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Wondering how to watch the college basketball tournament? Here are your best options: Most channels Sling TV Blue Plan $15 for the first month, then $40/month (save $25) Get Deal Most affordable Max With Ads $9.99/month Get Deal

The NC State and Purdue men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in a tournament game in Phoenix on Saturday, April 6. The game is scheduled to start at 6:09 p.m. ET/3:09 p.m. PT. 

No. 11 seed NC State comes into the matchup 26-14 overall. Most recently, NC State beat No. 3-seeded Duke 76-64 on Sunday in the tournament’s fourth round. DJ Burns Jr. led NCSU with 29 points and four rebounds, and DJ Horne added 20 points and four rebounds. 

No. 1 seed Purdue comes into the matchup 33-4 overall. On Sunday, Purdue defeated Tennessee 72-66 in the fourth round of the tournament. Zach Edey led Purdue with 40 points and 16 rebounds.

SEE ALSO: March Madness and Caitlin Clark have already given us some great memes

Kevin Keatts is the NC State men’s basketball head coach. Matt Painter is the Purdue men’s basketball head coach. 

Purdue vs. NC State basketball game time, network

The Purdue vs. NC State men’s basketball game is scheduled to be broadcast on TBS, TNT and truTV at 6:09 p.m. ET/3:09 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 6. The TBS/TNT/truTV broadcasters for the game are scheduled to be Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Raftery (analyst), Grant Hill (analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (reporter).

Whatever team wins advances to play on Monday, April 8 in Phoenix.  

In the evolving world of sports broadcasting, the emergence of live-streaming platforms like Sling TV and Max represents an alternative to traditional cable and satellite TV that meets the expectations of the modern fan. 

Best streaming services for the NC State vs. Purdue basketball game 

As NC State takes on the Purdue men’s basketball team, you don’t need to worry if you're without cable. Explore the best options to catch every moment of this showdown via streaming.

Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan $15.00
$40.00 Save $25.00 Get Deal

If you want to watch the Purdue vs. NCSU game on TBS or TNT via Sling TV, you’ll need either the Orange Plan or the Blue Plan. Both the Orange and Blue plans start at $15 for the first month and then increase to $40 per month subsequently, and they both also come with 50 hours of free DVR storage. 

TBS and TNT are two of the 26 channels included on both the Orange and Blue plans. There are six channels exclusive to the Orange Plan, including ESPN and ESPN2. There are 14 channels exclusive to the Blue Plan, and those include FS1, NFL Network, and TruTV. Another difference between the Orange and Blue plans is that you can only stream on one device with the Orange Plan, and the Blue Plan allows streaming on three devices at once. 

In higher-priced plans, Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, TNT, and TruTV. 

Most affordable: Max Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads
Watch Now

Max is getting into men’s college basketball this March with the inclusion of the B/R Sports Add-On. You can see every jump shot, block, and upset across TNT, TBS and TruTV with no extra fees attached.

There are three Max tiers. The cheapest package is Max With Ads, which is $9.99 per month. It allows streaming on two devices. You can save 42% by paying for one year upfront at $69.99. 

The second package is Max Ad-Free, and that is $15.99 per month. If you’re mainly getting Max for sports, there isn’t much difference between Max With Ads and Max Ad-Free since sports will still include ads. If you pay one year upfront, you save 45% on Max Ad-Free at $104.99. 

Max Ultimate Ad-Free is the third package, and it is $19.99 per month. It also upgrades to allow streaming on four devices at once. Plus, it has 4K Ultra HD capability. The one-year price for Max Ultimate Ad-Free is $139.99. 

Wondering how to watch the college basketball tournament? Here are your best options: Most channels Sling TV Blue Plan $15 for the first month, then $40/month (save $25) Get Deal Most affordable Max With Ads $9.99/month Get Deal

The Alabama and UConn men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in a tournament game in Phoenix on Saturday, April 6. The game is scheduled to start at 8:49 p.m. ET/7:49 p.m. CT. 

No. 4 seed Alabama enters the matchup 26-11 overall. Most recently, Alabama beat No. 6-seeded Clemson 89-82 on March 30 in the tournament’s fourth round. Mark Sears led Alabama with 23 points, and Jarin Stevenson added 19 points for the Crimson Tide. 

No. 1 seed UConn enters the matchup 34-3 overall. On March 30, UConn defeated Illinois 77-52 in the fourth round of the tournament. UConn got 22 points and 10 rebounds from center Donovan Clingan.

SEE ALSO: March Madness and Caitlin Clark have already given us some great memes

Nate Oats is the Alabama men’s basketball head coach. Dan Hurley is the UConn men’s basketball head coach. 

Alabama vs. UConn basketball game time and network

The Alabama vs. UConn men’s basketball game is scheduled to be broadcast on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8:49 p.m. ET/7:49 p.m. CT on Saturday, April 6. The TBS/TNT/truTV broadcasters for the game are scheduled to be Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Raftery (analyst), Grant Hill (analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (reporter).

The winner advances to play on Monday, April 8 in Phoenix. 

If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, online live-streaming platforms like Sling TV and Max offer fans flexibility and accessibility that aligns with modern sports viewership.

Best streaming services for the UConn vs. Alabama basketball game 

Don't fear if you've cut the cord, because Saturday’s clash between UConn and Alabama is streaming. There are several streaming platforms ready to give you access to the game. Here are your top options.  

Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan $15.00
$40.00 Save $25.00 Get Deal

If you want to watch just the UConn vs. Alabama game on TBS or TNT via Sling TV, you’ll need either the Orange Plan or the Blue Plan. Both the Orange and Blue plans start at $15 for the first month and then increase to $40 per month subsequently, and they both also come with 50 hours of free DVR storage. 

TBS and TNT are two of the 26 channels included on both the Orange and Blue plans. There are six channels exclusive to the Orange Plan, including ESPN and ESPN2. There are 14 channels exclusive to the Blue Plan, and those include FS1, NFL Network, and TruTV. Another difference between the Orange and Blue plans is that you can only stream on one device with the Orange Plan, and the Blue Plan allows streaming on three devices at once. 

In higher-priced plans, Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, TNT, and TruTV. 

Most affordable: Max Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads
Watch Now

Max offers you a tiered approach to subscription services, each level includes the B/R Sports Add-On at no additional cost. College basketball fans can access comprehensive coverage, mirroring the depth and intensity of the tournament itself. The B/R Sports Add-On gives you access to live broadcasts of TBS, TNT and truTV. 

There are three Max tiers. The cheapest package is Max With Ads, which is $9.99 per month. It allows streaming on two devices. You can save 42% by paying for one year upfront at $69.99. 

The second package is Max Ad-Free, and that is $15.99 per month. If you’re mainly getting Max for sports, there isn’t much difference between Max With Ads and Max Ad-Free since sports will still include ads. If you pay one year upfront, you save 45% on Max Ad-Free at $104.99. 

Max Ultimate Ad-Free is the third package, and it is $19.99 per month. It also upgrades to allow streaming on four devices at once. Plus, it has 4K Ultra HD capability. The one-year price for Max Ultimate Ad-Free is $139.99. 

In an age where artificial intelligence is being promoted as the next big thing, we're incessantly told about how robots will soon replace humans and everyone will be out of a job.

That hasn't happened quite yet.

With one exception – circus animals.

This year, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has returned, and is touring for the first time since closing seven years ago. But, this isn't the Ringling Bros. you may remember from when you were a kid. There are no more horses, zero tigers, and elephants are no where to be found. There is not a single live animal in this show.

The circus animals have all been replaced by a robot dog named Bailey.

A robot dog joins the circus

Could the modern circus – a hundreds of years old industry almost synonymous with live animal acts – successfully pull this off? A robot dog?

Mashable was invited to a recent performance of the Ringling Bros.'s latest show at UBS Arena in Long Island. I had plenty of questions regarding Bailey. I also wanted to see if Bailey was viewed as an adequate replacement in the eyes of attendees. 

SEE ALSO: Why don't we have AI-powered robot butlers yet? An investigation.

How would the circus-going public react to Bailey? More importantly, how would the circus' most important demographic – children – react to Bailey and the lack of live animals? To find the answers to these questions,I took my own two kids, aged 4 and 8, to see Bailey as well.

Jan Damm aka Nick Nack and Bailey the robot dog Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

Before the show started, Ringling Bros. invited us to get up-close and personal with Bailey and talk with Bailey's co-star, human-performer Jan Damm who plays Nick Nack, as well as Lukasz Zajda, a crew member who helps bring Bailey to life (via remote control).

Bailey first greeted us backstage, trotting around with pink and yellow fur and a spring as a tail. We followed Bailey to the circus stage, where Damm and Zajda walked us through some of Bailey's biggest tricks. Bailey could roll over, spring, and beg just like, well, a real dog. 

Plus, Bailey can dance, which helps when one of the biggest acts in the show is a dance-off between Bailey and Damm.

Behind Bailey

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Bailey, however, is how simple Bailey actually is. Zajda, who controls Bailey throughout the show, gave me a look into the tech behind Bailey.

Bailey has a unique design, distinct to Ringling Bros. circus. However, underneath the colorful fur and cartoon eyes is a robot dog model that anyone can buy, Unitree Robotics' Go1 Model. The Unitree Go1 starts at around $2,700, although the company now has newer models for sale. 

Get a good look at Bailey's pink and yellow fur and spring tail. Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

Zajda controls Bailey's every move from about 150 to 200 feet away using a wireless remote control, the default remote that comes with the Unitree Go1 model. It's basically like a drone remote control with two joysticks. And Bailey's battery can last around 45 minutes long, which is more than enough for a 2-hour performance with multiple acts of which Bailey makes three appearances.

And, speaking of Bailey's quirky cartoon robot dog eyes that I just mentioned before? That's just a looping video playing on an iPhone 12 which Ringling Bros. attached to the robot to make Bailey's face. It really did feel like Bailey's eyes were interacting with everyone around it, so I was surprised to hear that wasn't the case.

The return of Ringling Bros.

Originally founded in 1871, Ringling Bros. was once the biggest and most famous circus in the world. With the tagline "The Greatest Show on Earth," the live show toured the country with its infamous three-ring production. Ringling Bros. became so popular in the late 1950s that the company could no longer run shows out of their portable big top tents, moving to larger venues and sports stadiums like Madison Square Garden.

Ringling Bros. featured all the standard circus fare, from clowns to trapeze artists performing unbelievable stunts. But, Ringling Bros. biggest ticket-sellers were the live animals. And Ringling Bros. had the resources to bring animals on the road that competitors couldn't, like tigers and arguably Ringling Bros. most popular act, the elephants. 

Elephants were such a major draw for Ringling Bros. that it easily became the circus' trademark. The circus elephants were featured everywhere in promotions for the show. When Ringling Bros. came to New York City, the circus was known for parading the elephants around Madison Square Garden.

However, a traveling circus really can't properly provide adequate care for wild animals, as many animal rights groups argued over the years. Ringling Bros. faced criticism and legal challenges from organizations like the ASPCA and PETA over the treatment of its elephants. The USDA even fined Ringling Bros. under the Animal Welfare Act.

In 2016, citing new local laws regarding the usage of elephants in entertainment, Ringling Bros. announced that it was retiring its elephants, ending the elephant portion of its show entirely. And in 2017, 8 months after the elephants retired, Ringling Bros. parent company Feld Entertainment shared that ticket sales had abruptly fallen. Citing the removal of elephants from the show as the reason for the downturn, the company announced that the then-146-year-old circus would be closing its doors.

Tweet may have been deleted

Ringling Bros. would remain closed until 2023 when Feld Entertainment relaunched the show without live animal acts.

Farewell to live animal performers – it's for the best

Now for the real test though: How would circus attendees react to Bailey? Would kids like the robot dog?

The answers: The audience loves Bailey. Kids, especially.

Damm and Bailey perform for the crowd. Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

The show is roughly 2-hours long and filled with musical and comedy segments, death-defying stunts, and record-holding acts like Wesley Williams, a Guinness World Record holder who rides a 34 foot tall unicycle in the show.

Bailey appears in just 3 segments – one appearance in the first half of the show to introduce the audience to Bailey, the aforementioned dance-off segment in the second half of the show, and then the farewell act featuring all the performers.

Judging by the crowd reactions every time Bailey came out, it actually feels like Ringing Bros. underutilized him. The audience lit up every time Bailey appeared. Bailey wasn't being talked about as a "robot dog act" like people would refer to the live animals as just the "tigers" or "elephants." Kids were calling out Bailey by name.

Bailey is now arguably the Ringling Bros' biggest star. And while he may be there to replace the horses and tigers and elephants, Bailey is clearly no consolation prize.

Damm, human performer, and Bailey, robot dog performer Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

At 8 and 4, my kids are too young to remember the circus with live animals. I explained to them that there was once a time where you could see real-life tigers and elephants at Ringling Bros. "Woah," they exclaimed. 

After the show, I asked them if they would have preferred to have seen the live animals or Bailey at the circus. They could only pick one and the other had to go! Based on their reaction to my telling of the circus of old, I was actually surprised by their answer.

"Bailey," they both agreed.

So, the circus is back without live animals. And in this rare instance, it's good that a robot named Bailey took their jobs.

When it comes to great comedies about female friendship, there's a range in tone, running from the bubbly fun of Clueless and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion to the raunchy joys of For a Good Time, Call... and Booksmart to the great gross-out gags of Girls Trip and Bridesmaids. Now, Babes has come to join their ranks, folding in all of the above, plus maternity mayhem. 

Before we even get to the premise, Babes is led by a trio of badass comediennes. Better Things' Pamela Adlon makes her feature directorial debut. Survival of the Thickest's Michelle Buteau co-stars with Broad City's Ilana Glazer, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Together, they tell a story of friendship that feels personal, poignant, bonkers, and distinctly New York. 

What's Babes about? 

Besties since they were kids, Dawn (Buteau) and Eden (Glazer) have a bond that even a husband can't compete with. When Dawn's water breaks for baby number two, Eden's not only the one taking a peek beneath her skirt to see how dilated she is, she's also the one urging this Manhattan mama to enjoy one last big brunch before that baby wrecks their planned hang. With an opening sequence involving much splashing of amniotic fluid, Babes makes its mark as a movie that gives no fucks about a squeamish audience, dealing in several kinds of bodily fluids and poop to boot.

The script by Glazer and Broad City scribe Josh Rabinowitz establishes these two women friends as on different adulting tracks. Dawn has a grown-up job as a dentist, a doting husband (Hasan Minhaj), a brownstone on the Upper West Side, and a pair of young kids, while Eden is a single yoga instructor whose one-bedroom apartment in hip but quirky Astoria is also her studio for classes. ("It's called fourth-floor walk-up yoga.") Where Dawn is balancing demands from kids, professional advancement, and struggles with breastfeeding, Eden's happily getting high and hooking up with a dashing aspiring actor (Stephan James) she met on the subway. 

OK, admittedly, that meet-cute sounds sketchy. Remarkably, Adlon makes New York's skunky public transit system a place of enchantment as the two strangers enjoy overpriced sushi, winding conversation, and an undeniable connection. But fate throws Eden a detour when this romantic tryst leaves her knocked up. As she grapples with what motherhood for her might look like, she turns to Dawn. However, the overworked mom worries her free-spirited pal might become another obligation in her already strained schedule. Can their friendship survive this pregnancy? 

Babes embraces the weirder aspects of female friendship. 

As hinted by the casualness with which Eden will take a peek at Dawn's vaginal canal, this is a friendship that is deeply intimate and largely judgment-free. When a stressed-out Dawn wants to get high on shrooms and pronounces she wants to be a cow (successfully delivering milk), Eden hands her the drugs and cheers her on. Like the lovable odd couple in Apple TV+'s Platonic, the daffy duo works because one of them can get wild while the other has her back. 

This makes for sequences that are laugh-out-loud funny, in part because of Buteau and Glazer's candor and blinding charisma. It's not so much yes and as YES QUEEN AND! When it comes to body humor, bawdy humor, or potty humor, neither flinches. Their bold embrace of all of Babes' raunchiest jokes makes for punchlines and visual gags that hit like Mike Tyson. 

Glazer's Broad City energy lives on as she plays another adult who refuses to be defined by society's demands of boring decorum. So, when Eden comes up with a birth plan, of course it has a campy theme to which everyone — even a humorless doula — must commit without question. Even when she's at her most extra, it's easy to see why Dawn is drawn to Eden, who is optimistic and loving.

Buteau, who has been dynamic in comedy since she was stealing scenes in Key & Peele, brings a "don't fuck with me, fellas" energy to her no-nonsense New Yorker. But she brightens when the chance comes to cut loose. Together, the two bring out the best in each other, and it's hilarious. For instance, in a maternity photoshoot for Eden, they're on the same wacky wavelength, embracing their inner Beyoncé — even if they're in a teeny backyard that by standards outside of NYC would read less glamorous and more grungy. 

Babes is a proudly New York comedy. 

Hot on the heels of Julio Torres' Problemista, Babes showcases a version of New York that blends its possibilities with its problems. Where many comedies set in New York revel in the city's skyscrapers and picturesque landmarks, Babes celebrates the less romantic elements. Absurdly convoluted subway transfers, antiquated plumbing in high-cost homes, and eccentric doctors (played with panache by John Carroll Lynch and twin comedians Keith Lucas and Kenny Lucas) are not just plot points but world-building, creating an urban landscape where excitement and anxiety scatter like cockroaches, plentiful and alarming! 

The distinction between Dawn's neighborhood and Eden's makes for a crisp visual picture of where they are in their lives, while the literal river between them warns of a distance that's getting harder and harder to overcome. Yet there's a clear affection for the city, not just from the characters, who relish in an annual tradition of a Thanksgiving movie in a near-empty theater, but also from the lead actresses, who stomp and skip down the sidewalk like they own it. The supporting cast, which also includes Sandra Bernhard and Oliver Platt, deepens this authenticity, with the actors playing friends and family who are naturally bursting with personality —  whether it's exhaustion, neuroses, or ardent empathy — the moment they appear onscreen. All the bit parts in this comedy come alive, down to a chatty plumber with a big heart. 

Everyone who crosses the paths of these two are memorable and amusing, and in this weird way, Babes pays tribute to New York and its weirdos, and all the rules they refuse to follow. Among them, Dawn and Eden are queens who, despite their hardships, see each other as they do the city: more fabulous than fucked up.

In the end, Babes is a comedy that is unabashedly outrageous and rambunctiously heartfelt. While you may howl with laughter and gasp at a gross-out gag, you'll also walk away with a big smile — and maybe a bit more appreciation for your own quirks.

Babes was reviewed out of SXSW 2024. The movie opens in theaters May 17. 

It's 2024, and traditional relationship norms are being redefined. People are becoming more open-minded, and the taboos of the past are slowly fading into irrelevance.

In this new dating era, hookup apps are on just about every single person's smartphone — and for good reason. You watch TV on demand (thank you, Netflix) and your food can be ordered and delivered to your door while you sit on the couch (hello DoorDash), so why would finding a potential hookup partner be any different?

UPDATE: Apr. 3, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT As of December 2023, we're reevaluating Feeld's place among our recommendations due to serious safety concerns related to sharing users' location-related data during the app's recent update. On Feb. 1, the app announced that they would be returning user locations to the app over the course of a week, and we're keeping an eye on the rollout.

What is hookup culture?

The phrase "hookup culture" refers to casual sex or uncommitted sexual encounters — you know, good old-fashioned consensual sex just for the sake of it.

Way back when, before Tinder became a thing, people would rely on chance encounters or social gatherings (mainly parties or bars) to meet someone new to have a casual fling with. But now, with the huge pool of dating apps available, we've found ourselves firmly in what we'd like to call our hookup culture era, and finding a partner is as easy as swiping right on a profile photo.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What makes a good hookup app?

There's no one "best hookup app" you can use to find guaranteed partners, but you'll probably want to skip any apps that feature a 10-minute questionnaire about romance, hopes of marriage, or expensive subscriptions (we're looking at you, eharmony).

Instead, focus on apps that encourage users to have spontaneous casual sex, multiple communication features (like video chat), and fully functional memberships that let you connect with others without emptying your wallet.

SEE ALSO: The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles

If you want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend sticking to cult faves like Tinder and Hinge. Both of these apps have free versions that give you just enough functionality to meet and connect with potential partners for casual sex without breaking the bank. You can likely find a hookup by the weekend without paying a cent.

Whether you're looking for a one-night stand, want to exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the best hookup apps you can download (via Google Play or the App Store).

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 3 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 3

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 3, 2024:

AcrossLondon ___, drink of steamed milk and Earl Grey tea

• The answer is fog.

Woman celebrating with a band?

• The answer is bride.

Pinky or pinky toe

• The answer is digit.

What a phoenix emerges from, with "the"

• The answer is ashes.

"You ain't seen nothing ___"

• The answer is yet.

DownSkirmish or scuffle

The answer is fight.

Dog in "Garfield"

• The answer is odie.

Understands, as a joke

• The answer is gets.

Time to blow out the candles, informally

• The answer is bday.

Increase

• The answer is rise.

Being a great communicator isn’t just about knowing how to speak eloquently—it’s about knowing how to prepare for, and engage deeply in, important conversations. These simple strategies can help. Before a key conversation, take 30 seconds to jot down a few topics you know you want to cover. Going into the discussion with a rough […]

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TL;DR: Stream Northampton Saints vs. Munster in the European Rugby Champions Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

From the Six Nations to the Gallagher Premiership, there has been so much free coverage of live rugby this season. It has been a real treat for fans, and the free games are still coming. This time it's the European Rugby Champions Cup in the spotlight, as two strong sides come head to head.

If you want to watch Northampton Saints vs. Munster in the European Rugby Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Northampton Saints vs. Munster?

Northampton Saints vs. Munster kicks off at 12:30 p.m. BST on April 7. This fixture takes place at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England.

How to watch Northampton Saints vs. Munster for free

Northampton Saints vs. Munster will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage starting from 11:50 a.m. BST on April 7. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

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

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Northampton Saints vs. Munster 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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream Northampton Saints vs. Munster before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing ITVX from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 Northampton Saints vs. Munster for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens in the Betfred Super League for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still in the early stages of the Betfred Super League season, but St Helens and the Catalans Dragons are already making a big impression. Both sides have started strongly, making their upcoming matchup a tantalising prospect for fans of rugby league.

If you want to watch Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens?

Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens kicks off at 8:05 p.m. BST on April 6. This fixture takes place at the Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan, France.

How to watch Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens for free

Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens will be broadcast live on BBC Three, with coverage starting from 8 p.m. BST on April 6. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens 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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 Catalans Dragons vs. St Helens for free with ExpressVPN.

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

AI is coming, whether you like it or not. You could handle these first steps into a brave new world with panic and fear, or you could learn how to harness this technology.

The choice is yours, but edX makes the decision a lot easier. This online learning platform hosts free courses on Python, Javascript, and of course, AI. And better yet, these online courses are delivered by famous institutions like Harvard University. You could become a Harvard student without ever leaving home.

We have lined up the best free online courses from Harvard University on topics like Python, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity:

• Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

• Applications of TinyML

• Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 3'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 single length of hair.

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 P.

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 #1019 is...

PLAIT.

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 3'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: The standard

• Green: Moves in Texas Hold'em

• Blue: Skin conditions

• Purple: US States shortened

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: Benchmark

• Green: Poker Actions

• Blue: Skin Types

• Purple: Starts of US States

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 #297 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Benchmark: BENCHMARK, GAUGE, STANDARD, YARDSTICK

• Poker Actions: BET, CALL, CHECK, FOLD

• Skin Types: COMBINATION, DRY, NORMAL, OILY

• Starts of US States: KENT, MARY, MASS, WASH

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.

When it comes to breaking YouTube records, you've probably heard of MrBeast and his record of most subscribed individual creator on the platform. MrBeast also once held the record for most viewed YouTube video in a 24-hour period after one of his uploads from August 2023 received nearly 60 million views in a day.

MrBeast's 24-hour view record would quickly be bested by the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI trailer which dropped just this past December. The GTA 6 trailer garnered more than 74 million views to grab that record from MrBeast.

But it seems like no one will be breaking the new record-holders view count any time soon.

On Monday, April 1st, 2024, the popular messaging platform Discord dropped a video announcing a new "Loot Boxes" feature. While the "feature" existed, Discord wasn't serious about it. It was an April Fools' Day joke. Discord Loot Boxes have already been removed from the platform.

But, somehow, Discord's 18-second April Fools' Loot Boxes video received more than one billion views in a 24 hour period.

Yes, you read that correctly. One billion views.

Credit: YouTube

The video received so many views, it actually got stuck at 628 million views at around the 16-hour mark as YouTube struggled to keep up with the count before updating to 1.4 billion at around the 24-hour mark.

To really drive this new record home, Discord beat the record by around 1.3 billion views.

How did this happen?

So, how did Discord achieve this impossible feat?

Tweet may have been deleted

The company is being coy about it on social media, posting "oops" on Elon Musk's social media platform X on Tuesday in a vague reference to the video. Discord also posted a few snarky replies to some users who commented on the post.

Tweet may have been deleted

Mashable reached out to both Discord and YouTube for comment but have yet to hear back from either company. We will update this piece if we do.

However, one software developer named Marvin Witt shared a very convincing breakdown of what likely happened. Basically, it appears Discord may have accidentally (or purposefully?) created a "working YouTube view bot" as Witt described it in a thread on X.

Tweet may have been deleted Here's what went down

When Discord pushes out a new feature, the platform often pushes out a pop-up announcement for users on the bottom right-hand corner of both the desktop app and web app.

Discord did this for the Loot Box joke feature on April Fools' Day. Witt shared a screenshot of the pop-up. Mashable can also confirm that we saw this pop-up when logging into Discord on Monday morning.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to Witt, who also runs an independent news and updates resource about Discord, the Loot Box video from Discord was embedded in this pop-up via an iframe. 

"Loot Boxes have arrived!" the pop-up reads.

However, as Witt shows, the YouTube video was not viewable for users unless they hovered their mouse over the pop-up message, in which case the video would then pop-up from the message like toast in a toaster oven.

Tweet may have been deleted

Discord's 18-second YouTube video was apparently auto-playing on loop in the background of the app while users spent countless hours messaging their friends or even just letting their computer idle.

So, that leaves one more question: Did Discord do this on purpose?

There's some pretty convincing evidence from Witt that it was indeed an accident.

On his X account, Witt posted a screenshot of a Discord post from a "high up developer" working at the company from April 1st.

Tweet may have been deleted

"How the fuck is this video getting so many views," it says.

Later in the day, some users started to notice that the pop-up's code in the Discord app had been changed to fix the issue, switching from the YouTube video to a video file. However, as Witt noted, many of the views were coming from users who kept Discord open and weren't actively using the app, meaning the problem would remain until those users updated the app, or the pop-up message no longer appeared because April Fools' Day was over.

Tweet may have been deleted

The Discord Loot Box video will likely become the source of much debate within the YouTuber community too, since there will inevitably be controversy about whether the record should count. Even if it does, there's likely to be a huge asterisk on this record.

Either way, Discord set out to fool everyone on April Fools' Day. It appears they did that, but not in the exact way they had planned.

The corona isn't the only thing optimistic eclipse chasers will try to see when the moon completely covers the sun over parts of North America next month.

Spectators will have a wee chance of seeing a comet with the naked eye or a standard pair of binoculars during the total solar eclipse on April 8.

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, which makes an appearance in the inner solar system every 71 years, will have its closest approach to the sun just two weeks after the eclipse on April 21. The timing of the visit means it could be visible in the temporary twilight that comes with a blocked sun. The key will be whether the comet — a space snowball — will undergo a sudden flare-up called an outburst a day or so before, said Tony Farnham, an astronomer with expertise in comet activity at the University of Maryland.

"Its forecasted brightness is right at the limit of most people's ability to see that brightness, and that's in a dark sky," Farnham told Mashable. But "The thing about this comet is that it has a history of going into outbursts, a couple of which have actually been fairly large."

SEE ALSO: How the 2024 solar eclipse will be different from the last Tweet may have been deleted

During the eclipse, the moon will cast its shadow across the continent, starting on Mexico's western coast at 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA, arcing from Texas to Maine, entering Canada through Ontario, and exiting on the Atlantic Coast from Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. NDT. Major U.S. cities in this corridor, known as the "path of totality," will include Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.

Totality is a rare opportunity for residents to see the sun's glowing corona, the outer layer of the sun's atmosphere, usually swamped out by the much brighter solar surface. The peak moment will last up to four minutes and 28 seconds for the tens of millions of people viewing it in the shadow's path.

Comets can be spectacular astronomical events in their own right. They are enormous balls of ice, dust, and rock that formed in the outer solar system, left over from the early days of planet formation about 4.6 billion years ago. Their ice starts to disintegrate as they get closer to the sun, converting instantly from a solid to a gas, skipping over the liquid phase. That process creates their signature tails, millions-of-miles-long debris trails of vaporizing material.

Hundreds of years ago, comets were considered bad omens. Today, scientists know these icy bodies as time capsules of the ancient solar system. Some astronomers believe comets brought water and organic compounds — a.k.a. the building blocks of life — to early Earth.

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, which makes an appearance in the inner solar system every 71 years, will have its closest approach to the sun just two weeks after the eclipse on April 21. Credit: Dan Bartlett

In the months leading up to April 8, eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler has already mentally begun planning out his precious 4.5 minutes of totality.

"I'll make a quick look for that comet," he said. "But I won't spend more than 10 seconds or so doing that."

This large comet — which could have a nucleus up to 21 miles wide — has been compared to Star Wars' Millennium Falcon or a devil with horns for its unusual shape. Experts don't fully understand what's causing this distortion of its coma, the gas cloud around its nucleus. The last time Pons-Brooks, recently nicknamed the "devil comet," swung by was in 1954.

Comet Pons-Brooks shares the sky with the Andromeda galaxy on March 5, 2024. Credit: Gianluca Masi / Virtual Telescope Project How to find Comet Pons-Brooks during the eclipse

Recently, the comet was popping in on the galaxy Andromeda in the early evening sky. But during the eclipse, it should be near Jupiter.

To locate it, Farnham recommends looking to the left of the totally eclipsed sun. About a hand's length away should be Jupiter, which will look like a bright point of light, like a star. Using the planet as a reference, you may find the comet nearby while scanning around it with binoculars.

"If you look up in that vicinity and you see something fuzzy, that's the comet," he said.

"If you look up in that vicinity and you see something fuzzy, that's the comet."

Remember that it's safe to use regular binoculars to look at a solar eclipse when the sun is completely concealed, but never during a partial eclipse, even if only the rim is exposed. Direct sunlight can also damage the optical parts of a camera, binoculars, or telescope — including the filters on protective solar eclipse glasses, if a person wears them while looking through one of these devices.

Stargazers watch for Comet NEOWISE northwest of L.A. during twilight on July 19, 2020. Credit: David McNew / Getty Images

Still, astronomers are tempering people's expectations for catching a glimpse of Pons-Brooks. Nalin Samarasinha, a senior scientist and comet expert at the Planetary Science Institute, said the peak magnitude of Halley's Comet was around the same in 1986 as is predicted for this one on April 8, and he was unable to see Halley with the unaided eye in a predawn sky, a similar lighting condition to a total eclipse.

"I really doubt it will be a naked eye object (at least not with my eyesight)," he wrote in an email.

But for people planning to take pictures during totality, Samarasinha said it's worth trying some long exposures with a wide-angle camera, as Pon-Brooks might make a faint photobomb, particularly if it undergoes an outburst.

The moon blotting out the sun during a total solar eclipse. Credit: Alan Dyer / VW Pics / UIG via Getty Images What causes a comet outburst?

Though scientists don't know the exact cause of outbursts, one possibility is that heat waves from the sun make their way into a crack or pocket in the comet's nucleus, causing volatile gasses to then vaporize and shoot out material in a burst of energy. Another possibility is that as the comet evolves, a cliff or escarpment may form on the nucleus, exposing fresh material that then becomes active.

The ever-changing dynamics are what drew Farnham to studying comets in the first place: They're full of surprises. He plans to travel to Central Texas for the eclipse, and he will take a glance over for Pons-Brooks.

"If you see something, great, but if you don't, the real story here is the eclipse," he said.

This story originally published on March 9, 2024 and has been updated.

As brands, tech giants, and consumers navigate the boom of AI-integrated tools, nonprofits are trying not to fall behind. Google, one of Big Tech's AI front runners, is lending a hand.

Unveiled on March 28, the new Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI seeks to empower more "high-impact" nonprofits with generative AI support via funding, technical training, and mentorship during what is essentially a six-month Google crash course. Each of the nonprofits are already experimenting, or planning to integrate, AI-powered tools into their work.

The participating projects include things like AI-powered assistants and coaches built using Large Language Models (LLMs), AI-powered search interfaces, and chatbots based on non-English Natural Language Processing (NLP) models.

SEE ALSO: Israel reportedly using facial recognition and Google Photos to conduct mass surveillance in Gaza

Google.org has already funneled cash into AI-powered projects for good, including experimental efforts like HomeTeam, an AI-powered veterans mental health training program built by Reflex AI.

In November, Google unveiled its AI Opportunity Agenda, a set of policy recommendations and action items for supporting global AI integration. The agenda notes AI's potential in "solving big social challenges" and recommends building a "global AI Corps" that can build an AI-ready workforce, in addition to opening up other grant and training streams for businesses and organizations. Google followed up its agenda with the European AI Opportunity Initiative (and Google.org fund), providing "a range of foundational and advanced AI training to support vulnerable communities, startups, and everyone."

Google is exploring AI (and its profitability) across industries, like its recent investments in consumer health tech, AI-powered healthcare tools, and the medical field at large.

The accelerator launches with its first cohort of 21 nonprofits, spanning various industries and AI use cases, including initiatives from major global players like the World Bank. See the full list of accelerator participants and their AI tools below.

• Benefits Data Trust, a nonprofit helping low-income individuals access government benefits, is building an AI-powered assistant for caseworkers and front-line workers.

• Beyond 12, a tech nonprofit supporting college students in underserved communities, is creating a generative AI-powered College Coach for first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities.

• CareerVillage, a community hub for professional and student advice, is expanding of its AI Career Coach for underrepresented individuals.

• Climate Policy Radar, a tech nonprofit providing NLP tools for climate research access, is designing an AI-enabled search interface for its climate law and policy database.

• CodePath, a nonprofit focused on diversifying tech careers, will provide AI tutoring and mentorship solutions for personalized career support to underserved communities.

• EIDU, a digital learning nonprofit, is building a generative AI-based personalized tutoring and other services for students in low- and middle income-countries.

• Full Fact, a misinformation and fact-checking organization, will introduce a generative AI fact-checking tool that analyzes and summarizes large volumes of health misinformation.

• IDinsight, Inc., a social impact advisor, provides generative AI-powered responses to health-related inquiries from new or expectant mothers in South Africa.

• Jacaranda Health, a nonprofit providing support to government hospitals, uses an NLP tool trained in African languages to provide digital health services to mothers.

• Justicia Lab, a nonprofit that designs digital solutions for immigrant justice, is building an AI assistant that provides customized legal guidance to immigrants on the path to citizenship.

• Materiom, a nonprofit universalizing regenerative materials, is building a generative AI tool for entrepreneurs building and testing compostable biomaterial recipes, intended to cut down on packaging and textile waste.

• mRelief, a nonprofit startup connecting people to government assistance, is creating an AI assistant that helps individuals apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

• Opportunity@Work, a labor and employment nonprofit, is exploring AI-powered research into non-degree career paths, helping workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs).

• Partnership to End Addiction, an addiction prevention, treatment and recovery nonprofit, is building out AI-powered addiction support services for families, including training simulations and quality assurance tools.

• Quill.org, an open source digital education platform, will launch an AI-powered writing and reading comprehension feedback for students.

• Tabiya, a tech nonprofit addressing global youth employment, operates a generative AI tool that provides employment advice and job matching to jobseekers in low- and middle-income countries.

• Tarjimly, a tech nonprofit providing language services to humanitarian organizations, currently offers AI-powered translation to support human refugee advocates.

• U.S. Digital Response, a tech solutions nonprofit helping governments and other public entities, has designed a language access tool intended to help reduce barriers to unemployment insurance.

• The World Bank is developing a generative AI tool to help policy makers more quickly and effectively extract research findings.

Want more stories about how AI fits into your life? Check out Mashable's AI @ Work and AI @ Home series.

Save up to $600: Bring home one of these Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop combo units for up to 50% off at Amazon.

The Best Splurge The Best Overall Deal Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $599.99 at Amazon (Save $600 ) Get Deal Best Premium Hybrid Robot Vacuum and Mop Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $799.99 at Amazon (Save $750 ) Get Deal Best Midrange Robot Vacuum and Mop Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop $649.99 at Amazon (Save $450) Get Deal The Budget Pick Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $349.99 at Amazon (Save $300) Get Deal

Need some help with spring cleaning? Then it's time to enlist a robot to do all your dirty work.

As of April 2, you can save up to 50% on select Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop combo units. From budget-friendly units with LiDAR navigation to premium devices with voice control and bespoke designs, there's a robot vacuum on sale with your name on it — and they're all heavy-duty devices eager to take on your workload.

Below, check out the latest Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop combo unit deals at Amazon.

Best deal overall: Ecovacs Deebot T10 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is a great all-rounder that can help clean up both big and small messes. It can vacuum and mop in one go, thanks to its 5000Pa suction and rotating dual-mop system. First, it'll suck up dirt and debris, then scrub deep to remove stains. It can automatically empty itself into its 3L sealed reservoir as well as wash its mop pads, too. It even hot dries them after cleaning so they don't smell like mildew. With voice control, two-way video calling, and advanced LiDAR tech, this robot vacuum is an excellent option to unleash on the grime in your home, and for a significant discount.

Best premium robot vacuum and mop: Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $799.99 at Amazon
$1,549.99 Save $750.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni is a sleek, shiny robot vacuum and mop combo that's more than effective at clearing dirt and ground-in stains from your floors. It boasts 5,000Pa suction power and the same rotating mopping system from other Ecovacs units to get your home squeaky clean, whether it's vacuuming or mopping. Plus, it uses AIVI 3D technology to first identify obstacles and then avoid them as well as TrueMapping, a laser-based navigation system, to scan your home and make sure it knows exactly where it's going. Combine all that with voice commands, app-based controls, automatic emptying and mop pad cleaning, and a sleek deisgn, and you've got a smart gadget that you'll want to show off to others.

Best midrange robot vacuum and mop: Ecovacs T20 Omni Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop $649.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Despite its midrange status, the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop still packs an auto-lift mopping system, which makes it a hybrid robot vacuum and mop to watch. It can lift its own mopping plates up to 9mm off of the floor when it detects carpet to make sure the moisture only gets on hard flooring. Plus, it has 6000Pa of suction power to help suck up all the crumbs and dirt hiding in your floor. It also uses LiDAR and 3D mapping to make detailed, custom images of your home for better, more precise cleaning.

The budget pick: Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $349.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is a cheaper option, but it's still worth picking up if your home is bereft of robot workers. It can detect and avoid your carpet when it works on mopping your home, and it uses 3800Pa of suction power to clean up small and large messes. It also uses LiDAR to map out your home so it knows exactly where it's going. It's missing some of the auto-emptying features and voice commands of the pricier Ecovacs robot vacuums, but at this price it's definitely worth adding to your roster of cleaning products.

An open letter signed by music's biggest names asks industry leaders to divest from AI technologies that represent an "assault on human creativity [that] must be stopped."

Issued by the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), a non-profit advocacy organization, the letter garnered signatures from a slate of musicians and songwriters of all ages, including Billie Eilish, J Balvin, Imagine Dragons, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Katy Perry, The Jonas Brothers, Jon Bon Jovi, Julia Michaels, Ryan Tedder, and the estates of Bob Marley and Frank Sinatra.

SEE ALSO: Ghostwriter, the guy behind the viral Drake/Weeknd song, thinks AI music is like fanfiction

In it, signatories acknowledged that responsible AI can "advance human creativity," and called out entities that were instead "employing AI to sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians and rightsholders."

The letter specifically denounced companies using existing music to train their AI models, without the consent of the artist. These models can then be used to generate content that "dilute[s] the royalty pools that are paid out to artists" and therefore threatens the livelihoods of musicians. "For many working musicians, artists and songwriters who are just trying to make ends meet, this would be catastrophic," the letter says. "We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists' voices and likenesses, violate creators' rights, and destroy the music ecosystem."

The debate over the use of artificial intelligence to create music is ongoing, but was brought to public attention in October 2023, when an artist named Ghostwriter used AI voice filters to imitate the voices of Drake and The Weeknd. The result was so convincing, many listeners assumed it was the real thing, and the song was streamed millions of times on YouTube and TikTok.

SEE ALSO: MIDNATT is HYBE's first AI-powered artist. Here's how the project was brought to life.

New legislation including Tennessee's Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, introduced in January, seek to provide protections for artists against the encroachment of AI.

Given this tension, one particular signatory is of note: HYBE, a conglomerate that is home to Big Machine Label Group, QC Music, and an AI audio technology company called Supertone. Supertone "generate[s] ultra-realistic voices capable of singing and acting" and was first used as part of the MIDNATT project to enable Korean singer Lee Hyun to release music in six languages using his own voice. By aligning itself with the demands outlined in this letter, HYBE seems to be positioning itself — and Supertone — as one of the "good guys" in the fight for the responsible use of AI in music.

Comedian Jon Stewart has just shared some very interesting information regarding the disputes he had with Apple during his tenure hosting the Apple TV+ show, The Problem with Jon Stewart.

On Monday's edition of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, Jon Stewart – who returned to hosting the program after leaving Apple TV+ – interviewed FTC chair Lina Khan.

The sprawling interview with Khan covered numerous issues, but things got interesting when the topic came to AI. Stewart brought up the AI "arms race" between companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft and how these companies are competing to see who would become "the monopoly." 

Stewart suddenly pivoted.

"I've got to tell you, I wanted to have you on a podcast," Stewart said to Khan. "And Apple asked us not to do it."

"They literally said, 'Please don't talk to her,'" Stewart continued before segueing into a joke about how he's sure it had nothing to do with her job at the FTC.

Stewart went even further by then adding that Apple wouldn't let his show on Apple TV+ cover the topic of AI.

"They wouldn't let us do even that dumb thing we just did in the first act on AI," Stewart added, referring to a comedy segment earlier in the episode about AI. "What is that sensitivity? Why are they so afraid to even have these conversations out in the public sphere?"

Khan didn't answer those questions, focusing more on how Stewart's experience showcases the danger of having a few companies hold so much power.

Why would Apple deny the FTC an invite?

We, of course, don't have official word from Apple, but we have some ideas as to why the Cupertino-based tech giant wouldn't want Stewart giving Khan a platform on its streaming network.

Before being nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed as FTC Chair in 2021, Khan was known for her work as an academic and advocate to reign in Big Tech. Khan even produced a 400-page report for House Democrats detailing why Big Tech companies like Apple should be regulated and broken up.

Another potential reason? Apple was aware of the current administration's investigation into the company for antitrust violations back then. The U.S.Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over the iPhone just last month.

While specific details regarding Stewart and Apple's relationship are new, it was reported when the comedian walked away from his Apple TV+ deal last year that content disputes heavily factored into the decision. In fact, at the time, Stewart reportedly told his staff that Apple executives specifically had a problem with episodes of the show that were in the works on topics like China and AI.

Apple AirPods had a quiet year in 2023, but this year, things may be heating up, according to analyst Jeff Pu (per MacRumors.)

Pu claims that Apple is planning on releasing cheaper AirPods later this year, which aligns with previous reporting by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple prognosticator.

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To be more specific, Gurman said last month that Apple is working on a pair of fourth-generation AirPods models to be released in the second half of this year. One will be an entry-level model and the other will be a "mid-tier" variant. Expect better sound, a redesigned fit, and a USB-C charging case for both models. Gurman also suggested the mid-tier version would get active noice cancelation, something the base AirPods have badly needed for years.

Oh, and apparently we'll get a new AirPods Max model by the end of the year, too. However, Gurman has said that you should really only expect a USB-C port and new colors from that one. Let's cross our fingers for a lower price point, too.

Apple AirPods Max Credit: zlata ivleva / mashable

Apple's earbuds line is in desperate need of a shakeup. Your current options include the $130 AirPods 2 that launched in 2019 and the $180 AirPods 3 from 2022, both of which could theoretically be replaced by the two new models. It would be great if Apple could find a way to make those lackluster older models obsolete while also dropping the prices a bit on the newer ones.

Apple AirPods with USB-C Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

All of this is a great reminder that the $200 Beats Fit Pro might actually be the best wireless earbuds Apple makes.