Technologies

Bark Phone Lets You Prioritize Your Children’s Safety and Right Now, You Can Save $30

This customizable phone lets you monitor offline and online activity of your kids, and right now, you can get started for just $9 a month.

It’s only natural for kids to want their own phones these days, but we get why handing over a regular smartphone with full internet access can feel like a hard nope for most parents. Arguing with Gen Alpha about it is losing a battle, so you need something that gives them the freedom they’re asking for in a safe, controlled environment.

The Bark Phone, which looks like a regular phone on the outside, does exactly that. It’s built with safety in mind, and right now, there’s a great back-to-school deal that makes it a bit easier on the wallet. The phone normally retails for $10 per month for 24 months, with plans starting at $29 per month. Currently, using the code CLASS30 at checkout gets you $30 off your first month, which means you’ll only pay $9 plus taxes to get started.

The phone itself is a Samsung Galaxy A16, which comes preloaded with parental controls according to the plan you choose. The starter plan starts at $29 a month and includes unlimited talk and text with no internet access or games — ideal for younger kids. No more stranger danger, since you’re also able to approve or deny every contact.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

Advanced plans let kids gradually access more features while also keeping you in the loop. For instance, children can request any apps in the Google Play Store for you to approve. You are still able to monitor, set limits, and remove previously approved content.

The phone actively scans all data and also looks for social media red flags like adult content, harassment and bullying. If it spots anything suspicious, you’re notified immediately.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$350 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked AI Phone (Gray):

$525 (save $125)
Moto G Stylus 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone(2024 Model, Caramel Latte):

$300 (save $100)
Apple iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked Phone (Refurbished, Midnight):

$334 (save $295)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Bark Phone offers a great way to let your children access technology while also prioritizing their safety. This deal takes $30 off your first month, which means you can get started for just $9. Note that deals like this are usually short-lived, so if this interests you, hurry while you can.

Technologies

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Might Come in 5G and 4G Cellular Models

If the rumor proves true, the 5G Galaxy Watch Ultra would rival the 5G-enabled $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3 that debuted last fall.

Samsung’s next high-end Galaxy Watch could support faster 5G speeds, but if this leak is true, it will depend on where you live. The rumored Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might come in 5G and 4G cellular models, with availability for each smartwatch depending on the country.

According to the Dutch website Galaxy Club (and spotted by SamMobile), Samsung’s servers may have revealed a series of model numbers that point to 5G, 4G and Wi-Fi-enabled editions of the next Galaxy Watch Ultra, which would succeed the original model that debuted in 2024.

A representative for Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Galaxy Club website speculates that the 5G edition would be sold in the US and Korean markets, while the 4G edition would sell in the rest of the world. In the US, a 5G version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra would rival the 5G-enabled $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3, which debuted last fall. The 4G edition would have broader compatibility worldwide, since the earlier network is far more established.

It will likely be a few months until we hear anything official about the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Samsung typically unveils its new watches in the summer alongside its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable phones. Last year, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, but otherwise left the prior 2024 Ultra in the lineup for those looking for a larger 47mm smartwatch.

Technologies

2 Cases Show Supreme Court Isn’t Holding ISPs Responsible for Piracy

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for April 8, #1032

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for April 8, No. 1032.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is kind of tough. The purple category is a fun one, once you see the connection. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: In the group.

Green group hint: Appearance details.

Blue group hint: Often found in gyms.

Purple group hint: They help you see.