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Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 8, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 7, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for April 8 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 8 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this purple space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this red space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 8 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically; 0-4, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who like to work out.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.

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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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Gym exercises

• Green: Mask up

• Blue: Edge rushers

• Purple: Types of jumps

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Exercises, in Singular Form

• Green: Sporting Roles That Require Masks

• Blue: Hall of Fame Defensive Ends

• Purple: ____Jump

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 #562 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Exercises, in Singular Form - CRUNCH, PLANK, SITUP, SQUAT

• Sporting Roles That Require Masks - CATHCER, FENCER, FOOTBALL PLAYER, GOALTENDER

• Hall of Fame Defensive Ends - DENT, PEPPERS, STRAHAN, YOUNGBLOOD

• ____Jump - BROAD, HIGH, LONG, TRIPLE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you wear glasses.

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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 8, 2026 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: Work buddy

• Green: Pleasing to the eye

• Blue: Barriers

• Purple: Found at LensCrafters

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cohort member

• Green: Aesthetic

• Blue: Kinds of bar apparatuses

• Purple: Eyewear in the singular

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 #1032 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cohort member: ASSOCIATE, COLLEAGUE, FELLOW, PEER

• Aesthetic: DESIGN, LOOK, SCHEME, STYLE

• Kinds of bar apparatuses: MONKEY, PARALLEL, PULL-UP, UNEVER

• Eyewear in the singular: CONTACT, GOGGLE, SHADE, SPECTACLE

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 April 8, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love to stay in bed.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 8, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: We're going under cover

The words are related to comfort.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe bed toppings.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Bed Clothes.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

NYT Strands word list for April 8

• Afghan

• Throw

• Blanket

• Bed Clothes

• Spread

• Comforter

• Quilt

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love being by the water.

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 hints today: Clues, answers for April 8, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for April 8, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A bay.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter I.

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...

INLET

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.

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.

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Whether you’re trying to convert your PDF to another file format or you’re looking to split, merge, or compress a PDF, this app can help. It allows you to make high-quality conversions that maintain the original layouts, images, and hyperlinks, and lets you convert to Excel, PPT, Word, or JPG files in just a few taps.

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The news around PlayStation hasn't been great lately, and Sony has just the thing to fix that. Maybe.

On the PlayStation Blog, Sony announced a new initiative called The Playerbase. Through The Playerbase, fans of PlayStation games can apply to have their faces scanned and their likenesses used in PS5 games. The first game to do this will be Gran Turismo 7, in which one lucky fan who makes it through the application process will appear as a time-limited character within the game.

SEE ALSO: PS5, PS5 Pro price hikes announced as Sony blames economic pressures The Playerbase is here. Credit: PlayStation

This initiative will be available to players in "select markets" in most parts of the world, per PlayStation. There's an application webpage you can visit if you'd like to put your face in GT7 or whichever future games Sony wants to do this with. The application process itself seems interesting, as you'll have to "answer a few questions about your experiences on PlayStation," log in to your PlayStation Network account, and undergo a video interview before making it into any games. It seems like Sony wants to prioritize people with a long history of playing PlayStation games, so this might be the first time in history that having a high Trophy count can come in handy.

For PlayStation, this is a lightweight and frivolous headline in a sea of bad ones recently. Sony recently increased the prices of PS5 consoles nearly six years into the console's lifespan due to economic pressures, for example. A report also came out indicating the PlayStation 6, which may also have its planned 2027 launch delayed, might not include a built-in disc drive at all.

But hey, maybe The Playerbase will get people excited about PlayStation again.

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is showcasing some huge quarter-final matchups this week, and it doesn't get much bigger than the defending champions hosting Liverpool. PSG will be expected to advance to the next round, but Liverpool possess the talent to upset the odds. They've not been at their best this season, but they could turn things around at the Parc des Princes.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Liverpool?

PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on April 8. This fixture takes place at the Parc des Princes.

How to watch PSG vs. Liverpool for free

PSG vs. Liverpool is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream PSG vs. Liverpool for free 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 Ireland

4. Visit RTÉ Player

5. Watch PSG vs. Liverpool for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream PSG vs. Liverpool (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream PSG vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures continues with Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid. This is arguably the toughest contest to predict from the quarter-final stage, but you can be sure of big performances from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Julián Alvarez as these rivals battle it out at the Camp Nou.

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

When is Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid?

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on April 8. This fixture takes place at the Camp Nou.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid for free

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid for free 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

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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 Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid 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 Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

The company said on Tuesday that it was holding back on releasing the new technology but was working with 40 companies to explore how it could prevent cyberattacks.

If you've been using OpenClaw, the wildly popular AI agentic tool that took the developer community by storm, you should probably update it if you haven't done so already.

OpenClaw, as we've reported in the past, has widely known security problems. From the beginning, OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger has warned potential users on GitHub that "There is no 'perfectly secure' setup."

Users can grant OpenClaw control over their devices and access to specific apps, local files, and logged-in accounts, allowing it to act on their behalf with full user permissions. That's the whole point of this agentic AI assistant. That's also why, as security researchers have been warning for months, it's a significant risk if something goes wrong.

Now, predictably, something went wrong.

According to Ars Technica, developers at OpenClaw patched three high-severity vulnerabilities early last week, the most serious of which — CVE-2026-33579 — scored 9.8 out of 10 on the severity scale. Researchers at AI app-builder Blink found that the flaw allowed anyone with the lowest possible level of access to silently upgrade themselves to full administrator.

The mechanics, as Blink described them, are straightforward. OpenClaw's device pairing system failed to verify whether the person approving an access request actually had the authority to grant the request. So, an attacker with basic pairing privileges could simply ask for admin access and approve their own request. The door was, functionally, unlocked from the inside.

Just how many users' Claw setups were vulnerable to takeover? Blink researchers reported that about 63 percent of internet-connected OpenClaw instances were running without any authentication. On those deployments, an attacker didn't even need a low-level account to get started — they could walk in off the street and work their way up to admin.

Ars Technica notes that the patch was released on Sunday, April 5, but the official CVE listing didn't appear until Tuesday. That two-day gap gave attackers who were paying attention a head start before most users would have known to update.

Blink noted that CVE-2026-33579 is the sixth pairing-related vulnerability disclosed in OpenClaw in six weeks — all variations on the same underlying design flaw in how the tool handles permissions. Each patch has addressed a specific exploit in isolation rather than rearchitecting the authorization system responsible for all of them.

If you're running OpenClaw, update to version 2026.3.28 immediately. If you were running an older version in the past week, Ars Technica and Blink both recommend treating your instance as potentially compromised and auditing your activity logs for suspicious device approvals.

Beyond that, it may be worth asking whether the productivity gains from a tool this powerful are worth the security risks that come with it.

Artemis II astronauts spent Monday rounding the moon's edge, digital cameras in hand, snapping views of craters, an eclipse, and a blue marble rising and setting in deep space.

Inside NASA's Orion spacecraft, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen took turns at the windows like kids on their first plane ride.

They spent about seven hours rotating through observation shifts on the sixth day of the mission, swapping lenses, calling out features, and firing off photos as the spacecraft arced around the far side of the moon.

At closest approach, they skimmed within about 4,000 miles of the lunar surface — close enough for every ridge, crater, and shadow to snap into sharp relief. The astronauts surprised mission control with descriptions of the surface appearing more brown than gray, with even some splotches of green and snowy white.

The latest Artemis II images don't just revisit Apollo — they mark a leap beyond it. Apollo crews captured their own iconic shots of the Earth and moon, but Artemis II delivered longer looks, sharper detail, and a front-row seat to the experience. Their extended total solar eclipse, for example, was a moment that earlier NASA missions could only catch in passing, if at all. That's the difference between spaceflight half a century ago and the 10-day Artemis journey that launched April 1.

"At one point towards the end of the images of my time in Window 3, I just had an overwhelming sense of being moved by looking at the moon," Koch said. "It lasted just a second or two, and I actually couldn't even make it happen again, but something just drew me in suddenly to the lunar landscape, and it became real." 

SEE ALSO: The day Earth slipped behind the moon: the Artemis II crew's eclipse Up close, moon craters look like rain drops deforming sand on a beach. Credit: NASA

The moon didn't exactly sit still for its portrait. Sunlight slid low across the surface, throwing long, dramatic shadows along the terminator — that line between light and shadow across the lunar face — turning familiar terrain into something theatrical. When it was Glover's turn at the window, he couldn't stop studying the ominous boundary.

"There's just so much magic in the terminator," he said, "the islands of light, the valleys that would look like black holes [that] you'd fall straight to the center of the moon if you stepped in."

The massive Mare Orientale basin unfurled in rings of mountains, its dark, hardened lava floor a testament to ancient eruptions. The crew suggested names — Carroll and Integrity — for smaller "fresh" craters, to honor Wiseman's late wife and their spacecraft.

The Artemis II crew observed an Earthset before a total solar eclipse on its lunar flyby April 6, 2026. Credit: NASA

"Something that's truly awesome up here is we now have the moon and the Earth in Window 3  simultaneously, and the moon is a gibbous, and the Earth is a crescent," Wiseman said. "I'm guessing in about 45 minutes, we'll have two identical crescents as we change our position in the universe." 

That made Kelsey Young, head of Artemis's science flight operations, literally giggle from mission control in Houston. 

Artemis II captured an Earthrise view as the Orion spacecraft reemerged from the far side of the moon. Credit: NASA

"That is pretty darn cool, thank you," she said.

Then came the stark perspective shift.

The moon looms large as the Earth sets in the distance. Credit: NASA

As Orion slipped behind the moon, Earth began to sink. In one frame, it hangs as a thin crescent, clouds swirling over the Pacific, the rest of the planet swallowed by night. Minutes later, the crew lost contact with Earth entirely, cut off for about 50 minutes as the moon itself blocked radio signals. 

And, perhaps just to raise the stakes, the sky went dark.

For nearly an hour, the astronauts got to experience a total solar eclipse from space, with the moon blocking the sun. Credit: NASA

From their vantage point, the astronauts watched the moon swallow the sun in a total solar eclipse that stretched almost an hour. The sun's corona glowed, stars pricked through the darkness, and even Venus made a cameo. But the backlit moon stole the show. 

Not long after, Earth came back — this time rising. A pale blue crescent emerged from beyond the bumpy lunar surface in a historic Earthrise.

As the moon blocks the sun, creating a solar eclipse for the astronauts, Venus, left, glints brightly from beyond. Credit: NASA

NASA says the images will help scientists better understand how giant asteroid impacts shape worlds, and how the moon built its battered surface over billions of years. Those craters, ever etched in its surface, log the history of the solar system. 

But they also do something more profound: make us cherish home.

The Artemis II crew sees the sun peak out from behind the moon as the Orion spacecraft reemerges from the far side. Credit: NASA

"The truth is the moon really is its own body in the universe. It's not just a poster in the sky that goes by," Koch said. "When we have that perspective, and we compare it to our home of the Earth, it just reminds us how much we have in common, everything we need, the Earth provides, and that, in and of itself, is somewhat of a miracle."

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UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2026, 2:04 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with an additional quote from pilot Victor Glover.

SAVE $80: As of April 7, get the Jackery Explorer 240D Power Bank for $129 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $209. That's a discount of 38% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Explorer 240D Power Bank $129 at Amazon
$209 Save $80   Get Deal

When you find yourself in the middle of a power outage, there's often little you can do other than wait for the lights to come back on. And in the middle of April, you're bound to see some severe weather that can take you off the grid. That's why you should absolutely be prepared with a power bank that can keep you up and running until it's back, and this deal is one you should probably scoop up now.

As of April 7, get the Jackery Explorer 240D Power Bank for $129 at Amazon, down from it usual price of $209. That's $80 off and a discount of 38%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best portable chargers and power banks in 2025

The Jackery Explorer 240D has 80,000mAh of power, juiced up by a LiFePO4 battery with 256Wh to propel it. That's about 8 separate power banks. It has three ports to power up 4 devices at once as well, with 200W of DC output (up to 140W per port) to ensure you're charged back up and ready to go in no time.

This power bank is also super light and easy to tote around at just under 5 pounds, so it's perfect to take in the car, toss in a closet, or add to your camping trip luggage. It's long-lasting, too: it has a 10-year lifespan with about 6,000 charge cycles. When it's depleted, it even has quick-charging, so you only need to wait about an hour for it to jump to 80% from 0%.

If you're ready to make sure you're prepared this season, swoop in and pick up your own power bank before it's all gone, especially at this discount.

It seems like software developers are launching new AI-powered dictation apps every other day now. However, this latest one is a bit different. Why? Because unlike the other ones created by startups or solo indie hackers, this one is brought you by a Big Tech behemoth.

On Monday, Google quietly launched its own AI dictation app for iOS devices. The app is called Google AI Edge Eloquent, and it's currently available to download for free on Apple's App Store.

Google's AI dictation app can work completely offline, as the app downloads Google's local Gemma-based speech recognition models directly to the user's iPhone. As everything is local, Google AI Edge Eloquent provides unlimited, and most notably, completely subscription-free use.

Users also have the option to turn cloud mode on if they are interested in using Gemini's AI capabilities. Cloud-based model usage is free, at least for now, as well.

Once Google AI Edge Eloquent is downloaded, users simply need to open the app, hit record, and start talking. Google AI Edge Eloquent will provide the speech-to-text transcription. Thanks to its AI capabilities, the app is able to clean up the text output and remove filler words like "ums" and "uhs" and any corrections made during the voice recording.

When the transcription is complete, users can ask for AI-powered summaries or rewrites by choosing the Polish, Key points, Formal, and Short options provided under the transcription. 

The app has a history tab that saves all previous transcriptions. Users can search within all of their transcriptions and also view stats for each session, such as words-per-minute or number of words spoken.

Users can also create their own personal dictionary, familiarizing the app with unique words and names so it can accurately transcribe them.

According to Google's description for the app, an integrated iOS keyboard is coming soon.

The official site for Google AI Edge Eloquent is hosted on Google's google.dev domain name, suggesting that this app is very much a work-in-progress.

It's also interesting that there doesn't currently appear to be an Android version of the app, although Google says on its website that it's "evaluating other platforms," including a desktop version.

Google releasing an AI dictation app at all is fairly notable as it's a fairly simple AI use case when compared to what else Google is doing in the space. However, perhaps the growing trend and market for AI dictation apps was just too much for Google to pass on.

That, or the app could prove to be a valuable source of training data in the future.

SAVE $50: The Ninja FrostVault Go Can Soft Cooler Backpack (24 can size) is on sale at Amazon for $149.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $199.99. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault Go Can Soft Cooler Backpack (24 can size) $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50   Get Deal

What's a spring or summer adventure without snacks? If your journeys tend to be more mobile than is suitable for a wheeled cooler, you might want to consider a backpack cooler. These can carry your snacks, drinks, and even ice for days while still being ultra portable. If that sounds like something your adventures could use, check out this deal.

As of April 7, the Ninja FrostVault Go Can Soft Cooler Backpack (24 can size) is on sale at Amazon for $149.99 in select colorways, marked down from the normal price of $199.99. That's a 25% discount that shaves $50 off the price.

SEE ALSO: The Cuisinart FastFreeze ice cream maker is on sale for under $100 in time for warmer weather

With room for 24 cans, built-in side cup holder, and storage drawer, the Ninja FrostVault Go backpack would like an invite on your next outing. It's a great backpack cooler option for picnics at the park, the beach, or for taking along on a day hike. The storage drawer is ideal for keeping foods dry from ice and safe from getting squished, while still keeping chilled. Ninja also added a built-in bottle opener, so you'll never need to wonder if you packed one.

The ergonomic straps prove comfortable enough to get the cooler to your destination while fully loaded and the top features a leakproof zipper. That'll come in handy if you'll be adding ice to the cooler. You can also take advantage of the two included Ninja ice packs.

Before your weekend plans get packed with activities, make sure you're ready for snack transportation with the Ninja FrostVault Go backpack. It's on sale at Amazon for under $150 for a limited time only.

A quick look at the patio furniture in Wayfair's Big Outdoor Sale Best Adirondack chair deal Altura HDPE Rocking Adirondack Chair $132.99 (save $196.01) Get Deal Best patio umbrella deal Pierpoint 108-inch Market Umbrella $57.99 (save $41.01) Get Deal Best chaise deal Giana Outdoor Metal Chaise Lounge (set of 2) $109.99 ($55 each) (save $50) Get Deal Best dining set deal 6 Person Rectangular Outdoor Dining Set with Cushions $640 (save $459.98) Get Deal Best outdoor coffee table deal Outdoor Acacia Wood Coffee Table $236.99 (save $73) Get Deal

So you put off getting new patio furniture last year — and you forgot you hated that patio furniture for a year until it came out of storage this spring. Let Wayfair's Outdoor Sale be the inspiration you need to replace your current weather-worn pieces: Pages and pages of outdoor furniture are up to 50% off. Plus, select dining sets and pairs of conversation chairs are BOGO 25% off.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 12 products that'll make it easy to keep things pristine year-round

Past those obvious patio staples, Wayfair's sale has an incredibly wide range of statement pieces on sale to spruce up your hangout area. From patio swings or fire pits to smaller (yet still impactful) swaps like a new umbrella color or a chic stone side table, there's something that'll fit any still and yard, porch, or balcony size. Delivery is free over $35.

Credit: Ivy Bronx Credit: Lark Manor

Prioritizing refreshing the inside of your home this year? The Outdoor Sale is just one leg of Wayfair's Tax Refund Sale, which slashes up to 70% off furniture, decor, and storage for every room in the house, plus appliances and fitness equipment.

TL;DR: Save up to 20% when you switch to T-Mobile, compared to Verizon and AT&T.

Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile T-Mobile Save up to 20% Get Deal

Spring is here, and if you’ve been thinking about spring cleaning your phone plan, it’s worth checking out T-Mobile. Switching from Verizon or AT&T can save you up to 20%.

T-Mobile has a few plans to choose from, each absolutely stacked with benefits. You can get free or discounted streaming services, such as Netflix, Apple TV, and Hulu. Depending on the plan you choose, you'll save up to $117 per month compared to Verizon and AT&T.

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No matter how many lines you add to your plan, T-Mobile always works out to be cheaper than the competition. If you’re curious about the cost breakdown, T-Mobile’s site features a helpful chart that shows you the cost across each company as you add more lines.

If you’ve been searching for a new phone plan, T-Mobile is surely worth a look.

Best fan deals at Amazon at a glance Best bladeless fan deal Dreame Bladeless Tower Fan $219.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best misting fan deal Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool misting attachment $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best smart fan Dreo TurboPoly Fan $116.96 at Amazon (save $13.03) Get Deal Best compact fan deal Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator $59.98 at Amazon (save $20.01) Get Deal

We haven't made it to the middle of April yet, but the temperatures are already reminding us of what summer's heat will feel like. Spoiler: it's sticky. If you're not one of the lucky ones to have central A/C, a fan is a necessity. Or even if you do have A/C but your housemates like it hotter than you do, a fan can really help with levels of comfort. Pets also love to cool off in the cool breeze and we all know we'll buy them anything they wish.

If you know you'll want a fan (or a few) for this summer's heat, it's wise to get a jump start on those purchases. Fans tend to sell out or come with slow shipping when we need them most. Instead, shop these early deals at Amazon to get the best deals for staying cool.

Best bladeless fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame Bladeless Tower Fan $219.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're going for a modern look with excellent smart features, the Dreame Bladeless Tower Fan is a great option. It's on sale today at Amazon for $219.99, down from the standard price of $299.99. Focusing on even cooling, the Dreame bladeless fan gets 180 degrees of horizontal oscillation and 90 degrees of vertical. Plus, you can control the fan via the app. There's also a removable and washable filter that helps capture dust, hair, and other debris.

Best misting fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool misting attachment $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

In recent years, Shark has gone deep into the world of fans and the Shark FlexBreeze fan not only chills, it has a misting attachment. It also has the versatility to be a tabletop fan or stand at full height. Plus, it can operate for up to 24 hours on its battery.

Overall, the Shark FlexBreeze is a great versatile option for using inside, outside (it's rain-resistant), in the bedroom, or at the park. Shark mentions this model can kick into BreezeBoost mode which sends chilled air up to 70 feet away. It's oscillation range is 150 degrees with 55 degrees of tilting up and down.

SEE ALSO: A fan, mister, and ice pack in one — the Shark ChillPill might be the summer's hottest accessory Best compact fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vornado Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator $59.98 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Sometimes the best fan is the one you can easily carry from room to room. The Vornado 630 Whole-Room Air Circulator offers a powerful fan with three speeds, but it's compact and portable enough to carry it around the house without much trouble. Set it on the floor or your desk and take advantage of the fan's three speeds. Plus, it focuses on quiet operation, so it could be perfect for bedrooms at night. Vonado makes some of the best space heaters, so going with this brand is a wise move.

No, NASA's Artemis II astronauts did not make contact with extraterrestrial life on the far side of the moon — but they did get a call from Donald Trump.

As the crew traveled farther from Earth than any humans have in decades, the U.S. president phoned commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen on Monday to congratulate them on the historic mission. The exchange was captured on the Artemis II livestream.

SEE ALSO: Artemis II proposed a name for a crater. It left everyone in tears.

"You've made history and made all of America really proud," Trump told the crew during the roughly 12-minute call, which took place just hours after they soared past the far side of the moon. The president called the astronauts "modern-day pioneers" and asked what it felt like to lose contact with Earth during the lunar flyby. "I said a little prayer, and then I had to keep rolling," Glover replied, adding that the crew worked on their detailed lunar observations during that time. "It was actually quite nice."

Trump acknowledged Hansen's role as the mission's Canadian astronaut, referring to him as a "neighbor." The president also referenced conversations with Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, spoke optimistically about future trips to Mars, and claimed, "America is the hottest country in the world right now." The Artemis II crew seemed more fascinated by the floating microphone drifting through the cabin, repeatedly grabbing for it as it bobbed weightlessly between them.

At one point, both sides of the call briefly wondered whether the connection had dropped, leading to several awkward seconds of silence.

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Within minutes, clips of the exchange spread across social media, while the dead air became its own meme. One viral post described the moment simply: "Awkward scenes aboard Artemis II as Trump stops ranting and none of the astronauts have anything left to say to him, leading to extended dead air."

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

But the online reaction quickly shifted from the novelty of the call itself to the politics surrounding it.

Just days before the conversation, the White House proposed cutting NASA's overall budget by 23 percent for fiscal year 2027 while reducing NASA's science division by nearly half. At the same time, the proposal would increase funding for the Artemis mission, including $8.5 billion for the moon program and additional money for plans to establish a permanent lunar base camp. (Notably, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman supports the administration's proposed budget cuts.)

That contradiction became central to much of the internet's response. Posts juxtaposed Trump's praise for the astronauts and their scientific achievements with headlines about the proposed cuts.

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

Scientists and advocacy groups have warned that cutting astrophysics, heliophysics, and planetary science budgets could ultimately undermine long-term human exploration. The Planetary Society called it the NASA cuts an "existential threat" to U.S. space science and exploration, claiming it could result in at least 40 missions being canceled.

The call between Trump and the Artemis II crew is more of a snapshot of the larger debate surrounding NASA itself, one that asks whether America can pursue historic human milestones even as it scales back the science that makes them possible.

Featured Video For You Humans could soon live underwater, in these deep sea habitats

SAVE $80: As of April 7, get the Fitbit Google Ace LTE for $99.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.95. That's a discount of 44% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Google Ace LTE $99.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal

If you're looking to get your kids up and moving, a fitness tracker is a fun way to keep them excited about doing so. There's nothing more fun than gamifying something like exercise, and it's a surefire way to get them to do more. That's why this deal on a Fitbit Google Ace LTE from Amazon is the perfect way to get your brood out the door and into the world.

As of April 7, get the Fitbit Google Ace LTE for $99.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.95. That's $80 off and a discount of 44%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: I ran the NYC Marathon wearing 7 fitness trackers and they all watched me throw up

This kid-friendly wearable is meant to help track movement and activity, but it's also a wearable that can keep everyone in touch. Its built-in LTE and GPD lets you send messages and call your kids' watches with a family group chat, and you can keep a list of approved contacts for your kids to message as well. You'll always be able to track where wearers are as well with the location-sharing option.

It's got plenty of ways to encourage little ones to get up and get out there, with Fitbit Arcade that has plenty of movement-based games, an activity ring "Noodle" to log all their movement for the day, and School Time, which allows your kids to keep their watches on while preventing any gaming or distractions so they can focus on studying.

If you're ready to hand off a fitness tracker to your little one, get them started early with this option. It's one the whole family will be happy with, and you can rest assured it's age-appropriate as well.