Tech
The PlayStation 6 could ditch the built-in disc drive

The next generation of PlayStation consoles might not appeal to people who enjoy building physical game collections.
A hardware leaker known as KeplerL2 posted in the NeoGAF forums this week (via WCCF Tech), claiming that the still-unconfirmed PlayStation 6 will not have a disc drive built in.
In a reply to another user's inquiry, KeplerL2 also said the base PS6 would come with just 1TB of storage space on its internal SSD. For reference, that's exactly the same as most PS5 models. Typically, specs like that only get better over time, but it seems like Sony might make a lateral move at best for storage capacity this time around.
That's almost certainly because of the AI-driven global RAM shortage, which was recently rumored to potentially cause the PS6 to miss its intended late 2027 launch date. All things being equal, Sony might be inclined to put a 2TB drive in each base PS5, but that might not be feasible right now.
As for the lack of a disc drive, that's going to ruffle feathers for a multitude of reasons.
Yes, the PS5 has had a no-disc-drive variant since its launch in 2020, but Sony also sells a standalone attachable disc drive unit in case users want one. Obviously, Sony could do the same with the PS6, but we don't know that yet. And while a large majority of video game sales happen in digital marketplaces as opposed to physical retail stores, plenty of people still like to own their games, whether it's out of concern for digital storefronts eventually shutting down, or just to build a nice collection of physical media. And, of course, sometimes you get good discounts on used games.
Needless to say, if this is true, it will be controversial.
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Tech
Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 19, 2026

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you can never sit down.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:
To rise.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?
There are no recurring letters.
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.
The Wordle answer today is…
Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is…
STAND
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Tech
New floating internet infrastructure takes flight

Sceye’s High-Altitude Platform System has completed endurance testing, marking a step toward wider deployment. The floating infrastructure aims to deliver internet from the stratosphere. Here’s what this means for the future of connectivity.
Tech
T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claims yours this weekend

TL;DR: Get a free iPhone 17e when signing up for a T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required. You can also get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing up for an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible device.
In the mobile carrier world, "free" is a word that usually comes with a whole lot of catches. Free deals usually force you into a premium plan and demand you trade in a pristine flagship phone to qualify for the discount. However, T-Mobile’s latest offer for the iPhone 17e is surprisingly straightforward.
For a limited time, you can score the newly-released iPhone 17e for free by simply opening a new line with T-Mobile. The standout feature of this deal? You don't need a trade-in. T-Mobile is covering the full $599 retail price of the iPhone 17e via 24 monthly bill credits.
Want something with a little more power? You can also pick up the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing on for 24 months of an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible phone. This deal gets you unthrottled 5G data, 4K streaming, and heaps of international roaming, but it's does fall into that standard trade-in/premium plan category of free deal.
The 12 best headphones of 2026 — we tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats
You might not need to upgrade to the iPhone 17, because the iPhone 17e packs a serious punch. It utilizes the same A19 chip found in the standard iPhone 17, meaning it’s fully compatible with the latest Apple Intelligence features. As Mashable’s Stan Schroeder notes in his first-hand look: "The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years." So it sounds like you've covered for the forseeable future with this budget-friendly handset.
We should point out that you still need to pay taxes on the full retail price upfront, plus a $35 device connection fee. And, of course, you’re locked into a data plan for two years. But you've got a shiny new iPhone 17, so you're still winning.
Score an iPhone 17e for free at T-Mobile this weekend.
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