TL;DR: Score a one-year BJ’s membership for $15 (reg. $60) and save up to 20¢/gal. on gas through April 30 — just in time for spring shopping and road trips. Opens in a new window Credit: BJ's Wholesale Club 1-year The Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal $15 $60 Save $45   Get Deal The warmer weather tends to sneak up fast, and so do those grocery bills and gas receipts. A one-year membership to BJ’s Wholesale Club is one of those simple upgrades that can make everyday shopping feel a little more manageable.You can currently grab a Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal for just $15 (reg. $60) through April 30, which opens the door to savings across groceries, household essentials, and even your weekend cookout prep. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! Let’s start with the obvious, though. Gas prices. Members already get everyday savings at BJ’s Gas, but during this promo window, you’ll get an extra 15¢ off per gallon stacked on top of the usual 5¢ discount — bringing your total to 20¢ off per gallon through April 30.Inside the club, it’s all about stretching your dollar further. BJ’s is known for offering competitive pricing on national brands, plus a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, bakery items, and deli favorites. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, stocking up for a party, or just trying to cut down on weekly grocery runs, buying in bulk can help simplify things.There’s also something to be said for convenience. Fewer trips to the store, more options in one place, and access to seasonal items that make spring and summer feel extra special.Get a one-year Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® for just $15 (reg. $60) and enjoy an extra 15¢ off per gallon at any of the 199 BJ’s gas stations through April 30.Grabbing this deal? Build your cart to $100+ and score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 free with code GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) through April 19.Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. Prices subject to change.StackSocial prices subject to change.

With the fervor of Heated Rivalry, there's a fierce desire among book readers for even more hockey. On Sunday, April 19, at BookCon, the "You Had Me at Hockey: A Look at One of Sports Romance's Hottest Genres", authors Rachel Reid (Heated Rivalry, Game Changer), Emily Rath (Pucking Around), Ngozi Ukazu (Check Please), Stephanie Archer (The Wild Card), and Kate Cochrane (Wake Up, Nat & Darcy) were joined by moderator and fellow author Bal Khabra (Collide) to discuss the rise and continued success of hockey romance.Khabra kicked off the panel, asking just how hockey became so popular. Ukazu joked that it was as if the genre "escaped containment," like when the Omegaverse went mainstream, while Reid described the mystery around hockey, saying, "what [the players] are doing seems impossible." Archer also added that the sport itself is exceptionally hard on the body, and the celebrity around players, especially in Canada, is fun to play with.But there's more to the genre's success than the tropes. "It has to be said," Rath argued, "that the cornerstone of why this is so popular in publishing is racism." She went on to say that straight, white women's voices dominated the romance genre for so long, pointing out that hockey is also the whitest sport. Among major league sports, the NHL is the most predominantly white. In 2022, ESPN reported that 83.6% of league players and staff were white, compared to the NFL, where 25-27% of players are white, or the NBA, where white players make up 17.5% of the league.Zooming into the genre, the authors also spoke about the writing process. They dove into the deeper aspects of their work, even the smut. Rath said, "I think the least sexy thing you can ever do is write a sex scene." A similar sentiment came up during Reid's Saturday panel, where she described using the sex scenes to further the emotional arc. When readers ask authors if they can skip the spice, Archer says of her own books, "No, you can't skip the sex scenes. You're missing so much character development if you don't go on the journey with them."The panel turned to the future, too. Many of the authors write BIPOC and queer representation into their novels, in a genre that often centers on whiteness and homophobia. "We're writing the world as we want it to be," Rath said.Reid has found that there is progress toward a future that these authors and their readers want to see, saying that the NHL is interested in working with them. "People on the inside, they really want to work toward change and want to make this happen."With the hockey fandom at an all-time high, there's a whole team behind these authors ready to drive change.

Apple's got new headphones in its lineup. Or does it?The new AirPods Max 2 are the first proper upgrade to the company's first and only set of over-the-ear headphones, which came out in 2020; the revised version in 2024 only got a USB-C port instead of Lightning, and Apple, again, just called them AirPods Max.Now, the AirPods Max 2 are here, but the list of upgrades is once again pretty short. I've spent about a week with a pair to see whether these are worth their price; here's what I found. SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026 — we tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats Design, colors, battery life: No changesThis is the first time, and possibly the last time, I'm lumping all of these together in a headphone review. The reason is simple: They're all the same. The design, weight, and dimensions haven't changed at all. Even the colors on offer are the same: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange. I've had an old pair of Midnight AirPods Max with USB-C (check my full review), and the new ones Apple sent me were Blue. There's literally no way of telling that these are different model numbers and two years apart. On the left, the new AirPods Max 2. On the right, the old AirPods Max. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable To be fair, there isn't very much I'd change here, design-wise. These headphones look great, they're incredibly sleek and comfortable, and even though I rarely use the physical controls on the right earcup, I have no improvement suggestions there, either. Some people complain that the AirPods Max are too heavy. At 386.2 grams, they are pretty chunky; for comparison, Sony's WH-1000XM6 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which are also wireless, over-the-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, both weigh roughly 130 grams less. I don't mind the weight, but if you do, just note that nothing has changed in this regard since the very first AirPods Max model. Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.What does annoy me is the fact that the AirPods Max can only be fully folded inwards, and when you do that, the chance of one earcup chaffing and scratching the other gets very high with each movement. Apple's Smart Case is practically a must-carry for this reason alone, but I'm unhappy to report that the case is still the same as before: Unsightly and not very protective. I like the look of the AirPods Max 2, and I don't mind the fact that they're pretty heavy but...they are pretty heavy. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable The Blue color was nicer than I thought, because it's far more silver than blue. It is a lot flashier and more noticeable on your head than Midnight, so if you're looking for something subdued, Blue isn't it. It is odd, however, that Apple didn't introduce at least one new color with the new model. Battery life is still listed at 20 hours with noise cancellation on, and I didn't notice any difference between the old and the new model. They sound pretty much the same, tooIf you're shopping for a pair of headphones, the way they sound should be pretty high on your list of priorities. With the AirPods Max 2, Apple left most of the hardware unchanged, with the biggest difference being the new H2 chip. In theory, it should improve sound quality; in its marketing materials, Apple says the new model offers "elevated sound quality." As hard as I tried, I couldn't hear the difference when it comes to sound quality. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Both the old AirPods Max and the new ones sound excellent. They offer a wide soundstage and plenty of detail across all frequencies. The sound is tuned so that the bass and treble are pronounced, while the mid-range is a little subdued. I prefer to fix that with a trick: On the iPhone, go to Settings - Accessibility - Audio & Visual - Headphone Accommodations; turn the setting on, and select "Tune audio for Balanced Tone". I have it set to Moderate, which makes the overall sound brighter and the vocals more present. With or without such tinkering, I could not hear the difference between the old and new models. My initial setup was to remove all equalization, turn off Bluetooth, connect the headphones to a MacBook Pro with a USB-C cable, and play some hi-res lossless track on Apple Music, while alternating between the two models. In such a setting, the two models sounded exactly the same. With the biggest improvement to the new model being the H2 chip, I thought perhaps I could get a bigger difference by going wireless, and switching between various modes and options, including Transparency mode and Noise Cancellation. Nope. I still couldn't hear a difference, aside from noise cancelling being better on the new model (more on that in a bit). Better noise cancellation and tons of new software features The noise cancellation has been improved. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Apple says the new H2 chip improves noise cancellation by 1.5x compared to the old model. I can't vouch for that exact figure, but the noise cancellation has been audibly improved. I've tested it by blasting white noise and jet engine noise on various speakers around the house, and not only did the new AirPods Max 2 blocked more noise, but they were also better at reducing noise depending on where I turned or how I moved my head. That said, Apple's AirPods Max 2 still aren't particularly great at noise cancellation. While not directly comparable as they're a different type of headphone, Apple's own AirPods Pro 3 earbuds are a better choice, and not by a little. Wearing them on a busy street makes the outside noise vanish in a spectacular fashion; the AirPods Max 2 make the noise more tolerable, but the effect isn't nearly as noticeable. The AirPods Pro 3 are worth mentioning here because they also have the H2 chip, and with this latest upgrade, Apple's AirPods Max 2 are essentially catching up with them. This means the AirPods Max 2 now also have features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Loud Sound Reduction, and Siri Interactions. These are all great since they're optional. For example, I like to manually switch Noise Cancellation on and off, but if you prefer the headphones to do it automatically, Adaptive Audio is the way. Still pretty great, but not all that new The AirPods Max 2 are still a great product, but if you have an old model, you don't really need to upgrade. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable The AirPods Max 2 are Apple's only over-the-ear headphones (if you don't count Beats), and they're an excellent product. They sound pretty good, play nice with Apple hardware, they look great, and they're very comfy (if you don't mind the weight). They're pricy, and you can get better-sounding headphones for the money, but you will never get all of the features listed above in one product. As a second-generation product, however, they aren't great. They're basically the same as the original, with the only meaningful upgrade being the new H2 chip. This does enable a number of new features as well as improve noise cancelling, but that's where the list of improvements ends. And yes, they're still priced at $549, which is more than you'll pay for similar headphones from Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser. As a result, I can recommend the new AirPods Max 2 in one case only: If you're an avid Apple user shopping for over-the-ear headphones for the first time. If you have a pair of old AirPods Max at home, it's not worth upgrading, and I'd argue that if you just need something that cancels noise well, you'd do better if you just bought the AirPods Pro 3. Apple AirPods Max 2 $529.99 at Amazon   See It at Amazon

With May the 4th coming up, my nephew and I are getting ready for our mandatory apartment tradition: hitting up BrickinBad (a local "Lego collector hub") so he can pick out a new set for us to build together over the weekend. Neither of us is a huge Star Wars fan, but you don't have to be to appreciate a good Lego build. SEE ALSO: We know it's only April, but Star Wars fans should grab the Lego Gingerbread AT-AT while it's back in stock Lego's annual May the 4th drop is known for being an expensive, shelf-clearing event. But looking at the 2026 lineup, the prices are pretty reasonable. Yes, there's a $250 Ultimate Collector Series ship in the mix, but most sets run just under $50.The official promotional event runs from May 1 to May 6, but seven of the eight new sets hit shelves early on April 26. But, if you hold off and buy them in May, Lego will throw in exclusive freebies — like a free Darksaber set if you spend over $160.Whether you're treating yourself to some new desk decor or taking a kid on a weekend toy run, here's the full breakdown:Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter (75442) If you're going to splurge this Star Wars day, make it this one. Credit: Lego It wouldn't be May the 4th without a ridiculously detailed Ultimate Collector Series model to anchor the event. This 1,809-piece N-1 Starfighter is the priciest set of the bunch at $249.99, but buying it automatically scores you an exclusive Mandalorian and Grogu Display gift. It drops on May 1 for Lego Insiders and May 4 for everyone else, so you'll want to jump on it before it sells out. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter (75442) $249.99 at Lego   Shop Now Lego Star Wars The Razor Crest (75447)If you want a more affordable weekend project ($250 is kind of steep), Mando's iconic original ship is a great alternative. This 930-piece version of the Razor Crest hits shelves on April 26, and if you wait to buy it during the May event for $149.99, it qualifies for a free Razor Crest mini-build. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars The Razor Crest (75447) $149.99 at Lego   Pre-order Here Lego Star Wars Grogu, Mandalorian Apprentice (75446) Because there's no such thing as too much Grogu. Credit: Lego For fans who prefer building characters over ships, this 1,200-piece model portrays Grogu in his apprentice era. (Holding off to buy this one in May also gets you the free Razor Crest mini-build.) It's intricate enough to display on an office desk without looking too toy-ish, plus there's really no such thing as too much Grogu merchandise in your apartment. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Grogu, Mandalorian Apprentice (75446) $129.99 at Lego   Pre-order Here Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship (75445) A must-have if you love Babu Frik. Credit: Lego If you're a fan of Babu Frik and his adorable droidsmith species, this 701-piece ship is a mid-range option. It drops on April 26 for $74.99 and is another set that'll score you the free Razor Crest mini-build if purchased during the promotional window. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship (75445) $74.99 at Lego   Pre-order Here Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75439) Come to the dark side. Credit: Lego You can grab this 349-piece Darth Vader bust starting April 26. It's great if you just want a small, $49.99 piece of the May the 4th action for your desk. If you want to complete a classic trilogy display while building up your cart to hit that $160 Darksaber freebie threshold, you might want to consider adding the Yoda bust to your cart too. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75439) $49.99 at Lego   Learn More Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack A fun, action-focused build. Credit: Lego At 297 pieces, this AT-RT Attack is the smallest and most affordable set of the entire drop. It hits shelves on April 26 for $44.99, giving you a quick, action-focused build that qualifies you for the free Razor Crest mini-build. It's also a great pick if you're taking a kid on a toy run and don't want to do any real damage to your bank account. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack $44.99 at Lego   Learn More Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains (40856) A solid mid-size build to celebrate the iconic duo. Credit: Lego This 661-piece set drops just ahead of the holiday on April 26 and leans heavily into the Mando hype. At just $39.99, get a decent amount of bricks to keep you busy for an afternoon without emptying your wallet. Plus, it's an easy add-on to throw in your cart if you're just trying to cross that $160 finish line for the free Darksaber. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains (40856) $39.99 at Lego   Learn More Lego Star Wars Yoda Bust (75438) A quick, affordable build for fans of the original trilogy. Credit: Lego If you prefer the classics over the newer Disney+ shows, this 399-piece Yoda bust is a quick and affordable build. It won't take up your entire weekend to finish, but still helps you hit the $160 minimum to get the free Darksaber set. Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Yoda Bust (75438) $39.99 at Lego   Learn More

TL;DR: Visual Studio 2026 brings AI-assisted coding, real-time collaboration, and cross-platform development into one powerful IDE, and it’s on sale only through today. Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 $42.97 $499.99 Save $457.02   Get Deal Modern development demands more than just a code editor — it calls for a smarter, faster, and more collaborative environment. And Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 is designed to simplify things in a very real way.This latest version leans heavily into what modern developers actually need: speed, flexibility, and smarter tooling. Built as a fully 64-bit IDE, it handles large solutions and complex workloads without the usual slowdowns, which is especially noticeable when you’re working across multiple projects or environments. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! One of the biggest upgrades here is how seamlessly AI is integrated into your workflow. Instead of feeling like an add-on, features like IntelliCode actively learn from your codebase to suggest entire lines or blocks of code, help refactor on the fly, and reduce repetitive tasks. It’s less about replacing your workflow and more about quietly speeding it up.On the cross-platform side, Visual Studio 2026 keeps things flexible. You can build everything from .NET MAUI mobile apps to web apps with Blazor, and even target Linux or container-based environments — all without jumping between tools. Add in hot reload, and you can make changes in real time without breaking your flow.Collaboration also gets an upgrade. With Live Share, teammates can jump into your session, edit, debug, and test code together without needing to clone repos or configure their entire setup. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference in how quickly teams move.Then there’s CodeLens, which surfaces insights like test status, commit history, and code references directly in your editor, so you’re not constantly context-switching just to understand what’s going on.Don’t miss this 2026 upgrade while it’s on sale. Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 while it’s just $42.97 (reg. $499.99) through April 19.Grabbing this offer? Once your cart hits $100+, add Microsoft Office 2021 and apply GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) at checkout to get a lifetime license for free. Ends April 19.Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. Prices subject to change.StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Charge On the go with 56% off this 8-in-1 keyring cable when you get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for just $21.99 (Reg. $49.99). Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $21.99 $49.99 Save $28.00   Get Deal Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a newbie to the outdoors, there are certain tools you need, including (but not limited to) adequate hydration, proper gear, and backup power options for your phone. With the GoCable, 8 features are combined into one portable tool that might optimize your outdoor experiences.Despite its tiny and discreet design, the eight features included in this versatile cable include:Portable charging: 100W fast charging to speed up how long it takes to juice up your devices.Universal compatibility: Type-C to Type-C + Apple Lightning connectivity.LED display: Track your charging status with real-time visibilityMagnetic cable consolidation: Manage your cables with a discreet design and magnets that prevent tangles.Bottle opener: Conveniently placed bottle opener for opening drinks on the go.Hidden cutter: Sleek and sharp cutting tool, tucked away for safety.Carabiner clip: Secure attachment with a clip-on carabiner.Fast transferring and processing: High-speed file transfer capability.This portable keychain is just as at home on your backpack or on your desk. Unify all of your charging tools with this one streamlined tool, which doesn’t sacrifice charging speed for efficiency.Whether you need to charge a device quickly while transferring files or you need an extra boost of charge on the go, this portable charger and keyring consolidates your convenience devices and your tech tools.And with the carabiner, you can clip this keychain onto anywhere — from your clothes to your bags.Get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for just $21.99 (Reg. $49.99).Grabbing this offer? Once your cart hits $100+, add Microsoft Office 2021 and apply GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) at checkout to get a lifetime license for free. Ends April 19.StackSocial prices subject to change.

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. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayIf 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 hintThe edge. SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerBRINKHurdle Word 2 hintMoody. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerPOUTYMashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayHurdle Word 3 hintAmerica's bird. SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerEAGLEHurdle Word 4 hintA platform.Hurdle Word 4 answerFORUMFinal Hurdle hintCheapskate. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerMISERIf you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

After days of almost (and complete) darkness, the Moon is finally starting to reappear. We're currently in the Waxing Crescent phase of the lunar cycle, which means each night until the Full Moon we'll see it get more illuminated from the right side.What is today’s Moon phase?As of Sunday, April 19, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 5% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.Despite more of it now being illuminated, the percentage of surface is still too little to be able to spot any surface details. Check again tomorrow.When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.What are Moon phases?NASA states that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, during which it passes through eight distinct phases. We always see the same side of the Moon, but the amount of sunlight reflecting off it changes as it moves along its orbit, creating the familiar pattern of full, partial, and crescent shapes. We call these the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 19, 2026 The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 19, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for April 19 PipsEqual (0): Every domino half in this red space must have 0 pips. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically.Equal (3): Every domino half in this purple space must have 3 pips. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.Number (1): The domino half in this light blue space must have 1 pip. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.Equal (4): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 4 pips. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.Equal (2): Every domino half in this dark blue space must have 2 pips. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 19 PipsNumber (7): Everything in this purple space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.Equal (0): Every domino half in this red space must have 0 pips. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.Equal (5): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.Less Than (7): Everything in this yellow space must add up to be less than 7. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically.Number (7): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.Equal (6): Every domino half in this green space must have 6 pips. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.Greater Than (1): The domino half in this purple space must have more than 1 pip. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 19 PipsNumber (2): Everything in this purple space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.Less Than (2): Everything in this red space must add up to be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally; and 0-0, placed vertically.Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.Number (5): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 1-6, placed vertically.Number (2): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.Equal (3): Every domino half in this green space must have 3 pips. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.Number (9): Everything in this purple space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.Number (8): Everything in this red space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be a little easier if you love baseball.As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans. Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: East CoastGreen: Back endBlue: They don't call it soccerPurple: Past and present namesHere are today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: AL East TeamsGreen: First Words of Football PositionsBlue: Premier League ManagersPurple: Nicknames for the Dodgers Franchise, Over TimeLooking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.Drumroll, please!The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #573 is...What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?AL East Teams — BLUE JAYS, ORIOLES, RAYS, YANKEESFirst Words of Football Positions — DEFENSIVE, RUNNING, TIGHT, WIDEPremier League Managers — EMERY, GUARDIOLA, MOYES, SLOTNicknames for the Dodgers Franchise, Over Time — BRIDEGROOMS, DODGERS, ROBINS, SUPERBASDon't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you have a sweet tooth.Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 19, 2026 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: LippyGreen: GownsBlue: Played in VegasPurple: Sweet treatsHere are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: CheekyGreen: Dress measurementsBlue: Cards in Texas Hold 'EmPurple: Last words of candy brands in the singularLooking 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 #1043 is...What is the answer to Connections todayCheeky: ARCH, FRESH, SASSY, WISEDress measurements: BUST, HIPS, LENGTH, WAISTCards in Texas Hold 'Em: FLOP, HOLE, RIVER, TURNLast words of candy brands in the singular: CAP, DUD, KID, MINTDon'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 19, 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 constantly changing.Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Small changeThe words are related to changes. Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe fine-tuning.NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is There I Fixed It.Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayNYT Strands word list for April 19There I Fixed ItAdjustModifyAlterImproveTweakRefineLooking 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 can never sit down.If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 19, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers. Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though. SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:To rise.Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayToday'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...STANDDon'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.

TL;DR: This rare Microsoft bundle deal gives you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro for only $42.97 (reg. $418.99) through May 17. Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $42.97 $418.99 Save $376.02   Get Deal Looking for an affordable way to make your old PC feel new again? If you don’t have the funds to buy a brand new computer, don’t worry. The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is the next best thing, offering your computer a total upgrade for only $42.97 through May 17.Don’t count out your dusty old PC. This Microsoft bundle is here to give it a total facelift for less than $50. It kicks off with a lifetime license to some of the brand’s most popular tools — Microsoft Office, which you’ll pay for once and enjoy without any subscription fees. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! You’ll get permanent access to a suite of eight helpful apps with Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows. It includes staples that have been around for decades, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You’ll also get newer favorites like Teams, OneNote, Access, and Publisher.Once you’ve loaded the apps onto your device, you can upgrade your OS to Windows 11 Pro. It’s an operating system made for modern professionals, with tools that support your workflow. Enjoy a more powerful search experience, improved voice typing, a seamless interface, snap layouts, and much more.You can rest easy knowing Windows 11 Pro takes your cybersecurity seriously. You’ll have biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses to keep your data secure.Show your PC some love with the Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro bundle for only $42.97 (reg. $418.99) now until May 17.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Interested in buying a Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold? You might be permanently out of luck.As spotted by 9to5google, Samsung has updated the online listing for the very big foldable phone to say that the "limited run" device is "now completely sold out." Presumably, that means you simply will not be able to get one at any point in the near future, if ever. 9to5google pointed out that Samsung had never referred to the TriFold as a "limited run" device before this website update.Now, the site recommends users check out the Galaxy S26 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 7 instead. SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch date leaks "Keep visiting samsung.com to make sure you don't miss upcoming one-of-a-kind innovations, and shop the latest foldables and premium mobile devices now from Samsung Galaxy," the site now reads.If you've been following the TriFold saga closely, this isn't terribly surprising. The device launched in Asia late last year, made its western debut at CES in January, and we were already hearing that it might have a limited run by March. Samsung did one final restock online and at a handful of Samsung retail stores around the U.S. in early April, and that was seemingly the end of the line for the TriFold.Maybe this was always the plan, or maybe Samsung quickly realized there was no sustainable way to keep manufacturing a nearly $3,000 smartphone in the age of global memory shortages. Regardless, it seems like anyone who wanted a TriFold either already has one, or will never get one.

The first panel at BookCon drew lines of fans an hour before its start. Fans have shown up in style. I spotted dozens of iterations of t-shirts with the faces of actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storie plastered on them. Boston Raiders, Montreal Metros, and New York Admirals jerseys are in abundance, too. 3,000 fans are here, waiting to see Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney in conversation for the first time.But while this may be the first public conversation between the Heated Rivalry author and show creator on a grand stage, it's clear that these two have been in perfect sync since their first Zoom call. Moderated by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Versha Sharma, Reid and Tierney took to the stage at BookCon for a session called "Game Changing TV: Heated Rivalry." The conversations spanned across their entire collaboration, from their very first DM to the music that makes the show, to how their lives have changed since the show aired.Tierney, whose knack for comedy shines through, discussed how the show moved at a lightning pace. The adaptation kicked off in August 2023, with the first episode airing on November 28, 2025. Heated Rivalry's inception and creation happened at lightning pace for television. Tierney, who was the co-creator and director of Letterkenny, said that, rather than the show being slowed down by roadblocks, at every turn it appeared to accelerate instead. The show was sold to HBO before it was even finished, with episode six only finishing four days before it aired.Reid, who has penned six novels in the Game Changers series, has been involved in the journey since the beginning, first meeting Tierney over Zoom. The author said that throughout the process, she felt respected and involved in reading script drafts and audition tapes.While the show's leads, Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander, and Connor Storie, who portrays Ilya Rozanov, weren't physically present at the panel, both asked questions on behalf of the pair. Storie's question was apt, asking the pair what made them such a mutually good fit for this adaptation. The pair said that their visions have felt instinctively aligned, with Reid noting that, as she wrote the infamous kiss between Scott and Kip depicted in episode 5 of Heated Rivalry, she had an image of the cinematic version, which Tierney was able to bring to life.The show, which has become known for its intimate and plentiful sex scenes, is not there just for the sake of it. Tierney said he wanted to make a show with queer joy and a horny show at that, but more so, sex is a vehicle for the show's characters to be honest and vulnerable with each other.Music also came up, with the show's needle drops, including Tatu's "All The Things She Said" and Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe in Anything," having a renaissance two decades after their release. There's no formal equation to the music; instead, they let the songs be like casting the right actor, with Tierney noting that songs should serve a "specific task."Tierney is in the midst of writing season two of Heated Rivalry, which takes on Reid's sequel, Long Game. The writer and director called Long Game "an emotionally sophisticated book" and said that parts of Reid's Role Model will find their way into season two. For Reid, a new book in the Game Changer series, Unrivaled, is due for a 2027 release. The author is still in the writing stage, mentioning that while she felt pressure writing Long Game, the previous book in the series, Unrivaled presents a whole new challenge because of the show's massive popularity.Fans in the room seemed alight, hearing first-hand from the author and creator of Heated Rivalry, basking in an hour dedicated to a show that set the internet and book world ablaze. Moderator Versha Sharma ended on the sentiment that the whole room could agree on: "Rachel Reid's universe is the world as it should be."

Meta is adding a feature to the web version of Threads that, honestly, probably should've been there a while ago.As spotted by Engadget, Threads executive Connor Hayes posted an image showcasing a new redesign for the web browser version of the Twitter-like social network. It's a pretty substantial redesign, including a bunch of new elements on the left sidebar such as the ability to easily switch between different feeds. Eagle-eyed viewers will also undoubtedly notice the addition of a direct message inbox. That feature has been available in the Threads mobile app since last June, but web users have been without it for almost an entire year. That, seemingly, will change soon. SEE ALSO: Threads has overtaken X in daily users, but only on mobile Hayes' post didn't include a specific timeframe for when this new redesign will go live, so don't get too excited just yet if you're a web-based Threads user who wants to send and receive DMs. The only hint Hayes gave is that users can expect to see some of these updates "in the coming weeks." Longtime social media users might find it strange that there has been such a massive gulf in feature availability between the mobile and web versions of Threads, but it makes a certain amount of sense. Threads has actually become pretty popular, but largely on mobile. X is still the preferred microblogging service on web browsers, at least going by user count. Meta is just operating where its bread is buttered. At least now web users can rest assured that they haven't been forgotten.

TL;DR: Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.Serie A showcases a number of interesting matchups this weekend, including Verona vs. AC Milan. These teams are at either end of the table, so most fans will be expecting a comfortable victory for the visitors. There's always the possibility that the slim chance of survival will drive Verona on to do something special at the Marcantonio Bentegodi.If you want to watch Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.When is Verona vs. AC Milan?Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A kicks off at 9 a.m. ET on April 19. This fixture takes place at the Marcantonio Bentegodi.How to watch Verona vs. AC Milan for freeVerona vs. AC Milan in Serie A is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan for free by following these simple steps:Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)Open up the app and connect to a server in the UKVisit BBC iPlayerLive stream Verona vs. AC Milan for free from anywhere in the world Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Verona vs. AC Milan without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from Serie A before recovering your investment.What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:Servers in 105 countries including the UKEasy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and moreStrict no-logging policy so your data is secureFast connection speeds free from throttlingUp to 10 simultaneous connections30-day money-back guaranteeA two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A for free with ExpressVPN.

Sceye’s High-Altitude Platform System has completed endurance testing, marking a step toward wider deployment. The floating infrastructure aims to deliver internet from the stratosphere. Here’s what this means for the future of connectivity.

After seven years — a metric eternity in tech time — Sony has finally ventured back into the world of Bluetooth turntables. This spring, the company released the Sony PS-LX3BT ($399.99) and the Sony PS-LX5BT ($499.99), a pair of replacements for its original PS-LX310BT record player.These newcomers have big shoes to fill. Long regarded as one of the best beginner-friendly turntables, the PS-LX310BT was a popular, perennial favorite for its easy setup, fully automatic operation, and minimalist look. It also helped that it was easy to find on sale for under $200 in its later years.Admittedly, I never rode the PS-LX310BT hype train. The record player I've used for the past 10-odd years is an entry-level wired, manual turntable that's served me well for the most part, save for some occasional needle issues. I like it a lot... or at least, I thought I did until I used the new PS-LX3BT for a month (the cheaper option). It made me feel so spoiled that I was genuinely bummed to ship it back at the end of my testing period. If you're a vinyl novice in the market for a solid plug-and-play turntable, your search still ends with Sony. Sony PS-LX3BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity $368 at Amazon $398 Save $30   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Sony PS-LX3BT review: Setup and hands onThe PS-LX3BT ships in a few parts and looks a little intimidating right out of the box, but assembly wound up being a cinch. You just pop on its aluminum platter, hook a rubber belt around its motor pulley, place a slip mat on top, and snap some hinges onto its plastic dust cover. (You can also use it without the cover.) Sony's instructions are easy enough to follow, but there are plenty of setup tutorials on YouTube if you need extra guidance. Here's what the Sony PS-LX3BT looks like right out of the box. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable The PS-LX3BT is a belt-drive turntable, which means its motor is separate from its platter, the plate-shaped thing underneath your record. (They're connected by the aforementioned belt.) This produces less vibration when the motor is running, preserving audio quality, though the belt can stretch out over time and may need to be replaced eventually. The other kind of turntable you'll encounter is the direct-drive variety, which has a motor that's attached to the platter. These are more durable and have more consistent speeds, but they can be noisy. Professional DJs generally prefer direct-drive turntables, but belt-driven ones, which tend to be cheaper, are fine for the rest of us. SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card I did notice that the PS-LX3BT made a mechanical whirrr sound when it was on, but it was impossible to hear once a record started playing. This will only bother the pickiest audiophiles. The Sony PS-LX3BT's main housing, or plinth, has a dark gray finish. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable The PS-LX3BT is stupidly simple to use. Hit the "Bluetooth" button on the left-hand side of its base, or plinth, to connect it to a wireless speaker, soundbar, or wireless headphones. An indicator light next to the button glows blue when it's paired.You can also hook up the PS-LX3BT to wired speakers if you're really worried about latency or sound quality. (Bluetooth compresses audio for the trade-off of portability, which, to vinyl purists, defeats the point of listening to analog vinyl.) There's an attached audio cable and a built-in phono preamp, so you just need to plug in your speakers of choice. Two other buttons near the Sony PS-LX3BT's Start button let you manually stop and raise or lower the tonearm as needed. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable Once the PS-LX3BT is connected to some kind of audio output device, you just have to press the green "Start" button on the opposite side of its plinth. Your record will start spinning, and the tonearm will automatically move over, drop down, and start playing it from the beginning. When it reaches the end of the record side, the tonearm rises and returns to its cradle. It makes some mechanical clacking noises along the way, which might bug some folks, but it's great in that it's completely fuss-free.The PS-LX3BT supports standard 12-inch albums or 7-inch singles, and you can play either of them at 33 1/3 or 45 revolutions per minute (RPM). There are knobs that let you switch between the two sizes and speeds on the right-hand side of its plinth. Sony throws in an adapter for 7-inchers, which you can stash in a slot within the plinth. You can rip vinyl records onto your laptop using the Sony PS-LX3BT's USB-B port. Its power cable is removable (right), but its audio cable (left) is not. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable composite The PS-LX3BT's rear connectivity includes a USB-B port that lets you rip vinyl tracks onto your laptop. I didn't have a USB-B cable on hand when I was testing the turntable, so I couldn't try it myself (it's sold separately). But this is a cool feature that I would absolutely use to digitize physical-exclusive bonus tracks, B-sides, and vinyl releases that differ from the streaming versions. I can't be the only one who misses the "Milkshake" sample on Beyoncé's Renaissance.For $100 more, the premium PS-LX5BT model nets you a detachable audio cable, a slightly thicker slip mat, and a gold-plated audio jack, which "supports a high-grade wired connection," according to Sony. (From what I've read, it's mainly a durability thing.) Its plinth is black, while the PS-LX3BT is more of a dark gray. The Sony PS-LX3BT's cartridge has a tracking force of 3.5 grams, which puts it on the heavy side. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable The pricier PS-LX5BT also has a lighter, removable cartridge (the part that houses the needle on the end of its tonearm). Its cartridge has a tracking force of two grams, while the cheaper PS-LX3BT's cartridge has a tracking force of 3.5 grams. I think this is the biggest advantage of splurging on the PS-LX5BT: Lighter cartridges equal less wear and tear on your vinyl. A tracking force of one to three grams is generally ideal, which makes the PS-LX3BT's cartridge a bit heavy. It's not adjustable, unfortunately, though you might be able to jerry-rig a counterweight yourself if you're concerned about long-term vinyl damage. Someone on Reddit lightened the tracking force of their PS-LX310BT (Sony's older turntable) by putting a kneaded eraser on the back end of its tonearm.Sony PS-LX3BT vs. Sony PS-LX310BT: What's new? The original Sony PS-LX310BT (top) versus the newer Sony PS-LX3BT (bottom). Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable composite My sister, who lives nearby, happens to own the original PS-LX310BT, so I stopped by her apartment to check it out. There are a couple of small differences between it and the newer PS-LX3BT, but overall, the latter is a pretty iterative update. (My colleagues have said similar things about Sony's latest XM6 headphones and earbuds. That's modern consumer tech for you.) Here's what sets them apart:The PS-LX3BT adds support for AptX and AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codecs.The PS-LX310BT's Start, Stop, and Up/Down buttons are flush on the side of its plinth. The same buttons protrude on the surface of the PS-LX3BT.The PS-LX310BT's record speed and size dials are knobs on the PS-LX3BT.The PS-LX310BT's dust cover has a smoky gray tint. The PS-LX3BT's cover is clear.The PS-LX310BT retailed for $449.99 at launch, though it was often on sale for half that in recent years. I think it's still worth buying if you can catch it at a very cheap price, but it's getting tougher to find in stock nowadays. The Sony PS-LX3BT's transparent dust cover lets you see colorful pressings clearly. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable If you already own the PS-LX310BT, there's no world in which you'd need to upgrade to the PS-LX3BT. Its design tweaks are minimal, and its tonearm-moving mechanism is exactly the same. In theory, its AptX and AptX Adaptive support translates to better wireless audio quality, but the records I spun on my sister's PS-LX310BT didn't sound worse.Sony PS-LX3BT review: Final thoughts I'm a Sony convert if my current record player dies. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable The PS-LX3BT is a stylish turntable with idiotproof plug-and-play functionality. Its Bluetooth connectivity and automatic operation will turn off vinyl purists, but they're boons for newbies.As someone who came to the PS-LX3BT from a wired, manual record player, I can't deny the appeal of this convenience — and if mine ever gives out, I'll seriously consider defecting to Sony. I'm precious with my vinyl collection, so I'd go with the nicer PS-LX5BT model for the lighter cartridge. The PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT are both expensive compared to other top-rated turntables, so try to buy them on sale. (I think you're mostly paying a premium for the Sony name, though I'm inclined to trust its build quality over other random brands you might find at Best Buy or Amazon.) At the time of writing, both models were up to $30 off at major retailers. Sony PS-LX3BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity $368 at Amazon $398 Save $30   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Sony PS-LX5BT Full Auto Playback Premium Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity $473 at Amazon $499.99 Save $26.99   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony