Feed aggregator

The redesigned Kindle Scribe is down to its lowest-ever price

Mashable - 10 hours 10 min ago

SAVE $85: As of May 6, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $364.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 19% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe $364.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $85 Get Deal

Amazon's Kindle Scribe is beloved by book lovers across the world. Released late in 2024, this model combines reading and note-taking in one handy device. Recently, the Scribe received a redesign, meaning you can now write directly on books and documents, and it's the news we've been waiting for.

If this update is the sign you've been waiting for to upgrade, you'll be pleased to know that as of May 6, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for just $364.99. This price is for the 64GB model in the color tungsten or metallic jade.

SEE ALSO: To Paperwhite or not to Paperwhite, these are the best Kindles in Amazon's lineup

This Kindle Scribe deal also comes with the Premium Pen, so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. This is a big upgrade on the basic pen, as this model comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so you don't need to charge it.

Besides its note-taking abilities, the Scribe has a 10.2-inch, 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare and ink-free. Like the original Kindle model, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or in hard-to-read lighting.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal before it runs out.

How to watch Inter Milan vs. Barcelona online for free

Mashable - 10 hours 23 min ago

TL;DR: Watch Inter Milan vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Fans were expecting big things from the Champions League semi final between Inter Milan and Barcelona, but the first leg exceeded all those expectations. Lamine Yamal was incredible, Inter Milan were really impressive, and it's all still to play for after an electric 3-3 draw.

If you want to watch Inter Milan vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Inter Milan vs. Barcelona?

Inter Milan vs. Barcelona in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. BST on May 6. This fixture takes place at the San Siro.

How to watch Inter Milan vs. Barcelona for free

Inter Milan vs. Barcelona is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video.

If this fixture is not available to watch for free where in your location, you should consider using a VPN to live stream the Champions League for free on Prime Video. The process is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

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

  5. Watch Inter Milan vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Inter Milan vs. Barcelona on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Inter Milan vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for May 6, 2025

Mashable - 11 hours 24 min ago

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: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, May 6, 2025:

AcrossEverest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr.
  • The answer is Mts.

A little horse
  • The answer is Foal.

A little hoarse
  • The answer is Raspy.

Perfect
  • The answer is Ideal.

Unlike houses that have been professionally staged
  • The answer is Messy.

DownHero of the Passover Seder
  • The answer is Moses.

Spanish small plates
  • The answer is Tapas.

In a sneaky way
  • The answer is Slyly.

Lessen over time
  • The answer is Fade.

What airballs fail to touch
  • The answer is Rim.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

Hurdle hints and answers for May 6, 2025

Mashable - 11 hours 34 min ago

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A point.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

LOCUS

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A trench.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 6, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DITCH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Felt after losing a loved one.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 6 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 6, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GRIEF

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Mortar used to fill gaps.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 6 Hurdle Word 4 answer

GROUT

Final Hurdle hint

Cooked in oil.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

FRIED

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Lifetime Access to BitMar is less than $15

Mashable - 14 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: There are only three days left to hop on this BitMar offer. Grab this lifetime content aggregator and get access to millions of free shows, movies, etc., for only $14.99 with code BITMAR5.

If you're tired of hopping between streaming platforms to catch your favorite shows, movies, and music, BitMar offers a refreshing alternative. With your one-time payment of $14.99 (reg. $150 with code BITMAR5, you can unlock lifetime access to an all-in-one streaming platform that consolidates content from various sources into a single, easy-to-navigate interface.

What is BitMar?

BitMar isn't just another streaming service — it's a content aggregator powered by AI, similar to Bing's search engine. It scours the web to bring you millions of free, on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs from platforms like YouTube and TV networks. Whether you're in the mood for a classic film, the latest TV episode, or international content, BitMar has you covered.

Check out all the other perks of owning BitMar:

  • Massive content library: Access over 200,000 channels and countless movies, TV shows, and music.

  • Ad-free viewing: Enjoy your content without pesky interruptions.

  • Multi-device support: Stream on up to five devices, including smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

  • DMCA-compliant: You'll have peace of mind knowing that all content is legally sourced and compliant with copyright laws.

  • No subscriptions: Pay once and enjoy unlimited access without recurring fees.

Why choose BitMar anyway?

With streaming costs on the rise and content spread across multiple platforms (we're looking at you, Netflix), BitMar simplifies your entertainment experience. Instead of managing multiple subscriptions, BitMar consolidates all of the best free content into one platform, saving you time when choosing what to watch and putting extra money back in your wallet.

Grab this BitMar lifetime subscription for just $14.99 — enter code BITMAR5 at checkout to grab it at this low price.

StackSocial prices subject to change

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.99
$150 Save $135.01 Get Deal

NYT Strands hints, answers for May 6

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 22:00

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 6 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 6 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I'm in lobe

The words are types of ear-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are types of ear jewelry.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Earrings

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for May 6
  • Stud

  • Cuff

  • Earrings

  • Hoop

  • Teardrop

  • Chandelier

  • Plug

  • Clipon

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 6, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 22:00

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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 Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Winning

  • Green: Cinematic diamonds

  • Blue: Collegiate fields

  • Purple: Also known as

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Take out of a competition

  • Green: Baseball movies

  • Blue: Nicknames for college football stadiums

  • Purple: Famous running back nicknames

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 today's Connections Sports Edition #225 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Take out of a competition - BOUNCE, DEFEAT, ELIMINATE, KNOCK OUT

  • Baseball movies - 42, MAJOR LEAGUE, THE NATURAL, THE ROOKIE

  • Nicknames for college football stadiums - DEATH VALLEY, THE BIG HOUSE, THE HORSESHOE, THE SWAMP

  • Famous running back nicknames - BEAST MODE, LT, SWEETNESS, THE BUS

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 6, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 22:00

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 6 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Quiet

  • Green: Court structure

  • Blue: Not so large

  • Purple: Sorta kidding

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: Silence

  • Green: Tennis competition units

  • Blue: Comparatively small

  • Purple: Starting with synonyms for "tease"

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 today's Connections #695 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Silence: CALM, HUSH, PEACE, STILL

  • Tennis competition units: GAME, MATCH, SET, TOURNAMENT

  • Comparatively small: BABY, COMPACT, MINUTE, TOY

  • Starting with synonyms for "tease": KIDNEY, MOCKINGBIRD, RAZZMATAZZ, RIBBON

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 5

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 6, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 22:00

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for May 6 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.

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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 6, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A premium hotel room.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters repeat.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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

SUITE.

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 6

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Sam Altman: OpenAI nonprofit will retain control of the $300 billion company

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 18:41

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made the unicorn of unicorns. In just 10 years, he created a company valued at $300 billion, and in the process, delivered a new technology with potentially world-changing implications. And he's had to do it all under the control of the OpenAI nonprofit. It's a Silicon Valley dream come true, but also a capitalist's nightmare scenario.

After previous moves to turn OpenAI into a for-profit enterprise, Altman revealed today an "updated plan for evolving [the company's] structure." In an open letter to OpenAI employees, the CEO confirmed that the OpenAI nonprofit will retain control over the for-profit LLC after all, a big victory for OpenAI's critics.

In recent years, the nonprofit status of OpenAI has become one of the biggest controversies in Silicon Valley, thanks in large part to Elon Musk's lawsuit against the company. Last year, Musk sued the ChatGPT maker for breach of contract based on its transition to a for-profit enterprise. Musk was one of the original backers of OpenAI, but after he left the company in 2018, Altman formed a "capped" for-profit LLC. Musk has been very critical of this decision, as have the attorneys general of both California and Delaware and a legion of AI skeptics.

As a result, OpenAI has maintained a strange corporate structure, with its nonprofit arm controlling its for-profit LLC. The LLC will now transition into a Public Benefit Corporation, or "a purpose-driven company structure that has to consider the interests of both shareholders and the mission," according to OpenAI. Under this arrangement, OpenAI will be legally obligated to consider more than profit motives as it delivers AI products.

"We made the decision for the nonprofit to retain control of OpenAI after hearing from civic leaders and engaging in constructive dialogue with the offices of the Attorney General of Delaware and the Attorney General of California," wrote OpenAI board member Bret Taylor in a blog post. "We thank both offices and we look forward to continuing these important conversations to make sure OpenAI can continue to effectively pursue its mission of ensuring AGI benefits all of humanity. Sam wrote the letter below to our employees and stakeholders about why we are so excited for this new direction."

In his open letter to OpenAI employees, Altman said he hopes to accomplish three things with the company's evolution: First, to allow the company to attract new investments, to create the "largest and most effective nonprofit in history," and "to deliver beneficial AGI."

AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is a loosely defined concept with shifting goalposts, but according to OpenAI, it means "AI systems that are generally smarter than humans."

And to pull off this feat, Altman says OpenAI may require trillions of dollars in additional resources.

"We want to be able to operate and get resources in such a way that we can make our services broadly available to all of humanity, which currently requires hundreds of billions of dollars and may eventually require trillions of dollars. We believe this is the best way for us to fulfill our mission and to get people to create massive benefits for each other with these new tools," Altman wrote.

Google launches a movie production initiative for an anti-Black Mirror take on tech

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 17:36

Last month, the new season of the dystopian sci-fi series Black Mirror was released on Netflix to critical acclaim. However, while most viewers enjoyed Season 7, a few social media posts went viral wondering what a show with an optimistic view on tech would look like.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Well, we just might soon find out.

Google has recently launched a new movie and TV show initiative called "100 Zeroes," according to a report from Business Insider. Google is partnering with Range Media Partners, the production company behind films such as A Complete Unknown and Longlegs for the initiative.

According to the report, one of Google's goals is promoting its own products. For example, a movie produced by 100 Zeroes could see its characters using an Android device instead of an iPhone. 

However, product placement isn't actually the main goal of the initiative. Google is more interested in promoting an overall positive view of technology, especially to young people.

The 100 Zeroes initiative actually started last year with quiet contributions to the marketing budget for the Neon horror film Cuckoo. The 100 Zeroes's logo was displayed in the opening credits based on its funding, but Google didn't play a role in the actual content of the movie. 

But, according to Business Insider, the film represents the type of projects Google wants to create: Movies and TV shows from respected indie studios that target Gen Z. 

In addition, the projects that Google's 100 Zeroes will back could get picked up and distributed by major film studios and streamers like Netflix. Google isn't looking to bring YouTube into the fold for this initiative, but rather mainstream TV and movie platforms.

In a post on X, Google clarified that 100 Zeroes is not a movie or TV studio. "This is not a new studio, it’s an initiative driven by our Platforms & Devices team which includes Android. We’re working with Range to assist the creative community in integrating cutting-edge technologies and platforms, like XR and AI, into their filmmaking."

So far, many creative professionals and artists have been extremely skeptical to any adoption of AI technology into the arts. With 100 Zeroes, Google will be able to promote its tools, such as its AI products, to the creatives who make movies and TV shows.

One such 100 Zeroes project to promote the use of AI has already been launched by the company. Last month, Google and Range announced its "AI On Screen" partnership, which will fund short films about AI and then greenlight a select few for full-length features.

So, those social media users who had hoped for a "tech positive" Black Mirror may soon get their wish.

Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide: Track latest restocks, see our first-hand impressions

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 16:36

UPDATE: May. 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest on Nintendo Switch 2 preorder availability at major retailers. We've also added additional information to help readers track Switch 2 restocks.

The Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date came and went in the U.S. in late April. You probably didn't get one, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost.

After a brief delay due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, Nintendo Switch 2 preorders went live online at several major retailers on April 24, predictably crashing their websites. Within hours, preorder listings for the $449.99 console at Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart were all marked as "coming soon," "not available," or "out of stock." The same applied to listings for its $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle.

Those lucky enough to snag a Switch 2 preorder will be able to pick up their new console in person at Best Buy and GameStop as soon as it launches on June 5: Both retailers are planning on opening their stores at midnight ET that day. Meanwhile, Walmart is promising to deliver preorders made before June 4 at 8 a.m. ET for free by 9 a.m. local time on June 5 (while supplies last). We've reached out to a Target rep to find out if it has any launch day plans and will update this story if we hear back.

So far, we've only heard of one restock. According to several price trackers and Reddit threads, Walmart briefly restocked its Switch 2 inventory on Saturday, April 26. Since then? Nada.

If you want to smash that refresh button at the major retailers, you're welcome to try your luck, but there are better ways. Keep reading to find out how to preorder the Switch 2 at the My Nintendo Store and how to track restocks online.

Where To Preorder Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Switch 2 at Walmart $449.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder Switch 2 at Target $449.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder Switch 2 at GameStop $449.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder Switch 2 at Best Buy $449.99 Pre-Order Here How to preorder the Switch 2 at the My Nintendo Store

You can also try nabbing a preorder directly through the My Nintendo Store in May. Nintendo's online storefront will send out preorder invites to interested shoppers in waves starting Thursday, May 8; those with a Nintendo Account can register for access ahead of time on Nintendo's website.

Here's how it works: You go to Nintendo's website, log into an active Nintendo Switch Online account, and register your interest in a Switch 2 console or bundle. Starting on May 8 (and with other waves to follow later), eligible account holders will get email links to preorder a Switch 2 straight from Nintendo on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are, of course, a couple of weird catches to this. To be eligible, your Nintendo Switch Online account must meet the following requirements:

  • An active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account that's existed for at least 12 months

  • Your account must have 50 gameplay hours registered to it

This way, Nintendo knows you're not a filthy scalper bot. So, if you keep trying and failing with the major retailers, this is something to have in your back pocket just in case.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at the My Nintendo Store
Register for preorder access Learn More

Shoppers will be notified via email when it's their turn to place a Switch 2 preorder, and they'll have 72 hours to do so. Preorders will be limited to one system per account.

Nintendo recently updated its preorder page to note that it's not guaranteeing release day deliveries "[due] to the very high demand," and that some invites may arrive after the official launch on June 5. (You'll receive a shipping date once you place your preorder.) The company encouraged shoppers to buy a Switch 2 from one of its retailer partners "[if] you wish to increase your opportunity of obtaining a Nintendo System 2 system at launch."

How to track Switch 2 restocks online

We recommend checking out Mashable reporter Alex Perry's in-depth guide to tracking Switch 2 restocks online. But to give you a tl;dr version, Perry says you can sign up for alerts to notify you of restocks via retailers like Walmart. However, that means you'll find out at the same time as everyone else, and these features are hit or miss.

For better luck, we recommend following inventory trackers on social media. Specifically, Jake Randall and Matt Swider on X; both have hundreds of thousands of followers and good reputations. In addition, follow Wario64, who can be found on X and BlueSky. This enigmatic operator tracks all kinds of stock alerts across the world of gaming. Wario64's covers a lot more than Switch 2 restocks, but Perry recommends the account personally, saying, "this account is how I got both a PS5 and Xbox Series X when those two consoles were hard to come by in 2020. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most important social media accounts in my life right now."

The new Nintendo Switch 2 console: All the details

The next-gen hybrid console retails for $449.99, making it $150 pricier than the original Switch from 2017 and $100 more expensive than the 2021 OLED model. It's also being sold as part of a limited-time $499.99 bundle that includes a download code for Mario Kart World, one of two exclusive launch titles.

Credit: Benedikt Wenck / picture alliance via Getty Images

The Switch 2 console will ship with the following accessories:

  • Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)

  • Joy-Con 2 Grip

  • Joy-Con 2 Straps

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Dock

  • Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable

  • Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter

  • USB-C Charging Cable

Our first-hand impressions of the Switch 2

Mashable reporter Alex Perry got to briefly play the Switch 2 at a recent Nintendo event, and he wrote at the time, “I can confirm that Switch 2 is noticeably more powerful than the original Switch.” Overall, he said it has a premium feel and impressive performance.

“From the first second I got to hold a Switch 2 unit, I instantly liked the way it felt in my hands. The 7.9-inch 1080p display (which supports HDR and 120Hz refresh rate) is substantially nicer than the 6.2-inch 720p display on the predecessor console. In addition to a bigger screen, the Joy-Cons also have some added muscle…Doing a cross-country race across Mario Kart World's gorgeous open world without even a hint of loading between tracks is awesome. Seeing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom run at a buttery smooth 60 frames per second is very convincing in person.”

Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable How we got here

After pulling back the curtain on its new console during an April 2 Direct, Nintendo originally announced that Switch 2 preorders would open at select retailers on April 9. But two days later, the company said in a press statement that preorders were indefinitely delayed amid the Trump administration's new tariff policies and "evolving market conditions."

Nintendo eventually set the Switch 2's new preorder date in a mid-April press release — and in doing so, it confirmed that the Switch 2 and its bundle would not see a tariff-related price increase. Pricing for two of its upcoming standalone games, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, also remain unchanged at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively.

We haven't gotten away scot-free, though: "Nintendo Switch 2 accessories will experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions," Nintendo said. That includes the Switch 2 Pro Controller, Joy-Con controllers, a set of two Joy-Con 2 Wheels, and a Switch 2 Camera. The company also left the door open for future price adjustments "of any Nintendo product" if market conditions change.

All the Switch 2 launch titles and games you can preorder

We've already written about the Switch 2 launch titles we're most excited to play, but there are so many more titles you'll soon be able to experience. Technically, some of the most exciting games are not launch titles, so manage your expectations. However, considering most of us won't get a Switch 2 until weeks (or possibly months) after June 5, that's not the end of the world.

The biggest title is, of course, Mario Kart World.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Mario Kart World $79.99 at Target
Release Date: July 5, 2025 Pre-order Here All the Switch 2 accessories you can preorder

Below, we've listed the updated pricing for the Switch 2's accessories. Just over half of them are now available for preorder at major retailers alongside the console itself (linked when available):

OpenAI Backtracks on Plans to Drop Nonprofit Control

NYT Technology - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 14:55
The company will become a public benefit corporation and the nonprofit that has controlled it will be its largest shareholder.

Alison Brie and Dave Franco get way too close in sickening Together trailer

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 14:16

Alison Brie and Dave Franco give a whole new meaning to "too close to comfort" in the nauseating trailer for Neon's Together, which is sure to cook up summer scares for horror fans.

Written and directed by Michael Shanks, Together made waves at 2025's Sundance Film Festival. The film stars real-life couple Brie and Franco as fictional couple Millie and Tim, who have just made the big decision to move to the countryside. But what should have been an idyllic, fresh start quickly devolves into a body horror nightmare all about codependency.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: What's coming to theaters and streaming?

However, the trailer starts out not with horror, but with marital ennui. Millie and Tim sleep in different rooms of their new house. He tells her he loves her, but she just responds with a flaccid "okay."

She craves something new, some kind of reconnection. But in a monkey's paw move, that wish gets a narly way of being granted in Together. As shown in the trailer, their lips meld into one another as they kiss. Their eyelashes and eyelids tangle. Millie even takes a buzzsaw to herself and Tim, presumably at a point where they're joined.

As if that weren't gnarly enough, the trailer is chock-full of other disconcerting images. Millie channels the horror classic The Exorcist with a painful backbend, then levitates and slams against a door. Tim gets dragged into a pit by unknown forces. Add a creepy, breathing cave to the mix, along with some video tapes of what appears to be an occult ritual, and we're in full nightmare territory.

Together hits theaters July 30.

The app that turns your iPhone into a scanner, and it lasts for life

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 14:15

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$39 (reg. A$313) with code SCAN through June 1.

Raise your hand if you've ever had to rush to the library to print something. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for.

This iOS app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a handy little scanner that works for basically any document type. It's also only A$39 (reg. A$313) for a lifetime subscription

No more wasted desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems.  Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or auto-filling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized.

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN. 

Use code SCAN by June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for A$39. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$39
AU$313 Save AU$274 Get Deal

Good riddance: The webs top deepfake porn site is shutting down

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 13:12

Mr. Deepfakes is no more.

One of the internet's biggest destinations for nonconsensual deepfake porn has announced that it is shutting down. The website, Mr. Deepfakes, has already gone offline, as first noticed by 404 Media. Mr. Deepfakes's URL now redirects to a "shutdown notice" message announcing the end of the site.

Deepfakes are essentially hyperrealistic face-swapping videos that are created with machine-learning technology. Deepfakes became very popular on social media platforms like Reddit in 2017, with users superimposing celebrities' likeness into various movie and TV show clips. For example, one popular deepfake at the time superimposed Arnold Schwarzenegger's face over Bill Hader while the latter impersonated Schwarzenegger in an late night TV interview with Conan O'Brien. However, users also began to use deepfakes to make nonconsensual porn, which digitally inserted celebrities into pornographic videos.

In 2018, Reddit officially banned deepfake porn. Mr. Deepfakes was created in response to the ban, giving those deepfake-creating users somewhere to go to share and consume this nonconsensual content. Little is known about the creator or creators of Mr. Deepfakes. Earlier this year, an investigation by German outlet Der Spiegel claimed to have identified the individual behind the site as a 36-year-old from Toronto.

According to the shutdown message on Mr. Deepfakes, however, the website's end was not by choice. It appears Mr. Deepfakes was forced to pull the plug.

“A critical service provider has terminated service permanently," Mr. Deepfakes' website says in its shutdown notice. "Data loss has made it impossible to continue operation. We will not be relaunching. Any website claiming this is fake. This domain will eventually expire and we are not responsible for future use. This message will be removed around one week."

Mr. Deepfakes did not share what service provider they were using or why the provider cut the website from its service. 

The timing of the Mr. Deepfakes shutdown is interesting. Just last week, Congress passed the Take It Down act, which criminalized nonconsensual intimate imagery, such as deepfake porn. The Take It Down act also requires that online platforms take action to remove such content as well.

Google Flights data reveals the cheapest day to book your travel

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 12:49

Flying is expensive, and people are always looking for hacks to get a good deal. Luckily for those people, Google Flights — perhaps the most common tool used by air travelershas revealed data showing some of the secrets to traveling for cheap. Among those findings was the cheapest day to book a flight, which could prove super useful the next time you book a vacation.

We parsed through the data and pulled out some key findings for the next time you book a flight.

What's the cheapest day to book a flight?

In short, Tuesday is the cheapest day to book a flight. Not necessarily to actually fly, but to complete the act of booking. Now, be forewarned, this might not save you a ton of money. Google noted Tuesday was historically the cheapest day to book, but, on average, saved just 1.3 percent compared to the most expensive day to book, which is Sunday. Still, 1.3 percent isn't nothing.

Now, as for the day to actually fly, it's pretty simple: avoid weekends. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are 13 percent cheaper than flying on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Those savings rise to 20 percent for international travel, Google reported. If you've ever perused Google Flights, this tracks. And it makes sense: More folks are willing and able to travel on weekends, thus creating demand and higher prices.

SEE ALSO: New Google Flights feature guarantees the lowest price, pays you back if it’s wrong Other cheap flight hacks

Google noted a few other tips for flying for cheap and, well, they're kind of what you'd expect. Dealing with a layover, for instance, will save you about 25 percent on average, compared to a non-stop flight.

The report from Google also has some interesting notes about when to book travel. Booking Christmas travel is cheapest 58 days before the holiday, for instance, while traveling to Europe tends to be cheapest 94 days before the flight.

In general, it's best to plan ahead and make the final purchase on a Tuesday well before your scheduled takeoff.

Take 50% off Calm Premium memberships for Mental Health Awareness Month

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 12:42

SAVE $35: As of May 5, you can score an annual Calm Premium membership for just $34.99 instead of $69.99. That's 50% off in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Calm Calm annual membership $34.99
$69.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

A calm mind is often the difference maker between a great day and a terrible one. Of course, getting into that headspace is easier said than done. Fortunately, that's where the Calm app really shines.

The Calm app itself is free, but if you want to unlock its full potential, you'll need a Premium membership. Typically $69.99 for the year, new users can sign up for only $34.99 as of May 5 in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. That's 50% off and breaks down to less than $3 per month.

Calm Premium puts all the content and resources you'll need to move forward in your mental health journey at your fingertips. The app features research-backed tools designed to help you manage stress, sleep better, and live a fuller, healthier life. Those tools include guided meditations like the 10-minute Daily Calm, breathing exercises, body stretching, gratitude check-ins, exclusive music for focus, sleep, and relaxation, and even masterclasses to help you develop your own toolbox to handle stress and anxiety. There's over 50,000 minutes of content in total and by signing up for a Premium subscription, you'll have access to all of it. Not to mention, new content is added weekly, so you'll never run out.

Support for your mental health doesn't have to be expensive. Your journey begins with a single step and at 50% off, Calm makes that step much more affordable. And there's no time like Mental Health Awareness Month to get started.

The Beats earbuds with a heart rate monitor just got their first price cut ever

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 12:40

Save $50: As of May 5, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for $50 lower than their $249.99 list price. You can grab them at Amazon for just $199.95 (or for a few cents more at Target for $199.99), netting you a 20% discount on new workout buds.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04 Get Deal

You expect a good pair of workout earbuds to come with sweat-proofing and a secure fit, but Beats upped the ante when they included a built-in heart rate monitor with their latest installment.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 launched this past February, promising an improved fit over the past generation, better active noise cancelling, and, of course, the heart-rate monitoring capabilities. The new Beats workout earbuds came with the relatively hefty price tag of $249.99, putting them at the same price point as the Apple AirPods Pro. While they are expensive, as of May 5, you can grab them on sale at Amazon and Target for 20% off, putting them at just $199.95 at the former and $199.99 at the latter.

Though still on the higher end of the price point for workout earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed to deliver a premium experience. If you don't already own a heart rate monitor, having this feature baked into your headphones could be an especially nice bonus. Our sister site PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) found the heart rate monitor readings to be fairly accurate, especially compared to the Apple Watch, saying "the earbuds always recorded within a few beats per minute of the watch. That's helpful for those who own and use both, as it means the data collected won't be skewed by one device."

SEE ALSO: The 5 best budget wireless earbuds vetted by our headphones experts

In addition, the ear hook style of these earbuds, carried over from the past generation, keeps these earbuds securely in place. Athletes will also appreciate the IPX4 rating, though they won't withstand submersion in water. Their ANC mode gives you an option to truly lock-in to your music while you sweat, and the touch controls are much better than the competition.

In their usual style, Beats offers several different colorways for these earbuds, including electric orange, hyper purple, jet black, and quick sand.

Skype is finally shutting down

Mashable - Mon, 05/05/2025 - 12:23

Pour one out for the blue "S." After more than two decades, Skype — the once-ubiquitous video-calling app that defined early internet communication — is officially being retired.

As of May 5, Microsoft is shutting down Skype, signaling the end of an era for the service that, in the mid-2000s, was practically synonymous with video calls. Launched in 2003 and scooped up by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, Skype was once a juggernaut, peaking at more than 300 million active users in the early 2010s.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft to kill Office support for Windows 10 this year

But in the years since, Skype’s relevance slowly eroded. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram chipped away at its user base. Then came Zoom’s pandemic-fueled rise, and Microsoft’s own collaboration tool, Teams, which gradually cannibalized Skype’s core functionality.

Microsoft confirmed the shutdown in February, announcing Teams as the new default for users seeking video calls and messaging. The Skype homepage now reads like a digital gravestone, redirecting visitors to "start using Teams." Paid users can transition to Teams for free, and the company says you’ve got until January 2026 to export your data.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Skype isn’t the first iconic tech product to fade into obsolescence — and it won’t be the last. But for a generation that grew up saying "Skype me," it’s a bittersweet goodbye.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator