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Harold Halibut — the debut game of Germany-based indie studio Slow Bros. — feels like a warm batch of cookies that grandma made on a nice, Sunday afternoon. There's a labor of love that radiates within that made my 10+ hour playthrough more enjoyable than it should've been. Adventure games have fallen out of popularity, but the highs of Halibut are so high at times, that it's almost forgiven how dull the game can feel in most moments.

In development since 2012, the narrative-adventure game is a love letter to stop-motion and the dry, snappy humor of a Wes Anderson-esque film. If Isle of Dogs and The Life Aquatic had a child, I'd figure it'd be Harold Halibut.

Credit: Slow Bros. Welcome to the Fedora

The story follows the game's namesake, Harold Halibut, a "young" lab assistant on board the Fedora I, a colony ship that left Earth in the 70s. Some odd 200 years later, it has crashed landed into an ocean planet, remaining submerged in water for 50 years. Harold is a simple and sincere man. He's a daydreamer who longs for a life more meaningful than his menial existence as a handyman aboard the Fedora.

Credit: Slow Bros.

Harold has a bit of empty-minded optimism and sincerity to him that makes him weirdly charming — and also makes him the unwitting therapist to the quirky cast of seafaring characters.

Thus, the bulk of the gameplay in this narrative adventure is walking between conversations as Harold acts as a handyman to the crew in more ways than just technical. I'd imagine, a lot of Harold's grief in life extends to always helping and never being helped. To his credit, the narrative presents Harold as happy to do the work. He loves and respects the crew — even as, at the worst of times, some characters treat Harold with contempt.

The ship's police officer thinks you're always trying to get in trouble, several characters refuse to remember your name at the start, and the scientist you work under, Jeanne Mareaux, is constantly talking down on you any chance she gets.

It's weird how much these characters rely on Harold despite, at times, feeling like they don't even like the guy. Even weirder how sincere the game's plot treats said characters.

Wake up Mr. Halibut, wake up!

Minor spoilers for some of the side stories during the game, but throughout the narrative, you, as Harold, will be asked to handle tasks such as helping the general store owner deal with his marriage; figuring out the riff between a quadruple of elderly twins; and helping your ex-girlfriend convince the hot dog vendor to change locations because it's interrupting her fledgling cupcake business.

These conversations can get boring at times, but there are flashes of strong writing when characters muse about deeper themes like religion, life's meaning, and late-stage capitalism. In these moments, I found myself the most interested in what Harold Halibut had to say — but those instances were brief and weren't ever really challenged by the narrative.

For example, the game starts with Harold being held by the ship's police officer for an unpaid fine for using the wrong pass to travel the tube systems. The tube system, an underwater variation of a subway owned by the capitalistic All Water company, is the main form of transportation around the ship. Despite being stranded in the middle of the ocean and having not had any form of contact with Earth since leaving 200 years ago, the crew still has to pay for food, energy, and transportation. This is an absurdity that is talked about and pointed out on many occasions but only by literal kids.

Harold rightly points out that paying to use the tubes is absurd and that All Water changes the pass requirements so much it seems designed to get people caught so they can pay fines. The story doesn't really challenge this, and because Harold is saying this, most of the characters think he's being dim.

Credit: Slow Bros.

In another moment, and without getting too "spoilery," a character explains to Harold how they live without money and that the community just helps each other out in contrast to the banal existence on board the Fedora. To which Harold replies "I don't get it." And that's that — it's never mentioned again.

Adventure awaits

I haven't talked about gameplay much because there's not much game to play. Harold Halibut is a tried-and-true adventure game that takes full advantage of being operated in an immersive 3D environment. All the characters and environments that you'll interact with are handcrafted and the game revels in the little details. As the narrative progresses, so too will the environments to reflect the various changes Harold and Co. have had to change and adapt to.

It's more of an experience than a video game, which is like most adventure games, but without a lot of puzzles to solve. The game itself fully acknowledges this with characters jokingly poking jabs at the common tropes of adventure games.

During my interaction with Bridgit, the energy scientist of the Fedora, I was tasked with taking a rock sample to her lap. After her experiments were done, she messaged me saying the rock was ready to be analyzed in Mareaux's lab. Normally, adventure game logic dictates that you have to go to Brigit's office to grab the rock and then travel back to Mareaux's lab. However, when I got there, Brigit was surprised and said the rock was sent through the conveyor system and that it'd be evil of her to make me go back and forth like that.

Another time, I was tasked with borrowing some books from a local vendor. However, I needed to find something to carry them. Actually no, though, because the vendor had a grocery bag right next to him. It was moments like this that made me appreciate the humor and writing despite how dull things can get at times.

Is Harold Halibut worth it?

Throughout the six chapters of Harold Halibut, I found a lot of it was spent on my phone. And while that may sound harsh, I think the game itself just has some severe pacing issues that make it hard to get into the story at times. Plus, the repetitiveness of the back-and-forth walking throughout made me long for a better game – just like Harold longs for a better life outside the Fedora.

However, the spectacular visuals kept me hooked and there are moments in the game that suggested a bolder, more radical story beneath the surface. That story isn't fully fleshed to my liking, and if the game was just a tad bit shorter, I would fully recommend this to anyone nostalgic for the golden age of adventure games.

As it stands now though, I think you can get a lot of bang for your buck with Harold Halibut, but if you're prone to fast bouts of boredom, I'd skip this one.

There are volcanoes erupting hundreds of millions of miles beyond Earth. And a NASA spacecraft is watching it happen.

The space agency's Juno probe, which has orbited Jupiter since 2016, swooped by the gas giant's volcanic moon Io last week, its last close planned flyby. The craft captured a world teeming with volcanoes, which you can see in the footage below.

"We're seeing an incredible amount of detail on the surface," Ashley Davies, a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory who researches Io, told Mashable in February after a recent Io flyby. "It's just a cornucopia of data. It's just extraordinary."

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

These impressive views are processed (removing noise and distortion, etc.) by both professional and amateur image processors, some of whom work for NASA or related space research programs. The darker spots are usually volcanoes or hot spots.

Two volcanic plumes recently spotted on the Jovian moon Io. Credit: NASA / JPL / SwRI / MSSS / Gerald Eichstädt / CC BY 3.0 Unported Tweet may have been deleted The Jovian moon Io, in the foreground, with the ice-clad moon Europa in the distance. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Kevin M. Gill / CC BY 3.0 Unported The volcanic moon Io as captured on April 9, 2024. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Ted Stryk / CC BY 3.0 Unported

Io is blanketed in erupting volcanoes because it's relentlessly locked in a tug-of-war between nearby objects, including the colossal Jupiter. "Not only is the biggest planet in the solar system forever pulling at it gravitationally, but so are Io’s Galilean siblings — Europa and the biggest moon in the solar system, Ganymede," NASA explained in a statement. "The result is that Io is continuously stretched and squeezed, actions linked to the creation of the lava seen erupting from its many volcanoes."

This volcanic world, a world a little bigger than Earth's moon, is ceaseless erupting. Just in recent months, Juno observed a hazy plume over the volcano Prometheus. NASA's Galileo mission also captured a plume above these fields of lava in the year 2000. And the first-ever observations of Io, captured by the pioneering Voyager 1 craft, spotted at least eight different active volcanoes.

Indeed, it's a land of lava, plumes, and extreme eruptions.

Featured Video For You NASA spacecraft gets extremely close to volcanic world, snaps footage

Shōgun Tuesday is a sacred day on my X timeline.

Every week, viewers of FX's staggering historical epic flock to the internet to post their thoughts about the show's latest episode, whether it be shocked reactions to Toranaga's (Hiroyuki Sanada) latest political plays, satisfaction at Mariko's (Anna Sawai) poised verbal takedowns of her husband Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe), or enjoyment of the many, many, many times John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) asks to be reunited with his men and his ship. Often, these reactions take the form of memes — and I can't get enough.

SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun' review: 2024's first great TV epic is here

As it turns out, neither can Shōgun's writers.

"You have these inside jokes in the writers' room. They're our own memes for so many years, so it's just nice to not be alone anymore," Shōgun showrunner, co-creator, and executive producer Justin Marks told Mashable. Marks co-created and executive produced Shōgun with Rachel Kondo, and in a joint interview with Mashable, the pair revealed their favorite internet responses to the series.

The enduring power of "my men and my ship." Cosmo Jarvis in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

One of the Shōgun plot elements that's only grown more meme-worthy over time is English pilot John Blackthorne's insistence that he be reunited with his men and his ship. Seriously, if Blackthorne ever goes an episode without mentioning his men or his ship, we may be in an Invasion of the Body Snatchers situation, because that would not be the Blackthorne we know.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to Kondo and Marks, the Shōgun writers' room also loved Blackthorne's singular fixation throughout the series — and so did Blackthorne actor Cosmo Jarvis.

"There were some times while shooting where Cosmo was like, 'I just think we've lost the thread of 'my men and my ship' again," Marks said. The writers would then suggest new men-and-ship-centric lines to add, and they would inevitably end up in the show.

"It always hit, every time," Marks continued. "Every time it started to come up, we would laugh in the edit."

SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun' episode 9: Mariko's gate scene revisits a key moment from episode 3. Here's why. Fuji is the reaction queen of Shōgun. Moeka Hoshi in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

Another Shōgun meme MVP is highborn Lady Fuji (Moeka Hoshi), who endures unspeakable tragedy in the show's first episode, yet who continues on to deliver some of the sharpest, most memorable, and even funniest reaction shots in the entire show. Take her disgusted response to Blackthorne leaving a pigeon outside to rot, or her calmly drawing a gun on Omi (Hiroto Kanai). And of course, every one of her pointed sips of tea is ripe for reaction giffing.

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"We always felt like someday Fuji's reactions would become something, because we were always loving them in the writers' room," said Marks. "Then when we cast Moeka to play that part, we really felt like we had someone who had this silent film aura that we were always after." The writers' room have even started their own Fuji appreciation thread in honor of one of Shōgun's breakouts.

SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun' is a master class in period costuming Yabushige is an internet icon. Tadanobu Asano in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

Another Shōgun breakout is Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano), the Lord of Izu. And what's not to love? His attempts to play both sides of the conflict between Toranaga and Ishido (Takehiro Hira) hilariously never play out according to plan, he keeps a tier list ranking ways of dying, and he's a reaction king in his own right. (Who can forget "I don't have time for this Christian nonsense?")

Tweet may have been deleted

The Shōgun writers never had anyone but Asano in mind for the role of Yabushige, keeping a photo of him with long hair and a tuxedo on the wall in the writers' room. "It felt like, 'this guy's here to party,'" Marks said of the photo. "So we wrote that as the vibe for Yabushige. Then Carlos Rosario, our costume designer, came up with the black swan feather jinbaori, and we knew that was it. He was going to show up like David Bowie coming on stage, and it's nice that people feel the same way that we do about him."

"All the actors commandeer their characters so fully that's it's really hard to tangle out how we initially thought of them," Kondo added of Asano's fan-favorite performance. "How Tadanobu plays Yabushige now, I can't imagine the character before he was a part of the show."

Shōgun is full of dark comedy — just look at Nagakado's fate. Yuki Kura in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

The meme-worthiness of Shōgun may seem surprising on the surface, given its gravitas and epic historical scope. But this is a show that consistently finds humor in its heaviest moments. Look no farther than the end of episode 7, "A Stick of Time." In the episode's final scene, Toranaga's son, Nagakado (Yuki Kura), attempts to kill Toranaga's brother, Saeki (Eita Okuno), during a rainy raid on Ajiro's brothel. Just as he's about to deal the killing blow, he slips on Saeki's wet clothing — Marks referred to this as "the banana peel moment" — and cracks his skull open.

"Anybody who doesn't think we're doing a comedy in some way, I hope [episode] 7 has put that one to bed in terms of what we were after when it came to straight-faced comedy," Marks said.

"It's a dark comedy," Kondo continued.

"Yeah, just about the plans we make and then how the plans life makes [can stop us]," Marks said.

"Or the plans slippery rocks make!" Kondo joked of Nagakado's fate.

Shōgun is now streaming on Hulu.

TL;DR: Through April 21, save 18% on a pair of Nintendo Switch controllers with RGB lights and turbo buttons. Now $34.99 compared to $79.99+ for name-brand models.

Nintendo Switch gamers face an epidemic much stronger than being unable to stop playing the latest title releases — it’s the phenomenon called ‘Joy-Con drift’ where the joysticks on controllers become so worn that they start to move on their own and cause gamers to mess up in their games. If you’re experiencing that, it might be time for a new set of Nintendo Switch controllers.

While a name-brand pair could cost you upwards of $79.99, this one is only $34.99 right now (reg. $42.99). They even have RGB lights and turbo burst buttons.

Switch controllers with more features for less cash

Just like the name-brand Joy-Cons, this set has 360º joysticks and dual-shock response for immersive gaming, whether you’re playing the new Princess Peach™: Showtime! or a classic game of Overcooked. They also have a 600mAh battery capacity that provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming, taking just three to four hours to fully charge.

However, unlike other Joy-Cons, these have vibrant RGB lighting down each side. Choose from monochromatic or colorful modes and enjoy dancing lights as you battle, race, or cook with friends in your favorite games. Of course, if they ever get too distracting, you can also turn them off.

Another unique feature you won’t find on Nintendo’s controllers is the turbo burst buttons. This third-party function is typically used by gamers for automatic, rapid button presses to enhance gameplay in certain scenarios — ever heard of mashing? 

Your new pair of Nintendo Switch controllers also come with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Level up your gameplay with the flick of a switch — literally.

In the game of controllers, these reign supreme with RGB lights, added buttons, and being just $34.99 (reg. $42.99). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch with RGB Lights $30.99 at the Mashable Shop
$42.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 21, save on lifelong access to this home workout and meal planner iOS app, on sale for $34.97.

The Verv app is a holistic way to work toward your goals, with a blend of physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness guidance, helping you focus on goals like healthy eating or stress relief. Typically, this iOS app is $360 for lifetime access, but it’s currently on sale for $34.97 through April 21.

Enjoy healthy habits

The Verv app has plenty of home workouts to explore. In addition, you’ll also find options for running, walking, interval training, yoga, meditation, and guided dance tutorials. Add categories you like, get personalized recommendations, and browse weekly plans or take single sessions.

You also have the option to sync the Verv app with Apple Health to automatically export your workout data. This is helpful for those who like to track their workouts or calories.

But physical activity isn’t the only factor in achieving your health and fitness goals — and the Verv app’s holistic approach knows that well. That’s why you’ll also discover tons of recipes and meal plan collections to integrate with your training, including those for keto, vegan, and vegetarian diets.

The Verv app also prioritizes sleep and mindfulness in your fitness journey. Browse music and sounds crafted to help you unwind, de-stress, and sleep. Some of the above meditation and yoga courses could also provide some stress relief or improved sleep quality.

Get lifetime access to Verv Premium on sale for $34.97 (reg. $360) until April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, no coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Verv Verv Premium Home Workout Planner: Lifetime Subscription $34.97 at the Mashable Shop
$360.00 Save $325.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 21, if you want to prep a computer for work or school, get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for only $59.97. 

If you're shopping for a computer, you've probably seen the listings for refurbished devices. Those prices can go pretty low for some solid computers, but if you get one, you might also want to update it with a new operating system and the apps you're going to use every day. 

Whether you're getting a computer for school, work, or just to use at home, Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office could be welcome additions to any machine, and you only have to pay for them once. Your new-to-you computer might just feel new with a full suite of productivity apps and a shiny new interface and security toolset, and it's only $59.97 until April 21. 

Update your refurbished computer

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 is different from Microsoft 365. This version comes with many of the same apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. However, these are slightly older versions and can only be installed on one computer one time. The tradeoff is that you aren't paying for them every month, and you can use them as long as you have the computer they're installed on. 

Windows 11 Pro isn't compatible with every computer, so if you're using a refurbished computer, double-check before purchasing. Once it's installed, you might notice some exciting changes that are immediately apparent. Changes like rounded window edges and snap layouts range from pleasant to downright convenient, and that's not even touching on all the security upgrades. 

If you're installing on a school or work computer, tools like bitlocker encryption, wake and lock, and support for biometrics login could be welcome changes. If this is a home computer, then check out what the DirectX 12 Ultimate does for gaming compatibility. 

Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office for life

Don't miss your chance to give your computer a serious productivity overhaul. 

Until April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, take advantage of this sale on a Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro for $59.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $59.97 at the Mashable Shop
$438.00 Save $378.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 21, save $100 on this shortwave radio that receives every type of wavelength for weather-related emergencies, and entertainment — $149.99 (reg. $249.99).

Whether you live in an area recently affected by unexpected earthquakes, coastal flooding, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, or anything in between, you already know that the only thing predictable about the weather is its unpredictability. Staying prepared for emergencies is key, and we don’t just mean having a charged phone and food stashed in your basement.

If the power, internet, and cell phone towers all go out in severe weather conditions, it’s crucial to have a way to get weather and news updates. The Eton Elite Executive radio operates on batteries and picks up all types of wavelengths for emergencies and entertainment for $149.99 (reg. $249.99).

A modern twist on a timeless communication tool

Tune into AM broadcasts, and FM stations with RDS and get information like song titles, and LW and SW for long-distance and international transmissions. The radio even picks up VHF aircraft band wavelengths, meaning you can tune into air traffic control communications. When you’re stuck in a weather emergency, these access points could be crucial for getting important updates, or simply staying entertained.

The radio features precise automatic or manual digital tuning, so you can easily find the station you’re looking for or browse what’s available in your area. You can also save 700 stations, set alarms or sleep timers, and electronically adjust the volume, treble, and bass sound effects.

Of course, the Eton Elite Executive radio isn’t only for emergencies. You could bring it to the beach or camping to listen to your favorite stations or tunes. Your purchase comes with a leather carrying case to protect the radio wherever you bring it.

Prepare for the unexpected with the Eton Elite Executive radio for $149.99 (reg. $249.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eton Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio with RDS & Custom Leather Carry Cover $149.99 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you've already blown through your Netflix and Hulu libraries, maybe it’s time to give Paramount+ a spin. Since Paramount has been making movies since 1916, its catalog of films is deep. Seriously. Imagine John Wayne Westerns on the same streamer as Sonic the Hedgehog! It's madness, and we love it. And now that Showtime's formidable library has been added to the catalog? Fuhgeddaboudit! 

For all movie lovers, whether you prefer silly comedies or touching character studies, here are our favorite movies from Paramount's prodigious vault to watch now on Paramount+.

1. Top Gun: Maverick Credit: Paramount Pictures / Paramount+

Top Gun: Maverick could have flopped like so many of its fellow nostalgia-fueled reboots. But instead, it soars. Tom Cruise and company have done the impossible and made a sequel that honors what worked best about the original film while still telling a fresh story that never feels like a retread. It’s pure movie magic!

More than 30 years after graduating from the Top Gun Navy fighter pilot training program, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is called back to help prepare its newest recruits for a particularly dangerous mission. The catch? One of the recruits is the son of Pete’s late best friend and former fellow recruit, Goose. Only Maverick can push these young pilots to take the risks necessary for success, but is he willing to ask Goose’s son to put his life at risk?

Exciting, surprisingly touching, and guaranteed to have you looking up how much a pilot’s license costs, Top Gun: Maverick is peak entertainment. 

How to watch: Top Gun: Maverick is now streaming on Paramount+.

2. The Talented Mr. Ripley 

The Talented Mr. Ripley walked so Saltburn could run. This iconic psychological thriller features a young Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a poor New Yorker who finds himself in the entourage of the rich and impossibly charismatic Dickie as he lounges and carouses his way across 1950s Europe. But is it luck that brought Tom into Dickie’s orbit, or something more sinister? 

Jude Law is at his Jude-est Law-iest as Dickie, exuding the effortless grace of a young, handsome aristocrat who can’t help but charm everyone meets. Gwyneth Paltrow glows as Dickie’s girlfriend, Marge, and Philip Seymour Hoffman is pitch-perfect as another of Dickie’s rich friends, who mistrusts Tom from the get-go. Based on the Patricia Highsmith novel and directed by Anthony Minghella, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a suspenseful, captivating classic. 

How to watch: The Talented Mr. Ripley is now streaming on Paramount+.

3. Clueless Credit: Paramount / Kobal / Shutterstock

Clueless, first of all, is iconic. Nearly 30 years have passed, but it’s still a cultural touchstone for today’s teens. Perhaps its staying power comes from its plot, directly lifted from the literal founder of the romantic comedy, Jane Austen. Like Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, Clueless’s Cher (Alicia Silverstone) acts as a matchmaker to everyone around her but can’t seem to get her own love life in order. The story alone does not fully capture the movie’s charm. Clueless is both hilarious and sweet, features unforgettable costumes, and most importantly, is filled to the brim with memorable, quotable lines. Cinema has never heard a more cutting insult than “You’re a virgin who can’t drive.” 

How to watch: Clueless is streaming on Paramount+.

4. Past Lives

Since its Sundance debut in January, writer/director Celine Song's debut feature has been buzzed about as one of the best of the year. When the film finally hit theaters in June, those outside of the Park City festival bubble got to weigh in. And this romantic movie lives up to the hype!

Greta Lee, who also appeared in such buzzy 2023 gems as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Problemista, stars as Nora, a Korean-American playwright who reconnects with her childhood sweetheart from Seoul (Teo Yoo) over a couple of heady days in New York City. Long walks and long talks scratch at the scab of what could have been, as the two share an exciting chemistry. But life is complicated — specifically, Nora is already married to the rumpled but charming Arthur (John Magaro). So, will these long-lost lovers reignite their would-be romance? Or will they have to wait for another life?* — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Past Lives is now streaming on Paramount+.

5. Everything Everywhere All at Once Credit: A24 / Moviestore / Shutterstock

Want a movie with a little bit of everything? Then you can't beat the 2023 Oscar winner for Best Picture. Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh stars as a disgruntled Laundromat owner who's at her wit's end between her obligations as a boss, wife, mother, and daughter. And just as she's braced to deal with a tax auditor with a surly attitude (Academy Award–winner Jamie Lee Curtis), a dashing version of her husband (Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan) bursts onto the scene from a parallel universe to loop her into a quest to save all existence. Packed with absolutely bonkers action, outrageous jokes, dizzying style, and performances as silly as they are deeply poignant, The Daniels' Everything Everywhere All at Once is the kind of movie that'll have you laughing, crying, gasping, and maybe even reconsidering your life up to now.* — K.P.

How to watch: Everything Everywhere All at Once is now streaming on Paramount+.

6. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

A fun family adventure that still hits some 40 years later, the original Indiana Jones films have been copied many times, but never surpassed. And the first of the bunch, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, is simply legendary. Harrison Ford is swashbuckling and swoon-worthy as the adventuresome archaeology professor who spends his free time tracking down lost, ancient treasures around the globe — a task that is never as straightforward as it seems. 

How to watch: Indiana Jones is now streaming on Paramount+.

7. Carol  Credit: Wilson Webb / Killer / The Weinstein Company / Kobal / Shutterstock

Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt (republished as Carol in 1990), Todd Haynes's Carol stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two forbidden lovers in 1950s New York. Therese (Mara) is an aspiring photographer working at a department store one Christmas when she meets Carol (Blanchett), who is shopping for a present for her daughter. The sparks fly immediately, but their blossoming love has a few roadblocks, such as Carol's impending divorce from her crappy husband, Harge (Kyle Chandler, no!), not to mention that era's attitude towards homosexuality.

If you're in the mood for queer yearning, a tense slow-burn, and one of the best sapphic love stories ever, Carol is the perfect watch. You will feel all the feelings.* — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor  

How to watch: Carol is now streaming on Paramount+.

8. Galaxy Quest 

Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell are the fictional crew of a cult TV sci-fi series, Galaxy Quest. Years after the show’s been off the air, they float from convention to convention, signing autographs and wishing their careers had gone in a different direction. Until one day, they’re kidnapped by aliens who saw their TV broadcast from across the galaxy and thought it was real! Uh oh! Now the aliens hope Tim Allen and crew can defend their planet against an invading force, while the hapless band of actors just hopes they can keep up the ruse long enough to find a way home. Galaxy Quest is a deeply silly movie that packs a sneaky emotional punch. An absolute winner, through and through. 

How to watch: Galaxy Quest is now streaming on Paramount+.

9. Bodies Bodies Bodies Credit: A24 / Moviestore / Shutterstock

Like your comedy with a side of murder? Directed by Halina Reijn, this A24 thriller boasts a playful premise and a bevy of hot stars. Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson play a motley crew of friends who plan for a wild weekend in a remote mansion. But when a childish game of pretend murder leads to real bloodshed, these friends turn suspicious of each other faster than you can say party foul. Cleverly constructed, wickedly funny, and weirdly hot, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a demented delight.* — K.P.

How to watch: Bodies Bodies Bodies is now streaming on Paramount+.

10. Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is the definition of a crowd-pleaser. Thrilling action sequences, ridiculous side characters, beloved actors playing gleefully against type, plenty of Easter eggs for the hardcore DnD fans — this is one adventure you don’t want to miss. 

Chris Pine is Edgin Darvis, a bard and peacekeeper who turned to a life of thievery to support his daughter following the death of his wife — and was thrown in jail for it. After escaping with his friend Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), Edgin will stop at nothing to reunite with his daughter.

How to watch: Dungeons and Dragons is now streaming on Paramount+.

11. She’s All That Credit: Claudette Barius / Miramax / Kobal / Shutterstock

A romantic comedy hall-of-famer, 1999’s She’s All That gives us one of the most iconic and absurd examples of nerdy-girl-isn’t-hot-until-you-take-her-glasses-off movie magic. Freddie Prinze Jr. is lovably smug as the high school top dawg who bets his bros he can turn any girl into the prom queen in six weeks, even social outcast Laney Boggs. That’s right, it’s a 1990s Pygmalion/My Fair Lady — and you already know how it ends! 

This is a teen comedy that retains some of its edge; the teens were still allowed to be mean to each other in the ‘90s. Rachael Leigh Cook became a household name as the artsy high school misfit who was obviously cute long before she got contacts. Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Kieran Culkin, Anna Paquin, Gabrielle Union, and more help cement She’s All That in the hallowed halls of rom-com history, and its soundtrack is a full-fledged nostalgia bomb. It’s time for a rewatch.*

How to watch: She’s All That is now streaming on Paramount+.

12. Hit the Road

At first, when we see this Iranian family on a road trip, it seems as though we’re settling in for a carefree vacation. But as time goes on, we realize there is more to this story, and the family is on a high-stakes journey to sneak their adult son out of the country. 

Warm, thrilling, and completely fresh, Hit the Road is a stirring look at a family doing their best in an impossible situation. Writer/director Panah Panahi weaves from humor to tragedy and back again with sophistication and grace, incorporating silence as a meaningful player in his storytelling. Panahi knows the power of secrets and censorship all too well, as he is the son of acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who himself was silenced by his government and banned from creating more films. 

How to watch: Hit the Road is now streaming on Paramount+.

13. The Lost City Credit: Kimberley French / Paramount Pictures

Does it ever feel like nothing will fix your problems but a Sanda Bullock romantic comedy? Enter 2022’s The Lost City. Is it a perfect movie? No. Is it a ridiculously fun adventure chock-full of charismatic actors and one iconic sequin jumpsuit? Heck yes, it is!

Bullock is Loretta Sage, a reclusive romance novelist who has given up on love in her own life after the death of her husband. Channing Tatum is simply perfect as the himbo cover model for her books who is secretly in love with her. When an unhinged billionaire kidnaps Loretta because her latest book recalls similar details to a lost treasure he’s hunting, Tatum takes it upon himself, and his zero useful skills, to rescue her. 

How to watch: The Lost City is now streaming on Paramount+.

14. The Big Short

For those of us who are aware that the housing market crashed in 2007 but have no clue how or why it happened, there is hope in the form of The Big Short. Somehow, Adam McKay turned a devastating crisis that bankrupted millions of innocent Americans into a gripping, informative, and funny movie! Wee!

The film follows multiple disparate investors, hedge fund managers, and financial players as they each, on their own, begin to uncover the faulty foundation holding up the U.S. housing market: a lot of mortgage loans were simply backed by bullsh*t. And with the help of a star-studded cast — including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, John Magaro. and more — alongside clever visuals and accessible explanations, The Big Short is mandatory viewing for anyone wanting to understand more about the ruthless power of the Big Banks. But, like, in a fun way. 

How to watch: The Big Short is now streaming on Paramount+.

15. Aftersun Credit: A24 / Moviestore / Shutterstock

Do we ever truly know our loved ones? Writer/director Charlotte Wells explores the desire to understand our family members in a stunning debut feature, Aftersun. Paul Mescal is captivating and enigmatic as Calum, a young father taking his 11-year-old daughter Sophie on a vacation to celebrate his birthday. As the film unfolds, and Sophie records their trip on a camcorder (this is the late ‘90s, afterall!), we see flashes of adult Sophie rewatching the footage, yearning to know more deeply the man hidden inside her dad. Aftersun is an astounding, empathetic character study that will stay with you for days. 

How to watch: Aftersun is now streaming on Paramount+.

16. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Jenny Slate and her ex-husband Dean Fleischer Camp created the viral Marcel the Shell character while they were still together. Post-divorce, they worked alongside each other to bring the sweet little shell to the big screen with this very A24 movie. And while it probably was not fun to work as exes, we are grateful they took one for the team, because Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a whimsical, heartwarming, mockumentary adventure that will make you laugh, cry, and want to talk in a teeny, tiny little voice. 

How to watch: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is now streaming on Paramount+.

17. A Quiet Place  Credit: Jonny Cournoyer / Paramount / Kobal / Shutterstock

John Krasinski went from actor to celebrated director with this spine-tingling 2018 hit. Starring opposite his real-life wife Emily Blunt, The Office star plays a farmer dedicated to protecting his family from killer creatures that hunt by sound. This clever premise means the movie’s characters can't scream, because such a sound would definitely be their last. That means your own sounds of terror are weaponized while watching, crashing into the silent soundscape that’s suffocating in tension.

Ruthlessly paced and keenly realized, A Quiet Place is a superbly scary thrill ride. But what makes it top-tier are the poignant performances by Krasinski, Blunt, and their onscreen children, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. Together, they make a family-frightening feature that's perfect for a quiet night at home. And if you dare to double-feature, the spooky sequel, A Quiet Place: Part II, is also available. — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor *

How to watch: A Quiet Place is now streaming on Paramount+.

18. Saving Private Ryan

In 1944, after surviving the harrowing D-Day battle at Omaha beach, Captain John Miller and his team are tasked with taking a message across France to one Private James Ryan. Ryan’s three brothers have been killed in action, and the U.S. government, looking for a positive PR story, wants to bring Ryan home alive to his mother. Miller and his team resent this mission. Is all this effort worth saving one life? 

Steven Spielberg’s moving masterpiece is a sobering rumination on the harsh reality of war. Deaths are senseless and shocking. The opening D-Day sequence has been heralded as one of the most accurate film depictions of the chaos, the confusion, the brutality of a battle. Against this backdrop of violence and impermanence, the characters struggle to hold on to their humanity — but perhaps a mission of goodwill will help them remember. Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and more round out the cast of this unforgettable film. 

How to watch: Saving Private Ryan is now streaming on Paramount+.

19. To Catch a Thief Credit: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

An Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, To Catch a Thief is a half-suspense, half-romance whodunnit against a sparkling Mediterranean backdrop. Cary Grant is smooth as ever as John Robie, a reformed jewel thief now living a quiet life in the French Riviera. But when a string of new robberies puts him under suspicion, he’ll have to find the real culprit before he takes the blame. 

Grace Kelly is literally glowing in this film, playing one of the rich tourists whose belongings were stolen, and her sumptuous Edith Head costumes are truly iconic. To Catch a Thief is one of those gorgeous classics where no one has a job and everyone speaks in witty double entendres. It’s a mischievous, flirtatious movie that makes you want to put on an enormous hat and move to Monaco — which is what Grace Kelly did: It was during the production of Thief that she met her future husband, the Prince of Monaco!

How to watch: To Catch a Thief is now streaming on Paramount+.

20. Titanic

Kate Winslet is Rose, a young, upper-class Brit aboard the RMS Titanic who soon finds herself in a whirlwind romance with the handsome, charming, and penniless Jack — Leonardo DiCaprio’s star-making role. Their class difference isn’t the only obstacle their love faces, as Rose’s wealthy fiancé Cal (Billy Zane) is also on the ship, and the ship is about to run into an enormous iceberg and become the world’s most famous maritime catastrophe. 

James Cameron’s Titanic is an epic in every sense of the word. The love story is melodramatic and all-encompassing, made even more urgent by the impending doom we know is waiting for the lovers. When the action hits, it is visceral, harrowing, and breathtaking: an incomprehensible disaster seen through the eyes of its human victims. There’s also a whole bit about Rose in the present as an old woman and the team trying to find the ship’s wreckage — but no one really remembers that part.* 

How to watch: Titanic is now streaming on Paramount+.

21. Arrival Credit: Shutterstock

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill alien flick. Arrival is a moody, complex science fiction drama where 12 extraterrestrial ships land across the globe… and wait. Countries scramble to make contact, to decipher meaning from the aliens’ presence. Enter Amy Adams as Louise Banks, a linguist assigned to study the alien’s language from their USA parking spot in Montana. The closer she comes to understanding the visitors’ intentions, the more her perception of the world around her begins to change. Arrival is scenic and existential, pairing high-concept philosophical questions with sweeping shots of the Montana plains. It’s suspenseful, provocative, and atmospheric — a winning combination for science fiction. And it goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway, Amy Adams is (as always!) at the top of her game here.

How to watch: Arrival is now streaming on Paramount+.

22. Minority Report

All the best science-fiction flicks are based on Philip K. Dick stories. First Blade Runner, then Total Recall, and in 2002, the mind-warping thriller Minority Report. The year is 2054, and America has won the war on crime by instituting the “Precrime” program, which utilizes future-telling technology to arrest people before they actually commit their foretold crime. Precrime Officer John Anderton (Tom Cruise) strongly believes in the power of his department, until his name appears on the arrest list for an upcoming murder. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Minority Report  is a complex science fiction story, a gripping action movie, and a suspenseful mystery film all-in-one.

How to watch: Minority Report is now streaming on Paramount+.

23. Mean Girls Credit: CBS via Getty Images

There’s a reason why, over 15 years later, we’re still joking “You can’t sit with us!!!” when our friends meet us late for dinner. Mean Girls set the standard for teen comedies in the early 2000s. The Tina Fey-penned flick was a box office behemoth when it debuted in 2004, and it shows no signs of fading out of relevance any time soon. Lindsay Lohan is Cady Heron, a formerly home-schooled teenager with no clue how to navigate the strict and punishing social hierarchy of North Shore High School. Her new friends, themselves social misfits, push her to infiltrate the popular crowd so they can ultimately take down the Queen Bee, a flawless Rachel McAdams. 

Mean Girls is hilarious, endlessly quotable, and a piercingly accurate take on the stakes of popularity in 2000s American high schools. Luckily, since “On Wednesdays, we wear pink” and “She doesn't even go here!” have firmly taken root in our collective cultural consciousness, we can keep enjoying this gem for decades to come. 

How to watch: Mean Girls is now streaming on Paramount+.

24. School of Rock

Before Mike White became the White Lotus king, he wrote Jack Black his most perfect role in School of Rock. Black plays an unsuccessful musician (who was kicked out of his band for rocking too hard!) hellbent on winning a local battle of the bands. In need of cash, he swipes his roommate’s substitute teaching gig at a fancy prep school and plans to ditch as soon as he gets a paycheck. But when he discovers these kids are fantastic little musicians, another plan takes shape. Can he and a group of middle schoolers win the battle of the bands? 

Insane, silly, and good clean fun, School of Rock is a winner for the whole family with some truly unforgettable tunes! 

How to watch: School of Rock is now streaming on Paramount+.

*Asterisks indicate the writeup is adapted from another Mashable article.

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UPDATE: Apr. 15, 2024, 3:27 p.m. EDT This article was updated to include the latest streaming options.

Last October, X/Twitter started charging a $1 annual fee to new accounts before they could post on the platform, but only in New Zealand and the Philippines. The change was a part of a new program called Not a Bot, with the goal to bolster X's efforts to "reduce spam, manipulation of our platform and bot activity."

Now, it appears that this program is expanding to all markets.

Tweet may have been deleted

The changes was noted by XUpdatesRadar, an automated account which detects text string changes on X's website and apps. The new text, detected Monday, states that "New accounts are required to pay a small annual fee before you're able to post, like, bookmark, and reply. This is to reduce spam and to create a better experience for everyone. You can still follow accounts and browse X for free."

X owner Elon Musk seemingly confirmed the news in a tweet.

"Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots. Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease," he wrote.

Tweet may have been deleted

"The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result," he added in a subsequent tweet.

It's unclear how big the fee will be, but in the New Zealand and the Philippines test it was set to $1, which amounted to $1.43 NZD in New Zealand and 42.51 PHP in the Philippines. There's also no info on when the new scheme will come into effect.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk might charge everyone for Twitter/X next

Elon Musk vowed to rid Twitter/X of spambots even before he acquired the platform in 2022. One of the measures he implemented was to start charging for the blue checkmark "verified" status, though that did little – both anecdotally and according to research – to solve the issue.

There’s no easy way to announce layoffs. But you can avoid critical mistakes that could make the bad news even worse for your team. Here’s how. Use the right tone. While it’s important to be direct, you must also deliver the news with empathy and compassion. As you acknowledge the difficulty of the situation, don’t be […]

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

The IPL is delivering the goods once again, and we've got all the information you need to tune into key matches. We're well into the season as the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals prepare to go head-to-head in the 31st round of the season.

If you want to watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals for free from anywhere in the world, look no further, we have all the info you need.

When is Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals?

Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 16. The match takes place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India.

How to watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals 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 Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals for free from anywhere in the world

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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.

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the AI Resume Builder is on sale for £27.83, saving you 93% on list price.

You may be the most qualified candidate for a job with a CV that proves it, but that might not guarantee you’ll get the job. It may not even get you an interview if the company is using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan incoming CVs. 

If you want to create an ATS-friendly CV that still shows off your talents, you could learn all the quirks of the software, or you could use a CV builder that already knows how it’s done. AI Resume Builder gives you intuitive controls to create application materials that may stand out to ATS software, and you can get a lifetime subscription for the best price online, just £27.83. 

AI Resume Builder is an intuitive tool to get the attention of ATS software, and it’s also just a useful tool for putting together a CV. The drag-and-drop layouts let you rearrange blocks of your CV in seconds instead of manually copying, pasting, and re-formatting. 

Fine-tune with controls for color editing and spacing, and you can even add your social media links for LinkedIn, GitHub, Twitter, Portfolio, Behance, and more. Don’t miss a misplaced comma. AI Résumé Builder supports Grammarly integration so you can check your work before submitting it. 

Take advantage of an advanced AI that might just save you time during the whole application process. This CV builder has a built-in AI engine that auto-completes data for you and fills in what it already knows. 

This offer is only available to new users. Once activated, you can access your AI Resume Builder on up to 999 devices. The Basic plan lets you create up to 10 CVs a month with 50 monthly downloads. You also get tips that could help you refine your CV.

For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription to the AI Resume Builder on sale for £27.83, the best price online.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pexels AI Resume Builder (Lifetime Subscription) £27.83 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free on SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It really doesn't get much tougher than cycling. We'll be honest and say that we don't fully understand the appeal of setting out in the morning to punish yourself over long climbs through potentially miserable conditions, but this sort of thing clearly works for a lot of people, because we see plenty of enthusiasts out there on the roads every day.

What we can see the appeal of is watching the very best cyclists in the world going wheel to wheel in one of the most prestigious cycling events on the calendar. We're talking about the Giro d'Italia, and we've got all the information you need to follow along from the comfort of your home.

What is the Giro d’Italia?

The Giro d'Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy. The Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's most prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours, and is the world's second most important stage race after the Tour de France.

When is the 2024 Giro d’Italia?

The 2024 Giro d'Italia is the 107th edition of the famous race. This year's event takes place from May 4 to May 26.

How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free

It's possible to watch the 2024 Giro d'Italia live and for free on these streaming platforms:

• Australia — SBS on Demand

• Belgium — RTBF

• Italy — RaiPlay

These free streaming services are geo-restricted to their country of origin, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from anywhere else in the world. That is unless you're using a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free streaming platforms from any location.

Stream the 2024 Giro d'Italia for free 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 Australia, Belgium, or Italy

4. Visit SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay

5. Watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia 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 money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these guarantees, you can watch Giro d’Italia live streams without committing with your cash. This is a sneaky trick, but it works.

What is the best VPN for Giro d’Italia?

There are a lot of streaming-friendly VPNs out there for you to consider, but ExpressVPN is probably the best service for live streaming top sporting events. ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming the Giro d’Italia, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria, Belgium, and Italy

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always 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 heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to watch 2024 Giro d’Italia and then recover your investment with the money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free with ExpressVPN.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 16'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:

Part of someone's leg; slang for stabbing someone.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1032 is...

SHANK.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for April 16'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: Greatly surprised

• Green: Things a journalist write

• Blue: Smooth with no angles

• Purple: Layout of a theater

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: Flabbergast

• Green: Bit of Journalism

• Blue: On The Same Plane

• Purple: Theater Sections

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 #310 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Flabbergast: FLOOR, ROCK, SHOCK, SURPRISE

• Bit of Journalism: ARTICLE, FEATURE, REPORT, STORY

• On The Same Plane: EVEN, FLAT, FLUSH, LEVEL

• Theater Sections: BALCONY, BOX, ORCHESTRA, STAGE

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.

If you're a gamer with a design bug, IKEA thinks you'll love it's new collection of "gaming furniture," due in stores in September 2024.

The furniture giant says that its 20-piece Brännboll collection "challenges traditional gaming design" and should more peacefully co-exist in aesthetic harmony within your home than, say, a Secretlab gaming chair.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming monitor for upgrading your visuals

But the collection seems more like a brilliant marketing ploy than a genuine attempt to meet gamers where they are. Much of Brännboll looks like regular old IKEA furniture, accessorized with an Asus ROG Ally console or a Meta Quest 2 VR headset. The gaming market is currently estimated to be worth about $282 billion in the US alone and IKEA's only previous foray into the industry was a small line of black and red gaming furniture in 2021.

A tall standing cabinet harbors a hidden fold-down tabletop with storage for a PC and monitor. Credit: IKEA A rolling castor stores gaming tech and accessories. Credit: IKEA

Some pieces do actually make sense for gamers, like a tall standing cabinet that opens to reveal a fold-down tabletop with storage for a PC and monitor (also a handy piece for folks working at home). A second item, a green desk chair, resembles the design of the kind of traditional gaming chairs IKEA claims to be moving away from. A third piece, the "easy chair," is described as providing a new "dynamic component of the virtual gaming experience" by "engag[ing] the gamer physically, swinging from side to side in harmony with their movement."

SEE ALSO: The best gaming headset for every platform

The core of Brännboll is the easy chair and several low-to-the-ground seats, including an inflatable donut-shaped concoction that is so light it can be hung from a hook on the wall. A mouse pad, rug, and throw and storage solutions like a wall-mounted cabinet, wheeled castor, and a multifunctional basket round out the collection.

With its plan to return samples from Mars in jeopardy, NASA is now making a desperate plea for outside help to save the costly and complex mission.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson and the agency's head of science, Nikki Fox, announced Monday they will seek suggestions from the greater space industry with a formal request for ideas. The agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which has been overseeing the mission from California, has already laid off about 530 employees — about 8 percent of its workforce — and 40 contractors in the face of budget constraints.

NASA will solicit new concept proposals for the mission that could reduce spending and hasten the timeline. The agency is also asking other NASA campuses to weigh in. By the fall, they hope to have some new ideas to consider.

When asked what happens if there aren't any practical solutions, administrator Bill Nelson quipped, "Better than not to try."

"I suspect if folks at NASA and our contractors and our centers and JPL put their minds to it, these are folks who can figure out rather difficult things," he said during a call with reporters.

SEE ALSO: The surprising reason a Mars rover just started dropping samples The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which has been overseeing the mission from California, has already laid off about 530 employees — about 8 percent of its workforce — and 40 contractors in the face of budget constraints. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

Mars Sample Return, a complex mission to bring rocks and dirt back from the Red Planet, has been at a crossroads since last year. The mission's swelling costs have led to layoffs and warnings of cancellation from Congress.

Independent reviews have found that the mission would likely cost upward of $11 billion to achieve by the 2030s — or would require delays that would set back the return to at least 2040. That spending projection is more than 50 percent higher than a range recommended by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

But the nonpartisan Planetary Society has said the program is too important for NASA to scrap.

"Do the science, do it now, and do it with balance," wrote Casey Dreier, the group's senior space policy adviser.

Tweet may have been deleted

NASA's Perseverance rover, a car-size lab on six wheels, has been collecting samples from the Jezero crater since 2021 with the hope they can be returned to Earth for scientific scrutiny.

Over the course of its exploration, Perseverance has been drilling into rocks and filling pairs of sample tubes so that each has a backup supply. The plan has been for the rover to eventually deliver the samples to a robotic lander equipped with a rocket to bring them back for study.

"Better than not to try." Plan B for recovering the Mars backup samples has been to use drones to take them to a lander. Credit: NASA illustration

If Perseverance couldn't make the transfers, Plan B would involve recovering the duplicate tubes from the ground where the rover is intentionally dropping them. In that scenario, drones similar to the recently deceased Ingenuity helicopter would pick them up and fly them to a lander.

Once the 30-or-so sample tubes had left Mars on the rocket, another spacecraft orbiting the Red Planet would bring them some 140 million miles back to Earth, according to the original plan. (With both planets constantly moving, their exact distance is always changing.)

The plan has been for the rover to deliver the samples to a robotic lander equipped with a rocket at a later time to bring them back to study. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

NASA sent Perseverance to the crater because it's a place where planetary scientists think microscopic organisms — a.k.a. life — might have potentially existed long ago. The region is thought to be a dried delta, where water once emptied from a river into a lake. The remaining rocks may contain relics or clues about ancient life forms, if there ever were any.

The mission, a partnership with the European Space Agency, would not only include the first attempt to bring back dust and dirt from another full-fledged planet but also the first launch from the surface of another planet. Recovering the samples would fulfill one of the highest priorities of the scientific community for the next decade.

"This is not just a grab-a-rock mission," Fox said. "These are very carefully, scientifically curated, and selected samples [from] a very diverse set of locations."

By now, you've likely heard that Apple is making big moves in the AI space in order to compete with competitors like Microsoft and Google. Its upcoming M4 chipset for its Macs and MacBooks is being built for AI. And, when it comes to mobile devices, the soon-to-be-released iOS 18 is going to have a heavy focus on AI, bringing new AI-powered capabilities to your iPhone.

According to Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple is looking to continue its privacy-focused ethos with its AI products, too — at least, where it can.

"As the world awaits Apple's big AI unveiling on June 10, it looks like the initial wave of features will work entirely on device," Gurman writes in his paid Power On newsletter (first highlighted by MacRumors). "That means there's no cloud processing component to the company's large language model, the software that powers the new capabilities."

SEE ALSO: iOS 18 rumors: Everything we know about the next big iPhone update What does this mean?

Basically, Apple looks to be continuing its commitment to user privacy by making sure your data stays "on device." Most AI platforms do require that your data be sent to their cloud computer servers because generative AI models are usually extremely resource intensive. If Apple stays the course though, the company won't do that. Instead, it'll use the iPhone's processing power to handle its AI features, meaning your data never leaves your iPhone.

One problem here is that even newer iPhone models may struggle to handle some particularly intensive AI features. Some AI features may not be available on older iPhone models at all.

However, there does seem to be a catch here. Apple can only really fully commit to its user privacy standards for the products that it builds. Given that Apple is relatively behind in the AI race compared to its competitors, the company is looking to work with third-party companies in order to roll out its AI products sooner rather than later.

According to Gurman, Apple has discussed AI partnerships with OpenAI, Google, and even the China-based Baidu. iPhone owners utilizing iOS features powered by the cloud computing infrastructure of those companies will find that their data is being sent off of their device.

Apple is reportedly creating its own cloud infrastructure to handle AI work, but according to these reports, it doesn't seem like it will be ready in time for the big iOS 18 announcement. And that's where these third parties will likely come in.

Again, all of this information is subject to change, but Gurman's reporting is credible. Nothing will be set in stone, of course, until Apple makes these announcements and that will probably be at this year's WWDC in June.

Curious about how to reset an iPad? You've come to the right place.

Whether you want to start completely anew with factory settings, or you plan on reselling your Apple tablet, knowing how to reset your iPad is imperative. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to reset your entry-level iPad, iPad Air, or iPad Pro.

SEE ALSO: I used the iPad Air for a week for work — can it replace your laptop? How to reset iPad

To reset your iPad, check out the following short guide:

1. Go to Settings.

Credit: Appetize.io

1. Tap on General.

2. Tap on Reset.

Credit: Appetize.io

1. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.

2. If prompted, enter your passcode.

Note: If you're concerned about losing valuable information, we highly suggesting backing up your iPad data to your iCloud account.

Be sure to check out our step-by-step guide on how to reset iPhone, too.

A good pair of headphones can dramatically enhance your day-to-day activities. A busy commuter train can become a quiet place to enjoy your favorite podcast, while your favorite video games can become immersive, audio-rich worlds. No matter what you use your headphones for, Sony has likely designed a pair that fits your exact needs.

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As of today, April 15, Sony earbuds, headphones, and gaming headsets are on sale at Amazon for up to 26% off. This limited-time offer brings you discounted prices on Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Earbuds, Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Headphones, and more. All of the picks on this list have hit their lowest prices to date.

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Today's sale brings Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Earbuds down to their all-new lowest-ever price according to Amazon price tracker site camelcamelcamel. With high-res audio, noise-canceling technology, and built-in AI noise-reduction for taking calls, these earbuds are built to support you through work and play alike. We also love the sleek, aesthetically pleasing design of these headphones — and the fact that they're water-resistant. With an 8-hour battery life, these earbuds will get you through the workday. And if you're ever caught on low battery, just three minutes of charging gets you back up to an hour of playing time.

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Audiophiles will take to Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones for their immersive, high-quality, and well-balanced sound that brings your favorite music to life. With a 35-hour battery life, these headphones are a great choice for music fiends who always have a playlist ready to soundtrack their lives. We also appreciate that these headphones have an Adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound control features that automatically adjust your listening experience to the environment you're in, so you can stay alert and connected when you need to be. On sale for $128, these headphones are back at their lowest price.

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When it comes to choosing the right gaming headphones, you need a headset that's comfortable to wear and has a battery life that can keep up with you. That's why we're fans of the Sony INZONE H5 Wireless Gaming Headset. The headset is lightweight and light pressure, so you can stay comfortable even as you're clocking in several hours. With an impressive 28-hour battery life and 360-degree spatial sound, these headphones are a great way to level up your gaming setup. Today, they've hit their all-new lowest price at $128.

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While wireless headphones offer you a greater range of motion, many prefer wired headphones for the way that they support higher bandwidth and experience less interference. If that sounds like you, you'll want to explore the Sony-INZONE H3 Wired Gaming Headset, on sale for its lowest price of $78. It boasts many of the same special features as the Sony INZONE H5 Wireless Gaming Headset but with the added benefits of being a wired headset.