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TL;DR: Through April 21, save 57% when you get a lifetime subscription to the IdeaAize All-in-One AI Tool Business Plan for just $169.99.

If you own a small business, paying staff for individual roles might not be in the financial cards for you just yet. However, you can't do it all alone. While AI tools have their place, you might need to rely on more than one artificial intelligence platform to get the job done, which isn't very efficient. That's why you may be interested in this offer on the IdeaAize All-in-One AI Tool.

IdeaAize was designed to streamline your workflow and do the job of five AI platforms. A lifetime subscription to the IdeaAize Business Plan is also on sale for just $169.99 (reg. $399) for a limited time.

You can think of IdeaAize as an assistant that can support all of your business efforts. Offering a suite of AI-powered features, from market analysis and data interpretation to automated content creation and customer service enhancements, IdeaAize is designed to support many aspects of your operations.

This tool features a dashboard as your home base of sorts. From there, you can do things like generate text for your next blog post and have it create a professional-looking image to accompany it. You also get the capabilities to convert speech to text and text to speech, create voiceovers for your marketing and social content that sound like real humans, and build smart chatbots to help support your website.

This tool also allows you to streamline and simplify coding tasks and offers templates to simplify things. The Business Plan gets you lifetime access on one device. You'll also have access to around-the-clock customer support.

See how this AI multi-tool can help you become more efficient and more productive.

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Opens in a new window Credit: IdeaAiez IdeaAize All-in-One AI Tool: Lifetime Subscription (Business Plan) $169.99 at the Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: Through April 21, get lifetime access to microbook summaries of popular non-fiction titles with the 12min Premium Plan for just $34.99.

Finding time for personal development and learning can be a challenge in the hustle and bustle of life. The 12min app offers a groundbreaking solution: a collection of microbooks in text and audio form that you can read in just 12 minutes. A lifetime subscription to the 12min Premium Plan is on sale for just $34.99.

This app breaks down the key aspects of over 2,500 nonfiction titles into summaries that you can fit into about twelve minutes. These condensed versions, called microbooks, are available to 12min subscribers in text or audio form. That means you can get your microbook to read while riding on the train or behind the wheel, or even organizing your closet.

There are twenty-four categories to choose from, including science and tech, personal development, and more. You can even request titles that you'd like summarized, and the pros at 12min will oblige, giving you a shortened microbook version with all the key insights and ideas. That means you can start crossing some titles off your must-read list or go on to pick up the full book version if you really enjoy the microbook.

You'll receive daily recommendations and, at the end of each microbook, have the choice to take a short quiz. You can even use 12min with or without an internet connection, which is convenient for travelers.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: 12min 12min Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription $34.99 at the Mashable Shop
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We don’t know how we feel about AI.

Since ChatGPT was released in 2022, the generative AI frenzy has stoked simultaneous fear and hype, leaving the public even more unsure of what to believe.

According to Edelman's annual trust barometer report, Americans have become less trustworthy of tech year over year. A large majority of Americans want transparency and guardrails around the use of AI — but not everyone has even used the tools. People under 40 and college-educated Americans are more aware and more likely to use generative AI, according to a June national poll from BlueLabs reported by Axios. Of course, optimism also falls along political lines: The BlueLabs poll found one in three Republicans believe AI is negatively impacting daily life, compared to one in five Democrats. An Ipsos poll from April came to similar conclusions. 

SEE ALSO: I spent a week using AI tools in my daily life. Here's how it went.

Whether you trust it or not, there is not much of a debate as to whether AI has the potential to be a powerful tool. President Vladimir Putin told Russian students on their first day of school in 2017 that whoever leads the AI race would become the "ruler of the world." Elon Musk quote-tweeted a Verge article that included Putin’s quote, and added that "competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo." That was six years ago.

These discussions all drive one imperative question: Is AI good or bad?

It's an important question, but the answer is more complicated than "yes" or "no." There are ways generative AI is used that are promising, could increase efficiency, and could solve some of society's woes. But there are also ways generative AI can be used that are dark, even sinister, and have the potential to increase the wealth gap, destroy jobs, and spread misinformation. 

Ultimately, whether AI is good or bad depends on how it's used and by whom. 

Positive uses of generative AI

The big positive for AI that Big Tech promises is efficiency. AI can automate repetitive tasks in fields like data entry and processing, customer service, inventory management, data analysis, social media management, financial analysis, language translation, content generation, personal assistants, virtual learning, email sorting and filtering, and supply chain optimization, making tedious tasks a bit easier for workers.

You can use AI to make a workout plan or help create a travel itinerary. Some professors use it to clean up their work. For instance, Gloria Washington, an Assistant Professor at Howard University and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, uses ChatGPT as a tool to make her life easier where she can. She told Mashable that she uses ChatGPT for two main reasons: to find information quickly and to work differently as an educator. 

"If I am writing an email and I want to appear as if I really know what I'm talking about… I'll run it through ChatGPT to give me some quick little hints and tips on how to improve the way that I say the information in the email or the communication in general," Washington said. "Or if I'm giving a speech, [I'll ask ChatGPT for help with] something really quick that I can easily incorporate into my talking points."

As an educator, it's revolutionizing how she approaches giving homework assignments. She also encourages students to use ChatGPT to help with emails and coding languages. But it's still a relatively new technology, and you can tell. While 80 percent of teachers said they received "formal training about generative AI use policies and procedures," only 28 percent of teachers said "that they have received guidance about how to respond if they suspect a student has used generative AI in ways that are not allowed, such as plagiarism," according to research from the Center for Democracy & Technology.

"In our research last school year, we saw schools struggling to adopt policies surrounding the use of generative AI, and are heartened to see big gains since then," the President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, Alexandra Reeve Givens, said in a press release. "But the biggest risks of this technology being used in schools are going unaddressed, due to gaps in training and guidance to educators on the responsible use of generative AI and related detection tools. As a result, teachers remain distrustful of students, and more students are getting in trouble."

AI can improve efficiency and reduce human error in manufacturing, logistics, and customer service industries. It can accelerate scientific research by analyzing large datasets, simulating complex systems, and aiding in data-driven discoveries. It can be used to optimize resource consumption, monitor pollution, and develop sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. AI-powered tools can enhance personalized learning experiences and make education more accessible to a broader range of individuals. AI has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnoses, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans.

The positives are undeniable, but that doesn't mean the negatives are worth ignoring, Camille Carlton, a senior policy manager at the Center for Humane Technology, told Mashable.

"I don't think that these potential future benefits should be driving our decisions to not pay attention and put up guardrails around these technologies today," she said. "Because the potential for these technologies to increase inequality, to increase polarization, to continue to [affect the deterioration of our] mental health, [and] increase systemic bias, are all very real and they're all happening right now."

Negative aspects of generative AI

You might consider anyone who fears negative aspects of generative AI to be a Luddite, and maybe they are — but in a more literal sense than how the word is carried today. Luddites were a group of English workers in the early 1800s who destroyed automated textile manufacturing machines — not because they feared the technology, but because there was nothing in place to ensure their jobs were safe from replacement by the tech. Beyond this, they weren't just economically precarious — they were starving at the hands of the machines. Now, of course, the word is used to derogatorily describe a person who fears or avoids new technology simply because it is new technology.

In reality, there are loads of questionable use cases for generative AI. When we consider healthcare, for instance, there are too many variables to worry about before we can trust AI with our physical and mental well-being. AI can automate repetitive tasks like healthcare diagnostics by analyzing medical images via X-rays and MRIs to help diagnose diseases and identify abnormalities — which can be good, but the majority of Americans are concerned about the increased use of AI in healthcare, according to a survey from Morning Consult. Their fear is reasonable: Training data in medicine is often incomplete, biased, or inaccurate, and the technology is only as good as the data it has, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses, treatment recommendations, or research conclusions. Moreover, medical training data is often not representative of diverse populations which could result in unequal access to accurate diagnoses and treatments — particularly for patients of color.

Generative AI models don't understand medical nuance, can't provide any kind of solid bedside manner, lack accountability, and can be misinterpreted by medical professionals. And it becomes far more difficult to ensure patient privacy when data is being passed through AI, obtaining informed consent, and preventing the misuse of generated content become critical issues.

"The public views it as something that whatever it spits out is like God," Washington said. "And unfortunately it is not true." Washington points out that most generative AI models are created by collecting information from the internet — and not everything on the internet is accurate or free from bias.

The automation potential of AI could also lead to unemployment and economic inequality. In March, Goldman Sachs predicted that AI could eventually replace 300 million full-time jobs globally, affecting nearly one-fifth of employment. AI eliminated nearly 4,000 jobs in May 2023 and more than one-third of business leaders say AI replaced workers last year, according to CNBC. This has led unions in creative industries, like SAG-AFTRA, to fight for more comprehensive protection against AI. OpenAI's new AI video generator Sora makes the threat of job replacement even more real for creative industries with its ability to generate photorealistic videos from a simple prompt.

SEE ALSO: SAG-AFTRA wins AI music protections in new deal

"If we do get to a place where we can find a cure for cancer with AI, does that happen before inequality is so terrible that we have complete social unrest?" Carlton questioned. "Does it happen after polarization continues to increase? Does it happen after we see more democratic decline?"

We don't know. The fear with AI isn't necessarily that the sci-fi movie iRobot will become some kind of documentary, but more that the people who choose to use it might not have the best intentions — or even know the repercussions of their own work.

"This idea that artificial intelligence is going to progress to a point where humans don’t have any work to do or don’t have any purpose has never resonated with me," Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, which launched ChatGPT, said last year. "There will be some people who choose not to work, and I think that’s great. I think that should be a valid choice, and there are a lot of other ways to find meaning in life. But I’ve never seen convincing evidence that what we do with better tools is to work less."

A few more questionable use cases for AI include the following: It can be used for invasive surveillance, data mining, and profiling, posing risks to individual privacy and civil liberties; if not carefully developed, AI systems can inherit biases from their training data, leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice; AI can raise ethical questions, such as the potential for autonomous weapons, decision-making in critical situations, and the rights of AI entities; over-reliance on AI systems could lead to a loss of human control and decision-making, potentially impacting society's ability to understand and address complex issues.

And then there's the disinformation. Don't take my word for it — Altman fears that, too.

"I'm particularly worried that these models could be used for large-scale disinformation," Altman said. "Now that they're getting better at writing computer code, [they] could be used for offensive cyberattacks." For instance, consider the AI voice-generated robocalls created to sound like President Joe Biden.

Generative AI is great at creating misinformation, University of Washington professor Kate Starbird told Axios. The MIT Technology Review even reported that humans are more likely to believe disinformation generated by AI than by other humans.

"Generative AI creates content that sounds reasonable and plausible, but has little regard for accuracy," Starbird said. "In other words, it functions as a [bullshit] generator." Indeed, some studies show AI-generated misinformation to be even more persuasive than false content created by humans.

What does this mean?

"Instead of asking this question about net good or net bad…what is more beneficial for all of us to be asking is, good how?" Carlton said. "What are the costs of these systems to get us to the better place we're trying to get to? And good for who, who is going to experience this better place? How are the benefits going to be distributed to [those] left behind? When do these benefits show up? Do they show up after [the] harms have already happened — a society with worse mental health, worse polarization? And does the direction that we're going in reflect our values? Are we creating the world that we want to live in?"

Governments have caught on to AI's risks and created regulations to mitigate harms. The European Parliament passed a sweeping "AI Act" to protect against high-risk AI applications, and the Biden Administration signed an executive order to address AI concerns in cybersecurity and biometrics.

SEE ALSO: The White House knows the risks of AI being used by federal agencies. Here's how they're handling it.

Generative AI is part of our innate interest in growth and progress, moving ahead as fast as possible in a race to be bigger, better, and more technologically advanced than our neighbors. As Donella Meadows, the environmental scientist and educator who wrote The Limits to Growth and Thinking In Systems: A Primer asks, Why?

"Growth is one of the stupidest purposes ever invented by any culture; we’ve got to have an 'enough,'" Meadows said. "We should always ask 'growth of what, and why, and for whom, and who pays the cost, and how long can it last, and what’s the cost to the planet, and how much is enough?'"

The entire point of generative AI is to recreate human intelligence. But who is deciding that standard? Usually, that answer is wealthy, white elites. And who decided that a lack of human intelligence is a problem at all? Perhaps we need more empathy — something AI can’t compute.

There is nothing quite as thrilling as logging into your Netflix account on a new device.

Airbnb has a smart TV? Log me the heck in. Friend doesn't have an account and I need to yell about Bridgerton? PASS THE REMOTE, BABY. Add it to the iPad, the phone, the game systems... but while taking the joy of Netflix everywhere is a blessing for which we are grateful, there comes a time when everyone must log out to protect their account. That can be a little confusing.

Here's how to do it no matter which device you're using.

SEE ALSO: The 15 best new shows on Netflix How to log out of Netflix on your browser

This one is the easiest, but at this point it's probably where you use Netflix the least.

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Netflix account
• Web browser

Step 1: Open Netflix in your browser.

Step 2: Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Proma Khosla

Step 3: Select "Sign Out of Netflix" from the dropdown.

In-browser Netflix is also the only place you'll find the essential time-saving option of signing out of all your Netflix-connected devices at once. A crucial security feature that kicks everyone using an account back to the sign-in prompt with one click.

Just click "Account" in that same drop-down menu as above and you'll see a "Sign out of all devices" link listed under the Settings section on the next page.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable How to log out of Netflix on tablets and mobile devices

Signing in and out of Netflix on mobile is easy, and follows much of the same steps as doing so on your browser.

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Netflix account
• Smartphone or tablet

Step 1: Open the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet.

Step 2: Click your profile icon to sign in, then click it again in the app.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Netflix

Step 3: Select "Sign Out" from the dropdown menu

On a tablet, this same menu appears under the three lines of the "More" menu.

How to log out of Netflix on smart TVs, app devices, and gaming systems HELP me sign out of this stranger's TV Credit: Mashable / Proma Khosla

Since these are some of the hardest devices to log into Netflix on, it follows that they're the most challenging to sign out of. Here's what you need to know for that immensely stressful moment when you cannot find the sign out option and are about to hand the keys of your account to an Airbnb host who didn't even have salt and pepper: Get help.

Netflix has hidden the sign out option under "Get Help" on most devices because only under extreme stress would someone ever want to disconnect their Netflix account from a TV, right? Simply scroll down to "Get Help" on any profile and then "Sign Out of Netflix." If you click on your profile thumb repeatedly out of frustration, you are not alone.

It's a little less dramatic on the Apple TV side, where recent models allow you to sign out under "Settings." Just scroll down the left side menu on any profile and click through. Makes sense!

For PlayStation, select "O" on your controller, then the gear icon. You'll have the option to sign out there.

It's fine, you'll be back.

Overview Best for adjustable ANC Bose 700 headphones $379 at B&H Photo Video Shop now Most comfortable headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra $429 at Amazon Shop now Best for audiophiles Sony WH-1000XM5 $398 at Amazon Shop Now Best for bass lovers Sony ULT Wear $199.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users Apple AirPods Pro $189 at Amazon (save $60) Shop Now Best sounding earbuds Sony WF-1000XM5 $299.99 at Best Buy Shop Now Best mid-range earbuds Beats Studio Buds+ $169.95 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget earbuds Anker Soundcore Life P3i $49.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Whether you work from home, find yourself on an airplane more often than not, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend.

Headphones are a modern-day necessity, and if noise cancellation is an important feature to you, then even the best wireless headphones may leave you wanting more. You don't want to shill out a few hundred bucks just to realize that while your headphones sound great, their noise cancelling is subpar.

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks: Which Apple laptop would we buy in 2024?

To help you pick the right set, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds and picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024 (so far).

Do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Yes, but not every product that promises to cancel noise actually delivers. Sometimes, bad noise cancellation comes in the form of ambient noise — a hissing sound that's more distracting than it is helpful. Other times, the active noise cancellation simply lets through too much sound from the outside world. But when you find a pair of earbuds or headphones with noise cancelling that actually works (and works well), you'll notice the difference immediately.

There's a big difference between outside noise being blocked and music simply being loud enough to drown it out. While typically, this does mean investing more to get true high-quality ANC, you shouldn't write off all budget headphones (or blindly trust a high price tag). In the same way that not every pair of expensive glasses will also protect your eyes from blue light, a pair of pricey headphones won't guarantee true noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: Should you sign up for Peacock?

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones that listen to what's happening in the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence — and the perfect soundscape for listening to your favorite music. Over-ear headphones can also create a tight seal around your ears that adds another layer of sound blocking.

In the past, not many earbuds featured active noise cancellation, but now there are plenty of noise-cancelling earbuds if you don't like the bulkiness of headphones. However, earbuds can't quite get the same seal that headphones can, so if you're a noise cancellation snob, you might be happier with over-ear headphones.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones to buy?

Bose and Sony are both top names when it comes to any type of audio, but especially when it comes to noise cancellation. Both brands feature industry-leading ANC on top of superb sound quality. There are also some other brands and models worth checking out, so if you want to tune out ambient sound, we've laid everything out for you below.

Best for adjustable ANC: Bose 700 Opens in a new window Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Bose 700 headphones $269.00 at B&H Photo Video
$379.00 Save $110.00 Shop Now

Read our full review of the Bose 700 headphones.

Who it's for:

For some people, active noise cancellation might be too intense. Sometimes, you need a little ambient noise. Maybe you're not a fan of this lack of awareness, or maybe it actually causes physical discomfort. That doesn't mean you have to forego ANC altogether — the Bose 700 headphones offer 10 different levels of active noise cancellation (as well as a transparent mode), so you can adjust based on what feels right for you.

Why we picked this:

One of the biggest cons of the Bose 700s is the cost, as Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry noted in his review. However, these headphones came out in 2019, and they're being phased out in place of Bose's new QuietComfort Ultra (another pick on this list). That means while they're still around, you can get top-notch adjustable ANC for $379, and often for less — they were on sale for a flat $300 following Black Friday and have dropped even further in 2024.

They won't be as comfortable for all-day wear as Bose's QuietComfort headphones, but if the best ANC is your priority above all else, these headphones are likely worth the trade off for you. If you are interested in buying them, you'll want to act sooner rather than later. Already, we've seen them sell out at Amazon, and once at Best Buy (though they appear to be back in stock and on clearance at the time of writing). Our next pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, were recently released to replace the Bose 700s.

Battery life: Up to 20 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black

Most comfortable headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $429.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

Over-ear headphones can be great for blocking out noise, but less great for comfort. If you're someone who wants to wear your headphones all day, the Bose QuietComfort line was made for you. We've previously tested the QuietComfort 35 IIs and the QuietComfort 45s, and the QuietComfort Ultra was easily the most comfortable of the three. They're also the most expensive at $429, so be ready to pay for that comfort.

Why we picked this:

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones up the ante on the long-popular line from the brand, giving you all day wear with spatial audio. They're also supremely comfortable.

We wore these headphones for hours — on flights, with glasses on, all day — and they wore through it all without squeezing or feeling heavy. Even more importantly, they sound incredible, complete with Bose's new immersive spatial audio, which gives you a concert-like experience when listening to music, all the while blocking out the world around you.

We occasionally need to turn the headphones on a couple times for them to connect, but their multipoint pairing works better than past QuietComfort headphones (with the QC 45s, we needed to disconnect one of the two connected devices from the app to avoid annoying skips in the audio). We were also surprised that these headphones don't support passive playback, especially for their price point (which is still $100 less than the Apple AirPods Max at full price).

Still, if you're willing to live with those minor annoyances, you will be rewarded with excellent ANC on the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones we've tested yet.

Battery life: 24 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, sandstone, white

Best for audiophiles: Sony WH-1000XM5 Opens in a new window Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable Sony WH-1000XM5 $398.00 at Amazon
Shop Now

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Who it's for:

If you want good ANC, but especially value clear and well-rounded sound, these are your headphones. Whether you really like to blast your music, or just want to hear the lows, highs, and mids of a song, the WH-1000XM5s are the headphones on our list most likely to deliver.

Why we picked this:

Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones produce a balanced sound that let your music shine, while giving you enough ANC to block ambient noise.

Here's what Mashable Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern had to say about listening to Brandi Carlile’s “Right on Time” on the XM5 headphones: "The vocals and instruments all got to shine, and the headphones made it feel like I was there in the studio. These are probably the best-sounding headphones I’ve ever tried." That audio quality, combined with their comfort and effective noise cancelling, are what earned them a Mashable Choice Award.

Their portability factor could be a little better — the ear cups don't fold in — but chances are, you'll want to be listening to them most of the time, anyway. When you are on the go, the microphone is another standout feature. Kern relayed that even on a walk home in New York City, she could hear who she was calling perfectly, and be heard herself without any background noise getting in the way. As an added bonus, they have a battery life that beats the Bose QC Ultras by a good six hours.

Battery life: 30 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, navy, silver

Best for bass lovers: Sony ULT Wear Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Sony ULT Wear headphones $199.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Wear headphones.

Who it's for:

If you don't need a fancy custom equalizer to know you like punching up the bass ten out of ten times, the new Sony ULT Wear headphones are made for you. Our reviewer praised these headphones for offering balanced sound and powerful bass, a rare combo. These are also a great pick for those looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the WH-1000XM5s.

Why we picked this:

Sony just released the new ULT line in April, and considering the price, they're some of the best Sony headphones ever made. They're designed for anyone who's a fan of bass. In addition to the equalizer in the app, the headphones have a dedicated ULT button that lets you bump up the bass on demand. The 40-millimeter driver keeps it sounding clear and not crispy, making these headphones a worthy competitor to the WH-1000XM5s, our top pick for the best sounding noise-cancelling headphones.

When testing the two headphones side by side, Mashable's Miller Kern found that while both headphones sounded great, "the ULT Wear’s sound was fuller and felt more like surround sound. And even on the standard setting, the bass sounded richer on the ULTs." We still stand by the WH-1000XM5s as a better pick for audiophiles, but Kern makes a strong case for buying these over the XM5s. "[To] the average person, I’d say the ULT Wears are the winners — especially for those who prioritize bass and fullness in their audio."

For $100 cheaper, these are a more than fair alternative to Sony's flagship headphones.

Battery life: 30 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, off-white

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable Apple AirPods Pro $189.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00 Shop Now

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (Generation 2).

Who it's for:

If you want ANC without all the bulk, the AirPods Pro are small, discreet, and (thanks to the their long-awaited USB-C charging port) easier to charge. Though headphones typically provide superior ANC, these AirPods have impressive noise cancellation for a pair of buds. You'll probably enjoy them a little extra if you have other devices within the Apple ecosystem.

Why we picked this:

Are they pricey? Absolutely. Is their ANC worth it? Here's what Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder had to say: "These are the first pair of earbuds I'd actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones)." Though these aren't the only Apple headphones with ANC, we highly prefer these over the AirPods Max, which we think are way overpriced (they're double the cost of these Pros) and don't have the performance to justify that price tag.

Other than that killer ANC, AirPods are great for travel because they take up minimal space in your carry on, they sound great, and they have a Conversation Awareness mode which automatically lowers the volume when you're talking, so placing a drink order is easy as can be. And with their new USB-C port, you can charge them directly from an iPhone 15.

To get a perfectly snug fit to maximize your listening experience, you'll have your choice between four ear tips. Apple claims these buds support lossless audio, but as of right now, only with the Apple Vision Pro, so you'd have to shell out an additional $3,500 for that experience.

Battery life: 6 hours (up to 30 hours with charging case) | App-connected: No | Colors: White

Best sounding earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5 Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $299.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now Who it's for:

Love high-quality audio but not so fond of the feeling of headphones over your ears? These Sony earbuds have got you covered on both fronts, all the while providing some pretty impressive active noise cancellation.

Why we picked this:

These earbuds deliver a rich, well-balanced sound profile, without the weight of over-ear headphones. The ear tips material are not the usual silicone found on AirPods and other earbuds, but a more foam-like material you'd find on an ear plug, allowing for all-day wear that creates a firm seal without sacrificing comfort.

The Sony companion app allows for a ton of customization, including touch controls, paired devices, and of course, an equalizer. Those who feel a bit intimated by a completely custom equalizer will appreciate the "Find Your Equalizer" feature, which gives you two rounds of options to select from while listening to music to narrow down what settings actually sound the best. Once you've made your selection, a final before and after sound test confirms you're happy with the mix, making it easier than ever to get the most out of your music.

We also enjoyed the Adaptive Sound Control, which switches the earbuds automatically from noise cancelling to ambient sound transparency modes based on whether you're sitting or walking around (settings that can be adjusted). Multipoint pairing also lets you switch between two devices with next to zero lag. If you hate using transparency mode because of how it amplifies outside sounds, you can adjust that, too. Admittedly, these earbuds are pricey, but we think the premium features and quality sound justifies the cost for someone who wants a lot out of their earbuds.

Battery life: 7-8 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, silver

Best mid-range earbuds: Beats Studio Buds+ Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Beats Studio Buds+ $169.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

We don't think these earbuds perform quite as well as the newest AirPods Pro, but they also cost $80 less. If you're trying to get quality ANC earbuds for under $200 (but are willing to spend more than $50), then the Beats Studio Buds+ are the way to go. Plus, with Google Fast Pair support, they're better suited for Android users than the AirPods Pro.

Why we picked this:

We love a good dupe, what can we say? While these Beats aren't a one-to-one match for the AirPods Pro, they give a lot of the same basic functionality at a much more affordable price. And at six hours per charge with ANC, they match the Pro's battery life exactly.

As for how they sound, these are Beats headphones, so expect the bass to come through nice and clear. They're not too bass heavy though, and they give plenty of balance on higher frequencies. Their ANC definitely isn't at the same level as the Pros, so having a well-rounded sound is nice, as playing music in tandem with ANC will give you your best shot at blocking out the world around you.

You'll have your choice between four colorways, including black, silver, ivory, and transparent. During our testing, we also found these earbuds fit more comfortably than the AirPods Pro, so if you tend to have trouble getting AirPods to stay in your ears, these are a better option for you. If you can, we recommend waiting for these earbuds to go on sale — you can often find them for $149.95 or $129.95.

Battery life: 6 hours with ANC, 9 without (27 hours hours with charging case) | App-connected: No | Colors: Black, silver, white, transparent, pink

Best budget earbuds: Anker Soundcore Life P3i Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Anker Soundcore Life P3i $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy noise cancelling, the Anker Soundcore Life P3i earbuds offer a surprisingly solid performance. Don't expect elite ANC, but these affordable earbuds don't require too much of a sacrifice in sound quality.

Why we picked this:

We're going to start with the major hitch of these earbuds: switching between devices sucks. They don't have multipoint pairing, and if you want to use them with your phone after using them with your laptop, you have to manually disconnect them (or in our experience, sometimes outright unpair them), with your laptop first. It's easily their biggest flaw, and most obvious indicator of their price point.

With that out of the way, these earbuds still have a lot going for them. For starters, they cost $50, and can often be found on sale for even less. For that price, you get earbuds that are comfortable to wear all day, have a custom equalizer in the app plus 21 presets (we're fans of the Treble Booster), customizable touch controls for each earbud, and a battery life that outdoes the Apple AirPods Pro. You won't have extras like spatial audio, and the ANC leans on background hiss more than premium models, but not terribly so. For a pair of $50 earbuds, we're impressed, and we recommend them for anyone who doesn't want to shell out $100 plus for a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds.

Battery life: 7 hours with ANC, 8.5 without (36 hours with charging case) | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, white

How we tested the best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds

Every single pair of headphones we included on this list was hands-on tested by a Mashable reporter or editor. What exactly makes a good noise-cancelling headphone? Here's what we considered: the effectiveness of active noise cancellation in relation to price, comfort, battery life, audio quality, and any premium features offered (like spatial audio) and how those features perform.

We pulled these recommendations from our existing pool of headphone reviews and from hands-on testing performed specifically for this buying guide. A couple of options that didn't make our updated list include the AirPods Max, which do have good ANC and sound quality, but also a less impressive feature to price ratio, especially compared to newer options from Sony and Bose. We also tested the JBL Tour One M2 headphones, and while we appreciated their excellent multipoint pairing, battery life, and balanced sound, we didn't find that their noise cancellation matched up with similarly priced headphones.

As of Jan. 2024, we removed the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones from this list not because they're not excellent headphones (they are), but because they're an older model that's harder to find in-stores and online these days. We're in the process of testing the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones to see how they stack up. And as of April 2024, we've added the Anker Soundcore Life P3i earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, and Sony ULT Wear headphones to our list of recommendations.

Kids aren't the only ones who get excited about birthday gifts. You can be a full-grown adult and still lose your shit when you open up the gift that topped your wish list. But as you get older, it does become a little more difficult to come up with a list of birthday gift ideas. You can't just ask for all the coolest new toys anymore. Well, you can if you want — we're not going to stop you.

SEE ALSO: Try Gift Lab: Our interactive gift guide

If your birthday is coming up and you're struggling to think of what you want, don't sweat it. We compiled the ultimate birthday wish list, with gifts ranging from tech to outdoor essentials to home goods. Read on for some birthday inspo and start casually dropping hints to your friends and family. And hey, happy birthday!

Sony's latest bass-heavy headphones Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Sony released its new ULT Power Sound lineup in April, and we adore the headphones. The ULT Wears have Sony's impressive sound quality and noise cancellation, and are made even more impressive by the addition of the ULT button, which punches up the bass two additional levels. These headphones are booming, and the best part is they're relatively budget-friendly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Sony ULT Wear headphones $199.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A desk you can take anywhere Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

If you work remotely, you gotta get this portable desk from Logitech. The Casa Pop-Up Desk includes a wireless keyboard, wireless trackpad, and a desk stand that doubles as a discreet and stylish carrying case. It comes in three colors so you can match your aesthetic. This is an especially great tool if you like working from coffee shops or move around while you work.

Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk $179.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A portable, smokeless fire pit Credit: Solo Stove

Whether you're a hardcore camper or you just like unwinding with a few beers by the fire, Solo Stove's Ranger fire pit is a fantastic gift to ask for. It's designed to be smokeless and portable, making it great for balconies, backyards, beach hangs, or camping trips. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel reviewed the larger Solo Stove Bonfire and wrote that it burns "beautiful, clean fires when conditions are right." The best part? The Ranger is typically on sale for $199.99, so whoever gifts it has 30 extra dollars to spend on your birthday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 $199.99 at Solo Stove
$229.99 Save $30.00 Shop Now A fancy desk chair Credit: Branch

My favorite type of birthday gift is something I want to buy myself but just can't justify spending my own money on. The Verve chair is a prime example of that. It's super comfy and ergonomic, and it comes in really cute colors, but it's definitely on the luxury end of pricing. If you work from home or just spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, put this at the top of your wish list.

Opens in a new window Credit: Branch Verve Chair $549.00 at Branch
Shop Now Film vibes from a digital camera Credit: Paper Shoot Camera

Film photos are back in a big way, but not all of us have the patience to fill up an entire roll and then wait for it to get developed. Paper Shoot is a really neat camera that takes film-esque photos and stores them on an SD card so you can pull them to your computer or phone and post immediately. The design is super low-profile, making it easy to slip into your purse or pocket on a night out. Plus, there are a bunch of cute designs to choose from for the outside case.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paper Shoot Camera Paper Camera $139.00 at Paper Shoot
Shop Now A handheld gaming console that's not a Switch Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry described the Lenovo Legion Go as "beefier and more powerful" than the Nintendo Switch. It has a huge display, solid performance, and all-around great specs. It's not a one-to-one competitor of the Switch, but rather a portable way into PC gaming that's "really good at running all kinds of games."

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go $699.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A Bluetooth record player Credit: Sony

Are your Spotify playlists just not cutting it anymore? Switch it up and go retro with a vinyl music collection. This turntable connects to Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or you can hook it up to a traditional sound system using cords. It costs $249.99 (but you can sometimes find it on sale for under $200).

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Turntable $248.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A smart speaker Credit: Amazon

If you don't have a smart speaker by now, it's time to make a change. The Echo Dot is an affordable voice-controlled companion that'll keep you in the loop on the weather, current events, and keep track of your most important reminders. Also, they're great for playing music. Get one for $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.00 Shop Now A pair of AirPods Pro Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

When you already own a pair of earbuds, it can be hard to justify splurging on a new pair — even if you really, really want to. And that's why the new AirPods Pro (Gen 2) earbuds are an ideal birthday present. For people still using lightning cables (gross), the new USB-C version will be a welcome upgrade. Apple stepped up its audio game with these buds, which feature improved sound quality and active noise cancellation. For a cheaper alternative, ask for the latest 3rd Gen AirPods, which start at $169.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00 Shop Now A massage gun Credit: TheraGun

Whether you're working at a desk all day, running around, or just inexplicably tense, a massage gun will get you limber and relaxed again. What better gift than the gift of painless movement? Our best recommendation? Go for the TheraGun. Their Prime model costs $299, but if that's not quite in your budget, then check out our gadget gift guide for more gifting inspiration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Theragun TheraGun $299.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A cool drone with a 12MP camera Credit: DJI

This drone is small and super lightweight, but it takes stunning photos and videos. It's great for traveling or for use at home. DJI is one of the top names in drones and the Mini 2 SE costs $339 with a remote control.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Magic Mini 2 SE $299.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A personal blender for smoothies Credit: Nutribullet

Make smoothies in your own kitchen with a NutriBullet personal blender — it's fast and easy. The NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor comes with the 600W motor base, blender blade, 24-ounce blending cup, travel lid, and lip ring, plus a recipe book if you're sick of the same old smoothies. It costs $58 at Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: NutriBullet NutriBullet $58.00 at Walmart
Shop Now A new phone Credit: Apple

Still living that single-camera iPhone 8 life? Don't spend your own money on an expensive phone — have someone who loves you spend their money! The new iPhone 15 starts at $799 while the iPhone 15 Plus retails at $899 and up. (Group gift, anyone?)

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Starting at $799 at Best Buy Shop Now A camera to rival your phone Credit: Nikon

When giving your friends and family birthday gift ideas, it's usually best to look for gifts under $50. But if you have a partner or parent who really loves you, then it's okay to dream big.

An easy-to-use mirrorless camera designed with creators in mind, the Nikon Z 30 boasts video, camera, and live streaming capabilities at an affordable price. The camera body can be purchased alone or with one or two kit lenses. There’s also the creators’ accessory bundle which comes with a mic, tripod grip, and Bluetooth remote.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nikon Nikon Z 30 Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera Bundle $696.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Or a pack of disposable cameras Credit: Fujifilm

We mentioned the Paper Shoot Camera above, but sometimes you really just want that classic disposable camera experience. You'll capture some fun, in-the-moment memories with no do-overs. A three-pack of disposable cameras costs $79.99 (these have become kind of expensive since the invention of digital/phone cameras).

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm disposable cameras $79.99 at Amazon
Shop Now An Apple Watch Credit: Apple

An Apple Watch lets you access smartphone features conveniently on your wrist. You can control your music, send and receive texts, monitor your health, and tons more. The Apple Watch Series 9 is $399 at Amazon, but you can usually find it on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 $399.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A media streaming stick Credit: Amazon

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices we've tested, and it's also one of our favorite birthday gift ideas. If you don't already have a smart TV but want to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and all the other streaming apps directly from your TV, ask for a Fire TV Stick for your b-day. Amazon's streaming stick has better voice control than similar products from Roku, and the 4K version normally goes for $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $39.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Cold hard cash Credit: Pixabay

You really can't beat the gift of cold, hard cash — or a gift card. A Visa card is a perfect birthday gift because you can spend it on literally whatever you want; buy yourself something fun or get some help with groceries. Best of all, you don't need to decide exactly what you want before your birthday. The gift card starts at $10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Gift card Starting at $10 at Giftcards.com Shop Now A delicious-smelling candle Credit: Bonita Fierce

Candles are a timeless gift that you can ask for at every single gift-giving opportunity (and will likely receive anyway if you don't specify what you actually want). We are firm believers that you can never have too many candles. Add some sweet scents from Bonita Fierce, a Latina-owned small business, to your b-day wish list this year and every year. Candles start at $16. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bonita Fierce Bonita Fierce candle Starting at $16 at Bonita Fierce Shop Now The delicious scent without the fire hazard Credit: Pura

If candles are a no-go, opt for a Bluetooth-enabled diffuser to make any room in your home smell divine. The Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99) holds two fragrances and is controlled entirely through the app. Schedule one smell to wake up to and one to fall asleep to with the in-app calendar feature. Pura collaborates with brands like NEST, Anthropologie, Disney, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to source their scents, so whatever the occasion calls for, they’ve got your back.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pura Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser $49.99 at Pura
Shop Now A cast iron skillet Credit: Lodge

A cast-iron skillet is the true sign that you're graduating from cheap nonstick cookware and all mismatched plates. It's something you probably want, but don't particularly want to spend the money on. Lodge has different sizes depending on what you're wanting to cook. A 10.25-inch skillet costs $40.75, but we've seen it drop below $25 recently.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lodge Lodge cast iron skillet $40.75 at Amazon
Shop Now A pressure cooker and air fryer in one Credit: Instant Pot

Maybe not quite as heavy duty as a cast-iron skillet but just as useful: a pressure cooker that can air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, prepare rice, steam, sauté, and more. Impress guests with your culinary skills (that are in fact just throwing all the ingredients listed in the recipe into this thing and then waiting a few hours). The Instant Pot 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker will cost your gift-giver $199.99, but they can reap the rewards when you cook for them with it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp $199.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A custom pet portrait Credit: LeFlore Studio

Sometimes, the best birthday gifts are the ones made just for you. If you're obsessed with your pet, these custom pet portraits need to be on your birthday list. There are many different styles to choose from, each one super freakin' adorable. Prices vary depending on size.

Opens in a new window Credit: LeFlore Studio Custom pet portrait Prices vary at LaFlore Studio on Etsy Shop Now Color-changing smart light bulbs Credit: Philips

Turn your bedroom into a party with these color-changing smart light bulbs. You can control the lights from your phone and set whatever mood you're feeling. This kit includes two smart Bluetooth bulbs for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Bulbs $99.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A portable projector The portable projector fits in the palm of your hands. Credit: Anker

All of your friends will start calling your home the "cool house" if movie nights involve this mini portable projector. Use it to play movies, shows, or games outside on a screen or indoors on a blank wall. The Anker Nebula Capsule in black costs $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule Projector $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A new bike Credit: Schwinn

Head outdoors with this hybrid bike designed for both leisure and more adventurous rides. It comes in different colors and a couple of different styles for men and women. The 18-inch Schwinn GTX 2.0 bike normally goes for $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Schwinn Schwinn GTX bike $549.95 at Amazon
Shop Now An app for exploring Credit: AllTrails

Love to be outside, but can’t fold a map to save your life? Enter AllTrails+, the app designed to get you off your phone and into the wild. Featuring over 400,000 curated trails all over the world, the app allows you to download maps in case of a poor signal, record your hikes, create your own trails, and more. A yearly subscription costs $35.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: AllTrails AllTrails yearly subscription $35.99 at AllTrails
Shop Now A MacBook Air Credit: Apple

MacBook Airs are super nice computers, but they can definitely be a bit pricey... which is what makes them such a great addition to a birthday wish list. Someone who loves you can drop the big bucks for you! A 13.6-inch MacBook Air M2 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD goes for $1,099 at Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air $1,099.00 at Best Buy
Shop Now A robot vacuum Credit: iRobot

Stop manually vacuuming your house every day and let a robot vacuum clean your floors for you. The Roomba 694 has WiFi connectivity for mobile and voice controls and it's tough on pet hair. This robot vacuum costs $274.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Roomba 694 $274.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A more advanced robot vacuum Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is a combination robot vacuum and mop that has a squared design for getting dust along walls and corners. It features spinning mop heads that don't just drag water along your floors but actually scrub and clean. After it's done cleaning, the vacuum returns to its charging dock where it empties its dustbin and cleans and dries its mop pads. The vacuum even has an onboard camera onboard so you can watch where it's cleaning.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni robot vacuum and mop $999.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal A weighted blanket Credit: Quilty

For what seems like an extraneous expense, an extra-heavy blanket can be a total game-changer. Besides providing all the comfort of a partner without the snoring, a weighted blanket can reduce tossing and turning and keep you extra warm. This one at Amazon comes in a bunch of colors, sizes, and weights, but the 60-inch by 80-inch 15-pound blanket (a good place to start) costs $76.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: quilty Quilty weighted blanket $76.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A new Kindle Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Mashable team has tested every Kindle e-reader, and we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the right e-reader for most people. Instead of asking for a book, ask for a Kindle for your birthday and save yourself money and space. Yes, it doesn't smell the same as a new book, but now you'll have no excuses for not keeping up with your yearly reading resolutions. The newest Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB storage and onscreen writing is $149.99 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $149.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Something to make your life a little more eco-friendly Credit: Stasher

Whether you're packing your lunch or storing leftovers, using plastic bags should be your last resort. Heck, you should be trying to stay away from all single-use plastics if you're able to. But, if you want to start small, these Stasher bags are a great option to make your daily life more eco-friendly. These silicone bags are secure and completely reusable — either wash them by hand or stuff them in the dishwasher. Grab a starter pack for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stasher Stasher Bags starter kit $99.99 at Stasher
Shop Now A new comforter Credit: Buffy

Comforters, like a mattress, shouldn't be an item you cheap out on. They're supposed to last you a while, so why not have something a little more luxurious? The Buffy Cloud comforter is a sustainable comforter made from recycled fiber and eucalyptus. Mashable Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed it here, calling it "the first piece of bedding I've used that actually feels kind of dreamy." Snag a full/queen size comforter for $195 at Buffy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Buffy Buffy Comforter $195.00 at Buffy
Shop Now A trusty pet camera Credit: Furbo

If you're anything like us, you view your pet like it's your actual child. We support that. Now, you can up your pet parent game by picking up a Furbo pet camera. Not only does it livestream what your pet is up to while you aren't home straight to your phone, but it also has the ability to toss treats and produce two-way audio for quick check-ins. This pet camera is often on sale, so check for the latest price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo pet camera $210.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A reusable water bottle Credit: Hydroflask

It's always a good time to get more serious about hydration. A HydroFlask is a perfect way to make sure you have a cool (or hot) beverage on-hand, and they're super durable during outdoorsy activities. Grab one for $49.95 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: HydroFlask Hydroflask $49.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Elegant chopsticks Credit: Pingto

Step up your take-out game and do right by the environment with a set of elegant, reusable chopsticks. The bundle of six bamboo chopsticks comes in two color palettes and retails for $32.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pingto Pingto Bamboo Chopstick Sets $32.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Local flavors delivered Credit: Goldbelly

Speaking of take-out: if you’ve maxed out your city’s culinary offerings, see what’s available from the rest of the country. Goldbelly makes it possible to order meals and gifts from restaurants around the United States. No matter your craving, a Goldbelly gift card at any price point is bound to satisfy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Goldbelly Goldbelly gift card starting at $50 at Goldbelly Shop Now A habit tracker Credit: MochiThings

You’re one year older, so it's time to get your shit in order and form some healthy habits. Whether there’s an exercise regimen you’re hoping to stick to, a project you want to finish, or a vice you’re trying to quit, this weekly habit tracker will keep you on track without judgment. It only costs $10.95 to become a better person. 

Opens in a new window Credit: MochiThings Good Habit Tracking Memo Pad $10.95 at MochiThings
Shop Now A tiny bag Credit: Nanobag

There’s running errands and there’s running errands. If you’re prone to getting in a few miles before you stop at the grocery store, ask for a Nanobag, a tote bag that can fold up into a pocket-size ball. The standard size starts at $13.95 and comes in ten different colors and patterns.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nanobag Nanobag $13.95 at Nanobag
Shop Now A photo printer Credit: Canon

Have some photos on your phone or Instagram that you want to pin to your fridge? Ask for the Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer ($139). This sleek gadget connects to your Android or iPhone through WiFi, SD card, or USB stick and prints out your favorite pics in a layout design of your choosing. The printing isn’t instant (the color ink layers print one at a time), but the quality of the final product makes it worth the wait.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer $138.97 at Amazon
Shop Now Stronger abs Credit: Plankpad

Who says ab workouts can’t be fun? (Most people). The Plankpad PRO ($129) turns core exercises into games through the specialty balance board and synchronized app. In addition to games, the app also has the standard exercise series if you’d prefer to suffer through it without some silly graphics to distract you. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Plankpad Plankpad PRO $129.00 at Amazon
Shop Now An inconspicuous fanny pack Credit: FlipBelt

Whether you’re going for a run or heading to a music festival, keep your necessities at the ready with a FlipBelt Zipper pack. This handy belt can hold your phone, money, credit card, keys, and all sorts of everyday necessities. Coming in multiple sizes, the FlipBelt doesn’t bounce or chafe and is machine washable. Choose a color or pattern you like and add it to your Amazon cart for $39.

Opens in a new window Credit: FlipBelt FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt $39.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A new kind of jump rope Credit: Crossrope

Turn traditional jump roping on its head with Crossrope. The weighted jump rope (available in 1/4, 1/2, one, and two-pound weight options) and associated app keep you on your toes and strengthen your entire body through guided workouts. For those with downstairs neighbors or curious pets, the weighted ropeless option provides a silent solution for an otherwise noisy activity. Upgrade to the Bluetooth-connected AMP handles for a more individualized experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crossrope AMP Jump Rope Set $199.00 at Crossrope
Shop Now A cookie cutter of your pet Credit: FormaCookieCutters

Celebrate your favorite furry creature by eating their face — in a good way. Send in a photo of your best pet friend to this Etsy store and get a four-inch-wide, food-safe PLA cookie cutter of their likeness in return. Whether you’re taking care of the baking or you’re leaving the prep work for the recipient, you’re going to be hailed as an absolute gift-giving wizard. Order these custom birthday gifts for $30 from Etsy seller the FormaCookieCutters.

Opens in a new window Credit: FormaCookieCutters Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter $30.00 at Etsy
Shop Now Authentic chai Credit: Kolkata Chai

Not satisfied with supermarket-bought chai? Get the real thing from New York-based chai-preneurs at Kolkata Chai. This small business will send authentic chai straight to your door with the Chai Trio Variety Pack ($62) or the Chai Starter Kit ($45). For devoted chai drinkers, Kolkata Chai offers subscription packages to keep that tea coming.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kolkata Chai Kolkata Chai Starting at $45 at Kolkata Chai Shop Now New reading materials Credit: Getty Images / iStock / Extreme-Photographer

Support independent bookstores from around the country with a gift card to Bookshop. Starting at $10, the gift cards can either be used to buy books from a specific shop you love, or the purchase can feed the site’s profit-sharing pool to benefit all of Bookshop's partner stores. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Bookshop.org Gift Cards Starting at $10 at Bookshop Shop Now A one-of-a-kind planner Credit: Papier

Are you a proud Type A over-planner and over-thinker? Or maybe your meticulously organized BFF is having a birthday soon? This planner can be customized with the recipient's name and three personal photos, and despite the personalization, this spiral-bound planner costs just $35.

Opens in a new window Credit: Papier Personalized Photo Strip 2024 Planner $35.00 at Papier
Shop Now A Lego set that doubles as decor Credit: LEGO

One of our favorite gifts under $50 is this Lego Orchid that's fun to build and adds a nice touch of greenery to your space that feels more unique than a plastic plant. This set is part of the Lego Icons line, which also features succulents, a bonsai tree, and a bouquet, in case orchids aren't your thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Orchid $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now An endless supply of veggies and herbs Credit: AeroGarden

Whether you're an enthusiastic home chef, like a bit of greenery, or simply can't stand running to the grocery store every time a recipe calls for some cilantro, a hydroponic garden is a great way to keep veggies and herbs on hand, even if you don't have a green thumb. We're fans of AeroGarden, which has gardens that start at $57.72.

Opens in a new window Credit: AeroGarden AeroGarden Sprout $57.72 at Amazon
Shop Now The smart temperature-controlled mug Credit: Ember

There's a lot of debate about what makes a good gift, but getting something that is a) practical and b) something just extravagant enough that you'd never get it for yourself may be the infallibly perfect combo. We think for coffee and tea drinkers, that combo is found in the Ember Mug 2, which retails for $129.95. This temperature-controlled mug may be unnecessary (and expensive), but boy does it feel good to take a hot sip of coffee after forgetting you poured it an hour ago.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Mug 2 $129.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Year-round spa days Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

You can ask for a day at the spa, or you can ask for the gift of getting a facial whenever you want and from the comfort of your home. In her review of the device, Mashable's Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote the TheraFace Pro is "a hell of a lot cheaper than getting regular professional facials, and I truly feel like I've received a spa treatment every time I use [it]."

Opens in a new window Credit: TheraGun TheraFace Pro $399.00 at Therabody
Shop Now Five hair tools in one Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Instead of asking for the $600 Dyson Airwrap, you can get a product that performs nearly identically for half the price in the Shark FlexStyle (trust us, we tested them head to head). Pick up a version for textured hair or straighter hair for $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A necessary Nintendo Switch upgrade Credit: Nintendo

It's never too late to upgrade your Switch set up, and the Pro controller can help you do just that. This controller is perfect for when you connect your device to a larger display, and it has the added bonus of zero Joy-Con drift.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Design-friendly humidifier Credit: Vitruvi

There's something to be said for a product that can marry form and function, and this Vitruvi humidifier does just that. Admittedly, $229 is probably a hefty price for a humidifier you're buying for yourself, but it's a great splurge gift if you prefer your household appliances not be eyesores.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vitruvi Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier $229.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A custom neon sign Credit: GITM Store

Pick out a funny phrase, inside joke, or a family name and get a custom sign in as little as one week. It might sound too good to be true, but Mashable editors have ordered from this Amazon storefront before and had a great experience. In fact, this is one of our favorite undiscovered gems on Amazon, and you can buy signs for as little as $53.96.

Opens in a new window Credit: GITM Store Custom Neon Sign $53.96 at Amazon
Shop Now A tea and coffee lover's best friend Credit: Cosori

There's a certain electric gooseneck kettle that's beloved by design nerds, but that's also a tad overpriced (more than a tad, really). Instead, make the smart choice and opt for the infinitely more practical Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It still has plenty of charm — not to mention pre-set buttons for tea, coffee, and boiling water — and it's available via Prime for $69.99 or less.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cosori Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Enjoy artisanal cocktails at home Credit: Shaker & Spoon

Why go out for overpriced cocktails when you can make them at home? Shaker & Spoon sends you a new cocktail kit every month with all the ingredients you need to make 12 delicious cocktails. All you need to do is buy the alcohol and follow the recipes to recreate the same cocktails mixed up by award-winning bartenders. The company also makes it easy to give a subscription via email, so no excuses. Subscriptions start at $59 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shaker & Spoon Shaker & Spoon Gift Subscription Starting at $59 per month at Shaker & Spoon Shop Now Learn something new Credit: Coursehorse

You’ve successfully completed one more trip around the sun, so to celebrate, develop a new skill or indulge a passion by taking an IRL class on the subject of your choice. Coursehorse partners with real-world instructors and schools in major cities to offer nearly 70,000 classes in subjects such as art, language, music, cooking, self-defense, gardening, and anything else you could possibly want.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coursehorse Coursehorse Gift Card Starting at $5 at Coursehorse Shop Now Affordable no-worry earbuds Credit: Anker

Worried your earbuds will fall out of your ears and be lost forever? Get peace of mind with the affordable Soundcore Sport X10 wireless earbuds ($79.99). Designed for athletes but perfect for anyone, these headphones hook around your ears and stay put no matter how sweaty or active you get (a fact we can personally attest to). Keep them in their case for on-the-go charging.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds $79.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

Google Maps navigation now has the option to show 3D buildings around you.

The feature seems to have been live for a while, though it was only recently picked up by news outlets which cover Android, after AssembleDebug shared a screenshot on X.

Tweet may have been deleted

The feature has been in testing since at least January, both on mobile and in Android Auto, but now seems to be rolling out more widely. For beta users, it should be available in Google Maps beta 124 or later. It's available under Settings – Navigation – Show 3D buildings.

While this feature is just now arriving to Android phones, it's already available on the iPhone and iPad; see screenshot, taken on my iPhone, below.

3D buildings while navigating are arriving on Android, but they're already live on iOS. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

While the "Show 3D buildings" feature is on by default, there's a small trick to getting it to work. If you start navigation while in Google's standard map view, the 3D buildings will not show up even if the aforementioned feature is on. You need to first tap on the "layers" icon in Google Maps, and hit the "3D" icon. This will enable 3D buildings in normal map view, and they will also keep showing while in navigation mode.

You need to have the 3D layer on in Google Maps and the "Show 3D buildings" setting on in Navigation setttings for this to work. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The 3D buildings sound like they could be a distraction, but they're shown as semi-transparent outlines on the map, ideally making it easier to find your way around, especially in big cities with lots of tall structures.

Sesame Street's writers have unanimously voted to go on strike, with picketing to begin as early as next week. It seems the air on the famous Manhattan street isn't quite as sweet as we've been led to believe.

All 35 of Sesame Street's writers authorised a strike in a vote held by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), without a single one abstaining. Negotiations between the writers' union and Sesame Street's management have been ongoing since Feb. 13, as their current contract is set to expire on Apr. 19. Unfortunately, they've reached an impasse. 

The writers will now begin picketing Sesame Workshop's New York offices from Apr. 24, unless a deal is reached beforehand. Sesame Workshop is the non-profit organisation which produces Sesame Street, alongside other children's shows such as Bea's Block, Esme & Roy, and Ghostwriter.

SEE ALSO: 'Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson teaches Cookie Monster about kindness in sweet 'Sesame Street' clip Tweet may have been deleted

The union outlined its demands in a press release shared by both the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW). It stated that Sesame Street's writers are pushing for a deal which includes "industry standard annual raises, improvements to residuals, and union coverage for Sesame Workshop’s popular animation and social media segments."

"Our demands would be extremely meaningful for the affected writers, particularly those in animation who are currently being excluded from basic union benefits and protections like pension and healthcare," said the WGA Sesame Workshop Negotiating Committee. "We hope for a speedy and amicable resolution to these negotiations so that we can continue to do the work of helping the next generation grow smarter, stronger and kinder."

"Our writers are integral members of our creative team, and we are engaged in good faith negotiations with the WGA," a Sesame Workshop spokesperson told Mashable. "We’re still hopeful that we’ll come to an agreement in advance of the expiration."

Mashable has reached out to WGAW for comment. WGAE declined to comment further.

Tweet may have been deleted

First airing on PBS in 1969, Sesame Street has become a beloved children's television stalwart across the world, and still brings comfort to viewers even after they've aged out of its target demographic. A Twitter/X post from Sesame Street cast member Elmo went viral earlier this year after the furry red four-year-old's inquiry about people's wellbeing sparked a mass online trauma dump.

"No one wants to see a picket line on Sesame Street," said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. "Millions of parents and families around the world are going to have a lot of questions. They might ask why the bosses at Sesame Workshop are ignoring their company's own messages of kindness and fairness."

If there's one thing the U.S. entertainment industry has learnt over the past year, it's that you should never underestimate writers. Hollywood ground to a halt in 2023 after the entire WGA went on strike, setting down their pens for almost six months as they negotiated a new agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The historic industrial action ended with the WGA securing a deal that ensured better streaming residuals, minimum staffing requirements for TV writers' rooms, and a prohibition on the use of AI for generating source material.

It seems unlikely the Sesame Street strike will last as long, assuming it does end up going ahead. But unless a new contract is negotiated within the next few days, it may still be a while before any writers are around to tell you how to get to Sesame Street.

UPDATE: Apr. 18, 2024, 11:14 a.m. AEST This article has been updated with comment from Sesame Workshop.

This iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro deep-dive comparative analysis will give you clarity on what, exactly, are the differences between the two phones. Don't worry; we'll explore how the cameras differ, too, a popular request among prospective iPhone 15 buyers.

The iPhone 15 costs $800, but the iPhone 15 Pro is more expensive at $1,000. That being said, I know what you're wondering. Does the iPhone 15 Pro really have features that are worth the extra $200?

No, I won't tell you which phone to get. Instead, I'm going to tell you the differences between the two and let you decide which device is best for your lifestyle. Let's dive into this iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro face-off, shall we?

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 rumors: Release date, price, specs, features, and more iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: price

The iPhone 15 has a starting price of $800 via Apple's official website and it comes with the following specs:

• 128GB of storage

• 6GB of RAM

• A16 Bionic chipset

• 6.1-inch display

Keep in mind that you can get more storage, but it'll cost you. If you want 256GB of storage, the iPhone 15 will set you back $900. Speaking from experience, I'd recommend getting the 256GB variant, particularly if you love hoarding photos and videos. Otherwise, the 128GB model will haunt you with a "storage full" error, forcing you to delete your treasured media content within a year (or less) of use.

The base iPhone 15 model comes with 128GB of storage. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

If you're a big spender, you can get the iPhone 15 with 512GB of storage, which costs $1,100. But if you have enough money to spend on that, you'd be better off upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro with 256GB of storage, which is exactly the same price.

Speaking of the iPhone 15 Pro, it has a starting price of $1,000 via Apple's official website and comes with the following specs:

• 128GB of storage

• 8GB of RAM

• A17 Pro

• 6.1-inch display

The most expensive iPhone 15 Pro, packed with 1TB of storage, will set you back $1,500. But again, if you have that kind of money to blow, you might as well upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 512GB of storage, which costs $100 less at $1,400.

Again, I'd recommend upgrading to at least 256GB of storage if you have a treasure trove of media you'd like to store. However, if you don't mind deleting a few stuff along the way, or you have cloud storage, the 128GB variant should be fine.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Get Deal Featured Video For You A brief history of the iPhone iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: design

Cue Sia singing "Titanium" at the top of her lungs! The iPhone 15 Pro's biggest selling point is that it consists of a titanium frame, making it lighter and more durable than its predecessor's stainless-steel chassis.

The iPhone 15, wrapped in an aluminum enclosure, doesn't have a hint of titanium. Womp, womp! It is, however, a little lighter than its Pro sibling (6.03 ounces vs. 6.6 ounces).

As far as colors are concerned, I'd argue that the iPhone 15's colors are more fun.

The iPhone 15 comes in five fun colors. Credit: Apple

It comes in five colors:

• Pink

• Yellow

• Green

• Blue

• Black

The iPhone 15 Pro is a little bit more bougie — more mature and sophisticated.

The iPhone 15 Pro's colors are a lot more neutral. Credit: Apple

Its colors are more urbane, subtle, and minimalist:

• Natural Titanium

• Blue Titanium

• White Titanium

• Black Titanium

One subtle difference between the two phones is the iPhone 15 Pro's Action Button feature located on the left side of the chassis. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, still has a very boring mute switch instead. What's so great about the Action Button? You can customize it to launch any app or task you want.

For example, with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I've set the Action Button to launch the Notes app since I use it so frequently, but the possibilities are endless. You can set up the Action Button to launch whatever app you want.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: display

The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro actually share the same display size: 6.1 inches. If you want something bigger (e.g., 6.7 inches), consider getting the iPhone 15 Plus or the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Dynamic Island is here to stay. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

They also have the same resolution: 2,256 x 1,179 pixels

Although the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max share the same screen size, they do not have the same display tech. The iPhone 15 does not have ProMotion technology nor does it have an Always-On display — but the Pro model has both of these perks.

What's ProMotion? It's just a fancy term for, "This phone has a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz." In other words, the iPhone 15 Pro has a zippier display that adapts to your workflow. If you're simply scrolling through an article, the refresh rate will slowdown. However, if you fire up a fast-paced mobile game, the refresh rate will pick up.

Conversely, the iPhone 15 has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which will feel slower only if you've ever owned a phone with a refresh rate of 90Hz or higher. And for the uninitiated, an Aways-On display lets you get information like time, widgets, and more at a glance because — well — the screen is always on. I can't say the same for the iPhone 15.

Both have the snazzy Dynamic Island featured at the top of the display, and plus, the duo can climb to a peak brightness of 2,000, according to Apple.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: cameras

Cameras are one of the biggest selling points smartphones, and as you might have guessed, the iPhone 15 Pro has an edge over the iPhone 15. Here's a break down of the camera specs:

iPhone 15

• Wide camera - 48MP

• Ultrawide camera - 12MP

• Selfie camera - 12MP

• No telephoto

iPhone 15 Pro

• Wide camera - 48MP

• Ultrawide camera - 12MP

• Selfie camera - 12MP

• Telephoto (3X optical zoom)

Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 does not have a telephoto lens, which means that zoomed-in shots will have a dip in quality. It's also worth nothing that the iPhone 15 Pro's ultrawide lens has a slightly wider aperture, which means low-light shots should be better.

If you're a telephoto lens stan, you're going to want to go Pro. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 15, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, does not support macro photography, Apple ProRAW, nor Night Mode portraits. (This isn't to be confused with Night Mode, which the iPhone 15 does have.)

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: performance

The iPhone 15 Pro, without a doubt, is zippier and beastlier than the iPhone 15, thanks to its new A17 Pro Bionic chip. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 sports the chipset featured inside the iPhone 14 Pro models: the A16 Bionic.

The iPhone 15 Pro is more of a powerhouse. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Truth be told, the A16 Bionic is still a stellar, breakneck chip that is actually overpowered for what's needed for mobile tasks, so imagine the herculean power behind the A17 Pro.

Without getting into the weeds of things, just know that the A17 Pro is capable of cutting-edge AI computations and graphics. So much so that high-fidelity games like Resident Evil Village, Death Stranding, and Assassin's Creed Mirage will be headed to the iPhone 15 Pro soon.

It's also worth noting that the iPhone 15 has 6GB of RAM while the iPhone 15 Pro has 8GB of RAM. This means that latter will do a better job at juggling multiple tasks simultaneously (e.g., switching between a bunch of apps should be faster).

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: battery life

Apple ran a video playback test on the iPhone 15 and it lasted 20 hours on a single charge. Compare that to the iPhone 15 Pro, which lasted 23 hours on the same test.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Which should you buy?

To sum it all up, the iPhone 15 Pro has an Action Button that I believe is totally underrated — the iPhone 15 doesn't have one. Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro has a better camera system. If taking better zoomed-in shots are important to you, it'd be worth it to shell out an extra $200.

If you enjoy mobile gaming, with the iPhone 15 Pro getting a GPU boost from its A17 Pro chipset, the upper-tier model is a better choice for you.

However, if neither of those bells and whistles tickle your fancy, you'll be fine with the entry-level iPhone 15.

The best managers are good listeners, and the best listeners exude empathy. And despite what you may think, empathy is a skill that you can practice and develop. Here are some ways to build the muscle. First, try “looping”: When you ask your employee a question, listen carefully to their answer, then paraphrase it back […]

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TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from the University of Michigan are available to take for free on edX.

Another week, another batch of free online courses from one of the most respected educational institutions in the world. We've already made stops at MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, and now it's the turn of the University of Michigan.

You can find online courses from the University of Michigan on Python programming, JavaScript, and so much more, and you don't have to pay anything to enroll. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection of courses to get you started.

These are the best free online courses from the University of Michigan this month:

• Advanced Literature Searching in the Health Sciences

• Building Web Applications in Django

• Community Engagement: Collaborating for Change

• Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL

• Data Science Ethics

• Django Features and Libraries

• Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making

• Grant Writing and Crowdfunding for Public Libraries

• Intermediate PostgreSQL

• Introduction to Data Analytics for Managers

• JSON and Natural Language Processing in PostgreSQL

• Leading Change: Go Beyond Gamification with Gameful Learning

• Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

• Public Library Marketing and Public Relations

• Python Data Structures

• Storytelling for Social Change

• Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills

• Using JavaScript and JSON in Django

• Web Application Technologies and Django

The catch is that these free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but you can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials. It's also worth noting that a lot of the courses featured are not exactly beginner friendly.

Find the best free online courses from the University of Michigan on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: University of Michigan University of Michigan Online Courses Free at edX Get Deal

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to a Matt's Flights Premium Plan is on sale for £64.26, saving you 95% on list price.

If you’re planning a spring holiday, make sure to get your tickets early. Every year, travellers end up snatching up a ton of tickets, and finding affordable airfare isn’t easy to begin with. You may be able to lighten the load of planning if you let Matt’s Flights show you where the deals are. This premium flight finder service scans ticket prices every day looking for the best deals, then immediately emails them to you, and a lifetime subscription is only £64.26. 

Skip the stress of finding cheap flights. Matt’s Flights could find them for you, and all you have to do is select your departing airport or location and check your inbox. Every week, you’ll get three or more notifications of flights leaving your chosen airport for domestic and international locations. 

It doesn’t happen too often, but sometimes an airline will post a ticket for the wrong price. Those mistake fares can end up being way cheaper than they should be. If you can buy it before the airline notices and corrects the mistake, you may be able to secure a much cheaper flight. Normally, you’d have to scour the web looking for mistake fares, but Matt’s Flights sends any relevant ones it finds to your inbox automatically. 

Matt’s Flights automatically sends you any enticing ticket deal they find leaving your airport, but you can talk about a specific destination you have in mind by accessing your personal one-on-one travel planning support that’s available 24 hours a day. A premium membership gets you three to five times more deals than the basic members instantly. If you don’t see your airport on the supported list, all it takes is an email to get it added for custom searches. 

Planning a holiday? Take some of the stress off and get a lifetime subscription to Matt’s Flights Premium Plan for £64.26.

Opens in a new window Credit: Matt's Flights Matt's Flights Premium Plan (Lifetime Subscription) £64.26 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Another day, another exciting round of the IPL.

Starting in March, the new season is now well and truly underway, with the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals gearing up to compete. The spotlight will be on team captains Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as they prepare to go head-to-head.

If you want to watch Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals?

Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 17. Wednesday's match takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.

How to watch Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals for free

JioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app.

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

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

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

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

5. Watch Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

If you want permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including India

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £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 the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

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 April 17'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: Structural beams

• Green: Being obedient to rules

• Blue: A given amount

• Purple: Confidential documents

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: Upright Support

• Green: Heed, As Rules

• Blue: Allotment

• Purple: Gathered by Spies

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 #311 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Upright Support: COLUMN, PILLAR, POLE, POST

• Heed, As Rules: FOLLOW, MIND, OBSERVE, REGARD

• Allotment: INTEREST, PERCENTAGE, SHARE, STAKE

• Gathered by Spies: DIRT, INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS

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.

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 April 17's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

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

A small monetary gift given to the church.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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 #1033 is...

TITHE.

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.

How to watch 'The Sympathizer' at a glance: BEST MAX DEAL FOR MOST PEOPLE Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST MAX DEAL WITH NO ADS Max (No Ads) annual subscription $149.99/year through April 9 (save 22%) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

The Sympathizer, one of our most anticipated shows of 2024, is now streaming. The new limited series from legendary filmmaker Park Chan-wook (Decision to Leave, The Handmaiden, Oldboy) brings Robert Downey Jr. to the small screen following his Oscar win for Oppenheimer. In The Sympathizer, Downey Jr. plays not one, not two, but four different roles. The series also stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen, and the lovely Sandra Oh.

HBO and A24's take on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is already seeing a flood of excellent reviews pouring in (including our own). If you want a taste of it for yourself, here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Sympathizer online.

What is The Sympathizer about?

Adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel of the same name, The Sympathizer follows a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy in the final days of the Vietnam War, as well as his new life as a refugee in the United States. It mixes classic espionage thrills with dark comedy and cross-culture satire, making for a story that blends multiple genres.

"Our narrator, simply known as "the Captain" (Hoa Xuande), struggles under duress to recall the events of his life as clearly as possible. The purpose of this recollection? A confession he's writing in a Vietnamese reeducation camp, where any lapse in memory or particularly clear detail could mean the difference between life and death," Mashable's Belen Edwards writes in her review of the series. "Given the confession's context, The Sympathizer is never far from a brutal reminder of the stakes at play. Tragedy haunts its blend of satire and espionage thriller throughout, resulting in challenging, can't-miss TV magic."

Read our full review of The Sympathizer.

Here's the official trailer:

When is The Sympathizer streaming?

The first episode of The Sympathizer premiered on HBO and Max simultaneously on April 14, 2024 at 9 p.m. ET. The seven-part series will air new episodes weekly on Sundays, with the season finale falling on May 26.

Is there a Max free trial?

Sadly, there's no active Max free trial through HBO directly or through third-parties like Prime Video or Hulu. Keep an eye out, though, as we've seen free trials pop up sporadically (then disappear just as quickly). However, Max does offer free episodes through its Watch Free portal. There are tons of HBO originals included on the platform, including White Lotus, Succession, The Last of Us, and Euphoria, so you can test the waters with a single episode of each before committing to a subscription.

The best Max streaming deals

Before you sign up for a Max subscription, make sure to double check that you don't already have access to Max through a previous subscription, a third party, or a cable, internet, or wireless provider. If you do still need to sign up for access, check out the two streaming deals below.

Best Max deal for most people: Save up to 20% on an annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max annual subscriptions Save up to 22% on Max Watch Now

Rather than paying a monthly fee, you can sign up for a Max annual plan and save up to 22%. The Max with ads monthly subscription will run you $9.99 per month, which adds up to about $119.88. With an annual plan, you'll pay just $99.99 per year — that's 17% in savings. The Ad-Free annual plan goes for $149.99 per year (reg. $191.88), which saves you 22% (the biggest savings of all three plans), and the Ultimate plan is $199.99 per year (reg. $239.88), which saves you about 17%.

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

Being a Cricket Wireless customer certainly has its perks. If you're on the $60 per month unlimited plan through Cricket, you get Max With Ads for free (as long as your account remains in good standing). Just head over to the Max app or navigate to Max on a browser, then sign in with Cricket as your provider. Your Cricket credentials will then unlock full access to Max With Ads (typically a $99.99 per year value) without you having to pay any extra money. If you're a Cricket customer on a different plan, you can upgrade or switch over to secure the deal at any time. Check the terms and conditions on the Cricket website to learn more.

What are the different Max subscription tiers?

Similar to the former HBO Max streaming tiers, Max offers three different subscription plans: With Ads, Ad-Free, and Ultimate Ad-Free. Here's a breakdown of the differences between each tier.

Max With Ads — The most affordable option includes two concurrent streams, 1080p resolution, and 5.1 surround sound quality. There are no offline downloads and only light ads for $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year).

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year Watch Now

Max Ad-Free — As the name suggest, this option cuts out the ads and offers two concurrent streams, 1080p resolution, 5.1 surround sound quality, and 30 offline downloads. It costs $15.99 per month (or $149.9 per year).

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Ad-Free $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year Watch Now

Max Ultimate Ad-Free — The most expensive of the tiers, this option includes four concurrent streams, up to 4K UHD resolution, Dolby Atmos sound quality, and 100 offline downloads. It'll cost you $19.99 per month (or $199.99 per year).

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Ultimate Ad-Free $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year Watch Now

2024 has not been good to Tesla so far. 

EV sales are on the decline, which led to the Elon Musk-led company laying off 10 percent of its workforce on Monday. Now there's a major problem with Tesla's newest vehicle, the Cybertruck, which has apparently forced the company to halt production, sales, and deliveries.

SEE ALSO: Tesla to cut more than 10% of workforce, report claims

While Tesla has yet to confirm the problem, some Tesla Cybertruck owners have reported on social media that they have experienced a major safety issue in which the accelerator pedal gets stuck when it's being pressed down.

Tweet may have been deleted

Tesla customers who had ordered the Cybertruck have posted on the internet that their deliveries have been suspended due to either a recall or a "stop-sale."

A well-known Elon Musk fan account on X, which usually reports on Tesla news, also reported that the company has stopped Cybertruck deliveries due to the accelerator issue.

One Cybertruck owner uploaded a video on TikTok to demonstrate what's going on with the accelerator. It appears a pedal cover is coming loose and sliding up the pedal. It can then reportedly get wedged in an indent on the floor of the Cybertruck. This issue happens when the accelerator is pushed all the way down causing the vehicle to go "full throttle," as the Cybertruck owner in the video puts it. The individual says he was able to stop the vehicle by holding down the brake pedal, which overrides the acceleration pedal, but the Cybertruck would immediately accelerate again if he took his foot off the brake.

Tesla's long-awaited Cybertruck was first delivered to customers who had preordered the vehicle late last year. However, since the very beginning, Cybertruck has been plagued with complaints from customers about a variety of issues.

As Tom's Guide reports, Cybertruck owners have blasted the car over everything from shoddy build quality issues to braking and accelerating at random.

"My truck has been in service longer than I've owned it," said one Cybertruck owner on X who has faced numerous issues with his brand new vehicle.

The previously mentioned Musk fan account said the delivery halt was for seven days, but it's unclear exactly when Tesla will fulfill Cybertruck deliveries again. It's also unclear what the company is doing about what appears to be a major design flaw with its accelerator pedal given that such an issue could potentially have fatal consequences.

Sony is gearing up for the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro and encouraging developers to optimize their games for the new console.

Aiming to overcome the original PS5's limitations, the PS5 Pro focuses on enhanced ray tracing performance, which has been a challenge for the base model. The Verge reports that the upcoming PS5 Pro will dramatically improve how games handle ray-traced graphics, aiming for stable frame rates and higher fidelity — in stark contrast to the current model's performance.

When ray tracing isn't on point, the result can be glitchy or unnatural light or reflections — including stutters or low frame rates — which can break your feeling of immersion. 

SEE ALSO: Sony PlayStation 5 Pro leak: New PS5 Pro console may arrive for the 2024 holiday season

Developers are being prompted to prepare not only new games but also to update existing titles under the "Trinity Enhanced" label, after the console’s codename. This label assures players of enhanced features such as superior ray tracing, higher resolutions, and better overall performance.

According to leaks, the PS5 Pro will boast a significant speed advantage, approximately 45 percent faster than its predecessor, with enhanced titles supporting better resolution and frame rate. This upgrade mirrors the enhancement strategy seen in Xbox Series X and Series S games, although Sony’s focus appears to be meant for native PS5 games only.

The necessity of these upgrades is evident, as even high-profile PS5 games like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Final Fantasy 16 have struggled with performance issues on the original PS5. With the introduction of the PS5 Pro, Sony aims to not only address these issues but also to enhance the gaming experience significantly, making it an exciting prospect for gamers looking to upgrade.

We still haven't seen the iPhone 16, but we keep learning more about it every week.

This week's revelation is that the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro might feature a small, but meaningful, improvement over last year's models. According to an aggregator called "yeux1122" on the Korean news platform Naver (as spotted by MacRumors), Apple is using advanced manufacturing techniques to improve future iPhone cameras.

SEE ALSO: Gaming emulators are now on the App Store after Apple relaxed the rules

To be more specific, Apple is reportedly looking into using atomic layer deposition (or ALD) equipment for making iPhone cameras. In layman's terms, that would allow Apple to put anti-reflective coatings on its cameras. This would theoretically fix iPhone camera issues like lens flare and ghosting, which can happen when shooting directly at or behind a bright light source.

In other words, Apple would be killing a couple birds with one stone at the hardware level. This may not be a flashy feature to be advertised in press releases or trailers, but it's a small improvement that iPhone photographers would probably enjoy. However, as MacRumors pointed out, this could potentially be something Apple introduces next year instead of with the iPhone 16.

We'll find out in September.

SAVE $194.29: The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic rowing machine is just $205.70 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $399.99. That's a 48% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic rowing machine $205.70 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $194.29 Get Deal

Don't feel like spending spring at the gym? Bring home a machine that offers one of the best whole-body workouts at a huge discount thanks to today's deal at Amazon.

As of April 16, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic rowing machine is $205.70, marked down from the normal price of $399.99. That's a 48% discount or a savings of $194.29.

SEE ALSO: Get deep into fitness tracking by saving 10% on a Whoop annual membership

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic rowing machine uses a magnetic tension system that's designed to be both smooth and quiet. Dial resistance up or down between eight levels of tension while getting a comfortable ride on the padded and ergonomic seat.

You can track your rowing progress and speed on the large LCD console while the non-slip foot pedals keep you securely planted on the rowing machine. The handlebars are also made with a slip-resistant material and a soft, padded foam for a more comfortable grip.

The rowing machine's steel rail folds upward, creating a more compact footprint for easy storage. The built-in wheels are also ideal for when you need to roll the rowing machine into a different room or into the closet and out of sight. Since we're well into the spring season, you could even roll the Sunny Health rowing machine outside for a workout in the fresh air.

If you're looking to work out at home, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic rowing machine is just $205.70 at Amazon and offers a full-body workout at a fraction of the usual price.