IT General
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 3, 2025
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 3 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Slang for amazing
Green: To beat someone at something
Blue: Two words combined
Purple: Seen on a website link
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Awesome
Green: Defeat soundly
Blue: "Will" contractions without the apostrophe
Purple: URL endings plus a letter
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 #691 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayAwesome: DOPE, FIRE, LIT, SICK
Defeat soundly: CREAM, LICK, PASTE, SMOKE
"Will" contractions without the apostrophe: HELL, ILL, SHELL, WELL
URL endings plus a letter: COMP, MILK, NETI, ORGO
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 3Are 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 today's Connections.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 3, 2025
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for May 3 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 3, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A chump.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
PATSY.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 3Reporting 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 today's Wordle.
Report: Google will put Gemini AI in the hands of kids under 13
This week, Google reportedly sent an email to parents to let them know that the Gemini AI chatbot will soon be available for children under 13 years old.
The New York Times cites an email that states the chatbot would be available starting next week for certain users. (Chrome Unboxed reported on the same email on April 29.) Google sent the email to parents who use the company's Family Link service, which lets families set up parental controls for Google products like YouTube and Gmail. Only children who participate in Family Link would have access to Gemini, for now. The email reportedly told parents their children would be able to ask Gemini questions or assist with tasks like doing homework.
The move comes days after the nonprofit Common Sense Media declared that AI companions represent an "unacceptable risk" for people under 18. Common Sense Media worked with researchers from Stanford School of Medicine's Brainstorm Lab for Mental Health Innovation, resulting in a report urging parents to stop underage users from accessing tools like Character.ai.
Character.ai is one of a growing number of services that let users create and interact with AI "characters." As Common Sense Media wrote in its report, "These AI 'friends' actively participate in sexual conversations and roleplay, responding to teens' questions or requests with graphic details."
This type of roleplaying is distinct from AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, but it's a blurry line. Just this week, Mashable reported on a bug that would have allowed kids to generate erotica with ChatGPT, and The Wall Street Journal exposed a similar bug with Meta AI. So, while AI chatbots like Gemini do have safeguards to protect young people, users are finding ways to get around these guardrails. It's a fact of life on the internet that some rules are easily skirted. Just consider online pornography, which is illegal for people under 18, yet widely available with just a few clicks.
So, parents who want to keep their kids from using artificial intelligence are facing an uphill battle.
To make the debate even more complicated, President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order that would bring AI education into U.S. schools. The White House says the order will "promote AI literacy and proficiency of K-12 students." Understanding AI's abilities, risks, and limitations could be useful for children using it for schoolwork (especially considering its tendency to hallucinate).
In its email to parents, Google acknowledged these issues, urging parents to "help your child think critically" when using Gemini, according to The New York Times.
U.S. Copyright Office has registered 1,000+ works enhanced by AI
The U.S. Copyright Office is in the midst of a consequential investigation into copyright law and artificial intelligence, and in a recent interview, a lawyer with the Office said it is already registering works enhanced by AI.
In an April article in WIPO Magazine, Assistant General Counsel Jalyce Mangum said that the "Office has registered more than a thousand works where applicants have followed our guidance to disclose and disclaim AI-generated material." Crucially, Mangum said the office considers "whether AI is enhancing human expression or is the source of the expressive choices."
A January 2025 report from the Office stated that hundreds of AI-enhanced works had been registered, a spokesperson for the U.S. Copyright Office told Mashable. Now, we know that more than 1,000 such works have been registered.
Many artists have taken a hard line against artificial intelligence, protesting its use in any creative endeavor. Mashable has reported on the backlash to the use of AI in films like The Brutalist and Late Night With the Devil, a recent resurrection project that uses the likeness of Agatha Christie, the restoration of The Wizard of Oz for The Sphere, and the controversial Studio Ghibli image trend that utilized ChatGPT.
Previously, the Office determined that material generated by AI tools is eligible for copyright protection only if it's contained in work primarily made by a human. As Mashable reported, that means images generated by tools like DALL-E, ChatGPT, or Midjourney cannot be copyrighted, no matter how much work went into fine-tuning the prompt. The U.S. Copyright Office's full guidance on AI-assisted material is available on its website, a representative told us.
That guidance was included in the second part of a report from the Office on copyright and artificial intelligence. (Part 3, set to be released later this year, will have huge implications for how AI models are trained.) "In Part 2 of our report, the Office affirmed that copyright does not extend to purely AI-generated material or material where there is insufficient human control over the expressive elements," Mangum said in the WIPO article.
However, material that was merely "enhanced" by AI is currently eligible for copyright registration. Part 2 of the report also mentions specific use cases such as "crowd removal from photos, video stabilization tools, and ray tracing."
Sinners, Black Mirror, and The Ugly Stepsister: Film critics weigh in on whats worth watching and whats skippable
Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko returned to Talking Pictures with Neil Rosen to weigh in on some of the biggest titles in movies and TV.
Alongside fellow film critics Perri Nemiroff, Neil Rosen, and Bill McCuddy, she expressed her praise and critiques for a string of new releases, and answered some burning questions. Like, what's the best episode of Black Mirror Season 7? Does The Ugly Stepsister, the body-horror reimagining of Cinderella, live up to the Sundance hype? And why are critics and audiences alike going wild for writer/director Ryan Coogler's Sinners?
SEE ALSO: Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan on 'Sinners' unique spin on vampirismOn this episode, the panel also reviews Netflix's hit crime drama Adolescence, the music-infused dramedy The Ballad of Wallis Island, the new Prime Video series Étoile from Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the Danish romantic drama The Kiss, and the upcoming biopic about groundbreaking wrestler Mildred Burke, Queen of the Ring.
Which of these are a must-see and which are worthy of missing? Find out by watching the episode above, or by tuning into PBS.
How to watch Black Bag right now: The sexy spy thriller comes to streaming
Director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp (Presence, Kimi) teamed up once more for Black Bag — and unsurprisingly, hit it out of the park again. A sophisticated spy thriller with a twist, Black Bag is about much more than just global dynamics or stealthy stunts. "At its core, it's a story of two people who are still madly in love and fighting for each other. That gives Black Bag an edge," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review.
It stars Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as a British couple who also happen to be intelligence agents. And as any movie lover knows, these two are more than up to the task of playing powerful and sexy spies. Black Bag also stars Marisa Abela (Industry), Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton), Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Naomie Harris (Venom: Let There Be Carnage), and former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.
If you missed out on seeing it in the theater, you can now watch Black Bag at home (maybe even for free). Here's everything you need to know.
What is Black Bag about?Black Bag follows Kathryn and George Woodhouse (Blanchett and Fassbender), married British intelligence agents. They typically manage to keep their work and their marriage separate, but when Kathryn is suspected of treason, George faces an impossible choice: loyalty to his wife or his country.
"Black Bag is a sexy, smart, and cool movie about marriage," Puchko summed up in her review. "Seriously."
Get a taste of the sexy spy thriller in the official trailer:
Is Black Bag worth watching?"As soon as Black Bag was over," Puchko wrote in her review, "I felt that dizzying high one gets from a proper spy thriller, the rush of vicarious adrenaline from the case cracked and the day saved. But I also had the deep urge to see this movie again immediately. Because as generous as the filmmaker and stars are with slathering this story in George and Kathryn's mutual attraction, I couldn't get enough. I wanted to go back to feel the thrill of their love for each other all over again."
It appears other critics agree, as the Soderbergh film currently has a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience rating is a bit lower, currently holding at 70 percent, with some reviewers noting that it can be a bit hard to follow at times. Ultimately, however, both critics and audiences agree it's a satisfying watch.
Check out our full review of Black Bag.
How to watch Black Bag at home Credit: Focus FeaturesAfter an underwhelming box office performance, despite overwhelming praise, it's time audiences show up for Black Bag at home. There are multiple ways to watch — rent it via digital on demand, purchase it digitally, or stream it beginning May 2. See the details below.
Buy or rent it on digitalBlack Bag made its at-home debut on major digital platforms (Prime Video, Apple TV+, etc.) on April 1, 2025. The film is available to buy for $24.99 or rent for $19.99. While it's tempting to opt for the rental to save a few bucks, just remember that you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to purchase instead, then it's yours to own and you can watch whenever you please.
Here are some quick links to rent or purchase Black Bag:
Prime Video — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99
Apple TV+ — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99
Fandango at Home — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99
Google Play — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99
As with other recent Focus Features films (Conclave, Nosferatu, etc.), Black Bag is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, on May 2, 2025.
Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for as low as $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without. But before you jump the gun, be sure to check out the best ways to save money on a subscription below.
The best Peacock streaming dealsBest long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get DealWhile a monthly subscription to Peacock goes for $7.99 or $13.99, you can save about 17% and drop that price to just $6.67 or $11.67 by paying for a year up front. The annual Peacock subscriptions cost just $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without. So, basically, you'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. If you plan on sticking around, this is the best option.
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn MoreIf you're an Xfinity customer, there's a good chance you can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for the deal:
Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can get Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025) for free.
Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
If you have a student email address, you can verify through SheerID, then you can get a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for only $2.99 per month for 12 months. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just note that it can only be used once.
Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month Get DealFirst responders and medical professionals are also able to score a discounted Peacock Premium subscription. Once you verify your first responder or medical professional status via SheerID, you'll get a unique promo code that will drop the cost of a subscription from $7.99 per month to just $3.99. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. You may just have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code again. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.
Best for active military and veterans Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month Get DealActive duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also score a Peacock Premium subscription for $3.99 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month. As with the previous deals, you'll have to prove your military status using SheerID and retrieve a promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal annually.
Best for teachers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months Get DealTeachers can also verify their educator status with SheerID to get their bite out of Peacock savings. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code that may only be used once to drop the price of Peacock Premium down to just $3.99 per month for one year. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price, so be sure to cancel before the year ends.
Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get DealAn Instacart+ account ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock subscription. So, beyond free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup order, Instacart+ users can now stream the entire Peacock catalog for free with ads. That's a $79.99 per year value. Better yet, if you're new to Instacart+, you can sign up for a free two-week trial to test things out and watch Black Bag and more for free.
Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Get DealThrough July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members can get their first year of Peacock Premium for free ($79.99 value). If you don't have Mosaic status, you can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when you sign up for Peacock. Learn more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.
How to Communicate with Astronauts Aboard the ISS
Have you ever wanted to ask an astronaut a question, or just talk to one in general? Wouldn't it be cool if you could speak to an astronaut even as they were floating on the ISS in space, looking down on Earth? It's not actually difficult to do just that. All you need is ham radio.
What Does Incognito Mode Do?
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox—Incognito mode is a standard feature in most modern browsers. But what really happens when you start browsing in Incognito mode? Fun fact—it doesn’t make your browsing session completely anonymous, as you might think.
How to Use AI Function in Google Sheets
Google's AI function brings Gemini-powered language models right into your spreadsheet cells without any add-ons. With it, you can generate fresh text, summarize blocks of data, categorize entries, or even guess sentiments—all by typing a simple formula.
ASUS' New Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 Router Offers Everything but Tri-Band
ASUS is preparing to launch the ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor, a dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 router designed to extend your existing wireless internet system beyond the home. It appears to be a solid option for those who own a large property and are already invested (or are willing to invest) in the ZenWiFi ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Specs and possible price leak for the newest thin smartphone
Back in January, Samsung teased a new ultra-thin Galaxy phone. Samsung still hasn't fully lifted the veil off the so-called Galaxy S25 Edge, but it feels like we know everything about it already.
That's because of a steady stream of leaks, including this most recent one from Roland Quandt of WinFuture (via TechRadar). According to Quandt's reporting, the Galaxy S25 Edge will come with a titanium frame, weighing in at 163g (or 5.7 ounces) with just 5.85mm of thickness. That's similar to the rumored size of the yet-to-be-released iPhone 17 Air.
For comparison, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is rumored to be between 8.2mm to 9.55mm thick (and as a foldable, it would be thinner when unfolded). Currently, the thinnest phones in the world come from the company Oppo, including the foldable Oppo Find N5, which is just 4.21mm when unfolded.
Other reported specs for the Galaxy S25 Edge include:
SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 Air looks incredibly thin in new video leak6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1440x3120 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
12GB RAM
256GB or 512GB storage
200MP main rear lens
12MP ultra-wide lens
12MP front-facing lens
3,900mAh battery with wireless charging
IP68 rating for water and dust resistance
A lot of that lines up with previous leaks on the subject, including the phone's dimensions, chipset, and the relatively small battery size. The build materials and presence of wireless charging are new to Quandt's report, though. This seems to be a "where there's smoke, there's fire" situation, in other words, as multiple leaks from entirely disparate sources are reporting the exact same information about this phone.
Quandt also reported some possible pricing information, which is where things get tricky. According to the report, the phone will start at roughly the USD equivalent of $1,400, and would go up higher if you want more storage. Samsung is expected to announce the phone at an event in May, but that hasn't been officially confirmed yet. Stay tuned for more info on all of this.
First Look at Google’s Unfinished DeX-Like Desktop Mode for Android
For years, if you’ve wanted to plug your Android phone into a monitor and get something that felt remotely like a desktop, your only option has essentially been Samsung DeX. It offers a proper multi-window interface, a taskbar, and the ability to use your phone like a PC. Meanwhile, Android’s offering for other devices has been extremely lacking. That appears to be changing.
If you use Apple AirPlay, you need to update your device and take these steps
This week, cybersecurity researchers with Oligo say they identified 23 vulnerabilities related to Apple AirPlay, leading Apple to issue over a dozen fixes.
Dubbed "AirBorne" by the researchers, the security vulnerabilities affect the Apple AirPlay network and could compromise various devices. According to an Oligo blog post, the researchers say the vulnerabilities "enable an array of attack vectors" that could allow "attackers to potentially take control of devices that support AirPlay — including both Apple devices and third-party devices that leverage the AirPlay [Software Development Kit]."
The Oligo blog outlines a number of potential attacks, including Zero-Click RCE, Man-in-the-Middle, and Denial of Service (DOS) attacks. But if you don't know what any of that means, that's OK — the solution for Apple users is fairly straightforward.
Fixing the Apple AirPlay 'AirBorne' flaws- Update your Apple devices to "mitigate potential security risks".
- Disable the AirPlay receiver when not in use; restrict AirPlay access to trusted devices only.
- In AirPlay settings, "Change the 'Allow AirPlay for' setting to 'Current User'".
Essentially, as long as you update your devices to the latest versions of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, your devices should be safe. In addition, some cybersecurity experts recommend disabling the AirPlay feature entirely unless you're actively using it.
The "AirBorne" vulnerabilities would allow hackers to infect Apple devices with malware or seize control of the device, whether that's a MacBook or iPhone. They could then deploy malware or steal sensitive information. AirBorne also affected third-party devices connected to AirPlay, leaving smart Internet-of-things (IOT) devices at risk.
SEE ALSO: Apple sends out spyware attack notifications to targeted usersThe researchers say they worked with Apple to "identify and address" the flaws, and that Apple issued 17 CVEs in response to the research.
In the cybersecurity world, CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, and it refers to a specific identifying number associated with a publicly disclosed cybersecurity problem. In a national CVE database hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, users can find a number of new CVEs published by Apple on April 28, 2025, such as CVE-2025-24252 and CVE-2025-24206.
The CVE description states that Apple fixed these bugs in "in macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, iPadOS 17.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4."
Get Ready for More Tech Price Hikes as ‘De Minimis’ Loophole Closes
I'm sure your news feed has been filled with news about tariffs and how they affect your pocket. Get ready, then, for even more increases, because tariffs just became a lot more wide-reaching.
Why I Want Email Read Receipts (and You Might Too)
Most companies know when you open their emails, but you're left in the dark about whether they've read yours. This imbalance in email power dynamics is real, and while many advocate against tracking, I believe we should use trackers ourselves to level the playing field.
Sick of 15-character passwords? Microsoft is going password-less, starting now.
Think of something you'll remember forever, something so close to your heart or brain that you wouldn't have to write it down to keep it top of mind. You'll have to type it out every day for 30 days. It has to have 15 characters, an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, a symbol, and a number. The numbers cannot be consecutive. It cannot be similar to anything you've ever said before. You will have to recall this secret code constantly or risk being locked out of every device and subscription you need.
Of course, we're talking about your password, and it is a nightmare. Now, Microsoft wants to get rid of passwords entirely.
The company announced this week that moving forward, all new Microsoft accounts will be "passwordless by default."
SEE ALSO: A review of 19 billion passwords reveals people are still bad at themAccording to a May 1 post on Microsoft's blog, the move is part of a "journey toward passwordless sign-in." Instead of using a password to sign on, Microsoft wants you to use a passkey, which could be a PIN or a biometric option such as facial recognition or a fingerprint scan. (That sounds a lot better than Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning machine, The Orb.)
"[Users] signing in with passkeys are three times more successful at getting into their account than password users (about 98% versus 32%)," the blog post reads. "When you use a passkey, you get into your account much quicker too! Passkey sign-ins are eight times faster than a password and multifactor authentication."
So not only will signing in be less annoying, but it will also be more efficient, Microsoft argues.
"As part of this simplified UX, we’re changing the default behavior for new accounts. Brand new Microsoft accounts will now be 'passwordless by default,'" Microsoft wrote in its blog post. "New users will have several passwordless options for signing into their account and they’ll never need to enroll a password. Existing users can visit their account settings to delete their password."
Microsoft isn't the only tech company moving towards passkey-friendly logins. Amazon, Google, and WhatsApp are all also working towards it.
Synology NAS Systems Are Getting More Expensive
Synology is raising prices on some of its DiskStation NAS systems. The move is almost certainly another tariff-induced price hike, but the company has not yet confirmed that information. Either way, it’s annoying for anyone looking to get a NAS right now.
10+ gift card deals for Mothers Day, graduation, and beyond
Gift cards get a bad rep. While some may see them as the easy way out when gifting, they're more practical and useful than some random trinket or gadget you know will never be used. So, if you're at a loss for gift ideas — whether for Mother's Day, graduation, or any other occasion on the horizon — we say go for the gift card. We even found a few on sale, meaning your giftee will get even more bang from your buck.
From food delivery to rideshare services to cosmetics, there's a little something for everyone.
Best gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lyft Lyft $100 gift card $85 at Amazon$100 Save $15 Get Deal Why we like it
Whether you know someone who commutes to work every day via rideshare or who likes to go to major events when fare hikes are out of control (like after a hockey game lets out, or when Sabrina Carpenter is in town), a $100 Lyft gift card can go a long way. And, even better for you, it'll only cost you $85 — and your recipient never has to know you saved 15%. Just be sure to click on the $100 option as the gift amount, then enter your recipient's email address, and the $15 savings will be reflected at checkout.
Best beauty gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ulta Ulta Beauty $50 gift card $42.50 at Amazon$50 Save $7.50 Get Deal Why we like it
Not only does Ulta sell top-notch makeup and skincare products, but it's also home to some of our favorite beauty tech, like the Shark FlexStyle and Solawave skincare wand. A $50 gift card — which you can grab for only $42.50 as of May 2 — can definitely put a dent in a major beauty tech purchase for someone in your life. Select the $50 gift amount and enter your recipient's email address or phone number, then you'll see the 15% savings reflected at checkout.
Best food delivery gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash $50 gift card $42.50 at Amazon$50 Save $7.50 Get Deal Why we like it
Sure, it's not the most glamorous gift around, but everyone's gotta eat. And a $50 DoorDash gift card — which is on sale for just $42.50 — gives your recipient endless options to choose from. Better yet, more than just food delivery, you'll be giving someone the gift of extra time. Just be sure to select the $50 option before heading to checkout to see the savings reflected automatically.
More gift card dealsBath & Body Works gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)
Vudu gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)
Spafinder — $40 $50 (save $10)
IHOP gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)
Red Robin gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)
Yankee Candle gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)
Cinemark Theatres gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)
Victoria's Secret gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)
Fanatics gift card — $60 $75 (save $15)
Instacart gift card — $90 $100 (save $10)
For even more gift card deals, check out the Mother's Day selection at Amazon.
Tons of Echo devices are on sale at Amazon right now, including a Star Wars Echo Dot bundle
SAVE UP TO 30% OFF: As of May 2, you can get up to 30% off select Echo devices at Amazon.
Best Echo deals as of May 2: Best deal overall Amazon Echo Dot $37.99 (save $12 ) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $64.99 (save $25 ) Get Deal Best budget pick Amazon Echo Pop $27.99 (save $12 ) Get DealIf you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that’s affordable and doubles as a voice assistant and smart home hub, you should probably forgo the stacks and opt for an Amazon Echo.
Right now, you can snag an Echo device for up to 30% off at Amazon. There’s even a cool Star Wars Echo Bundle available that comes with an Echo Dot and a Star Wars Tie Fighter Echo Dot stand.
Here are some of the best Echo devices that are currently on sale at Amazon.
Best deal overall Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release) $37.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $12 Get Deal Why we like it
The Amazon Echo Dot (2022) is a surprisingly good speaker, given its size. I’ve had mine for years, and still use it all the time.
The Amazon Echo Dot can do everything that a full-sized Echo can do, like playing music, answering questions, setting timers, controlling smart home devices, and making calls. It’s also small enough to fit in any room without being too obtrusive, and you can get it in multiple colors, including charcoal, deep sea blue, and glacier white.
More Echo dealsAmazon Echo Spot — $64.99 $79.99 (save $)
Star Wars Echo Dot Bundle — $97.98 $109.98 (save $12)
Amazon Echo Hub — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)
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