class flights.

Unlike other travel deal finders, OneAir allows you to book flights right on the iOS, Android, or web app without being redirected to other sites. Plus, every listed price you see is all-inclusive with no additional costs or fees.

Your new one-stop shop for vacation planning

After finding a discounted flight, you can use OneAir to explore deals on hotels and resorts, rental cars, and activities. You could find up to 60% off a place to stay and get a wholesale price on seeing the sights, visiting theme parks, or dining around town.

OneAir also provides 24/7 support for any stage of planning your trip. Unlike the AI-powered deal finder, the support is from real people.

Book your summer travel plans for less with a OneAir Elite Plan lifetime subscription for $79.97 (reg. $790) until March 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: OneAir OneAir Elite Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Save Big on Flights, Hotels & More) $79.97 at the Mashable Shop
$790.00 Save $710.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through March 17, this refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny Core desktop has 256GB SSD and is just $189.99 (reg. $349).

Of course, we know how convenient portable computers can be. But, sometimes, a powerful desktop setup is really what you need.

If you need to outfit your home office with a setup to keep up with your daily grind and evening gaming sessions, a refurbished desktop could save you some money while providing the services you need. This refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 Tiny Core desktop is on sale for $189.99 and has excellent specs that might fit the bill.

While it may be a refurbished 2015 model, it comes with a grade "A" refurbished rating. This means that it should arrive to you in near-mint condition with minimal, if any, cosmetic marks.

With 16GB RAM and a powerful 2.2GHz Intel Core i5-6400T processor, you'll be able to multitask with ease. And the 256GB SSD allows you to store a lot locally without having to rely on the cloud or a separate external drive.

This tiny desktop doesn't take up much room, so it could be an asset if you have a small space. It comes with Windows 10 Pro, which can easily integrate with other Microsoft software. It also includes a keyboard, mouse, Wi-Fi dongle, and AC adapter.

This refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny Core desktop has 256GB SSD and is just $189.99 (reg. $349) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 Core i5-6500T, 16GB RAM 256GB SSD - Black (Refurbished) $189.99 at the Mashable Shop
$349.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

Quick links for watching 'Invincible' Season 2 on Amazon Prime Video: BEST FOR NEW USERS Amazon Prime trial free for 30 days, then $14.99 per month Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Amazon Prime Student 6-month free trial, then $69 per year Get Deal BEST FOR EVERYONE ELSE Amazon Prime Video $8.99 per month Get Deal

It's been a long time coming, but the second half of Invincible Season 2 has finally arrived.

After the brilliantly bloody first season, fans eagerly awaited another installment of the animated adaptation of Robert Kirkman's comics. In November, the first four episodes of Season 2 (Part 1) were released, leaving fans hanging for the last four until further notice. Well, here's your notice: Season 2, Part 2 starts streaming on March 14.

Season 2 picks up with rookie superhero Mark Grayson (aka Invincible) reeling in the wake of his father Nolan's (aka Omni-Man's) betrayal. Mark focuses on rebuilding his life — and finishing high school — in the face of more training, new threats, and inevitably, more bloodshed. Considering the comic spanned from January 2003 to February 2018 with nearly 150 issues, there's plenty of source material to draw from for Season 2 and beyond.

Judging by the trailer, the second half of the season promises plenty more carnage. Here's a glimpse:

When is Invincible Season 2 coming out?

Invincible seasons 2 and 3 were greenlit back in April 2021, but delays largely due to COVID shutdowns caused a bit of a struggle in getting the next installments out to fans. Nearly three years after the first season debuted, Season 2, Part 1 dropped last year. The final four episodes promised to arrive in early 2024, and that exact date has finally been announced. Audiences can tune into Invincible Season 2, Part 2 starting on Thursday, March 14. New episodes drop weekly until the finale on April 4.

What streaming service is Invincible on?

Sorry, Netflix users. Invincible is a Prime Video original series, thus it can only be watched on Amazon's streaming service. If you're already an Amazon Prime subscriber, you're good to go — just sign into your account, navigate to Prime Video and the first episode of Season 2, Part 2 will be waiting for you starting March 14. If not, we've got you covered with the best ways to save money on a subscription.

Can I get Amazon Prime Video for free?

The million-dollar question we all want the answer to: how can you watch Invincible Season 2 for free? I'm happy to tell you that there is a way. But unfortunately, you can only take advantage of it if you haven't been a Prime user in over a year (or ever). Otherwise, you can score a discounted subscription if you're a student (or still have access to a .edu email address) or simply subscribe to Prime Video only (not a full Prime subscription) to save some money. We've unraveled all the details for you below.

Best for newbies: Amazon Prime free trial Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime membership trial Free 30-day trial, then $14.99 per month Get Deal

In a time where free trials are disappearing left and right, it's refreshing to know that Amazon still offers a 30-day trial of its Prime membership to new and returning users. If you've never subscribed to Prime in the past or you canceled or paused your membership over a year ago, you can take advantage of the free month of service. You'll get all of the Prime perks a paid member gets for those 30 days — including access to Prime Video to watch Invincible seasons 1 and 2 — despite not paying a cent. Just be sure to cancel your trial before the 30 days are up if you want to avoid charges.

Best for students: Amazon Prime Student Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Student 6-month free trial, then $69 per year Get Deal

Students with an active .edu email address can score the mother of all deals on Prime by subscribing to an Amazon Prime Student account. You'll get your first six months completely free, which gives you access to not only Prime Video, but also plenty of other goodies like free food delivery through GrubHub+, a free three-month trial of Calm, discounted Amazon Music and Kindle subscriptions, as well as the usual Prime perks. After your six free months, it'll only cost you $69/year (reg. $139/year) — that's 50% in savings — so long as you keep your student status. Cancel any time. The best part about the six-month trial is that you'll be able to watch parts 1 and 2 of Invincible Season 2 for free.

Best for everyone else: Prime Video only Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video subscription $8.99 per month Get Deal

What most people probably don't realize is that you can subscribe to Prime Video without subscribing to Amazon Prime. For those who aren't eligible for the free trial, this is your best bet for saving some money and watching Invincible Season 2. Rather than paying $14.99/month for Prime, you can sign up for a month of Prime Video only for just $8.99. That saves you $6 per month, which definitely adds up. Plus, you can cancel at any time with no commitment. This won't necessarily save you money, but it'll keep you from wasting it once the season is over.

NASA has proposed sci-fi plans to potentially shut down a supervolcano — should one show signs of an imminent eruption.

But such a geologic scheme might not ever be necessary. In new research from NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia University, scientists found that the most powerful scale of eruption — which emits a mind-boggling amount of material into the atmosphere — would probably not plunge Earth into a deep, cold volcanic winter.

Indeed, the prodigious gasses and ash blasted into the sky by a "super-eruption," which erupts over 240 cubic miles (1,000 cubic kilometers) of magma, would inevitably block some sunlight and have a cooling impact. It just likely wouldn't be devastating to life globally, according to this latest research.

"The relatively modest temperature changes we found most compatible with the evidence could explain why no single super-eruption has produced firm evidence of global-scale catastrophe for humans or ecosystems," Zachary McGraw, the study's lead author and a researcher at NASA GISS and Columbia University, said in a statement. The research was recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Climate.

SEE ALSO: Why so many volcanoes seem to be erupting right now

For reference, the infamous 1980 U.S. eruption of Mount St. Helens — which was so potent that it completely blacked out sunlight in Spokane, Washington, located 250 miles away — released 0.67 cubic miles of volcanic rock. While impressive, that's a pittance compared to a super-eruption.

Of course, it's (thankfully) impossible for earth scientists to analyze a recent super-eruption. They are rare. The last such event happened over 22,000 years ago at Taupo in modern-day New Zealand. Yellowstone, in the U.S., is widely known for its super-eruption abilities, too: Some Yellowstone eruptions over the past few million years created layers of volcanic lava rock over 1,300 feet (400 meters) thick.

How a volcano super-eruption will impact Earth

Lacking direct observation of such a blast, scientists use computers to simulate how the mega-event would impact our planet. The key ingredient in prolonged volcanic cooling isn't ash, which is actually tiny fragments of volcanic rock: It's sulfur dioxide gas from volcanoes that condenses into liquid sulfate particles. Once high in the sky in Earth's stratosphere (some six to 30 miles up), sulfur dioxide reacts with atmospheric molecules to produce droplets that can linger for a year or more. And when sunlight hits these droplets, energy is reflected back into space, depriving our planet of substantial amounts of sunlight.

NASA's research simulated how this gas, ejected into the stratosphere during a super-eruption, would impact temperatures on Earth's surface.

A visualization showing the scale of different eruptions. The orange circles show super-eruptions; the Mount St. Helens eruption is a small green circle on the left. Credit: USGS The two expansive regions within the dotted lines show where ash beds formed from two super-eruptions from the Yellowstone Plateau region over the past few million years. Credit: USGS

Dramatic cooling could devastate crops, plant life, and many ecosystems. Yet the simulations showed that although some cooling would occur, it wouldn't stoke temperature changes much more than the largest eruptions in modern history.

"Generally, you always think about volcanoes cooling. But this study says there's a limit to that," Valentina Aquila, an atmospheric scientist at American University who researches the impacts of volcanism, told Mashable. Aquila had no role in the new super-eruption research.

There's a limit to the cooling because a super-eruption will blast an enormous volume of particles into the atmosphere. But once there, they amass together. Crucially, the larger particles are less efficient at reflecting sunlight compared to smaller particles — because there's less surface area for sunlight to reflect off of, Aquila explained. What's more, the larger droplets fall more quickly from the sky.

But that's not all. The sulfur particles also trap heat radiating off Earth — similar to the greenhouse gasses currently driving climate change. So while some solar radiation is being blocked, radiation emanating from our planet is also being absorbed, which causes a temporary warming effect.

"You get these two counteracting effects," McGraw told Mashable.

In 1991, the dramatic Mount Pinatubo eruption (not nearly a super-eruption) ejected some 15 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, driving global temperatures down by around half a degree Fahrenheit (some 0.3 degrees Celsius) for two years. This research suggests that an eruption hundreds of times bigger may temporarily cause some 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) of cooling.

Tweet may have been deleted

Of course, the impacts of a super-eruption would still be devastating regionally. "A super-eruption would cause massive problems near the eruption site," McGraw said.

Around Yellowstone, parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho would get pummeled with extremely hot flows of rock, ash, and gas, called pyroclastic flows, the U.S Geologic survey explained. Mass evacuations would be needed to avoid massive casualties. Closer to the eruption, day would turn to night. Ashfall would spread over a huge swathe of the U.S.

"A super-eruption would cause massive problems near the eruption site."

But humanity would not be imperiled.

"We can be confident of this because there have been two massive explosions while humans were present on Earth, and both of these were actually larger than Yellowstone's most recent cataclysmic eruption," the Geologic Survey said. "These eruptions were from Toba, Indonesia, about 74,000 years ago and from Taupo, New Zealand, about 26,500 years ago."

Volcanologists don't see any imminent super-eruptions on the horizon. But, thankfully, the volcanoes will show signs well before the event. We'll have plenty of warning.

This story has been updated with more information about super-eruptions.

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 12 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 12

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 12, 2024:

AcrossFair ___ (copyright principle)

• The answer is use.

¢¢¢

• The answer is cents.

Misbehave

• The answer is actup.

A little suspicious

• The answer is shady.

Ball ___ (poor passer)

• The answer is hog.

DownNo longer identify on social media

• The answer is untag.

Hot guy

• The answer is stud.

Sports award like Best Upset or Best Team

• The answer is Espy.

$$$

• The answer is cash.

Something a bat listens for while flying

• The answer is echo.

TL;DR: Watch Arsenal vs. FC Porto for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It doesn't get any bigger than the Champions League. So even though Arsenal are involved in an incredibly tense battle for the Premier League, they will be totally focused on FC Porto this week. Arsenal need to recover from a disappointing defeat in the first leg, so a big performance is needed from Arteta's team.

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

When is Arsenal vs. FC Porto?

Arsenal vs. FC Porto kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on March 12 at the Emirates Stadium in London, UK.

How to watch Arsenal vs. FC Porto for free

Fans can watch select Champions League fixtures for free on RTÉ Player. This free schedule includes the fixture between Arsenal and FC Porto, with coverage starting from 7:30 p.m. GMT on March 12.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Ireland, so you can access RTÉ Player from anywhere in the world.

Unblock RTÉ Player by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit RTÉ Player

5. Stream Arsenal vs. FC Porto in the Champions League for free

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

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

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

• Servers in 94 countries including Ireland

• 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 five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Arsenal vs. FC Porto for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro bundle is on sale for £62.26, saving you 80% on list price.

If your computer is starting to lag or underperform, it may be time to upgrade your software. This bundle of a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro was designed to help optimise performance and better manage your data. 

Microsoft Office 2021 Pro is the ultimate app suite for professionals of all trades. It includes Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (Free version only), OneNote, Publisher, and Access. The suite has all of the latest features, tools, and customizations — perfect for creatives and accountants alike. 

SEE ALSO: A lifetime subscription to an AdGuard Family Plan is on sale for under £25

Windows 11 has a new interface with snap layouts, desktops, and redocking. This innovative OS was created so users can work seamlessly from anywhere. The biometrics login has encrypted authentication and antivirus defenses for extra security. You’ll appreciate the convenience of the “wake and lock” feature that automatically wakes up when you approach and locks when you leave.

The setup is user-friendly and is simplified for a new or existing computer with its advanced operating system and productivity suite. Unlike Microsoft 365, this bundle is a one-time purchase and has no subscription fees. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a link in your email for instant download. Should you ever have a question, you’ll also get access to free customer service. 

The touchscreen option offers a mouse-less or keyboard-less experience for quicker navigation. This bundle might even help increase your productivity so you can start checking off that to-do list faster.

Grab this Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro bundle for £62.26. No coupon is needed. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle £62.26 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Professional relationships, like all interpersonal connections, tend to form between people who are similar. But to truly grow, it’s important to build a network that isn’t only made up of people just like you. Here’s how to broaden and diversify your internal network. Look beyond “chemistry.” Don’t wait for connections to naturally pop up. Adopt […]

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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.