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Ahead of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June — where AI is predicted to be a big talking point — Apple is reportedly intensifying its talks with OpenAI, according to Bloomberg.

As Mashable has previously noted, Apple has been talking to several big AI companies in pursuit of a potential partnership for on-device chatbot capabilities. According to Bloomberg, Apple and OpenAI discussed a potential deal earlier this year. Those talks have since reopened, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The possible agreement could be about OpenAI integrations into iOS 18.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: The ‘Notes’ app is reportedly getting 2 new features

No deal has been currently reached, however. It seems that Apple may be deciding whether to partner with another company to bring chatbot features to its devices. Apple is also in talks with Google about bringing the latter's Gemini to iPhone.

New research hints that Apple is working on an AI upgrade to Siri as well. As Mashable's Cecily Mauran reported, Apple researchers are working on a model that would better understand context of what's on screen and running in the background of a device than ChatGPT currently can. It would also better understand conversational context. This would all be on device, a shift in the current state of large language models (LLMs) that are cloud-based, because they require a lot of computing power.

Whatever Apple's plans are, we may not hear what's coming until WWDC.

The Rabbit R1 shook up the tech world as it hit the scene with a bright orange chassis and a promise to save us from the chaos of navigating countless apps.

If you don't know what the Rabbit R1 is, or why the internet is going crazy over the device, it's an AI assistant that can fit in your palm. However, what makes it different from ChatGPT and Gemini is that it's designed to take action on your behalf.

For example, ChatGPT and Gemini can answer, "What's the best pizzeria in my area?" However, if you were to ask, "Can you place an order for a pepperoni pizza from this place?", you'd get the equivalent of a blank stare from those assistants.

Conversely, in addition to an LLM (large language model), an LAM (large action model) underpins Rabbit R1. So if you were to ask it that same question, it would actually take action — and order it for you. I'll dive into the Rabbit R1's capabilities, but first, let's take a step back.

SEE ALSO: Humane Ai Pin reviews: Top 5 common complaints about the 'smartphone killer' Rabbit R1 price

The Rabbit R1 is just $199, making it relatively inexpensive compared to other AI assistant devices (e.g., the $699 Humane Ai pin).

Unlike the Humane Ai pin, the Rabbit R1 doesn't require a monthly subscription.

Rabbit R1 release date

The first batch of Rabbit R1 orders are expected to start shipping some time "around April 24."

Rabbit hosted a "pick up party" on April 23, allowing some buyers, even if they're not within the first batch, to grab their new Rabbit R1 at a location in New York City — but only if they RSVP'd in time.

Tweet may have been deleted

If you are in batch 2, orders will begin shipping in early May, with batch 3 shipping "shortly thereafter," according to a Rabbit support post.

Orders after batch 3, including batch 4, batch 5, batch 6, and batch 7, will begin shipping in between June and July.

Rabbit R1 design

The Rabbit R1 is a compact, cute, pocketable gadget with a 2.88-inch screen. This bright-orange device is striking, featuring a rotating camera (i.e., the "Rabbit Eye"), an analog scroll wheel, and a push-to-talk button.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

If I were to get the Rabbit R1 in my hand, I'd instinctively want to play 8-bit games on it. It looks like a retro-esque handheld gaming device à la the Playdate, another brightly colored, squarish gadget.

Rabbit R1 specs

Here's a quick rundown of the Rabbit R1's specs:

• 2.88-inch touchscreen

• 360-degree rotating camera

• 2.3GHz MediaTek processor

• 4GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• Speaker (on the back)

• SIM card slot (for a 4G LTE connection)

• All-day battery life (reportedly) via USB-C charging

Rabbit R1: 7 cool things it can do

Now here comes the fun part. What, exactly, can the Rabbit R1 do? The list appears to be endless.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

However, based on the X account of Jesse Lyu, the CEO of Rabbit Inc., here are some of its most noteworthy capabilities.

1. Generate AI images

Lyu boasts that you can use Rabbit R1 to generate AI images (via Midjourney) without shelling out a monthly fee.

Tweet may have been deleted 2. Identify objects and answer questions about them

Watch Lyu point his Rabbit R1 at a pair of sneakers and ask who makes them.

Tweet may have been deleted 3. Listen and summarize

Lyu commands the Rabbit R1 to listen to his own lecture and summarize it an easy-to-digest manner.

Tweet may have been deleted 4. Problem solving with the 'Rabbit Eye'

In this mind-blowing use case, Lyu tells the Rabbit R1 that he's having trouble with his Nest thermostat — and the AI device proceeds to identify the issue.

Tweet may have been deleted 5. Translate text

Watch the Rabbit R1 translate text on a KitKit bar into English. This could be a useful tool for travel, particularly while visiting countries with languages that are foreign to you.

Tweet may have been deleted 6. Order DoorDash

Putting the LAM to the test, Lyu shows how the Rabbit R1 ordered KFC on his behalf.

Tweet may have been deleted 7. Play music

The Rabbit R1 can play music and podcasts via voice commands.

Tweet may have been deleted

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Mashable will be at the Rabbit R1 pick-up party. Expect a review on the Rabbit R1 soon — we'll be testing how well these features work in the real world.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $299.00
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Meta has begun pushing AI on Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp — so much so that you can't turn Meta AI off. As it turns out, the tech giant's own features aren't the only AI proliferating on Meta's platforms. Explicit ads for AI "girlfriends" are populating Facebook and Instagram, Wired reported.

Searches by Wired found that at least 29,000 ads for explicit AI "girlfriends" have been published on Meta platforms, most with sex-related messaging; at least 19,000 ads have the term "NSFW" and 14,000 "NSFW AI." Wired conducted searches on Meta's ad library, which can display all ads currently on its platforms; all ads shown in the EU in the last year; and ads from the past seven years related to elections, politics, or social issues.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the TikTok ban will likely play out in the courts

These explicit ads appear to violate Meta's adult content advertising policy, which bans advertisers from running ads that "contain adult content, such as nudity and depictions of people in explicit or suggestive positions, or activities that are overly suggestive or sexually provocative." Facebook and Instagram's community guidelines ban nudity and anything the platform sees as "offering sexual services." These platforms also ban sexual language in instances of sexual solicitation (or perceived solicitation), even "commonly sexual emojis."

For years, sex workers — and also sex educators, LGBTQ users, erotic artists, and the like — have said that Meta unfairly targets their content and accounts due to these policies. Such users have told Mashable that they feared targeting under Meta community guidelines; Instagram shadowbans LGBTQ and sex educator accounts; and that Whatsapp bans sex worker accounts. In one experiment conducted by sexual wellness brand Unbound last fall, Meta repeatedly rejected sex toy ads targeted for women, while approving ones targeted for men. Last November, Mashable reported that Meta allegedly rejected a period care ad for being adult or political.

Yet, these NSFW AI "girlfriend" ads apparently skate through. Wired's report isn't the first instance of ads for explicit AI apps showing up on Meta: Deepfake ads featuring Jenna Ortega and other celebrities ran on Meta platforms as well.

When Wired contacted Meta about this, 2,700 AI "girlfriend" ads were active. Meta spokesperson Ryan Daniels told Wired that the company prohibits such ads and were reviewing them, and would remove those that violated its policies. "When we identify violating ads we work quickly to remove them, as we're doing here,” he told Wired. "We continue to improve our systems, including how we detect ads and behavior that go against our policies."

Still, the publication found that thousands of these ads were still active days later.

Mashable has reached out to Meta for comment.

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 28 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 28

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 28, 2024:

Across"___ a beautiful day in the neighborhood …"

• The answer is Its.

Clothing typically washed on a delicate setting

• The answer is Knits.

Swing one's arms helplessly

• The answer is Flail.

Quaint worker at a traveling fair

• The answer is Carny.

Woolly beast of Tibet

• The answer is Yak.

DownEmbed, as a mosaic tile

The answer is Inlay.

Crowning part of a princess costume

• The answer is Tiara.

Really reek

• The answer is Stink.

Chain that temporarily dropped the "Finger Lickin' Good!" slogan during the pandemic

• The answer is KFC.

Tricksy

• The answer is Sly.

TL;DR: Through May 1, order this AquaSprouts® aquaponics water garden for $127.99 with guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day.

Instead of getting Mom flowers that will just wilt away, you could get her a Mother’s Day gift that lasts — this aquaponic water garden. Whether she’s been flexing her green thumb, thinking of adopting a fish, or both, this is a meaningful gift that she could cherish for years. However, the fish part is optional.

The AquaSprouts® fountain is currently $127.99 (reg. $159.95). If you’re interested, be sure to order on or before May 1 for guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day. 

A Mother’s Day gift that won’t just wilt away

Nobody likes a gift that becomes a burden — like constant watering, fertilizing, and fish cleanup — which makes the AquaSprouts® fountain an excellent choice for Mother’s Day. When used as an aquaponic garden with live fish, the plants hydrate and fertilize themselves with fish water, using their waste as nutrients.

Selecting fish that will thrive in this environment is no small task, though. Some types Mom might be interested in are small species like tetras, mollies, platies, and barbs.

If Mom decides not to adopt fish, the AquaSprouts® fountain can be used as a water or hydroponic garden. The manufacturer suggests that plants may actually grow faster this way than in soil and save around 90% of the usual water.

She could grow herbs, greens, and several small fruits or vegetables like strawberries or cherry tomatoes all year long, since the garden is indoors.

Surprise Mom with a gift to remember.

Regularly $160, get the AquaSprouts® aquaponics fountain for $127.99 with guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day when ordered by May 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AquaSprouts AquaSprouts® Fountain: Aquaponics Water Garden $127.99 at the Mashable Shop
$159.95 Save $31.96 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 1, if your mom is into gardening or plants, this lifetime subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier app could be a hit, and the Premium Plan is on sale for $16.97 (reg. $59).

The art of being a great gift giver requires you to know something your loved one enjoys and then find something interesting along those lines. For instance, if your mom has a green thumb (or wants to), this subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier app could be something she'd love for Mother's Day. A lifetime subscription to the Premium Plan is on sale for just $16.97 (reg. $59) through May 1.

The Plantum AI Plant Identifier makes a handy companion for anyone interested in plants, flowers, and their environment. With over 33,000 plant profiles, this app uses advanced AI technology to identify various plant species in seconds. It's like having a botanist in your pocket, ready to help expand your knowledge of the fauna and flora wherever you go.

It does more than just identify, though. You'll get soil selection, temperature, fertilization, and watering tips, along with the ideal temperature for the plant. And if your plant isn't going very well, it can help you figure out what's wrong and how to help a sick plant.

You can also use this app as a plant journal to keep all your gardening notes. In addition, it has the ability to measure sunlight levels in a certain area so you know just where to plant a new addition. Updates are also included.

This offer is for new users only. It's only available on iOS devices.

Pick up a lifetime Premium Plan subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier app for your mom (or yourself) for just $16.97 (reg. $59) when you order by May 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Plantum Plantum - AI Plant Identifier Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (For iOS Only) $16.97 at the Mashable Shop
$59.99 Save $43.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, upgrade to Windows 10 Pro to add improved security tools and better integration with Microsoft 365 — only $29.97 if you. 

From basic integration with apps to software compatibility, upgrading your operating system could be a simple way to keep your older computer up to snuff for a while longer, and it doesn't have to be a major expense. 

Windows 10 Pro isn't the latest OS from Microsoft, but it's still a versatile operating system with a 64-bit architecture, and you can use a limited-time sale to get it for cheap. Install Windows 10 Pro on your compatible device for just $29.97, but that's only if you get it in the next two days. 

Make your old computer feel new(er)

Windows 10 Pro seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, so you may be able to work from practically anywhere. Remote workers could take advantage of integration with Teams to stay in contact with their co-workers, and you could even control your PC remotely from any device.

Use the Azure Active Directory to make it a little easier to manage all your passwords and login info instead of trying to remember all of them yourself. That means you may only need one password to get into your computer, Microsoft 365, and all your other Microsoft services. 

Upgrade your operating system

Don't miss your limited-time chance to upgrade to Windows 10 for life. 

Until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get Microsoft Windows 10 Pro on sale for $29.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 10 Pro $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $169.03 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, save a little money by getting the 2019 version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows. It's on sale for just $29.97.

If you could use some productivity support, a tried-and-true suite of apps from a big name in software could help. Create, organize, and more with the assistance of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, and you can get it on sale for just $29.97 through April 30.

Get access to tools to help you perform your best, whether professionally or personally. This 2019 version of Office might be slightly older than the most current version on the market, but it still features most of what many expect from Office.

You'll get the 2019 version of Word for document creation, Excel to access spreadsheets, PowerPoint to make killer slides, Outlook for email and calendar management, Access to build databases, OneNote to take digital notes, and Publisher for personal publications.

All of these apps combine to help keep you moving more efficiently. However, it should be noted that it does not include Teams. You will need to be running Windows 10 or 11 to use this software.

Because you only pay a one-time price for this license, you won't need to worry about any recurring fees like you would with Microsoft 365. This license is good on one PC for life. 

Office Professional Plus 2019 is tailored for enhanced productivity with rich features that provide business users, professionals, and home users alike with most of the functions they need to work at their best.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 at this reduced price.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for just $29.97 (reg. $229) until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $199.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, get this Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain in time for Mother's Day for just $18.99 (reg. $49).

Many moms would rather not have all the traditional gifts like flowers or perfume. Some more practical women would like to be surprised with something they can get a lot of use out of. This Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain might be such a gift if the mother in your life loves her Apple Watch. 

On sale for just $18.99 (reg. $49), it can easily clip onto a purse or backpack so mom can have the convenience of a charger wherever she goes. 

Compact and lightweight, it fits easily into a purse or bag, making it perfect for travel, work, or everyday use. With its sleek design and practical functionality, it’s an accessory that mom can use daily and think of you every time she powers up. And you can breathe easier knowing she can communicate while she's out and about. 

With a 950mAh lithium-ion battery that's compatible with all Apple Watch series, this pocket-sized charger can also be charged while it's busy charging an Apple Watch. It features four LED lights to show you the status of your charge. It also has protection in place to protect the Apple Watch itself, including over-heat, -current, and -voltage, as well as protection against short-circuiting.

Don’t miss the chance to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day with a gift that combines practicality with thoughtfulness.

Score this Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain for Mom while it's on sale for just $18.99 (reg. $49).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Go Gadgets Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain $18.99 at the Mashable Shop
$49.95 Save $30.96 Get Deal

Mark Zuckerberg looks different. His hair is longer and less restrained. His clothes hang from his frame with an enviable ease, and a rotating repertoire of link chains adorn his neck. For years, Zuckerberg applied the same daily diet of dark wash jeans, gray fitted tees, dad sneakers, and a close, cropped haircut à la his idol Augustus Caesar.

Now, it looks like he has taken a sartorial chill pill.

Online, reactions have been positive enough that Zuckerberg has begun to engage in the discourse. He's asked fashion insider and Instagram's director of fashion partnerships Eva Chen to weigh in on his chain (too long, she said — she was right). A meme of Zuckerberg, edited with facial hair, has also made the rounds. 

Before this sudden switch up, Zuckerberg was known for the no-nonsense wardrobe popular with tech execs who hope to be perceived as too busy (or too serious) to care about what they wear. Steve Jobs, famously, wore a uniform of a black Issey Miyake turtleneck and Levi's 501 classic fit jeans. When asked about his choice to wear gray t-shirts in 2014, Zuckerberg spun it into a commentary on the importance of his work: "I feel like I’m not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life" he said, "and that way, I can dedicate all my energy to building the best products and services and helping us reach our goal and achieve our mission.”

Zuckerberg in uniform in 2017. Credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In 2024, it would seem that frivolity is no longer a concern. In February, Zuckerberg let his hair grow out into natural curls and replaced his fitted tees with relaxed, structured cuts in new colors (white! black! blue!). He visited Japan in a shearling jacket and, for the wedding of the son of Indian billionaire and business partner Mukesh Ambani, wore matching Alexander McQueen and Rahul Mishra ensembles with his wife Priscilla Chan. In March, he implied that the shearling had become his signature look when he exchanged it for the leather jacket of billionaire Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in a photo op he captioned "jersey swap."

Earlier this month, the chain arrived — multiple chains, actually, worn on different days. The accessory's first major appearance was in videos posted to X which documented the couple's attendance at a UFC fight in meticulously crafted looks: Zuckerberg in his chain and structured tee, Chan in a gold Chanel necklace, cropped fur coat, combat boots, and black top with a plunging neckline.

It was a far cry from the Zuckerberg we used to know and, for that matter, the Chan of the past. A coworker of mine had equated her personal style to the inventory of J. Crew. Now, Business Insider praised her for pulling off "mob chic," a reference to the trending "mob wife" aesthetic (though most mafia dons' better halves would probably pass on combat boots). "When did Priscilla become hot?" asked one X user in a tweet liked 44,000 times.

It was clear that the Zuckerbergs had hired a stylist, and it was money well spent.

Tweet may have been deleted

Shortly after the fight, Zuckerberg took to Instagram Reels to announce updates to Meta AI. He addressed his followers while sporting a chain and his longer hair, introducing the look to a new audience. Memes abounded but the most popular was a screenshot of the video that had been altered to look like Zuckerberg had also grown facial hair. People liked it.

Instagram gossip account The Shade Room reposted the edited photo to its more than 29 million followers, adding Sexyy Red's song "Get it Sexyy" to the post for effect. "Who did this?" Zuckerberg commented from his account. Gwyneth Paltrow commented, too, noting how much he resembled her ex, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, a compliment of the highest degree to any middle-aged white man.

Since then, comments on Zuckerberg's Instagram posts have demanded that he grow out his beard. When he isn't wearing a chain, the people call for that, too.

View this post on Instagram

In his interaction with Instagram's Eva Chen on April 23rd, he addressed the accessory outright, classifying it as a personal project of sorts. "I'm actually in the process of designing a long-term chain," he told her, "and what I'm going for is I'm working with a designer to engrave the prayer that I sing to my girls every night when I put them to bed on the end of the chain."

This sartorial shift has run parallel to a lifestyle change that has seen Zuckerberg engaging with masculinity in new ways. In 2022, he began sharing videos of him sparring with UFC greats and attending fights. In 2023, he competed in a jiu-jitsu tournament and tore his ACL. In January, he shared on Instagram that he was raising cattle with the goal of "[creating] some of the highest quality beef in the world" and posted a video of Chan "catching" him playing what appears to be Call of Duty with friends in couple's home bunker.

Tweet may have been deleted

In July 2023, twin successes were likened by The Atlantic and Wall Street Journal to a renaissance of sorts for Zuckerberg: the launch of Meta-owned X alternative Threads and Zuckerberg's challenge to take on Elon Musk in a physical fight.

The past two weeks feel like another turning point, perhaps the opening of a new era. Throughout the 2010s, Zuckerberg's uniform turned him into a sort of extraterrestrial caricature of a human, drained of personality and color. Now, thanks to a few styling changes, he is approaching relatability. And while there's certainly no crime in being stylish, there's something nefarious about a billionaire aspiring to popular approval. Mark Zuckerberg, the fourth richest person in the world, does not need more attention. In fact, with a net worth of $177 billion, he doesn't need anything. So why does he seem to care so much?

Perhaps because relatability can evolve into respectability, a public sentiment that has been in low supply for Zuckerberg in recent years (a 2022 NBC News poll found that just 8 percent of respondents held a "positive" view of him). The Social Network's fictional depiction of Zuckerberg as an awkward, jealous Harvard nerd belies a kernel of truth: that Zuckerberg has always just wanted to be liked and admired. It was, after all, the reason he created Facebook to begin with.

The problem with Zuckerberg's current bid for respectability is that he does not, at present, deserve it. The 39-year-old is a white guy rapidly accumulating billions as the gaping maw of the wealth gap groans ever wider.

And with the American Presidential elections just seven months away, Zuckerberg's new look could conveniently serve as a distraction from the scrutiny Meta may face over its handling of foreign interference and misinformation.

Zuckerberg holds too much power and has too much money to be innocently wooing the public with an aesthetic glow-up. Forgive me for not complimenting his jacket.

TL;DR: Stream Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA playoffs for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, with everything still hanging in the balance in the first round. This is the moment when the biggest players need to stand up and be heard, and they don't come much bigger than the stars on show in the Mavericks vs. Clippers series.

If you want to watch Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers?

Game 4 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers series starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on April 28. This game takes place at the American Airlines Center.

How to watch Game 1 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free

Fans can live stream Game 4 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers series in the NBA playoffs 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, meaning you can access this streaming service from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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. Connect to BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch Game 4 of Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing BBC iPlayer to stream the NBA live, 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 free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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 Game 4 of Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Having kicked off in late March, cricket fans will be well and truly enthralled by the 2024 season of the IPL. Four weeks in and the excitement is only getting started as we approach the next fixture. So, who's next in line?

The next match sees Chennai Super Kings go head to head against the Sunrisers Hyderabad; will SRH reign triumphant against last year's winners?

If you want to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad?

Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 28. This fixture will be played at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India.

How to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad for free

JioCinema is giving you the chance to watch live streams of the IPL for free in 4K resolution on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but you can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. VPN 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 Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

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.

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: The Microsoft Excel: From Beginner to Advanced course is on sale for £16.09, saving you 75% on list price.

Microsoft Excel shouldn't just be a "skill" you flex on your CV when you're trying to impress a potential employer. And while it does have lots of uses in the workplace, including sorting and managing raw data, it can also be incredibly useful in your daily life, like when you're figuring out your travel budget or visualising your fitness progress.

But if you admittedly don't know squat about the prized spreadsheet app, consider the Microsoft Excel Beginner to Advanced course your trusty tutor. For a limited time, you can grab it on sale for under £20.

This course contains eight hours of expert-led training spearheaded by Warrick Klimaytys, a computer technician who has helped thousands of students go from Excel Zero to Excel Hero. Great for beginners, it aims to teach you the basics of the program and help you get to grips with wielding its many functionalities to your advantage.

You can expect to learn how to create workbooks and spreadsheets that even your boss will gawk at, master tables, charts, formulas, and macros, calculate with the IF function and perform conditional formatting, and so much more. By the end of it all, you'll have the know-how to build and prepare a workbook to impress.

The course is accessible anytime, anywhere, and using any device, though you'll need to have your own version of Excel. And while you can always learn at your own pace, it's designed in a way that gets you up to speed as fast as possible, so you can already work at a capable level within just a few lectures.

Learn how to use Excel to your advantage. This Microsoft Excel Beginner to Advanced course normally goes for around £60, but you can grab it on sale for £16.09.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSocial Microsoft Excel: From Beginner to Advanced £16.09 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Stream Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There has been a lot of rugby on free-to-air channels recently, including massive games like Saracens vs. Harlequins and Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs. It's rare to see top-level sport available to watch for free, but the free games don't stop there. Fans can watch Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with a simple hack.

If you want to watch Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs?

Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs kicks off at 3 p.m. BST on April 28. This fixture takes place at the Kingsholm Stadium.

How to watch Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free

Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage starting from 2:30 p.m. BST on April 28. 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 to watch live rugby 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 Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, 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 Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

The new season of the IPL is in full swing and is already displaying incredible talent and exciting competition. The latest game will see Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru take to the pitch as some of the best cricket players in the world go head-to-head.

Want to catch the next fixture? You can watch Gujarat Titans vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru for free from anywhere in the world, just keep reading to find out how.

When is Gujarat Titans vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

Gujarat Titans vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru starts at 11 a.m. BST on April 28. This game will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.

How to watch Gujarat Titans vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru for free

Cricket fans can tune in to live streams of IPL cricket matches with the help of JioCinema. The streaming service is offering free live streams in 4K resolution on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but don't worry, you can unblock this free streaming service with the help of a VPN. A VPN is a tool that 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 completing these easy steps:

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

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

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

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

5. Watch Gujarat Titans vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

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.

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 27'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 plum.

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. The Wordle answer today is...

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 #1044 is...

PRUNE.

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 28'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.

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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.

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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: Similar to limerance

• Green: How a cheesy romcom starts

• Blue: Old TV problems

• Purple: Types of Mary's

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: Passionate, as a Feeling

• Green: Bang Into

• Blue: Analog TV Interference

• Purple: ___Mary

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 #322 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Passionate, as a Feeling: DEEP, EXTREME, FIERCE, INTENSE

• Bang Into: BUMP, BUTT, KNOCK, RAM

• Analog TV interference: FUZZ, NOISE, SNOW, STATIC

• ___Mary: BLOODY, HAIL, PROUD, VIRGIN

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.

For years, Signal has been the go-to messaging app for private communications. The federal government now believes Amazon was using that power inappropriately.

According to the Washington Post, the Federal Trade Commission accused top Amazon executives, including former CEO Jeff Bezos, of using Signal's automatic message deletion feature to hide communications, even after the FTC ordered it to keep those messages around. Amazon was apparently supposed to stop deleting messages after it was notified that the FTC was investigating it for antitrust violations.

SEE ALSO: What is Signal? The basics of the most secure messaging app.

The FTC's allegation centers around the fact that these deleted messages are indeed gone forever, even if it's possible to see when a user did or didn't turn on the message deletion feature.

"From the messages that were not deleted, it is apparent that Amazon executives used Signal to talk about competition-related business issues," the court document read, per Engadget.

Signal has been widely used by activists and data security enthusiasts to conceal communications from prying eyes for years now. Messages benefit from end-to-end encryption on the app, meaning that only the users in the chat room can see them. Disappearing messages are set to automatically go away after a certain amount of time, in the event that the device with the messages on them is taken or compromised.

From a purely self-serving point of view, Bezos and company did the smart thing. In terms of cooperating with the FTC, however, they may have messed up a bit.

Apple got the weekend off to a weird start for some of its users.

As has been reported at 9to5Mac and The Verge, a strange problem is occurring for some users of Apple devices. Namely, folks are finding that their Apple ID accounts have been logged out and they need to log back in. For at least some of these users, logging back in with the original password actually locks you out of the account until you change the password to something else.

SEE ALSO: iPhone password reset attacks are real – how to protect yourself

The especially unusual part is that Apple's system status webpage doesn't show anything wrong with its services, and the company hasn't said anything about this publicly yet. But something is clearly wrong if this many people on social media are complaining about it.

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All of this is to say: Don't be surprised if your Apple device starts acting funky this weekend.

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 27 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 27

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, April 27, 2024:

AcrossRevolutionary leader Guevara

• The answer is Che.

Shirley Temple or Ginger Rogers, e.g.

• The answer is Drink.

Mysterious in meaning

• The answer is Cryptic.

"For ___ a jolly good fellow …"

• The answer is Hes.

Pole with a reel attached

• The answer is Rod.

Shirley Temple or Ginger Rogers, e.g.

• The answer is Actress.

Boat for a whitewater adventure

• The answer is Kayak.

Give permission to

• The answer is Let.

DownPiece of snow or table salt, essentially

The answer is Crystal.

Very cool

• The answer is Hip.

Ask (someone) in earnest

• The answer is Entreat.

Absolute junk

• The answer is Dreck.

Sales booth

• The answer is Kiosk.

When doubled, a ballroom dance

• The answer is Cha.

Things that old audiobooks are sold on

• The answer is CDs.

Bread for a pastrami sandwich

• The answer is Rye.