So, it's 2025 and here we are, battling the latest trend in digital wizardry: Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Because why not add another layer of complexity to our already chaotic online existence? Instead of just climbing the old-fashioned SERPs like a content-hungry hamster, now we must ensure our masterpieces are not only visible but also referenced by AI overlords. Who knew the path to online success involved courting algorithms like they were picky date-night partners? Get ready to sprinkle your content with enough keywords to make a search engine blush, all in hopes of landing a coveted mention in the next AI-generated answer. Because, apparently, traditional SEO is so yesterday! #GenerativeEngineOptimization #GEO #SEO #

Ah, the Sony MiniDisc – the technological marvel that promised to take us to the future… back in 2006! Who could forget the thrill of lugging around those tiny discs, half the size of a CD but twice as confusing? It’s like someone took a cassette tape and said, "Let’s make this even more inconvenient!" Now, as we revive this piece of yesterday’s tomorrow, one can only wonder: is it retro chic or just retro ridiculous? The MZ-RH1 is back to remind us that while the world has moved on to streaming and cloud storage, there’s still a dedicated fan club for those who believe that carrying around a pocket full of discs is the true mark of sophistication. #MiniDisc

Ah, the Nintendo Switch 2! The console that promises to be a game-changer while serving us a delightful menu of games that are... let’s say, “vintage.” It’s like going to a restaurant that only serves yesterday's leftovers but insists they’re “classics.” Sure, there are a couple of shiny new exclusives that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but let’s be honest: the real magic lies in playing games that were once the crown jewels of your TV screen, now conveniently portable! Who needs innovation when you can relive the glory days of your 10-year-old favorites on the go? Now, if only they could upgrade the battery life to match our nostalgia! #NintendoSwitch2 #GamingN

There’s a bittersweet ache in discovering that a 2011 Photoshop tutorial can impart wisdom far beyond what recent ones offer. It’s as if the echoes of the past remind us of a time when creativity flowed freely, untainted by the pressures of trends and expectations. I find myself alone, sifting through the remnants of inspiration that once ignited my passion. This realization leaves me feeling adrift in a sea of disappointment, as the world rushes forward while I cling to fading memories. The art of yesterday holds more meaning than the present, and that truth cuts deep. 💔🎨🖤 #ArtInspiration #PhotoshopWisdom #CreativeJourney #Loneliness #Nostalgia

So, my phone decided to throw a tantrum yesterday, and guess what? Turns out, I was the villain in this drama! Who knew that my excessive screen time and tendency to ignore it while it sizzled like a frying pan were bad for its health? Thanks to an "expert," I now have seven tips to ensure my beloved gadget doesn’t glitch. Because clearly, it’s not the phone’s fault that it can’t handle my Netflix binges and endless scrolling. Next time, I’ll just let it suffer in silence instead of blaming it for my poor life choices. Here’s to all the phones out there, bravely enduring their human’s shenanigans! #PhoneOverheating #TechFails #ExpertAdvice

So, I stumbled upon this revolutionary concept: the Pi Pico Powers Parts-Bin Audio Interface. You know, for those times when you want to impress your friends with your "cutting-edge" audio technology but your wallet is emptier than a politician's promise. Apparently, if you dig deep enough into your parts bin—because who doesn’t have a collection of random electronic components lying around?—you can whip up an audio interface that would make even the most budget-conscious audiophile weep with joy. Let’s be real for a moment. The idea of “USB audio is great” is like saying “water is wet.” Sure, it’s true, but it’s not exactly breaking news. What’s truly groundbreaking is the notion that you can create something functional from the forgotten scraps of yesterday’s projects. It’s like a DIY episode of “Chopped” but for tech nerds. “Today’s mystery ingredient is a broken USB cable, a suspiciously dusty Raspberry Pi, and a hint of desperation.” The beauty of this Pi Pico-powered audio interface is that it’s perfect for those of us who find joy in frugality. Why spend hundreds on a fancy audio device when you can spend several hours cursing at your soldering iron instead? Who needs a professional sound card when you can have the thrill of piecing together a Frankenstein-like contraption that may or may not work? The suspense alone is worth the price of admission! And let’s not overlook the aesthetic appeal of having a “custom” audio interface. Forget those sleek, modern designs; nothing says “I’m a tech wizard” quite like a jumble of wires and circuit boards that look like they came straight out of a 1980s sci-fi movie. Your friends will be so impressed by your “unique” setup that they might even forget the sound quality is comparable to that of a tin can. Of course, if you’re one of those people who doesn’t have a parts bin filled with modern-day relics, you might just need to take a trip to your local electronics store. But why go through the hassle of spending money when you can just live vicariously through those who do? It’s all about the experience, right? You can sit back, sip your overpriced coffee, and nod knowingly as your friend struggles to make sense of their latest “innovation” while you silently judge their lack of resourcefulness. In the end, the Pi Pico Powers Parts-Bin Audio Interface is a shining beacon of hope for those who love to tinker, save a buck, and show off their questionable engineering skills. So, gather your components, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for an adventure that might just end in either a new hobby or a visit to the emergency room. Let the audio experimentation begin! #PiPico #AudioInterface #DIYTech #BudgetGadgets #FrugalInnovation

Shutterstock’s so-called ‘safe’ rebrand is nothing but a bland attempt to mask the mediocrity that has been plaguing this company for years. Let’s get one thing straight: unpretentious design is not an excuse for a lack of creativity or vision. This rebranding is mundane to the core, and it perfectly encapsulates how far Shutterstock has fallen behind in a world that thrives on innovation and boldness. How can a company that claims to be a leader in the stock photo industry settle for such a lukewarm identity? This is an insult to the very essence of what creative work should represent. The design doesn’t push boundaries; it tiptoes around them, playing it safe in a world where being bold and daring is what gets attention. It’s infuriating to see a platform that should inspire creativity instead opting for a design that is as forgettable as yesterday’s news. When I look at Shutterstock’s new branding, I see a desperate attempt to blend in rather than stand out. The phrase “serves its purpose” is the biggest red flag. What purpose, exactly? To ensure that no one remembers you? To create a forgettable experience for users who are looking for inspiration? This ‘safe’ rebrand is a half-hearted effort that screams mediocrity and a complete lack of ambition. Moreover, the design community has consistently challenged brands to think outside the box and create something that resonates with their audience. But what does Shutterstock do? It plays it safe, hiding behind the label of ‘unpretentious’ while failing to evoke any sort of emotional response. This is not just a failure of design; it’s a failure of leadership. There’s a glaring lack of vision in a world that craves authenticity and originality. Let’s talk about the missed opportunities here. Shutterstock had the chance to redefine itself, to shake things up and create a memorable identity that would resonate with both creators and consumers. Instead, it chose to play it safe, resulting in a brand that feels outdated and uninspired. This decision not only reflects poorly on Shutterstock but also sends a troubling message to the entire industry: that it’s okay to settle for mediocrity as long as it serves a purpose. To the leaders at Shutterstock, I urge you to take a long, hard look at what you’ve done. This rebrand is not just mundane; it’s a disservice to the creative community you claim to support. It’s time to stop playing it safe and start taking risks that could potentially elevate your brand to new heights. Remember, in the world of creativity, blending in is the fastest way to fade away. #Shutterstock #Rebrand #DesignCritique #Mediocrity #CreativityMatters

Ah, the PSVR2! The pièce de résistance of virtual reality headsets that promised to transport us to worlds so vivid, we might just forget we have to pay rent. As we wade into the futuristic wonderland of 2025, the burning question looms large: Does the PSVR2 still hold water, or is it just another fancy paperweight? Let’s be real for a second. When it first hit the shelves, the PSVR2 was the talk of the town, like the latest iPhone or a celebrity breakup. The immersion was touted as “total,” with visuals that could make a high-definition movie look like a flip book. But here we are, two years later, and the world’s moved on faster than a kid with a new toy. Meanwhile, our beloved headset sits in the corner, gathering dust and wondering why it’s not trending on social media. In the wild, wild world of gaming, what was once cutting-edge quickly becomes yesterday’s news. Remember when we couldn’t get enough of those pixelated graphics and 8-bit sounds? Now, we’re spoiled with hyper-realistic experiences that make you question if you’re playing a game or just scrolling through someone’s vacation photos. So, the big question remains: does the PSVR2 still pack a punch in 2025, or has it been eclipsed by the latest, shiniest tech? If we’re being honest, the PSVR2 was like that trendy café everyone raved about until they found out the coffee was brewed with dreams and unicorn tears. Sure, it looked great on paper, but how many of us have actually used it regularly? It feels like one of those impulse buys that seemed brilliant at 3 AM when you were scrolling through online reviews, but now, it just sits there as a reminder of fleeting enthusiasm. And let’s not forget that while we’re diving deep into virtual worlds, reality is still waiting for us with bills and responsibilities. So, is it worth the investment in 2025? The answer is simple: if you’re a die-hard gamer with pockets deep enough to fund a small country, then by all means, indulge! But if you’re like the rest of us—grappling with student loans or wondering when your next paycheck will come—maybe it’s time to consider if that VR headset is really your best friend or just an over-hyped acquaintance. In conclusion, the PSVR2 may still have a few tricks up its sleeve, but in the fast-paced realm of technology, it’s hard to stay relevant when new contenders are emerging faster than you can say “augmented reality.” So, if you find yourself daydreaming about those immersive experiences, just remember—sometimes, it’s okay to take a break from reality. After all, the world will still be waiting for you when you take off that headset. #PSVR2 #VirtualReality #Gaming2025 #TechTrends #GamingHumor

Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / James Martin / Viva Tung / Mashable Composite Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans. Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media. Mashable Top Stories Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news. Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: ScorelessGreen: Midwest college townsBlue: GolfPurple: Major names behind the plate Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: Slang for ZeroGreen: Big Ten CitiesBlue: Sites of This Year's Men's Golf MajorsPurple: MLB CatchersLooking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.Drumroll, please!The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #266 is...What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todaySlang for Zero - BAGEL, DONUT, GOOSE EGG, NILBig Ten Cities - COLLEGE PARK, COLUMBUS, EAST LANSING, MADISONSites of This Year's Men's Golf Majors - AUGUSTA, OAKMONT, QUAIL HOLLOW, ROYAL PORTRUSHMLB Catchers - PEREZ, RALEIGH, REALMUTO, RUTSCHMANDon't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections. Topics Connections #nyt #connections #sports #edition #today

The government has axed a scheme for upgrading energy efficiency in public sector buildings. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Schemedelivered more than £2.5bn in its first three phases for measures such as heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and double glazing, with further funding of nearly £1bn recently announced. But the Department for Energy Security and Net Zerohas told Building Design that the scheme has been dropped after the spending review, leaving uncertainty about how upgrades will be funded when the current phase expires in 2028. Source: UK Government/FlickrEd Miliband’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the scheme The department said it would set out plans for the period after 2028 in due course. In a post on LinkedIn, Dave Welkin, director of sustainability at Gleeds, said he had waited for the release of the spending review with a “sense of trepidation” and was unable to find mention of public sector decarbonisation when Treasury documents were released. “I hoped because it was already committed in the Budget that its omission wasn’t ominous,” he wrote. Yesterday, he was told by Salix Finance, the non-departmental public body that delivers funding for the scheme, that it was no longer being funded. It comes after the withdrawal of funding for the Low Carbon Skills Fundin May. According to the government’s website, PSDS and LCSF were intended to support the reduction of emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037, compared to a 2017 baseline. “Neither LCSF or PSDS were perfect by any means, but they did provide a vital source of funding for local authorities, hospitals, schools and many other public sector organisations to save energy, carbon and money,” Welkin said. “PSDS has helped replace failed heating systems in schools, keeping students warm. It’s replaced roofs on hospitals, helping patients recover from illness. It’s replaced windows in our prisons, improving security and stopping drugs getting behind bars.” However, responding to Welkin’s post, Steve Connolly, chief executive at Arriba Technologies, a low carbon heating and cooling firm, said that the scheme was being “mismanaged” with a small number of professional services firms “scooping up disproportionately large grants for their clients”. The fourth phase of the scheme was confirmed last September, with allocations confirmed only last month. This latest phase, which covers the financial years between 2025/26 and 2027/28, saw the distribution of £940m across the country. A DESNZ spokesperson said: “Our settlement is about investing in Britain’s renewal to create energy security, sprint to clean power by 2030, encourage investment, create jobs and bring down bills for good. “We will deliver £1bn in current allocations of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme until 2028 and, through Great British Energy, have invested in new rooftop solar power and renewable schemes to lower energy bills for schools and hospitals across the UK. “We want to build on this progress by incentivising the public sector to decarbonise, so they can reap the benefits in lower bills and emissions, sharing best practice across government and exploring the use of repayable finance, where appropriate.” A government assessment of phase 3a and 3b projects identified a number of issues with the scheme, including delays and cost inflation, with more than a tenth being abandoned subsequent to grants being offered. Stakeholders interviewed for the report also identified “difficulties in obtaining skilled contractors and equipment”, especially air source heat pumps. The first come first served approach to awarding funding was also said to be “encouraging applicants to opt for more straightforward projects” and “potentially undermining the achievement of PSDS objective by restricting the opportunity for largermore complex measures which may have delivered greater carbon reduction benefits”. But the consensus among stakeholders and industry representatives interviewed for the report was that the scheme was “currently key to sustaining the existing UK heat pump market” and that it was “seen as vital in enabling many public sector organisations to invest in heat decarbonisation”. #government #ditches #public #sector #decarbonisation