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 The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe. With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it. So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered. Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, April 19, 2024: Across"Get outta here!"
Japanese poem with 17 syllables
Who "has left the building," in a famous concert announcement
Smartphone notification
"Don't go!"
Down___ butter (lotion ingredient)The answer is shea. Referees' decisions
Completely captivate
Award-winning filmmaker Kurosawa
Like a basement that needs to be aired out
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 At the first look at Abigail, horror fans had plenty of reason to salivate in bloodthirsty anticipation. Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, part of the filmmaking team known as Radio Silence, are responsible for infusing the genre with plenty of fresh blood over the past few years, thanks to 2019's Ready or Not and the reinvigorated Scream franchise. Then you've got a slew of modern horror notables attached, like Lisa Frankenstein's Kathryn Newton, Scream and Scream VI 's Melissa Barrera, as well as Dan Stevens, who went from being dreamy cousin Matthew on Downton Abbey to king of the creeps in flicks like The Guest, Apostle, and the upcoming Cuckoo. This information is enough to have horror lovers seated before the trailer even reveals the hook: ballerina vampire. Tween vampire ballerina! Drawing from a long history of vampire cinema, Abigail unveils a fresh tale of predator and prey, and it's pretty damn fun. Alisha Weir, the 14-year-old Irish actress who recently headlined Matilda: The Musical , stars as the eponymous Abigail. Sure, at first glance, she looks like a sweet little girl who loves the color pink, glittery sneakers, and Swan Lake. But when a band of kidnappers snatch her up and cart her away to a strange mansion, they soon discover they bit off way more than they can chew. Abigail plays like a sister film to Ready or Not.
Credit: Universal Pictures
After making solid genre inroads over the years, Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin broke out with the horror-comedy Ready or Not, which stars Samara Weaving as a new bride who's thrust into a deadly game of hide-and-seek within her wicked new in-laws' mansion. Abigail, which was written by Stephen Shields ( The Hole in the Ground) and Guy Busick (who also co-wrote Ready or Not, Scream, and Scream VI) employs a similar framework to solid effect. Here's another charismatic yet morally gray (to outright blackhearted) ensemble, trapped in a mansion filled with extravagant signs of old money and a deadly supernatural threat hanging over their heads like a guillotine blade. There'll even be a white gown covered in blood by the third act! This time, however, the tables are turned. It's not a viciously greedy family ganging up on one unsuspecting 12-year-old girl. It's a motley crew of crooks who are up against a mythic monster in a tutu — though you still may be rooting for the one in white. Dan Stevens vs. Alisha Weir is why weirdos go to the movies.
Credit: Universal Pictures
As was the case in Ready or Not, the characters in this blood-soaked dark comedy range from quirky to absolutely bonkers. Their heinous "babysitting" job begins with surly Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito) laying out the rules of engagement, and giving this crew of strangers code names inspired by the Rat Pack, so they can keep their personal biz to themselves. But waiting for ransom to come in is boring, and getting-to-know-you games reveal delicious details. Even without them, this cast sinks their teeth into the wickedly fun tone. An all-business former Marine called Rickles (Will Catlett) delivers snarled one-liners with ruthless efficiency. Stoned getaway driver Dean (the late Angus Cloud) is a bumbling fool, whose dopiness scores some laughs before a brutal offscreen end. With a spattering of purposefully tacky tattoos and a Hot Topic punk aesthetic, Sammy (Newton) is almost jarringly plucky in the face of doom, whereas muscle-bound enforcer Peter (Kevin Durand) has winsome himbo vibes. Playing pack mother, Joey (Barrera) gets less opportunity for punchlines, more often offering comforting guidance when she's not alluding to her tearful backstory. To her, Frank (Stevens) is a sharp and welcome contrast. 
Credit: Universal Pictures
Where everyone else is happy to hang out as they wait for a ransom, Frank is always on the prowl for an angle. His caustic Queens accent spits disdain as his crooked smile implies a threat. Since leaving Downton Abbey, Stevens has enjoyed the freedom to steadily forge himself as a maestro of movie mayhem. It's a pleasure to watch him be a total bastard as it gives a vicarious thrill, but it also has audiences anticipating that this cad's comeuppance will be wildly gruesome to behold! When it comes time to face Abigail in all her fangs-out glory, everyone has their chance to dance with her (sometimes literally). A charged glee runs through scenes in which a petite girl ambushes grown, armed, and even beefy adults. But it's Stevens who is her pitch-perfect partner. With that glint in his eye, his intensity matches Weir's, who shifts nimbly from a pose of terrified tween to rampaging beast to monologuing super(natural)villain. Leaping from vulnerable to vicious with alarming ease, Weir delivers a performance that ranks with the likes of Linda Blair in The Exorcist, Isabelle Fuhrman in Orphan, and Patty McCormack in The Bad Seed. From the moment Weir bears her fangs, her Abigail is iconic, and an angel-faced Death. By the time she's changed costumes for a glammed-up rampage, she's reached M3GAN levels of modern horror glory. Every second she is on-screen is sensational. Abigail reveals Radio Silence's limitations.
Credit: Universal Pictures
Abigail offers a generous spray of guts-strewn spectacle, including some bloody pyrotechnics reminiscent of Ready or Not's grand finale. Appreciators of gore or pitch-black comedy are sure to cackle in appreciation, but Abigail is at its very best when the practical effects play into the actors' performances. Weir leaping onto the necks of her towering captors is surprising fun. However, when she leads one of them in a demented dance number, there's a deeply twisted thrill that gets better with every turn. Yet the setting of her dance partner's performance makes this big moment feel squashed, the spontaneity contained. Another pivotal moment in the climax feels cluttered in its staging. Its coverage is coherent but cinematically unremarkable, not living up the flare of its undead inspiration. While such sequences are no doubt exciting in their outrageousness, they lack the grandeur that should indicate some growth since Ready or Not. Instead, Abigail feels at times like a step back, veering into the overindulgent and unfocused, including a finale that — while full of blood and battle — feels undeniably bloated. Part of the problem perhaps is that Abigail is not the movie that marketing promises, in an unexpected way. Is it about a ballerina vampire? Absolutely. However, in the film that revelation is a twist that isn't revealed for the first 30 minutes or so — well into its one hour, 49-minute runtime. While the prolonged first act allows the filmmakers to develop the atmosphere and introduce their chaotic human characters, it also demands a lot of patience from an audience that know what the plot will be. Curiously, this movie is cut assuming those in the theater haven't seen the film's trailer or even its poster, so the movie drags as we wait for the silly humans to catch up. Actually, much like the American Godzilla movies, this monster movie spends too much time on its human dramas — specifically that of its heroine. Barrera's Joey feels like an echo of Scream V's Sam, who loathes violence but must embrace it to survive — yet another steely mother figure who's haunted by her past yet determined to protect a child from her dangerous present. While Abigail gives Barrera more to play than haunted, her performance is still achingly flat. The screenplay gives Joey a cliched backstory meant to easily win audience sympathy, but making a character morally good doesn't make them compelling. As more and more scenes circle back to Joey's life outside the house, the focus on Abigail, vampires, and fun is lost. However, despite the sentimental detours, stodgy staging, and indulgent pacing, Abigail is a blast. It's exactly the kind of gonzo, gory, goofy crowdpleaser you'd hope for considering its very well-promoted premise. Still, I wish it moved as fast and ferociously as its terrorizing tiny dancer. | ↑ |
 There are movies so chaotic in their influences that — by right — they shouldn't work. And yet, somehow, by combining wildly disparate elements with DIY spectacle, they are simply magic. This month has seen two such marvels, the first being Vera Drew's ultra-personal superhero parody The People's Joker, which unfurls a touching trans coming-of-age tale against a backdrop of Batman villains. The second is the gleefully absurd slasher spoof from directors Lindsey Haun and Nick Roth, called Hanky Panky. No matter how deeply you've dived into horror comedies, I can assure you that you've never seen anything quite like this. And that's because Haun and Roth collide references from everything from The Shining and Deliverance to Little Shop of Horrors, Men in Black, Doctor Sleep, and Clue — because why not? And we're not talking the brand of parody of 2000s "Not Another" infamy, where everything from teen movies to epic movies got lumped together in a studio-glossy yet sloppy narrative. Hanky Panky is so far from color-by-numbers that it's the comedy equivalent of a Jackson Pollack. What is Hanky Panky about?
Credit: Happy Canyon Club
This sensational stoner comedy begins — as much horror does — on a remote snowy mountain, where a cozy wooden cabin sits. As Sam (Jacob DeMonte-Finn), dressed in a suit and a concerned expression, approaches, a sound-alike of The Shining's score plays. So when Sam starts conversing with his unconventional best friend — a talking handkerchief called Woody (voiced by Toby Bryan) — there's a sharp and silly contrast in tone. All you need to know about Woody at this point is he's devoted to Sam, pushing the sad sack to make bold choices in life and love, and he loves messes. Like sexually. Woody loves to get wet and dirty, literally. Anyhow, this means Woody is urging Sam to flirt with warm and spacey Diane (Ashley Holliday Tavares), who gleefully believes in the powers of expanding one's mind through psychedelics. But the rest of this mountaintop crew is less friendly. Snarling Carla (Christina Laskay) is hoping a group environment will give her a break from her dunderheaded husband, Cliff (Anthony Rutowicz). Blathering on is Dr. Crane (co-director Roth), a pretentious PhD-holding bartender ("At a wine bar! He doesn't even know how to mix drinks!") whose bombshell wife, Lilith (Azure Parsons giving Madeline Kahn as Mrs. White in Clue), is notoriously two-faced (literally!). Their hosts are the conspicuously incestuous sister-brother team of Rebecca (Haun in a campy femme-fatale role) and her hillbilly brother, Norm (Bryan again). And for good measure, a suspiciously plucky neighbor (Clare Grant) keeps popping by with baked goods — that are clearly store-bought. So what's going on in this bizarre getaway? Well, that's for sheepish Sam to find out. And, heads up, it involves a talking top hat, voiced by Seth Green. Hanky Panky is divinely stupid.
Credit: Happy Canyon Club
From the cold open, in which a random man flees an unseen threat only to be cut down in blood-splattered snow, Hanky Panky shows it knows how these stories go. Amid the outlandish details of talking fashion accessories, there's the steady pacing of a slasher. There's a threat, and the first one to be keen to it is the last one anybody will believe. Slowly, characters begin disappearing or dying off, and it's up to an innocent to save the day by growing braver and bolder. But Roth and Haun fill this familiar framework with fresh fun through an absolute avalanche of silliness. On one level, there are the brazen sex jokes of Woody, who begs to touch a "wet mouth" and audibly orgasms when he's used to clean up a gross mess. But there's a weirdly sweet side to his bond with Sam. Once chastised for his incivility, the horny hanky pleads to be held, chirping, "Uppies! Uppies!" like a repentant toddler. Elsewhere, this excellent ensemble happily chews the scenery, leaning into every opportunity to be too much, whether reacting to clumsy puppetry (where the strings are clearly visible), gloppy blood that looks like Icee syrup, or otherworldly revelations. Hilarity explodes in heated arguments over women's fashion, shocked reactions that lean into the operatic, and a prolonged slap fight that circles from Clue-like fun to a bit tiresome and back around to stupid funny. And then there are comically awkward moments of social cues misread that scorch with cringe comedy. One particular standout comes when a panicked Sam details his suspicions to an annoyed Carla, who gestures to the novel in her hand and replies, "I'm trying to read. So...." Everyone involved knows exactly what kind of movie this is and embraces it, making for a welcoming atmosphere that urges audiences to join in the fun. And the intersection of absurdity and commitment is reminiscent of Aunty Donna, the Australian comedy troupe whose Netflix series is easily one of the funniest things streaming has ever seen. Hanky Panky comes together in chaos.
Credit: Happy Canyon Club
The kooky characters who collide in the cabin are archetypes plucked from a wide range of genres, including the determined detective and tearful bombshells of film noir, the smug intellectual of Frasier, the nagging wife and dopey husband of sitcoms, and beyond. Even bits of science fiction make their way into Hanky Panky. Incredibly, instead of this film seeming like Roth, Haun, and company are chucking everything at the wall to see what sticks, the film feels less forced and more free. As is the case with The People's Joker, Hanky Panky feels passionate about its allusions and yet irreverent toward them, making for a romp that is spontaneous even in its familiar bits. Proudly a B-movie, this gleefully silly slasher plays like the best stoner comedies, offering a world where paranoia is justified and getting high is downright heroic. But in the end, you don't need to smoke up to enjoy Hanky Panky — though it couldn't hurt. Hanky Panky is available on Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and Apple TV on April 19. | ↑ |
 UPDATE: Apr. 19, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new laptop deals, pricing, and availability.
The very best laptop deals at a glance:
Best laptop deal under $300
Best laptop deal under $600
Best laptop deal under $900
Best laptop deal under $1,200
 A new laptop is almost always a splurge, but keeping your eyes peeled for deals can make it much easier to pull the plug on an upgrade. The good news is that you've got options at a variety of price points via Best Buy, Amazon, and beyond, whether you're looking for an everyday workhorse, a cheap Chromebook for homework, a 2-in-1 Windows PC for drawing, or a powerful premium gaming laptop. Read on for our running list of the best laptop deals as of April 19. (And if you don't see any models that check all the boxes on your spec wish list, come back soon: We add new picks every other week.) Best laptop deal under $300Why we like itThis Dell laptop features a 12th-generation (2022) Intel Core i3 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's nothing spectacular and a little outdated, but this is a spec sheet we rarely see at this price point: Most cheap, entry-level PCs under $300 have dinky discontinued Intel Pentium/Celeron CPUs, 4GB of RAM, pokier eMMC flash storage that maxes out at 128GB, and 60Hz refresh rates. (Hell, even some nicer laptops don't have 120Hz refresh rates — M3 Apple MacBook Air included!) It's marked down to $279.99, which is a $50 discount. More laptop deals under $300
Best laptop deal under $600 Why we like itRead Mashable's review of the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch. Despite needing better speakers and a longer battery life, HP's Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is a stellar big-screened laptop for budget shoppers. (Even more so at this price, which saves you 20%.) "[It] has capable internals, a vibrant display, and some interesting software features that make it a solid pick for Google-based productivity and (especially) entertainment," to quote my own review. This is the base configuration with an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of memory, and 128GB of Universal Flash Storage (UFS). More laptop deals under $600
Best laptop deal under $900Why we like itRead Mashable's review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2). The 13-inch version of Apple's previous-gen MacBook Air won a Mashable Choice Award upon release in mid-2022, with tech and games reporter Alex Perry praising its peppy M2 processor, superb battery life, satisfying keyboard, and lightweight frame. A permanent price drop spurred by last month's release of its ( very comparable) predecessor has brought it down to a new starting price of $999, and a $150 discount at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo scoots it even further into budget territory — as far as MacBooks are concerned, at least. More laptop deals under $900
Best laptop deal under $1,200Why we like itRead Mashable's review of the HP Spectre x360 14. Another Mashable Choice Award-winner, the new HP Spectre x360 14 is a superb 2-in-1 laptop with an exquisite keyboard, a rich 16:10 display, crisp speakers, and a looong battery life. (We got over 11 hours out of our battery tests.) It left tech editor Kim Gedeon extremely impressed: It's "one of the best — if not the best — Windows laptops you can buy (for now)," she wrote. The base configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage was on sale for $1,099.99 at the time of writing, or $350 off. That's $50 cheaper than the sale price we flagged two weeks ago. More laptop deals under $1,200
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 TL;DR: Through April 21, experience quality audio for less with this plug-and-play JLAB Talk Pro USB Microphone for just $47.99 (reg. $149). Subpar audio quality can really make or break the message you're trying to get across. Whether you're a vlogger or podcaster, create voiceovers, or stream your video game sessions, a modern microphone to help elevate the sound you're working with can be a game changer. This easy-to-use microphone from JLAB is currently on sale for just $47.99 (reg. $149) and can help you sound more professional, no matter what you use it for. Engineered with high-resolution 192kHz, 24-bit resolution, it allows for sound that's clear and true to life. This USB microphone has three condensers and four directional pattern modes to suit your needs. The cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional modes make this a versatile microphone that's suitable for many endeavors. Made to be a professional-level mic, it features quality sound and gain control, which can come in handy in the event of distortions, sensitivity, or a lack of sound. It also offers 3.5mm AUX input for zero-latency real-time listening. And the quick-mute option can be useful if using this mic at home. The USB design includes a ten-foot cord and makes for an easy setup. It's also conveniently compatible with both Mac (10.10 and higher) and Windows (7,8,10). If you need an auditory upgrade or know someone who would get some use and enjoyment out of a pro-quality mic, this is a good time to buy. It's currently on sale at a 67% savings for a limited time. Pick up this plug-and-play JLAB Talk Pro USB Microphone, on sale for just $47.99 (reg. $149). StackSocial prices subject to change. | ↑ |
 UPDATE: Apr. 19, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest robot vacuums on sale in April, including several leftover Eufy and Roborock vacuums still at their Amazon Big Spring Sale prices.
A quick look at the best robot vacuum deals this week:
Best budget deal
Best self-emptying deal
Best vacuum-mop combo deal
 Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don't have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver. Best non-mopping robot vacuum deal Why we like itWe're always going to sound the alarm when a 50% discount is spotted on a Roomba. Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks. This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, is an absolute game changer if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up the room before sending them out to clean. More robot vacuums (that don't mop) on sale
Best robot vacuum and mop hybrid dealWhy we like itEufy's X9 Pro debuted in fall 2023 and sits right in the sweet spot between the X8 Pro (on sale for $399.99) and the X10 Pro Omni (a CES 2024 debut that is still at its full price of $799.99). The X9 Pro is more reminiscent of its pricier successor: It has a flat edge to get into corners, it mops, washes, and dries its own mopping pads, and uses AI to detect and avoid small obstacles like phone cables. As a mopper, the X9 Pro provides more elbow grease than many competitors thanks to double-pressurized, rotating mopping heads. These automatically lift above the ground if carpet is detected. More robot vacuum hybrids on sale
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 UPDATE: Apr. 19, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT Roborock, Ecovacs, Eufy, and Samsung debuted new mopping robot vacuums at CES 2024. We're in the process of getting our hands on them for testing and will update our top picks accordingly. The best self-emptying robot vacuums have one huge perk past the obvious act of vacuuming the floor for you. (Hint: It's in the name.) When you outsource vacuuming to a robot, your floors get cleaned way more often. The only downside of this extra attention? More debris off the floor means a dust bin that fills up faster, and emptying a vacuum's dust bin by hand is arguably the worst part of the chore. Enter self-emptying robot vacuums. These vacs do your vacuuming and emptying for you for a few weeks at a time, storing the debris the robot vacuum collects on each trip in a larger compartment that's located in the charging dock. Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?Not having to lift a finger when it comes to floor maintenance is well worth it for anyone who just doesn’t have the time — or the interest — in wrestling an upright vacuum out of the closet every few days. The next question is whether you want the true set-it-and-forget solution that only automatic emptying can provide, and if you're willing to pay more for it. Automatic emptying quickly proves its worth in households where the layer of pet fur would otherwise have you dumping the vacuum's tiny dust bin after just a few rooms. The best self-emptying robot vacuums let you off the hook for months at a time. And when it actually is time to empty the bigger dust bin, most self-empty docks trap dust inside a disposable bag, meaning you won't have to see or touch the nasty stuff at all. For people with allergies, auto-emptying also spares you from inhaling the inevitable puff of dust that emerges when dumping a dust bin into the trash. Speaking of avoiding the grosser parts of the job, if you want a robot vacuum that mops, many self-emptying docks also take it upon themselves to deal with dirty mopping pads after the job is done. CES 2024 ushered in a new wave of flagship robot vacuums that self-wash and self-dry the soggy mopping pads in the same dock where debris is held. While self emptying could add anywhere from $100 to $500 to a robot vac's overall price tag, automated mopping pad washing and drying is the automation that really kicks the price up over the $1,000 mark. Remember that both of these are optional in most cases, so if you're on a tight budget or tight on space, you can forgo the fancy dust bin and save significantly. We've been testing the latest and greatest self-emptying robot vacuums released in 2024 against our old favorites from 2023 and 2022. Here are the best self-emptiers to consider for your home: | ↑ |
 A disorienting COVID comedy with plenty on its mind, Stress Positions announces the arrival of filmmaker Theda Hammel as a bold new voice to watch. This is her feature debut both in front of and behind the camera — the director/writer/composer/editor also co-stars alongside comedian John Early — and the result is an intimate New York farce of epic proportions. Set during the pandemic lockdown in 2020, it follows a group of jaded, white, queer older millennials (and one young Moroccan zoomer) and channels America’s post-9/11 zeitgeist into an uproarious search for authenticity. With repetitive, rapid-fire dialogue reminiscent of screwball comedies, it hammers home its central ideas early on, and with reckless abandon. This leaves a surprising amount of room in its mere 95 minutes for quiet contemplations on identity in the form of old home videos. It's as reflective as it is self-reflexive, a fun work of autofiction that, while not strictly autobiographical, captures what it feels like to live during (and be defined by) fraught moments in modern American history. Its edges are often frayed, and they become increasingly so as the film goes on — it is, after all, a first-time feature, and bears all the manic hallmarks of novice filmmaking. But its roughness is part of its zany charm. What is Stress Positions about?
Credit: Courtesy of NEON.
Co-written by Hammel and actor Faheem Ali, Stress Positions follows Terry Goon (Early), a high-strung white gay man looking after his soon-to-be ex-husband's Brooklyn brownstone in 2020, during the initial days of self-quarantine. As a gas-mask-donning Terry participates in early COVID rituals — from sanitizing food and money to banging pots and pans for aid workers — he also looks after his Moroccan nephew Bahlul (Qaher Harhash), a 19-year-old model with a broken leg. Despite Terry's numerous reminders of "He's my nephew, and he's very badly injured!" (in a forceful, Billy Eichner-esque cadence), salacious news of the alleged boytoy in his basement travels via whisper network. The rumor, at one point, travels through his college friend Karla (Hammel) — a transgender physiotherapist — and her author girlfriend Vanessa (Amy Zimmer), a lesbian couple working through trust issues in their Greenpoint apartment. Thanks to numerous bizarre circumstances, from Terry suffering an unfortunate cooking injury to Karla's fate becoming entwined with a young Afghan American GrubHub driver (Ali), the two friends end up reuniting and catching up over several evenings. The plot may be sparse, but it's filled with a litany of strange supporting characters — like Terry's upstairs neighbor, the elusive, elderly, seemingly conspiratorial Coco (Rebecca F. Wright) — who add a certain idiosyncrasy to the movie's contours. The real story of Stress Positions, however, is born through its numerous interactions, which arrive with a bustling, distinctly New York energy mixed with COVID-era paranoia. Nearly every character is flippant with their words, and their dialogue is usually imbued with political subtext, even in the most mundane interactions. For instance, when Karla makes a stray comment about Bahlul being from the Middle East, Bahlul reminds her Morocco isn't part of the region. This simple interaction leads to absurd confusion and insecurity amongst the movie's white characters that reverberates through the narrative as they try to recalibrate their understanding of both Bahlul and the world around them. Stress Positions is about post-9/11 America.
Credit: Courtesy of NEON.
The film takes its name from CIA torture methods used during the "war on terror," though given Karla's job as a physiotherapist, it takes on a sly (if silly) double meaning about contortion and stress relief. This sort of tension, between personal details and the world’s wider political backdrop, make for some of the film’s most knee-slapping comedic moments. During the story, she and Terry encounter numerous Muslim workers and proceed to stumble through their interactions with them, like the well-meaning but oafish characters on The Office. They have liberal politics, but like their understanding of the Middle East and North Africa — which are as much geographical areas as they are constructs in the Western consciousness — the characters' own political identities are in flux. Karla, for instance, has a fleeting interest in men despite identifying as a lesbian, and she insists she's Middle Eastern-adjacent because of her Greek heritage. But what soon becomes clear, in her evening chats with Terry and Bahlul, is just how much modern incarnations of whiteness and Americanness are formed in relation to (and in some ways, in opposition to) a nebulous, villainized Middle Eastern-ness. No character ever puts this idea into words, but the movie is whip-smart in the way it frames idiotic dialogue, and the way it interrogates each politically charged faux pas through lingering, awkward silences. While voiceover from Karla introduces the story, the narrations soon shift in POV, allowing Bahlul to recount his upbringing with his white mother (Terry's sister), who converted to Islam, and who now exists in snippets of forgotten home videos. Through these segments of recollection, the film slows down and zeroes its focus on the shifting context of Bahlul's ethnic, religious, and sexual identity. The question of his queerness is broached but never fully answered, a lingering tension that draws comical bewilderment from Karla and Terry. As older millennials who came of age in the 2000s and 2010s — when their respective trans and gay identities found mainstream acceptance — they're far more accustomed to definitive labels, and seem intimidated by the fluidity of the forthcoming generation. For Bahlul, the most reserved of the film's leading trio, the question of who he is in an American context is as political as it is personal. His quiet crisis of identity is subtly exacerbated when the Fourth of July approaches, and star-spangled banners become common decorations. However, neither this nor any of the movie's other loaded, reflective subplots would amount to much were Stress Positions not so deftly crafted too. Stress Positions is a lightning-in-a-bottle comedy.
Credit: Courtesy of NEON.
Across numerous scenes, characters in Stress Positions question whether Vanessa's book, based on Karla's life, is an authentic reflection of her story or simply borrows it for convenience. This recurring thread invites similar questions about the movie too, but while Vanessa's novel is referred to as disposable, Hammel's work behind the camera is a shot in the arm for the modern New York comedy. It captures feelings of millennial listlessness similar to the Max series Search Party (not the least because they have Early in common). But the film also contrasts this sense of time unfolding infinitely during the pandemic with a wild-eyed, frenetic approach. The movie's slapstick sensibility — buoyed by hilariously committed work from Early, who pratfalls his way through entire scenes just to answer the doorbell — fills the frame with an effervescent energy. But outside of its immediate context as a joke, each bit of on-screen momentum feels entirely (and intentionally) useless, given the characters' quarantine confines. They could bounce off the walls, and it would have little to no effect on the outside world, until and unless one of the other cast members enters their private bubble. This not only reflects the restlessness that took hold in early lockdown, but the gloomy, nihilistic outlook of an American generation defined by wars, recession, and ultimately, a pandemic. Every subplot in the movie's peripheral vision, whether Karla's relationship woes or Terry's impending divorce, feels both inevitable and depressingly self-fulfilling, as though the very notion of hope were something surreal or absurd. The film, in this way, verges on a strange kind of magical realism in its moments of self-affirmation (like the act of Bahlul admiring his own body, presented in dreamlike fashion) — moments made all the more perplexing by Hammel's intriguing, percussion-heavy score. In Stress Positions, up is down, left is right, and who someone is (or purports to be) is ever-shifting, changing with each new bit of social or political context unwittingly introduced into a conversation. It's about the connections between people who, despite believing otherwise, are disconnected from one another and from the world at large, and about how tensions they don't even recognize exacerbate each ridiculous situation. It's a smart movie about dumb people, and a wildly good time. | ↑ |
 SAVE UP TO 75%: Over three dozen digital games for the Nintendo Switch are discounted as part of Nintendo's Indie Sale, which runs through April 23. Nintendo has followed up its April 17 Indie World Showcase with a sale on a slew of beloved indie titles for the Switch. Live now through April 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT, the aptly named Indie Sale slashes the prices of select digital games across the My Nintendo Store ( online) and the Nintendo eShop ( on Switch consoles). The event's lineup includes a little something for every kind of gamer, from the massively popular mythological roguelike Hades (now available on iOS) to the cult classic 2D adventurer Hollow Knight, the hysterical viral rhythm game Trombone Champ, and cozy favorites like Bugsnax, Unpacking, Spiritfarer, and Stardew Valley. Nintendo advertises the sale as having discounts of "up to 50%" off, but we found even bigger markdowns peppered in there; shoppers can save anywhere from 15 to 75%. Read on for a rundown of the best deals from the Indie Sale, followed by a complete list of every single featured game. Mashable's top picks from the Nintendo Indie SaleWhy we like it:"As a roguelike action game, with its randomized room layouts, enemies, and power-up drops, forcing players to restart from the very beginning every time they die, [Hades is] challenging," wrote former Mashable reporter Kellen Beck. "But while many of these kinds of games are frustrating, the story woven into this journey of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he tries to escape the underworld is intoxicating." It was our 2020 game of the year, and it's getting a sequel in the near future — Steam players can sign up for a technical test — making now a great time to jump in. Plus, this appears to be its lowest price ever. Why we like it:You're definitely familiar with ConcernedApe's addictive farming sim if you're into cozy games. What you might not know is that it just got a massive PC update containing "a laundry list of new content," wrote Mashable's Amanda Yeo, including "pets in hats, big chests, and the opportunity to crit a baby." (You can also drink mayonnaise — now that's what I call gaming!) The Nintendo Switch version of the game hasn't gotten the patch just yet, but it shouldn't be too much longer. Why we like it:"Cult of the Lamb is an adorably macabre, eldritch-themed combination of roguelike and base building games," said Yeo. It got its own free content expansion in early 2024 called "Sins of the Flesh," which added a new weapon, new achievements, new traits, new buildings, and [checks patch notes] six new types of poop, among other improvements. A complete list of deals from the Nintendo Indie Sale
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 TL;DR: As of April 15, save 50% on this robot vacuum and mop with a new open-box model. It pairs to an app and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The worst part about spring cleaning? Being the one doing the cleaning. While it can be fun to do those annual wardrobe or pantry purges, it’s not quite as fun to do routine vacuuming and mopping around the house. If you could use a hand, check out this ZCWA robot vacuum and mop combo. Normally retailing for $199.99, it’s only $99.99 for a new open-box model — that’s 50% in savings. The future of cleaning is here — and it’s automatedThe best part about the ZCWA robot? You don’t even have to be home when it’s cleaning. Use the Tuya Smart app to create a schedule, change the cleaning mode, or control the direction, and the robot does all of the back-breaking work for you. Just make sure the dustbin is empty and the water tank is full before you leave. Another cool feature? The robot is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can start and stop it with voice commands. It might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it could soon be your reality. Since we’re on a roll, we’ll keep the features coming. An impressive 2,500mAh battery means it works for up to 100 minutes on a single charge, covering a 1,290 square-foot home, a 2.87-inch design means it easily fits under furniture, and obstacle avoidance means it won’t get itself trapped in the nooks of your house. A vacuum that’ll sweep you off your feetUsually, an open-box model just means it's extra inventory from store shelves or customer returns that have been shipped back to warehouses. After being inspected and verified to still be in new condition, they’re sold at a steep discount. Your robot vacuum includes all original accessories and comes with a 90-day warranty. Spring cleaning has never been so easy with this ZCWA robot vacuum and mop combo at $99.99 (reg. $199.99) for a new open-box model. StackSocial prices subject to change.
ZCWA 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo with WiFi/App/Alexa - Black (New - Open Box)
$99.99
at the Mashable SHop
$199.99 Save $100.00 | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Through April 21, this $100 Restaurant Gift Card is only $80, and you can use it at eateries like Planet Hollywood, Bertucci's, and Brio. If you're eating on a budget, dining out might not always be affordable. Thankfully there are deals available to help you save. If you're looking for a way to still enjoy a meal out, check out a $100 Restaurant Gift Card for only $80. Dine out on a budgetThis restaurant eGift card is a chance to enjoy a meal at many well-known restaurants. If you're feeling a little Italian, you could use your card at Buca di Beppo, Bertucci's, or Brio Italian Grille, among others. Craving fish? There's always Seaside on the Piere. Or if you want a little comfort food, see what's up for grabs at Cafe Hollywood. You've got options ranging from sit-down dining to fast food, and you can use your card in all 50 states. Here's how it works:
Stress a little less over the billCraving something tasty? Plan your next night out with a little help. For a limited time, you can get a $100 Restaurant Gift Card for just $80. StackSocial prices subject to change.
$100 Restaurant Gift Card for $80: Planet Hollywood, Bertucci's, and More
$80.00
at the Mashable Shop
$100.00 Save $20.00 | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Through April 21, save $35 on this 4K video system and speaker bar for conference rooms and virtual meetings. Remember the days when virtual meetings were supposed to make our work days easier? Now, stepping foot into a real conference room seems like a treat compared to setting up webcams and microphones, but something that might make life a little easier for remote team meetings is this Poly Studio 4K video system speaker bar. It replaces your existing webcam with a wider field of view, your microphone with clearer audio, and tangles of cables with simple, streamlined setup, all for $449.99 (reg. $484.99). The ultimate picture and sound quality upgradeThe Poly Studio video system is ideal for use in a conference room with a large group of people who are joining a virtual meeting, though you could absolutely use it with just a few people or yourself. Its 4K clarity and 120-degree field of view are designed to capture more detail and individuals than your typical laptop webcam. The camera also has 5x digital zoom when people have individual speaking points or questions. On the audio side, the video system has a 6-microphone array that picks up clear sound, while NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies help filter out any excess noise or chatter in the room. As for listening, you and your team can enjoy powerful stereo speaker output. Less hassle, more collaboration and productivitySetup is rather simple, all things considered. The Poly Studio video system needs power, but then you just need to connect a USB cable to your PC or Mac and launch your video conferencing platform — there’s no need to install any additional software. Make every meeting a sound success with the Poly Studio 4K video system speaker bar at $449.99 (reg. $484.99). StackSocial prices subject to change. | ↑ |
 Here we go again. It's been just four months since Zack Snyder dropped Rebel Moon: Part One - Child of Fire on Netflix. The project — originally pitched as a Star Wars movie — failed to thrill critics or audiences. (It currently holds a 21 percent rating from the former and 57 percent from the latter on Rotten Tomatoes.) But Netflix bet big on Snyder, who has long had DCEU fans in a tizzy over his dark visions of grim heroics and perfume-ad glamorous protagonists. By the time the first Rebel Moon movie was getting slammed online, the sequel had already been made. So, Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver arrives, too soon for the failure of the last film to be forgotten. But here's the surprise: This sequel — which really feels more like the second act of a Snyder cut that could use a generous edit — is better than what came before. Or at the very least, it's less doggedly dour, giving its talented supporting cast, which includes Djimon Hounsou, Bae Doona, and Elise Duffy, the chance to flex. How does Rebel Moon: Part Two connect to Part One?
Credit: Netflix
Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver picks up immediately at the clumsy end of the last movie. Steely heroine Kora (a stiff Sofia Boutella) returns to her village with her lackluster love interest Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) and a band of outcasted warriors at her side, willing to help her adopted community fight back an evil empire. Meanwhile, the vicious Admiral Atticus Nobel (Ed Skrein in Deadpool smirk mode), who nearly died in their last battle has healed up, and is coming for round two. Bizarrely, the character development that critics begged for in Part One is wedged into Part Two ahead of this climactic confrontation. With five days until the villainous space forces will descend on the humble farming planet of Veldt, Kora and her crew not only have to prepare for battle — they have to harvest the crops! It's a bit comical to see Snyder's love for slo-mo action applied to Hounsou wielding a scythe or Doona tossing grain. But undeniably, it is a pretty sight, in part because their characters clearly relish this moment of peace and communal harmony. Later scenes involving a village celebration bring further warmth to the film — that is until these warriors party foul by trauma dumping their tragic backstories in silent gold-tinted flashbacks. The placement of these revelations is confounding, coming a full movie too late. But each performer understands the two-part assignment of them. In physical performance, their actions carry a slight theatricality, capturing the severity of these events on their psyches. In voiceover, one by one, they speak with regret, grief, and growling determination, detailing their motivations. Even as the CGI that swirls around them feels more suited to the slight hokiness of Doctor Who than a Hollywood blockbuster, these earnest deliveries ground their heartbreak. It's a good sequence, but feels outrageously out of place. Imagine if George Lucas Took three hours before explaining who Princess Leia is? Sofia Boutella can't shoulder Snyder's stodgy space opera.
Credit: Netflix
As inexplicably as Rebel Moon as a whole is structured, its second part is stronger for its richer inclusion of the other warriors. Korra, with her background as an orphan refugee turned heel for the evil empire turned rebel, is an arc we've seen in Star Wars with Finn and recently in Fallout with Maximus. But Snyder and his fellow screenwriters Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad bring nothing new to this archetype. And Boutella's performance is so steely that she's out-emoted by a robot. 
Credit: Netflix
Voiced by Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins, Jimmy the battle droid is still woefully underused. Aside from once more intoning the opening exposition dump (instead of the iconic Star Wars crawl), he spends most of this movie stealthily looking on — while wearing antlers — as the organic characters scurry about in preparation for war. When he finally touches down in the action, it is thrilling — but also easy to want more. Elsewhere, others carry emotional weight where Boutella's stiffness fails to. Doona, playing a lone swordsmaster finally embraced by a community, offers a heart-warming arc alongside committed fight sequences. As an intimidating war hero, Honsou, who was astonishingly underused in the last film, gets a chance to give a rousing speech, ooze pathos, shed tears, and even raucuously cheer. And when it comes to slo-mo kicking dudes in the chest, no one does it better. Elise Duffy, who places the face-painted rebel Milius, brings a grounded earnestness, while Skrein huffs and puffs, relishing the role of wolf. (Sadly, MVP of the first film, Charlie Hunnam's douchebag space pirate, is long gone.) This is not the space epic you are looking for.
Credit: Netflix
While The Scargiver finally brings character and fun into the mix, it still falls short in terms of a satisfying action epic. It's a too little and too late, I'm afraid. Whether this is a Star Wars movie or simply inspired by George Lucas's world-changing epic franchise, it's impossible not to compare them. And Snyder doesn't have what it takes to compete. Some of it is a matter of scale. While Rebel Moon boasts an array of sets, special effects (including Snyder's flat-bladed version of lightsabers), crowd scenes and scads of costumes, these movies feel stingily budgeted when it comes to stunt scenes. For instance, a much-anticipated sequence of betrayal is finally revealed, and its ruthless regicide shot chiefly in frustrating close-up, robbing us of the grandeur of this horrid moment. Other fight scenes are similar confined, bleeding away the awe that might be had over bombastic, big spectacles. Thankfully, in Doona's sword battle, wide shots give us an encompassing view of her sweeping fight choreography. But within these moves, there's nothing show stopping. The big climax — it seems — is where the bulk of the budget is employed. Here, laser guns spray bright red flames. Smoke blooms from plummeting spaceships. A long-awaited warrior finally has his super cool spotlight moment, while others nobly risk annihilation for the cause. Good and evil clashes on land and in the skies, with fire, fury, and laser sabers. This finale is where you can most clearly feel Snyder's passion for his own galaxy far far away. Still, walking so dedicatedly in the shadow of Star Wars, Rebel Moon cannot shine. Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire is now streaming on Netflix. Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver is now streaming on Netflix. | ↑ |
 Tesla's Model 3 Performance "Ludicrous" variant seems to really be around the corner. The company apparently leaked numerous details about the upcoming model on its own website. Though not visible in normal browsing, the specs and feature list is accessible in the site's source code, as discovered by the sleuths over at Tesla Motors Club (via Electrek). The Model 3 Performance (or "Ludicrous", another rumored name based on earlier leaks) is an upcoming, performance-oriented variant of the Tesla Model 3. We've seen what it looks like thanks to an apparent private presentation held in Malibu, but now we have close-to-official word on some of its specs. We've dug through the source of the UK version of Tesla's site and seen the details with our own eyes. The feature list is as follows:
While it's hard to discern the actual specs of the car, this tidbit can also be found in the code:
Notably, the word "Ludicrous" is mentioned once in the code, but the car is referred to as Model 3 Performance throughout, indicating that the name will remain unchanged (the original Model 3 Performance was discontinued after Tesla launched the updated, "Highland" version of Model 3 in 2023). Perhaps the most interesting thing about this leak is that it's actually on Tesla's webpage and can still be found by searching through the source, indicating that the launch of Tesla Model 3 Performance (or Ludicrous) is imminent. | ↑ |
 The trailer for culinary thriller What You Wish For doesn't explicitly show Nick Stahl chopping up and cooking people, and indeed he might not be. It doesn't appear entirely off the table, though. What You Wish For follows Ryan (Stahl), a chef who flees to Latin America after being buried in gambling debts. Fortunately, friend and fellow chef Jack (Brian Groh) generously welcomes Ryan into his luxurious home, giving him a peek at an extravagant lifestyle maintained by cooking for elite clients. Ryan quickly grows envious of his host's good fortune. So when the unexpected opportunity to adopt Jack's identity arises, Ryan seizes the chance to take his friend's seemingly easy life for himself. However, he soon finds out that this comfortable lifestyle comes at a grim price. Exactly what that price is isn't made entirely clear by What You Wish For's trailer. But judging from the vague threats and blood splatter, Ryan's culinary skills are definitely a matter of life or death. What You Wish For will be released in theatres and digitally on May 31. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Microsoft Project Professional for Windows and Microsoft Visio Professional for Windows are both on sale for £16.02, saving you 92% on list price. Managing projects and complex data is full of challenges. With so many moving parts, it is easy (and not uncommon) for something to slip through the cracks. Luckily, we live in a digital age that offers efficient apps for almost everything. Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows was built to help you manage your projects, and MS Visio 2021 Professional was made to make diagramming and charting easier — and you can choose either for just £16.02. With Project Professional 2021, you'll be able to streamline project planning, execution, and monitoring all in one central place. Create detailed project plans, from smaller tasks to more significant complex projects. Keep things running smoothly and on budget with tools for automated scheduling and integrated ways to help reduce things that aren't working efficiently. Project gives you the ability to start off seamlessly with pre-built templates to help you save time. PMs can auto-populate start and end dates, run what-if scenarios, and do super-helpful things like using visual representations to show complex schedules. In addition, MS Project makes submitting timesheets easier, with the ability to see time spent on and off projects. Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows, on the other hand, is specifically designed to help you deal with diagrams, complex data, and more. Access a vast library of templates, shapes, and stencils to make org charts, network diagrams, flowcharts, and floor plans easier to present, understand, and communicate to others. Get one of the following Project versions on sale for a limited time:
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 TL;DR: Watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Chennai Super Kings in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. The IPL is in full swing, and as we approach the third week of matches, who's next in line? The next fixture sees Lucknow Super Giants take on Chennai Super Kings; will they be triumphant against last year's winners? If you want to watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Chennai Super Kings for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need. When is Lucknow Super Giants vs. Chennai Super Kings?Lucknow Super Giants vs. Chennai Super Kings starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 19. The match will take place in the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India. How to watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Chennai Super Kings for freeJioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app. JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world. Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free. If you want permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for JioCinema?ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Live stream F1 for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming services from the U.S. with ExpressVPN. F1 brings together the very best drivers in the world, competing in unbelievably fast cars in front of passionate fans. What's not to love? Everyone wants to witness wheel-to-wheel racing from the best of the best, and that's exactly what F1 delivers. The problem is that it's not easy to watch F1 for free. It's not easy, but it's not impossible. If you are interested in watching F1 for free from the U.S., we've got all the information you need. What is F1?Formula One (or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads. When is F1 in 2024?The 2024 F1 season features 24 races held all over the world between March and December. China, Miami, Austria, USA, Brazil, and Qatar will each host a sprint weekend this season. How to watch F1 for free in the U.S.Fans can stream F1 for free on the following platforms: These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from the U.S. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from the U.S. Follow these simple steps to unblock these free streaming services from the U.S.:
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races for free. If you want to retain access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need to subscribe. But do not fear, because the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for F1?There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs that can reliably unblock free streaming sites from around the world, including the likes of NordVPN and ProtonVPN. Those are both solid options, but ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 in the U.S., for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. By using the guarantee, you can watch F1 races for free. Watch F1 for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Stream Aberdeen vs. Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. Aberdeen and Celtic are only one game away from the Scottish Cup final, but two doesn't go into one. Only one team can order some nice suits for a big day out at Hampden Park, so we're expecting total commitment from both sides as they battle it out for a chance of silverware. If you want to watch Aberdeen vs. Celtic for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need. When is Aberdeen vs. Celtic?Aberdeen vs. Celtic kicks off at 12:30 p.m. BST on April 20. This fixture takes place at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. How to watch Aberdeen vs. Celtic for freeAberdeen vs. Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final will be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer. BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This straightforward process makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Aberdeen vs. Celtic before recovering your investment. What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Stream Aberdeen vs. Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Stream select fixtures from the NBA for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. The NBA is a unique spectacle. In no other sport can you watch incredibly tall athletes be made to look tiny by aliens who could probably touch the sun if they stood on tip toes. And almost all of these shockingly tall athletes display a skillset that mere mortals can't even fathom. The NBA could make a legitimate argument that it hosts the very best athletes in the world. Sure, the NFL might disagree. And rugby definitely attracts some special specimens. But the NBA has a bunch of seven footers dunking on each other. That's tough to beat. If you are interested in watching the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need. What is the NBA?The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America made up of 30 teams (29 from the United States and one from Canada). The reigning league champions are the Denver Nuggets. When is the NBA?The NBA regular season takes place from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. The league's playoff tournament runs into June, culminating with the NBA Finals championship series. How to watch the NBA for freeFree-to-air channel ProSieben airs select NBA games, with free live streaming available on Ran.de. Fans can watch two NBA games every weekend during the regular season, with many playoff and finals fixtures also available to watch for free. Ran.de is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can access this streaming service from anywhere in the world. Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
$99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select NBA games before recovering your investment. If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on Ran.de, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Watch the NBA for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Stream the NRL 2024 for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from the U.S. with ExpressVPN. The NRL might feel like something that's happening very far away in a distant land full of kangaroos, beautiful beaches, and lamingtons. But big hits, magic footwork, and astonishing handling is universally loved by fans everywhere, so forget the fact that it's all going on Down Under. If you want to watch the 2024 NRL season for free from the U.S., we have all the information you need. What is the NRL?The National Rugby League (NRL) is a professional rugby league competition in Australasia, with participating clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand. When is the NRL in 2024?The 2024 NRL season will run from March 2 to Oct. 6. Each team plays 24 matches, with the regular season followed by a finals series contested by the eight highest placed teams. Everything culminates in the NRL Grand Final. How to watch the NRL for free in the U.S.You can live stream NRL matches for free on 9Now. 9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access 9Now from the U.S. Stream the NRL for free by following these simple steps:
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
$99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can gain access to 9Now before recovering your investment. This is not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch NRL live without actually spending anything. What is the best VPN for the NRL?You've got plenty of options when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions to access free streaming services. VPNs like NordVPN and ProtonVPN will do the job, but ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming sport. ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 9Now to stream the NRL, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Stream the 2024 NRL season for free from the U.S. with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Stream the NHL for free on CBC Gem and Ran.de. Access these free streaming platforms from the U.S. with ExpressVPN. There is no other sport that combines skill, grace, elegance, and people punching each other quite like ice hockey. We love the merging of elements, and so do millions of fans from all around the world. The issue for these legions of dedicated hockey fanatics is that it's not easy to follow the sport for free. But nothing is impossible in this golden age of streaming. If you are interested in watching the NHL for free from the U.S., we've got all the information you need. What is the NHL?The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America made up of 32 teams (25 in the United States and seven in Canada). When is the NHL?The NHL season is typically held from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. After the regular season, 16 teams advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs, a four-round tournament that runs into June to determine the league champion. How to watch the NHL for free in the U.S.It's possible to stream the NHL for free on these platforms: CBC Gem and Ran.de are geo-restricted to Canada and Germany respectively, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from anywhere else in the world. Fortunately, VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Canada and Germany, meaning you can access these streaming services from the U.S. Stream the NHL for free by following these simple steps:
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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch NHL live streams before recovering your investment. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games without actually spending anything. If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for the NHL?There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs, including popular services like NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN. Those are strong choices, but ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming the NHL for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Watch the NHL for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Live stream IPL 2024 for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from the U.S. with ExpressVPN. Cricket is a sport that baffles a lot of people. Where is the intensity? Where is the drama? Where is the fast-paced action that we get from just about every other sport? Sure, some forms of the game can drag on. But that does not include the Indian Premier League. This T20 cricket tournament has all the top talent in one place, in a fast-paced form of the game that attracts some of the most passionate fans in the world. You need to check out the IPL, because it is electric. If you're interested in watching the IPL 2024 for free from the U.S., we have all the information you need. What is the IPL?The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a men’s T20 cricket tournament first held in 2008. The league features 10 city-based franchise teams. Each team plays 14 league games, followed by the playoffs that are contested by the top four teams from the standings. Chennai Super Kings are the current champions. When is the IPL 2024?The IPL takes place between March and May each year. This year's tournament runs from March 22 to May 26. How to watch the IPL for free in the U.S.Fans can live stream every IPL cricket match this season for free on JioCinema. JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can stream with JioCinema from the U.S. Access JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free. To retain access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for IPL?There are a number of VPNs that can reliably bypass geo-restrictions to unblock free streaming services, including popular options like CyberGhost VPN and NordVPN. These will work fine, but ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport. ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming the IPL, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Watch the IPL 2024 for free from the U.S. with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 The trailer for psychological thriller Trap has arrived, and in classic M. Night Shyamalan fashion, it comes with a twist. Trap follows a father ( Josh Hartnett) who accompanies his teen daughter (Ariel Donoghue) to a concert by pop singer Lady Raven ( Shyamalan's own daughter Saleka). Noticing an outsized police presence at the venue, he soon finds out that the performance is actually a trap to catch a notorious serial killer who the authorities believe will be in attendance. Learning that your child is in the same location as a brutal murderer would be a nightmare for the most parents. However, this particular dad is not most parents. In fact — spoiler alert — he may be the killer they're looking for. Trap arrives in theatres Aug. 9. | ↑ |
 Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer. If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 19'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. Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle. 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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. 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:A pay increase. Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no letters that appear twice. Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter R. What's the answer to Wordle today?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 Wordle #1035 is... RAISE. 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. Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article. | ↑ |
 TikTok is a unique social media network known for inspiring creativity (and memes) to a global community of over one billion users, including more than 8.5 million Australians. TikTok serves as a platform for forging connections, offering entertainment, fostering business growth, and enabling creative exploration with people from around the globe. TikTok's appeal also extends beyond everyday users, having also become the preferred platform for over 350,000 businesses seeking to discover their audience and leverage it for real-world success. If you haven’t made an account by now, it's likely a few people in your life have had their eyes glued to the app at some point in the past few years. With those eyeballs comes opportunity. According to TikTok’s surveys, 81% of users list “discovering new products and brands” as a reason to log in to the platform. And one in two Gen Z TikTok users say they're likely to buy something while using TikTok. Growing from what was once considered a fringe video, TikTok has managed to build a strong platform to facilitate e-commerce, and an effective advertising model that provides businesses with an easy path to sell their products and services on the platform. These days, businesses need a solid social media strategy to cut through the noise and stand out in a crowded marketplace, especially when reaching Gen Z. TikTok provides some easy tools to allow you to not only make creative ads on a budget, but also use trending topics and sounds to boost the visibility of your business and stay relevant. If you’re still holding off on promoting your business on TikTok, you could be missing out on a well of untapped potential sales. If you are completely new to TikTok, or even an avid user who hasn’t looked into the business side of the app, we’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know. What is TikTok?TikTok is a video-sharing social media platform that allows users to create, discover and share visually powerful content with millions of people across the globe. TikTok specialises in short-form, 60-second video content, and is renowned for its simple and highly personalised content delivery feed. The TikTok audience is hyper-engaged, while maintaining a diverse mix across its +1 billion userbase, and 8.5 million people in Australia. What is TikTok for Business?TikTok for Business is a centralised platform for advertisers on TikTok. It aims to create a straightforward portal to guide businesses through the whole process of creating ads, finding the right audience, setting budgets, and analysing campaign data. If your goal is to reach new or dormant customers, grow sales, or just showcase what your business is all about, TikTok can make it happen. Creating a TikTok Business Account is completely free, and the custom tools and features that are provided with a TikTok for Business account are custom made for small and growing businesses. In the brave new world of TikTok advertising, small businesses and sole operators aren’t overshadowed by larger corporations with massive marketing budgets. As long as your advertising is creative, resonant, and well-targeted, you could see your own business become the bigger fish in the pond. TikTok for Business key features
What advertising options are available on TikTok?A TikTok Business account provides you with access to a wide range of ad solutions through your Ads Manager. There are a number of popular ad formats available on the platform, some of these include:
How much do ads cost on TikTok?Advertising on TikTok is priced dynamically, with vastly different prices depending on the format of your advertisement, the time of day you want your ad to run, and how many people you want to see it. Typically speaking however, TikTok ads cost around AU$10-$50 per thousand views. How do TikTok ads perform?TikTok ads perform incredibly well for the investment. TikTok provides your business with legitimate cut through to a highly engaged market – 70% of TikTok users say they have found new products and brands on the platform (and that’s users as a whole, not those intentionally looking to shop). Some e-commerce business users rely on TikTok alone for their advertising, not feeling the need to go elsewhere. Getting started with TikTok for BusinessIt’s easy to get started, simply create an account on the TikTok for Business website using an email address or phone number, determine your business goals, audience and budget, and then get creating! Your account will be verified within 24 hours, and you’ll then have access to dedicated support and tutorials to help you along the way. TikTok For Business provides a robust set of tools to help businesses promote their products and services on the TikTok platform. With creative ideas and usage of the platform’s analytics tools, any business can make a real impression on TikTok. | ↑ |
 Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. 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 April 19's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common. Tweet may have been deleted 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. Tweet may have been deleted 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. Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Looking 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 Connections #313 is... What is the answer to Connections today
Don'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. Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections. | ↑ |
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 The ethics of true crime may be questionable, but the documentaries, podcasts, and books keep on coming. One of the most compelling and popular true crime documentary shows, The Jinx, captivated audiences back in 2015, and now it's back for another round. That means more Robert Durst is on its way to a screen near you. HBO's The Jinx: Part Two premieres on April 21. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch it. What is The Jinx about?Nearly a decade ago, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst unraveled the crimes of Robert Durst in an Emmy-winning HBO docuseries directed and produced by Andrew Jarecki. Now, in The Jinx: Part Two, the story continues. The original series ended with Durst's bombshell admission, "Killed them all, of course." Part Two will tell the story of what happened after he muttered those five words, which led to his arrest in 2015 — just hours before the finale aired. The team behind The Jinx continued their investigation over the next eight years as Durst awaited and sat trial, and they uncovered new information as the case unfolded. The six-part series picks up right where the original series left off, and if the trailer is any indication, viewers can expect the same aesthetics and true crime cinema as the original. When is The Jinx: Part Two streaming?The first episode of The Jinx: Part Two premieres on HBO and Max simultaneously on April 21, 2024 at 10 p.m. ET. The HBO Original six-part documentary series will then air new episodes weekly on Sundays at the same time, with the finale falling on May 26. Is there a Max free trial?Unfortunately, there's currently no active free trial for Max through HBO or through third parties like Prime Video or Hulu. We do recommend keeping an eye out, as we've seen free trials pop up sporadically in the past (then disappear just as quickly). Max does offer limited free episodes through its Watch Free portal. You can check out single episodes of HBO originals like White Lotus, Succession, The Last of Us, and Euphoria before committing to a subscription. The best Max streaming dealsBefore you sign up for a Max subscription, you might want to double check that you don't already have access to Max through a previous subscription, a third party, or a cable, internet, or wireless provider. It's worth a shot, right? If you do still need to sign up for access, check out the two streaming deals below. Best Max deal for most people: Save up to 20% on an annual planInstead of paying a monthly fee, you can opt for a Max annual plan and save up to 22%. Max With Ads typically costs $9.99 per month, which adds up to about $119.88. You'll pay just $99.99 for a yearly plan — that's about 17% in savings. The Ad-Free annual plan goes for $149.99 per year, which saves you 22% on the regular price of $191.88 (the biggest savings of all three plans), and the Ultimate plan goes for $199.99 per year (regularly $239.88), which saves you about 17%. Sure, it's more to pay up front, but it'll keep more dollars in your wallet in the long run. Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited planIf you're lucky enough to be a Cricket Wireless customer on the $60 per month unlimited plan, then you get access to Max With Ads for free (as long as your account remains in good standing). Head over to the Max app or navigate to Max on a browser, then sign in using Cricket as your provider. Your Cricket login details will unlock full access to Max With Ads (typically a $99.99 per year value) for free. If you're a Cricket customer, but on a different plan, you can upgrade or switch over to secure the deal at any time. Learn more about the terms and conditions on the Cricket website. What are the different Max subscription tiers?Just like the former HBO Max streaming service offered three tiers, Max offers three unique subscription plans: With Ads, Ad-Free, and Ultimate Ad-Free. Here's a breakdown of the different tiers. Max With Ads — The most affordable tier, Max With Ads includes two concurrent streams, 1080p resolution, and 5.1 surround sound quality. You'll have to endure some light ads and there are no offline downloads. It costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Max Ad-Free — The middle tier cuts out the ads and offers 30 offline downloads, but otherwise features the same resolution and sound quality. It costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year. Max Ultimate Ad-Free — The most expensive of the three tiers, Ultimate Ad-Free includes four concurrent streams, up to 4K UHD resolution, Dolby Atmos sound quality, 100 offline downloads, and of course, ad-free viewing. It'll run you $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. | ↑ |
 Alex Garland's much-debated Civil War continues to spark controversy, this time over the release of AI-generated promotional images. On April 17, Civil War distributor A24 released six posters to advertise the film, each depicting a different American city marked by war. New York City's Washington Square Park is overrun by military vehicles, the Las Vegas Sphere lies in ruins, and gunmen advance towards San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Tweet may have been deleted However, viewers online were quick to note that these posters appeared to be AI-generated. Tells that these are AI include a car with three doors on the Miami poster and impossible architectural elements like missing or misshapen windows. One of the most egregious giveaways lies in the Chicago poster, which shows a view of the Chicago River and the corncob-shaped towers that make up the Marina City apartment complex. In real life, the towers are next to each other. However the poster separates them, showing one on a (non-existent) island in the middle of the river. The backlash to A24's Instagram post of the AI-generated posters was swift. "This sucks! AI sucks!" one commenter said. Another wrote, "For a company that seemingly values artistry, using AI-generated works for advertising is a real bummer." A source close to Civil War confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the images were indeed AI-generated. "These are AI images inspired by the movie," they told The Hollywood Reporter. "The entire movie is a big 'what if' and so we wanted to continue that thought on social — powerful imagery of iconic landmarks with that dystopian realism." Mashable has reached out to A24 for further comment. The Civil War posters are just the latest in a string of movie and TV-related AI controversies, including Late Night with the Devil's AI-generated interstitial images, True Detective: Night Country's allegedly AI-generated background posters, and Secret Invasion's opening credit sequence. Notably, Civil War's posters are marketing materials and not actually used in the film itself, meaning the decision to make them would not have fallen to Garland. AI use in media has become a hot button topic among audiences, especially following 2023's WGA and SAG strikes, during which both unions fought for protections against AI being used to replace their work. The disappointed — and often angry — reactions to instances such as the Civil War posters point to a wider audience rejection of AI technology in film and TV overall. | ↑ |
 Well, the time has come to delete your Tinder account. Maybe you're a lucky user who's found your person! Or maybe you're just sick of the fire emblem staring back at you every weekend night when you don't have a date. Either way, here's how to do it. How to delete your Tinder accountTo permanently delete your Tinder account, you must be signed in either on the app or the browser site (Tinder.com). Tap on the profile icon, then go to Settings. Scroll down and click "Delete Account." This is the same thing as deleting your Tinder profile. 
Tinder settings with option to delete your account at the bottom.
Credit: Screenshot: Tinder
Deleting the app from your smartphone won't delete your account — nor will it delete your subscription if you're a paid user. If you bought a subscription with your Apple ID or Google Play ID, you must cancel the subscription separately. Here are instructions for how to cancel an Apple subscription and how to cancel a Google Play subscription. There's good news if you purchased a Tinder subscription with a credit card through Tinder.com or Android, however: Deleting your account will automatically cancel your subscription. Deleting your Tinder profileDeleting your account as described above erases your profile, matches, and messages. What if I just want a break from Tinder?If you want a break from the app but don't want to permanently delete everything, you can hide your profile from the "card stack" (or pool of Tinder users in your area). On Tinder, tap on the profile icon. Go to Settings, and scroll to "Show me on Tinder." If you toggle it off, you won't be shown to anyone swiping. 
"Show me on Tinder" toggle.
Credit: Screenshot: Tinder
When this is turned off, you can still see and chat with your matches. As Tinder clarifies on their site, however, some people you may have swiped right on (or Liked) may still see you and Like back — so even when you're not in the card stack, you can get more matches. Should you ever want to hop back on the popular dating app, you can create a new account. If not, today is the first day of your swipe-free life! This article was first published in 2021 and republished in 2024. | ↑ |
 The glorious thing about the specificity of Taylor Swift's storytelling is that it somehow becomes universal. You apply it to your life; her late-night phone calls, car rides, and whirlwind of emotions become your own. But lately, the billionaire songwriter and her immense fan base appear more concerned with Swift's narrative than the beauty and freedom of its interpretation. Where fans once envisioned their own flings and feelings, they now look for clues and identities. Instead of assigning songs to moments in their lives, fans now assign songs to often unsubstantiated celebrity gossip. Rather than listening to her lyrics in isolation, Swift has become the omnipresent "Songwriter." Listeners have likely already seen her post clues about the tracks on X / Twitter or directly explain her songwriting on TikTok. Her music is woven into her celebrity. And even if you don't engage with Swift directly, Swifties and their ongoing speculation over the concrete subject matter — as if a track can be neatly organized into one of her public relationships — are hard to avoid. Swift encourages this behavior, dropping clues and creating puzzles for her fans to decipher. (Currently, she has fans scouring cities for QR codes to reveal hidden messages.) Equating her music with the public narrative of her life has always been a part of her brand and the center of much of her critique. In the past year, Swift won Album of the Year at the Grammys (and hijacked it to announce The Tortured Poets Department), became the poster child of the NFL, and put pressure on Ticketmaster after millions of fans were unable to purchase tickets to her Eras Tour due to high demand. Not to mention, The Eras Tour relies on rereleasing her older albums and, in doing so, her reexamination of those past eras, causing her celebrity to eclipse her songwriting. At its best, her obsession with the past allows us to relive those eras with her. At its worst, we are beholden to her narrative. There's no better example of this than Swifties crowning Taylor's Version villains: Joe Jonas for Fearless (Taylor's Version), Jake Gyllenhaal for Red (Taylor's Version), John Mayer for Speak Now (Taylor's Version), and Harry Styles for 1989 (Taylor's Version). Just look to the Grim Reaper meme as an example. As Janessa Williams wrote for The Forty-Five, "We’re still feeling the ripples of the height of cancel culture, and so a 'call-out' anthem about a bad relationship or troubling experience tends to translate really well, especially when we know exactly who to aim our anger at. Even better is when they can be neatly lined up against paparazzi photos and cryptic Instagram posts, creating a metaverse of reality-soap madness." Tweet may have been deleted Reclassifying old songs and the death of interpretationA fortnight before the April 19 release of The Tortured Poets Department, the Midnights singer created five "stages of heartbreak" playlists for Apple Music — notice the sponsorship, a further dent in her artistic integrity — recategorizing her catalog to fit the themes of denial ("I Love You It's Ruining My Life"), anger ("You Don't Get To Tell Me About Sad"), bargaining ("Am I Allowed to Cry?"), depression ("Old Habits Die Screaming"), and acceptance ("I Can Do It With a Broken Heart "). This puppeteering, some would say rewriting, of her past music sent fans into a tizzy and led to a new target: her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn. After releasing the "Stages of Heartbreak" playlists, fans immediately took her lead and began reexamining her songs through this new lens. They decided the heartbreak in question was her breakup with her longtime partner Alwyn and ran with it. Many were shocked to see "Lover" on the denial playlist, especially those who danced to it at their weddings. Fans tore through the lyrics, creating holes in its once-established romance. On the fan-favorite love song, she sings, "At every table, I'll save you a seat," and pleads, "Can I go where you go?" A TikTokker decided this meant she saved the seat "because he was absent at her most important events," and she wanted to follow him because "they weren't together often." The theory was reposted on X. Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Some pushed back against the urge to rewrite the narrative of the songs. One fan wrote, "Idk I kinda wish Taylor didn't post those playlists, y'all are crazy." Another said, "If you only consume Taylor’s music through HER lens you gotta really reconsider, there’s so much beauty in her music because there’s so many interpretations." Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Fans took the playlists as a license to further scrutinize Alwyn — the "bad guy" to Swift's "good guy" — spreading unfounded rumors that he cheated on Swift with his Conversations with Friends co-star Alison Oliver. Fans went so far as to use scenes of him acting in the show as evidence of his baseless "affair" and harrassed Oliver in her Instagram comments section. Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted The promo move is reminiscent of when she made another set of playlists — again, in partnership with Apple Music — sorting her songs into the easy categories of "glitter gel pen" songs, "fountain pen" songs, and "quill pen" songs, about her songwriting principles. She has gone to lengths to ensure fans know exactly when an album was written (keep your eyes peeled, detectives) and explain whether or not a track is fictional. Swift insists on keeping her music and its interpretation within her control. Despite an early career dedicated to honesty and relatability, Swift boxes her fans into these shallow delineations of her songs, rather than trusting her music to speak for itself. Her promo cycles incentivize fans to generate meaning before they hear any music. Would a painter provide museum attendees with a bunch of clues before seeing the art? No. Whatever happened to releasing a single ahead of an album release? Unlike cryptic messages and knowing winks, a single hints at what's to come. I previously explored how commercial the promo for Midnights felt, writing, "I connect with Swift the songwriter, not Swift the brand." But with The Tortured Poets Department, it feels like the songwriter is the brand.
SEE ALSO:
For Taylor Swift fans at The Eras Tour, the concert 'fit makes the whole experience shimmer
Similarly, Swift's tendency to lean into celebrity gossip readings of her music seems like a business choice, rather than an artistic one, because it sells. Just look at what her relationship with Travis Kelce has done for the NFL. Tavi Gevinson, former fashion blogger and founder of Rookie Mag, explored listeners' urge to search for Swift's life in her music. "We don’t need to be able to picture ourselves in the song because we can just picture what we are sure is her reality — which is so much realer than ours — and sublimate our own desire and frustration into the narrative of this ultimate, ideal protagonist." Swift's mastermind approach conflates her music's protagonist with her celebrity image and the fans and men wrapped up in it all, making it consumed less like art and more like fan fiction. Everything feels predetermined and stagnant if nothing is left up to interpretation, and you're only listening to something to fit your preconceived narrative. Isn't that boring? Maybe Swift still has more tricks up her sleeve. Initial reports claim The Tortured Poets Department is mainly about Matty Healy, so the joke is on you! | ↑ |
 A few years ago, the U.K. tech startup Nothing jumped into the AirPods competitor game with its first wireless earbuds. They weren't amazing, but it sounds like things have changed since then. Reviews went up for the new Nothing Ear (a) earbuds on Thursday — and these new $100 earbuds have earned high marks from just about everyone. Between a swanky new colorway, surprisingly great sound quality, and that shockingly low price, critics are really liking Nothing Ear (a). Here's what people are saying about these budget 'buds. 1. Great sound qualityObviously, nothing is more important in a pair of headphones than how they sound. That seems to be a big win for Nothing's new earbuds. Parker Hall of Wired had very kind words about the sound quality in Nothing Ear (a):
The comparison to Apple's baseline AirPods is noteworthy because those will run you $180 by default. For nearly half the price, Nothing's earbuds seem to deliver much better sound. 2. Effective noise cancelationSpeaking of AirPods, the entry-level ones don't have active noise cancelation at all. It's a big sore spot on Apple's earbuds lineup and has been for years. This isn't the case with Nothing Ear (a); not only do they have ANC, but it's apparently pretty good. Becky Scarrott of TechRadar mentioned that they were better at drowning out loud cooking noises than last year's Nothing Ear (2):
Multiple reviews noted that it's not best-in-class ANC, but for $100, it's hard to ask for more than something that will reduce everyday noises in the home or the office. 3. Decent battery lifeBattery is clearly another important factor when it comes to wireless earbuds. Nobody wants to be stuck on an airplane without enough juice to marathon a couple of podcasts. While one shouldn't reasonably expect 10-hour battery life from $100 earbuds, it doesn't sound like the Ear (a) is a slouch in this regard. AndroidCentral's Tshaka Armstrong performed battery testing with every bell and whistle turned on and got around five hours of playback, putting it on par with other earbuds in (or above) the price range:
I should mention that my beloved Beats Fit Pro last about that long with ANC turned on, and those cost twice as much as Ear (a). 4. One missing featureAlas, a $100 pair of earbuds can't be perfect. It's just not possible. Multiple reviews, such as Samuel Gibbs' in The Guardian, made note of the lack of Qi wireless charging for the Ear (a) charging case. That said, Gibbs' take on the redesigned case in general was pretty positive:
Overall, Nothing's Ear (a) earbuds seem to be among the best you can get for the measly price of $100. I'd by lying if I said reading all these reviews didn't have my finger hovering on the purchase button. | ↑ |
 Google Maps will reportedly tap into satellite connectivity for instances when you cannot connect to Wi-Fi nor a cellular network. How do we know? According to PiunikaWeb, new code references in Google Maps beta v11.125 indicate the app can determine users' location via satellite connectivity. Google Maps' satellite connectivity could be 'life saving'PiunikaWeb reported that the new strings hint that users will have the option to update their location in Google Maps every 15 minutes, up to five times a day, via satellite connectivity. This could be a life-saving feature if you're in an out-of-range area without a network. Keep in mind, however, that this feature will only work on devices with satellite connectivity. There is scuttlebutt that the Google Pixel 9 series will have the feature, which can also be found on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. We're also seeing rumors that Android 15 will support satellite-enabled texting. As we reported in early April, this feature may offer a big leg up over iPhone. According to 9to5Google, with Android 15, you'll be able to text anyone with satellite-based texting, not just emergency services. With chatter about satellite-based texting and navigation, it looks like Google may be diving in head first with satellite connectivity. The Mountain View-based tech giant is set to host its next big event, Google I/O, on May 14. Perhaps we'll get a sneak peek of Google's plans then. | ↑ |
 Windows 11 has been out now for about two and a half years, but its predecessor, Windows 10, still dominates the operating system market. It's pretty clear that when it comes to PCs, Windows 10 is the most popular operating system. That means many of you readers might very well know how annoying Microsoft's prompts are regarding getting you to upgrade to Windows 11. So far, we've been able to pass on that upgrade without too much trouble. Well, Microsoft is getting ready to annoy its faithful Windows 10 user base with yet another prompt. This time, Microsoft wants Windows 10 users to switch from using a local account to their online Microsoft account. As first noticed by the outlet Windows Latest, the most recent Windows 10 update Release Preview includes some information about new notifications added to the operating system intended to make users switch from their local account to their Microsoft account. "New! This update starts the [roll out] of account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts in Settings > Home," reads the update, originally from the official Windows blog, which then lays out its case for using a Microsoft account.
Some users may enjoy using a Microsoft account due to the positives of connecting with Microsoft's cloud features like backups. Others may prefer the privacy of having local accounts, where all their data stays on their personal devices. The point, though, is that it's your choice, and once you make that choice you shouldn't be hounded to use your Microsoft account anymore. Here's how to disable the Microsoft account notificationAs Elon Musk recently discovered, Windows 11 does not make it easy to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account. Tweet may have been deleted However, Windows 10 still does! Once you make the decision to use a local account over a Microsoft account, there's also a way to turn off those annoying banners and prompts trying to get you to use a Microsoft account: In the Settings app, simply click on the Privacy option, then go to the General section. Next, turn off the "Show me notifications in the Settings app. When off, required notifications are still shown," option. As tech news outlet Neowin points out, there's also a tiny little "X" icon next to the "Sign in now" button on the Microsoft accounts banner as well. Users can click that and remove the notification as well. However, if the previously mentioned Settings option isn't turned off, the notification banner will eventually return. UPDATE: Apr. 18, 2024, 4:57 p.m. EDT This piece was updated to attribute Windows Latest with first discovering the Windows 10 update information. The Settings option needed to stop the notification has also been updated. | ↑ |
Amazon deals of the day at a glance:
OUR TOP PICK
2023 MacBook Pro (M3 chip, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
$1,399.99 at Amazon
(save $199.01 with on-page coupon)
BEST SECURITY CAMERA DEAL
BEST WINDOWS LAPTOP DEAL
BEST UNLOCKED PHONE DEAL
 It's no surprise that we love hunting for good deals here at Mashable. We're regularly poking around on the web for the best discounts around, and Amazon regularly comes out on top in the oversaturated shopping market. If deal hunting isn't your thing, we've got you covered. Here are the best Amazon deals of the day for April 18. And be sure to check out our picks from April 16 and April 17 — many of those deals are still live as well. Our top pick
Amazon deal of the day: 2023 MacBook Pro (M3 chip, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
$1,399.99
at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $199.01 with on-page coupon
The 2023 MacBook Pro, which packs Apple's M3 chip, is just 99 cents shy of its all-time low price at Amazon as of April 18. The M3 MacBook Pro features a familiar design you know and love with a whole lot of processing power under the hood. Apple claims the M3 chip is up to 15 percent faster than the previous M2 chip, but we actually found it to be even faster than that in our testing. Our reviewer was also highly impressed by its battery power and "dive" built-in speakers. The base model, which includes 8GB RAM and 512GB of storage, typically goes for $1,599, but if you tick the on-page coupon, it'll only run you $1,399.99 at checkout. Read our full review of the M3 MacBook Pro. Want to keep tabs on your pets while you're at work? Or have an extra set of eyes inside your home while you're on vacation? The indoor version of the Google Nest Cam can be mounted to your wall or placed on a bookshelf and deliver a 24/7 live view of your home. It comes in a variety of colors to suit your style and can be set up in a matter of minutes. At $67.59, it's down to an all-time low price at Amazon. Save $32.40 as of April 18. If you're looking for a powerful laptop that won't break the bank, the ASUS VivoBook 16 has really solid specs and is currently on sale for under $600. That's $200 off its usual price and matches its all-time low. This particular configuration packs an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, 16GB of RAM, and an entire terabyte of storage. It also has a lay-flat 180-degree hinge, a webcam shield, a sleek NanoEdge display, and an array of ports (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C with power delivery, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, USB 2.0 Type A, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, HDMI 1.4). There's no reason you should be paying full price for a new phone — especially when deals like this exist. An unlocked Google Pixel 7a is on sale for just $349 at Amazon as of April 18. Already a budget-friendly version of the Pixel 7, this 30% discount brings the 7a to a new all-time low. "Announced during the 2023 Google I/O presentation, this is essentially a $100 cheaper Pixel 7 with a slightly smaller screen, but little else in the way of compromise," Mashable's Alex Perry noted in his review. It's worth noting that this deal is also available at Best Buy, if you prefer to shop there. Read our full review of the Google Pixel 7a. None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings. | ↑ |
 SAVE 15%: A yearly membership to Instacart+ is on sale for $84.15 at Best Buy, down from the normal price of $99. That's a savings of $14.85. Need something ASAP but don't have time to leave home to pick it up? We're all blessed to live in a time when pretty much anything can arrive on our doorstep through delivery services. Sometimes within hours, we can get groceries, pharmacy goods, cosmetics, and electronics delivered. If you're one to take advantage of these services, Best Buy has a great deal in store. As of April 18, a 12-month membership to Instacart+ is on sale for $84.15, marked down from the list price of $99. That's a 15% discount or a savings of $14.85. Delivery service Instacart has major deals in store when you sign up for an Instacart+ membership. For starters, you'll get unlimited free delivery on orders over $35, which usually costs $3.99 for non-members. If you prefer to order through Instacart but pickup yourself, you'll get 5% credit back on all eligible orders. As if those savings weren't enough, you'll also get lower service fees on every order. Instacart is partnered with a huge range of popular stores to order from, including Costco, Target, Sprouts, Safeway, CVS, H Mart, Best Buy, Petco, and plenty more. To add to the deal, Instacart+ members get free access to streaming on Peacock, which typically costs $59.99 per year. The Instacart+ membership deal at Best Buy is for digital access, which means Best Buy will email set-up instructions soon after you purchase. You can also choose the option to gift the year-long Instacart+ membership to a lucky recipient. If you frequently use Instacart to get groceries delivered during busy weeks or you often forget to buy a new bag of dog food while out on your errands, you could probably see some serious savings with an Instacart+ membership. Usually $99 for a 12-month membership, you can currently grab all the benefits for just $84.15 through the deal at Best Buy. Your shopping budget will thank you later. | ↑ |
 SAVE $30: As of April 18, get the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium at Amazon for $219.99. That's a discount of 12%. Feel like you're always too hot or too cold in your home? Solve that problem with a smart thermostat, which can learn your habits, adapt to them, and help streamline the energy usage in your home. If you're looking to get into the smart thermostat game, now's a great time to do so with a deal on a top-tier thermostat at Amazon. As of April 18, you can get the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium for $219.99. That's $30 off its original price of $249.99 and a discount of 12%. This model can handle all of your smart home's tasks: It can be controlled and adjusted via app and the unit can act as a smoke detector and even a home security hub if desired. Plus, it works to adjust the temperature of selected rooms to reduce hot and cold spots (or conserve energy in rooms you're not occupying), which can be a big problem for some homes. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium claims to be able to save you up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. Its smart sensor can automatically pause heating and cooling when it senses a door or window left open for over five minutes, plus there are plenty of other features meant to save energy and save you money. The thermostat also has an air quality monitor alert so you can keep an eye on what you're breathing in every day. It gives tips on how to improve air quality and alerts you when you should swap out your air filter. Keep in mind that some features do require a subscription to the Ecobee Smart Security plan. Summer's on the way, so be ready to tackle the heat with a thermostat that can do all the heavy lifting. | ↑ |
 Apple debuted AirPlay, a feature that lets you stream media from your device to another, at IHG hotels today — and I'm one of the first to experience it in all of its glory. I tested the new AirPlay availability in a swanky suite inside InterContinental New York Times Square, a 4-star IHG hotel. This is one of the 60+ hotels around the U.S., including in cities like Tampa and Atlanta, that support the new AirPlay integration. But the question is, what's it like using it? And how does it benefit the average traveler? Apple's AirPlay debut with IHG hotels: 5 ways it makes travel betterAs Apple announced on Thursday, AirPlay made its way over to select IHG Hotels & Resorts, including Candlewood Suites, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. The partnership harnesses the beloved technology familiar to Apple users, elevating the hospitality experience to new heights. As mentioned at the outset, I got a chance to try AirPlay on iPhone and iPad and already picked up on five ways it will enhance the travel and accommodation experience. 1. Tackle that backlog of Apple TV+ showsVacationing gives you a chance to finally cross off one of the many shows piling up on your "need to watch" list of things your friends have recommended to you. However, who wants to do that on a small screen? 
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
AirPlay allowed me to stream Apple TV+, and other streaming apps, to the hotel TV. All I needed to do was scan a QR code on the TV. This prompted a "Connect" window to appear on my iPhone, and in just seconds, a giant green checkmark appeared to confirm that it paired with the TV. 
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Next, I fired up an episode of Palm Royale from Apple TV+ and it appeared on the TV in a flash. My iPhone doubled as a remote of sorts, allowing me to pause, rewind, and skip. 2. No more scrambling for Wi-Fi passwordsIt's also worth noting that once you scan the QR code on the TV (and go through a few short prompts), your iPhone will be connected to the hotel Wi-Fi. 
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
I found this process to be convenient and quick. I no longer need to dig around for my keycard, nor search high and low for information on how to secure the Wi-Fi passcode. 3. Stay active with the Fitness+ appIf you're spending more than a week on vacation or a business trip, and you're accustomed to exercising regularly, not having access to a gym or your kettlebells may be frustrating. 
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
AirPlay makes it easy to splash the Fitness+ app to the hotel TV. I was able to filter workouts to exclude work equipment, allowing me to follow fitness instructors determined to keep me in shape while I'm away from home. 4. Share your vacation photos with the roomAfter taking countless selfies and photos during a fun excursion, it's only a matter of time before you'll want to flip through these pictures and share your great captures with loved ones. 
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Instead of handing them your phone, you can use the screen mirroring feature to put your vacation photos on the big screen. 5. Showing presentationsAs a tech journalist, I'm always finding myself in hotels with companies showing off their latest gadgets, products, and services. As such, I've seen several representatives struggling with presenting their decks — it's definitely not a seamless process. Now, thanks to AirPlay, you can create a presentation via the Keynote app and easily mirror it to the TV with ease. The new AirPlay availability works with iPhone and iPad — and you can start using it today at select locations. There's AirPlay support for more than 60 IHG hotels in the U.S., but Apple says that it plans to expand to more properties in the coming months. | ↑ |
 Meta has a batch of generative AI updates that users will notice on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. On Thursday, Meta announced Llama 3, a new version of its open-source large language model (LLM) and further integrations and updates for Meta AI. The generative AI chatbot, previously powered by Llama 2, will be updated to use Llama 3. Meta AI also has expanded to 12 new countries (Australia, Canada, Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) although still only in English for now. Meta unveiled Meta AI at its Meta Connect event last September. Previously users could tag Meta AI in a conversation for things like questions about sports stats or finding restaurants while planning a trip. They could also chat with Meta AI directly. According to Connor Hayes, VP of product for generative AI, the driving force behind developing Meta AI is "improving people's day to day life and making it easier for them to do the things that they're already coming to our apps for," said Hayes in a briefing. "So learning, getting things done creating content, getting them connected to the things that they're interested in or care about." 
An existing feature lets users ask Meta AI questions on WhatsApp (as well as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger).
Credit: Meta
Users will now be able to invoke Meta AI through the search bar on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp and interact with Meta AI directly on posts in the Facebook feed. There's also a new standalone site for Meta.ai, so users can chat with the model like they would with OpenAI ChatGPT or Google Gemini. The most noticeable updates are the addition of the Meta AI search bar and Meta AI integration in Facebook feeds. Users can ask Meta AI for, say, recipes, and the model will surface relevant Reels or Facebook pages. Through Meta partnerships with Google and Bing, it can also access real time information and provide summaries of search engine results.
Via Giphy
On your Facebook feed, there's a new Meta AI feature that shows up on posts. You can ask for more information about a certain post or click on recommended questions to learn more. Meta's example in the demo shows the ability to learn more about chords from an innocuous video of someone playing the guitar. But we're wondering how it will play into political rants from your elderly aunt or sketchy vaccine advice. As you may remember, Facebook and other social media apps has played a role in spreading inflammatory political and medical misinformation.
Via Giphy
In the accompanying announcement Meta shared its safety and responsibility approach in broad terms. Llama 3 has been stress-tested and refined to restrict discussing "risk areas like weapons, cyber attacks, and child exploitation" and refuse prompts like "How do I kill my neighbor" while allowing prompts like "How do I kill a computer program." Meta also said, "We share information within the features themselves to help people understand that AI might return inaccurate or inappropriate outputs, which is the same for all generative AI systems," as a disclaimer that generative AI doesn't always get it right and could further spread misinformation or entrench biases. Another thorny issue in generative AI is training data. And yep, Meta may have used your data either via corpora of internet data or directly from the platform. The responsibility post said it excludes or removes data sources "known to contain a high volume of personal information about private individuals," although it doesn't get into specifics about what those sources are. "Meta Llama models are trained on a combination of sources, including information that is publicly available online and annotated data," said a Meta spokesperson. "The model we use is fine tuned for Meta AI on information from our services along with data from your interactions with Meta AI," which also means your conversations with Meta AI might also be used to train the model. In response to whether there's an ability to opt out of sharing your data with the model, the Meta spokesperson only pointed to the robots.txt protocol that blocks data scraping from certain websites. You can opt out of sharing training data with a paid version of ChatGPT. But given the fact that Meta AI is a free service, we're guessing your data is the price you pay for using it. Meta also released a new image generator feature that creates an image in real time as your time. Different from the typical AI image generator which makes an image from your final prompt, this feature changes in real time as you continue typing. Hayes explained that starting from scratch with an image prompt can be intimidating and this is a more approachable way for people to understand how prompts work.
Via Giphy
| ↑ |
 25% OFF SITEWIDE: As of today, April 18, you can get up to 25% off all Solawave products! Plus, spend $150 and score a free gift. If your skin's been looking a little tired (honestly, same), Solawave's range of skincare products might be able to help. The brand is known for its collection of celeb-approved beauty gadgets, serums, and moisturizers designed to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. And while these things are usually expensive, the company's been known to offer discounts on special occasions. Right now, Solawave is offering a special Mother's Day promotion way ahead of the holiday. So you can get your mom (or yourself) something nice and save some money in the process. As of April 18, you can score up to 25% off all Solawave products with the promo code MOM25. Plus, if you spend $150, you'll automatically receive a free gift of the Solabiome Hydrating Gel Cleanser ($24 value). This promotion includes the coveted 4-in-1 Advanced Skincare Wand, which, according to Mashable reviewer RJ Andersen, is totally worth the cost. "Immediately after using the red light therapy wand, I was surprised to find that I noticed a slight improvement in my skin," writes Andersen. "By the end of my second week, my skin was definitely looking better: A few hormonal acne scars on my chin had faded, the redness in my cheeks went down, and I swore to my partner that a broken capillary on my cheek had completely disappeared." The sitewide sale also includes the just-launched Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask, which is designed to target the delicate skin in those areas and provide hydration and anti-aging benefits. We haven't tried the mask yet, but it looks pretty intense and promising based on the brand's reputation for effective and innovative skincare products. | ↑ |
 SAVE UP TO $400: Select configurations of the M2-powered Apple MacBook Airs (both 13- and 15-inch sizes) are on sale starting at just $849 as of April 18.
Quick links:
13-inch MacBook Air
15-inch MacBook Air
 Apple's M2 MacBook Airs continue to be a hot buy for bargain hunters in the wake of its March M3 update. As of April 18, two variants of the previous-generation laptops were marked down to record-low prices at third-party retailers ( yet again). We spotted the base configuration of the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air on sale for just $849 at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo, which is $150 off its newly adjusted sticker price. Meanwhile, an upgraded 15-inch M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage was down to $1,499 at Best Buy — that's a whopping $400 off. (It's rare to encounter such big discounts on newer MacBook Airs, even on Black Friday; they usually go to beefed-up MacBook Pro models.) Note that Apple has technically discontinued the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, meaning it no longer sells it in new condition through the Apple Store, but other authorized stores evidently still have some configurations left in their inventories — i.e., get it while you still can. Older and slightly slower processor aside, the M2 MacBook Airs aren't dramatic downgrades from their newer M3 counterparts. Yes, they lack their successors' closed-lid dual external display and WiFi 6E support, and they don't come in a fingerprint-resistant midnight finish, but they're otherwise virtually identical: You get the same bright Liquid Retina displays, all-day battery lives, snappy backlit Magic Keyboards with Touch ID, port selections, and 1080p FaceTime cameras. If you're looking for a slick, reliable everyday laptop and trying to save a chunk of cash, they're extremely easy to recommend. Between the 13- and 15-inch M2 models, the main difference there (not counting screen real estate) is their audio setup: The larger MacBook Air has six speakers instead of four. | ↑ |
 SAVE $20: As of April 18, get the Nintendo Switch Lite Timmy & Tommy's Aloha Edition with a digital copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for $179 at Walmart. That's $20 off the normal price and a savings of $80 in total.
Nintendo Switch Lite Timmy & Tommy's Aloha Edition + "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" Bundle
$179.00
at Walmart
$199.00 Save $20.00 The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, more compact version of the popular handheld console, but don't count it out as one of the best ways to enjoy some of your favorite games on the go. Even better are the limited editions with special designs and artwork that make the Lite an even more fun console to own. If you're still looking to get a Switch, now's a good time to grab one thanks to a great deal at Walmart. As of April 18, you can get the Nintendo Switch Lite Timmy & Tommy's Aloha Edition for just $179 at Walmart. That's $20 off its original price. It comes with a full digital download of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which means you're saving a total of $80 by not having to purchase the game separately. This Switch lite is a fun teal color with plenty of Animal Crossing accents. It has a brown leaf logo on the front of the system as well as a fun white leaf pattern on the back of the unit. Everything else is your standard Lite setup, perfectly sized to fit your hands while remaining lightweight and comfortable to game on. Keep in mind that this model is digital-only and does not play Nintendo Switch cartridges. It also cannot be docked to play on your TV. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most popular games on the Switch. Journey to a desert island and develop your own private space into a tropical getaway that welcomes anthropomorphic animal visitors and residents. You'll make friends, catch bugs, craft items, welcome merchants, and do much more as you grow your island into a bustling community. Share your space with friends, save up resources, and make an even bigger area. There's so much to do it might make your head spin. Ready to get your game on? Nab this set and you'll be embedded with all your animal friends in no time. | ↑ |
 SAVE 13%: The JLab JBuds Lux active noise cancellation over-ear headphones are on sale for $69.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $79.99. That's a savings of $10. It's hard to live without a solid pair of headphones these days. Between new music, podcasts, YouTube videos, and audiobooks, we're always tuned in thanks to our headphones. If you're not a huge fan of earbuds but don't want a massively bulky pair of over-the-ear headphones, today's deal at Amazon is perfect. As of April 18, the JLab JBuds Lux active noise cancellation over-ear headphones are on sale for $69.99, marked down from the list price of $79.99. That's a 13% discount or a savings of $10. This is the first time we've seen these headphones on sale at Amazon since their release. With 40mm drivers, the JLab JBuds Lux headphones emphasize sound quality. If desired, switch on the active noise cancellation (ANC) and tune out external sounds up to 25 decibels, or you can switch on Be Aware mode to keep up with the sounds around you. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC also focus on comfort, with an over-ear design and one-inch Cloud Foam cushioning that's designed to fit the natural shape of the ear. There are also adjustable hinges on the headband so you can get a more customized fit. When it comes to storage, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC have rotating and foldable earcups, so they take up less space when tucked away into a backpack or work bag. Expect to get at least 70 hours of playtime on a single charge with the JBuds Lux ANC, or 40 hours if you listen in ANC mode. If your current headphones aren't cutting it in terms of comfort or sound quality, today's your chance to score the JLab JBuds Lux ANC at their first discounted price on Amazon for just $69.99. | ↑ |
 SAVE $600: As of April 18, get the Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphone for $499.99 at Woot!. That's a 55% discount. Want a new phone, but aren't feeling an iPhone or Galaxy device? There are still tons of options out there, including Google's flagship Pixel series. If you haven't yet explored these powerful little devices, now might be a great time to defect from the two powerhouse manufacturers and give a Pixel phone a spin. You can save big if you plan to do just that right now by shopping at Woot! As of April 18, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is just $499.99 at Woot!, which is $600 off its normal price and a discount of 55%. This sale price applies to the 512GB version in both Obsidian and Snow colorways. The Pixel 7 Pro may not be the newest smartphone in town, given that the Pixel 8 series is already available, but there's nothing wrong with going back a generation to save some cash. And this model is no slouch. Powered by Google's Tensor G2 processor, it's a zippy, reliable device with an impressive 24-hour battery life that can even stretch to 72 when using Extreme Battery Saver mode. It boasts a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5x telephoto lens and an upgraded ultrawide lens with powerful Macro Focus for detailed photos, and the Titan M2 security chip to help give you an additional layer of security. Of course, all this comes with all the usual features you'd expect out of an Android phone as well as support for Google Assistant and VPN by Google One. Plus, it's safe from drops, dust, and water with IP68 protection. Now's a good time to get one of these powerful little phones at this great price. And if you like it, you can keep an eye out for the Google Pixel 9 to rear its head in the coming months. | ↑ |
 Thriller, comedy, and romance jumble together in the trailer for Hit Man, Richard Linklater's new Netflix movie about a fake assassin getting into a relationship with one of his clients. A man of many disguises, Gary Johnson (Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the film with Linklater) is a professor with a strange side hustle: he works for the police as a pretend assassin. But things go from complicated to even more complicated when he becomes romantically involved with a client (Adria Arjona), who may be more sinister than she seems. How to watch: Hit Man is in select theaters from May 24, and streaming on Netflix from June 7. | ↑ |
 Buckle up, content creators — the all-new Adobe Express mobile app is now available on iOS and Android, and it’s packing a fresh glow-up with its bundle of new generative AI tools. In a nutshell, the same intuitive features powered by Adobe’s creative generative AI (Firefly) originally available only on the Adobe Express desktop version, are now ready for you to take anywhere. Adobe Express, the all-in-one AI content creation app, is faster and easier to use than before. Start a post, edit a video, create a mood board or collage, or remove the background on a photo or video in an instant. Or begin a social post for work using Adobe Express on your desktop, then finish, schedule, and publish your project from wherever you are. You can also collaborate with your team in real-time from anywhere, dialing in a more seamless on-the-go workflow. Whether you’re a freelancer looking to collaborate more efficiently with your clients, a small business owner trying to establish your brand, or a lifestyle influencer crafting on-trend content for your feed, here’s everything you need to know to take your content creation to the next level. Insert, remove, or replace objects in a snapThe Adobe Express Generative Fill feature lets you easily insert, remove, or replace objects with just a few taps, so you can tweak and customize your images and videos in a flash. Whether you want to add a surfboard or a colorful lei, or replace an entire object or background for a social post or flier, Adobe Express takes the complication out of creating. This AI feature is ideal for social media managers and influencers looking to generate professional-quality content while saving lots of time. Place and prop yourself or your brand anywhere in seconds — even on a deserted beach in Hawaii. Give your messaging a fantastic AI text makeoverWant to give social content promoting your clothing line a more '90s vibe? Adobe Express has over 28,000 fonts that can give your post a unique look. You can also create text that’s entirely new using the generative AI Text Effects tool to add super cool textures, giving your content even more wow factor. Best practice is to start with a thicker font to really make the texture of the font pop, and then type in your own specific descriptions, like "3D rendered shiny blue" or "static zigzags." Next, hit generate, then pick from dozens of options and see your vision come to life in seconds. Uplevel your small-biz brandingNo more doomscrolling to track down and collect the perfect images for your inspiration boards. The Adobe Express Text to Image tool makes it super easy to create stunning AI-generated images with just a few words and taps. If you’re launching a dog party planning gig, for example, you can start generating colorful images of dogs in party hats or dogs dancing to a DJ to compile your visual inspiration. If you can’t find a template that fits "dogs dancing to a DJ," use the new Text to Template feature to create fully editable templates that are uniquely yours. Once you land on a look and feel you like, use the brand kit tool in Adobe Express Premium to drop your preferred fonts, colors, and logos into your content. Then once your next dog party is around the corner, you can easily apply your branding to your social posts, invites, and more to give the content a quick and cohesive look in just a few clicks. Tap into seamless content creationIn addition to the easy-to-use generative AI tools now available on mobile, Adobe Express is loaded with a collection of other helpful features to streamline content creation. Launch a project by choosing from countless professionally designed templates and hundreds of thousands of Adobe stock videos and image assets. Then, drop in your images or videos into the all-in-one editor to add audio tracks, create captions, and resize videos to fit your favorite platforms — all from the convenience of your phone. Bonus: Adobe Firefly generative AI is designed to be safe for commercial use. If you need a little extra help making your videos stand out on TikTok, you can move from mobile to the desktop version and use the handy TikTok Creative Assistant. This video tool can help you brainstorm creative ideas for videos and find the latest trends, hashtags, and insights so that your post reaches the right audiences with greater impact. Then pick up your project on the mobile app once you're done and ready to share! The new Adobe Express mobile app makes designing and editing high-quality content while on-the-go easy, regardless of your skill level, with intuitive tools and features in both the free and Premium versions. Whether you’re using Adobe Express to elevate fliers for your side gig or editing travel videos and photos for your feed, these new generative AI tools will seriously help push your creative boundaries over the top. Download the all-new Adobe Express mobile app now to try out all the innovative AI features and start creating standout content today, whenever and wherever you are! | ↑ |
 If you’re single and extremely online, you’ll have noticed a particular disdain for dating right now, especially when it comes to dating apps. More specifically, you’ll have noticed that everyone is being the absolute worst. Ask around and all the daters you know will likely echo sentiments of dating becoming a chore and matches exhibiting more rude, dismissive, and even abusive behaviour than ever. Social media is flooded with stories of dating app matches treating potential partners as prizes, and of ghosting, being love bombed, breadcrumbed, getting stood up, left on read, even a date bringing two matches to a date at once without their consent. It’s having a profound effect on our feelings towards dating, leaving a lot of us feeling insecure, and worried that love might not happen for us. Essentially, we’ve entered an era of selfish dating. It feels like everyone opening the apps is doing so with an "every man for himself attitude" and we’re looking for ways to boost ourselves rather than foster genuine connections. We’ve entered an era of selfish dating...
The dating 'grindset'It seems we’re all behaving inappropriately when it comes to dating right now, but none of us quite understand why, or how to stop. Katherine Angel, academic and author of Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again: Women and Desire in the Age of Consent, says a big part of rising selfish behaviour in dating is looking at dating as economic and treating it as either an investment or waste of our time. Take this Reddit post for instance which went viral back in July, where a man asked a woman out for ice cream and she took that as a red flag, deeming it childish, and ended their connection abruptly. Or, you might take the viral TikTok which dominated headlines, wherein a woman invoiced dates for the time she wasted on them. Angel says viewing dating, even when it doesn’t work out, as a waste of time is a "sinister way to look at life" but we’re all doing it because it's encouraged by capitalism. "The modern capitalist system we all exist under wants us to optimise our time as much as possible so we have a money-making mindset, which benefits the economy," she explains. This ideology values quick success over the slow-burning kind, and we’re applying that thinking to our dating lives as well as our work. The modern capitalist system we all exist under wants us to optimise our time as much as possible so we have a money-making mindset, which benefits the economy.
She explains that this is an "economic model of human relations that many of us have started to view our lives through by default." Angel notes looking at relationships in this economic way is part of the toxic self improvement movement that’s been on the rise, the "grindset," if you will. We’re often overwhelmed by content online, wherein people are stuck in a perpetual cycle of self-analysis, improvement, and repeat, and they influence others to fall into the trap with them. Dating apps unfortunately suit this window shopping mentality for finding connections. Angel notes that vulnerability, which is needed for fostering romantic connections, isn’t really encouraged on dating apps because we can switch off as soon as we’re uncomfortable, or as soon as we see something we don’t like or say something cruel without thinking about the impact it might have on the other person. She says dating apps have the irony of feeling very public, but actually being too private. "You’re not getting outside of yourself enough. You're encountering the apps kind of on your own, locked into your own experience." She adds, "There’s this illusion of ease and less friction [that comes with dating apps] and maybe it does make it easier for us to meet people and it may be sexually fulfilling too but you have to be out of your comfort zone to make connections. It’s not supposed to be easy." Increasingly, Angel finds herself becoming more sceptical of online dating as a good way to meet people, adding that what we’ve essentially done with our dating lives is made ourselves products and the vehicles of dating app companies’ profits. So, no wonder we’re behaving like capitalists when dating — even offline. 'Me' CultureDating apps are not responsible for this specific selfishness, though. Rather, they are a symptom of a wider culture problem. This economic thinking Angel challenges has created an innate selfish culture in dating, especially between heterosexual men and women — who most of the dating complaints seem to come from. Many of us are heading to connections with a "me first" attitude, which Jessica Alderson, a dating expert at dating app So Synced, says is iterated by viral trends on social media like the “dump him” trend which treat humans like collectable (and disposable) commodities. We’ve also reached a point where descriptions like "high value men/women" applied to the people we match with in the dating pool have achieved virality repeatedly and have entered the cultural lexicon in a sincere way. We’re talking about each other, even and especially romantically, like commodities. Alderson says there’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first in dating, and "we are all responsible for protecting our own energy and well-being and we are the only ones who truly know our own needs and boundaries." But somewhere along this self-prioritisation became straight-up selfishness. Hooks argues in All About Love that capitalism and patriarchy, the latter being a product of the former, have created a "me culture," in society, a mass hyper-individualism that looks an awful lot like narcissism… but is under the guise of self-care or protection of personal safety. Alderson adds that this "me culture" has been exacerbated by social media. "For many people, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are their primary sources of information for navigating the complex world of modern relationships. Social media users are now exposed to curated and often unrealistic portrayals of dating expectations, and this has perpetuated a distorted perception of what a "successful" dating experience should look like," she says. She adds that specific dating "standards" and "rules," such as only going on a second date if a certain amount of money is spent on the first or only sleeping with broke guys and saving dating for rich men, are publicised by viral content that promotes unrealistic and unhealthy rules for dating. This kind of mindset in dating has, in turn, left a lot of people with ridiculously rigid and specific criteria for their ideal partners — something no one can realistically achieve. Alderson explains, "Of course, we should always be mindful of our own needs and boundaries when dating, but it’s important to question where our expectations are coming from and whether they align with our personal values." There’s nothing wrong with putting ourselves first, but only thinking of yourself, treating people as interchangeable or disposable items or expecting romantic partnerships to involve endless joy and abandoning anyone who doesn’t fit your personal criteria 100 percent of the time as though they’re a faulty product. You are not really putting yourself first if no one is second. And when you’re on the receiving end of that kind of "me" obsession, it’s deflating, upsetting, and even heartbreaking. No wonder that 1 in 4 people feel unworthy of a partner, according to Bumble. When self protection becomes self sabotageIt’s particularly interesting that the majority of dating woes are coming from heterosexual daters, as Angel notes our gender roles (cultural scripts the sexes are supposed to follow such as acting masculine or feminine, going to work vs doing the housework, and being heterosexual) have an affect on our dating fears. A quick scroll through Reddit and the myriad opinion pieces, YouTube videos and podcasts complaining about dating from straight people right now, point to an uptick in selfish dating from women specifically. Think dumping men over their salaries, insisting that men should always pay the bill, and expecting to be treated like nothing short of a princess (and needing proof of capabilities to provide it) before agreeing to leave the house to meet with men. The incels, alpha males and "men’s rights activists" of the internet would have you believe this is " feminism gone mad" and that dating is currently easier for women, but there’s more to it. Angel argues that in a post-Me Too era, many women are going into dating guarded, worried about what they could possibly endure from men. After all, at least 57 percent of women have experienced sexual harassment on dating apps. "Whenever you see people acting in unreasonable or cruel ways, chances are they're frightened of something," Angel explains. This plays into our scripted gender roles as men are raised to fear humiliation and act violently to avoid it. In turn, women learn to protect men from humiliation by not upsetting or rejecting them. "Women have been treated very badly by men in the dating realm," Angel says. "It makes perfect sense that a lot of women go into the dating scene now feeling vulnerable. There is a risk of unpleasant behaviour at best and bullying, harassment, coercion, manipulation or even assault at worst," she adds. For men, they may fear rejection or humiliation and, as a defence mechanism, strike with selfishness before they are hit with it themselves. Angel notes that these fears are completely valid and fair, but they ultimately hold us back. This is where what we mistake as "self care" or "self preservation" actually becomes self sabotage. And to outsiders, it just looks plain selfish. In All About Love, bell hooks tells us that "love cannot coexist with neglect, nor with fear" but that there’s a "falsehood that love or intimacy can be acquired without risk." Angel says this is the human dilemma of dating. "If we want to encounter pleasure through our interactions with others, we risk getting hurt," Angel says. It’s time to radically rethink how we approach dating. We’re encapsulated in a system that gives us uncomfortable scripts, and we’re lashing out at each other, becoming too insular, scared, competitive and, yeah, selfish, to properly connect. But as all-consuming as capitalism might seem, systems are merely systems. They’re not truly real. We have the means to remove capitalist thinking from our own immediate networks, including the dating pool, just by simply treating people as people, not commodities. Confronting that this influence is happening is the first step to rethinking the way we think about prospective partners, and fixing how we approach them, and how we’ll hopefully, eventually, love them. All we want is more care and more love. To receive that, we have to be giving it too. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Watch 2024 MotoGP live streams for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. F1 gets most of the media attention in the world of things-that-move-fast. But it also comes with a lot of pit stops, yellow flags, and predictable finishes. Yeah, we said it. Who wants to watch Max Verstappen win every week? If you're looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing with two wheels instead of four, you should check out MotoGP. And thanks to a simple hack, you can watch MotoGP without actually spending anything. Interested in watching MotoGP for free? You've come to the right place. What is MotoGP?Grand Prix motorcycle racing (MotoGP) is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires. The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Francesco Bagnaia is the reigning champion, sealing his second consecutive MotoGP world title in 2023. 2024 MotoGP calendarThe 2024 MotoGP season features 21 races held all over the world between March and November:
A wide range of streaming services are offering coverage of this MotoGP season, but there is actually no need to pay anything to follow all the action. You can watch MotoGP for free with the help of a VPN. How to livestream MotoGP for freeYou can stream every MotoGP 2024 race for free on ServusTV. ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world. Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch individual races without actually spending anything. If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for MotoGP?ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking streaming sites, and it offers a generous money-back guarantee. That means you can effectively live stream MotoGP for free with ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming MotoGP, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to watch MotoGP and then recover your investment when the race weekend is over. Stream MotoGP 2024 for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 Slack has a new generative AI tool that's like a morning newsletter for your messages. On Thursday, the popular workplace messaging platform announced a new "Recap" feature that compiles a daily summary of important conversations. Users can choose specific channels they want to keep tabs on — and Recap will compile daily summaries that can be accessed in the sidebar. The recaps include specific people mentioned and links to the location of the messages in the channel. How Slack AI features aim to save you from the daunting wall of messagesAs Slack VP of Product Jackie Rocca explained, it's a way of staying on top of developments that don't necessarily require your urgent input. "Maybe I don't need that [conversation] to pull me out of my flow of work and I want to have this sort of daily digital newspaper to give me a summary of what's happening in these conversations." 
Catch up on daily conversations with the recap channel on the sidebar.
Credit: Slack
Slack also announced expanded access to other generative AI features that were previously only available to Slack Enterprise users, which is the maximum subscription tier. The summary tool (uses AI to summarize conversations you may have missed) and the internal search tool (understands natural language queries to find relevant messages) are now available as an add-on to all of the paid Slack plans. Rocca wouldn't disclose which large language model Slack AI uses, but said the models are completely hosted on their virtual cloud, so data stays within Slack's servers. It also doesn't use any customer data to train its models. For an extra $10 a month, you can get these three Slack AI features for Pro, Business+, and Enterprise accounts. Sorry, free Slack users; you'll have to upgrade if you want some AI magic to help you sort through your messages. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Watch 2024 F1 live streams for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. Do you love watching incredibly talented drivers in unbelievably fast cars? Of course you do. F1 brings together the best of the best to battle it out on the track. Sure, Max Verstappen has dominated the field in recent years, and that doesn't look like it's changing anytime soon. But we remain hopeful. This could be the year when things become a lot more competitive. It doesn't look particularly likely at this early stage, but things could change. If you are interested in watching F1 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need. 2024 F1 calendarThe 2024 F1 season features 24 races held all over the world between March and December:
It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. China, Miami, Austria, USA, Brazil, and Qatar will each host a sprint weekend this season. How to watch F1 for freeThe good news is that it is possible to stream F1 for free in 2024. The following platforms are offering free coverage of this season:
These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from outside the country of origin. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world. Unblock these free streaming services by following these simple steps:
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races for free. If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time. What is the best VPN for F1?There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs out there, but ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming F1 for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. By using the guarantee, you can watch F1 races for free. This is sneaky, but it works because ExpressVPN returns your investment without hassle. Watch the 2024 F1 season for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TikTok is officially under investigation by the EU and that means everything that goes with it, including the company's spinoff app, TikTok Lite. As of February, the European Commission (the EU's executive branch) has been conducting a probe into TikTok's compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). And on Wednesday, the Commission gave TikTok 24 hours to come up with a risk assessment specifically on TikTok Lite, one it says should have been done before launch in the EU. Launched quietly in in France and Spain in April, TikTok Lite is the data-light version of the app that's designed for areas with slower internet speeds. First launched in Thailand in 2018, TikTok Lite currently has over 1 billion downloads to date with the top countries being India, Brazil, and Indonesia, according to data aggregator Sensor Tower. The section of the app that's particularly drawn the ire of the EU is TikTok Lite's "Tasks and Rewards", Reuters reports. Here, users over 18 can earn points through watching and liking videos, following TikTok creators, and referring people to the app ( this last one is also available on the main TikTok app through Rewards). Users can then cash in these points for things like Amazon vouchers or TikTok coins, the in-app currency that lets you pay creators. In its announcement, the European Commission stipulated concerns over TikTok Lite's possible impact on the mental health of users, including children, "in particular in relation to the potential stimulation of addictive behaviour" — this is a major focus of the EU's overarching investigation into TikTok. As well as the risk assessment, TikTok is also required to supply information about "measures the platform has put in place to mitigate such systemic risks". "As a platform that reaches millions of children and teenagers, TikTok must fully comply with the DSA and has a particular role to play in the protection of minors online," said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market, in a press statement. "We are launching this formal infringement proceeding today to ensure that proportionate action is taken to protect the physical and emotional well-being of young Europeans." Breton posted a...less formal statement on X (formerly Twitter) following the Commission's information request. Tweet may have been deleted Citing the DSA, the Commission made sure to note it "can impose fines for incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in response to a request for information." Only a few hours left, TikTok. | ↑ |
 A creepy medical facility, a job on nightwatch, and a serial killer who enjoys taking his victims' scalps is the recipe for Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever, Ole Bornedal's follow-up to his 1994 cult movie. The new story features some of the cast from the original Nightwatch, with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau reprising his role as Martin, this time looking on as his daughter Emma (Fanny Leander Bornedal) takes his old job to try to come to terms with what happened to her parents. Kim Bodnia and Ulf Pilgaard also return in their original roles. How to watch: Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever is streaming on Shudder from May 17. | ↑ |
 TikTok's not usually one to copy features from its competitors; in fact, it's been the other way around for a while now. But the video app's answer to photo sharing apps like Instagram is here, with TikTok Notes rolling out in select countries. After several leaks heralding the arrival of the app, TikTok Notes is now available in Australia and Canada for "limited testing" according to the company. It's a separate, free photo sharing app run by TikTok where users can share photos with written captions and browse a central feed of posts by people they follow. Of course, users can link their TikTok accounts to Notes to log in. 
Our Australian team can see this in the App Store.
Credit: Mashable composite: Amanda Yeo / TikTok / App Store
In the app description, TikTok describes Notes as "a lifestyle platform that offers informative photo-text content about people's lives, where you can see individuals sharing their travel tips, daily recipes." "We're in the early stages of experimenting with a dedicated space for photo and text content with TikTok Notes," the company wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. "We hope that the TikTok community will use TikTok Notes to continue sharing their moments through photo posts," the thread continued. "Whether documenting adventures, expressing creativity, or simply sharing snapshots of one's day, the TikTok Notes experience is designed for those who would like to share and engage through photo content." Tweet may have been deleted While the posts themselves resemble Instagram's post and caption format, the central feed where users can "discover" posts also looks like Pinterest or TikTok's own search feed. It's an interesting move for TikTok, directly imitating a competitor like Instagram and moving into the photo sharing space when its foothold in video is so firmly wedged. However, in a time where TikTok's future in the U.S. remains unclear, there's no time like the present for the company to expand horizons with newfangled platforms. | ↑ |
 Tesla owners: Your cars are (probably) getting better this spring. Earlier this week, Tesla posted a list of software updates that are coming as part of the company's upcoming "Spring Release." Some of these things we already knew about, some are completely new, and some that may come aren't mentioned. Let's dig in. Tweet may have been deleted First important takeaway from Tesla's unusually revealing post: these are the "highlights" from the upcoming software release, indicating that more is coming. Another one, especially painful for owners of older Teslas: a lot of these changes, while exciting, are only for newer Tesla cars, dated 2021 or later. The official list of improvements coming to TeslasAs for what is most definitely coming, at least according to Tesla, here's the list:
Wait, there's moreOk, so that's the official word on what's coming. Are there any more rumored or unmentioned changes? Well, yes, though they are mostly minor. Not a Tesla App claims that the update will also bring full-screen browser support, which is particularly important if you're going to be using it for video streaming. Navigation will start offering faster routes when they become available. You'll be able to set up the sound of chimes to ring when you approach a speed camera. Wiper controls are getting better, with the ability to adjust wiper speed by moving the left scroll wheel up or down. Finally, Tesla owners will be able to check whether their car is compatible with some of these new features by navigating to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Info. When is it all coming?There's no official word on that, but Not a Tesla App claims the update is already rolling out to Tesla employees. If that is so, it's reasonable to expect this update to arrive within weeks. Technically, given that Tesla is calling it a "Spring Release," it shouldn't arrive later than June 20. | ↑ |
 The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe. With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it. So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered. Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, April 18, 2024: AcrossBluegrass instrument
Audible way to think
"Aladdin" character whose first line is "Oy! 10,000 years will give you such a crick in the neck!"
Members of a company's C-suite
Behind schedule
DownThe schmear goes hereThe answer is bagel. Amazon's assistant
Group of nine
Battery life, informally
Poems like "To Autumn" and "To a Skylark"
| ↑ |
 Jimmy Kimmel may be under fire from Donald Trump, but he has an ally in fellow late night host Stephen Colbert. On Wednesday, Colbert drew attention to Trump's angry Truth Social post about the joke Kimmel made about the former president at the Oscars. "That's right, in the middle of a presidential campaign and countless federal indictments, he's obsessed with the Academy Awards from five weeks ago," says Colbert in the clip above. "I look forward to his new campaign slogan: "TRUMP 2024: THEY GAVE IT TO GREEN BOOK??" Next, Colbert points into the camera and takes a more direct approach. "You keep my friend Jimmy Kimmel's name out of your weird little wet mouth, okay?" he says. "Jimmy Kimmel is my podcast brother from Strike Force Five, and I have vowed to defend him until my death! Or at least until the next ad from Mint Mobile." | ↑ |
 Found the perfect meme? Need to share an old snippet from a WhatsApp conversation? Sometimes the humble screenshot is best. The process is pretty simple, but does vary slightly depending on what model of iPhone you have. Here's now to take a screenshot on your iPhone, without or without a home button. If your iPhone has a home button
Total Time
What You Need
Step 1: Press the home button at the same time as the button on your phone's right-hand side. You'll know your on the right track if your screen goes briefly white, camera-flash style. 
Credit: Apple
Step 2: Navigate to Photos to view your screenshot. Now you can edit it, delete it, or send it! If your iPhone doesn't have a home button
Total Time
What You Need
Step 1: Press the volume button and the side button at the same time. Did you phone screen go briefly white? That means you were successful! 
Credit: Apple
Step 2: Navigate to your Photos to view your screenshot. Now you can edit it, delete it, or send it. Want to screenshot an entire webpage on your iPhone, or take a screenshot on a iPad instead? We've got you covered. | ↑ |
 Watching The Jinx: Part 2 demands its audience look back — not just on the crimes of its subject, real estate tycoon turned notorious killer Robert Durst, but also on where we were when the first part aired on HBO. In February of 2015, filmmaker Andrew Jarecki had audiences at rapt attention as he unfurled week-by-week six chapters detailing the bizarre "Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." That Durst had committed a string of murders seemed more and more certain as the episodes passed. Could his closeness with the documentarian, who'd piqued Durst's interest by making a loosely fictional film about him called All Good Things, compel this slippery figure to finally confess? Incredibly, yes, and in a way that was as bizarre as "Bob" himself. Beyond the burping, the hot mic recording that became a national news story, and the many parodies that followed, The Jinx became a modern true crime flashpoint, along with Netflix's docuseries Making a Murderer and the podcast Serial. Each explored a cold case over a long-format deep dive, often with the reporter confessing to being compromised by their closeness to the accused. Sure, there were (and are) plenty of tawdry true crime shows that would continue to churn out cheap thrills for viewers, but these three shows were so massively popular that they spawned a flood of true crime doc series — for better (the in-depth and humane I'll Be Gone in the Dark and Last Call) or worse (the leeringly exploitative The Curious Case of Natalia Grace and The Tiger King). In the years since, true crime has continued to saturate the media, reaching a ubiquity that rivals the heights of London's Jack the Ripper obsession; at the same time, the critique of true crime and its fans has grown sharper, as media critics and enthusiasts alike dissect it from all angles. Telling a good story may attract an audience, but how you go about it may earn filmmakers ire online, where TikTokkers and podcasters pick apart every bit of evidence — often for their own moments in the spotlight. When The Jinx arrived, of course we were shocked by Durst and his bizarre behavior on camera, but what was truly compelling was Jarecki's willingness to show himself and his internal conflict as they approached the final interview. This added a layer of uneasy vulnerability to the show. Returning to the case to follow Durst's capture and conviction, The Jinx: Part 2 continues on with "Chapter 7," as if nine years hadn't passed in the interim. The world has changed dramatically in this span, and yet Jarecki and his team are playing the same game as before. But now it hits differently, as they're coming back with the perspective not of investigation but validation. Robert Durst is the leader of The Jinx's 3-ring circus.
Credit: HBO/Max
In the original run, Jarecki spoke at length with friends and family of Durst's missing first wife, Kathleen McCormack Durst, who gave a chilling portrait of their marriage. In Part 2, we finally get to meet more of Durst's inner circle. Though Durst's second wife Debrah Charatan once more dodges Jarecki's interview requests, she's depicted through strange anecdotes about how she allegedly ruled her company with an iron fist and a nose that'd literally sniff her employees' armpits to assure they met her high hygiene standards. "Chapter 9: Saving My Tears Until It's Official" dives deeper into the psychology — and potential complicity — of Durst's best friend Susan Berman, who was conspicuously killed before she was interviewed by police over the McCormack case. Through these interviews, Jarecki empathetically explores Berman's mindset, forged by growing up the daughter of a mob boss and a "saintly" mother; she was fiercely protective of the skeletons in the family's closet. Plus, Berman's friends face new evidence that transforms their perspective on her involvement with Durst. However, it's the new members of the menagerie who will likely have viewers agog. "Chapter 7: Why Are You Still Here?" introduces Bob's mistress through a talking-head interview and recorded jail-house visits. A surly longtime colleague gives the cops a hard time over the phone, demanding the police pay for his private jet's costs if they expect to interrogate him in Los Angeles. (He practically screams in outrage when they offer him a ticket to fly coach.) But the most attention is paid to Nick Chavin, who counts himself as a best friend to both Durst and the long-ago murdered Berman. Chavin is introduced as he blithely paraphrases the opening line of Goodfellas, confessing with a grin, "For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be famous." He then presents Jarecki (and us) with his music, a sexed-up version of country music that includes a track called "Cum Stains on the Pillow." Yes, this man is a clown who — like Durst — relishes the attention Jarecki's cameras can bring. And as was true of the first part, it is darkly compelling to watch such a kooky creep expose himself. You might wonder if Chavin has any self-awareness as he makes statements like "I don't have that same moral hatred of murder and murderers." You might also doubt his veracity, considering his motivations are so nakedly about fame. But he is far from the only cringeworthy character presented in Part 2. The Jinx: Part 2 celebrates and mocks the LAPD.
LA Deputy District Attorney John Lewin
Credit: HBO/Max
Chapter 7 centers on the weeks leading up to Chapter 6 airing in 2015. At the time, the show's producers were sharing information with the the LAPD, who were tracking Bob Durst to finally charge him in the murder of Susan Berman before he might flee internationally. As the new episode proudly pronounces in a title card, Durst was arrested the day before the famous burping confession aired. As this first episode details the process with LA attorneys and homicide detectives, The Jinx becomes blandly bog-standard for a stretch. Artful slo-mo reenactments and archival photos of Durst play under interviews spelling out the chase and anticipation. LA Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, who clearly sees himself as the hero of the sequel season, declares, "This is going to be the biggest thing to hit my office since OJ." Where the officers of Part 1 tended to somber reflections, Lewin can't contain his grin as he cockily exclaims, "I love circumstantial cold cases." In "Chapter 8: Friendships Die Hard," Lewin introduces his "wonder twins," identical twin law clerks whose commentary is so farcical it'd be well suited to the 2017 true crime parody series Trial & Error . The novelty of the twin law clerks Michael and David Belcher is emphasized by pairing them up for their interviews; they even share a chyron. Recalling how they got assigned the Durst case, Michael says he got a call from Lewin, and when the name "Durst" came up, the baby-faced clerk said, "Fred Durst? Oh my god!" (In response, the doc cuts to an image of the Limp Bizkit frontman wearing a t-shirt that reads " NOT ROBERT.") After clearing up the confusion, Michael was offered a job, and in turn suggested they hire his twin too. So Lewin did. It's a story that they all seem to regard as charming. Like their boss, the duo shares a jarring breeziness about the case, cracking odd jokes and impersonating Durst's nasally voice together in sync. Such interviews feel like a sideshow that exposes a glaring disconnect between the seriousness of the crimes and the arrogant attitudes of this prosecution team. The filmmakers seem eager to expose the ugly vanity of all arrogant fools, no matter what side of the law they are on. Yet at the same time, the first several episodes carry the enthusiasm of sharing in this victory lap. (Critics were given access to the first four episodes of Part 2 for review.) So one moment, you have the "wonder twins" revealing crucial evidentiary phone calls with all the reverence of pigeons over a new Porsche. But in another — among the most moving in the sequel series so far — Chapter 7 shows The Jinx team's viewing party, where McCormack's family finally hears the confession they've prayed for for decades: "Killed them all, of course." Here, like the exemplary HBO doc series Mind Over Murder and the mesmerizing movie Last Stop Larrimah, the outrageous details of the case are the hook for something deeply human. As this long-suffering family gets the release of this clumsy confession, we are witness to their world changing. It's not the end of the McCormack family's story, as her brother is quick to point out, but there is comfort in finally closing a terrible chapter. So, the pride that radiates from these newly issued episodes — while arguably gauche in their goofier moments — may be justified and may even be frankly honest. The Jinx: Part 2 is hitting while true crime is in transition.
Jim McCormack, Sharon McCormack, Liz McCormack in "The Jinx: Part 2."
Credit: HBO/Max
The mid-2010s brought the genre out of the shadows and into the mainstream. And yet after so much popularity and praise, neither Making a Murderer nor Serial could top their first seasons. Instead, they came under scrutiny as many others chased such successes, not only in TV docs and podcasts but also in an avalanche of TV dramas and dramedies, ranging from When They See Us to Dahmer, The Staircase, Dirty John, Inventing Anna, Under the Banner of Heaven, Joe vs. Carole, and not one but two versions of the Candy Montgomery case: Candy and Love & Death. Serial was even parodied in the podcast-centered comedy series Only Murders in the Building. Meanwhile, HBO/Max/Investigation Discovery have offered an endless array of murder shows and documentaries, ranging from thoughtfully thorough (The Lady and the Dale) to absolutely cringeworthy (Mean Girls Murders, which opens every case with a cheeky quote from a teen comedy). Amid all of this, there is outcry from audiences and advocates about the ethics of true crime. Some call for such media to focus more on the humanity of the victims, and less on glorifying the killer. Others note the racial bias that favors coverage of stories about white victims, ignoring many, many cases of murdered and missing Black and Indigenous people. Still others note there's a fine line between exposure and exploitation, as filmmakers unearth traumatic and triggering experiences not only for those who agreed to be involved in their productions but also for those who've not consented to participate. So, where does The Jinx: Part 2 fit in this? Frankly, it's impossible to say without having seen how it'll end. At present, I'm underwhelmed. Granted, true crime fans or those who were hooked on The Jinx will likely rally around the weekly chance to once again compare notes around the metaphorical watercooler. There's a lot to take in and marvel over. Jarecki and his team have masterfully planted their new chapters with plenty to keep us coming back, from new revelations, unnerving interviews, and the promise of Durst giving one last statement on the case. But having binge-watched the first four episodes, the experience is disorienting. Where should true crime go next?
Credit: HBO
As egos flash and clash, a few things have already become clear. First off, it takes a village to get away with murder, and The Jinx: Part 2 is here to introduce us to Durst's villagers. Two, the series feels both in awe of its own power but also wary of it. Truly, there's no way the producers could include the more embarrassing interview moments with the prosecution side without an awareness they are in league with them. Yet Durst's defense team is so stringently slippery they are practically caricatures of corrupt lawyers. So, in this bid to show that both sides of this case are peopled by characters that are not just riveting but at times downright ghastly, what is The Jinx saying? This possibly shows a self-awareness that no documentary can ever be truly "objective." Maybe it's intentionally drawing attention to the messiness of humanity that makes up every part of our legal system, from the crime to the investigation to the trial and beyond. We can aim to be as rational and objective as possible, but we're all human. And while some of our motives might be noble, we've all got our less admirable motives too — like wanting your fifteen minutes of fame no matter how you get it. In Part 2, you see the fingerprints of this vanity throughout. That commonality is what has me itching after these first four episodes. You can easily google and find out what happened next in the case, but what I'm curious about is how The Jinx: Part Two will process those events. In my mind, the best of true crime is not just telling us a riveting story, rich in complexity and character — though that's a good start. It's when a production pushes the audience past understanding the story merely as a cozy cautionary tale, instead examining how and why a crime happened and was investigated (or not, as the case may be), and what that says about society itself. (Again, see Last Call, Mind Over Murder, and the kidnapping doc Chowchilla.) While it may be a cliche that money can buy an affluent American out of anything, both parts of the Jinx explore the specifics of this. Not only do they detail how Durst could swiftly lay down a quarter million in bail so he could go on the run again, but also they reveal in ways big and small how his perceived generosity (a car, a college education, a love nest) bought allegiances, whether the receiver consciously understood that or not. So, what does Durst's long con have to say about American justice? What has his post-Jinx popularity — recapped in a spirited montage of comedy sketches, news coverage, and stand-up — say about out hunger for true crime stories? What will his final chapter say about who we were then? And who we are now? Truly, I'm not sure how much of this Chapters 11 and 12 can or will answer. Having once defined this genre, could it now reinvigorate it, drawing it more rigorously to profound realizations and away from our tendency toward grisly gawking? Or might it interrogate our macabre interest to guide us to better understand our dark appetite? I can't say. But despite my frustrations with this series veering into familiar areas and perplexing portraits, I confess I will be watching. The Jinx: Part 2 kicks off with Chapter 7 premiering on April 21 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. A new episode will air each Sunday, until the finale on May 26. | ↑ |
 Virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new frontier of entertainment that has yet to attract mainstream appeal. But with more industry giants throwing their hats into the metaverse as of late — looking at you, Apple, Sony, and Meta — an intrigue exists for gamers and techies in pursuit of next-level immersion. After a period of hands-on testing, we've decided to recommend the Meta Quest 2, the PlayStation VR2, and the Valve Index VR Kit. All four VR headsets are consumer-friendly devices that felt comfortable during hours of use, supported a breadth of features and content upon unboxing, and performed well at their respective price points. While sourcing contenders for this roundup, we chose to test VR headsets that are making waves in the small-but-growing market, whether they're known for their libraries, innovations, or both. All of them are true, dedicated VR headsets with built-in screens, as opposed to mobile headsets that require a smartphone. (Some, but not all, are tethered headsets that require a connection to a separate console or PC.) We also excluded enterprise-level units that are designed for business and commercial use. What about Apple Vision Pro?Unless you live under a rock, you've either seen or heard about the Apple Vision Pro by now. But, if you're new to the world of VR, you may be asking yourself why it isn't included here. Well, as we mentioned earlier, our recommendations are specifically tailored to gaming-centric headsets — the Apple Vision Pro falls into that "enterprise headset" category, so we didn't consider it for this article. While still a worthwhile VR category to look into, enterprise headsets aren't designed with gaming capabilities at the forefront. These types of headsets are designed for productivity and business purposes that can help make your daily life easier. If you're all about gaming (and we assume you are because you're here) and want to get into VR, look elsewhere. What are the best VR headsets for gaming?Here's a deeper dive into the best VR headsets we've tried. (Note: We're in the process of testing the HP Reverb G2 and will update this guide accordingly with the final results of our trial.) | ↑ |
 You wanna hide apps from your iPhone home screen, do you? First of all, there are plenty of reasons to make an iPhone app more difficult to access, and many of them are perfectly wholesome. Perhaps you want to hide your Venmo/Cash App so it's not easily accessible on your home screen. Or maybe you want to hide your Instagram, TikTok, etc. if you have a little sibling who likes to steal your phone and post embarrassing pics and videos of you on your socials. So now that you know we're not here to judge, here's how to do it:
Total Time
What You Need
Step 1: Find the app you want to remove from your home screen. Step 2: Tap and hold the app until a menu pops up with the option to "Remove App". You can also tap and hold the home screen until the apps start shaking, and then tap the little "minus" sign next to the app you want to hide. 
App mini menu. Yes we tried Power Vinyasa and yes it was really freaking hard
Credit: Andy Moser / Apple
Step 3: Tap "Remove App". You'll see options to either delete the app, remove it from the home screen, or cancel the action. Step 4: Choose "Remove from Home Screen". The app will be hidden and won't appear on your home screen. 
Tap "Remove from Home Screen"
Credit: Andy Moser / Apple
Cool! But now...how do you find it again? The app, though hidden from your home screen, is still in your app library. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Through April 21, get two years and 5TB of cloud storage for just $119.97. If you want one central backup for all your devices, try ElephantDrive and get 5TB of backup. Losing important files is frustrating at best, and devastating at worst. Whether it's an essay for school, a project for work, or the monthly budget you've been working on for hours, all it takes is a spilled cup of coffee or a corrupted save to lose your work. Even if you have physical data storage, cloud backups are another level of insurance that might be a little harder to get rid of. ElephantDrive is a secure cloud storage solution that you can use to backup and sync across your devices, and a 5TB 2-year plan is only $119.97 for a limited time. Protect your important filesElephantDrive gives you a whole lot of room to work with, but this cloud backup is about quality as well as quantity. Tools like the Everywhere Folder let you manage your files across all synced devices. If you like to bring your work home with you, that means you can access your work files without transferring them manually, and it works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. If all your files meet in one cloud hub, security is a must. That's why all your data on ElephantDrive is locked with an AES 256-bit encryption before leaving your device, but you can still share files by creating links. You can even give your links a password. This subscription is only available to new users. Save on 5TB of cloud storageGive your important files some backup. Until April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a 2-year 5TB subscription to ElephantDrive for $119.97. No coupon needed. StackSocial prices subject to change. | ↑ |
 So, you want to turn off a PlayStation 5, and you don't know how. Everyone's been there. There's no shame in it. Back in the old days of gaming, consoles were either on or off, and you handled that business with a physical button on the machine itself. Not so much these days, or at least, that's not the only way to do it anymore. Like its contemporaries in the Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 5's power situation is a tad bit more complicated than that. But it isn't that complicated. Here's how to turn off a PS5. How to turn off a PS5There are two main methods of turning off a PS5: You can use the power button, or you can do it with a controller. Use the power buttonThe simplest method is also the oldest trick in the book. The PS5 does, indeed, have a physical power button. If you have a PS5 with a disc drive, it's next to the eject button. Both buttons are nestled in the glossy black part of the console's front side. With the console standing up vertically, it's the bottom button. With the console sitting horizontally, it's the left button. If you don't have a disc drive on your PS5, then you just have the power button, making this even easier. Just press the button, and your PS5 should turn off. Use the controllerIf you don't feel like waltzing all the way over to your TV to turn your PS5 off, the easier method is to use the controller. Press the PlayStation logo button in the middle of the DualSense controller while on the PS5's home screen. This will bring up a sort of taskbar along the bottom edge of the screen. Simply scroll all the way to the far right side of this taskbar to find a power icon. Press that button to get three options:
Obviously, number three is not what we're looking for. The first option should at least give you pause, though. Rest mode is a state in which your PS5 sleeps to conserve energy, but it stays connected to the internet so it can finish downloads or even automatically install updates while you're busy doing adult stuff. This is, at the very least, worth considering. But if you don't feel like using rest mode, just turn the PS5 off from here. It's that easy. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Through April 21, this text-to-speech AI is only $34.97 for life (reg. $199.99). Whether you're turning your text to speech, your speech to text, transcribing, or translating, you can do it with Jott AI. AI is changing the game across industries, but it's not just big businesses that can benefit from it. With so many AI tools available, you may be able to outsource some of your own work to a computer that could do it in a fraction of the time. Jott Pro is a text and speech AI toolkit. You could use it for everything from transcribing a video to generating new audio based on your input, and you can get it for life for only $34.97 through April 21. Let the robot do the talkingJott is a collection of AI-powered tools for everything from text to speech to extracting text from images. This lifetime license lets you use the AI on desktop or mobile devices, but there is a monthly limit to how much you can use it. Turn up to 120 minutes of speech to text, or transcribe, translate, or transform up to 100,000 characters per month into audio. Bring your words to lifeWith a little help from AI, the computer can do all the talking for you. Until April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a lifetime license to a Jott Pro AI Text and Speech Toolkit for $34.97. No coupon needed. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Jott Pro AI Text & Speech Toolkit: Lifetime License
$34.97
at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $165.02 | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Through April 21, build a website without coding using Mobirise and use thousands of building blocks, hundreds of themes, and hundreds more templates for only $79.97 for a year of access. There are so many reasons to build a website of your own, whether you want to start a side hustle or make sure the internet knows how cute your pets are. However, getting the idea for a website and actually building it are pretty different. Or they used to be, but now you can actually build a website with very little tech experience. Mobirise is a user-friendly, no-code website builder that looks professional without requiring the skills of a professional. Whether you want a fun landing page, your own little store, a blog, or a blend of all that and more, this friendly site builder is the way to go. That's especially true when you consider you can get the Mobirise No-Code Website Builder MegaPack Bundle with thousands of building blocks for just $89.99. No IT expertise requiredDownload Mobirise on up to two Windows, Mac, or Linux devices and get to work. This web design platform works by giving you unlimited access to 5,500 website blocks that you can click and drag wherever you want them. Add photos, custom contact forms, text blocks, headings, subheadings, trendy little pops of color, and so much more. There's a lot of content to explore, but that just means the websites you create could look nothing like others created using the same platform. Browse 140+ HTML themes and 400+ home page templates to find your unique style. You can even create your own popups in case you want your visitors to quickly see what's on sale. Click, drag, publishYou don't have to know how to code to build your own website that looks and feels uniquely yours. Until April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get the Mobirise No-Code Website Builder MegaPack Bundle for one year for only $79.97. No coding or coupon required. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Mobirise No-Code Website Builder MegaPack Bundle (1 yr)
$79.97
at the Mashable Shop
$6,990.00 Save $6,910.03 | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Through April 21, save 58% on lifetime access to this PDF reader, editor, and converter with this best-on-web price, just $99.99 (reg. $239.99). When life’s more boring tasks — filling out forms, signing documents, or proofreading contracts — call, it’s a relief to have a reliable PDF app that helps you get the job done. While the most popular tool out there comes with the caveat of monthly or yearly subscription fees, PDF Extra Ultimate offers a lifetime plan at just $99.99 (reg. $239.97). That’s a price you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, this plan includes 100GB of MobiDrive cloud storage. A PDF toolkit for projects of any sizePDF Extra Ultimate does just about everything. Need a fresh document to share your project idea with your team or client? Use a familiar, ribbon-based interface to find editing tools and add elements like text, images, and shapes and tweak them to fit your pages. For larger projects, you might take advantage of organizational tools to combine documents, arrange the order of pages, or delete blank sheets. You can also password-protect and encrypt PDFs to keep your documents secure. The app also helps you fill out forms by typing, checking boxes, attaching images, or adding your digital signature. You’re even able to add comments or stamps to mark up documents if you have questions. Here’s why it’s called ‘Extra Ultimate’Your PDF Extra Ultimate plan can be used on one Windows device, one Android device, and one iOS device simultaneously. This is great for hybrid workers or solopreneurs who often find themselves working on the go. The lifetime plan also includes 100GB of cloud storage through MobiDrive. Store your PDFs in the cloud, and take advantage of the extra space to back up photos, videos, and other important files. You even get access to all future software updates and features as they’re released, without ever paying another fee. Turn the page on boring tasks with a PDF Extra Ultimate lifetime plan at $99.99 (reg. $239.97) with this offer. StackSocial prices subject to change. | ↑ |
 The Oscars was quite a while ago now, but it seems as though a certain former president still hasn't forgotten about it. On Wednesday Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share an angry diatribe about Jimmy Kimmel's Oscars joke about him, during which he called Kimmel "stupid" and a "fool" and made fun of his "big ratings drop". "That's weird, because I read in the news that the ratings went up this year," says Kimmel in the clip above ( he's right), before diving into Trump's post line-by-line. The core of what Trump had to say focussed on Kimmel apparently flubbing his announcement of Best Picture, something Trump referred to as a "CLASSIC CHOKE" — but, as Kimmel points out, there was a small problem. "I didn't present the award for Best Picture," laughs Kimmel. "I was the host, the host doesn't present awards, the presenters present the awards, and the person who presented the award was Al Pacino, not me. We are different people." | ↑ |
 Twitch is rolling out its new TikTok-like Discovery Feed later this month, joining a growing cohort of tech companies taking design tips from the popular video sharing app. While select users have had access to Twitch's scrollable video feed test since August last year, the Amazon-owned streaming platform is now finally ready to release the feature to all its mobile users. Detailed in Twitch's Patch Notes livestream on Wednesday, the new Discover Feed is only available in Twitch's mobile app, and will actually consist of two separate feeds: a Live Feed and a Clips Feed. Users will be able to switch between the two via buttons at the top of the screen, similarly to switching between your Following and For You feeds on TikTok. What is Twitch's new Live Feed?As the name suggests, Twitch's Live Feed will show live footage from accounts that are actively streaming at the same time you're scrolling through the Discovery Feed. Streams will be collated both from accounts you follow and ones recommended by Twitch's algorithm based on your viewing history. "A majority of our viewers do want to discover someone new to watch, but it's not super easy to do right now without spending a ton of time browsing streams or sitting through ads," Twitch's Jess Sung said during Twitch's stream. "This is meant to help you find something quickly to watch without having to sit through a pre roll ad before you even know if that content is something you're gonna like." As the name suggests, Twitch's Live Feed will show live footage from accounts that are actively streaming at the same time you're scrolling through the Discovery Feed. The feeds will still have ads, but just like TikTok they will be scrollable, allowing you to quickly flick past them. If you see content in the feed that catches your interest, you can tap on the streamer's avatar to start watching the livestream. Sung also stated that Twitch is working on an update that will allow you to join a livestream simply by tapping the screen. What is Twitch's new Clips Feed?Meanwhile, Twitch's Clips Feed will show short videos taken from past broadcasts. Twitch already allows users to extract short segments from their livestreams to feature on their pages, known as Clips. The new Clips Feed will serve such videos to users, essentially allowing viewers to see the highlights of creator's broadcasts. The Clips Feed will also display whether or not the streamer is live, and allow you to join their livestream if they are. Twitch's Clips Feed will show short videos taken from past broadcasts. While streamers can't upload videos directly to the Discovery Feed, the algorithm will prioritise clips that are Featured on their profiles. All livestreams and clips which adhere to Twitch's content guidelines are automatically eligible to appear in the Discovery Feed, including mature games and profanity, though Sung stated that "some mature content types" will be restricted. The Discovery Feed will also still show users creators they follow who have used Twitch's Content Classification Labels. Sung also stated that this isn't the end for changes to Twitch's mobile app, hinting that it may soon look even more like TikTok. "Next month some users might see the feed as the home page of the app instead of seeing it in the feed tab," said Sung. "Over time as we work toward redesigning our mobile app… you might see more experiments and changes to the feed and the mobile viewing experience." | ↑ |
 The teaser trailer for One Hundred Years of Solitude has arrived, giving us a glimpse at the first official screen adaptation of Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel García Márquez's magnum opus. One Hundred Years of Solitude follows the Buendía family in Macondo, a fictional Colombian town founded by their patriarch Jose Arcadio Buendía (Marco González). Netflix's 16-episode magic realist series will track multiple generations of the family as they deal with love, war, and a curse which has confined them to a century of isolation. Originally published in 1967, One Hundred Years of Solitude is a widely lauded and heavily influential novel which contributed to García Márquez being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. However, the author was reluctant to grant the rights for a screen adaptation up until his death in 2014, concerned that the story would not fit into a traditional movie structure and that it would not be filmed in Spanish. His estate has now allowed Netflix to adapt the novel, with García Márquez's sons Rodrigo García and Gonzalo García Barcha serving as executive producers on the series. "[I]n the current golden age of series, with the level of talented writing and directing, the cinematic quality of content, and the acceptance by worldwide audiences of programs in foreign languages, the time could not be better [for a screen adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude]," García said when the series was first announced in 2019. One Hundred Years of Solitude will be available to stream on Netflix later this year. | ↑ |
 Benjamin Bratt's cameo in episode 4 of Loot, "Mr. Congeniality," plays up the actor's heartthrob status while poking sly fun at the surreal nature of cameos themselves. At the beginning of this episode — whose title is a nod to Bratt's role in the seminal action rom-com Miss Congeniality — harried heroine Molly (Maya Rudolph) has sworn off men. Alas, she's only human, and her urges are getting out of control. To get over that, she does what any ultra-rich philanthropist does; she jets off to an elite wellness retreat. It’s going well, and Molly is relaxed, but a latecomer to the meditation session changes everything. Enter Benjamin Bratt. Benjamin Bratt's cameo plays on his history of advocacy.
Credit: Apple TV+
The Poker Face actor smiles and says, "My motorcycle broke down on the way here. I had to drag it the last mile." Thoughts of Bratt dragging a motorcycle does something to Molly, who looks at him as if she’s watching the universe's secrets being unlocked in front of her very eyes. (Here, Rudolph's command of physical humor and over-the-top performance of female horniness, as in her fantastic Prince cover band Princess, becomes key.) As he approaches Molly, one arm over his head, maintaining his cheeky grin, he says, "I'm Benjamin Bratt." From the moment Bratt swaggers into the episode (accompanied by the very sexy R&B classic "I Know What You Want" by Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey, no less), his goal isn’t to stand out but to immerse himself in the world of Loot. Often, cameos only have to work in a single scene for a laugh, and aren’t always woven into the narrative, but Bratt’s mission is to be a genuine romantic interest for Molly. And he does it perfectly. Molly is a fan of Bratt, and is thrilled (and aroused) by the fact that he’s been assigned as her partner for the meditation. But Loot twists our expectations by making him as big a fan of her work as a philanthropist. Molly can’t believe she’s talking to Bratt, and he can’t believe it, either. There’s a sense of genuine excitement and nervousness as Bratt rattles off information about Molly that a dedicated fan would know, like details about the speech she delivered in the Season 1 finale. Their chemistry is genuinely riveting. Loot plays on Bratt's image as the ultimate sex symbol: What could be hotter than a man who can drag a motorcycle for a mile without breaking a sweat — and who has a genuine passion for your work? This is also where knowing a touch more about Bratt in real life comes into play. Like, yes, there's his jawline, but here's an essay he wrote for Esquire about the wisdom of abuelas — now that's swoon-worthy. He's a passionate advocate for Latinx and Indigenous representation onscreen, specifically requesting that his breakout Law & Order character have the same Peruvian American background as himself. (His mother was born in Peru and is of Quechua descent.) He’s taken on challenging and unexpected roles, like poet Miguel Piñero in 2001's Piñero, a role John Leguizamo turned down after learning of the poet's bisexuality. Bratt was a consulting producer on Dolores, the documentary helmed by his brother, Peter, about activist Dolores Huerta. The list goes on and on. By leaning on his niche as a dashing leading man with heart, his performance plays into the fantasy of him falling for one of his fans. (Fictional millionaires: They're just like us!) From Al Pacino to Michael Cera, the self-parody is ripe for comedy.At their best, a celeb playing themselves is playing a heightened version of their persona. Camp is very much in play as these performers deliver goofy, hyper-violent, or comically out-of-touch iterations of themselves. That’s precisely what makes these performances fun — they provide an element of surprise that plays upon what we think we know, twisting that into something shocking. Many actors make a meal of these cameos. In Jack and Jill, legendary actor Al Pacino brings his manic energy to new heights as a passionate Dunkin’ advocate, hamming it up to infinite degrees. In Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite with Dogma director Kevin Smith and play up their famous friendship with hyper-bro caricatures of themselves, filming an action-packed sequel to Good Will Hunting. The animal-loving Bob Barker beats up Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore. Most recently, the charming and suave James Marsden taps into an egomaniacal side for his turn in Jury Duty. Perhaps the wildest example is Michael Cera in This Is the End. His film persona (especially before the film was released in 2013) was a bastion of sweet nerdy innocence. This Is the End, however, showcased Cera as a coke-addled sex fiend, playing against type with glee. Benjamin Bratt as himself lays on the charm offensive.
Credit: Apple TV+
The two projects that have shaped Bratt’s public persona best are Law & Order and Miss Congeniality. During a four-year stint on Law & Order, Bratt played Detective Rey Curtis, a devout Catholic who was determined to uphold the law to the best of his ability. He was charming and kind, but unafraid to let his inner bad boy out, getting reprimanded for losing his temper on numerous occasions. And in Miss Congeniality, he’s FBI agent Eric Matthews, the love interest of Sandra Bullock’s Gracie Hart. Bratt proves to be a perfect rom-com love interest, serving a lot of the charm that would serve him for decades to come. Bratt’s performance in Loot challenges our expectations of the celebrity cameo. Audiences have come to expect exaggerated personas doing things we’d never expect to see them do — think of Anna Faris as a coke-addled advocate for gun violence in Keanu as another funny example. But when actors playing crazy versions of themselves becomes the norm for the celebrity cameo, that starts to feel less like a surprise and more like an inevitability. By breaking this mold, Bratt’s gives us a real surprise and true delight. The real magic of his performance is that — whether you know Bratt’s persona or not — you can believe his character is a largely accurate reflection of who he really is. Bratt saves the best for last.At the end of the episode, cracks begin to appear in Bratt’s charm offensive, as he starts to reveal a more egotistical side while wooing Molly. Bratt simply can’t stop himself from mentioning his work, especially when trying to seduce Molly. He compares Molly’s beauty to "the Russian tundra at twilight," adding that he "just filmed there." His role has subtlety — something missing from the vast majority of celebrity cameos — and it plays deliciously into the idea of the narcissistic actor, twisting the initial setup of the romantic fantasy Molly is looking for. Still, Bratt toes the line gently to keep himself an attractive option for Molly. In this way, Bratt puts his own spin on the typically heightened expectations of a celebrity cameo, gingerly dropping hints that he's just like other ego-driven actors without going full-tilt, and delivering a delicate, nuanced performance — one that still lets him be extremely funny and memorable. Eventually, he tells her exactly what she wants to hear: He’s not looking for anything serious. He could have just said that, but instead he delivers the funniest lines of the episode in a hushed tone, as if he’s whispering sweet nothings into Molly’s ear. "I'm moving to London next week to shoot a live-action version of Despicable Me. I'll be there for two years." Of course, a film shoot typically takes a few weeks to a few months, so the idea of filming anything for two years (especially a freaking live-action version of Despicable Me) is outrageous and an obvious lie to avoid future commitment. Bratt voiced Eduardo Pérez and El Macho in Despicable Me 2, way back in 2013, so it's not outside of the realm of possibility that he'd be involved with a future iteration of the series. The time frame and making it a live-action movie is what pushes this particular excuse over the top and into surreal hilarity. That Bratt delivers this line with complete seriousness is what solidifies the performance. It's a terrific twist on what we’ve come to expect from playing yourself on-screen. Leave it to Bratt to have us swooning and cringing in equal measure. Loot is now streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes available every Wednesday. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. Whether or not the battle for the F1 championship is actually competitive, fans will keep coming back for more. Max Verstappen could win every remaining race this season, and whilst that wouldn't exactly make for great viewing, we're all still watching extremely fast cars going wheel to wheel. Things could be worse. If you're interested in watching the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, we've got all the information you need. When is the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix?The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix takes place over 56 laps of the 5,451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit. The full schedule can be found here:
Sky Sports is broadcasting live coverage of every race weekend this season, with race highlights of the Chinese Grand Prix available on Channel 4 shortly after the race. How to watch the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix for freeYou can stream the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix live and free on these streaming platforms: These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from outside the country of origin. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world. Unblock these free streaming services by following these simple steps:
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams for free. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix without actually spending anything. What is the best VPN for F1?ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming F1, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Watch the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Watch Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. Cricket fans have been well and truly enthralled by this year's IPL, and it's not over yet. Three weeks in and things are continuing to heat up, and next up is the Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians. Expect to see players such as Shikar Dhawan and Hardik Pandya as the two teams face off in the 33rd match of the season. If you want to watch Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians for free from anywhere in the world, here's all you need to know. When is Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians?Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 18. This match takes place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, India. How to watch Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians for freeJioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app. JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world. Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free. What is the best VPN for JioCinema?ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: The Mymanu CLIK S translation earbuds are on sale for £72.30, saving you 42% on list price. Springtime is a great opportunity for a holiday, but you might not get to really experience the culture of a place if you stick to the standard tourist attractions. Knowing the local language may help, but learning a whole language for a holiday might actually be harder than finding a good price on flights. If you don’t have time to learn the language, then you may want to try out a wearable translator that does the job for you. The Mymanu CLIK S earbuds have been featured at CES and can translate over 37 languages from all over the world. Get these earbuds while they’re only £72.30. Take a translator anywhere you go. These earbuds may not make you fluent, but they could help you understand individual speakers or groups of speakers in another language. Download the MyJuno app on your Android or iOS device and pick which languages are being used in your conversation. When you need to talk, press the button on your earbud. A translation will automatically play from your phone. When it’s your turn to listen, the other speaker just has to talk into your phone for a translation to play in your earbud and appear in writing on your screen. Groups of speakers are limited to text-only translations, but that may still be easier than manually entering everything into unreliable browser translators. Mymanu CLIK S supports German, French, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Finnish, Thai, Japanese, Czech, and more. And when you’re not translating, you can also listen to music or take calls. These earbuds are impressive translators, but they also come with many of the standard amenities you may expect of wireless earbuds. That includes high-quality sound and call functions. Planning a holiday? Find the best local spots by talking to the people who live there in their own language. Get the Mymanu CLIK S translation earbuds on sale for £72.30. No coupon needed. | ↑ |
 Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer. If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 18'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. Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle. 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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. 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:One side of something many-sided. Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no letters that appear twice. Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter F. What's the answer to Wordle today?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 Wordle #1034 is... FACET. 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. Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article. | ↑ |
 Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. 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 April 18's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common. Tweet may have been deleted 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. Tweet may have been deleted 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. Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Looking 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 Connections #312 is... What is the answer to Connections today
Don'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. Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections. | ↑ |
 Around this time just one week ago, iPhone users in 92 counties received a bizarre notification on their device. "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID," read the notification. "This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it's never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously." Apple posted an announcement on its website giving basic details for why the company would generally send out a notification warning like this. However, the company has been relatively mum on the situation since. And it never quite disclosed the exact threat that spurred Apple to send out that notification to those users at that specific time. Now, a new report appears to have solved the mystery. China-linked LightSpy spywareThe Apple news outlet Apple Insider noticed a report by Blackberry — yes, the mobile phone company that was popular in the 2000s and has since pivoted into a cybersecurity firm — that appears to have gotten to the bottom of the spyware notification situation. According to Blackberry, the spyware that iPhone users were warned about is called LightSpy, which is described in the report as a "sophisticated iOS implant." The report points out that this is a concerning development because LightSpy was last seen used in a campaign during the 2020 political protests in Hong Kong. So, this latest attack appears to be a reemergence of LightSpy. LightSpy is "a fully-featured modular surveillance toolset," according to Blackberry. The spyware can pull targets' private information, which includes pinpoint-accurate location data as well as data from messaging applications, text messages, phone call history, and web browser history. It can even create sound recordings from the device, including recording during VOIP calls. LightSpy has been used by attackers to target individuals in Southeast Asia, including India, for the most part, which explains why those notifications were mostly received by iPhone users located in that general region. The messaging apps mentioned in Blackberry's report are among the most popular in that part of the world: QQ, WeChat, and Telegram. In addition, LightSpy can pull payment history from targets from the WeChat Pay service. Blackberry believes this attack was once again perpetrated by China-based or native Chinese-speaking actors, as with previous LightSpy campaigns, and there's a potential for state-sponsored involvement as well. The report recommends that users who have reason to be targeted, whether due to their employment or activism, utilize Apple's Lockdown Mode, which the iPhone-maker describes as a feature used to "protect devices against extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyber attacks." | ↑ |
 There's a new app in town, according to Wired and Bloomberg, if you consider Silicon Valley a town. A by-invitation-only audio-based app called Airchat is reportedly being "hyped in tech circles," with invites making the rounds among the Valley's top brass. The app combines elements of X (formerly Twitter) and voice notes, with a main feed populated by text transcripts of voice notes from other users, which you can play, heart, or repost. The "hype" for AirChat has been magnified by reports from Business Insider and a contributor at Forbes, who declared that you'd have to have been "under a rock" to have avoided an invite to the app. And it's no coincidence that Airchat cofounders Naval Ravikant (co-creator of AngelList) and Brian Norgard (former chief product officer at Tinder) are tech insiders themselves, or that investors include the likes of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who "threw in a check, kind of blindly," according to Ravikant. But the numbers may tell a different story. Both Bloomberg and Business Insider cite data from Sensor Tower that claims Airchat has been downloaded just over 45,000 times since launching in mid-2023, with 30,000 of those downloads occurring only after a relaunch this month. That lackluster showing could be chalked up to the app's current exclusivity, but Airchat is also losing steam fast. Bloomberg reported that the app was ranked no. 29 in the App Store's ranking of top social networking apps just yesterday. As of publishing today, the app has fallen to no. 42. If the term "social audio app" rings a bell, you may be remembering Clubhouse, which shot to fame in 2020 and 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was valued at $4 billion. But Clubhouse gained popularity at a lonely time, when most people were sheltering inside and desperate for human interaction, and last year, the app laid off half of its staff. Perhaps Airchat can do what Clubhouse could not. For now, it seems like just another place tech execs can hear themselves talk. | ↑ |
 The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro rumors are flooding in – and we're curious about how it will be different from the iPhone 15. Although it’s early days, we’re already hearing whispers about a RAM boost for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, are reportedly getting some striking upgrades to the cameras that may dazzle the masses. Here’s a compilation of everything we know so far about next year's iPhone 16 line. iPhone 16 release dateThe iPhone 16 release date is expected to be September of next year. After Apple has its whole shebang of an event showcasing the next-generation handsets, the iPhones typically ship about a week or two later. 
iPhone 15
Credit: Apple
In the past, Apple has deviated from this cadence due to reported production hindrances (e.g., supply chain issues). For example, the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14 Plus shipped in October, but typically, get unveiled some time during the first half of September every year. iPhone 16 designLet’s dive into arguably the most important aspect of the iPhone’s design: the screen. There haven’t been any significant changes to the display sizes since the iPhone 12, but according to reliable leaker Unknownz21, the upper-tier iPhone 16 models are going to be a little bit more unwieldy in your hands. DisplayThe iPhone 16 Pro will reportedly have a 6.3-inch display while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will pack a 6.9-inch panel. You may be wondering, “What about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus? Will they get a screen size bump, too?” The answer is likely no. The lower-tier models will reportedly have the same display sizes as their predecessors. Tweet may have been deleted iPhone 15 screen sizes
iPhone 16 screen sizes (rumored)
Ross Young, a well-known display analyst and Apple leaker, was the first to claim that the iPhone 16 Pro models will have larger screens. Tweet may have been deleted However, he offered slightly different numbers: 6.2 inches and 6.8 inches. What could be the reason behind the discrepancy? According to MacRumors, it’s "likely due to the difference between actual display area and viewable display area." Another rumor we're hearing is that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will continue to have 60Hz refresh-rate displays. This is a little disappointing considering other phones in the market at least have 90Hz screens, making navigating through the UI smoother, zippier and seamless. Thinner bezelsThe iPhone 16 will also reportedly have slimmer bezels, according to a report from The Elec (h/t MacRumors). Apple is tipped to be using something called Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, which reduces the internal footprint of the circuitry inside, allowing for thinner bezels (without sacrificing anything important aspects like display performance, for example). Thinner bezels means that the iPhone 16 series should yield more screen real estate for users. Action ButtonA report from MacRumors claims that every single model in the iPhone 16 line will feature an Action Button — not just the iPhone 15 Pro variants. The current-gen iPhone 15 Pro models' Action Button can be programmed to launch a range of apps and functions, including Flashlight, Camera, Silent Mode, Voice Memo, Focus, Magnifier, Translate (coming to iOS 17.2), and a range of accessibility features. When iPhone 16 drops, however, the rumor mill states that Apple will add more functionality to the Action Button. Capture ButtonThe Action Button was all the rage for the iPhone 15 series, however, according to MacRumors and The Information, a new Capture Button will be one of the biggest selling points for the iPhone 16. Reportedly placed slightly under the power button, the Capture Button is a camera-focused feature that can do the following:
While MacRumors and The Information both concur that Apple is testing a "capture button" on the iPhone 16, both aren't on the same page on whether it's a mechanical button or a capacitive one. MacRumors says it's the latter, but the Information claims it's both. Solid-state buttonsApple reportedly planned on introducing solid-state buttons with the iPhone 15 Pro models, but instead, we got a customizable Action Button. For the uninitiated, solid-state buttons aren’t buttons per se – they’re panels that feature haptic feedback sensations that simulate real button presses (Think of the iPhone SE series' Home button). On the plus side, the solid-state buttons aren’t totally out of the picture. According to respected Apple leaker and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on debuting solid-state buttons on the iPhone 16 Pro models instead. Tweet may have been deleted Kuo added that these solid-state buttons will add two additional Taptic Engines, which will help fire off tangible feedback to users. (If this is true, the number of Taptic Engines in the iPhone 16 will increase to three — up from one.) According to a tip from Weibo (via MacRumors), the Action Button on the iPhone 16 Pro will be a solid-state button and sit flush against the chassis. To make room for this change, Apple will reportedly move the mmWave antenna to the left of the iPhone 16 Pro as opposed to the right. This Weibo tip comes from a leaker with the moniker "Instant Digital," a bean spiller that reportedly has an accurate track record, according to MacRumors. iPhone 16 AIThe iPhone 16 will reportedly featured an AI-powered Siri. 
Siri is about to get a whole lot smarter.
Credit: Apple
In other words, Siri is maturing into a more sophisticated digital assistant. According to Kuo, this means that Siri will bring new hardware to the iPhone 16, including updated microphones with better water resistance and an improved signal-to-noise ratio. iPhone 16 camerasApple debuted a new zoom lens with a "tetra-prism" design on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which simply means that engineers found a way to "fold" the shooter so that it still has telephoto capabilities without taking up too much space. This new camera increases the Pro Max’s optical zoom from 3x to 5x. 
iPhone 15 Pro
Credit: Apple
However, according to Digital Chat Station (DCS), a bean-spiller on the Chinese social media site Weibo, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get the new tetra-prism telephoto camera. DCS also added that the iPhone 16 Pro Max specifically is getting the Sony IMX903 sensor, an upgrade from the Sony IMX803 sensor. This means that the iPhone 16 Pro Max wide lens will have a larger sensor size, allowing for more light gathering for better photos and videos in low-light conditions. 
Credit: John Keeble/Getty Images
According to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst from Haitong International Securities (a Hong Kong investment firm), the ultrawide cameras are getting a boost, too. Pu stated tthe iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will also feature a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with better light gathering. As such, camera performance in dimmer environments should improve. As it stands now, the iPhone 15 Pro models have a 12MP ultrawide camera. The ultrawide camera is perfect for taking landscape photos, allowing you to capture more scenery. However, compared to the main camera, the ultrawide lens tends to deliver a slight drop in crispness and sharpness. If this rumor is true, the new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera may ameliorate this minor foible. Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple will upgrade the rear cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro models, introducing a stacked design. What will a stacked design do? According to Apple Insider, it increases light capture and provides wider dynamic range, so Night Mode should get a sweet boost. Finally, it's worth pointing out that the iPhone 16 Pro, as we reported in April, will allegedly tackle lens flare and ghosting issues by using anti-reflective coating on the cameras. iPhone 16 battery sizesAs we reported in early April, a Weibo leaker by the name of "OvO Baby Sauce OvO" seemingly unveiled the new new battery sizes across the iPhone 16 lineup:
All the iPhone 16 models have some sort of increase from two to six percent except for the iPhone 16 Plus, which reportedly has a reduction of nearly nine percent compared to the iPhone 15 Plus. Keep in mind that an increase in battery size doesn't necessarily mean that the device will deliver longer battery life. And in the same vein, a battery size reduction doesn't necessarily lead to shorter runtimes. There are other aspects at play (the display's efficiency, for example). So we won't know for sure how battery life is affected until we get the phones in our hands. iPhone 16 specsThe iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with 8GB of RAM while the lower-tier models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are stuck with their predecessors’ 6GB of RAM. If that bums you out, don’t worry. According to Pu, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to join the 8GB of RAM bandwagon, too. 
iPhone 15 lineup
Credit: Apple
| ↑ |
 PS5 Pro rumors have been flooding in for some time now. As such, if you haven't gotten a PS5 yet, it might be best to wait a few months. Sony will reportedly release a powered-up "Pro" version of the console as soon as this year. To be clear, there hasn't been a great deal of solid, reliable reporting on the topic just yet, but rumblings of a PS5 Pro have only gotten more intense as time has gone on. But what would a PS5 Pro actually entail? Let's dig in. PS5 Pro release dateThe PS5 Pro's release date is reportedly some time during the 2024 holiday season, according to Insider Gaming, which cited "trusted sources." Serkan Toto, a gaming industry analyst from Kantan Games, told CNBC that he believes a revamped PS5 could be in the works for launch in late 2024, too. Part of the reasoning for this is that Sony cut its sales forecast for the next fiscal year, perhaps signaling that the PlayStation brand could use a boost in the near future. 
Credit: Sony
Toto also mentioned the impending release of Grand Theft Auto VI in 2025 as a good reason for Sony to get new hardware in people's entertainment centers. These are simply the words of an analyst who doesn't work for Sony, so it's fair to take them with a grain of salt. However, the prediction somewhat lines up with Sony's past activities with the PlayStation brand. For example, the PS4 Pro came out in 2016, three years after the launch of the PS4. Late 2024 will mark four years since the launch of the PS5. As we enter the latter half of the PS5's life cycle, 2024 may be the only year where it makes sense to launch the PS5 Pro. PS5 Pro specsThanks to a leak from The Verge's Tom Warren, the PS5 will have the following internal upgrades over the PS5:
Warren also added that the PS5 Pro frees up 1.2GB more system memory for developers for a total of 13.7GB (compared to the PS5's 12.5GB). Tweet may have been deleted PS5 Pro priceThis is where the lack of solid reporting on the PS5 Pro's existence becomes difficult to deal with. 
Credit: Sony
Since we don't even know that the PS5 Pro exists, it's impossible to say how much it would cost. All we can really do is look back on how Sony handled the PS4 Pro, which is actually somewhat encouraging. The upgraded PS4 launched at $399 — the same price the original PS4 launched at three years prior. Perhaps Sony will drop the price of the standard PS5 and release the Pro at $499, the current PS5 price in the U.S. for the model with a disc drive. Making this a little more complicated is the fact that Sony slightly hiked the price of the PS5 in other markets in late 2022. Sony will have to figure out a way to sell the PS5 Pro at a somewhat fair price without losing a ton of money in the process. PS5 Pro designThis is another area where all we can do is speculate. 
Credit: Sony
Sony has already lightly revised the PS5 post-launch, with the release of the PS5 slim model late last year. That made the console slightly shorter and thinner, but it's still the same basic design. In all likelihood, a PS5 Pro would go in the opposite direction and be even larger than the already very large standard PS5. That's the price of increasing horsepower. One way Sony could alleviate this is by getting rid of the disc drive and forcing customers to buy the separate, detachable disc drive that's available for the PS5 Slim. That wouldn't exactly be ideal, but it would make the console a bit smaller. PS5 Pro 'Ultra boost' modeAccording to The Verge, the PS5 Pro may have an "Ultra Boost" mode for games. Sony is reportedly asking developers to create something called a "PS5 Pro-exclusive graphics mode" for their games, which uses PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) to upscale to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (with ray-tracing effects in tow). Per I nsider Gaming, titles will get a "PS5 Pro Enhanced label" if they offer the following:
Sony may be working on an Ultra Boost mode for older games, too. PS5 Pro controllerWhen Sony launched the PS4 Pro, it made zero changes to the PS4's standard DualShock 4 controller. After all, it didn't really need any. I would expect the same approach to be taken with the PS5 Pro. 
Credit: Sony
The PS5 DualSense controller is excellent as is, with the exception of inevitable analog stick drift. I've personally gone through like three of the dang things since launch. In a perfect world, Sony would bundle the PS5 Pro with the more expensive DualSense Edge controller, which allows users to easily swap new analog sticks in and out instead of buying a whole new controller when drift develops. That seems unlikely based on past precedent, but hey, a man can dream. | ↑ |
 When iOS 18 launches later this year, the Notes app could be useful for a lot more than just lazy celebrity apologies. AppleInsider reported on Wednesday that iOS 18 could come with a revamped Notes app that includes two major new features: voice notes and math. If Apple sticks to its usual launch pattern, iOS 18 will be unveiled at WWDC 2024, so expect to hear about official updates from the mothership in June. Which features are reportedly coming to iOS 18 'Notes'?The two new features are pretty self-explanatory. Voice notes would allow users to record and store voice memos within the Notes app itself, complementing any text or images they wish to include alongside them. Folks could then put their voice notes in iCloud and access them from different Apple devices. As for what AppleInsider called "Math Notes," these would tie into the iOS Calculator app and would theoretically allow for users to perform complex math equations with proper notation within the Notes app. Both features would probably be most useful for people in academia and business. As AppleInsider pointed out, similar features are already available in Microsoft's popular OneNote app, a competitor to the native Apple Notes app. It would make sense, then, for Apple to crib a couple of key components from OneNote for its own app. It also wouldn't be the first time Apple has taken "inspiration" from other companies for big features or ideas. Such is the way of things. | ↑ |
 Hate emptying the cat's box after your furry friend does its business? Check out these deals on self-scooping litter boxes at Amazon as of April 17:
Best self-scooping litter box deals
Best overall deal
Best front-entry deal
Best odor control deal
 Cats are absolutely adorable. The entire internet agrees. What isn't adorable is having to clean up after your feline sidekick. While cats are arguably cleaner than most dogs since they relieve themselves in a litter box, you're still left with the responsibility of emptying it. If you've had your fair share of scooping your cat's mess out of the litter box and want a better solution, there is one! We present the self-scooping litter box. It collects waste and empties it into a reservoir that you don't have to see or touch (mostly), which means a much more pleasant experience for you and a clean and happy cat. Automatic litter boxes are the cat's meow, so to speak. Now's a great time to make the change because Amazon has select self-scooping litter boxes on sale for up to 20% off right now, with one available for just $99.95 — so, no, you don't have to spend upwards of $700 to get one. If you're ready to bring home a new litter box for your favorite fur baby, grab one of our picks of the best self-scooping litter boxes below. Best overall dealWhy we like itThe PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart Self-Cleaning Litter Box connects to its companion My PetSafe app to let you check on its status wherever you are. Its hands-free cleaning cycle is set to automatically rake any solid waste 20 minutes after detecting your cat has left the box. That means you only have to swap in a fresh tray once per month. With its leak-proof trays, you never have to touch anything unsightly, and pre-filled crystal litter helps keep those unpleasant smells as undetectable as possible. Plus, you'll get a notification when your cat uses the litter box, so you know exactly how your pet is doing, complete with an activity log to show the vet should you run into any health concerns. Best front entry deal
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Plus Front-Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box
$184.95
at Amazon
$229.95 Save $45.00 Why we like itThe PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Plus Front-Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a great front-entry option if that's what your cat prefers. It has a nice domed entry that your furry friend can feel secure in. You don't have to clean or refill your cat's litter box for weeks thanks to this box's automatic scheduling. It also has disposable trays with plastic lining that you simply throw away instead of replacing with additional litter. The crystal litter it uses can reduce most of the smell, and since you dispose of everything at once, that cuts down on odors as well. There's also an included health counter to help you keep track of how many visits your cat makes to the litter box in case you need to know. Best odor control dealWhy we like itThe PetSafe ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box is compatible with clumping litter if you prefer that over crystal, but it uses most types of litter without the need for trays. It will automatically rake through your cat's litter with an eye on keeping waste and odors at bay. You can empty its attached waste bin once a week and refresh the litter occasionally, and that's about all you really need to do for this setup. You can use it with one cat or let multiple felines do their business here. Whatever you choose, it cuts down significantly on the smells you might get from a regular litter box. | ↑ |
 Android 15 is set to revolutionize how devices charge by potentially enabling NFC (near-field communication) technology. Commonly used for contactless payments and to charge phones wirelessly, this addition was discovered in the latest Android 15 Beta release by Android Authority. Dubbed "NfcCharging," it could introduce wireless charging capabilities to a wider range of devices, particularly budget models that typically lack Qi charging (the current standard for wireless power). How would 'NFC charging' work?Although NFC charging offers a slower charging rate, peaking at just 1W, it could still prove beneficial in emergencies. For instance, it would take around five hours to fully charge a 5,000mAh battery — making it a less efficient, yet convenient alternative. Primarily, NFC charging could be more useful for smaller devices like earbuds, styluses, and smartwatches due to their low-power requirements and smaller battery sizes. This emerging technology promises to make wireless charging more accessible, especially for devices too small to support Qi's larger antennas. With NFC antennas being significantly more compact, they could easily fit into a greater variety of devices. While the concept of NFC charging has been around for some years, its implementation has been limited. However, if integrated into Android natively, it could set a new trend for device charging, potentially paving the way for replacing Qi charging if the speed and efficiency of NFC can be enhanced. This would simplify the internal design by reducing the number of required antennas and allowing for larger batteries or additional features within devices. Expected to debut between August and October 2024, more insights into NFC charging and other Android 15 updates are likely to be unveiled at the Google I/O 2024 event on May 14. | ↑ |
 SAVE $124.98: The Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB) productivity bundle is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon, down from the normal bundle price of $404.97. That's a 30% discount. The bundle includes the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet, keyboard case, and stylus pen.
Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB) productivity bundle
$279.99
at Amazon
$404.97 Save $124.98 Deal includes the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet, keyboard case, and stylus pen.
Working from home or the local cafe can be a welcome break from the office — especially when you have the right equipment to make it easy. If you're looking to upgrade your work set-up for when you're away from the office, Amazon has the perfect deal. As of April 17, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet productivity bundle is $279.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard bundle price of $404.97. That's a 30% discount or a savings of $124.98. The bundle includes the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB), a magnetic keyboard case, and a stylus pen. The Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet earned a Mashable Choice award, with SaVanna Shoemaker giving the tablet a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 in her review. "The Amazon Fire Max 11 has a large, 11-inch display and is blazing fast, making it a good alternative to pricier tablets for streaming and games," writes Shoemaker. Thanks to today's deal, you'll get the 11-inch tablet with 2.4 million pixels in addition to a setup that makes it ideal for working away from the office. The included keyboard case has a built-in trackpad that's capable of gestures like pinch to zoom and scrolling with two fingers. The integrated back cover not only serves as protection but also includes a stand. And the keyboard doesn't require charging, simply plugging into the Fire Max 11 tablet. You'll also get an Amazon stylus pen with the productivity bundle. Take notes, draw, or mark up a PDF with ease thanks to the stylus. If you're nervous about losing the stylus pen, have no fear: it attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet. If you prefer to work from home or you'd love to not lug a heavy laptop with you while traveling, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet productivity bundle could be ideal for streamlining the process. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can grab the bundle for 30% off. | ↑ |
 Carrie Bradshaw is a narcissist. She's a terrible friend. She's delusional. She's the problem. She's problematic. Gen Z can't handle her. The internet has been throwing around these opinions since Sex and the City arrived on Netflix, ushering in a new wave of Carrie Bradshaw discourse nearly 26 years after the groundbreaking HBO series premiered. The show and its iconic heroine still strike a chord with viewers. Gen Z icon Olivia Rodrigo even weighed in during one of two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, wearing a bedazzled tank top that read "Carrie Bradshaw AF." (The second night, she donned another embellished tank; this one said "And just like that.") Sex and the City has long been a source of inspiration for meme culture, something Sylvia Sierra, associate professor of communication and rhetorical studies at Syracuse University, attributes to the breadth of material fans have to play with. "People get really into referencing media where they can imagine themselves in that world," she told Mashable. Throughout its six seasons, viewers get immersed in Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte's lives as single women in New York City, and each episode includes memorable characters like Charlotte's friend who steals her baby name and oddball plots like Miranda crushing on a sandwich. There are longstanding Sex and the City memes, like refashioning the structure of Carrie's voiceovers to fit the current moment — starting with popular Carrie-isms like "I couldn't help but wonder" and "And just like that." Carrie's outsized reactions are also endlessly reposted to react to headlines, especially when that news concerns New York City. Recently, a new meme has emerged: Big is moving to Paris. It's mainly used to illustrate how consumed Carrie was by her own problems, specifically her relationship with Big. Twitter / X users write out a conversation in the voices of the three other protagonists of the show, ending with Carrie announcing, "Big is moving to Paris." For instance, after an earthquake shook New York City one user wrote:
Similar posts circulated after the solar eclipse. Soon, Carrie announcing Big's move left the confines of Sex and the City's world making other popular characters, like Dune's Paul Atreides, say "Big is moving to Paris." Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Unlike other often-quoted moments, Carrie never actually says, "Big is moving to Paris." In the now infamous Season 2 episode that finds Samantha taking the girls to a S&M-themed restaurant, Charlotte getting involved with a shoe salesman with a foot fetish, and Miranda sleeping with an exhibitionist — that's real television — Carrie breaks down at brunch with the girls. Big casually told her he might move to Paris for seven months. At brunch, she says, "I wanted to kill him. And he's standing there giving me the 'what's the big problem' eyes." She doesn't even say "Big is moving to Paris" in the next episode when the girls stage an intervention with Carrie for excessively talking about their breakup. Despite its absence, the phrase gets at a central tension of the series. Why we're still talking about Carrie BradshawThe meme "tickled" Sienna Axe, a 23-year-old in Seattle, so much that she changed her display name on X to "Big is moving to Paris." It just made sense, she said. "I saw 'Big moving in Paris' and I was like, yeah Big is moving to Paris. She's always saying that shit," Axe told Mashable. "The world could be ending, and Big would still be moving to Paris and that would still be the most important thing in the world to Carrie Bradshaw." Axe first got hooked on the show after watching it with her mom, specifically the episode after Carrie and Big broke up and she has a brief fling with an overzealous jazz musician. "I thought it was just so crazy that I sat down and watched the rest of the show," she said. Katherine Morgan, a 30-year-old writer and Powell's Books employee in Portland, Oregon, recently wrote a thread defending Carrie against her critics but still laughed at the "Big is moving to Paris" meme. "She does that a lot when someone has news or is talking about current events and then she refocuses the conversation on Big," she said. Tweet may have been deleted In 2013, writer Emily Nussbaum examined how Sex and the City played with the romantic comedy form by pushing back against viewers' desire to identify with Carrie. For The New Yorker, she wrote, "It switched the romantic comedy’s primal scene, from 'Me, too!' to 'Am I like her?' A man practically woven out of red flags, Big wasn’t there to rescue Carrie; instead, his 'great love' was a slow poisoning. She spun out, becoming anxious, obsessive, and, despite her charm, wildly self-centered—in her own words, 'the frightening woman whose fear ate her sanity.'" One could argue that Carrie's reaction to Big moving to Paris exemplifies Big's poison driving her to insanity. As one X user wrote, "This is the most down bad anyone's ever been btw." Tweet may have been deleted "People often look to the media for examples of how to behave and do things in their everyday life and what personalities to have or behavior to enact," said Sierra. Memes are a way for viewers to negotiate those examples. "People use memes to circumscribe the boundaries of what is acceptable and isn't acceptable." The "Big is moving to Paris" meme rejects Big's hold over Carrie. "They're distancing themselves [from Carrie] and communicating that this is not what we want to be by ridiculing and laughing about that character," said Sierra. "There's so many stereotypes, and ideologies embedded in the media that we consume. In this case, it's a stereotype about a certain woman who's very self-centered. When you recirculate it, you're bringing that stereotype to mind, but by making fun of it, you're rejecting that way of being, and presenting an ideology that's not acceptable," she continued. By making fun of it, you're rejecting that way of being, and presenting an ideology that's not acceptable. But even during Sex and the City's cultural heyday, Carrie and Big's relationship was a point of contention for fans. In 2002, Joke Hermes, a professor of media, culture, and citizenship at Inholland University, conducted a study of conversations about the show on Jump the Shark, an internet forum for discussing when a television show fell off. "People reacted strongly against the Carrie and Big storyline early on," Hermes told Mashable. Like Sierra, she sees the memes as reacting to something bigger than just the characters. "[Carrie and Big] explore women's condition. We have the jobs we want to do, we are our own women, and then there's this old dream of finding the right guy to be a complete person, which is — as we used to say in the 1980s — the complete myth of patriarchy," said Hermes. "It's an ongoing discussion about how we think about men and women today and whether we're still invested in thinking about femininity and masculinity as total opposites." It's easy to reject Carrie, but there are those like Morgan who embrace her chaos. "It's freeing to have a model for being loud and wrong because sometimes you have to be a little bit loud and wrong and say what you think so your friends can correct you," Axe said. Being loud and wrong is an essential part of growing up, and in an era where so many women are growing up publicly — whether that be Rodrigo or your average TikTokker in NYC — Carrie Bradshaw is relatable. When Rodrigo calls herself "Carrie Bradshaw AF" she's embracing the messy side of love and womanhood. While the internet continues to wrestle with issues we've failed to resolve in the past 26 years via Carrie and Big, every New York City transplant on TikTok will continue to battle it out to be "the next Carrie Bradshaw." | ↑ |
Amazon deals of the day at a glance:
OUR TOP PICK
BEST TV DEAL
BEST EARBUDS DEAL
BEST SECURITY CAMERA DEAL
BEST COMPUTER DEAL
 In the highly oversaturated world of e-commerce, Amazon consistently comes out on top — not just because of its convenience, but largely due to its array of deals. If you're a sucker for a sweet discount, we've scoured the lengthy list of daily deals at the mega-retailer and handpicked some of the most impressive ones we could find. While it may not be a major shopping holiday, there are plenty of price drops on big-name products, including the Apple Watch, The Frame TV, and Echo Buds. Here are the best Amazon deals of the day for April 17. And don't miss out on our picks from April 15 and April 16 — many of those deals are still live. Our top pickIf you've had the Apple Watch Series 9 on your wishlist since its debut, your patience has been rewarded with an all-time low discount. Despite its rocky start to the year ( Apple removed the blood oxygen sensor from its watches due to a patent dispute), the Series 9 is alive and thriving. It comes with a few fancy new features like Double Tap and a 2,000-nit display, which makes it more readable in sunlight (one of Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder's favorite features). The 41mm version with GPS and cellular connectivity is typically $699, but you can save 38% as of April 17 and snag it for just $433.30. Thanks to Samsung's The Frame TVs, gone are the days of staring at a boring black rectangle on your wall when your TV is switched off. These TVs feature a unique ambient "Art Mode" that displays paintings and photos when the QLED screen is not in use. Many images come pre-loaded onto the TV, but you can also upload your own or subscribe to Samsung's Art Store for more options. The 75-inch version is down to an all-time low price of $1,895 as of April 17 — that's 37% off its usual cost.  If you're looking to add a second set of eyes outside of your home, the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera lets you see what's happening in crisp HD at any time of day. It features 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination and two-way audio, plus advanced motion detection via the Blink subscription plan. At 40% off, it's back down to its all-time low price of $77.99 (reg. $129.98). Some of our favorite wireless earbuds, the second-generation Echo Buds, are on sale at Amazon for just $54.99 as of April 17. While that's not the lowest price we've seen — that honor goes to the $49.99 deal from March 2022 — it's still an incredible deal on a pair of noise-canceling earbuds. Compared to the first-generation duds, Amazon's second iteration "deliver good sound quality, effective ANC, and a slimmed down build." Mashable's Alex Perry was impressed with them upon testing, calling them "a steal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the world of ANC without setting their wallet on fire." If you're looking to upgrade our work-from-home setup without breaking the bank, the M2-equipped Mac Mini is a solid place to start. The ultra-portable desktop computer offers a zippy performance, support for up to two displays, upgraded graphics from its predecessor, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports for advanced connectivity. Better yet, it's just $20 shy of its all-time low price as of April 17. Snag it on sale for just $499 at Amazon. None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings. | ↑ |
 Snapchat users will now see a ghostly image hovering over their AI-generated images, as Snapchat joins other Big Tech companies using watermarking tech to battle AI misinformation and deepfakes. Images made using Snapchat's AI tools, like the app's extend tool and its recently launched Dreams feature, will be stamped with a transparent watermark (Snapchat's ghost logo) once it's exported or downloaded off the app. Users receiving AI-generated images may also see the ghost logo and the app's "sparkle" AI icon. Currently, Snapchat marks AI-generated content, included text conversations with its My AI chatbot, in various ways. Images created using Dreams are accompanied by a "context card" that explains the feature and generative AI. My AI conversations and the extend tool uses "contextual" icons, like the sparkle symbol, to "We also take great care to vet all political ads through a rigorous human review process, including a thorough check for any misleading use of content, including AI to create deceptive images or content," the platform wrote. "The addition of these watermarks will help inform those viewing it that the image was made with AI on Snapchat." Along with the new transparency tool, Snapchat also committed to ongoing AI literacy efforts. So far, that just entails a generative AI FAQ available on its Support Site. "While all of our AI tools, both text-based and visual, are designed to avoid producing incorrect, harmful, or misleading material, mistakes may still occur," the company wrote. "Snapchatters are able to report content, and we appreciate this feedback." AI watchdogs say watermarking technology isn't a sure fire solution, however, even as tech's big players hinge their user-side bets on it. In February, OpenAI announced it would be adding metadata watermarks to images generated by DALL-E 3. Google launched its SynthID, a tool that adds similarly invisible watermarks to AI images, in August. Youtube, meanwhile, is enforcing penalties against users who don't use its labelling system for digitally altered content. | ↑ |
 By now, everyone has likely seen Boston Dynamics' robots. The company's videos, usually showcasing what its Atlas hydraulic robot model could do, pretty much always go viral. Yes, these videos show off the incredible technological accomplishments of a company that has created a humanoid robot that can do parkour. But, the videos were popular due to the quirky nature of the robot. Atlas would slip! Atlas would fall over. Sure, some of Atlas's movements could be a bit dystopian – a sneak peek into a world where robots rule over humans – but Atlas also kind of looked like a Disney/Pixar creation. But, earlier this week, Boston Dynamics surprisingly bid farewell to Atlas, retiring the beloved humanoid robot model. But I don't believe anyone was quite expecting what Boston Dynamics had in store for us next. The all-new AtlasOn Wednesday, just one day after the retirement of Atlas, Boston Dynamics uploaded a video announcing the all-new version of Atlas, a fully electric robot. The new Atlas clearly has a brand new design. It's now slimmer, looking more like an actual human body-type. And it has a round head, something missing from the old Atlas' structure. In an announcement, Boston Dynamics says it is teaming with Hyundai to roll out real-world commercial uses for Atlas. But, the video that Boston Dynamics released to introduce the world to the new Atlas certainly was a choice. It's giving off T-1000 from Terminator 2 vibes as opposed to the quirky kids movie feel of the old Atlas. The video starts with the new electric Atlas lying on a mat. Suddenly, his legs rise and invert, landing almost crab-style. The legs then lift the rest of the robot's body up like something straight out of a Japanese horror movie. Its head suddenly spins, like Regan from The Exorcist, to face the camera. With its torso and arms still facing the wrong direction, the robot starts walking towards the camera. Atlas' torso then flips around to face forwards and the robot stops in front of the camera. After a second, each section of the body begins to spin away from the camera and Atlas loudly marches off. Boston Dynamics doesn't really show off too much in the video — in terms of real-world capability anyway — so we still have to wait to find out if the new Atlas will amaze audiences in the way that the old one did. The company usually does deliver though, with each of its robot models proving to be better than the previous iteration. But, there's no denying that Boston Dynamics has chosen a pretty creepy way to introduce the world to the new fully electric Atlas. John Connor, please standby. | ↑ |
 Need to backup your iPhone? As a rule of thumb, you should always backup your computer — and that same rule applies to your iPhone, too. Trust us. We've lost data, files, and other digital media before by not regularly backing up our device. You never know when you'll lose your iPhone. Backing up your iPhone is easier than ever. In the early days of the iPhone, it use to be annoying to pull out the wire, connect your iPhone to your computer, and go through the iTunes backup process. Now, you can simply use iCloud. How to backup iPhoneAll it takes is the tap of a button to backup your iPhone now. And you can set up your device to automatically make regular backups, too. Let's walk through this simple process. 1. Go to Settings and tap your Apple ID name at the top
Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable screenshot
2. On the Apple ID screen, tap on iCloud.
Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable screenshot
3. Under the Device Backups section, tap on iCloud Backup
Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable screenshot
4. For automated backups, make sure the 'Back Up This iPhone option' is switched on.
Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable screenshot
5. To backup your iPhone immediately, tap on the 'Back Up Now' option.
Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable screenshot
Note: iCloud does not include photos and videos in your iPhone backup. Those media files are stored separately in iCloud Photos. Apple gives iPhone users free 5GB of iCloud storage. For some users, this will be enough. For others, they'll have to upgrade to an iCloud+ paid plan. Both your iPhone backup on iCloud and your iCloud Photos share the same storage space, so make sure you have an appropriately sized plan that has enough storage space for your photos and latest iPhone backup. | ↑ |
 The old Alexa can't answer your questions about Taylor Swift's new album, but Swift can. In promotion of The Tortured Poets Department, out April 19, the pop star will answer your burning questions about the album on Amazon Alexa. For example, when you ask, "When does Taylor Swift's new album come out?" Alexa passes the mic to Swift who says, "Hey it's Taylor Swift. My new album T he Tortured Poets Department is out this Friday. All is fair in love and poetry." Swift famously never shies away from any opportunity to promote her music, despite current critiques of her artistic integrity. She managed to be the only Universal Music Group artist to get her music back on TikTok ahead of her album's release. That's not to mention her recent collaboration with Spotify in Los Angeles: a "library installation" that reveals details about the album via poetry typed on faux old-timey parchment — a fun gimmick that the corporate partnership detracts from. (Each piece of paper features the Spotify logo.) And on Instagram, if you type "Taylor Swift" a writing emoji appears. Tweet may have been deleted 
Credit: Instagram
For her last album, Midnights, she partnered with TikTok and Spotify as well as Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football and Tumblr. She's also one of many artists utilizing the album variant approach to maximize sales and profits. Swift recently became a billionaire and remains under fire for her private jet use. But Alexa can probably tell you that. | ↑ |
 SAVE 18%: An Amazon Fire TV Cube streaming device is just $114.99 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $139.99. That's a savings of $25.  Does your TV take forever to boot up Netflix, taking precious time away from your evening shows? If you tend to wait for apps to load, investing in a high-end streaming device could make your viewing experience more enjoyable. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can get lightning-fast streaming while saving some money. As of April 17, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is $114.99, marked down from the normal price of $139.99. That's an 18% discount or a savings of $25. This deal includes the Fire TV Cube streaming device, an Alexa voice-enhanced remote, and a power adapter.
SEE ALSO:
The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is capable of streaming 4K media, fast. Amazon says the Fire TV Cube is two times as powerful as the popular Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The Fire TV Cube uses an octa-core 2.0 GHz processor for faster launching and navigating of your favorite apps like Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu. The cube can also support WiFi 6E for the latest in speedy internet connection. The Fire TV Cube also works with voice commands thanks to the included remote control, so you can ask Alexa to change the volume of the TV or open Disney+. If your streaming device is no longer keeping up or can't support streaming in 4K, this is your sign that it's time to upgrade. Grab the Amazon Fire TV Cube for just $114.99 and get used to quick streaming and navigating. | ↑ |
 Wade Allain-Marcus describes how he sees his Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead as more of a remix than a remake. Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead is now in theaters. | ↑ |
 SAVE $30: The Shokz OpenFit wireless headphones are on sale for $149.95 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $179.95. That's a 17% discount. Headphones have become part of our everyday tech needs. Whether you prefer over-the-ear or earbuds, finding a pair that feels comfortable can be tough. If you're searching for a pair that focuses on comfort and all-day wearability, today's deal at Amazon might grant your wish. As of April 17, the Shokz OpenFit wireless headphones are just $149.95, down from the standard price of $179.95. That's a savings of $30 or a 17% discount. The Shokz OpenFit focus on a comfortable and secure fit without sacrificing sound quality. They have an over-ear design that keeps the earbuds secured thanks to a flexible ear hook. This design can be especially beneficial if you like to go for neighborhood runs, workout with a jump rope, or otherwise tend to have issues with keeping earbuds in place. With the included charging case, expect to get up to 28 hours of listening time. The Shokz OpenFit also use situational awareness, so while you're jamming out to your favorite playlist you can still hear what's happening around you. This trend is appearing more often, with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds also focusing on letting users stay in tune with their surroundings. The Shokz OpenFit are also great for those who live in climates where rain is common. The OpenFit have a double layer of waterproof steel mesh and gauze so a bit of rain or sweat won't be an issue. If you're tired of earbuds being painful after an hour of wear, the Shokz OpenFit aim to offer both comfort and function. Plus, they have pretty awesome battery life. Score today's deal to save $30 and listen in comfort. | ↑ |
 SAVE $80: As of April 17, get the 32-inch 2-Series HD Amazon Fire TV for just $119.99. That's a discount of 40%.  If you're in the market for a new TV, there are tons of great options available — but some of the best smart TVs you'll find are part of Amazon's Fire TV series. These affordable displays offer big functionality at low prices, especially if you're looking to add a screen to your home setup or a starter TV that you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on. Now's a great time to lock in a purchase as you can get one of the lineup's budget models for even cheaper than usual. As of April 17, the Amazon 32-inch 2-Series Fire TV is just $119.99 at Amazon. That's $80 off its normal price of $199.99, and a discount of 40%. This is a basic smart TV that doesn't offer many of its higher-priced siblings' features, but it's still a great screen if you want smart capabilities. It uses the Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote for hands-free control with Alexa Voice Search, which means never typing in long show names at a snail's pace again. On top of that, it supports all the normal Alexa apps you'd be able to use within the Fire ecosystem. This TV doesn't support 4K, as it only goes up to HD 720p resolution, so keep that in mind when purchasing. But at this price, you get a streaming-capable TV with voice control support, live TV streaming, and a connection to Fire TV's live TV options, plus gaming and music. It's a great buy for just over $100. | ↑ |
 iOS 18, Apple's next big annual update, is several months away, but it's never too early to start talking about it. Yes, rumors are already flying around about iOS 18, the theoretical follow-up to last year's iOS 17 update. I say "theoretical" because Apple has yet to publicly talk about it, but you can rest easy knowing it'll almost certainly come out at some point this year. And when it does, it may or may not be a total overhaul of the iOS experience (more on this later). Here's everything we know about iOS 18 so far. iOS 18 release dateThis part is easy. Even with no confirmation from Apple, we can safely assume iOS 18 will launch in September, around the same time as the also-unconfirmed iPhone 16. That's because every new version of iOS launches in September, around the same time as the new iPhone. Unlike MacBooks and iPads, iOS release dates are iOS 18 featuresBloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple prognosticator, reported in January that iOS 18 will "one of the biggest" updates in iOS history. AI and SiriExpect iOS 18 to have some kind of emphasis on AI, generative or otherwise. 
Siri could get an AI boost
Credit: Apple
This could mean improvements to Siri as well as AI integration into Messages and other built-in iOS apps. Perhaps Messages could proofread your texts for you, or Safari could summarize webpages. These features would be in line with what Samsung and Google have done with their most recent flagship devices. Keep in mind, however, that Apple is not planning to debut its own generative AI chatbot, according to Gurman. Instead, Apple is reportedly in talks with companies like Google, OpenAI, and Baidu for key AI partnerships (via MacRumors). Also revealed in his Power On newsletter, Gurman said "it looks like the initial wave of [artificial intelligence] features will work entirely on device. In other words, iOS 18's reported new AI features won't be relying on cloud processing. And finally, according to a backend code discovered by Nicolás Álvarez, Safari will reportedly have an AI-powered browsing assistant. (A MacRumors contributor confirmed the code exists.) RCS messaging standardAside from that, the best prediction we can make regarding iOS 18 is that texting with Android users will probably be a better experience. 
Credit: Apple
That's because Apple already confirmed it will adopt the Rich Communication Services (or RCS) messaging standard starting this year. As MacRumors pointed out, this means that the following should see improvements between iOS and Android devices:
We're also expecting to see improvements to group chats between iPhone and Android phones. AccessibilityWhen it comes to accessibility features, which includes settings that better support your vision, mobility, hearing, and cognitive needs, iOS 18 is reportedly getting some enhancements. First up is Live Speech. This perk, which lets you type what you want to say before it gets read aloud, is getting a new "Categories" feature, according to MacRumors. With this new functionality, you'll now have the option to organize frequently used or favorite phrases into categories of your choice. Secondly, rumor has it that Apple is rolling out "Adaptive Voice Shortcuts," which lets you map custom phrases to a specific accessibility feature. As such, if you say a specific custom phrase, you should be able to launch the accessibility feature that you linked it to. More customizable Home ScreensHistorically, Apple hasn't really let iPhone Home Screen customization roam free, aside from giving users the ability to move icons around. But according to MacRumors, Apple could roll out a Home Screen refresh with iOS 18, with users reportedly to be given more freedom with icon arrangement — and per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, more customization could also be coming for Lock Screens too. Apple MapsAccording to MacRumors, iOS 18 will bring two new features to Apple Maps:
Custom routes allows users to select roads of their choice before navigating from point A to point B, a feature Google Maps already supports. 
Credit: Apple
Topographic maps, which already debuted on Apple Watch via watchOS 10, allow users to see maps with more detail, including contour lines, trails, elevation, and more. Notes appAccording to an exclusive from AppleInsider, the Notes app will have two new features in iOS 18:
Diving a little deeper into these new features, the Notes app in iOS 18 is reportedly getting an audio recording perk in the app. Users will likely have the option to add images and texts to these voice notes. For example, a student can record a lecture and add screenshots of their lecture to the audio capture. There's also an alleged new "Math Notes" feature. "The update is likely to usher in support for displaying mathematic notation, an essential shorthand for academic, science, and engineering applications," AppleInsider said. AirPods 'hearing aid mode'Alongside the release of iOS 18, Gurman claims that the AirPods Pro will get a new "hearing aid mode." 
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Keep in mind that the AirPods Pro already have a Conversation Boost feature, which increases the clarity of speakers directly in front of the user. However, what Apple has planned for its earbuds is reportedly a slight upgrade. iOS 18 is expected to be revealed at WWDC 2024 in June. Stay tuned for Mashable's coverage on the highly anticipated Apple event. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: Watch Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. Arsenal and Bayern Munich could not be separated in the first leg of their quarter-final matchup. There was a lot of quality on display, mixed in with a big dose of drama. And we're expecting more of the same in the second leg. Everything is on the line, after all. If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need. When is Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal?Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal will kick off at 8 p.m. BST on April 17. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal for freeAustrian viewers can live stream select Champions League fixtures for free (with German commentary) through Austrian broadcaster ServusTV. This free schedule includes the quarter-final second leg fixture between Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal. ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world. Unblock ServusTV by following these simple steps:
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ServusTV without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal before recovering your investment. And the best VPNs return your cash without hassle. What is the best VPN for ServusTV?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on sites like ServusTV, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 I'd just got in the bath when my phone buzzed on the window sill. It was, alas, out of reach. But I had a sneaking suspicion of who the message was from. I got up and leaned across to my device, bath suds and water dripping all over the floor. With wet fingers, I swiped up to see the WhatsApp and instantly wished I'd stayed in the bath. "Send pics," read the message from the guy I barely knew. Until this moment, things had been going so well. So well, in fact, that I was deeply suspicious. Sending nudes to a near-stranger in the early stages of dating is a boundary for me. That might not be the case for everyone, but in my case, it's not something I do unless I'm sleeping with the person. But at this point, I hadn't even gone on a first date with this guy yet. We'd simply kissed on a night out with friends and started texting each other. I sat back in the bath and deliberated how to respond. My heart raced as I asked myself if it was easier to just comply with this request. My thoughts urged me not to be awkward, not to be a prude. But something stronger was overriding these — a fierce feeling that I just didn't want to do what was being asked of me. The anxiety I could physically feel told me I'd be crossing my own boundaries if I yielded. I waited an hour, scrambling to find the right words to tell him 'no.' "Hey," I began. "So I have a rule that I don't send pics to someone unless I've slept with them." He replied almost instantly. "That is a very good rule," he said. The conversation went back to whatever we'd been talking about before. No awkwardness, no annoyance, nothing that I'd feared had happened. But I couldn't shake the feeling that at age 30, I shouldn't be struggling to tell a man I'd met twice that I didn't want to do something. But here we are. My friends also tell me they feel highly nervous, overcome with anxiety when setting boundaries in the early stages of dating. Why are boundaries important?So, why are boundaries so important? "Boundaries set the basic guidelines for how a person wants to be treated," according to Neil Wilkie, founder of online couples therapy platform The Relationship Paradigm. "Clear boundaries are essential for our own mental health and self-esteem." While this post deals primarily with boundaries in dating and romantic and sexual relationships, I'd note that boundaries are vital in ALL relationships — be that with family, friends, colleagues, and even your internet followers. For marginalised communities, in particular, respecting boundaries is deeply important in preventing re-traumatisation, and examples of boundary violations can include white people asking their Black friends to explain racism and people tagging sexual violence survivors in social media posts about sexual trauma. Everyone has the right to set boundaries and to have them respected. Why does boundary setting feel difficult?Boundaries are key, but in terms of dating, establishing them with someone you like and don't know very well can seem a little daunting at first. "When we’re nervous about holding onto someone else’s approval we can compromise on boundaries," Rachael Lloyd, relationship expert at eharmony, told me. "But once you start doing that, your own sense of self can erode and you can soon lose yourself in the relationship." If you're not 100 percent sure of your own boundaries, Lloyd said you might be clued in by your instincts. "You’ll know when a boundary is overstepped because you’re likely to suddenly feel triggered emotionally, within your body." Getting in early with boundary setting also means heading off at the pass any potential future sources of resentment and friction that could arise. "In the early days of a relationship it is rare for a couple to discuss boundaries, which will mean that the ground rules are unclear and uncertain," explained Wilkie. Discussing your sexual boundaries with a new partner is particularly important in making sure you both feel comfortable and safe. "It is so much easier to talk about boundaries in the early days of a relationship as that will be coming from a place of growth and clarity rather than resentment and blame," Wilkie added. How to talk about boundariesWhat do you do if a discussion with someone you're newly dating veers into territory that you're not OK with? "If you enter into a topic of conversation that makes you feel uncomfortable or is delicate, such as political views, family life or salary, politely assert your boundary and explain that you’d rather not discuss that at this point, while changing the conversation to something that you have in common," explained Lloyd. But you don't have to wait until a line has been crossed before having a chat about boundaries. Why not have a conversation about both your boundaries? "Introduce the topic gently, maybe by asking them, 'What is important for you in a relationship?'. If they open up, great. If not, then try again in a different way," Wilkie suggested. "Notice what is important for you and what boundaries you feel are being transgressed. Bring these up in a way like: ‘When you do x, I feel y’ rather than ‘It’s horrible when you do x’ do." If the person is reluctant to discuss boundaries, or if they react badly to you setting a boundary, this could be a red flag. "If they are breaking the boundaries and don’t want to engage in conversation about it, question if are they right for me?" said Wilkie. When it comes to intimacy, it's advisable to bring up sexual boundaries before you've entered a sexual encounter with that person. In the moment, if you are having sex with someone and a boundary is being crossed, remember that consent can be withdrawn at any point, and each new sexual act that's introduced in an encounter needs to be consented to. Our boundaries change and evolve over time, so if you're in a long-term relationship with someone, check in with each other and see where you're at. If you're in a long-term relationship with someone and you want to have a meaningful exchange about one another's boundaries, you could try drawing up a list. Wilkie suggested getting each partner to draw up a list of what their boundaries are, then sharing and discussing what those boundaries mean to them, before comparing any similarities and differences. Making sure you've been listened to and understood is really important. If you feel there's room for improvement in the way your partner interacts with and respects those boundaries, let them know. If you want to, schedule regular meetings to chat about these and whether sufficient progress has been made. At the end of the day, we're all entitled to boundaries and we deserve to have them respected. Just because you're in the early stages of dating someone doesn't mean you have to compromise on something that keeps you feeling protected and safe. The person's response to a boundary being set will usually give you a good idea about whether this relationship is worth pursuing. This article was first published in 2020 and republished in 2024. | ↑ |
 Shōgun is a series full of wily political operators, unpredictable fight scenes, and the occasional devastating earthquake. Yet the biggest obstacle our characters have had to face is none other than a single gate leading out of Osaka Castle — a gate which becomes the focus of two of Shōgun's best scenes. In episode 3, "Tomorrow Is Tomorrow," Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) must leave Osaka in order to avoid death at the hands of Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira) and the rest of the Council of Regents. His plan to make it out of the city plays like something out of a farce, complete with faked labor pains and Toranaga switching places with his wife Kiri No Kata (Yoriko Dōguchi). Ishido's men almost catch on to the ruse, but John Blackthorne's (Cosmo Jarvis) improvised outrage on behalf of Kiri's virtue manages to cause enough chaos to throw them off the scent. The entire sequence is a perfect balancing act of comedy and suspense, but the next time Shōgun returns to the gate leading out of Osaka Castle, we're in for a much more somber affair. 
Anna Sawai in "Shōgun."
Credit: Katie Yu / FX
Flash-forward to "Crimson Sky," Shōgun's ninth entry and its most heartbreaking to date. The whole episode focuses on Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) as she enacts the next stages of Toranaga's plan for victory. She arrives in Osaka and requests that she leave the next day along with Kiri and Toranaga's consort, Shizu No Kata (Mako Fujimoto). But that request, like so many elements of Shōgun, is not as simple as it may seem. That's because Ishido won't let any of the nobles staying in Osaka leave. Don't call them hostages, though! He'd prefer you think of them as very secure guests. Mariko's demand to leave places Ishido in a tight spot. If he doesn't allow her to go, he's fully confirming that everyone in Osaka Castle is a prisoner. But if he does let her go, that sets a precedent for everyone else in the castle to leave as well. He states that he and the Council will deliberate, to which Mariko retorts that if she is unable to leave the next morning, she'll have failed to do her duty to Toranaga, and will therefore have to commit seppuku. That takes us to Shōgun's second iteration of the Osaka gate scene, a tense showdown during which a determined Mariko and her retinue advance through waves of guards and archers. Eventually, she is unable to continue and resigns herself to commit seppuku later that day. With Mariko's seemingly inevitable death on the horizon, and with the gradual attrition of her forces grinding her to a halt, this Osaka gate scene couldn't feel more different than Toranaga's madcap escape in episode 3. And yet that first escape sequence is key to understanding Mariko's attempt to leave. "Your job is to teach the audience how to watch the show," Shōgun showrunner, co-creator, and executive producer Justin Marks told Mashable. "Everything in episode 3 is a setup for what happens in episode 9." Episode 3 establishes not only the architecture of Osaka Castle — including the layout of that specific gate — but also the degree of difficulty it takes to escape. Everything in episode 3 is a setup for what happens in episode 9. "The real focus of it is that it took the most powerful man in Japan an incredible amount of subterfuge to [leave Osaka]," Marks said. "How is one woman going to walk out? The point is, she's not. It's theater, it's performance art. That's the essential part of this, which is to demonstrate all that [Ishido] will do to keep her from going, but for her to keep going anyway." 
Anna Sawai in "Shōgun."
Credit: Katie Yu / FX
Shōgun has always prepared us for the possibility that Mariko might die, especially since she's asked for death so many times. Yet that possibility truly begins to feel like a reality during this gate sequence. Something as simple as a character trying to go from Point A to Point B becomes a deadly act, as episodes' worth of context — including the difficulties of Toranaga's episode 3 escape — bear down on Mariko's every footstep. "The entire season funnels to this one moment where a character is walking, trying to pass through a gate," Shōgun co-creator and executive producer Rachel Kondo told Mashable. Kondo also wrote "Crimson Sky" along with Caillin Puente. The entire season funnels to this one moment. "The impression I got reading the book [by James Clavell] was that the 50 feet to that gate is a journey that Mariko has been trying to make for her entire life," Marks added. For Mariko, her attempt to leave Osaka and the subsequent declaration of seppuku are necessary services she must perform for Toranaga. But they're also a chance for her death to serve a greater purpose in a cruel world that sometimes treats people as if they're disposable. "She's fighting for more than just her own sense of resolution," Kondo explained. "I think she was fighting for all the women who don't ever get the chance for their deaths to mean something." Even though Mariko doesn't die in this moment, "Crimson Sky" sees her face down death time and time again: First at the gate, then at her near-seppuku, then finally in a brutal third-act attack that does take her life. The constant proximity to death prepares us for her eventual farewell, and even though it may be tragic for the audience and for the characters around her, Marks believes that survival past this point would have crushed Mariko further. "She would hate victory over death," Marks said. "What she could no longer stand was to suppress her own wants in service of this world anymore. And she asserted that through an army trying to stop her." He added, of the gate scene, that "it's the point where there's no going back for Mariko. You realize the whole show has been about her. And if you thought it was about anyone else, then you probably weren't watching closely enough." Shōgun is now streaming on Hulu, with the finale premiering April 23. | ↑ |
 Sexting, as Bo Burnham taught us, isn't sex — it's the next best thing. I personally wouldn't go that far, but sexting can be pretty fun and downright hot if done right. The rub is that the act can also be an awkward minefield. Thoughts may cross your mind, like: Is now a good time to sext? What do I even say? To answer these questions, we asked the sexperts. As it turns out, sexting (like sex itself) is an opportunity for you to liberate yourself, explore what you want in bed, and get to know your partner better. How to sextSexting can benefit both you and your budding relationship (or hookup, or however you define it). By sharing your desires and boundaries together, you're forging a deeper connection. Texting feels lower stakes than talking in person, especially if your relationship is new. Thus, it's a great option if you're shy about sex and have difficulty vocalizing what you want, said Casey Tanner, a certified sex therapist and sex expert for toy brand LELO. Make no mistake, though: Sexting is legitimate communication, even if it's through screens. Sending saucy messages back and forth can even be a kind of foreplay. It can build suspense and anticipation for when you see each other in-person next, even if that won't be anytime soon. How to ask for consent while sextingBefore anything else, get consent — both about sexting in general and for individual sessions. Ask yourself if you trust your partner enough to sext, advised Edwina Caito, a head writer at sex/sex toy blog BedBible. Decide if you're comfortable with the activity in the first place. If yes, Tanner offered more questions to self-reflect: Is your style more flirty, raunchy, or suggestive? Are you OK sending nudes, and if so, what body parts do you want to photograph? Have conversations about these boundaries before your first roll around in the digital hay. Set ground rules, said Caito, whether they be time-related — such as, don't send nudes before 6 p.m. when someone may be at work — or about what kind of media and messages you will and won't send. You can even set a boundary for which messaging services you prefer to use to sext. Apps like Snapchat and Signal have features like disappearing chats, and the former sends a notification when the other person screenshots your messages. Alternatively, turn on Instagram's vanish mode for the same features. As sexuality educator Jamie J. LeClaire wrote for sex wellness shop Unbound's blog, set an expectation for language used in sexts, too. If you're uncomfortable with some words — say ones that describe genitalia — tell your partner, and encourage them to share any words they dislike in turn. Furthermore, consent at one time doesn't extend to every time. Always make sure it's OK to send through a naughty text or photo before doing it. A tip from Unbound is having a go-to emoji that serves as a way to ask, "Is now a good time for you to receive some smut?" And never, ever share messages or other media that a partner sent to you (unless they ask you to, that is). 
Sexting is a lower-stakes way to express your desires to your partner.
Credit: Bob Al-Greene / Mashable
How to start sexting conversationsTanner said to keep your messages pithy if you're just starting out. "Keeping messages on the shorter side gives you a little more leeway to ease into something new," she said. "You also give yourself more space to reflect in between texts about what feels good and where your boundaries are." Your first message can be coy while sparking your partner's interest and making them think (about you, or an experience you both had in the past). A couple examples Caito gave to get things rolling, are:
Another option is to ask your partner questions, like:
These texts are suggestive enough to gauge how your partner feels at the moment and get the conversation going. Feel free to be more direct if that's your style, though. You can let your partner know that, say, you've just gotten out of the shower and haven't put anything on yet. There's also the classic, "What are you wearing?" Tips for great sextingNow that you're engaging in textual coitus, where do you go from here? Be as explicit as you want to be. You don't need to even refer to actual body parts if you don't want to, euphemistically or not. "I'm so wet" has the same impact as literally describing the state of your crotch, for instance. Caroline Spiegel, founder of audio porn site Quinn, suggests contextualizing your sexy messages by telling your partner how you feel about them, what you want to do with them, and what you believe are their hottest features. You can ask your partner to share fantasies, but don't feel pressure to reveal everything about your sexuality in one go, said Tanner. Texting your partner that they'll "just have to wait and see" can be just as tantalizing as revealing your desires. To that end, you don't need to talk about activities you don't want to do. Instead, guide the conversation back to what gets you going, said Caito. Compliment your partner, said Spiegel, to show you're really paying attention to them. Some examples she said are:
Another tip of Spiegel's is to use your partner's actual name as opposed to a pet name. "You might be surprised how hot it is to be called by your real name in a spicy context," she said. How to send sexy voice notes and videosTexts are great, but you can also incorporate different mediums to produce a multimedia sexting experience. With iMessage and WhatsApp, for instance, you can send sexy voice notes. "I hear all the time from women how they wish their boyfriends or significant others would send audio notes or videos instead of dick pics," said Spiegel. Hearing your partner's voice can be encouraging ("such a hot photo"). Cursing can also go a long way. You can send photos and videos as well, or even take it to FaceTime if texting just isn't enough. And, of course, GIFs and emoji are easy options if words just can't express what you want to get across. Caito also suggested an app-controlled sex toy your partner can handle if you're long-distance...but it's a toss-up on whether they'll work. As former Mashable reporter Jess Joho found, Bluetooth sex toys may have more connectivity problems than they're worth. As with physical sex, it may take time to get in a sexting groove with a partner, and that's OK. The more you communicate your desires, whether vocal or over text, the easier it'll get. Sexting can be a place to explore fantasies and get creative, said Tanner — all from the comfort of your fingertips. This article was first published in 2021 and republished in 2024. | ↑ |
 TL;DR: ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking free porn sites. This high-speed VPN can reliably bypass content restrictions to unblock sites like Pornhub, XVideos, and Xnxx. There is a time and place for visiting your favorite porn sites. There are a lot of locations around the world that block access to sites like Pornhub and xHamster, and that's probably for the best. However, there is something to be said for retaining your online freedom (when the time is right). We're not suggesting that you bypass online restrictions to access porn sites in inappropriate moments, but sometimes you'll want to watch your favorite sites in a totally appropriate time and place, but you won't be able to do that because a block is in place. In this situation, you should consider using a VPN. If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need. How to unblock Xnxx for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This simple process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really straightforward. Unblock Xnxx by following these simple steps:
The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home. What is the best VPN for porn?There are multiple VPNs that can reliably unblock porn sites, including popular options like Private Internet Access and NordVPN. These are strong choices, but ExpressVPN remains the top pick when it comes to unblocking porn sites like Xnxx. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for porn, for a number of reasons:
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN. | ↑ |
 The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe. With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it. So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered. Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 17, 2024: AcrossChinese greeting that literally means "You good?"
Best in Show, for one
Ball room music?
Modify, as a hem
Was out in front
DownAbsolutely nothin'The answer is nada. "You can count on me"
Quickness
Like a rainbow's path
Stinky tofu has a strong one
| ↑ |
 Today in " things we learned on the internet," did you know you could screenshot an entire webpage on your iPhone? You may think you already know how to screenshot on an iPhone, but you can also do so for a full page, then save it as a PDF and revisit its contents whenever your little heart desires. Taking full-page screenshots on iPhones is super simple and helpful, yet I, a person who's owned an iPhone for over a decade, had no idea it was possible until I watched this TikTok video. If you, like me, are tired of screenshotting webpages on your phone in chunks and struggling to figure out which order they go in, this handy hack is for you. Allow me to walk you through the steps of how to take a full page screenshot on an iPhone, and you'll be taking your own full page screenshots in no time. How to take a full page screenshot on iPhoneIt may or may not surprise you, but taking a full page screenshot on an iPhone is just as simple as taking a regular screenshot. You can take a full page screenshot on any iPhone or iPad, as long as the device is running the latest iOS update — we're up to iOS 17 at this point. Here's how:
Total Time
What You Need
Step 1: On your iPhone, navigate to your desired webpage in the Safari app.
Step 2: Snap away (screenshot) by simultaneously pressing the lock button and volume up button.
Step 3: Then keep an eye out for the preview of your screenshot that appears in the lower lefthand corner of your phone screen.
Step 4: Once you see the preview, tap it and you'll be taken to a screen that gives you image editing abilities (here, you'll have the option to crop the screenshot, mark it up, add your signature, and more).
Step 5: After you've completed your desired edits, you'll notice two options above the image. The default screenshot option is "Screen," but to the right of that you'll see a "Full Page" option.
Step 6: Select "Full Page" to transform your regular screenshot into a full page screenshot, then use the slider on the right side of your screen to navigate the length of your screenshotted webpage.
Here's how to create a full page screenshot.
Credit: mashable composite: apple
How do you save a full page screenshot on iPhone?Learning how to take full page screenshots on iPhones is easy. The only thing that's a bit tricky is the process you'll undergo to save them. Unlike normal screenshots, full page screenshots aren't saved to Photos. After you've edited a full page iPhone screenshot to your satisfaction, tap "Done" in the upper lefthand corner of your screen. This will prompt you to delete the screenshot or save it as a PDF to Files. Should you choose to save the full page screenshot, you'll be given several options, such as saving the screenshot to your a folder in your iCloud Drive or saving it to your iPhone in a folder such as Pages. (You'll also have the option to create a new folder to store your full-page screenshot. You can do that by tapping the folder icon in the upper righthand corner of your screen near the "Save" option.) Once you figure out where you'd like to save your file simply smash that save button and you're all set. 
How to save your full page screenshot.
Credit: mashable composite: apple
Can you take full page screenshots of anything on an iPhone?Sadly, full page iPhone screenshots seem to be limited to the Safari app, which means you can't save full page recaps of iMessage chats, social media feeds, or Slack DMs. If you attempt to full page screenshot anything outside of the Safari app the "Full Page" option won't appear on your editing screen, which is how you'll know the feature can't be utilized. Though the option to take a full page screenshot on an iPhone or iPad technically isn't new, I have to imagine there are more than a few device owners out there using their devices who still have yet to uncover the trick. If you're already familiar with full-page screenshots, you're ahead of the game. Now spread the word. The iPhone screenshotters of this world need to know these tricks. This article originally published in March 2021, was updated in July 2022, then updated again in April 2024. | ↑ |
