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I haven't always been an iOS user. Before I finally gave into peer pressure and bought my first iPhone, I was a satisfied Android user. But while testing out the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, I was tempted to make this stunner of a smartphone my new go-to.

Now, the fact that I'm opening a review of the new flagship Samsung Galaxy smartphone with a reference to Apple kind of gives away the game. In January, Apple eclipsed Samsung to become the top global smartphone brand. This, despite the fact that Apple still doesn't have a foldable phone. (Yes, I'm still lusting after the Galaxy Z TriFold.)

For my Galaxy S26 Ultra review, I spent two weeks with this flagship. I took 1,461 photos and 93 videos. I doomscrolled in bed. I made so many frivolous demands of Gemini, Perplexity, and Bixby. I even used it to report live from an Apple event.

And the more time I spent with it, the harder it was to go back to my iPhone.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: First impressions Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

In this era of iterative upgrades, let's answer an important question right off the bat: What's new?

For once, a decent amount.

The S series is overdue for camera upgrades, and Samsung delivered. (Keep scrolling for unedited photos from my camera tests.) You also get a new custom processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor. As Samsung — along with every mobile brand — adds more and more AI features, updated chips let you do more on-device. Better processors also mean better battery life.

In addition, Samsung has a cool new hardware feature, which isn't something we often see anymore. I'm talking, of course, about Privacy Display, by far its coolest trick.

Apple's big mobile innovation recently was the iPhone Air, which has largely fallen flat. Meanwhile, Samsung phones are folding, folding again, and bringing new display tech like Privacy Display.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

As ever, the phone's got impressive specs:

• Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED display

• Refresh rate: Adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor

• Resolution: 3120x1440

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage options

• Battery: 5000 mAh (31 hours of video playback)

• Durability: IP68 rated, Corning Gorilla Armor 2, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

• Main camera: 200MP

Privacy Display is as cool as it looks, but not 100 percent foolproof Setting Privacy Display settings. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Privacy Display lets you hide the contents of your screen from anyone nearby. Until now, you needed a separate privacy screen to achieve this. But here's what's really cool: Privacy Display works on the pixel level. Not only can you turn the feature on and off with the tap of a finger, but you can black out a specific part of the screen. I activated Privacy Display specifically for notifications and specific apps.

Seeing a notification black out as you tilt the screen feels like a magic trick the first time you see it.

This is really frickin' cool. Credit: Joe Maldonado

As someone who spends a lot of time scrolling through Instagram, X, and other social media apps on the subway, you never know when an NSFW image might pop up. There are tons of potential use cases here: drama-filled group chats. Smutty romance books on the Kindle app. Checking your bank balance.

One word of caution: Privacy Display doesn't black out your screen quite as much as pictures make it seem. The effect is noticeable and should stop casual snoopers, but it's not a total blackout.

All the tech reporters I know (myself included) have been geeking out over Privacy Display. But when I've shown non-techies the feature, they've sometimes been underwhelmed.

Left: Privacy Display in action. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Right: Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I still think it's really frickin' cool, FWIW.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Performance, handfeel, and being too much

Why did I say that the Galaxy S26 Ultra is too much phone? Just check out the Geekbench 6 performance score.

The new Ultra received a multi-core score of 10,827, which is 10.7 percent higher than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 9,778 score. It's also a sizable jump from the S25's 10,049 (and a huge leap from the S24 Ultra's 6,675). It also received a single-core score of 3,524.

For context, that means the new Snapdragon 8 Elite could power a laptop (Apple just proved that mobile chips can power laptops with the MacBook Neo). Its single-core score, a good measure of everyday performance, is higher than some elite gaming laptops.

I pushed this phone to the limit, shooting 4K videos in 120 frames per second while running dozens of apps, yet the phone never slowed down. And thanks to the newly improved vapor chamber, overheating wasn't a problem. It's all very impressive.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

So, with such impressive performance, why am I not convinced this will be my new daily smartphone?

Because size matters, and it's just too damn big. I have large hands, but the S26 Ultra is super unwieldy. I've been describing it as a two-hander phone. Fortunately, it's slim enough that it fits easily into my pockets (it's a little slimmer than the last model). And yet. The feel in my hand never felt quite right because of the size.

Ultimately, I'm not sure I need this much phone, both literally and figuratively. That said, I think this is a very future-proofed smartphone for hardcore techies.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: The display Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Strangely, while Samsung initially said the new Ultra has a 10-bit display, the company later clarified it's actually an 8-bit display. That means the display natively displays 16.7 million colors and simulates 10-bit (1.07 billion colors), using software to make up the difference.

Maybe you'll be able to tell, but I doubt it. Here's what really matters: The 6.9-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display is gorgeous. It's also an HDR10 display with peak HDR brightness of 2,400 nits.

What more could you want?

The latest AI features

Samsung has started describing its flagship handsets as "AI smartphones," and the Korean tech giant has added enough AI integrations to justify the name. That's either a positive or a negative, depending on how you feel about AI.

Gemini, Perplexity, and Samsung's AI assistant Bixby all come preloaded on the phone. You can even long-press the side button to instantly pull up Gemini. You can ask questions by text or voice, share your screen and go live with Gemini, or use the new Circle to Search feature. Gemini even customizes the options based on what's on the screen, so if you're on a website, it will offer to read or summarize the page.

Samsung also added a lot of AI image features to the Galaxy experience. You can generate images, add or edit photos with AI, and erase details from the background. Crucially, Samsung labels AI-generated content, which I'm really glad to see, as deepfakes and AI slop are a growing problem.

You can edit images with AI in seconds. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

In the Camera and Gallery apps, you can circle details you want to edit or remove (the included S Pen makes this really easy). This includes large items like a passing truck, or small details, like an unsightly puddle in the corner of the screen. In my testing, these AI features work intuitively and consistently provide impressive results.

Left: Now you see it... Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Right: ...now you don't. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Now, speaking of photos...

The Galaxy S26 Ultra camera upgrades Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Technically, both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra have the same exact camera array:

• 200MP wide lens

• 50MP ultra-wide lens

• 50MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom

• 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom

• Front-facing 12MP selfie camera

However, the new model has wider camera apertures, allowing more light to enter and giving you clearer and more detailed photos. For video, the phone has improved Super Steady capabilities and Enhanced Nightography Video for low-light shooting. Night photography is also improved.

I've been very impressed with the cameras on this phone across the board. As with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the Pixel 10 Pro, and other elite handsets, it's hard to imagine how flagship phone cameras can get much better in the years ahead.

Naturally, this is one area of my Galaxy S26 Ultra review where it's better to show than tell.

Galaxy S26 Ultra camera test: The main camera

All of these photos are unedited, unless specifically noted in the caption. Some images have been cropped and resized; your internet browser may also load a lower-quality version of the photographs.

The hard part about reviewing phones in 2026? You have to be a photographer, and I am far from one. On top of that, ever since Samsung sent me this phone, the sun has remained stubbornly behind an overcast sky. (It's been a long, hard winter, folks.) New York City is also particularly ugly this time of year, with barren trees, trash, and dirty, half-melted snow everywhere.

So, to try and bring some cheer to this camera test, I found an elegant solution: Dog pictures.

Behold, Lelu the Boston Terrier. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Lots and lots of dog pictures.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Seriously, though, the S26 Ultra captures color really well without oversaturating your photos. It also captures an incredible amount of detail in each photograph.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable A New York City street scene. Faces blurred to protect privacy. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable A New York City streen scene. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras: Zoom!

The zoom capabilities on the S26 Ultra are mighty. While you can see the results of the Pixel 10 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max zoom tests in our reviews, I think this one is going to be hard to top.

When working with 2x and 3x zoom, you barely lose any sharpness, and the color is just as good.

Enhance... Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable ...enhance! Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

When you activate the digital 100x Super Zoom, the results get pretty rough, but it's remarkable just how far you can zoom without sacrificing quality.

With optical zoom, you can choose from 1x (normal), 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x. You can zoom in all the way to 100x with the software.

See for yourself how well the main wide lens and telephoto lenses work.

The Highline in New York City with 30 Hudson Yards in the background. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable 30 Hudson yards and The Edge observation deck. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Left: 30 Hudson yards and The Edge observation deck. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Right: Look at all the lonely people. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras review: Night-time photography

Flagship phones have had impressive night-time photography capabilities for a while, but just like Privacy Display, it always feels a little bit like a magic trick.

You can tell the camera is leaning on AI and processing software to fill in some gaps, but the results are impressive. In fact, they're so impressive they're not quite realistic.

Compare a screenshot of a video without fancy nighttime photography with the Galaxy software's take on the same scene.

Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The $1,299 question

So, here's the question that really matters: Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra worth it? And if you're an Android-curious iOS user, is it worth defecting from Apple-land to Galaxy-world?

I'm sorely tempted, even if the Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't quite for me. Frankly, it's too much phone for me. In the meantime, I'm saving myself for the Galaxy Z Flip 8. (Or, if it ever comes back in stock, the one-of-a-kind Galaxy Z Trifold.)

However, for dedicated Android users — or anyone who loves big phones and hates Liquid Glass — the S26 Ultra is worth the investment. If you're a professional creator, an AI superuser, or a developer who can make the most of the snappy Qualcomm processor, then I think you'll be very happy.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra AI Smartphone Free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at AT&T With Trade-in and Unlimited Plan at AT&T Wireless
  See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB) + $200 Amazon Gift Card  

And...

...a couple more dog photos, just for fun.

Again, her name is Lelu. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

SAVE OVER $300: As of March 11, the Hisense 85-Inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV is on sale for $1,896.99 at Amazon. That's $301 off its list price of $2,197.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-Inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV $1,896.99 at Amazon
$2,197.99 Save $301.00   Get Deal

Hisense CanvasTVs are great for those looking to have a TV in their home that can double as a sleek art display. If you've been hoping to go big with a huge model this year, the Hisense 85-Inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV has dropped to $1,896.99 at Amazon.

This is just over $300 off this Hisense TV's usual price of $2,197.99, which is a very decent discount. Keep in mind that Amazon has it marked as a limited-time deal right now. If it looks like the perfect pick-up for your home, act fast to grab it at this low price.

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No matter what you watch on this Hisense TV, its massive 85-inch screen size will help you catch every detail, as will its high-quality 4K QLED display. It even has a low-reflection coating on the display that helps reduce glare, which is nice for both watching TV and viewing art. It looks like actual canvas-mounted works of art on your wall, which is very cool.

Gamers can also enjoy a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144Hz on this Hisense TV, and it even comes with Google TV. For those who love to stream movies and shows, this allows you to easily access all of your favorite apps.

Since it's a limited-time deal, this TV may not be on sale for long. Now's your chance to save on the Hisense 85-Inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV at Amazon.

SAVE $500: As of March 11, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

Despite the recent bans on DJI products in the U.S., you can still buy drones that are already in stock. The new rules brought in earlier this year only target future imports, so drones already in stock can still be sold. That said, when they're gone, they're gone. So if you've been hoping to get your hands on something from DJI, we wouldn't hang around.

And right now there's a great deal at Amazon on the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo, currently down to its best-ever price of $1,099. That's a huge $500 discount. With this bundle you'll get the Mini 5 Pro drone, DJI RC 2 controller, three batteries, spare propellers, a charging hub, and a ND filter. Basically, everything you need to get out and shoot great content.

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Despite its small, compact size (it weighs just 249.9 grams), this drone has some seriously powerful qualities, including a 1-inch CMOS sensor that records 4K video at up to 60fps with HDR for vibrant colours and strong detail. The flexible gimbal supports true vertical filming and up to 225° rotation, helping you get creative, cinematic shots.

It also has safety features like omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which uses LiDAR and vision sensors to detect objects in all directions, even at night. The upgraded ActiveTrack 360° system can also follow subjects smoothly during activities like cycling.

For battery life, you'll get up to 36 minutes of flight per battery. And when that runs out, fast charging will top up three batteries in about 115 minutes.

Get this DJI deal from Amazon now (while you still can).

TL;DR: You don’t necessarily need the newest version of Office to get real work done. For most people, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook from Office Professional Plus 2019 still handle everyday tasks just fine — especially if you can grab them at a good price. Right now, you can snag it on sale for just $19.97 (reg. $229).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $19.97
$229 Save $209.03   Get Deal

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 remains one of the most widely used productivity suites for work and home. It includes the familiar tools people rely on to write documents, build spreadsheets, create presentations, manage emails, and organize data.

This version of Office also introduced several upgrades across its core apps. Excel added new data analysis features, PowerPoint gained improved presentation tools, and Outlook expanded its email management capabilities. Office 2019 also introduced enhanced inking support across programs, making it easier to annotate or mark up documents if you’re working with a stylus or touchscreen device.

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With this license, you’ll get lifetime access to several classic Microsoft apps:

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access

• A one-time purchase installed on one Windows PC for use at home or work

• Instant delivery and download, with license keys provided after purchase

• Access to customer support if you need help installing or activating the software

Before buying, it’s worth noting that Office 2019 only runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11 — it won’t work on older systems like Windows 7 or 8. The software also requires about 1GB of RAM, which most modern PCs should easily meet.

Normally priced at $229, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is currently available for just $19.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Create the perfect signature for any occasion with this lifetime subscription to EmailSignatures, on sale now for $39.

Opens in a new window Credit: EmailSignatures EmailSignatures: Lifetime Subscription $39
$579 Save $540   Get Deal

We do a lot of things by email. If you want to make the right impression virtually, a good email signature can make a big difference. That’s where EmailSignatures comes in, offering an easy way to design stunning signatures for Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail. And you can currently score a lifetime subscription to this handy service for just $39.

Stop sending out the basic ‘Sent with my iPhone’ email signature. These days, you don’t need to be a graphic designer to have an eye-catching sign off. EmailSignatures allows you to create stunning signatures with a few clicks. An intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to craft your ideal signature, and a real-time preview lets you check it out as you go.

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Curious how EmailSignatures works? Just choose a template from the impressively curated library of professionally designed signatures, with options for every industry and style. Once you’ve found the best option for your brand, you can fully customize it to your liking with everything from your name, title, company and contact information to social links and branding elements.

From there, you can install that signature directly on your Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail account with a single click. You can also copy the HTML and use it anywhere else you would like. EmailSignatures also offers analytics and tracking, allowing you to keep tabs on opens, clicks, and engagement.

This lifetime subscription to the EmailSignatures Unlimited Plan includes unlimited signatures, all premium templates, custom branding, analytics and tracking, and no EmailSignatures branding. You’ll easily see why this tool is already trusted by over 10,000 professionals.

Get this lifetime subscription to EmailSignatures on sale now for just $39.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Where to buy the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Build and Battle Box: Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Build and Battle Box $48.98 at Walmart Pre-Order Here Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Build and Battle Box $58.95 at Amazon Pre-Order Here

Build and Battle Boxes in the Pokémon TCG usually sit in the middle ground between casual pickups and pricier sealed products, but Walmart’s latest preorder price on Perfect Order makes the investment a lot easier.

As of March 11, Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Build and Battle Box listed for $49.98, ahead of the expansion’s release date on March 27. Amazon has the same box up for $58.95 — meaning Walmart is currently cheaper by almost $9. It's not a huge difference, and some shoppers might prefer the convenience of Amazon.

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The Build and Battle Box format is one of the more approachable ways to jump into a new Pokémon TCG set before going all in on an Elite Trainer Box or Booster Box. That’s because each comes with a 40-card ready-to-play deck, four Mega Evolution Perfect Order booster packs, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. It also includes one of four unique foil promo cards, which adds a little extra appeal for collectors who like pre-release products with some built-in variety.

These promo trading cards can either be Serperior, Barbaracle, Tyrantrum, or Doublade, all designed to help players get quick games going in the pre-release format.

The best retailer for Pokémon TCG: Perfect Order booster pack preorders is Amazon at $10.79 each, meaning four (the same number you’d get in the Build and Battle Box) would cost you $43.16. When compared to Walmart’s $49.98 for the whole Perfect Order Build and Battle Box, that extra cost will get you a whole 40-card deck that’s ready to play, along with the added promo card. If you want to start playing a Perfect Order deck right away for the best price, securing a preorder like this is the best way while stocks last. 

You can still preorder the Pokémon TCG: Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for just over $105 at TCGplayer. Meanwhile, the six-pack Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available for under $60 at Amazon.

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, March 11, 2026:

AcrossStudy of the human mind, informally

• The answer is Psych.

Common fixture in a gym bathroom

• The answer is Scale.

Kinda boring

• The answer is HoHum.

Like a commenter without a username, for short

• The answer is Anon.

"All good between us?"

• The answer is We OK.

DownOld-fashioned "Yeah, right!"

• The answer is Pshaw.

Coffeehouse pastry

• The answer is Scone.

Google alternative

• The answer is Yahoo.

Sound of a dull thump

• The answer is Clunk.

Line on the bottom of a pant leg

• The answer is Hem.

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

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.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions Perfect Order 3-Pack Blister (Chikorita) down to $29.45, which puts it $11.05 below the current market price. 

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions Perfect Order 3 Pack Blister (Chikorita) $29.45 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

The Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order expansion isn’t even out for a couple of weeks, but sellers are already competing to sell you booster packs. 

As of March 11, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions Perfect Order 3-Pack Blister (Chikorita) is available for $29.45 at Amazon. That undercuts the current $40.50 market price by $11.05, which is a sizable gap compared to TCGplayer.

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As the name implies, the 3-Pack Blister contains three packs of 10 trading cards from the expansion, along with a Chikorita promo card. 

Perfect Order centers around Mega Zygarde ex and features other Pokémon that made their debut in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game, including Mega Zygarde, Mega Clefable ex, and Mega Starmie ex. The expansion altogether includes over 120 cards, more new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, more than 25 Trainer cards, and more than 30 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. 

Sleeved boosters for Perfect Order currently cost $10.79 each on Amazon. So when compared to the cost of this 3-Pack Blister, you’re actually saving $2.92 compared to buying three individually — with the Chikorita card as an added bonus for free.

On Amazon, you can also preorder the Perfect Order booster bundle (six packs) for $59.95. Plus, the Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box is still available to preorder at TCGplayer for $105.18.

SAVE OVER $20: As of March 11, you can get a free Soundcore Select 4 speaker when you pick up the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Free Soundcore Select 4 with Soundcore Sleep A30   Get Deal

We can't resist a freebie, so we feel the need to shout about the latest Soundcore promotion. You need to head to Amazon and check out the limited-time bundle on Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds.

As of March 11, anyone who buys Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds (currently priced at $199.99) can get a Soundcore Select 4 speaker for free. To claim yours, simply add the earbuds to your basket and click the “how to claim” button on the product page. Then switch the toggle from “qualifying items” to “benefit items,” and the free speaker will appear. Add the speaker to your basket, and when you checkout, its price will drop to $0.

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The earbuds do exactly what they say on the tin: they help you sleep better. If you're a light sleeper and noises wake you up often, you'll love these. They use advanced active noise cancellation to block out disturbing noises, and offer AI-powered binaural beats as well as different white noise options to help you sleep deeper. And if you're a side sleeper, these will still feel comfortable thanks to their soft design.

The Select 4 speaker is also pretty great. Currently priced at $24.99, it's a portable Bluetooth speaker with an IP67 waterproof rating, so it's ideal for pool or beach days. The battery life lasts up to 20 hours, and you can even pair it with another Soundcore speaker to create a bigger sound.

Head to Amazon to score this great audio deal now.

SAVE $550: As of March 11, the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max is on sale for $848.99 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 2 Max $848.99 at Amazon
$1,399 Save $550.01   Get Deal

There's a great new portable power station deal at Amazon right now, so if you've been looking for a powerful, reliable backup solution, go check out the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max. As of March 11, this unit is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon, now $848.99 down from $1,399. That's a saving of $550 on list price.

This unit features a long-lasting LFP battery that's rated for around 3,000 cycles. And even after that long, it only drops to around 80% capacity. You'll also get up to 2,400W of output (or 3,400W using X-Boost mode), so you can use it to run pretty much every household appliance through its 15 available outlets.

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Charging is impressively fast, reaching 80% in about 43 minutes when combining solar and AC input, or around 1.1 hours using AC alone. And it's quiet. It only runs at around 30dB, so if you need to use it overnight it won't keep you awake. And it's easy to use thanks to the EcoFlow app. On the app you can monitor energy use, set automations, and more.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Thomson Reuters, best known for its media outlet and legal research tools, provides an investigative tool to immigration enforcers. Its Minnesota employees want that to stop.

UPDATE: Mar. 11, 2026, 5:00 a.m. EDT This review was originally written in January 2023. Since then, I've gone from one cat to two and have added a Litter-Robot to the mix in my household. In November 2025, we switched to the ScoopFree Crystal Plus model, though it essentially functions identically to the older Legacy Pro model. This review has been refreshed to encapsulate my overall experience with the PetSafe ScoopFree series.

I have the smallest Litter-Robot, and it could easily still be a tight squeeze for many home or apartment layouts. That's not the only reason so many people are looking for a good Litter-Robot alternative. A $600 to $800 automatic litter box is hardly a casual purchase, and a lot of cats (including one of mine) are sketched out by the big enclosed rotating designs. Luckily, the PetSafe ScoopFree exists.

Litter-Robots may not be for everyone, but automated scooping definitely can be. In size and shape, the PetSafe ScoopFree is essentially like putting a self-scooping grate on the traditional rectangular litter box that your cat is already used to. Three and a half years ago, that was the sole litter box setup for my cat, Sansa. Since then, Sansa has gotten a sister named Leota, and we've expanded to a second automatic litter box. We had the Leo's Loo Too for three years, and are currently trying the Litter-Robot Evo.

Sansa wanted me to tell you that she does not vibe with those big scary litter boxes, and that I better never get rid of the ScoopFree. Leota is chill with either. As the person who has to maintain both litter boxes, I have a lot to say about the PetSafe ScoopFree experience.

This ScoopFree is a great option for limited floor space

It's abundantly clear that apartments do not design bathrooms with cat owners (who can't put the litter box in the common area) in mind. I was able to slide the ScoopFree right between my toilet and cabinets, taking advantage of the small amount of open space for my cats to sit comfortably while they do their business. (My cats don't mind having no hood, but PetSafe does make a covered version of the ScoopFree.)

Sansa was intrigued by the ScoopFree in 2023. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Sansa still chases the grate on the new ScoopFree model in 2026, and she has a sister. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

We had the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy model for three years until a plastic piece of the lifting lid snapped off. Sansa messes with the lid constantly, so I think it was more her fault than it was the build quality. At any rate, we switched to the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Plus, which functions identically, minus the screen that tracks scoops.

How does the PetSafe ScoopFree work?

The PetSafe ScoopFree uses motion sensors and a metal grate to keep the litter bed clear. A few minutes after your cat has finished its business, the grate slowly rakes the length of the box, pushing any solid pieces into the covered compartment. (The moving grate gets a butt wiggle and pounce out of Sansa every single time.) The compartment's cardboard lid attaches magnetically to the hood-shaped end of the litter box and lifts by itself when a new scoop is coming in. The absorbent crystal litter contains silica gel that soaks up urine and dries out droppings to prolong the stench.

Refills consist of a new cardboard tray, bagged litter, and a lid that can go on the old box. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Inserting the new tray takes seconds, and then the litter is ready to be spread. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Swapping trays is quick and easy. The only permanent piece of the litter box is the frame, attached to which are the grate and the plastic waste compartment lid. The entire bottom of the litter box is disposable, and you'll be changing it out for a new one every couple of weeks, depending on how many cats are using it. To perform the switcheroo, the ScoopFree frame needs to be lifted completely off of the old tray and set elsewhere while you place the new tray and add litter. (This is always a struggle with limited floor space, but I make it work.)

To ensure I'm getting the max number of days out of each tray, I "refresh" the current tray every few days by scooping any turds out of the compartment and any super mushy litter from the bed. To me, the recommended number of days between tray changes applies more to the cardboard's level of sogginess, which can hold up for the full month. But the ScoopFree will definitely start to smell earlier than any of the recommended tray swap windows, so I've learned to just maintain the ScoopFree based on vibes.

SEE ALSO: What is the best robot vacuum for pet hair? After testing, my cats and I chose 4 top picks for 2026 so far.

Some ScoopFree models have a screen that tallies each scoop so that you know when a tray is nearing its soil limit. The ScoopFree Crystal Plus model I have now just flashes a red light and will simply refuse to rake once the current tray has hit 50 rake cycles. Sensors in the frame scan each tray, so the ScoopFree will know when you've replaced the old one with a fresh one.

The old tray can simply be thrown away. That's super straightforward unless you're dealing with a trash chute with an arbitrarily small opening, like the one in my apartment. The monthly trashing also feels crappy if you care about the eco-friendliness of it all, which I do. More on that later.

The automatic raking isn't the fanciest, but it's still so convenient

I've gone on countless overnight, long weekend trips, and weeklong vacations in the past three years with a PetSafe ScoopFree. And let me tell you: Not having to make arrangements for litter box upkeep rocks, even if the ScoopFree may smell a little bit worse than a Litter-Robot does when you get back. Taking periodic excursions out of the equation for a sec, the ScoopFree's self-scooping is also clutch when you're home, feeling lazy, and just need to offload a chore or two. (The automatic litter box and robot vacuum combo is chef's kiss.)

While I technically have roommates who will take care of my cats while I'm away, it's always nice to sweeten the deal with, "But you won't have to scoop the litter box!" The same surely goes if you're looking for a friend to come over to cat sit, or finding a sitter on an app like Rover.

Can you use any litter in the ScoopFree litter box?

PetSafe obviously recommends that you use its branded crystal litter. That's easy enough since a bag of it comes with each tray refill. But if you have the reusable stainless steel tray like I used to, you're safe to branch out to other silica crystal litters. I always just bought whatever brand was in stock at Target.

The main thing to know is that the PetSafe ScoopFree does not work with clumping litter. Dried clumps of pee quickly get too heavy for the rake to pick up, or the clumps get stuck to the bottom of the tray. It's just a matter of time before a rake error occurs.

I had a little bit of luck with more sustainable non-clumping options like ökocat paper litter and Naturally Fresh walnut litter, but they get gross and dissolve into powder pretty quickly. Most natural non-clumping litters are pellets, which often piled up at the end of the litter box instead of falling through the grates to create an even layer.

Downsides: Light manual upkeep is needed every few days

The PetSafe ScoopFree litter box doesn't mask the smell as well as a Litter-Robot and its filter do. So while my Litter-Robot is pretty much odorless and hands off until the drawer needs to be emptied, my ScoopFree requires a light refresh every few days between tray changes to keep it from stinking.

SEE ALSO: As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera

The blue litter mixed with pee turns green and melts down into the texture of kinetic sand. Since it's not clumping litter, the soggy dissolved crystals just sit there for the cats to step on until you scoop that area — and of course, one of my cats pees in the same exact corner every time. If I were to leave it completely untouched for the 10 to 15 days that PetSafe claims for two cats, I'd need a gas mask to enter my bathroom. This might be less of an issue if your litter box is in a basement or a room that's not used daily.

To be clear, I personally don't mind light scooping once or twice a week, even if taking the whole frame off is a little inconvenient. The automation is still so clutch for overnight or weekend trips, and it's better than scooping a traditional litter box every day.

The "disposable" aspect isn't eco-friendly and involves recurring costs

Any product banking on being "disposable" as a selling point should be concerning on sight for anyone who cares about the planet — the one that, you know, makes it possible for you to live a life with a pet in the first place. Let's also consider the animals whose habitats are being taken over by the local landfill.

It's good that the ScoopFree trays are cardboard and not plastic, which would take hundreds of years to decompose. Though I understand why the tray's shiny coating is necessary for preventing sogginess, I do question the cardboard's ability to biodegrade normally. In general, crystal litter is one of the least environmentally friendly litter types.

I felt better when I made the switch to PetSafe's stainless steel litter tray. It's $50 upfront, but you're then off the hook from buying new $25 tray refills each month. This also means that you won't be receiving the bag of litter that comes with each cardboard tray, so you'll have to buy full bags of litter every so often.

SEE ALSO: The Mill food recycling bin is the easiest indoor composter alternative, and my all-time favorite appliance

Tray refills go for $25.99 each or $74.99 for three. That $26 per month may not be a totally egregious bill for a one-cat household only using one tray per month. But it's significantly costlier than a traditional litter box setup — $26 could get you like 80 pounds of clumping clay litter. The recurring cost adds up even more for multi-cat households that require more frequent tray swaps.

Is the PetSafe ScoopFree worth it?

If a $600+ Litter-Robot isn't feasible for whatever reason, you're not sentenced to a life of daily litter box cleaning by default. I've recommended the PetSafe ScoopFree to countless people in real life who had no clue that this in-between option existed.

The PetSafe ScoopFree successfully decreases your interactions with the litter box each week. It correctly recognizes when your cat has gone to the bathroom and effectively rakes solid waste, leaving behind a clean, smoothed-over bed of crystals. However, the convenience also comes with recurring costs of pricey tray refills and way more trash than your traditional litter box ever produced. In my experience, the ScoopFree also requires light upkeep by hand every few days to divert the smell. Despite its quirks, the PetSafe ScoopFree is a worthwhile upgrade from any manual litter box.

A comet swept through the solar system carrying a strange chemical recipe — one that has astronomers taking a closer look at what kinds of worlds might form around distant stars.

Astronomers studying the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS detected two gases streaming off its icy surface: methanol, a type of alcohol molecule, and hydrogen cyanide, a compound made of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. They spotted them using a powerful radio telescope network, called the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, in Chile.

Comets release gases in space when sunlight warms their frozen surfaces. The ice turns straight into vapor and forms a hazy cloud around the comet's head, known as a coma. By measuring the gases in that cloud, astronomers can figure out what ingredients are locked inside the comet's ancient ice.

What grabbed researchers' attention wasn't simply the gases but the balance between them. The comet appears unusually rich in methanol compared to hydrogen cyanide — one of the highest ratios astronomers have ever measured in any comet. 

That matters because comets preserve the ingredients that existed when they formed, within the same disk of gas and dust that built a system's planets. Because 3I/ATLAS formed somewhere else entirely, its chemistry offers a rare glimpse of how another planetary system differs from our own. 

SEE ALSO: NASA demonstrates humanity may be able to stop an Earth-bound asteroid

Around the sun, most comets formed where water ice dominated. But the chemistry seen in 3I/ATLAS hints that its birth environment may have favored the production or preservation of methanol-rich ice. That could mean its native region was colder or awash in stronger radiation.

Whatever the exact cause, the comet's exotic chemistry suggests planet-forming disks can create icy bodies quite different from those in our own solar system. If those ingredients diverge from star system to star system, then the starting chemistry for planets — and, therefore, for life — may vary widely across the Milky Way.

"Observing 3I/ATLAS is like taking a fingerprint from another solar system," said Nathan Roth, a professor at American University, in a statement. "The details reveal what it's made of, and it's bursting with methanol in a way we just don't usually see in comets in our own solar system."

The new research, led by Roth, was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters on March 6. 

Comet 3I/ATLAS came from another part of the galaxy and was later ejected — likely by a gravitational jolt from a planet or passing star — before drifting across interstellar space for hundreds of millions of years. Scientists only know about two other interstellar visitors having passed through our cosmic neighborhood: 'Oumuamua in 2017, which turned out not to be a comet, and Comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.

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The latest find reinforces the idea that alien planetary systems may make comets with different chemical fingerprints. Earlier observations with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope showed that 3I/ATLAS' halo contains an unusually large amount of carbon dioxide compared to water — another odd trait. 

Astronomers tracked the interstellar comet for several months in 2025 as it moved toward the sun, passing just inside the orbit of Mars before beginning its long trip back out of the solar system. Because it was traveling roughly 137,000 mph when it arrived, it was far too fast for the sun's gravity to capture it. 

Forensic crime fiction queen Patricia Cornwell published her first Dr. Kay Scarpetta novel 35 years ago, so you're damn right she deserves a cameo in Scarpetta, Liz Sarnoff's new Prime Video series.

Starring Nicole Kidman as Cornwell's iconic forensic pathologist, the crime procedural show includes a moment with the author in its very first episode.

SEE ALSO: 'Scarpetta' review: Nicole Kidman leads a killer cast in Patricia Cornwell series

About 13 minutes into episode 1, when Scarpetta is being re-sworn in as Virginia's chief medical officer after taking leave, the high-ranking official performing the ceremonial swearing-in is played by none other than Cornwell.

"Great," says Kidman's Scarpetta. "Second time's the charm."

"Good luck, Dr. Scarpetta," says Cornwell, shaking her protagonist's hand.

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It's a delightful, cheeky cameo, seeing this iconic author send her own famous creation into dark events ahead — three decades after Postmortem hit shelves and introduced readers to Scarpetta for the first time.

Scarpetta is streaming on Prime Video March 11.

Cops don't tend to do well in horror movies. When a rampaging killer is on the loose, the police officer with his gun and badge is a symbol of order that will be violently toppled, just to show the sheer horrifying power of the villain. Think of Scream's often-stabbed Deputy Dewey Riley, or his slain protégé Sheriff Judy Hicks in Scream 5, or The Wicker Man's Sergeant Neil Howie, who was ultimately set ablaze by the community he came to protect. 

So, out of the gate, you can predict that the officers at the center of Shudder's Bodycam are going to have a rough night shift ahead of them. Not only are they cops in a horror movie, but also they're cops in a found-footage horror movie, a subgenre known for a very low survival rate. Yes, as you might have deduced, this movie is shot almost entirely through their bodycams, offering audiences a unique perspective on horror. However, while you might predict how this scary movie will end, you won't guess at the wild twists along the way. 

Bodycam has a folk-horror story in an urban setting. 

Written by Ryan Christensen and Brandon Christensen, and helmed by the latter, Bodycam begins on what seems an average nightly patrol with Officer Jackson (Jamie M. Callica) and Officer Bryce (Sean Rogerson). Called to a rundown house over a domestic disturbance, ominous signs pile up fast. Sure, they notice the folks who seem mesmerized, lingering outside the house, staring up at the sky. But the cops shrug them off as "tweakers," pushing past them to a front door left ajar, through which a swarm of rats flees into the night. 

A woman's bloodcurdling scream draws them inside, where they split up. Their investigations swiftly push them out of their comfort zones. What they find in this house is bloody and discombobulating. When one of them fires on a civilian, the fear comes faster than regret. Will they try to cover it up? Will they try to make amends? One bad split-second decision pulls them both into a downward spiral of suspense and supernatural weirdness. 

From a genre perspective, the Christensens frame the film within a folk-horror structure. Like The Wicker Man, Bodycam centers on a representative of law and order. Within this context, the cops are meant to be rational, rejecting the folklore and superstitions of simple country folk. But Jackson and Bryce don't need to travel to a country village for that experience. It's their own city, their own beat, but not their world. And their position of power can't protect them from the evil here. As they investigate the bizarre paranormal activity that follows them out of the strange house, they discover the so-called tweakers understand something they don't. 

They seek advice from Jackson's mother, a sage Black woman who speaks of community, sneers at his uniform, and warns of getting in over his head. Within this reinterpretation of folk horror, Bodycam becomes a clever investigation into the horror that can unfold when police officers become disconnected from the communities they're meant to serve. Rather than a story of us versus them, Bodycam plays as a warning about such division. But on top of that, it's a gnarly romp. 

Bodycam is a twisted sprint of a horror-thriller. 

While this found-footage movie touches on big topics like police brutality, its 75-minute runtime means there's no time to linger. Shot not just in bodycams, but presented as a one-night shift gone wrong quick, we're locked to their every step from that first call over the radio. The Christensens shrewdly scripted Bodycam so that the movie veers from one jolting sequence to another, keeping us off-balance like the officers. Like them, we might wish to make sense of the strange graffitied symbols that follow them, or the cryptic words mumbled by strangers with piercing stares. But as in The Blair Witch Project, the protagonists can't think straight while running for their lives through terrain that — while once familiar — has become a mindfuck of a labyrinth. So, be warned, this is not a paranormal mystery with answers, just plenty of thrills and scares. 

The actual horror in the film is solid stuff. Setting the tone are the strange folk, smeared with blood, shuffling to an unknown purpose. Occasionally, there's a jump scare involving a distorted face (think The Ring) or a freaky figure with distended limbs. But what makes these elements creepier is the use of bodycams. 

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While I worried at first that the bodycams might make for a barrage of blurry shots (think the shaky-cam aesthetic of The Hunger Games), Brandon Christensen is meticulous in the staging of certain scenes. With the cameras positioned at the center of his protagonists' chests, often the footage from one captures the other's expression. Or perhaps a mirror catches the wearer's face as he's chided by his mother. This slightly low angle also reflects the characters' initial sense of superiority over those around them. But as the film progresses, the angle shifts to suggest a break in their relationship. In one scene, Jackson is practically on the ground as his camera captures Bryce firing on a civilian. This much lower angle, showing Bryce's arm fully extended, his face locked into focus as he fires, creates a sense of dread and intimidation. These two are no longer on the same footing on what it means to be a cop. This lower angle suggests Bryce is the scariest thing in this room. 

Then there's the sense of spontaneity the bodycam concept gives this film. Because every turn could reveal a 360 of their surroundings, Christensen can't shoot on a three-walled set. Instead, the whole environment should be film-ready so as not to break the immersion. And that urges the audience on some level to be aware of what might lurk just out of frame. Like Michael Myers hiding in the shadows of a closet, there's the possibility that a new horror is just out of sight. Sometimes, as the officers run, you'll get a flash of a figure, unclear yet unnerving. Other times, all we can see is what's directly ahead of the officer. With a gun extended with one hand and a flashlight in the other, his point of view is reminiscent of first-person shooter games, enhancing the viewer's awareness that while he has a weapon, he too is a target. 

All this makes for a horror movie that's exhilarating to watch, and thrilling to reflect on. The dynamic style the film is shot in makes it easy to get caught up in the ride along with Jackson and Bryce, especially as their patrol goes off the rails into paranormal peril. Their mission is to unravel the mystery of what plagues them before it's too late. But Bodycam's quest is not just to chill — which it does — but to challenge its audience to consider the real horror behind all its clever devices and satisfying scares. That makes this more than just a devilishly entertaining found-footage movie. Bodycam is a wickedly smart horror film that gives you goosebumps that sink into your bloodstream and rattle your brain. 

Bodycam comes to Shudder on March 13. 

How's your sleep? Not getting enough of it? That's why the National Sleep Foundation has its annual Sleep Week, to remind people just how important sleep is to our overall well-being. Contemporary life can leave us sedentary and constantly staring at screens, which doesn't create the best conditions for sleeping well.

For most of us, getting a good night's sleep requires a little bit of effort. Luckily, there is a whole market of products designed to help you get a better night's sleep. Some of it is a fad, but some of it truly works. So in honor of Sleep Week, here are products that actually help you achieve a better night's sleep.

A smarter alarm clock: Loftie alarm clock Loftie Alarm Clock $169.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Lead shopping reporter, Bethany Allard, is a big fan of the Loftie alarm clock. Once you set it up, there's no need to keep your phone in the bedroom as it serves as an alarm and a sound machine. The alarm has a two-fold system, first delivering a wakeup tone, gently stirring you out of sleep, followed by a get-up tone, signaling that it's time to get up. Loftie alarm clocks also feature a built-in Bluetooth speaker, bed signal alarm, and a built-in nightlight.

Read our full review of the Loftie Alarm Clock.

An alarm clock that simulates the sun: Hatch Restore 3 Hatch Restore 3 $144.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $25   Shop Now at Amazon

Like Loftie, Hatch's Restore 3 gently wakes you up in the morning, but it also soothes you to sleep. Setup for the Hatch Restore 3 happens in the Hatch smartphone app, where you create a routine that starts in the evening with a wind-down routine and then eases you into the new day with a gentle wakeup routine. The built-in light even emulates the rising sun, ideal if you're waking up before the sun actually rises. Plus, it comes with a fun array of wakeup and wind-down sounds, but keep in mind, to gain full access to the Hatch library, you need a premium subscription.

Lighting to unwind: Red light bulb Opens in a new window Credit: Gamma Light Therapy Gamma Light Therapy Red Light Bulb $29.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: GE GE LED+ Color Changing Light Bulbs $12.19 at Amazon
$13.49 Save $1.30   Shop Now

You've incorporated red light into your skincare, so why not your bedtime routine? While the studies on the effects of red light in a bedtime routine are somewhat limited, evening red light exposure may help stimulate melatonin production, leading to a better night's sleep. A red light bulb is a cheap and easy thing to incorporate into your bedroom, creating a dim, relaxing mood that signals to your brain that it's time to sleep.

Gamma Light Therapy's red light bulb is designed as a sleep aid, but a smart bulb like GE's LED+ bulb features a red light setting in addition to warm and cool white light, so you don't always need the ambient evening lighting.

A sleep tracker: Oura Ring + Whoop Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring $349
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop 5.0/MG $239 at Amazon
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If you're trying to optimize your sleep to no avail, it's time to get some actual data. We have a full guide to the best sleep trackers, but our two favorites are the Oura Ring and Whoop 5.0/MG. Both track your health biometrics around the clock, plus you'll get special sleep insights.

After weeks of tracking, the Whoop learns your preferred wake and sleep times, eventually suggesting your ideal bedtime and wake time. Plus, the Whoop acts as an alarm, gently buzzing when it's time to wake up.

Meanwhile, the Oura ring tracks your sleep, eventually categorizing your chronotype. That chronotype then provides an optimal sleep schedule so you're not fighting against your own circadian rhythm.

Both the Oura ring and Whoop are strong sleep trackers; which one is right for you is just a matter of whether you prefer wearing a ring or a band.

Read our full review of the Oura Ring 4.

Keeping out the noise: Loop earplugs Loop Dream Earplugs $49.95 at Amazon
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Whether you're sharing a bed with Snorlax, have noisy neighbors, or just need to block out the noise, earplugs might be the meaningful difference between a good and bad night's sleep. Loop makes our favorite earplugs — the Mashable team has even worn them to see Beyoncé.

Loop's Dream earplugs are designed for overnight comfort, so even side sleepers won't feel them as they doze off. Each pair comes with two types of ear tips: the standard Dream foam silicone ear tips plus the Dream double tips, so you can play around with the level of noise reduction you need.

Read our full review of Loop earplugs.

Headphones you can sleep in: Sleep A30 earbuds Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Soundcore

If you like to listen to music or a guided meditation while you sleep, but the person you're sharing a bed with doesn't, it's time to get a pair of sleep earbuds. The best pair we've tested is the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds, which, like the Loops Dream earbuds, are designed for optimal comfort while sleeping. But these are more than just earplugs. The Soundcore Sleep A30 have active noise cancellation to block out noise, plus come with built-in soundscapes including AI audio brainwave, snore masking, white noise, Calm app sleep stories, and Calm app meditations.

Read our full review of the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds.

A luxury bed setup: Eight Sleep Pod 5 Opens in a new window Credit: Eight Sleep Eight Sleep Pod 5 $2,999 at Eight Sleep
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Sometimes sleep requires a serious investment. If you want a high-tech sleep device, the Eight Sleep Pod 5 might be the answer. The Pod 5 is a mattress cover that is attached to a hub. Throughout the night, it regulates its temperature so you never get overheated (or too cold). But beyond temperature regulation, Eight Sleep has an extensive app, tracking all your sleep metrics for thorough insights into your health. It's an extremely pricey system, costing $2,999, but for those struggling to sleep well, it could crack the code to a good night's sleep.

Read our full review of the Eight Sleep Pod 5.

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

To count up.

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

TALLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Healthy.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 11, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

HARDY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

It's in our mouths.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 11 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 11, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TOOTH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A shadow.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

UMBRA

Final Hurdle hint

Used to groom nails.

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

FILER

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love to level up.

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.

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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: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 11, 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: To pilfer

• Green: Take it up a notch

• Blue: Same shape

• Purple: Ways to address someone

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Steal

• Green: Make nicer, with "Up"

• Blue: Kinds of cones

• Purple: Pronoun homophones

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 #1003 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Steal: LIFT, PALM, PINCH, POCKET

• Make nicer, with "Up": DRESS, JAZZ, SPIFF, SPRUCE

• Kinds of cones: ICE CREAM, PINE, SNOW, TRAFFIC

• Pronoun homophones: HEE, MI, OUI, YEW

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 March 11, 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're overprotective.

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 March 11, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 11, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Survival mode

The words are related to protection.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe protection mechanisms.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Defenses

NYT Strands word list for March 11

• Agility

• Distraction

• Mimicry

• Defenses

• Camouflage

• Armor

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 still have your childhood toy.

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 March 11, 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 March 11, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A stuffed animal.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter D appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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...

TEDDY

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.