Mashable

TL;DR: DeskSense is your all-in-one AI assistant with a lifetime subscription on sale for $38 (reg. $179). 

Opens in a new window Credit: DeskSense DeskSense AI Assistant $38
$179 Save $141 Basic Plan: Lifetime Subscription Get Deal

Just because a tool is common doesn't mean everyone is using it right. AI tools have exploded in popularity, but getting ChatGPT to answer a question or write an email is just scratching the surface of what they can do. With a little help, AI can practically act like a co-worker. 

DeskSense is an AI assistant that goes far beyond the basics. You can use it for everything from generating text and images to analyzing videos or translating a document into another language. It's also only $38 for a lifetime subscription (reg. $179). 

Your new AI assistant

DeskSense streamlines everything from writing and content planning to coding and data analysis. You can chat with DeskSense using a variety of top-tier AI models like GPT, Claude 3, and Gemini Pro, and those chats automatically save as drafts or cards for future reference. There are more than 40 templates available to help you quickly write emails, articles, ad copy, blog posts, social media captions, or even code snippets.

 It's not just writing. DeskSense also includes image generation and editing features. You can create new visuals from text prompts, analyze existing images, or convert pictures into written content. It can summarize YouTube videos, translate files, and even help you draft resumes or dating profiles using structured templates.

Whether you’re running a business, managing social media, studying for school, or just trying to stay organized, DeskSense makes it easy to keep everything in one place. It offers unlimited prompt storage, a full prompt library, and early access to new tools and features. The extension works in Chrome and Edge so you can access your assistant without even leaving your browser.

It's only $38 to get a DeskSense AI Assistant Lifetime Subscription. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

SAVE UP TO 33%: As of April 28, select Pokémon Nintendo Switch games like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus are discounted at Woot. Prices start at $39.99, with savings up to 33%. Sale ends April 30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends Arceus $44.99 at Woot!
$59.99 Save $15 Get Deal

I think it is ridiculous how rarely Pokémon games go on sale, so seeing prices actually drop by 25 to 33% is enough to get my attention. As of April 28, Woot has a surprisingly solid Nintendo Switch Pokémon sale, with classics like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! marked down for a limited time.

I want to be clear: these are not leftover filler titles. In my opinion, every one of these games still holds up today, and they are about to get even better with Nintendo Switch 2 on the way. Nintendo has already confirmed that Pokémon Legends Z-A will support 60 FPS upgrades on the new hardware. While nothing else is officially confirmed, I think it is a safe bet that older titles will load faster and play smoother on Switch 2.

SEE ALSO: Pokemon Go players are actually training a giant AI model

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond is sitting at $42.99, Pokémon Shining Pearl is down to $41.99, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus is $44.99. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! is $39.99, which is about as low as it gets for anything with Pikachu or Eevee on the cover.

Pokémon Games on sale at Woot

• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond — $42.99 $59.99 (28% off)

• Pokémon Shining Pearl — $41.99 $59.99 (30% off)

• Pokémon Legends: Arceus — $44.99 $59.99 (25% off)

• Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! — $39.99 $59.99 (33% off)

• Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! — $41.99 $59.99 (30% off)

• Pokémon Sword — $41.99 $59.99 (30% off)

• Pokémon Shield — $39.99 $59.99 (33% off)

If you grew up playing Diamond and Pearl, the remakes stay true enough to the originals without feeling like a museum tour. Legends: Arceus might be the biggest shakeup the series has had in years, with open areas that let you roam and discover things without being dragged into a cutscene every 30 seconds. Let’s Go, Eevee and Pikachu are straightforward and charming, and they were designed for people like me who sometimes need a low-stress win after a long day.

The best Woot Spring Gaming Sale deals

• Meta Quest 2 Active Pack — $8.99 $69.99 (87% off)

• Predator: Hunting Grounds — $14.99 $39.99 (63% off)

• A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead — $14.99 $29.99 (50% off)

• Tekken 8 — $19.99 $69.99 (71% off)

• Persona 5 Royal — $19.99 $34.39 (42% off)

• Meta Quest Pro Compact Charging Dock — $21.99 $79.99 (73% off)

• Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO - Standard Edition — $24.99 $69.99 (64% off)

• Minecraft — $26.99 $29.99 (10% off)

• Super Mario RPG — $29.99 $59.99 (50% off)

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — $29.99 $59.99 (50% off)

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Exclusive Amazon Edition — $32.99 $69.99 (53% off)

• Donkey Kong Country Returns HD — $39.99 $59.99 (33% off)

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons — $39.99 $59.99 (33% off)

• Luigi's Mansion 3 — $39.99 $59.99 (33% off)

• Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana - D1 Refined Edition — $39.99 $59.99 (33% off)

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate — $42.99 $59.99 (28% off)

• 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless Pro Controller — $44.99 $69.99 (36% off)

• Assassin's Creed Shadows — $54.99 $69.99 (21% off)

• Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition — $54.99 $69.99 (21% off)

• BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller + Case — $69.99 $124.98 (44% off)

• Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition Wired Gaming Controller — $69.99 $99.99 (30% off)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless Gaming Headset (Refurbished) — $79.99

• Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel & Pedal System — $299.99 $649.99 (54% off)

The Last of Us Season 2, episode 3 was an understandably quieter episode after the chaotic sob-fest that was episode 2. But from the looks of the episode 4 trailer, things are about to get hectic again.

In the clip above we're introduced to some new characters, watch Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) flee Infected through an abandoned subway car, and — right at the end — watch as Dina points a gun at Ellie.

Does that mean Ellie's been bitten again, and Dina thinks she's going to have to execute her?

New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

SAVE $150: As of April 28, the 13-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air is on sale for $849 at Amazon. This deal saves you $150 on list price.

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Best Buy
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

We're not sure why, but the latest Apple MacBook Air is getting cheaper and cheaper on Amazon. We made some noise about the fact that the base model was on sale for under $900, but the price has dropped again. We really didn't think it would, but we've been made to look like fools.

As of April 28, the 13-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air is now on sale for $849 at Amazon. This deal saves you $150 on list price. That's a new record-low price on Amazon, according to the price tracker camelcamelcamel. Is this price going to drop again? We don't think so, but we said that last time. At this point, we don't know what to believe anymore. We're just pleased to see record-low prices.

SEE ALSO: Review: I went hands on with the M4 MacBook Air (2025)

The new M4 MacBook Air was released in mid-March, with open-lid support for two external displays and a new 12MP Center Stage camera in addition to the new CPU. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said this model was "impressively powerful" and "the best-buy Apple laptop, period." No surprise then that we named it the best MacBook for most people.

Pick up the latest Apple MacBook Air for under $850 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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 28, 2025:

AcrossChef's creation

• The answer is Dish.

Iconic Madonna hit of 1990

• The answer is Vogue.

Section of a tennis court used when playing doubles

• The answer is Alley.

State of mind

• The answer is Mood.

Not amateur

• The answer is Pro.

DownRarely-used word meaning "sadness"

• The answer is Dolor.

Snow place like home?

• The answer is Igloo.

Went after in court

• The answer is Sued.

"Yo"

• The answer is Hey.

Fill time on stage

• The answer is Vamp.

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

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

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

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

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 April 28 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: Styling tools

• Green: Basic

• Blue: Used to catch a criminal

• Purple: To wear out

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

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

• Yellow: Hair products

• Green: Austere

• Blue: Clues at a crime scene

• Purple: Weary

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 #685 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Hair products: GEL, MOUSSE, SPRAY, WAX

• Austere: BARE, PLAIN, SIMPLE, SPARE

• Clues at a crime scene: FIBER, FINGERPRINT, HAIR, TIRE MARK

• Weary: BORE, DRAIN, EXHAUST, TIRE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 28

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

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

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

4chan is finally back up and running — mostly. The infamous imageboard initially went down two weeks ago, scattering its anonymous denizens to the winds. It has now been largely restored, with users flocking back to their familiar fetid stomping grounds. However, not all of 4chan's boards will be returning.

In the first substantial post to its official blog in eight years, 4chan's team confirmed speculation that the outage was due to a hacker, and that the source code had been compromised. Specifically, the blog stated that a hacker with a UK IP address was able to access 4chan's servers by exploiting its outdated software via a PDF upload. The hacker subsequently extracted a substantial amount of 4chan's source code, before vandalising the website and prompting moderators to shut it down.

"While not all of our servers were breached, the most important one was, and it was due to simply not updating old operating systems and code in a timely fashion," read 4chan's blog on Friday.

SEE ALSO: 4chan is down, reportedly hacked as of April 15

Calling the damage "catastrophic," the blog stated that 4chan's failure to update its code was due to both an "insufficient skilled man-hours available" and a lack of funds. Unsurprisingly, it seems that advertisers are leery of associating with a website commonly described as "the cesspool of the internet," which has made acquiring the cash for new servers difficult. As such, while 4chan partially moved to new servers in the second half of last year, key functions were still being taken care of by its old hardware.

"Everything about this process took much longer than intended, which is a recurring theme in this debacle," wrote 4chan. "The free time that 4chan’s development team had available to dedicate to 4chan was insufficient to update our software and infrastructure fast enough, and our luck ran out."

4chan's two-week outage gave its development team time to patch up holes in its security, as well as start bringing on more volunteers. The blog states that 4chan's team has since replaced the compromised server, as well as updated its software. The server status checker on 4chan's blog indicated that full functionality has still not returned at time of writing, though posts on the imageboard largely appeared to be business as usual.

Yet despite this, 4chan won't ever return to its former incarnation. The ability to upload PDFs is expected to return soon, having been temporarily disabled in light of this breach. However, Flash board /f/ has been killed for good since "there is no realistic way to prevent similar exploits using .swf files." While /f/ is currently still available on 4chan's front page and navigation bar, it seems likely it will eventually be removed in light of this announcement.

Even without the hack, the death of /f/ was a long time coming. Adobe first announced it would stop supporting Flash Player back in 2017, finally declaring that it had reached the end of its life in 2020.

4chan has a controversial history and reputation, to put it lightly. Launched over two decades ago in 2003, the dubious internet stalwart became a breeding ground for memes, controversies, and movements such as hacktivist group Anonymous and far-right conspiracy theory QAnon.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only A$23 (reg. A$311) through 1 June.

Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Windows 11 Pro AU$23
AU$311 Save AU$288 Get Deal

Need a new laptop but don't have the budget to buy one? We've found the next best thing: updating your operating system. 

If your PC could use an upgrade, Windows 11 Pro is now just A$23, A$288 off the usual price. This deal ends 1 June. 

Check out what Windows 11 Pro has to offer

Curious what Windows 11 Pro brings to the table? This operating system really focuses on user convenience, so first up is a seamless interface that helps boost your productivity. 

If you primarily use your PC for work, you'll enjoy helpful features like improved voice typing, a more powerful search experience, and tools like snap layouts and seamless redocking that allow you to work faster and more efficiently. 

Virtual desktops let you easily toggle between desktop setups for different functions — so you can swap from your 9-to-5 setup to your gaming or personal desktop and switch gears easily. 

If you plan on using your PC for gaming, you'll appreciate DirectX 12 Ultimate. It provides phenomenal graphics, while Auto HDR enhances the game's color and contrast. And you can enjoy all this while experiencing faster load times and smoother gameplay. 

Windows 11 Pro also includes Copilot, an AI assistant powered by OpenAI. It's essentially like having ChatGPT on your desktop, minus the annoying subscription fees. 

Everyone will appreciate the improved security features, like biometrics login capabilities, smart app control, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses. 

Get Windows 11 Pro while it's on sale for A$23. Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on 1 June. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Hurry and grab lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with a Microsoft Office 2019 license for Windows at $30.

Your credit card is exhausted from all of today’s subscription fees. While you probably don’t want to cancel Peacock and never see the ending of Yellowstone or say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime, you could swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime license.

Instead of spending $7 monthly (or $70 yearly), you can pay once and use the apps as much as you’d like. For a little while longer, the Windows software suite is on sale for $0.

What apps are included?

Microsoft Office 2019 isn’t the newest version available, but it’s the cheaper one for people who just need to use the apps and don’t care about what they look like inside. However, it does have a classic, timeless design.

Here's a list of the apps you get:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

Differences between Microsoft 365 and a lifetime license

This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.

You might actually like this license more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.

Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.

The price drop on this lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon, so get your download for $30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows £30
£229 Save £199 Get Deal

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

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

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

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

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

A stone builder.

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

MASON

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Evidence.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 28, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PROOF

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A large storage facility.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 28, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DEPOT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A yellow bodily fluid.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 28 Hurdle Word 4 answer

URINE

Final Hurdle hint

After second.

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

THIRD

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

Last week on The Last of Us, the hit HBO series presented one of the most stressful and tragic episodes TV has ever seen. By contrast, episode three offered some truly heartwarming moments, chiefly in the blossoming relationship between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced). 

On a mission of vengeance (or justice depending on how you look at it), the two Jackson teens set forth to Seattle to track down the WLF squad that killed Joel (Pedro Pascal).

Their quest is dark, and the path is full of terrors, including Infected and slain cult members. Yet, there's some sweetness in Dina and Ellie's navigating whether their friendship is going to become something more and what that kiss in the first episode meant. 

But as they bond through conversation, Ellie ducks one question from Dina, declaring its answer "too fucked-up." That question: 

Who was the first person Ellie killed?  Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

Both Ellie and Dina grew up in a world already ravaged by Infected, so killing became a crucial tool — even for kids. Sharing a horse on their way to Seattle, Dina asks Ellie the super casual post-apocalyptic getting-to-know-you question. The former FEDRA trainee brushes off the question, but Season 1, episode 7 revealed the answer: Riley (Storm Reid), Ellie's first love, was the first person she ever had to kill. 

In this flashback episode from Season 1, Ellie is elated to reunite with her best friend, who'd ditched FEDRA for the Fireflies. They spend time together in an abandoned mall, clutching at whatever scraps of carefree girlhood are left in this Cordyceps-ridden world. And it was beautiful day. Then, an Infected attacked, leaving both girls bitten, but only Ellie is immune to the zombifying effects.

The episode cuts away before Riley turns. But what's implied is that Ellie watches her love become Infected, and then has to kill her. It's a terribly tragic story of doomed love, and also not a great tale to tell your new could-be girlfriend as you face untold armies of the undead. Plus, with the grief so fresh from Joel's death, Ellie's probably not willing to reopen the door to her first lost love.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

Watching The Last of Us and want to play the games? Here's how.

In Naughty Dog's game The Last of Us, there's one character who gets a chance to try and make amends for showcasing outright bigoted behaviour. However, in the HBO series, he does a much better job.

Seth (Robert John Burke) is the Jackson resident who hurls homophobic abuse, including a slur, at Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) for kissing at the New Year's Eve dance. Seth's actions in Season 2 of The Last of Us series are just as abhorrent as they are in the game, but it's what he does afterwards that differs from Naughty Dog's version.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2: What are the differences between the game and the HBO show?

In the game, the morning after the dance, Seth is forced by Jackson leader Maria (Rutina Wesley) to apologise to Ellie before she heads out on patrol with Dina. To make further amends, he offers sandwiches for the pair to take on their ride. Ellie gives these "bigot sandwiches" to Jesse (Young Mazino) instead.

In the show, Seth does much more than just offering sandwiches in episode 2. In the Jackson town meeting in episode 3, he strongly supports Ellie's proposal to take a squad to hunt down Joel's (Pedro Pascal's) killers — even before she gives her argument. And later in the episode, when Ellie and Dina are preparing to leave covertly themselves to track Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her crew, Dina says "she knows a guy" who can hook them up with the weapons, medical supplies, and ammo they need to survive the mission.

Featured Video For You Bella Ramsey and 'The Last of Us' team talks Season 2's new characters and Joel in therapy

That guy, as Ellie realises on Jackson's fenced border, is Seth, who emerges from the dark with Dina ready to trade Ellie's gun for a sniper rifle. Seth then helps the pair escape by keeping watch for the next perimeter patrol as they slip out a side gate.

Kitting out Ellie and Dina and helping them escape on a revenge mission does not erase Seth's homophobic actions. But it's a damn sight better a progressive gesture than a couple of breakfast rolls and a forced apology.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Watching The Last of Us and want to play the games? Here's how.

The Last of Us Season 2, episode 3 is chock full of poignant moments, from the subtly altered opening credits to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) scattering coffee beans at the grave of Joel (Pedro Pascal).

But while most of the sadness in the episode is understandably reserved for Ellie, Joel's brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) also gets a tear-jerker of a scene — and it contains a throwback to where it all started.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2: What are the differences between the game and the HBO show? What does Tommy say to Joel's body?

Early on in the episode, Tommy visits a room where Joel is lying covered in a sheet after his brutal death. Tommy is passed a cloth by a Jackson resident that he dips in a bucket of water and uses to clean his brother's body.

As he's wiping Joel's arm, Tommy notices his smashed watch, still on his wrist. He pauses and stares at the place where his brother's face is covered by the sheet.

"Give Sarah my love," he says.

Featured Video For You 'The Last of Us' Season One recap in 60 seconds Who is Sarah, and what's the deal with the watch?

It's been a while since Season 1 aired, so you could be forgiven for not remembering who Sarah is, or why the watch is significant. The two are very much connected, though, and it all links back to the show's very first episode.

Sarah (Nico Parker) is, of course, Joel's daughter, who dies at the end of episode 1 after she's shot by a soldier during the start of the cordyceps outbreak. Before she dies, one of the last things Sarah does is to get Joel's watch fixed for his birthday (as well as procuring a copy of Curtis and Viper 2, one of Joel's favourite films). This is the same watch — now broken — that Tommy sees on Joel's wrist when he's cleaning his body. It's likely what makes him think of Joel's daughter Sarah, also Tommy's niece, prompting him to ask Joel to give her his love in death.

In a moving moment later in the episode, Ellie discovers Tommy has left Joel's watch for her as a gift in their home.

New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

Watching The Last of Us and want to play the games? Here's how.

If you thought the emotional pain had to ease off after the devastation-fest that was The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2, this week's episode clearly had other ideas.

Because although episode 3 may not have been quite as gut-churning, there were still plenty of moments to catch us out — from Tommy's (Gabriel Luna's) comment about Sarah (Nico Parker) to the subtle tweak to the show's opening credits.

Another of these moments saw Ellie (Bella Ramsey) visiting the grave of Joel (Pedro Pascal), and marking the moment with a gesture that links back to Season 1. So what exactly does Ellie do, and why is it significant? Let's break it down.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2: What are the differences between the game and the HBO show? What happens in The Last of Us Season 2, episode 3?

After sneaking out of Jackson with Dina (Isabela Merced) to track down Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her crew, the pair stop at the graveyard 10 miles south of Jackson that Tommy told Ellie about earlier in the episode. In the morning sunlight Ellie finds Joel's grave, which reads "Beloved brother and father." She crouches, opens a small sack, and sprinkles some coffee beans onto the soil.

Then she smiles, shakes her head, and places a hand on the earth. When she leaves, she has tears in her eyes.

The coffee beans clearly represent something important to her, but given that it's been a while since Season 1 aired, you'd be forgiven for forgetting exactly why.

The answer lies in Season 1, episode 4, and one of the many formative bonding moments in Joel and Ellie's relationship.

Featured Video For You 'The Last of Us' Season One recap in 60 seconds Why does Ellie sprinkle the coffee on Joel's grave?

Season 1, episode 4 sees Joel and Ellie heading cross country to Kansas City. After a night camping in the woods, Ellie is woken by the rattling of liquid bubbling in a pot. She crawls over, sniffs it, and makes a face. "Urgh, what the fuck is that?" she asks.

"You don't like coffee?" responds Joel.

Later, in the truck, Ellie has more questions. "Is that seriously what those Starbucks in the QZ used to sell?"

"Well, theirs was a lot fresher than what Bill saved up, but yeah, this is what they sold," replies Joel.

"Smells like...burned shit," is Ellie's blunt feedback.

And Joel's response? Taking a long, purposeful slurp before telling Ellie to keep her eyes on the map.

Although the many tragedies the pair went through together solidified their bond, it's these light-hearted moments that Ellie clearly remembers with the most fondness.

New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

We're still not over the death of Joel (Pedro Pascal) but, like it or not, The Last of Us is entering a new chapter — and that means some brand new opening credits.

The change in opening credits between Season 2, episode 2 and episode 3 isn't a big revamp, but it's still pretty devastating in a subtle way.

So what's the difference?

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 3: Why does Ellie sprinkle coffee on Joel's grave? How are The Last of Us Season 2, episode 3 opening credits different?

Aside from the crushing absence of Pedro Pascal's name at the very start of The Last of Us' opening credits, the sequence in Season 2, episode 3 looks pretty much the same as usual: The camera winds through a morphing, cordyceps-inspired tapestry, with fungal plants sprouting into the shape of a city alongside the names of the cast and crew.

The change, however, comes right at the very end. In previous episodes, the camera moved through a spiral of fungus to show a blurry and overgrown landscape, from which two distant silhouettes — mean to represent Joel and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) — sprout up from the ground. In episode 3, however, the smaller silhouette is the only one that remains.

Featured Video For You Bella Ramsey and 'The Last of Us' team talks Season 2's new characters and Joel in therapy

Seeing the two shapes in previous episodes re-enforced the idea that it was Joel and Ellie against the world, two survivors struggling through a post-apocalyptic landscape together. Now, the message is clear: Ellie is on her own again. Joel is gone, and she's going to have to carve out her own path.

New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

Apple's augmented reality glasses may be dead (or at least on hold), but it sounds like the company is still working on a different kind of smart glasses.

Mark Gurman's latest Power On newsletter at Bloomberg (via 9to5Mac) reported that Apple is continuing work on a pair of smart glasses, just a couple of months after a different Bloomberg report indicated Apple's AR glasses were not happening anymore. According to Gurman, the glasses that are currently being worked on are more akin to Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration, in that they will be filled with tech, but will stop short of offering real augmented reality displays.

SEE ALSO: Apple plans to produce all U.S.-sold iPhones in India, report claims

Gurman stated that they would be powered by Apple Intelligence and could "analyze the surrounding environment and feed information to the wearer," though to what degree it can do that is still unknown. The Meta version of this concept is largely influencer-focused and allows for glasses-based photography and Instagram live-streaming, though apparently Apple is not entirely committed to allowing photography on its glasses yet for privacy reasons.

At any rate, it'll probably be at least a couple of years before we see the fruits of all this labor, if we see it at all. Maybe the smart glasses dream will live on.

I love rugs. Anyone who's ever seen The Big Lebowski knows that a good one can really bring a room together. The only problem is, I have a dog that sheds, drools, and makes every other kind of dog-related mess you can think of. That basically means that any time I get a new rug, it's ruined in a short amount of time. Huge bummer.

So, when I came across Tumble's rugs on both my TikTok and Instagram feeds, I knew I had to try one out for myself. Why? They promise that their rugs are machine washable (when it's not possible to spot clean), spill-resistant, comfortable, and a good fit for homes with pets. Music to my ears.

But are Tumble's claims too good to be true? I set out to find the answer, and after about a month of use, I walked away from my experience with Tumble very impressed. My Tumble rug is one of my favorite additions to my apartment in recent memory.

SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price? What I loved about my Tumble rug

My time with Tumble started strong. Right out of the box, I was really happy with how the rug looked — I already knew what design I'd be getting ahead of time, but it looked even better in person. I went for the Wren rug in Olive and Sand, which is a cool take on the trendy checkerboard design that fits perfectly into my home's aesthetic. The colors are vibrant, and the materials feel high-quality.

The rug and included rug pad came neatly rolled up in the shipping box, along with a small envelope containing setup and care instructions, as well as some adhesive pads. I placed the quarter-inch-thick rug pad down first, right where my kitchen table lives. Now, I expected to throw the rug on top and call it a day, but Tumble goes the extra mile here. Using a corner-pocket design on the bottom part of the rug, you can slide the rug pad into each pocket, ensuring that the pad won't slide out of position.

After that, I slapped the adhesive pads to the bottom to lock everything in place. I tried my best to move it, but the rug wouldn't budge, and it's stayed that way for an entire month. As an aside, I also thought the rug was quite comfortable to walk on — the fabric isn't a plush material, but it's still soft to the touch, and the rug pad below it gives it a nice bounce. So, if you need a runner or office rug, I can definitely recommend Tumble.

The rug's surface is still looking great even after a month of heavy traffic. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Tumble rugs pass the stain test

The whole point of a washable rug is to, you know, wash it. And I definitely got to stress-test Tumble's stain resistance.

Fortunately for you, my dog decided to throw up her dinner on the rug just one week into my test. Usually, I wouldn't enjoy cleaning up dog puke, but this time was different — it was an opportunity to put Tumble's machine-washable claims to the test. I wiped up the excess and carefully lifted the rug away from the rug pad. Then, I chucked the rug into my washing machine and started a cold cycle. Once that was done, I did a quick inspection of the rug and my machine to make sure there wasn't any damage, but it still looked great, and the stains my pet added to it were totally gone.

After a quick tumble dry, I placed the rug back in its spot. I was very happy with the results; it looked as good as new.

SEE ALSO: The Ninja Swirl is even better and more fun than the original Creami

For smaller messes, clean-up is even easier. The rug is made using spill-resistant materials, so whenever a liquid hits the fabric, it'll start to pill up instead of working its way into the fibers. Anytime something got on the rug, I was able to quickly wipe it up with a damp paper towel and move on with my day. I even spilled part of a matcha latte on it at one point, and it didn't stain, which felt like a small miracle.

What I didn't love about my Tumble rug

My Tumble rug experience was not without its flaws, though they've been pretty easy to overlook. For one, I didn't love that I could see the rug pad under the rug. It wasn't sticking out the sides thanks to the rug's underside pockets, but there was a noticeably raised area where the pad sits, and I couldn't mask it no matter what I tried. Not a huge deal in my opinion, but you've been warned. Finally, my rug did start showing very small signs of wear and tear on the sides, but this will happen to any rug you put down in high-traffic areas like a kitchen, playroom, or hallway.

A very small amount of fraying has started on the sides of the rug. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable The rug pad shows through the actual rug just a bit. Can you see it? Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Are Tumble rugs worth the price?

Tumble's rugs aren't cheap. The brand's smallest size is priced at $119 (the one that I tested), and their largest sizes run well over the $400 mark. But if you're more concerned about durability and convenience over luxuriousness, I think Tumble is well worth the investment. And that's especially if you have pets or children running around. One day, when you're wiping up yet another pee puddle or rogue glass of orange juice with ease, you'll be thankful you shelled out for a Tumble rug.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tumble Tumble Shiraz Terracotta & Sky washable rug $139.30 at Tumble
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How to play 'The Last of Us' games The Last of Us: Part 1 (Playstation) $48.99 Shop Now The Last of Us: Part 1 (Steam) $59.99 Shop Now The Last of Us: Part 2 Remastered (Playstation) $49.99 Shop Now The Last of Us: Part 2 Remastered (PC Code) $49.99 Shop Now

So, uh, season two of The Last of Us really started out with a bang, huh? (Beware, that link contains spoilers for the season's second episode.)

If you're as obsessed as we are with HBO's adaptation of the video game franchise with the same name, then we highly recommend playing through the source material. Seriously, if you haven't played either of these games, consider it required reading (or playing, we guess).

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2 review: Joel and Ellie's return devastates and infuriates

If you're not a gamer but you're ready to experience The Last of Us in its original form, we've put together a handy guide for how you can do exactly that in the most efficient, cost-effective way.

What console can I play The Last of Us games on?

Up until recently, The Last of Us series had been playable exclusively on PlayStation consoles. Now, the PlayStation 5 versions of the game can also be played on PC, including The Last of Us Complete, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and The Last of Us Part I. The older editions of the games — The Last of Us Part II and The Last of Us Remastered — are playable on both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

How can you play The Last of Us series on Xbox? You can't. For the forseeable future, both Xbox and Nintendo players are out of luck when it comes to TLOU.

Welcome to Seattle. Credit: Naughty Dog What are all the editions of The Last of Us?

There are a few different versions of The Last of Us floating around out there. He's a breakdown of what each edition includes so you know which one to buy:

The Last of Us Complete ($99.99): This is the most complete version of the series you're going to find, and it's exactly what you'll want to get if you've never played the games before. It includes the PlayStation 5 (and PC) versions of The Last of Us Part I, The Last of Us: Left Behind, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, as well as the No Return roguelike mode that came bundled with the sequel's PS5 remaster. You'll also get the bonus features that came with both games, including Lost Levels, developer commentary, and more. There's a physical collector's edition of Complete as well, but it's currently sold out at the time of this writing.

The Last of Us Part II ($39.99): Even if you don't have a PlayStation 5, you can still play the original, non-remastered version of The Last of Us Part II. This is the base game, so it doesn't include any bonus features, but it's definitely the most inexpensive iteration.

The Last of Us Part I ($69.99): The most up-to-date version of the first The Last of Us game for PlayStation 5 and PC, which comes with the Left Behind DLC and a few other in-game extras. If you've only ever played the older version, it's worth hopping into this one to experience the story with a fresh coat of paint.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered ($49.99): The most up-to-date version of The Last of Us Part II for PlayStation 5 and PC, which includes No Return and the bonus features we outlined in Complete. If you've already played the first game and still need to play the second, but don't want to spend $100, this is the version you want.

The Last of Us Remastered ($19.99): The PlayStation 4 version of the original game, which also comes bundled with the Left Behind DLC.

The Last of Us: Left Behind DLC ($9.99): Finally, if you haven't played the DLC and want to check it off your list, you can buy it as a standalone game. Absolutely play this if you want the full TLOU experience.

Are there any other ways to play?

Finally, a PlayStation Plus Extra membership will gain you access to the PS Plus Game Catalog, which is an Xbox Game-Pass-esque collection of titles that you can download and play whenever you want. At the time of this writing, The Last of Us Remastered (which also comes with Left Behind) is included in the catalog. It's the PlayStation 4 version of the game, but it's still playable on PS5.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only $14.97 (reg. $199) before codes sell out. Fewer than 50 are left in stock, and there's only one more day for this all-time low price.

If you haven't heard already, Microsoft has officially announced the countdown clock on Windows 10. Are you still running your PC on this dated operating system? Now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade your device's performance, because the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, is now less than $15 until the end of today. However, codes are limited.

With these Windows 11 Pro keys, you can completely revamp two compatible PCs, whether they're your personal or work computers. For starters, you'll enjoy a refreshed user interface that's been designed to be intuitive and aesthetically pleasing with rounded corners.

This updated operating system provides more than just an improved navigation experience. New productivity tools like snap layouts, easy redocking, and improved voice typing can help you complete personal and professional tasks, and you'll even have a more powerful search experience to get you further.

Digital safety is paramount for anyone online, which is why Windows 11 Pro is outfitted with enhanced security measures like Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, BitLocker device encryption, and more for greater peace of mind as you browse, stream, or game. And speaking of gaming, this operating system is designed to improve PC gaming graphics with DirectX12 Ultimate.

Since this is the Pro version of Windows 11, you'll additionally get remote work-friendly features, such as remote desktop access for viewing files and running programs from your mobile device. There's also Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for extra professional usage.

You have until tonight, April 27, at 11:59 p.m. PT to score this Windows 11 Pro discount for just $14.97. Act while the price is still at an all-time low, or before codes sell out for good.

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TL;DR: Ready to work peacefully with PDFs forever? Let PDF Expert serve as your mediator with their $139.99 lifetime subscription for Mac. 

If you're looking for a more convenient way to tackle all the struggles that come with working on a PDF, PDF Expert is ready to help. This easy-to-use PDF editor is an award-winning app that lets you insert images and links, convert files, and more — and right now it can be yours for life for just $139.99.

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PDFs are part of modern life, whether you like it or not. With PDF Expert, dealing with them doesn’t have to be a headache. This Apple Editors’ Choice award winner gives you the tools to handle forms, signatures, and edits with ease.

From school permission slips to medical forms, filling out PDFs is as simple as clicking a few fields. And when it’s time to sign, the one-time signature feature makes it quick and painless.

Adding a graph to a report or inserting links to other pages or websites is just as simple. Find a typo? You can fix it, update a number, or add a new paragraph, all within PDF Expert. Annotating tools also let you highlight important content, insert pop-up notes, write notes in the margins, or add a stamp to help with workflow. 

If you need to organize a messy PDF, PDF Expert is up for the challenge. Merge multiple files into one, manage specific pages, or split PDFs into separate files, all on the app. You can also turn your PDF into a JPG, an editable Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, or a PowerPoint presentation in just a few clicks. 

Take the hassle out of working with PDFs with a lifetime subscription to the PDF Expert Premium Plan for Mac for just $139.99.

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