News

Looking for a different day?A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, April 22 (game #1184).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• V• P• C• D

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1185) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1185, are…

VALETPUPALCREEPDRIFT

I was patting myself on the back after getting two fast words – VALET and DRIFT. Valet was less deduction and more past experience of Quordle’s favorite words. But then the crash came and with it three attempts to get CREEP.I’m annoyed, because I waver between using COULD and WOULD as a start word and if I’d gone with COULD I would have finished much more quickly today. A prime case of coulda woulda shoulda.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1185) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1185, are…

AWAREFRUITSOOTYSHEET

Quordle answers: The past 20

Quordle #1184, Tuesday, 22 April: POUTY, CHEST, BROOM, TEPEEQuordle #1183, Monday, 21 April: SHARD, PRINT, SUMAC, LEACHQuordle #1182, Sunday, 20 April: DINER, HORDE, SHONE, FUGUEQuordle #1181, Saturday, 19 April: GRADE, LAUGH, RAINY, EXULTQuordle #1180, Friday, 18 April: DEBUT, GLADE, BASTE, PESTOQuordle #1179, Thursday, 17 April: SPRAY, RAMEN, SHELF, COURTQuordle #1178, Wednesday 16 April: STUMP, GRAFT, CHORD, INPUTQuordle #1177, Tuesday 15 April: SLEET, MERIT, HARSH, FORAYQuordle #1176, Monday 14 April: DRAWL, CROOK, ACTOR, LANCEQuordle #1175, Sunday 13 April: SHALE, KINKY, SHORN, WHOOPQuordle #1174, Saturday 12 April: BLIND, OVOID, CACHE, THINGQuordle #1173, Friday 11 April: FOLLY, PITHY, SCOWL, CURLYQuordle #1172, Thursday 10 April: LEAST, SEWER, UNTIE, NOOSEQuordle #1171, Wednesday 9 April: LITHE, LEFTY, KNOLL, MULCHQuordle #1170, Tuesday 8 April: WIDTH, VISOR, MEDAL, BROOKQuordle #1169, Monday 7 April: BROTH, SHOUT, BRUTE, CABINQuordle #1168, Sunday 6 April: AMBER, GAUZE, STORE, SLICKQuordle #1167, Saturday 5 April: GUSTY, VAULT, WHINE, BEGATQuordle #1166, Friday 4 April: OAKEN, LOOPY, CURIO, BUTTEQuordle #1165, Thursday 3 April: ASCOT, JETTY, DRUNK, JOLLY

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, April 22 (game #681).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #682) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

BEANGAGTRUNKMUZZLETAILMAYACTPAWTADBITROOTSKETCHBRANCHFLAGFURLEAF

NYT Connections today (game #682) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

YELLOW: In the woodsGREEN: Cats and dogsBLUE: Stand upPURPLE: Add a word that rhyme with “coal”

Need more clues?We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #682) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

YELLOW: PARTS OF A TREE GREEN: CANINE/FELINE FEATURES BLUE: COMEDIC ROUTINE PURPLE: ____ POLE

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #682) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #682, are…

YELLOW: PARTS OF A TREE BRANCH, LEAF, ROOT, TRUNKGREEN: CANINE/FELINE FEATURES FUR, MUZZLE, PAW, TAILBLUE: COMEDIC ROUTINE ACT, BIT, GAG, SKETCHPURPLE: ____ POLE BEAN, FLAG, MAY, TAD

My rating: EasyMy score: Perfect

A fairly straightforward Connections day without any trickery or words that can go in several groups.My only detour was thinking that there could be a common thread about mouth coverings, but it didn’t get much further than GAG and MUZZLE.I got today's puzzle in order of difficulty, which always gives me a sense of harmony and that everything is working just the way it should do. On the rare occasions I’ve got the hardest/purple group first it feels as if it is a random fluke (usually it is). COMEDIC ROUTINE was missing the one element of a stand-up performance that has become a major part of comedian’s going viral on social media – responding to hecklers. That said, dealing with abusive audience members has become so commonplace it probably qualifies as a BIT.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, April 22, game #681)

YELLOW: CANCEL, AS A PROJECT AXE, CUT, DROP, SCRAPGREEN: SEEN IN A POTTERY STUDIO CLAY, GLAZE, KILN, WHEELBLUE: THINGS THAT ARE SLIPPERY BANANA PEEL, EEL, GREASE, ICEPURPLE: NATURAL PRODUCERS OF HEAT FIRE, LIGHTNING, SUN, VOLCANO

What is NYT Connections?NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, April 22 (game #415).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… What a softie!

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

LEFTSTEPSLURPLEANPESTSLICK

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #3 - spangram letters

How many letters are in today's spangram?• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: top, 2nd columnLast side: bottom, 5th column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #416) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #416, are…

PEACHCATERPILLARCHENILLEDUCKLINGSLIPPERSSPANGRAM: GET FUZZY

My rating: ModerateMy score: 1 hint

The first word I got (PEACH) made me think we were looking for soft fruits, but my search for apricots and berries proved, erm, fruitless. Then I got CATERPILLAR and I was completely confused.I saw the word caterpillar in stages – first cat, then cater, then the full word unfurling. In the dark as to the theme I used a hint to move me forward – ahh, just soft fuzzy stuff, then. I’m still not sure how caterpillars fit in, but I quite like these vague, random Strands themes. How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, April 22, game #415)

JUICESSOUPPASTRIESCHAISANDWICHESESPRESSOSPANGRAM: CAFE MENU

What is NYT Strands?Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Google’s search engine market monopoly is helping its AI strategy, says DOJIts use of artificial intelligence is also supporting its search engineGoogle plans to appeal once a final judgment is made

Google faces an antitrust trial over its alleged misuse of AI products, which could be perceived to be strengthening its dominance in online search – something it’s already under the microscope about.The Department of Justice has set out to break Google’s monopoly over the search market, potentially reshaping the internet landscape by giving other companies a chance to get in on the action.With the investigation ongoing, it’s unclear what consequences Google might face, but it’s been suggested that it might be forced to sell off its Chrome browser to pacifiy lawmakers and settle the antitrust investigation.

Google’s search monopoly could be boosted by AI

The DOJ argues that Google’s monopoly enhances its AI products, further boosting its dominance, however the US agency has suggested that broader, forward-looking remedies could be needed due to the growing nature of generative AI.DOJ attorney David Dahlquist explained that Google’s search monopoly helps improve its AI products, but they also act as a way to entice users to the search engine, highlighting the intertwined nature of the company’s products and the complex nature of the lawsuit.Among the deals highlighted at the trial was Google’s monthly payment to Samsung, which allows the company to pre-install the Gemini AI app on devices. The payment amounts to an “enormous sum,” Dahlquist said.Very nearly 90% of all online searches use Google (via Statcounter), with Chrome accounting for around two-thirds of all online sessions.Google’s exclusive agreements to be the default search engine have already been criticized in relation to its monopoly, including its $20 billion payment to Apple in 2022 alone (via Bloomberg).Google has said that its AI products are unrelated to the search engine case (via Reuters) and that it plans to appeal once a final judgment is made.

You might also like

Google "could face breakup" after being found guilty of having illegal ad tech monopoliesCheck out the best privacy tools and anonymous browsersProtect your online footprint with the best VPNs

When is the next Assassin's Creed coming out?(Image credit: Ubisoft)We'd expect the next Assassin's Creed game to be Assassin's Creed Jade, though development has gone quiet since late last year. Beyond that, there's Assassin's Creed Hexe, which we've only seen a brief teaser for. Hopefully, there will be some Assassin's Creed Shadows DLC post-launch, which we think is likely based on how the last couple of games have been handled. Recently, there's been an update to Shadows, which improves the game's performance on PS5 Pro, changing our recommendations on the best graphics settings to use for Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Assassin's Creed Jade is bringing the behemoth stealth series to mobile devices with the very first dedicated game in the series for the mobile gaming world. As a result, Jade has the honor of being one of the more unique installments in development.There's going to be a lot to learn about why AC Jade could fall among one of the best Assassin’s Creed games - and a lot of that lies in its placement as a mobile-only game (for now, at least).Since its appearance at a Ubisoft Live event in 2022, we've yet to receive any significant updates on Assassin's Creed Jade. Now that the most recent showcase has been and gone, and with no mention of the game at all, it's clear that it's been delayed internally. Hopefully we hear more sooner rather than later, and when we do, this page will be updated. For now, here's everything we know about Assassin's Creed Jade.

Assassin's Creed Jade: cut to the chase

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

What is it? The first open-world Assassin's Creed built for iOS and AndroidWhen can I play it? TBC (reportedly 2025)What can I play it on? iOS and AndroidWho is making it? Ubisoft and Level Infinite

Assassin's Creed Jade gameplay

As of late August 2023, and revealed at Gamescom 2023, we have an official look and video of Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade gameplay.The in-game aspects showcased reaffirm the inclusion of traditional AC mechanics within the new setting. Mechanics such as clambering up the side of a building and using stealth and height to your advantage when attacking appear to be pretty essential when exploring the open-world map.With each assassin boasting a unique arsenal of weapons, Xia supports the formula by introducing unique Chinese spears, double swords, and bows to combat. Players can expect to experience a mixture of both signature and exciting new combat mechanics that utilize the touchscreen controls of mobile devices, which hopefully the next overview or teaser will spotlight in more detail.Throughout the journey, you will need to unravel dangerous conspiracies, refine the skill of assassination, and discover more about Xia to help develop your own skills, and with several landscapes spotlighted within the teaser, there’s more than enough space to really lose yourself within.Additionally, as a franchise first, players will be able to customize the appearance of their assassin, Xia. The official website states that Xia will be “a fully customizable avatar” to aid the immersion into the game, but whether or not this means you’ll be free to create an entirely new assassin under the same name, or whether the customization will be limited to preset faces with more freedom in terms of cosmetic items, is unclear right now.

Assassin's Creed Jade story and setting

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Assassin’s Creed Jade takes us to one of the most anticipated settings for an AC game: Ancient China. More specifically, in 215 B.C., during the time of the first unified empire of the Quin Dynasty and China.Andrei Chan, executive producer at Level Infinite, stated in a blog post published by Ubisoft that “This is a very exciting part of China’s history. This is the establishment of essentially the first empire of China. It was also a time when the connection between China and the rest of the world was stronger than ever.”Within this setting, you will take on the role of Xia, an entirely new assassin to the franchise, who you will be responsible for directing through the game. Throughout Codename Jade, you will need to protect your home of Xionanu from raiders while experiencing the trade and cultural exchanges between East and West Xianyang.There’s a lot to learn about how exactly the story will be portrayed throughout the game, and the single trailer we have capturing the first look of the setting doesn’t provide a lot to go off. All we know is that Codename Jade is canonically set between the events of Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Assassin's Creed Origins, yet whether or not these events will intertwine with the content of Codename Jade currently remains a mystery, at least until the next trailer is released and provides slightly more insight.

Assassin's Creed Jade trailers

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

As well as the above gameplay trailer, we've seen two other trailers for Assassin's Creed Jade.In the trailer shown as part of the Ubisoft Forward Live 2023 showcase on June 12, 2023, we got a closer look at the location of the game's setting, Ancient China. It’s made very clear that the content within the teaser trailer is under development, so there’s a high chance that things will look different as development progresses. For now, the full trailer can be found below:

The first trailer for Assassin's Creed Codename Jade was a reveal shared in December 2022, giving the first glimpse at the setting of the game. Transporting players back to 215 B.C., we see what life in Ancient China is like, and after a few cinematic shots of the location we meet the mysterious assassin we assume to be the protagonist of the game. That full trailer can be seen below:

Assassin's Creed Jade beta

Assassin's Creed Jade has had one full closed beta so far that enabled a group of select players to test out the game. This occurred in early August 2023, and only some players who registered to try it out got invited in.While the official word has been quiet since this beta closed, we are inclined to think that there will be another one or two before the game eventually launches.You can find out all and any information about the betas, past and potential, at the official Assassin's Creed Jade website.

Assassin's Creed Jade news

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Assassin's Creed Jade reportedly delayed to 2025According to a report by Reuters (via Eurogamer), Tencent has shifted its immediate focus away from Jade, pulling team members onto its DreamStar project instead. Ubisoft answered Eurogamer's request for comment, stating "we do not comment on rumours and speculation".Official announcement at Gamescom 2023 confirms Assassin's Creed Jade nameCo-developer Level Infinite unveiled the game officially at the Gamescom 2023 event in August 2023 and revealed that the game is officially called Assassin's Creed Jade. Announced at the same time as more gameplay details - as shown above - the game will also be getting a 2nd Closed Beta soon.Assassin’s Creed Jade receives new trailer at Ubisoft Forward 2023Another look at Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade has been shown as part of Ubisoft Forward 2023, offering a closer look at the newest protagonist of the franchise, Xia, alongside the first glimpse of the anticipated setting of Ancient China. Although we haven’t received a release window, a closed Beta is now available to sign up for, which hopefully means release date information is coming soon.Assassin's Creed Codename Jade revealed at Ubisoft Forward 2022Assassin's Creed Codename Jade was announced as part of the Ubisoft Forward showcase in 2022, providing the first look at what to expect from the mobile game. We got a glimpse of the setting, alongside an incredibly brief look at the protagonist, before the trailer came to a close and revealed it's coming soon to mobile devices.

You Might Also Like...

Our review of Assassin's Creed ShadowsAssassin's Creed Mirage reviewThe best Game Pass games to play in 2025

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is known for his sometimes ridiculously honest tweets, but one of his recent tweets has got a lot of people scratching their heads.Last week, Altman tweeted, “I think this is gonna be more like the Renaissance than the Industrial Revolution.” Nobody is quite sure what he means, so let's break down what I think he's getting at.

i think this is gonna be more like the renaissance than the industrial revolutionApril 18, 2025

Rollercoaster ride

ChatGPT has been on a heck of a rollercoaster ride recently. OpenAI just released new o3 and o4-mini models which are available to all users and a new ChatGPT-4.5 model that is available to Plus and Pro subscribers.These new models see some significant improvements over previous ChatGPT models, particularly regarding speed and their ability to solve multifaceted problems.But the thing that has really boosted ChatGPT’s user base significantly over the last few weeks is its new native image generation. That’s the feature I’ve noticed my own friends, who don’t normally dabble in AI, starting to use ChatGPT for, particularly the trends for producing Studio Ghibli-like images and the action figure trend.OpenAI estimates ChatGPT has crossed the 400 million weekly active users barrier since February. People are using ChatGPT in hugely creative ways because of it, and on the surface, that could be what Altman is referring to.But I think there's more to it. I think Sam Altman sees AI as the thing that is going to usher in a new Golden Age for humanity. Let me explain why.

The pace of change

The Renaissance was a gradual unfolding of new ideas in art, architecture, science, and philosophy that happened in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, providing us with some of mankind's greatest works of art, like The Birth of Venus by Botticelli.In contrast, the Industrial Revolution, which happened in the mid-18th century starting in Britain, saw a sudden shift in productivity, which transformed the entire country in favour of manufacturing goods, leading to rapid economic growth. It wasn't associated with any intellectual blossoming, and could quite easily be caricatured as having a negative effect on the lives of everyday people.By comparing AI to the Renaissance, Altman could be saying that its effects will be gradual, rather than revolutionary; however, to me, it seems that there is nothing gradual about the pace of change that AI is leading.What I think he’s getting at is that the change is more subtle and philosophical. AI is shaking things up rapidly, but it's leading to changes in how people think and how they see the world, rather than just new ways to do what we’ve already done more effectively.

A Messiah complex?

Like many incredibly successful tech leaders, it’s possible that Altman has a bit of a Messiah complex, but it's impossible to deny that he is shaping our future right now.Reading his blog, you can see the same themes emerging, of AI leading to us having to reimagine what a human being is, particularly in his most recent entry called Three Observations.“The world will not change all at once; it never does. Life will go on mostly the same in the short run, and people in 2025 will mostly spend their time in the same way they did in 2024. We will still fall in love, create families, get in fights online, hike in nature, etc.”, writes Altman.But he realises that there are going to be human casualties in terms of jobs in his new AI future, and he wants us to start thinking about what it is that humans actually do, or can do, right now.“But the future will be coming at us in a way that is impossible to ignore, and the long-term changes to our society and economy will be huge. We will find new things to do, new ways to be useful to each other, and new ways to compete, but they may not look very much like the jobs of today. “

(Image credit: Shutterstock / NicoElNino)

A new Golden Age of AGI

After a long period of cultural decline and stagnation, which are perhaps unfairly referred to as the Dark Ages by various historians, the Renaissance ushered in a new Golden Age of cultural flourishing.AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) remains the goal for OpenAI, and Altman could very well be right that a new Golden Age is on the way because of it. Perhaps we will look back at this era of AI evolution leading to AGI as more of a Renaissance than a revolution.Today’s problems with social media and fake news could be looked at as our own digital Dark Ages, and I’d love Altman to be right and that the progress of AI towards AGI will lead to a new Golden Age of peace, prosperity and stability for mankind, but I think it's still too early to call it.Many are convinced that AGI could even lead to the end of humanity.Of course, time will tell. Let's just hope we are still here in a decade to look back and decide if Sam Altman was right or wrong.

You may also like

ChatGPT can remember more about you than ever before – should you be worried?ChatGPT can turn your pet into a human, and it's freaking me out - here's how to try itAI took a huge leap in IQ, and now a quarter of Gen Z thinks AI is conscious

The Washington Post is partnering with OpenAI to bring its reporting to ChatGPT. The two organizations did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but the deal will see ChatGPT display summaries, quotes and links to articles from The Post when users prompt the chatbot to search the web.

"We're all in on meeting our audiences where they are," said Peter Elkins-Williams, head of global partnerships at The Post. "Ensuring ChatGPT users have our impactful reporting at their fingertips builds on our commitment to provide access where, how and when our audiences want it."

The Post is no stranger to generative AI. In November, the publisher began using the technology to offer article summaries. Since the start of February, ChatGPT Search has been available to everyone, with no account or sign-in necessary.

Later that same month, Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post, announced a "significant shift" in the publisher's editorial strategy. As part of the overhaul, the paper has been publishing daily opinion stories "in defense of two pillars," personal liberties and free markets. Given that focus and Amazon's own investments in artificial intelligence, it's not surprising to see The Washington Post and OpenAI sign a strategic partnership.

More broadly, today's announcement sees yet another publisher partnering with OpenAI, following an early but brief period of resistance from some players in the news media industry — most notably The New York Times. According to OpenAI, it has signed similar agreements with more than 20 news publishers globally.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-washington-post-partners-with-openai-to-bring-its-content-to-chatgpt-141215314.html?src=rss

As we find ourselves on the shifting shores between ESG, politics, and business, this Climate Week stands to be a mix of climate statistics, gloom, and of course the corporate hype machine.The data speaks for itself-atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have breached 420 parts per million, a stark reminder of our planet's precarious state. We’ve watched as global temperatures continue their relentless climb, fueled by decades of unchecked emissions. We're all prepared to hear about deploying novel technologies capable of capturing gigatons of CO2 annually.We're going to hear that we're not talking incremental changes, but witnessing a paradigm shift. “Imagine a world where we don’t just reduce emissions, but actively draw down existing CO2 from the atmosphere, turning the very culprit of our crisis into a valuable resource.”

The original climate tech

But, what if… the technology already existed? And what if it were also the oldest, most proven technology on the planet? No puffy navy blue vest, laser pointer, nor shoehorned AI references required.Friends, we’re talking about trees. In 1872, Arbor Day was introduced as a way to help mitigate erosion and beautify the Nebraska landscape. Since then, real impact has been made from tree planting initiatives around the world. Trees are the lungs of our planet, their reputation is well earned, and this is how we scale carbon capture immediately. Agriculture doesn’t tend to be boastful, but efficiencies in horticultural best practices and regenerative agriculture are technologies that deserve to be celebrated.Business leaders focused on the intersection of sustainability and business have an opportunity to reflect on what true environmental stewardship means—and how companies can cut through hype to offer genuine, impactful solutions. I am a fan of all solutions including high-tech ones. It's a moment in time for every innovation to step forward. And, as the narrative becomes increasingly diluted with bold promises and big valuations, it’s time for businesses to rethink their strategies, focusing on concrete initiatives that resonate with consumers.Some industry leaders are already doing so. Pat Brown, the famous Stanford biochemist and founder of Impossible Foods has shifted his focus to the power of trees. He’s currently researching how to rewild the ranches that are no longer needed. His 1,000-acre “Carbon Ranch” in Arkansas, planted with thousands of trees already, will serve as a living rewilding laboratory for tracking carbon sequestration and the return of biodiversity.Microsoft, Salesforce, Mastercard and many other technology companies have dedicated efforts to planting trees to offset their own carbon footprints. Even shoe companies like Etnies and Timbaland are popping up with tree-focused marketing campaigns. Dare I say trees are ... trending? Consumers are aware of the impact fossil fuels have on the planet and they are well aware of the link between trees and sustainability. According to a 2023 Pew Research Survey "67% of Americans say the U.S. should prioritize developing alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydrogen technology."

Well, what if energy grew on trees?

Industry experts are increasingly recognizing the multifaceted potential of trees beyond carbon sequestration. Forward-thinking companies are exploring how agroforestry systems can serve multiple purposes - from biofuel production to regenerative agriculture models that restore degraded land while producing valuable commodities. The integration of trees into agricultural systems can create resilient supply chains that are less vulnerable to climate disruptions.Organizations like the World Economic Forum's 1t.org initiative have successfully brought together companies across sectors to commit to conserving, restoring, and growing over 5 billion trees. These collaborative approaches demonstrate how nature-based solutions can be scaled when industry leaders align their sustainability goals with tangible conservation outcomes.Of course, simply planting trees isn't the endgame for customers. It's their starting point to engage meaningfully in the emerging "restoration economy." Companies that embrace this approach are not only benefiting the environment but are also positioning themselves as leaders in an economy where restoration is becoming a major driver of business growth.In an age where sustainability’s benefit is not about marketing but risk mitigation, cost control, and supply chain management, CEOs must guide their organizations to see the global challenges that are equally business challenges. It’s never been more clear that nature based solutions are a critical avenue for long-term business success and differentiation.Amidst a shaky global economic outlook, it’s time for businesses to reconsider hype, prioritize tangible outcomes like reforestation, and lead the charge in restoring consumer trust by being real about the impact of their environmental actions.

We've featured the best green web hosting.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that the escalating climate crisis will spare no continent, with Africa facing some of the most severe consequences. Despite contributing just 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is disproportionately affected and the least equipped to handle the impact. The continent is warming faster than the global average, driving extreme weather events such as floods, tropical cyclones, and wildfires - threatening livelihoods and economic stability.This climate crisis requires urgent action - so how can the countries who are responsible for the vast majority of emissions support Africa in adapting to a changing climate and help its residents build a more resilient future? The answer lies in green finance.

Sustainable, decentralized and renewable energy

According to the World Economic Forum, green finance is any structured financial activity that’s been created to ensure a better environmental outcome. With climate change leading to disproportionate extreme weather events in Africa, green finance investments are increasingly crucial to the continent’s continued economic growth.Africa is home to significant solar, wind, hydro and biogas resources - many of which remain untapped or underutilized. Efforts to transition small-scale farmers, businesses and communities to decentralized and renewable energy sources will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they will also serve as the foundation for long-term economic progress and resilience.With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity - decentralized and renewable energy sources have become even more critical to sustainable development across the continent. However, in order to access these energy resources, people require access to finance to afford the purchase, maintenance and construction of sustainable energy sources, such as biogas digesters, solar pumps, solar home systems and more.With such a significant proportion of the continent lacking access to something as vital as electricity, the opportunity for investors is equally significant. While many potential investors have high perceived risks when it comes to investing in Africa, for reasons such as political uncertainty, regulatory uncertainty and economic volatility - this is not the reality on the ground.However, in order to make these investments successful, it’s critical for potential investors to partner with reliable firms based in Africa, who can easily navigate these complexities and facilitate capital investments with recipients at scale.

Investing in Africa - moving towards sustainable agriculture

Over 65% of the population in eastern Africa is employed in agriculture, however, climate change is leading to increased droughts and extreme weather events increasingly threatening these livelihoods. As a result, many farmers turn to diesel-powered generators to power irrigation systems, which have high-costs, and serve as a further contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the droughts in the first place. But investments made through green finance will create opportunities to make farmers more resilient, including the provision of solar-powered irrigation systems.With many African farmers relying on unpredictable rainfall to harvest crops, these systems can help to ensure year-round food production and reduce reliance on unpredictable weather conditions. This, in turn, will mitigate the impact of prolonged droughts. However, the upfront costs for these systems are prohibitive for the average farmer in Africa.This is where opportunity exists for investors. Farmers need access to capital to purchase systems, such as solar-powered irrigation, which will save money and reduce greenhouse gases in the long-term when compared to traditional diesel power generators.These farmers don’t need the large-scale loans typically offered from traditional big banks, rather they need access to lower value loans accessible in rural areas, not typically offered by big banks. Despite the low value and shorter tenure of these loans, the loan provider still makes a return on the loan provision, the farmer gets the access to capital required to create a more sustainable and efficient energy system - all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process.It’s a win-win for everyone.

Why green finance in Africa is a win-win investment opportunity

Whilst the UK alone has committed $2B to support green projects, further investment is needed as access to capital plays a pivotal role in turning these projects into reality and enabling African nations to mitigate climate risks while fostering long-term economic growth and resilience.Africa’s green economy presents a high-growth investment opportunity, delivering both strong financial returns and lasting environmental benefits - a true win-win for investors. And with more than half of individual investors saying they are planning to increase their allocations to sustainable investments, and more than 70% stating they believe strong ESG practices can lead to higher returns - green finance in Africa presents the perfect investment opportunity.Investors will benefit from investing in a market with high-growth potential while also helping to protect vulnerable communities from the harsh effects of climate change and unlocking job opportunities across the region.Investors who overlook Africa’s green economy risk missing out on substantial returns while also leaving vulnerable communities exposed to escalating climate threats. Now is the time to invest in Africa’s green future - an investment opportunity where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.Africa is currently at a crossroads, with one path leading to escalating climate risks and economic instability and the other leading to a sustainable future powered by green finance. Green finance opportunities will help Africa to set off on the right path, and with the climate crisis worsening, this is not only an economic opportunity - but an environmental imperative.Now is the time for investors to step up and direct capital towards green finance. Not only will this drive financial returns for these investors, but it will also allow them to play a key role in powering communities, protecting livelihoods and shaping a more sustainable and resilient Africa.

We've featured the best green web hosting.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Max is one of my favorite streaming services to dive through at the beginning of each month simply because its monthly schedules pack more new releases and hidden cinema gems than the rest of our best streaming services.Last month, Max introduced new A24 erotic drama Babygirl (2024) to its library of best Max movies, and once again the platform is wearing its love for A24 dramas on its sleeve with the addition of Brady Corbet's Oscar-winning drama The Brutalist (2024) – a movie that had me locked in despite it's 3.5 hour time-run.Though Max's service packs every genre imaginable, drama is definitely its specialty. In addition to Corbet's bold feature about a post-war immigrant architect, the heart-breaking Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and fellow A24 feature The Whale (2022) will be coming to Max. It's a great month for drama obsessives like myself.But we can't ignore all the TV shows that are on the way including thriller series Duster, a fresh title new to the platform, and Max staple And Just Like That... which is coming back for season three.

Everything new on Max in May 2025

Arriving on May 1100 Foot Wave season 3 (TV show)A Haunted House (movie)A Haunted House 2 (movie)A Private War (movie)Badman's Country (movie)Barricade (movie)Broadway Melody of 1940 (movie)Carson City (movie)Chronicle (movie)Chronicle: Director's Cut (movie)Dallas (movie)Dylan's Playtime Adventures season 1 (TV show)Enter The Dragon (movie)Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (movie)Fort Dobbs (movie)Fort Worth (movie)Funny People (movie)Hannibal (movie)In the Fade (movie)Inception (movie)Legend of the Guardians The Owls of Ga’Hoole (movie)Lone Star (movie)Lost River (movie)Madagascar (movie)Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (movie)Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (movie)Megan Leavey (movie)Notting Hill (movie)Pee-wee's Big Adventure (movie) Rachel and the Stranger (movie)Rancho Notorious (movie)Red Tails (movie)Ride, Vaquero! (movie)Riding Shotgun (movie)Rocky Mountain (movie)Royal Wedding (movie)San Antonio (movie)Santa Fe Trail (movie)Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend (movie)Son of Belle Starr (movie)Son of the Mask (movie)Springfield Rifle (movie)Stars in My Crown (movie)Tall in the Saddle (movie)Tall Man Riding (movie)The Band Wagon (movie)The Bounty Hunter (movie)The First Texan (movie)The Goonies (movie)The Kissing Bandit (movie)The Left-Handed Gun (movie)The Man Behind the Gun (movie)The Mortal Storm (movie)The Naked Spur (movie)The Oklahoma Kid (movie)The Oklahoman (movie)The Painted Hills (movie)The Princess Bride (movie)The Shining (movie)The Silence of the Lambs (movie)The Young Guns (movie)They Died with Their Boots On (movie)This Means War (movie)This Means War: Extended Edition (movie)Thunder Over the Plains (movie)Trail Street (movie)Vengeance Valley (movie)Vivacious Lady (movie)We Bought a Zoo (movie)Westbound (movie)Westward the Women (movie)Wichita (movie)Ziegfeld Girl (movie)Arriving on May 2 Adult Best Friends (movie)Malditos season 1 (TV show)Teen Titans Go! season 9 (TV show)Arriving on May 3 Ready Player One (movie)Arriving on May 6 Fareed Zakaria: The War on Government (TV show)Talking Pictures Podcast - Special Video Episode with Eli Roth Recorded At TCM Classic Film Festival (video podcast)The Playboy Murders season 3 (TV show)Toxic season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 8Conan O’Brien Must Go season 2 (TV show)Arriving on May 9 Bloody Trophy (Krwawe Trofeum) (movie) The Whale (movie)Arriving on May 11Delicious Miss Brown season 10 (TV show)The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 12 Where the Crawdads Sing (movie)Arriving on May 13 Betting on Paradise season 1 (TV show)Contraband: Seized at the Border season 6 (TV show)Dream Destination: A Surprise Trip season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 14 Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out season 1 (TV show)Mini Reni season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 15 Duster season 1 (TV show)Mermicorno: Starfall season 2 (TV show)United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper season 2 (TV show)Arriving on May 16The Brutalist (movie)Arriving on May 17 Bugs Bunny Builders season 2 (TV show)Arriving on May 18 Love & Marriage: Detroit season 2 (TV show)Say Yes to the Dress season 21 (TV show)Arriving on May 19 American Monster: Abuse of Power season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 20 Kong: Skull Island (movie)Arriving on May 21 Homicide Hunter: American Detective season 5 (TV show)Arriving on May 22Expedition Files season 2 (TV show)Arriving on May 23 Pee-wee as Himself (TV show)Restoring Galveston season 7 (TV show)Silly Sundays season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 25 Say Yes To The Dress With Tan France season 1 (TV show)Arriving on May 28 Down Home Fab season 3 (TV show)Arriving on May 29 And Just Like That... season 3 (TV show)Arriving on May 31 Mountainhead (movie)

You might also like

Max has been adding some of Prime Video's most annoying features but also a load of better upgradesMax is launching in Australia soon – here are the top 5 HBO shows I think you should stream firstMax's #1 most-watched movie Y2K isn't the throwback I wanted – here are 3 better films to stream instead

Looking to pick up an iPad for carrying out basic tasks like watching shows, catching up on reading and handling some email? The latest base model might be the way to go, especially if you’re a budget-conscious buyer. The A16 iPad is now on sale at a record-low price. It has dropped by $29 to $320.

The discount is available for most colorways. The deal is for the entry-level configuration with 128GB of storage, 6GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

The A16 iPad, which Apple released earlier this year, is our pick for the best budget iPad. It's not as sleek or powerful as the iPad Air, but as things stand it'll run you $234 less than that tablet. It's a good device in its own right, as we gave it a score of 84 in our review.

Apple didn't increase the price of the latest base iPad compared with the previous model, but it added 2GB of RAM, doubled the storage and slotted in a more powerful chipset that's fast enough for most common tasks, including casual gaming and light photo editing. However, the iPad doesn't support Apple Intelligence — which is either a positive or negative, depending on your perspective or feelings about generative AI.

The build quality is still solid, while the 11-inch tablet runs for around 10 hours on a single charge, depending on the taks you carry out with it. On the downside, the accessory situation isn't ideal. The Apple Pencil doesn't charge wirelessly when you attach it magnetically to the iPad — you'll need a USB-C cable and a USB-C to Lightning adapter to juice up the original Pencil's battery from the tablet. The Magic Keyboard support isn't great either, as the model that works with the base iPad is tough to stabilize on your lap.

Still, if the accessory fussiness doesn't bother you, this might be the right iPad for your needs. Sure, the iPad Air and Pro lineups have models with more powerful chipsets, but if all you're looking for is an iPad to watch some movies on while you're flying or to read the news on without breaking the bank, this could be the way to go.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-latest-ipad-drops-to-a-record-low-price-143619542.html?src=rss

Andor season 2 will delve deeper into Mon Mothma and Vel Sartha's family relationshipGenevieve O'Reilly and Faye Marsay say Luthen Rael will play an "important" role in how it plays outMon and Vel were revealed to be cousins in Andor's first season

Genevieve O'Reilly and Faye Marsay have lifted the lid on the "important" role that Luthen Rael will play in the evolution of their characters' dynamic in Andor season 2.Speaking to TechRadar ahead of the Disney+ show's return, O'Reilly and Marsay suggested that Mon Mothma and Vel Sartha's relationship will be explored in more detail this season. However, their kinship will be at the mercy of Luthen, aka the nascent Rebel Alliance's shadowy leader.Indeed, clear though it is that Mon and Vel care dearly for one another, their relationship will always be considered second-best – in Luthen's mind, anyway – in the fight to overthrow the Galactic Empire.And, with the rebellion's puppet master "holding a lot of the cards" in terms of orchestrating the role of every rebel in the Star Wars TV series, Mon and Vel will find themselves pulled in different directions throughout the final season's 12-episode run.

Luthen Rael will continue to orchestrate matters from the shadows (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

"From Vel's perspective, the relationship [she shares with Mon] isn't difficult," Marsay told me. "It's the circumstances around it that are tough."Vel is on the frontline, but Mon is – while she's still a prominent figure in the rebellion, she's – working in the background. That puts their relationship in an interesting position, because the affection they have for each other is there, but one of them is acting from the shadows while the other is very much a 'boots on the ground' fighter."

Luthen becomes an integral person within this familial structureGenevieve O'Reilly, Andor season 2 actor

"We have a great conduit in Luthen," O'Reilly added of Luthen's impact on the pair's relationship in Andor's second installment. "He's a really important part of this triangle. You understand his machinations, but you're also quite uptight about how he's keeping these family members apart."There's a scene in season 2 that we filmed in Valencia," O'Reilly continues. "It's a party scene where Mon and Luthen cross paths again, and Mon asks him 'How is my cousin? I haven't heard from her'. There's a worry there that something might have happened to Vel but, Luthen being Luthen, he doesn't reveal anything. So, he becomes an integral person within this familial structure and he's holding a lot of the cards that keeps everyone on their toes."The second and final season of Andor, aka one of the best Disney+ shows, begins airing on April 22 (US) and April 23 (UK and Australia). Before its three-episode premiere arrives, read my spoiler-free review of Andor season 2 to learn how good it is, find out who's who in Andor's second season, or read the section below for more Andor-based coverage.

You might also like

What is the release date and time for Star Wars: Andor season 2 episodes 1 to 3 on Disney+?'Only gets more complicated': Andor season 2 will test the 'complex but beautiful' relationship between Cassian and Bix like never before, stars say'We told the story we wanted to tell': Andor lead star opens up on Disney's decision to end the Star Wars show after two seasons on Disney+

If you've been waiting to pick up Apple's latest MacBook Air M4 then your patience has paid off. Right now, the 13-inch model is down to $939 from $999 — a six percent discount. It's an all-time low price for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4, dropping to $10 less than it cost during Amazon's Spring Sale. The deal is available for the laptop in Starlight, Midnight and Sky Blue, so just not Silver.

Apple only released the MacBook Air M4 in Mid-March and it's already our pick for 2025's best MacBook overall. We gave it in a 92 in our review thanks to features like its 13.6-inch liquid retina display and slim build — it weighs 2.7 pounds and is 0.44 inches thick. But, it's the M4 chip that really gives this MacBook Air a boost. The 13-inch model has a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Plus, it lasted over 18 hours while playing HD video.

If you're looking for something a little bigger and with more RAM, then it might be worth getting the 15-inch MacBook Air M4. It's currently down to $1,499 from $1,599 and offers 24GB of RAM, compared to the 13-inch's 16GB. The only catch: This deal is just for the Starlight model (though the Midnight version is only $20 more at $1,519).

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m4-macbook-air-is-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-144625495.html?src=rss

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 will offer Nvidia DLSSCD Projekt Red confirmed the game uses DLSS in four modes, including handheld and docked, and the performance and quality variations of eachCyberpunk 2077 will have a choice between 30FPS quality mode and a 40FPS performance mode

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 will feature Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).That's according to Digital Foundry, which was able to confirm with the studio during a hands-on event that the Switch 2 version will offer Nvidia's AI-upscaling technology in both handheld and docked mode."We're using a version of DLSS available for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, powered by Nvidia's Tensor cores," CD Projekt Red told the publication. "The game utilises DLSS in all four modes: in handheld and docked, and the performance and quality variations of each."When docked, Cyberpunk 2077 will offer a choice between 30FPS quality mode and a 40FPS performance mode, the latter of which would presumably work only on TVs that support 120Hz."With consistent performance, both should look smooth, with the 40fps mode sitting between 30fps and 60fps in terms of fluidity," Digital Foundry explained. "Both modes are using 1080p as the output resolution with dynamic resolution scaling in effect in combination with DLSS."In handheld mode, quality mode will still output a 1080p image with DLSS and dynamic resolution scaling, targeting 30fps, while performance mode will see a drop in resolution to 720p, "with the handheld screen in 120Hz mode and 40fps as the target."Cyberpunk 2077 is the first game to be confirmed to feature DLSS following the Switch 2 Direct earlier this month.Nintendo revealed that the Switch 2 would feature Nvidia's DLSS after the livestream, but refrained from sharing which games would utilize it. Right now, it's unclear if any of the company's first-party titles will also offer the tech, or if it's only being reserved for third-party games that first released on PC, like Cyberpunk 2077.The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, and will cost $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle, which comes with a digital copy of the game.Pre-orders are now live in the UK. US pre-orders are set to begin on April 24 after Nintendo delayed its initial April 9 date as it assessed the potential impact of tariffs.

You might also like...

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders live: latest UK stock updates as My Nintendo Store's pre-order date arrives, while US pre-orders remain delayedHere are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that you'll be able to pick up and play on June 5Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser says 'stay tuned' when asked about the absence of a mainline Mario game for the Switch 2

Garmin is expanding its availability of the ECG appIt is now available in Switzerland and the United KingdomIt lets users record their heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation

Garmin has today announced that its ECG app is now available to customers in Switzerland and the UK, bringing the total list of supported territories to more than 50.Garmin's ECG app works with all of the best Garmin watches including the Fenix 8 and beyond, and lets users record their heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation.The app shows you immediate results on your wrist and lets you sync your readings to Garmin Connect, viewing them on the smartphone app at a later date. The latter also supports compiling a history of ECG results you can share with your healthcare provider.Garmin's ECG is powered by the sensors on the back of its smartwatches, which record electrical signals to measure heart rate rhythm, and the company says it's the first Garmin smartwatch feature to be categorized as a medical device in either country.

Garmin's ECG rollout

(Image credit: Garmin)

Garmin says that it will continue to expand its portfolio of products supporting the ECG app, as well as launch it in more regions in line with necessary regulatory approval.Garmin's full suite of supported devices includes the D2, Enduro 3, Epix Pro Gen 2, Fenix 7, Fenix 8, Quatix 7 Pro, Tactix 7, Tactix 8, Venu 2 Plus, Venu 3, and the Venu 3S.Aside from today's new territories, already-supported nations include Australia, most of Europe, the United States, and more.

You might also like

I wish I was a better runner so I could use more of the features on my Garmin watchI've been an Apple Watch user for 10 years - here are 8 things Garmin still does betterStrava acquires powerhouse AI-training platform Runna, and Garmin should be panicking

There are hundreds of scam farms across Southeast Asia, the UN is sayingLocal governments are conducting raids, but they're ineffectiveThe industry is spreading into Africa and South America

Despite governments and law enforcement agencies in the Southeast Asian region trying their best to contain the threat, the scam industry is thriving, taking advantage of the fact that there are many remote, inaccessible regions, and many impoverished, undereducated people to abuse.This is according to a new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). As reported by Cybernews, UNODC said the scam industry is a “multibillion-dollar” one and it’s expanding globally to include South America and Africa.It originated in Southeast Asia, where there are “hundreds” of large-scale farms, housing tens of thousands of workers. Some of these people were even trafficked and forced to work in these scam farms. These farms are generating “tens of billions of dollars” in annual profits, the UNODC said.

Get Keeper Personal for just $1.67/month, Keeper Family for just $3.54/month, and Keeper Business for just $7/month​Keeper is a cybersecurity platform primarily known for its password manager and digital vault, designed to help individuals, families, and businesses securely store and manage passwords, sensitive files, and other private data. It uses zero-knowledge encryption and offers features like two-factor authentication, dark web monitoring, secure file storage, and breach alerts to protect against cyber threats.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

Spreading like cancer

Governments of Southeast Asian countries, such as China, Thailand, Myanmar, and many others, are persistently trying to disrupt these activities, but they’re apparently not achieving much, since the groups can simply pick up and move elsewhere.“It spreads like a cancer,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC acting regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “Authorities treat it in one area, but the roots never disappear; they simply migrate.”“The regional cyberfraud industry... has outpaced other transnational crimes, given that it is easily scalable and able to reach millions of potential victims online, with no need to move or traffic illicit goods across borders,” said John Wojcik, a regional analyst with UNODC.The report mentions crackdowns in “lawless areas” of the Thai-Myanmar border, Cambodia, and elsewhere. The criminals would simply migrate to Laos, Myanmar, and other “most remote, vulnerable, and underprepared parts of Southeast Asia”.The money stolen through fraud still needs to be laundered, which is why these groups are expanding into Africa and South America, where they’re partnering up with drug cartels. UNODC says operations are being established in Zambia, Angola, and Namibia, but also in Eastern European countries such as Georgia.Via Cybernews

You might also like

UN warns massive billion-dollar fraud networks are on the rise in Southeast AsiaTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator appWe've rounded up the best password managers

Prime Video has an extensive catalog of rotating movies and TV shows, including those in our curated list of best Prime Video shows. That said, it's difficult to find exactly what titles are leaving Prime Video because it doesn't have a dedicated "expiring filter" like it does for Amazon in the UK. In Amazon US, expiring titles have a label that appears at least 14 days in advance. It's just up to you to find it.But we're here to help with that step. While combing through forums and catalogs, we've pinpointed these three highly rated movies that are leaving Prime Video soon. (If you're tired of the old and want more of the new, you can look at these three new Prime Video movies in April 2025 instead.)

Saturday Church (2018)

RT score: 90%Directors: Damon CardasisAge Rating: RLength: 1 hr 22 minLeaving on: April 29

Saturday Church is director Damon Cardasis' first feature film, starring a troubled queer youth that learns to express himself through dance. It's a unique coming-of-age movie that doubles as a musical, perfect for watchers that like a good beat.Fourteen-year-old Ulysses (Luka Kain) struggles with his role as the new 'man of the house' while exploring his gender identity. After the death of his father, he and his sister Amara find themselves in the care of their conservative aunt Rose while their mother is working.Ulysses is bullied at school for being shy and effeminate but learns that maybe that isn't so bad when he meets a group of LGBTQ kids that introduce him to voguing at the local church.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

RT score: 86%Directors: Sergio LeoneAge Rating: RLength: 3 hr 39 minLeaving on: April 29

Once Upon a Time in America is a commitment with its three and a half-hour runtime, but it's worth watching for fans of gritty older films. It's still considered an American classic to this day because of its direction, score, and deeper themes of friendship and betrayal.Released in 1984, Once Upon a Time in America stars Hollywood icon Robert De Niro as David 'Noodles' Aaronson, a gang member that grew up in the slums of the Lower East Side. The movie shifts between different points in Noodles' life between the early 1910s to the late 1960s, all of which give insight into the truth behind the regrets he faces.Note: It isn't for the faint of heart and you should definitely check the rating information if you struggle with content warnings.

Past Lives (2023)

RT score: 95%Directors: Celine SongAge Rating: PG-13Length: 1 hr 45 minLeaving on: April 30

Past Lives explores the connections we have with others, even though we may never get to know them quite as much as we'd like to.Na Young (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Yoo Teo) are childhood friends. They grow up together in South Korea until Na Young moves with her family to Canada and becomes 'Nora Moon'. After years apart, they reconnect online and start talking again but decide to focus on their own lives because it's not feasible to anchor their lives over a long-distance relationship. Nora eventually marries and moves to NYC with her husband.Nora and Hae Sung intermittently keep in touch over multiple years but slip past each other, never committing to meeting or anything significant. When Hae Sung tells her he's visiting the city for a short trip, the two decide to see each other again, but at what cost?

You might also like

5 environmental movies with over 93% on Rotten TomatoesThe Wheel of Time cast hasn't given up hope the show's renewalG20 is Prime Video's #2 movie but critics are calling it chaotic

Looking for a good VPN service? ExpressVPN is offering one heck of a deal right now. You can snag a 28-month subscription, which is well over two years, for 61 percent off the typical price. This boils down to $5 per month, but there’s one catch. You have to pay up front, which comes out to $140.

That’s a hefty initial payout, but having access to a good VPN service into late 2027 sounds pretty dang nice. To that end, ExpressVPN is one of the more reputable companies out there and it easily made our list of the best VPN providers. We appreciated the speedy connections offered by the service. This isn’t always the case with VPNs. We also didn’t encounter too much lag during our testing.

It works on a variety of devices, so this isn’t just for the living room desktop. ExpressVPN integrates with mobile gadgets, smart TVs and game consoles, among other items. It’s really the best solution for gamers who travel a lot. It also comes with an in-house password manager, which would eliminate the need for a standalone subscription.

Truly the only real downside of this service is the price. The regular cost is $13 per month, which is mighty steep. This sale alleviates this concern, at least for 28 months. Spending $5 per month for a VPN of this caliber is something of a no-brainer.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-61-percent-off-expressvpn-two-year-subscriptions-150758737.html?src=rss

We've got good news and bad news for fans of Heartstopper. There's not going to be another season of one of the best Netflix shows, but Nick and Charlie will be going out in style in a full-length feature film.The news was announced on Netflix's Tudum site, which confirms that Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman will be on board to write the new Netflix movie. It'll start filming in the summer.And that's not all Netflix has to say about the movie. It's going to be emotional...

What happens in the movie of Heartstopper?

The movie will pick up immediately after the Hearstopper season 3 finale, with Nick and Charlie an apparently inseparable couple.But life has a tendency of getting in the way, and with Nick preparing to leave for university while Charlie finds new independence at school, they have to face the reality of trying to maintain a long-distance relationship. According to Netflix, "doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet."The film will also focus on Nick and Charlie's friends, who are "navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship. confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on".As you'd hope, Kit Connor and Joe Locke are back as the teen lovebirds – although that wasn't guaranteed, because their contracts had expired and the show had made them both in-demand actors. Other cast announcements for what could likely become one of the best Netflix movies will be made soon.One of the interesting things about this movie is that it draws from volume six of the Heartstopper graphic novels – and that volume isn't out yet. Alice Oseman has suggested that volume six would ideally come out before the finale, but according to Deadline she's still writing it. No pressure, Alice...

You may also like...

Missing Heartstopper? These 6 feel-good shows will helpPeaky Blinders, the movie: everything we know so farThe star of Ransom Canyon really wants a Season 2: "there's more story to tell"

CATL unveils second generation of its "Shenxing" fast-charging batteryA five-minute charge can add over 320-miles of rangeThe lithium-iron phosphate battery cells are cheaper than nickel-rich rivals

China’s EV giants are currently embroiled in a battery charging arms race, as the likes of BYD, Huawei, and Zeekr all recently announced that they had cracked 1MW charging speeds for five-minute battery top-ups.CATL, which is the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer by a long way, has also joined in the competition, announcing that its next-generation 'Shenxing' LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) battery can add over 320 miles in just five minutes from the appropriate but currently thin-on-the-ground 1MW fast charging outlets.Boasting that the batteries will feature in more than 67 new EVs due to arrive this year, CATL’s Chief Technology Officer, Gao Huan, said the goal is to make the Shenxing technology "the standard" for electric vehicles.But alongside the company’s range-topping technology, it also announced a more energy-dense sodium battery, branded as Naxtra. This will deliver a range of over 300 miles, offering a much more affordable and safer option to current lithium and lead-acid-based batteries.CATL says the technology achieves an energy density of 175Wh per kg, which puts it on par with many of today’s premium LFP battery packs found in the likes of BYD, Tesla, and Volvo products.Plus, with an abundance of sodium, it reduces the reliance on rare earth materials, making it much cheaper to manufacture, and could therefore be introduced to more affordable, entry-level EVs in the future.

China continues to push EV tech forward

(Image credit: CATL)

Alongside its more affordable, sodium-based batteries and ultra-fast charging packs, the company’s CTO also hinted at a new "dual-power" pack design, which would allow for two different battery chemical make-ups to run in parallel.Although there was little in the way of real-world examples at the firm’s recent Tech Day in Shanghai, CATL stated that two lithium-ion units with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathodes could potentially offer a capacity of 180kWh - far eclipsing the 100 or so kWh touted by today’s costliest EVs.This would effectively be able to power a small electric sedan for almost 950 miles before the battery packs run dry, practically doubling the range touted by some of the most advanced electric vehicles on sale today.Of course, this sort of technology is going to be reserved for the wealthiest of CATL’s automotive clientele and embedded into premium models that the masses can only dream of affording.But the company’s constant 'leveling up' of battery tech means that even the most basic technology it offers is now becoming more energy dense, safer, and faster to charge.Could the days of lengthy charging stops and constantly interrupted electric road trips be soon behind us? Let's hope so.

You might also like

Hyundai reveals its new take on Android Automotive – as Apple CarPlay update update delivers 3 useful new featuresI've driven the ultra fast-charging Zeekr 7X – and it shows Chinese EVs are still better at premium design than driving experiencesBYD is on a relentless EV rise – and is now bringing its premium Denza brand to the EU

Google has been paying Samsung tons of cash every month to pre-install the AI app Gemini on its smartphones, according to a report by Bloomberg. This information comes to us as part of a pre-existing antitrust case against Google.

Peter Fitzgerald, Google’s VP of platforms and device partnerships, testified in federal court that it began paying Samsung for this service back in January. The pair of companies have a contract that’s set to run at least two years.

Fitzgerald told Judge Amit Metha, who is overseeing the case, that Google provides Samsung with both fixed monthly payments and a percentage of revenue earned from advertisers within the Gemini app. The monetary figures are unknown, but DOJ lawyer David Dahlquist called it an "enormous sum of money in a fixed monthly payment."

This antitrust case started with an accusation that Google had been illegally abusing a monopoly over the search engine industry. Part of the testimony surrounding that case involved Google paying Apple, Samsung and other companies to ensure it was the default search engine on its devices.

Judge Mehta agreed and found that this practice constitutes a violation of antitrust law. He’s currently hearing additional testimony to decide what measures Google must take to remedy the illegal behavior, which is where this Gemini reveal comes from.

Testimony from another case involving Epic Games indicated that Google handed over $8 billion from 2020 to 2023 to ensure that Google Search, the Play Store and Google Assistant were used by default on Samsung mobile devices. A California federal judge later ruled that the company must lift restrictions that prevent rival marketplaces and billing systems. Google is in the process of appealing that ruling.

As an aside, if Google is hellbent on handing out Scrooge McDuck-sized bags of money to increase adoption rates of its generative AI app, why not give the regular people who have to actually use the bloatware some of that cash? Just saying.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-pays-samsung-an-enormous-amount-of-money-to-pre-install-gemini-on-phones-153439068.html?src=rss

1Password has revealed new tools for its XAM platformUsers will benefit from compliance and governance featuresAgentic AI security has also been improved with new SDK

1Password, a leader in Extended Access Management (XAM) and creator of one of the best password managers, has unveiled a swathe of new security and Agentic AI capabilities in its XAM platform.Among the new updates are enhanced governance and compliance capabilities, and one-click app access, alongside new Agentic AI features including a 1Password SDK, service accounts, and the ability to store AI Agent secrets in the 1Password Enterprise password manager.1Password have also announced a new partnership with Drata to further boost 1Password’s compliance offerings.

Get Keeper Personal for just $1.67/month, Keeper Family for just $3.54/month, and Keeper Business for just $7/month. Keeper generates and stores strong passwords so you never have to remember them again. Don’t let one weak password leave you exposed.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

New XAM capabilities

From June 2025, the platform will also offer extended device compliance to allow IT teams additional visibility into the devices employees are using to access web and AI applications, whether they are work-provided or personal devices. A one-click app launcher will also be made available in June, providing employees with a single access point to all the managed and unmanaged applications they need.In fall 2025, the platform will additionally offer access governance for SaaS applications, allowing IT teams to fully monitor and automate access and discover unauthorized shadow IT. IT admins will be able to access an XAM console that will provide visibility on user lifecycle, surface insights, policies across users, their devices, and the applications they access."The way people work has fundamentally changed, and security needs to catch up quickly,” said David Faugno, Co-CEO at 1Password. “The explosion of SaaS has increased access management and governance complexity, and now, agentic AI is compounding that challenge.”“Organizations need a new approach, one that not only secures managed devices and applications but also the unmanaged tools that employees and AI agents actually use to get work done. That’s exactly what 1Password Extended Access Management is built for. We’re not just solving today’s problems; we’re shaping the future of identity and access management security - one that empowers productivity without compromising protection,” Faugno added.

Agentic AI security from 1Password

From today, 1Password has made an SDK for Agentic AI available to help developers build secure AI workflows through programmatic management of vault items. What’s more, developers and IT admins will be able to create scoped API keys to allow AI agents to access vaults without exposing credentials, and allow AI agents to perform efficiently without exposing businesses to additional risk.The 1Password enterprise password manager now also offers secure vaults for AI agents, where they can retrieve information needed to access service providers, while also providing audit logs.“AI agents will rapidly become the hardest-working members of today’s workforce,” said Jeff Shiner, Co-CEO at 1Password. “They operate non-stop at machine speed, scaling workflows in ways we’ve never seen—but they don’t fit neatly into old security models. That’s why we created Agentic AI Security: to help businesses move fast and stay secure, giving developers the tools to innovate confidently while providing security teams the visibility they need.”

1Password partners with Drata

1Password has also announced that it has partnered with Drata to offer enhanced compliance through continuous monitoring, secure access enforcement, and real-time insights across the edge, AI-driven tools, and employee-owned devices.“Security and compliance are inseparable, especially as SaaS sprawl and AI adoption introduce new layers of complexity and risk,” said David Faugno, Co-CEO of 1Password. “Organizations can’t achieve lasting compliance without securing how people, devices, applications, and AI agents access their critical business data, and you can’t secure access without continuously verifying compliance.”“This partnership with Drata helps unify these efforts, giving companies the ability to enforce strong security policies across all identities, applications, and devices—both managed and unmanaged—while staying continuously audit-ready. It’s a step toward a more modern, automated, and resilient approach to trust at scale,” Faugno concluded.

You might also like

These are the best endpoint protection servicesTake a look at our guide to the best antivirusCyberscam industry continues to thrive as raids fail to contain worldwide spread

Nintendo finally revealed when gamers in the US and Canada will be able to place their orders for Switch 2 consoles. Nintendo announced that Switch 2 pre-orders will open on April 24 in both regions. Price has remained the same, even in the face of tariffs: the Switch 2 console alone will cost $450, while the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will cost $500.

However, Nintendo also stated it will adjust prices of Switch 2 accessories due to "market conditions." "Other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions," the company said in the press release.

Also in its statement, the company apologized for the pre-order delay and reiterated that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be widely available starting June 5.

How to pre-order the Switch 2

In addition to direct from Nintendo, you'll be able to snag a Switch 2 from participating retailers when the console becomes available. Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and Target have confirmed they'll be opening pre-orders on April 24. GameStop said it will be accepting pre-orders both in stores and online, the latter starting at 11AM ET that day. Walmart's and Target's pre-orders will open at midnight. We also expect it to be available from Amazon.

Pre-order the Switch 2 from Amazon:

Nintendo Switch 2 console

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

Pre-order the Switch 2 from Walmart:

Nintendo Switch 2 console

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

Pre-order the Switch 2 from GameStop:

Nintendo Switch 2 console

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

Pre-order the Switch 2 from Best Buy:

Nintendo Switch 2 console

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

Pre-order the Switch 2 from Target:

Nintendo Switch 2 console

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

Pre-order the Switch 2 from Nintendo:

Nintendo Switch 2 console

There's some fine-print attached to pre-ordering directly from Nintendo. According to the pre-order page on Nintendo's site, you must be 18 years or older, sign in with your Nintendo account and register your interest in pre-ordering. Then, you'll be sent an invitation email when it's time to play your pre-order, and the invitation will be valid for 72 hours.

And then there's this bit of info: "Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025."

That seems to mean those who have paid for Switch Online in the recent past and those who have spent a good amount of time playing Switch games as of late will get first pick at buying a Switch 2.

Tariffs and the Nintendo Switch 2

During its most recent Direct presentation at the start of April, Nintendo showed off more of the Switch 2 than it ever had before. That included the reveal of the April 9 pre-order opening date, in addition to the original $450 starting price. Shortly after, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on China and other countries, prompting Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the US and Canada.

In a reversal, President Trump then announced a 90-day pause on steep “reciprocal” tariffs affecting 75 countries, but also announced that the tariff imposed on China will go up even further (currently, it's up to 245 percent for that country).

We now know that the original $450 price for the Switch 2 will remain the same in the US and Canada, but based on its official statement, it appears Nintendo is leaving the door open for potential future price increases.

We also know that Nintendo started moving some of its Switch console manufacturing to Vietnam in 2019. The reciprocal tariff for Vietnam was set to be 46 percent, but that appears to be on hold for now in favor of a 10 percent reciprocal tariff that’s now in effect for the 90-day pause period. It has been speculated that Nintendo will ramp up production of Switch 2 consoles in Vietnam so it can stay on schedule, even if it sells the console at a loss in the short term.

More Switch 2 details

We knew from the teaser trailer for the Switch 2 that Nintendo's new hardware would be bigger and would have a new approach to the detachable Joy-Cons. The new Joy-Con 2 have a new C button, mouse controls and a built in gyroscope for tilt control. The console has a built-in mic to support a new feature called Game Chat that will let you communicate with friends in-game. The device is indeed a bit larger, with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR and a 1080p resolution.

When docked, you'll be able to play at up to 4K on your TV, and Nintendo says it improved the consoles internal speakers as well. The new dock also has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and help maintain performance during long play sessions. The Switch 2 has dual USB-C ports for charging, and the base storage amount has increased to 256GB. The Switch 2's storage can be expanded like the previous model, but it will only work with newer microSD Express cards.

The Switch 2 has a number of accessories that you'll be able to purchase separately as well. Those are the accessories that Nintendo stated will receive price adjustments — otherwise known as price increases. The new Switch 2 camera will now cost $55, instead of the original $50 price tag; the new Switch 2 Pro controller will be $85 instead of $80; an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers will set you back $95 instead of $90 and a Joy-Con charging grip will go for $40 instead of $35. Check out Nintendo's official statement for all of the accessory price adjustments.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-pre-orders-open-thursday-starting-at-450-plus-everything-else-you-need-to-know-140931955.html?src=rss

One of the worst-kept secrets in games is now completely out in the open. It's true, Bethesda has been shepherding along a remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion with the help of external developer Virtuos. The publisher formally revealed the remaster on Tuesday. Never mind that screenshots leaked on Virtuous' website last week.

You can play it right now as the game has landed on PC (via Steam and the Xbox App for Windows PC), Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Since this is a project from Microsoft-owned Bethesda, Oblivion Remastered is on Game Pass. The base Oblivion Remastered game includes the the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions. There are extras available, such as bonus quests, of course, horse armor DLC (that was a whole thing, trust me). A deluxe edition has these, and other gear, bundled in.

As you might expect, Bethesda and Virtuos (a long-time partner of the publisher) have given the 2006 original a huge visual overhaul, updating the look of the RPG for modern systems. The remaster, which was built using Unreal Engine 5, has 4K Ultra HD graphics and it can run at framerates of 60 fps. Virtuos says it used the same base mesh system for for every race of characters. As such, the developers say they were able to make the lip-sync system more effective regardless of the characters' facial features. There's plenty of new dialogue too, including unique voice lines for all races.

The user interface, lighting effects, landscapes, audio and, of course, gameplay have all been refined here. The levelling system has been given an overhaul too, with the developers taking cues from both the original game and Skyrim. Fans of third-person adventuring will be please to learn that perspective has been upgraded too — there's now a crosshair, for one thing. Bethesda is also promising additional autosaves, enhanced accessibility features and improvements to enemy scaling.

Bethesda is currently working on The Elder Scrolls 6, but that doesn't mean the studio has left the past behind entirely. Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard said in the announcement video that each chapter of The Elder Scrolls "tried to define role-playing games and open-world games for their generation." Oblivion, in particular, "was a real defining moment in the series and for how we make games as a studio," he added. "Every time we think about Oblivion, it's 'what if we could give that moment to everybody again?'"This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-elder-scrolls-4-oblivion-remastered-is-out-right-now-and-yes-theres-horse-armor-dlc-154801655.html?src=rss

Squarespace website builder review

Squarespace has become a top choice in the website builder world thanks to its sleek designs and easy-to-use tools. You’ve probably seen it advertised across different platforms, and for good reason—it’s hard to miss.

ForBuilt-in email marketingEssential e-commerce features with most plansLots of lovely, mobile-responsive templatesFree trial with no credit card info requiredHelpful link in bio toolFree SSL certificateHelpful 24/7 customer support and well-supplied knowledgebaseA solid set of featuresAgainstCan't switch templates without starting from scratchNo telephone supportLow level of customization

Hostinger website builder review

Hostinger is known for its easy drag-and-drop editor, built-in SEO tools, and fast hosting. With customizable templates and AI-powered design options, Hostinger makes it simple to create a professional website without breaking the bank.

For24/7 live chat supportAwesome AI-powered tools7-day free trailAll-in-one sort of solutionEssential ecommerce toolsFree SSL securityIntuitive and insightful user interfaceRoyalty-free image libraryMulti-language supportFree domain (for 1-year, with annual plans)30-day money back guaranteeAgainstNo forever free planNot fit for a membership siteYou can’t switch templatesAll ecommerce tools only on premium planMost AI tools only on premium plan

Hostinger and Squarespace are two of the best website builders in 2025. They both offer user-friendly drag-and-drop editors, making it simple for anyone to create a professional website. Squarespace is known for its stylish templates and strong blogging features. In contrast, Hostinger shines with its AI tools, low prices, and fast hosting options.Hostinger website builder prices start at $2.99/mo (or less with our Hostinger promo codes), but rises to $11.99/mo after the initial term. This is still a fair bit cheaper than Sqaurespace, that starts its pricing at $16/mo (or less with our Squarespace promo codes).This comparison will look at how these platforms measure up in key areas. We'll cover things like pricing, template quality, editor features, ecommerce options, and customer support. By exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each builder, we’ll help you find the right fit for your needs, whether you want to build a portfolio, blog, small business site, or online store.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Pricing

(Image credit: Squarespace)

With just 4 plans to pick from, Squarespace pricing is simple to understand.The Personal plan starts at $16/month for features such as custom domains, Squarespace AI, SSL security, and unlimited bandwidth. Moving up to the Business plan at $23/month, you get additional features like website analytics, promotional pop-ups, customization with CSS and Javascript, and a 3% transaction fee on e-commerce sales.If you're aiming to build an online store, the Basic Commerce plan removes the transaction fees and adds perks like point of sale, product review, and more at $27/month. Meanwhile, larger stores can go with the Advanced Commerce plan. At $52/month, you’ll get additional features like advanced shipping, abandoned cart recovery, discounts, and commerce APIs.Depending on your situation, you can save up to 50% on your Squarespace subscription by using one of the best Squarespace promo codes.

(Image credit: Hostinger)

Hostinger has two budget-friendly website builder plans, starting with the Premium Website Builder plan at just $2.99/month for a 48-month term.This plan includes a free domain worth $9.99, integration with third-party tools like Facebook Pixel, Google Analytics, WhatsApp, Adsense, and access to a Mobile website editor.At a slightly higher cost, the Business Website Builder plan comes in at $3.99/month and includes AI tools for generating images, blog writing, heatmaps, and SEO. Plus, you can set up your online store with a 0% transaction fee.My verdict: Hostinger clearly wins in terms of affordability with its highly competitive pricing, making it ideal for beginners or small businesses on a budget. However, if you want a more polished, design-focused website with powerful built-in tools, Squarespace's higher price might be worth it, as it has specific plans based on your needs.

Hostinger vs Squarespace: Features

For its website builder, Hostinger offers over 150 customizable templates and AI features like an AI Website Builder, AI Writer, AI Heatmap, and AI Logo Generator. These tools help users create content, optimize sites, and build brands easily. Plus, Hostinger includes fully managed hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee for reliable websites.Squarespace features about 180 beautiful, designer-made templates that are modern and visually appealing. Its Fluid Engine drag-and-drop editor allows customization but follows a more structured grid. Squarespace also includes Blueprint AI for site creation, Acuity Scheduling for bookings, and strong blogging features. Both platforms support ecommerce on higher-tier plans, but, Squarespace offers more integrations and extensions.For AI tools and flexible hosting, Hostinger is better. For design-focused sites with more integrations, Squarespace takes the cake. Your choice depends on your business and website preferences, along with your technical proficiency.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Editor

Squarespace stands out with its intuitive and polished drag-and-drop editor, Fluid Engine. This editor features grid-based layouts and predefined content blocks. As you build your website, you can customize your template with colors, fonts, images, and content. You can see these changes in real time as you edit, and it’s easy to switch between the desktop and mobile views to make sure your site looks good on all devices. Squarespace comes with built-in tools for adding blogs, photo galleries, and online store features, which makes it easy to create different kinds of websites.On the other hand, Hostinger’s AI brings your customizable site to life in a matter of minutes. Even if you choose a pre-made template, you can easily tweak elements using their drag-and-drop interface. While it might not be as feature-rich or as visually appealing as Squarespace, it gets the job done quickly and to a high standard. Not to mention, you can use Hostinger’s AI tools like AI Heatmap and AI Writer to optimize content and design for conversions.My verdict: While Hostinger’s AI provides speed and simplicity to launch your site quickly, Squarespace comes out on top, with an intuitive editor that lets you experiment with different layouts. This gives you the flexibility to create beautiful designs and keep your website fresh and up-to-date.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Ecommerce

Squarespace supports a wide variety of features for both physical and digital products, such as product variants, customer reviews, discount codes, and inventory management. It also offers point-of-sale integration, subscription-based services, and abandoned cart recovery in its Advanced Commerce plan. Squarespace further enhances your online store with SEO tools, customizable checkout pages, and the ability to connect your store with social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.From a single dashboard, Hostinger lets you set up a payment method, customize each item, add your business info for invoices, and review your shipping policies. It also offers several advanced tools, some of which are AI-powered, that can speed up store creation and product upload.From the Store Manager section, you can set up an online store, manage inventory, create product categories, and offer discount codes. While you get insights like average order value and revenue, their ecommerce tools are not as advanced as Squarespace. Hostinger is best suited for smaller online stores that don’t need extensive ecommerce functionalities.My verdict: Squarespace is the clear winner for users looking to build a full-fledged ecommerce website with advanced features. Hostinger is a great budget option for small businesses or individuals needing basic e-commerce capabilities.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: User experience

Squarespace focuses on giving you a visually-driven user experience. Its platform is smooth, well-organized, and packed with design-forward features that make building a website enjoyable. Whether you're a designer or someone with minimal tech skills, Squarespace’s well-thought-out UI leverages the help of AI for intuitive recommendations. All of their templates are mobile-optimized, so your website will look great across all devices.Hostinger’s AI builder is designed to be quick and easy. The interface is straightforward and the features are great for those with no or little website building experience. While it doesn’t have the same level of design customization as Squarespace, the simplicity of the platform makes it easier to navigate, particularly for non-designers. Plus, the platform is lightweight, which ensures fast load times and smooth browsing experiences.My verdict: If you value design and aesthetics, Squarespace’s user experience is unparalleled. Hostinger is more focused on efficiency and speed, making it a great choice for users who prioritize simplicity over complex design options.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Support

Squarespace comes with 24/7 email support and live chat during business hours. Additionally, they have an extensive knowledge base, video tutorials, forum, and webinars to help you get the most out of their platform. If you need professional assistance, you can hire a Squarespace Expert to help set up your site. While Squarespace support is highly regarded, the lack of direct phone support may be a drawback for some users.Similarly, despite a lack of phone support, Hostinger’s customer support team functions well with 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. Like Squarespace, it features a knowledge base with step-by-step guides, articles, and tutorials. What sets Hostinger apart is its Hostinger Academy YouTube channel, which has over 550 videos, run by industry experts.My verdict: It’s almost a tie, since both Squarespace and Hostinger offer good resources, though neither has phone support. Squarespace comes with live chat, tutorials, and expert help, while Hostinger is known for quick responses and its highly valuable YouTube channel.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Final Verdict

Between the two, Hostinger stands out as a more affordable and flexible choice. Plans start at a small fraction of Squarespace's cost while offering essential website building features. AI tools add great value for content creation and optimization. The platform also boasts reliable hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Hostinger suits budget-conscious users, small businesses, and those who want a mix of simplicity and customization.Squarespace, though pricier, offers superior design quality. Its professionally crafted templates and easy drag-and-drop editor make it a favorite among creatives. It's often rated as one of the easiest website builders, perfect for beginners who want to focus on aesthetics. The platform includes better integrations and features, but these come at a higher price.For users looking for the best value and AI-assisted building, Hostinger is the top pick. If design is your main focus and you’re ready to pay more for a polished site, Squarespace is the gold standard. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, budget, and design preferences.