If you’re in the market for a new laptop and want to get something that’s thin and light yet supremely quick, you don’t need to look much further than Apple’s latest M3-powered 13-inch MacBook Air. It’s one of the best laptops in its class, and the go-to if you aren’t tethered to using Windows. Right now it’s even a bit of a bargain thanks to a discount that means you can pick one up for just $989 in your choice of color. That’s the best price we’ve seen this MacBook Air sell for and a $100 savings.
Those who’d rather buy at Best Buy can do so, but it’ll cost an extra $10. The discounted $999 price is still a great one, however, and is well worth checking out if you’d rather go that route. You can also trade in your old laptop and get up to $900 back, too.
No matter where you buy your new MacBook Air you’ll get a gorgeous 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and an M3 chip that sports an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. It’s also paired with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.
Other features and specifications of note include a 1080p FaceTime HD selfie camera and a Magic Keyboard with built-in Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication and Apple Pay. Color options include black and essentially three different shades of silver, so pick the one you like best before adding anything to your cart.
Prefer your MacBooks to be a little more Pro or need a bigger display? Our list of the best MacBook deals will have you saving money in no time at all.
Ads in Microsoft Windows’ Start menu are nothing new, and it’s no surprise that they’re coming to Windows 11. Microsoft has been testing ads in beta releases, and this week the update that places advertising in the Windows 11 Start menu began rolling out to regular users.
According to Microsoft, the Start menu ads will be comprised of Microsoft Store apps chosen from a “small set of curated developers.” The ads will appear in the Recommended section of the Start menu which previously only showed documents and images that the user had recently used. When you click on an ad, you’ll be redirected to the Microsoft Store to download the app.
Microsoft isn’t just adding advertisements to the Start menu. The update changelog also notes that frequently used apps already installed on the user’s machine will also appear in the Recommended section alongside the ads. Apps will appear there only if they aren’t already pinned to the taskbar or Start menu.
For the time being, the update is optional. You can find it by navigating to Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional updates where you can install update KB5036980.
In addition to Start menu ads, the update includes some additional fixes and improvements. Notably, this update fixes an issue where widget icons on the taskbar can be pixelated or fuzzy. Lock screen widgets are also improved, and Microsoft says that they’ll be more reliable moving forward. Some of minor bug fixes include fixing an issue with the Japanese 106 keyboard layout and a freezing issue with the Settings app. The full documentation is available on Microsoft’s support website.
So far, I’ve had the update installed for a bit and have yet to see any ads, although some users and publications have been able to get them to show up. It’s likely that Microsoft hasn’t turned on advertising for the majority of users yet and will wait to do so until the update rolls out to more machines.
Ads in Windows are nothing new
The Start menu is only the latest victim in Microsoft’s plan to add advertising to as many parts of Windows as it can. However, advertising has been in the operating system for a long time already. Microsoft’s Search UI recommends web articles, apps, games, and other promotional materials. For the most part, users either turn these ads off or have tuned them out.
Windows 10 also had advertising directly in its Start menu, so this is something Microsoft has done before. It was done exactly the same way with promoted apps showing up as tiles that you had to manually remove so you could use that space for other things if you wanted to. In all honesty, it’s surprising that it took Microsoft this long to start adding ads to the Windows 11 Start menu.
When will I get the update with Start menu ads?
The update is available now as an optional update in Windows Update. However, Microsoft lists the KB5036980 update as its April release, so it should start rolling out to everyone within the next couple of weeks. My machine automatically installed the update on its own Wednesday, so it’s not optional for everybody.
You can check to see if you’ve installed it by opening Windows Update and then checking your Update history. If it shows KB5036980, you have the update installed. Should you want to install it yourself, go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates to see if it’s there.
Regardless of whether it’s Wednesday or Thursday, the update is coming eventually, as it is an official Windows 11 update. There is no way around it, and you will have to update eventually if you want to keep your system current.
What do the new ads look like?
The Recommended section of the Start menu will look exactly the way it does right now. However, you’ll occasionally see a recommendation for an app. It’s easy enough to ignore, especially if you already don’t use the Recommended section very often.
There seem to be two designs floating around. Microsoft’s promotional materials show the design above, where you’ll see an app with an app icon and a tagline. In the example, the advertised app is 1Password with the tagline “Save passwords safely.” Clicking on it will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you’ll be immediately directed to 1Password’s store page so that you can download it. If you ignore the ad, then it just sits there harmlessly.
Another design was spotted by Windows Latest. Its screenshots look like the one above, except its has a small box next to the tagline that says “Sponsored” along with the other details.
With other Start menu recommendations, users can right-click on them and dismiss the recommendation. This may also apply to ads, but until they roll out to the general public, this is untested.
How do I turn off Start menu ads?
Microsoft includes a way to remove advertising from Windows 11. Here is the easiest method to turn Start menu ads off.
Open your Start menu.
Right-click any blank space and click Start settings
Scroll down until you find the Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
Toggle that setting off.
You can also reach that setting by opening Windows Settings and then going to Personalization > Start. Or you can hit the Windows key on your keyboard and type Start settings to find it through search.
Do this while you’re at it
During Windows setup, it’ll ask you if you want Microsoft to share your “advertising ID” with third parties so that the ads you see are better targeted to you. The idea of sharing personal information with unnamed third parties makes a lot of people squeamish, so a lot of people turn that setting off. Here’s how:
Open Windows Settings.
Navigate to Privacy & Security > General.
Find the Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID and toggle it off.
You can also find this setting by opening Windows Search and typing “advertising ID” to get to the setting immediately. With that ticked off, Microsoft shouldn’t share anything with third-party advertisers, which means any ads you do see won’t be personalized directly to you.
It’s hard to appreciate the difference a good soundbar makes until you actually have one in your home. They can completely change the experience of watching shows and movies, with room-filling audio and a far more immersive soundscape. And right now you can upgrade your home theater setup for less by picking up the JBL Bar 9.1 surround sound system at a 50% discounted directly at JBL. That’s thanks to a mix of a 42% discount on the store and our exclusive code WELCOMEXCNET that takes an extra $100 off at checkout. The code’s valid until 11.59 p.m. on April 28, so be quick if you want the full savings.
The JBL Bar 9.1 set comes with a soundbar, two detachable speakers, and a subwoofer as well. You can position these around your room for an optimum audio experience. The bar itself has four upfiring speakers, which means they’ll shoot sound towards the ceiling in order to have you feel as though the sound is coming from everywhere in your room. And with Dolby Atoms support, the end result is proper 3D sound from your TV shows, films and games.
You can also easily connect to your soundbar via Bluetooth, which means that you can play music from your phone through it as well. That makes it great in party settings or if you just want a more immersive way to listen to Taylor Swift’s latest. Just make sure you remember the code WELCOMEXCNET at checkout for the full discount, and have at one of the best soundbar deals going right now.
Buying a new smartwatch for your iPhone generally means picking up an Apple Watch, and that’s no bad thing. In fact, we consider the latest Apple Watch Series 9 to be one of the best smartwatches on the market, which makes this sale all the more impressive. Right now Best Buy will sell you one of Apple’s latest models with a massive $100 discount across multiple different colors and configurations.
You can order a new Apple Watch Series 9 in the 41mm size at the retailer for just $299 and the cellular version is available for just $399 as well. Prefer your Apple Watch a little bigger? The 45mm with cellular connectivity will set you back just $429 as part of this Best Buy sale.
The Apple Watch Series 9 was released in fall 2023 and features the latest S9 chipset, the first meaningful processor change since the Apple Watch Series 6, for improved speed and power efficiency. The device also features a new Double Tap gesture that opens up some one-handed use possibilities, while also being the first model to include on-device Siri commands. Ultra Wideband capabilities and a brighter display are also on board.
Apple Watch wearers have access to a bevy of health and fitness tracking capabilities plus an App Store full of apps for streaming audio, communicating with friends and even playing games. And with Apple Pay support you can make payments on the go even if you don’t have your wallet or iPhone with you.
Best Buy’s current sale is slated to end Sunday, April 28, so we expect these Apple Watch savings will expire then too, so factor that into any buying decision. And for more savings on various other Apple Watch models, be sure to hit up our dedicated Apple Watch deals roundup for the latest discounts and promotions.
While fans still have a wait in store for a third Sonic the Hedgehog film (now tipped to feature Keanu Reeves, no less, as Shadow), the good news is that a star-packed spinoff is about to hit TV screens with the release of Knuckles.
Taking place between the second and third Sonic movies, the six-episode series once again melds live-action with CGI lead characters and follows Sonic’s spiky sidekick, Knuckles, as he embarks on a personal adventure after reluctantly agreeing to train Wade (played by Adam Pally) in the fighting style of the Echidna warriors.
Idris Elba will once again be providing Knuckles’ deep voice with the British actor reprising his role from the Sonic 2 movie, while there’s the promise of guest appearances from Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails and Ben Schwartz as the iconic blue hedgehog. The cast also features Tika Sumpter, Stockard Channing, Kid Cudi, Edi Patterson, Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso), Rory McCann and Cary Elwes.
Read on to find out how to watch Knuckles, no matter where you are in the world.
When is the release date for Knuckles?
All six episodes of Knuckles will premiere in the US and Canada on Friday, April 26, via Paramount Plus. The show is set to hit the streaming service in most other territories around the world, including the UK and Australia, the following day. Japan is seemingly the exception, with the show not set to hit the region until later in the year.
How to watch Knuckles from anywhere on VPN
So, what if you’re traveling outside your home country and want to enjoy the show or want an added layer of privacy for streaming? There is an option that doesn’t require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a VPN, or virtual private network.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the show. If you find yourself unable to watch locally, a VPN can come in handy. Plus, it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
Most VPNs, like CNET’s Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it easy to virtually change your location. Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals.
Watch Knuckles in the US, Canada, UK and Australia
Knuckles is exclusive to streaming service Paramount Plus. Retro gaming fans around the globe will be pleased to hear that the new adventures featuring Sonic’s buddy will also be available to watch in Australia, the UK and Canada as well as the US via Paramount Plus.
Tips for streaming Knuckles using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble viewing after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a network’s app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers hundreds of games that you can play on your Xbox Series X or Series S, Xbox One and PC for $17 a month. A subscription gets you new games every month (like Diablo 4) plus other benefits, like online multiplayer and deals on non-Game Pass titles.
Microsoft recently added Shadow of the Tomb Raider to Game Pass Ultimate on April 11, and the company is adding the games below to the service in April. They include three Day 1 releases, meaning they’ll appear on Game Pass the same day they’re released for sale.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Available now.
Prepare to explore new and familiar worlds in a galaxy far, far away as Cal Kestis, one of the last surviving Jedis following the destruction of the Jedi Order. This award-winning sequel picks up five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and follows Kestis as he continues his fight against Empire. And while he does this with the usual tools of the Jedi, like a lightsaber and the Force, he can also now use a blaster in combat, too — Obi Wan is shaking his head somewhere about how uncivilized blasters are.
Orcs Must Die 3
Available now.
Crank the orc-slaying mayhem up to 11 in the latest installment of this tower-defense series by slicing, burning, carbonizing and tossing hordes of hapless orcs. You can also use a trove of new traps and weapons, like magical staves or sawblade launchers. No matter how you dispatch them, the one thing for certain is that every last orc must die.
EA Sports NHL 24
Available now.
As the NHL hurtles into the Stanley Cup playoffs, you can too, with the latest installment in this EA Sports franchise. This entry in the series has new gameplay mechanics, including vision passing and an exhaust engine, intended to give you more control over your players and to present new challenges. So if you want to see the Las Vegas Golden Knights win the cup back to back, or you want to make absolutely sure that never happens, this game is for you.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Available now.
Gather your friends and allies for this Day 1 release. In this action JRPG, you create a party of six heroes out of over 100 — it’s in the name, after all — as you set off on an adventure across the war-torn continent of Allraan. You can also manage a small town and play mini-games along the way. And if you can’t get enough of this game and its world, you can play its prequel, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, on Game Pass Ultimate, too.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Available now.
You know what they say: One man’s trash is another crab’s treasure, or something like that. This Day 1 release is like a cross between Elden Ring and the classic game Ecco the Dolphin. You play as a hermit crab who sets off on a quest to buy back your repossessed shell. You’ll have to use the trash of the ocean to protect yourself against huge enemies, and you’ll also learn why the ocean is so polluted with garbage to begin with. And who knows, maybe you’ll see Ariel with her collection of thingamabobs down there.
Manor Lords (PC)
Available now.
If you watched Game of Thrones and thought, “Being a medieval lord doesn’t seem that hard. I could do it,” now’s your chance to prove it. This medieval strategy game brings city-building, tactical battles, economic simulations and social interactions into one complex sim. Now you can find out if you have what it takes to keep your people safe and fed when the seasons change and the harsh winters come.
Have a Nice Death
Available: April 30
Even Death needs a break every now and then, and that’s the goal of this roguelike game. You play as Death, the CEO of Death Incorporated, who finds himself needing a restful vacation. The only thing standing in your way from a relaxing stay at the beach — or wherever Death would vacation — is a mountain of paperwork and reminding your demonic subordinates who’s in charge. Just another day at the office.
Games added to Game Pass Core
Game Pass Core ($10 a month) is the cheapest Game Pass subscription, and it’s a good option if you only want to play certain games online. It also gives you access to a handful of games, and Game Pass Core subscribers can access these titles now, too:
While Xbox is adding the above titles to Game Pass Ultimate, it’s also removing six others on April 30. So, you have some time to finish any side quests before you have to buy these titles separately:
For more on Xbox, here’s what Diablo 4 on Game Pass likely means for the service, other titles available on Game Pass Ultimate now and everything to know about the gaming service.
BlockDrop Coin ($BDROP) is designed to democratize Bitcoin mining by leveraging blockchain technology and tokenization. Vatra INU ($VATR), originating from Turkey, is a community-centric token that champions the principles of decentralization and collective ownership. Lastly, Verum Coin ($VERUM) prioritizes the security and efficiency of international transactions.
From attracting investors interested in passive income through crypto mining to Meme coins typically riding the wave of community hype, a niche application for privacy-focused messenger, these new coins exemplify the innovative and speculative nature of the cryptocurrency space, where utility, community engagement, and market sentiment drive interest and investment.
New Cryptocurrency Releases, Listings & Presales Today
Cryptocurrencies like Hedera, Algorand, IOTA, and Reserve Rights have recently been highlighted as the top gainers. This surge is not merely a stroke of luck; it’s the result of a confluence of strategic partnerships and favorable market dynamics.
These cryptocurrencies have forged alliances that expand their utility and integration into various sectors, enhancing their appeal. Moreover, Bitcoin has done something unique; it has only done it thrice. It has created a conducive environment for these new digital assets to thrive.
Verum Coin ($VERUM) is a digital currency designed for fast, cost-effective global transactions. It emphasizes security, using mathematical principles to give users control over their assets. Wallet encryption enhances this security, requiring a password for transactions.
As the native currency of the Verum ecosystem, $VERUM has multiple uses. These include premium feature payments, tipping, private transactions, and e-commerce. It operates on Verum Chain and Binance Smart Chain, ensuring wide accessibility. Strategic partnerships with exchanges are part of its growth plan.
The coin also prioritizes privacy, using cryptography to keep users anonymous. Verum Coin’s architecture aims for efficiency and scalability. Its blockchain, Verumchain, supports high transaction volumes with blocks generated every five minutes. This design allows for growth without constant software updates.
Verum Coin offers a novel mining method through its mobile app. This approach promotes decentralization and easy participation. The Verum team focuses on development and marketing, seeking collaborations and community engagement. They use press releases and promotions to build market trust.
🚀 Verum Coin (VERUM) is making waves! Get ready to experience the future of digital currency with Verum Coin! 💼💫 https://t.co/kxHkSjj54F#VerumCoin #CryptoCurrency #trading #verum #finance pic.twitter.com/slpFCsl2KV
— Verum Coin (@verum_coin) April 23, 2024
Verum Coin ($VERUM) is priced at $179.82, with a slight daily increase of 0.28%. The market cap is a steady $652.93M, with a 24-hour volume of $9,686.6. The volume-to-market cap ratio is 0.00%. Although over 3.8M $VERUM is in circulation and about 4.52% of the total supply, the total and max supply of $VERUM is 84M. All of this gives a fully diluted market cap of $14.4B.
Verum Coin combines security, efficiency, and utility. It stands out in the digital currency space and aims to be a key player in cryptocurrency’s future.
2. BlockDrop ($BDROP)
BlockDrop Coin, known as $BDROP, is a cryptocurrency with a unique proposition. It aims to simplify Bitcoin mining access. The coin uses blockchain technology for this purpose. BlockDrop allows broader participation in Bitcoin mining. This is significant as mining complexities often deter individual involvement.
Moreover, BlockDrop Coin offers a token-based model. Participants can buy tokens, which grant rights to weekly airdrop rewards. The rewards come from Bitcoin mining operations, which are managed by leading firms known for efficiency and eco-friendly practices.
The tokenization of Bitcoin mining is a key feature. BlockDrop plans to tokenize miners from reputable operations, which will provide participants with an opportunity to partake. Initially, this will be through a token presale, and later, it will be via exchanges.
A buyback and burn strategy is also in place. This strategy aims to enhance the token’s value and effectively manage the supply. Periodically, a portion of the Bitcoin mining value is used, and tokens are repurchased and retired from the market.
BlockDrop Coin ($BDROP) has seen a slight uptick in price to $0.9303 recently. Its market cap holds steady at $9.28M, securing the #3759 spot. The trading volume over the last day reached $107,153.4, ranking #2699 in volume. This activity gives a volume/market cap ratio of 1.14%. Currently, 10M BDROP are in circulation, 10% of the total 100M BDROP supply. The maximum supply mirrors the total, hinting at a $93.03M fully diluted market cap.
That’s the sound of mining rewards being added to the next $BDROP airdrop ⛏️
1,000 miners live today, 300 more next month, and 300 more each month after… pic.twitter.com/b4GhaV8G1B
— BlockDropCoin (@BlockDrop_Coin) April 24, 2024
Transparent airdrops are another benefit for holders. Weekly airdrops represent net rewards from Bitcoin mining operations. These are airdropped less than 2% and converted into Solana (SOL). They are allocated based on token ownership.
BlockDrop Coin seeks to revolutionize Bitcoin mining for individuals and small operators. It leverages tokenization and strategic alliances, which increases accessibility to the Bitcoin mining sector. It’s an innovative and sustainable model. It allows participation in a traditionally exclusive area.
3. Vatra INU ($VATR)
Vatra INU ($VATR) is a community token from Turkey. It represents the country’s first venture into community tokens. The project emphasizes decentralization and community ownership. From day one, the community had access to 88% of the total supply.
The token operates on the Ethereum ERC-20 platform. It had an initial price of 0.01075 TL or 0.00036 USDT. The maximum supply of $VATR is capped at 250 million tokens. This limit ensures scarcity and potential value appreciation.
Vatra INU has already launched its burn campaign. Token holders now have the option to burn their $VATR voluntarily. This initiative aims to reduce the overall token supply. As a result, scarcity may lead to an increase in the token’s value.
The community engages through a Discord platform. Here, members link their MetaMask wallets, receive automatic access, and rank based on their VATR token holdings. This setup facilitates transparent distribution during events like airdrops.
VATRA INU First Community Token Burn Campaign is Finished!
9.140.297 VATR burned by the community 🔥
In addition to community, project team burned 859.703 VATR in order to keep Max Supply readable !
Total burn amount in USDT is around ~40.000 USDT 💸
Now our max supply is… pic.twitter.com/3RR1NJuh6K
— Vatra INU (VATR) (@vatrainu) April 24, 2024
Vatra INU ($VATR) is currently valued at $0.004379, having risen by 9.78% in the past day. The market cap remains unchanged at $675,045.44, ranking it #5835. Similarly, the 24-hour volume is static at $3,455.04, placing it #5362 in volume rankings. The volume-to-market cap ratio stands at 0.40%. The circulating supply of VATR is fully reported at 148M, which is the total and maximum supply, leading to a fully diluted market cap of $648,149.79.
Vatra INU is a community-centric token with a clear vision. It leverages partnerships and innovative campaigns. These efforts aim to grow its network and increase the token value.
4. 99Bitcoins ($99BTC)
99Bitcoins emerged as a prominent educational platform that focused on cryptocurrency learning. The platform boasts a vast array of resources, including tutorials, guides, and reviews. They cater to both beginners and seasoned crypto enthusiasts.
99Bitcoins recently introduced a Learn-to-Earn (L2E) model. This innovative approach rewards users for their educational progress. The L2E model utilizes the $99BTC token. It operates on the BRC-20 standard, built atop the Bitcoin network and allows for the development of decentralized applications (dApps).
🌟 Don’t miss out on our exciting $99,999 BTC #Airdrop!
Enter now for a chance to be one of the 99 lucky winners sharing this grand prize. 🏆
The presale of $99BTC tokens began recently. Early adopters could purchase tokens at a lower price. The presale aims to distribute 15% of the total supply of 99 billion tokens. The token distribution strategy aims for competitive longevity and sustainability2.
99Bitcoins also offers practical tools for crypto trading. Users can access trading signals and community engagement features. These services aim to enhance trading strategies and foster community discussions. The platform encourages active participation. In return, users receive $99BTC tokens directly to their Ethereum wallets.
The recent Bitcoin halving event on April 19th, 2024, has implications for $99BTC. Halving reduces the new BTC mined by 50% per block. This event typically leads to increased demand for Bitcoin. Consequently, the value and need for $99BTC tokens may rise.
99Bitcoins stands as a bridge between education and reward. It provides a comprehensive learning experience and incentivizes users through its tokenized reward system. The platform continues to evolve and remains at the forefront of the Learn-to-Earn movement in the cryptocurrency space.
The US Federal Communications Commission on Thursday said it’ll approve T-Mobile’s deal to acquire Ka’ena Corporation, the parent company of prepaid wireless brands Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, according to Reuters. The deal could be worth up to $1.35 billion.
The move would allow T-Mobile to more directly operate the brands, which already run on its network. The FCC says the agreement will allow Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers to more easily switch service providers, Reuters reports. After getting regulatory approval, T-Mobile reportedly anticipates closing the deal on May 1.
See also: Best Cellphone Plans of 2024: Our Top Picks for April
“I am so happy to report that we have received regulatory approval to acquire Mint and Ultra Mobile,” T-Mobile’s CEO Mike Sievert said Thursday during an earnings call. “We are really looking forward to welcoming them to the ‘uncarrier’ family. And I know they are going to fit in because they are hyper-focused on offering customers compelling products at a great value.”
T-Mobile shared that it had reached an agreement to acquire Ka’ena Corporation in March 2023, noting the deal would include a “combination of 39% cash and 61% stock,” it shared in a release at the time. The final sales price will be “based upon Ka’ena’s performance during certain periods before and after the closing,” T-Mobile said at the time.
The wireless carrier noted that actor Ryan Reynolds, Mint’s part owner, would stay involved in a “creative role on behalf of Mint.” T-Mobile also shared its intention to “use its supplier relationships and distribution scale to help the brands to grow and offer competitive pricing and greater device inventory” and specified that Mint and Ultra will be “complementary” to the carrier’s other prepaid options.
Updated, 6:33 p.m.: Added earnings call comment from T-Mobile’s Mike Sievert
Phone companies’ decision not to ship USB-C chargers with their products is undoubtedly good for the planet, but it does mean you might need to buy one of your own. Adding two 20-watt USB-C chargers to your collection of charging options is cheaper than you might think. Right now Amazon is currently offering a pack that includes two Anker 20-watt USB-C chargers for just $13, and you’ll even get two USB-C cables thrown in as well. That’s the good news, but there’s a catch that you need to be aware of before placing your order: You need to be an Amazon Prime member to get this special price, although at $19 the normal price is still a good deal.
Getting a single charger and cable at this price would make for a good day, so getting two is impressive. Each charger has a 20-watt USB-C port, which is enough for fast-charging even the latest iPhones. A legacy USB-A port is also included for those who need it. The two USB-C cables are both 5 feet long and come in an understated finish of black or white.
A CNET colleague of mine just bought these — annoyingly at a higher price — and says the chargers are well built and the included cables are perfectly fine if not particularly sturdy. While this deal doesn’t require any coupons or discount codes, it is listed as a limited-time offer, which means that it could end at any moment and without warning. Factor that in when planning your purchase.
Now that you’re sorted at home, maybe it’s time to reconsider your charging solution when you’re on the road as well. Our collection of the best generator deals will ensure you’re never without power, no matter where you get to.
Today’s Wordle answer could be tricky. It’s not the most commonly used word and has some letters that aren’t that commonly guessed. Speaking of common letters, we’ve got a new Wordle cheat sheet for you: A list ranking all the letters in the alphabet according to how frequently they’re used in English words.
Every day, we’ll post hints and then the answer for the current day’s Wordle, just in case you need it.
Today’s Wordle hints
Warning: If you keep reading, you’ll see the Wordle answer for Friday, April 26, puzzle No. 1042 (preceded by hints that might give it away). That could be a devastating spoiler for some players. But if you just need the answer — maybe you’re on your last guess and simply don’t want to see an 800-game streak go poof — keep reading.
Wordle hint No. 1: Vowels
Today’s Wordle answer features two vowels.
Wordle hint No. 2: No repeats
None of the letters in the word are repeated
Wordle hint No. 3: Starting letter
Today’s Wordle answer begins with the letter V.
Wordle hint No. 4: Meaning
Today’s Wordle answer means dull, flat or unstimulating.
Wordle hint No. 5: Part of speech
Today’s Wordle answer is an adjective.
TODAY’S WORDLE ANSWER
Here comes the spoiler: Today’s Wordle answer is VAPID, which we generally use to mean boring or empty-headed, not interesting. If you use it to describe a person, you’re insulting them.
Yesterday’s Wordle answer
Yesterday’s answer, #1041, April 25, was INTRO.
Past Wordle answers
April 21, No. 1037: JOLLY
April 22, No. 1038: LASER
April 23: No. 1039: ROVER
April 24, No. 1040: OVERT
Everyday Wordle tips
I’ve written a lot about Wordle — from covering its 1,000th word to my list of the best starter words to a helpful two-step strategy to news about controversial word changes. I’ve even rounded up what I learned playing the hit online word puzzle for a full year. So if you’re rethinking your need for the actual answer, you might try tips from one of those stories.
Still need a starter word? One person told me they just look around and choose a five-letter object that they’ve spotted to use as their starter word — such as COUCH or CHAIR. I tend to stick to starter words that have the most popular letters used in English words. I like TRAIN as a starter, though I have a friend who uses TRAIL. I’ve read that people use the financial term ROATE, but I like to use words I actually know.
What is Wordle?
If you read this far, you know how to play. You have six chances to guess a five-letter word, and the game gives you feedback as to whether the letters you’ve guessed are in the puzzle, and if they’re in the same spot where you guessed they are. The New York Times bought the game from creator Josh Wardle for seven figures in 2022. Wardle famously created the game for his partner and let her narrow down the 12,000 five-letter words in the English language to just 2,500, creating the database of answers. It was convenient, too, that he has a name that plays off “word.”
A Times spokesperson told me it lists the very first Wordle as appearing on June 19, 2021, and the paper celebrated the game’s 1,000th word on March 15. Spoiler: That 1000th word was ERUPT. As in, “Dad will erupt if the Wordle is so tough he loses his streak.”
There are other fun games in the Times Games stable. My latest addiction is Connections, which I think is trickier than Wordle. This is the game where you look at a grid of 16 words and try to put them into four groups of related words. Sometimes the relationships between the words are pretty out there — like the time when it was four words that all began with rock bands, such as “Rushmore” and “journeyman.” (Connections got a little sassy on April Fools’ Day with an all-emoji puzzle. Some gamers did NOT find that funny.)
Spelling Bee is a popular Times game too. And there’s a new game that’s still in beta, Strands, which I’m trying to master.
