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Updated: 4 hours 51 min ago

The best sex toy deals to shop this week

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 11:06

UPDATE: Feb. 5, 2024, 9:05 a.m. EST This story has been updated to include the latest sale prices and availability of sex toys.

Best sex toy deals this week: BEST VIBRATOR DEAL LELO Smart Wand 2 $139.30 at Amazon (save $59.70) Get Deal BEST SUCTION TOY DEAL JimmyJane Apex $133.97 at ORCHID Toys (save $16.02) Get Deal BEST DILDO DEAL Playboy Pleasure Jewels Wand Glass Dildo $49.30 at Lovers (save $8.70) Get Deal BEST PENIS SLEEVE DEAL Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack $69.95 at Fleshlight (save $11.90) Get Deal BEST ANAL TOY DEAL Lovers Ace of Spades Anal Plug $29.40 at Lovers (save $12.60 with code LOVERS30) Get Deal

We're not saying that treating yourself to some new sex toys will improve your life, but we're also not not saying that. Spending money on upping your solo sesh game or adding a little spice with a partner is worth the investment. Though we believe in springing for well-made toys since you'll be putting them in, on, and around your genitals, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to drop a ton of cash.

Every week, we'll be rounding up the best deals directly from manufacturers and online sex shops, so you can find a toy you'll love at prices you'll love (almost) as much. Check out our favorite sex toy deals below:

Best vibrator deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lelo Our pick: LELO Smart Wand 2 $139.30 at Amazon (save $59.70) Get Deal Why we like it

LELO is known for its high-end, luxe pleasure products, and the Smart Wand 2 is one of the brand's best designs yet (in our opinion). This wand is powerful and built to get the job done. Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold against your body while the powerful vibrations can help you get there and fast.

More vibrator deals: Best suction toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: JimmyJane Our pick: JimmyJane Apex $133.97 at ORCHID Toys (save $16.02) Get Deal Why we like it

At first glance, the shape of this toy may throw you, but trust us, it's worth trying out. JimmyJane's Apex vibrator isn't just a vibrator or just a clitoral stimulator — this toy is a pussy pump, tongue-shaped stimulator, G-spot massager, and clitoral vibrator all in one.

It features 10 vibration patterns, three suction patterns, and seven tongue-motion patterns. The only issue (if you could even call it that) is that this toy doesn't play around when it comes to suction. It's very powerful, and if you're not paying attention or press the wrong button, it'll rip your clit off. So, we definitely recommend playing around with it on your hand or arm before getting it close to your sensitive bits. Once you've got it figured out, though, it's on.

We love this toy so much that we included it in our best sex toys for women roundup.

More clitoral stimulator and suction toy deals: SEE ALSO: Own your pleasure: A guide to the best sex toys for women Best dildo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Playboy Pleasure Our pick: Playboy Pleasure Jewels Wand Glass Dildo $49.30 at Lovers (save $8.70) Get Deal Why we like it

There's nothing quite like the feeling of smooth glass against your skin, and the Playboy Pleasure Jewels Wand Glass Dildo delivers just that (and so much more). With a little more than seven insertable inches, this borosilicate glass dildo is everything you need for a hot solo sesh or a steamy night with a partner.

Its rabbit head design and graduated beads along the shaft add extra stimulation, while the non-porous glass makes cleanup easy. Thanks to its flared base, it can be used for vaginal or anal play, and the smooth glass texture provides a unique sensory experience (especially if you dip it in ice or warm water beforehand).

More dildo deals:Best penis sleeve deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fleshlight Our pick: Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack $69.95 at Fleshlight (save $11.90) Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to sex toys specifically for people with penises, Fleshlight might be the most recognizable name out there, and for a good reason — they're masters at the masturbation sleeve. Fleshlight's sleeves have made our favorites list before, and this bundle comes with a compact version of one of the brand's most popular sleeves, the Stamina Training Unit, as well as lube and cleaner.

More penis sex toy deals: SEE ALSO: The 10 best male sex toys will blow your mind, body, and soul Best anal toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lovers Our pick: Lovers Ace of Spades anal plug $29.40 at Lovers (save $12.60 with code LOVERS30) Get Deal Why we like it

Lovers Ace of Spades anal plug is ideal for beginners and anal pros. Thanks to its smooth, silicone exterior and approachable 4.14-inch size, anyone can enjoy anal play with this toy. It features seven vibration modes and speeds, a flared base for safe and easy insertion, and a simple one-button control. It can also stimulate other erogenous zones, like the nipple or clitoris.

More anal toy deals:

Best Buy Plus and Total members can score a $120 discount on the Dyson Airwrap

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:46

SAVE $120: Best Buy Total and Plus members can get the Dyson Airwrap for just $479.99. That's a 20% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap $479.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total membership (save $120) Get Deal

If you've been dying to get your hands on the Dyson Airwrap but couldn't justify the cost, we found a loophole that can save you more than just time getting ready in the morning.

Right now, Best Buy Plus and Total members can get the Dyson Airwrap for $479.99. That's $120 off the original price or a 20% discount. This exclusive discount is just one of the many perks Best Buy Plus and Total members can take advantage of.

SEE ALSO: The Dyson Airwrap is an impressive multi-styler that's by no means essential

The Dyson Airwrap is one of the most coveted pieces of hair care equipment next to the Supersonic hair dryer. The Airwrap is built to curl, shape, and smooth hair without extreme heat damage. It includes 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch barrel attachments for different curl sizes, a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, a volumizing brush, a filter cleaning brush, and a Prussian blue storage case.

With the Airwrap, you can go from straight-out-the-shower to dry and styled in minutes.

How to sign up for a Best Buy Plus or Total membership and claim your discount:

Signing up for a Best Buy membership is simple. You can do it through the Best Buy website or in-store. Go to the membership page and choose which option works best for you.

Best Buy Plus is $49.99 per year and offers free shipping on all orders, an extended return window, and exclusive member-only deals and discounts. Best Buy Total is $179.99 per year and includes all the Plus membership benefits, 24/7 tech support, and device protection.

If you're already a Best Buy Plus or Total member, just be sure you're signed in before checking out; the discount will auto-apply as soon as you add it to your cart.

Tinder releases yet another feature to stop inappropriate messages

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:45

Tinder is beefing up its user warnings in order to encourage "good in-app behaviour," the app said in a press release.

This is far from the first time the dating app has tried to discourage disrespectful and/or creepy messages on its platform. The 'Does This Bother You?' feature, introduced in 2020, flags potentially-inappropriate messages and asks the user on the receiving end if they wish to report it. The following year, Tinder launched 'Are You Sure?', a similar feature for those sending such messages. Using machine learning, the feature detects harmful language and asks users if they're sure they want to send those messages.

SEE ALSO: Bumble launches AI tool to weed out scams and fake profiles

Tinder also updated its Community Guidelines last year, attempting to increase "authenticity, respect, and inclusivity" on the app. As part of the changes, Tinder removed social media handles from bios to foster personal connections as opposed to networking. Tinder also asked users not to catfish and not to send false reports, either.

As part of this latest update, Tinder makes all users aware of the updated Community Guidelines when creating a profile. The new warnings are classified under categories of authenticity, respectfulness, or inclusivity, the three values the app wants to encourage. The app will continue to use the machine-learning tech of 'Does This Bother You?' and 'Are You Sure?' to detect Community Guidelines violations, and will use human verification to do so as well, the press release stated.

Tinder's new warning when a user violates Community Guidlines. Credit: Screenshot: Tinder

Warnings will be displayed in-app messages from "Team Tinder," and explain what breach has occurred. They can't be deleted. The warning reads:

Hello — we noticed behaviour that goes against our Community Guidelines.

If repeated, it may result in your account being banned.

It's important that everyone feels welcome on Tinder, which starts with respectfulness. Any type of bullying, harassment or activity that causes harm to another person is never OK and won't be tolerated on Tinder.

You can read our full Community Guidelines at any time to learn more.

If you believe you're receiving this by mistake and would like more information or to appeal this decision, please visit the Appeals Centre.

Users risk being kicked off the app if they repeat violations.

"Our Community Guidelines form the basis of a respectful ecosystem," said Tinder's VP of trust and safety operations, Nicole Blumenfeld, in the press release. "These warnings are designed to provide transparency and to alert users when they are not engaging in acceptable and respectful behaviour. By providing greater transparency to users about their behaviour, not only are we enabling them to immediately 'course correct' but also foster a better experience for the wider Tinder community."

Considering how many times the app has tried to curb harmful behavior over the years, it remains to be seen how well these new warnings will work.

Take $20 off a four-pack of Apple AirTags and never lose your devices again

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:32

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 5, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $79 at Amazon. That's 20% off the standard list price of $99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (four-pack) $79 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

Are you the type of person who would lose your head if it wasn't attached to your body? Then Apple AirTags might make your life much easier. These little GPS-tracking devices attach to any item of yours that you want to keep track of. Simply sync the AirTag with your iPhone or iPad and start using the Find My app to see your item's location in real-time. Today's deal marks a great time to get started.

As of today, Feb. 5, you can get four Apple AirTags for just $79 at Amazon. That's 20$ (or 20%) off the regular list price of $99. Last week, this same bundle was on sale for 14% off, making today's sale an even better price.

Apple AirTags are water and dust-resistant, helping them continue to do their job no matter where your items end up. Plus, they're powered by replaceable batteries that last for over a year to give you peace of mind.

If you're keen on tracking your belongings but not so much on Big Brother tracking you, don't worry: all activity is encrypted, and no data gets stored on your AirTags.

Score this deal while it's still here and bring a new sense of order to your life with Apple AirTags.

Everything we know about Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department'

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 08:32

Taylor Swift not only made history at the Grammys and took Album of the Year, she announced a brand-new one.

Accepting one of her four awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Swift took the opportunity to reveal the name and release date for her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department — the longest title yet for the artist, whose albums are historically one word only (Lover, Red, 1989 etc., maximum two for Speak Now.)

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift's 'Red (Taylor's Version)' lyric videos, ranked

"I want to say thank you to the members of the Recording Academy for voting this way, but I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans," Swift said onstage accepting Best Pop Vocal Album for Midnights.

"So I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I have been keeping from you for the last two years," Swift said before announcing the title and release date. "I’m going to go and post the cover right now backstage. Thank you, I love you!"

When is the album out? What can we expect? Who are these tortured poets and what happens in their department? Here's everything we know about Swift's next album, which we'll be adding to and updating as the Swifties hit the yarn wall and do their characteristically epic code-cracking on this one.

What's the name of Taylor Swift's next album?

Announced during her speech at the Grammys, Swift's next album is titled The Tortured Poets Department. This lengthy title is giving campus emo and I'm into it. And with a title like that, if there are no boygenius cameos I'll eat my scarf.

What do we know about Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department?

In a post on Instagram published (as promised) instantly after her Grammys win, Swift revealed The Tortured Poets Department album art, showing a black and white photo of the artist reclining on a bed, with the caption, "All’s fair in love and poetry..."

The cover was photographed by Swift's constant collaborator Beth Garrabrant, who shot Swift's folklore cover.

View this post on Instagram

The second image in the post is a photograph of a handwritten note that reads:

And so I enter into evidence

My tarnished coat of arms

My muses, acquired like bruises

My talismans and charms

The tick, tick, tick of love bombs

My veins of pitch black ink

All’s fair in love and poetry…

These emotionally charged words, which are probably lyrics, are signed off: "Sincerely, The Chairman of the Tortured Poets Department." Who is this Chairman?

Oooo "ghosted white" vinyl. Credit: Taylor Swift

The Tortured Poets Department vinyl is up for preorder for $34.99 on Swift's official website, and it looks like it will feature 16 tracks as well as a bonus track called "The Manuscript". It's a "ghosted white" vinyl with a "24-page book-bound jacket with three handwritten lyrics unique to this vinyl and never-before-seen photos". There's also a cassette, deluxe CD, and digital album on there too.

When is Taylor Swift's next album coming out?

The Tortured Poets Department will be released April 19. Swift's worldwide Eras Tour continues this year, but the album will notably launch between two dates — Singapore on March 9, and Paris on May 9.

You'd better believe Swift might preview some of The Tortured Poets Department onstage before its release and after, so global tour ticket-holders, be ready to speed-learn some new lyrics.

But what about Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

ICYMI (how?), Swift has been on an ambitious quest to release re-recorded versions of her catalogue to take back ownership of her work and flip the damn bird to former manager Scooter Braun. The last chapter, 1989 (Taylor's Version) was released in October 2023, following re-releases of Fearless, Red, and Speak Now. Now, the only albums left for Swift to re-record are her self-titled debut and her her sixth studio album, 2017's Reputation.

Fans expected Swift to announce Reputation (Taylor's Version) at the Grammys on Sunday, but instead were gifted the announcement for The Tortured Poets Department.

Expect more cryptic drops from Swift on this one, as is custom.

Bumble launches AI tool to weed out scams and fake profiles

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 07:12

No matter what you're looking for on a dating app, most of us can agree on one thing: we want to talk to real human beings. No spammers, no scammers, and certainly no fake profiles.

Bumble is launching a new AI-powered tool called Deception Detector, to weed out spam, scam, and fake profiles, with the aim of taking action before users see the profiles. During the testing of the new tool, Bumble found that Deception Detector blocked 95 percent of spam and scam profiles automatically. Reports of spam, scam, and fake accounts reduced by 45 percent, during the testing phase.

Daters are particularly worried about the risk of dating scams and fake profiles, according to Bumble research. 46 percent of women surveyed by Bumble said they felt anxious about the authenticity of their online matches on dating apps. Other dating apps have also had to step up their efforts in the fight against romance scammers, with the Match Group introducing in-app messages to warn users of common scam behaviours.

SEE ALSO: What are romance scams and how can you avoid them?

Deception Detector uses a machine learning-based model to evaluate the veracity of profiles on the app. The automated AI tool works alongside human support.

The issue of scams in the realm of dating apps has worsened in recent years. In 2021, people reportedly lost $547 million from romance scams, an 80 percent increase from 2020.

"In recent years, the online landscape has evolved significantly and we see a growing concern about authenticity," Lidiane Jones, CEO at Bumble Inc., said in a press release.

Jones added: "With a dedicated focus on women's experience online, we recognize that in the AI era, trust is more paramount than ever. We are being thoughtful about how to best use new models to reduce the anxiety of making connections and support our community, with AI standing as a main area of focus."

This isn't Bumble's first time launching a tool powered by AI. In 2019, the app launched its AI tool Private Detector, which alerts users when they've been sent an obscene photo and automatically blurs the image. Bumble has since made a version of the tool available to the wider tech community as open-source code.

Freely, a new free streaming service, is coming to the UK

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 07:03

Freely, a new free streaming service, is coming to the UK, backed by major broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.

The news was unveiled on Sunday by Everyone TV, a joint venture of the channels. According to the website, Freely will allow viewers to "switch seamlessly" between live and on demand TV from the broadcasters, which probably means viewers are still up for the UK's required £159 annual TV licence fee — not entirely "free" then.

Launching in the second quarter of 2024, Freely will be accessible in any home with a WiFi connection. Whether the service will have a dedicated standalone app hasn't been announced. Freely is also working with BBC Studios' production company UKTV to expand access to its portfolio of free channels, like Dave, Drama, and Yesterday.

SEE ALSO: Hulu and ESPN+ will crack down on password sharing, following Disney+

How Freely's programming will compare to the subscription-based streaming service BritBox, founded by BBC and ITV, remains to be seen. It's also unclear how different the platform will be to the broadcasters' individual streaming platforms BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, and My5, and whether Freely will be an easy amalgamation of these platform's full catalogues or a limited offering.

Everyone TV shared features of Freely's UI, including a pop-up mini guide when users switch channels, a Freely browse button coming to remotes, and a seven-day TV guide to discover content.

"It’s clear the way people are watching TV is changing, with more audiences switching over to a broadband only connection. We’ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences," Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, joint chief product officers at Everyone TV, said in a statement, "bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch, with all their favourite shows from the UK’s leading broadcasters all in one place for free."

John Oliver take a hilarious deep dive into the dark, twisted history of Chuck E. Cheese

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:34

As John Oliver makes clear in the Last Week Tonight web exclusive above, "Chuck E. Cheese was a brand founded on darkness."

This episode was originally viewable on a custom site last year, but has now made the jump to YouTube — a welcome addition to the John Oliver mascot cannon.

In the video, the host spends 25 minutes breaking down exactly what that means, from the history of the restaurant's original cigar-smoking rat mascot that would casually insult its peers to the way the franchise has tried to change and adapt in subsequent decades.

Oliver's conclusion? The restaurant needs some of its original darkness back.

"Chuck E. Cheese, you have lost your way," he says. "And we want to help you help yourself." Cue a brutal cameo from a giant Steamboat Willie mascot who delights in telling children that they're not special.

Everything you need to know before watching Genius: MLK/X

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:30

Mashable reporter Ty Cole sits down with the cast of Genius: MLK/X to discuss what audiences can expect from the 8 hour TV series.

Apple Vision Pro teardown: What's inside the $3,500 headset

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:06

Apple's Vision Pro is an expensive piece of kit. It starts $3,499, and that's without the extras and accessories which can drive the price north of four thousand dollars.

But it's also a technological marvel, with a ton of never-before-seen tech crammed into a device that fits onto your face. So what, exactly, is inside the Apple Vision Pro? Thanks to the repair specialists at iFixit, now we know.

SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: How much does $3,500 really get you?

The first takeaway from the teardown is that you should absolutely not try this at home. The Vision Pro isn't made to be easily disassembled, and trying to do so will likely result in a broken device.

That's a lot of...stuff. Credit: Apple

The second surprising thing (well, perhaps not surprising if you're caught up on the specs of the Vision Pro, but definitely astonishing) is just how much there is to cover here. From the myriad cameras and sensors built into the device, the internal stereo OLED displays, the weird external EyeSight display, the speakers, the never-before seen connectors, the light seals and face cushions, the lens inserts and headbands, to the new R1 chip inside, this is one complicated gadget.

To see what we mean, just watch the video below and count how many screws are unscrewed during the teardown. It's a lot.

The teardown focuses quite a bit on the EyeSight, which it calls a "dim" and "low-resolution" display that "adds a lot of bulk, weight, complexity, and expense to the most weight-sensitive part of the headset." Given the early reviewers' impressions of the EyeSight, it appears that Apple might have done better to just nix the idea of displaying a simulated version of your eyes to bystanders. But then again, maybe an improved, future version of the device fixes these shortcomings.

As for the external battery pack, it's essentially three iPhone-sized batteries crammed into a housing. The one surprise here is that the batteries themselves weigh only 184 grams, which makes us wonder: why the heck does the battery pack needs to weigh 353 grams? It's not clear from the teardown.

SEE ALSO: 5 reasons Apple Vision Pro will be the hottest new travel accessory

It appears that this initial teardown is just scratching the surface, and iFixit says it will follow up with more teardown videos soon. For now, however, the verdict is similar to everything we've seen and heard about the Vision Pro so far: It's impressive but complicated, imperfect but definitely very, very interesting.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for February 5

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:05

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for February 5 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for February 5

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Feb. 5, 2024:

AcrossGive a round of applause

  • The answer is clap.

Smoked salmon

  • The answer is nova.

What "roisterous" and "boisterous" both mean

  • The answer is noisy.

Princess of Wales since 2022

  • The answer is Kate.

Break like a twig

  • The answer is snap.

DownAnderson Cooper's employer

  • The answer is CNN.

Fashion creations

  • The answer is looks.

Bird-related

  • The answer is avian.

"Never-ending" dish at Olive Garden

  • The answer is pasta.

"You got it"

  • The answer is yep.

RayNeo Air 2 XR glasses capitalize on the hype without delivering on promises

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

Over the last few years, the market for extended reality (XR) devices has expanded significantly. While earlier forays like Google Glass failed to take off, recent additions like the XREAL (formerly Nreal) Air 2 — and the just-released Apple Vision Pro — have shown far more promise, leaving many consumers excited about the future of extended reality. 

And for me? I’ve spent years diving headfirst into XR devices, constantly looking for the next big thing. From virtual reality (VR) headsets to augmented reality (AR) glasses and everything in between, I’ve been impressed — and disappointed — by many different options on the market…which is why I jumped at the chance to try the TCL RayNeo Air 2 glasses for myself.

The RayNeo Air 2 glasses look cool, but the design isn't super practical. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

Marketed as an “upgraded and enhanced” version of the TCL NXTWEAR S+ smart glasses, the RayNeo Air 2 glasses tout some pretty impressive specs, including:

  • 1080p Sony Micro OLED displays

  • A massive 201-inch virtual screen size

  • 600 nits brightness

  • Super-fast 120Hz refresh rate

However, while the RayNeo Air 2 glasses sound like an impressive contender in the burgeoning XR/AR glasses space, they also come with quite a few problems.

First impressions of the RayNeo Air 2 glasses

Straight out of the box, I wasn’t sure what to think about the RayNeo Air 2 glasses. Like many other AR glasses, the RayNeo Air 2s have a shape reminiscent of classic Wayfarer sunglasses, but they’ve added a futuristic edge. While the look is cool in photos, the execution didn’t quite meet my expectations.

The front of the glasses is a single black piece of plastic that’s very shiny and reflective. It looks to be attached separately to the rest of the glasses — almost like the lens has been glued to the front versus set inside frames — which isn’t my favorite. Some people might like the look of these glasses, but it feels more like a novelty product than a sleek and stylish choice. Plus, given that there’s no “frame” on the front side of the glasses, every smudge and fingerprint is easily visible on the lens. 

These frameless lenses are asking to be smudged. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

All in all, the rest of the build feels underwhelming. The glasses are lightweight and pretty comfortable, but the overall aesthetic of these glasses is lacking compared to other brands I’ve tried. They have most of the standard features: adjustable nose pads, flexible temples, and the option to order magnetic prescription inserts. However, they’re also pretty plasticky. The earpieces are rigid and stiff, the nose pads are hard to move, and the earpiece's physical buttons — one for volume and one for brightness — speak to a design focused more on features than functionality.  

Even the carrying case was a letdown. Unlike other AR glasses I’ve tried, the RayNeo Air 2s come with a cloth bag instead of a hard case, making the entire experience feel a little lackluster for the price.

What I liked about the RayNeo Air 2 glasses

The RayNeo Air 2 glasses work decently well as a plug-and-play portable external display. They offer a decent field of view, and the Sony Micro OLED displays allow you to reach an impressive screen size of up to 201 inches, with a super-fast 120Hz refresh rate and great brightness level. 

The glasses use an included USB-C cable to connect to your device, and they’re compatible with iPhone 15 and Android devices with DisplayPort out functionality. There is a separate adapter that you can purchase to use with other devices — one that works for Nintendo Switch and another for older iPhones and non-DP Android devices — but both are sold separately. 

Because these glasses don’t have a built-in battery, getting started with them is pretty easy. You simply plug them into a compatible device — I used my Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra — and Samsung DeX takes care of the rest. It was easy to scroll through my phone, watch movies, and enjoy the convenience (and privacy) of a personal external display without any unnecessary bells and whistles. That being said, the lack of a battery also means that the RayNeo Air 2 glasses are pulling power from whatever device you’re using, so you won’t be able to charge your device while it’s plugged into the glasses (unless you have a wireless charger of some sort). 

What I didn’t like about the RayNeo Air 2 glasses

As impressive as some of the specs are, the RayNeo Air 2 glasses were riddled with issues. The screen itself was large and super bright, but the outside edges of the screen were warped and blurry on the left and right sides — making it difficult to use the glasses in full-screen mode on DeX. The glasses also sat pretty far from my face, and the nose pads were hard to adjust, meaning a fair amount of light came through around the edges. This made the viewing experience less immersive, even though the glasses did have an impressive screen size. 

The glasses' design allows too much light to leak in. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

The RayNeo Air 2s were darker than most AR glasses I’ve tried. While this is good for visibility and contrast, especially if you’re using the glasses in a brighter environment, it makes using them as AR glasses almost impossible. There’s no real head tracking or AR functionality that I could find, so when you enter full-screen mode, the screen is stationary. Instead of being able to “lock” the screen into position in virtual space, moving your head while wearing the glasses means the screen moves with you. And, because of how dark the lenses are, you can barely see through the screen to the real world. Other manufacturers of AR glasses have worked around this by making the lenses more transparent while including a separate clip-on cover for a darker viewing environment.

Unfortunately, the built-in speakers weren’t great either. The sound was clipping, especially at higher volumes, and the speaker quality was nowhere near as good as other AR glasses I’ve tried. I found it pretty easy to connect them to other devices like my iPad  — I just plugged my iPad into the TLC portable adapter ($90) using the included lightning to USB-C cable and then plugged the glasses into the adapter. However, using the adapter and the mirroring app with non-DP Android devices was frustrating. The app was incredibly glitchy on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, and it frequently froze and needed to restart. Plus, the adapter itself felt very clunky and cheaply made, especially since it was bigger and more expensive than other adapters I’ve used (like the $49 XREAL Adapter). 

Are the RayNeo Air 2 glasses worth it?

Not really. While seeing more options in the burgeoning XR market is exciting, the RayNeo Air 2 glasses didn’t cut it for me. They worked decently well as a portable external display, but — for the price — plenty of other options are available that have similar specs, better features, fewer problems, and more potential. 

That being said, the RayNeo Air 2 glasses have some fantastic specs. The 120Hz refresh rate would’ve been great for gaming, the screen size is incredible, and the 600 nits screen brightness is excellent. However, almost every “plus” about these glasses immediately loses to downsides. The compatibility is limited, the screen is blurry and warped, and the darker lenses are a hassle. 

Overall, the RayNeo Air 2 glasses still feel like a work in progress. They’ve got a few things that are a step in the right direction, but the rest feels like they’ve sacrificed what makes a device actually wearable so they can market specific specs. On paper, this makes the RayNeo Air 2 glasses promising. In reality, they’re barely passable. 

At $379, the RayNeo Air 2 glasses have a similar price point to other AR glasses on the market, but the drop in quality is noticeable. They have many of the same issues I had with the original XREAL Air glasses — for example, they’re more like a flat monitor glued to your glasses versus an actual augmented reality experience — but they pale in comparison to newer options on the market. If you’re on the fence, I’d wait to see what TCL releases next or stick with the upgraded XREAL Air 2 glasses. They’re only $20 more than the RayNeo Air 2, but — at least for me — the quality difference is well worth the splurge.

Want to buy that viral TikTok Shop product? Think twice.

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

If it feels like your TikTok FYP has turned into a glorified products billboard, you're not alone. 

With the launch of TikTok's company wide social commerce venture, known as TikTok Shop, the app has dug even deeper into its possible future as a one-stop-shop for content and products — and its beginning to affect users. 

SEE ALSO: China's live streaming factories are bleak. Now TikTok wants to open one in the U.S.

The shift has long been in the works. In 2022, TikTok teased a QVC-style live shopping experience, which would allow TikTok live viewers to buy products directly from streams. The idea built on an already growing community of multi-level marketers and dropshippers (businesses that don't make, store, or ship the products they're selling) using TikTok FYPs as advertising space and TikTok lives as the new social media selling haven. 

In July 2023, TikTok reportedly planned to integrate an in-app shopping experience for made-in-China products manufactured, stored, and shipped directly from TikTok itself, rather than small businesses. 

Meanwhile, TikTok Shop sellers also opened up a Pandora's box of legal issues despite TikTok's lengthy shopping policies, including repeated copyright infringements, illegal or potentially harmful product sales, and outright scams. And many are accused of pressuring popular creators to feature their shops in video content.

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The drama isn't necessarily hindering TikTok Shop's growth. In fact, it may be helping the social commerce experiment dig its claws in even deeper, building on the idea that sales can go just as viral as trends, memes, or songs. According to some reports, users spent $363 million on TikTok Shop in the U.S. in 2023.

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Some users have begun to push back on the overabundance of videos marked with TikTok Shop buying links, affiliate tags, and "eligible for commission" labels, used to mark when a TikTok creator is discussing or recommending a product that can be purchased directly from the app. 

Still, no amount of so-called de-influencing or anti-haul trends can fully eradicate the problem of consumers being duped by TikTok scammers. 

If we can't win the social commerce war, we can at least try to win the shopping scam battles. Keep these tips in mind before taking advantage of those frankly bonkers TikTok Shop steals.

Research the seller

Even before the official launch of TikTok Shop, consumer protection groups were calling for caution. A 2022 blog post from the Better Business Bureau notes a rise in scams, including cryptocurrency and discount code cons, appearing across the app. 

Digital verification companies have also encouraged users to be more vigilant while scrolling. An industry-curated list of advice from QRFY.com (a QR code business provider), notes that many products featured on TikTok are actually sold through independent third-party sellers such as Depop and eBay, which warrant their own vetting. 

What to do:

  • Check if the seller has a verified checkmark.

  • Visit the seller or brand's website to verify what you see on TikTok Shop and make sure they have an off-TikTok presence. (Learn how to spot a fake website, too.)

  • Don't buy from a seller that doesn't clearly display contact information for their business. 

  • Search for previous complaints of wrongdoing. A simple search of the company name and the words “complaint” or “scam” may reveal more information.

Research the product

Buyers can avoid falling into a seller trap by staying vigilant to the products themselves, long before they have to call in the customer service guns. 

A rule for all shopping: Deals that are too good to be true, are probably too good to be true. 

What to do:

  • Pay close attention to product descriptions, just as you would phishing emails or other text-based scams.

  • Note descriptive words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out,” which might indicate used or faulty products.

  • Only buy name brand products directly from the manufacturer or brand.

  • Read customer reviews and be critical of promoted content — including affiliated videos from your favorite creators. 

If you're set on ordering, the Better Business Bureau still recommends making all purchases on a credit card, rather than a debit card, as it makes it easier to contest fraudulent charges and get your money back. 

Research your rights (and act quick)

An online purchase is, in many ways, an agreement between you and the seller. And that agreement comes with stipulations that the buyer should be careful to read over. On TikTok, that includes both the shop or seller's policies and TikTok's own protections.

What to do:

  • Read TikTok's TikTok Shop policies. 

  • Understand the seller's own cancellation and refund policies. 

  • Act quickly if you believe you've been scammed or if the product you bought is defective. 

TikTok has its own timeline for buyers issuing after-sale disputes, which can be found on the TikTok Shop Academy. TikTok's recently updated Order Cancellation, Return and Refund Guidelines state that customers have six days after the package is labeled "delivered" to issue a return or refund.

If an order is marked "shipped" but hasn't arrived by 48 hours after the estimated delivery date, buyers can request a refund directly from TikTok. 

Sellers must handle all order cancellation and refund requests within 48 hours. 

If a shop is repeatedly scamming TikTok buyers, consider issuing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau directly or through its scam tracker. 

Want more Social Good and (vetted) shopping stories in your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Get an easy-to-control 4K HD drone for $90

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: As of February 5, get this Epic Flight S89 4K HD drone for just $89.99 — a 64% discount.

Are you just about bored with winter yet? This stretch of the season can make anyone feel blah. Sometimes, the best thing to do is shake up your routine. If you're a thrill-seeker, photographer, or adventurer — or if you just want a chance to explore the world from a different view, a drone may be just the thing.  

Join the drone revolution and take flight with the unmatched capabilities of the Epic Flight™ S89, on sale for just $89.99 (reg. $249). If you're a newbie, there are a lot of features that help make your flights easy to manage, such as the one-click landing mode. This allows the drone to find its way back to you on its own and land.

It has a 15-minute fly time, which is on the high end and lends itself to capturing beautiful aerial stills and videos via the 4K HD camera. It also has gesture photo control for easier control of things from below. And smart hover means it's extra stable even if it's windy.

This offer includes the Epic Flight drone, controller, screwdriver, charging cable, batteries, four blade protectors, four extra blades, and a storage bag.

With the ability to do 360-degree stunt rolls and maneuver your new drone with ease (thanks to the features), you'll be outside enjoying yourself so much that it will be spring before you know it.

Take advantage of this opportunity to pick up a feature-packed 4K HD drone at a 64% savings.

You can pick up the Epic Flight S89 4K HD drone for just $89.99 (reg. $249) and shake up the ho-hum of winter.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brainy Brands Epic Flight S89 4K HD drone $89.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Add compelling voiceovers to your content with this $50 app

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: As of February 5, get Leelo AI text-to-speech lifetime subscription for just $49.99, or get the Leelo Pro Plan for life for $79.99 — an 88% discount on both.

Dance challenges may make up for the majority of viral TikToks and Instagram Reels, but so do videos that tell a compelling story — literally. While slapping on some text on footage may work, it's the voiceover that can truly set it apart from the influx of content online. If you were not born with a golden voice like Stephen Fry, let Leelo AI do the narrating for you instead.

Whether you're creating a presentation, a promotional video, an audiobook, or a TikTok, Leelo AI transforms written text into engaging speech to bolster your content. It uses authentic accents so your output will never suffer from the monotony of a robotic drone. For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime subscription starting at $49.99.

Leelo is capable of generating speech in over 140 languages, including English, Arabic, Mandarin, and Korean. Dive into an expansive library of more than 800 voices, including male, female, and child voices, which you can also infuse with emotion, ranging from hopeful and excited to friendly and emphatic. If you need a more professional tone, customer service, narration, and newscast voices are also available.

Any generated audio file can be organized, managed, and stored in the platform thanks to the built-in cloud storage. You also have the option to embed the Leelo widget into your website to help your visitors enjoy a seamless and immersive article-to-audio experience.

With a personal plan, you can translate up to 35,000 words per month, totaling around 4 hours of audio, while a pro plan lets you generate up to 80,000 words or approximately 9 hours of audio. With either option, you also get unlimited downloads, access to premium voices, and free commercial use of your generated speech files.

Elevate your video content. Grab these deals on Leelo for a limited time:

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Leelo Lifetime subscription to a Leelo AI Personal Plan $49.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Leelo Lifetime subscription to a Leelo AI Pro Plan $79.99 at theMashable Shop Get Deal

Get a 3-year subscription to this freelancer AI tax software for $50

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: As of February 5, get a three-year subscription to FlyFin's tax software for only $50 — usually $252.

We are officially in the thick of winter. The holiday buzz has died down, and we are starting to get excited about the upcoming spring as the days incrementally get longer. But before we can rejoice, there's tax season to deal with. This traditionally stressful part of life can get a little easier with the help of ever-present AI. 

A three-year subscription to the FlyFin software will only cost you $49.99 (reg. $252) for a limited time. This is easy-to-use tax software made especially for those who are self-employed, freelancers, or running a small business, which is a breath of fresh air to have a tax tool designed just for those professionals. If you've recently started a business of your own or are new to the freelancer game, this could really be of value.

And this AI makes it its mission to find you every possible deduction so you get the most out of your income. Users get easy deduction tracking via AI and a quarterly tax calculator.

You can file state and federal taxes right through the app. Exporting deduction and expense information is also super easy. And you'll have access to certified CPAs around the clock with any questions that might come up, which is a huge benefit.

This offer is available on mobile and desktop and is only available to new FlyFin users. Updates to the software are also included.

Head into tax season with confidence when you have a three-year Exclusive Plan subscription to the FlyFin AI Tax App for just $49.99 (reg. $252) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FlyFin FlyFin AI Tax App: 3-Yr Exclusive Subscription $49.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Modernize your car with this wireless touchscreen display for only $125.99

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: As of February 5, get this 10-inch Touchscreen Wireless Bluetooth Car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for only $125.99 — a 37% discount (reg. $199).

There's something to be said about an older car that you know well and feel comfortable and safe driving. But if your vehicle doesn’t have all the latest bells and whistles, we have a simple solution. This 10-inch Touchscreen Wireless Bluetooth Car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support will give you the tech update you’ve been longing for without having to trade in your car. 

Transform your dash area into a more modern and functional space. It supports WiFi connection and apps, so you can customize your dashboard any way you like. Make calls, read messages, and listen to your favorite playlists. You can even use this display to get a better view while navigating via real-time GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze. 

Safety while driving is the ultimate priority, and this user-friendly touchscreen display has Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls to listen to through the built-in speakers. The included mounting bracket will hold it securely in place while you cruise in style. 

It can also be connected to a rear camera to assist with backing up. However, a rear camera is not included with the purchase. What is included is the display, mounting bracket, GPS antenna, power cord, AUX cable, and accessories.

This touchscreen car display is a simple way to give your car an upgrade without breaking the bank or having to get a new vehicle. And it integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as an added modern touch.

Get the 10-inch Touchscreen Wireless Bluetooth Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support on sale for just $125.99 (originally $199) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 10-inch Touchscreen Wireless Bluetooth Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support $125.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

'Monolith' review: An eerie sci-fi that's a lesson in micro-budget film-making

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 05:00

It almost sounds like a challenge: Can you make a feature length movie with only one on-screen actor, one location, and a budget of less than half a million?

Written by Lucy Campbell and shot by Matt Vesely, eerie sci-fi mystery Monolith exists within these potentially tricky parameters. Almost the entire movie takes place in a modern, isolated house in the rolling Adelaide Hills, South Australia, following a disgraced journalist (Lily Sullivan) as she yarn-balls a weird global enigma for her new podcast series. The film could easily have been a dismally failed experiment, but Monolith's logistical restrictions actually help it shine, adding a claustrophobia and sense of realism that only heightens the core mystery.

SEE ALSO: 15 best sci-fi movies on Hulu that you can watch right now What's Monolith about?

After being publicly accused of failing to check her sources for a major story, a discredited reporter retreats to her wealthy parents' country home outside of Adelaide to work on a new podcast: Beyond Belief, a deep dive into unexplained mysteries. With the pressure to find a story building, one suddenly lands in her inbox: a phone number and an ambiguous "the truth will out" message.

Soon the journalist is on the trail of a strange phenomenon that appears to be happening across the globe: bizarre black bricks that turn up in people's lives, usually at a time of distress, and which contain bizarre symbols inside them that aren't from any recognisable language.

The story itself is creepy enough, but when strange occurrences start happening in the protagonist's life, it becomes clear that there's more at play.

The perfect glass window for some conspiracy yarn-balling. Credit: Well Go USA Monolith is a lesson in micro-budget film-making.

If it was easy to make a film for less than AUD$500,000 (£258,000 / USD$330,000), everyone would be doing it, wouldn't they? The thing is, Monolith makes it look easy. Campbell's script utilises podcast interviews and tense phone calls to add a sense of creepy realism, while Vesely adds in slow-moving cutaways to bring the interviewees' stories to life without the need for special effects.

Partway through I did wonder if the movie could have been a podcast — and it probably would have worked — but then we'd lose out on the unsettling visuals, Sullivan's brilliant lead performance, and the perfect filming location (seriously, whoever found this glass-filled modern house, surrounded by misty grey vistas, deserves an award of their own). Sullivan is on screen for almost all of Monolith's 94-minute runtime, pacing anxiously between rooms like a prisoner, obsessively editing audio files and gazing out at the hilly, gum tree-lined surroundings with the increasing fear of a woman who feels observed. Sullivan plays this role perfectly, with the layers of her character peeling back as the story progresses and her own life intersects with the mystery she's exploring.

Lily Sullivan is forced to confront her own past in "Monolith". Credit: Well Go USA Is Monolith's ending satisfactory?

The tricky thing about films that ask big questions is that you inevitably end up wanting a big answer. You want to know if the conspiracy is real, or if something otherworldly exists, even if that’s not the main point of the film. Monolith falls into this category, and its ending will subsequently divide people. Without going too far into spoiler territory there's an underlying ambiguity to the movie that doesn't disappear by the end credits. But arguably the story is as much about mental illness, our pasts, and the devastating effect both these things can have on us in the present, as it is about the possibility of an extraterrestrial conspiracy. The film's ambiguous tone allows these themes to be explored simultaneously, and work in a dark harmony together.

Ultimately, Monolith is a film of unease. It builds and builds and, like the protagonist's questions about the mysterious objects and her own past, it doesn't go away.

How to watch: Monolith is in theaters from Feb 16.

NASA craft snaps extraordinarily close images of volcano-covered world

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 03:17

Behold the volcano-blanketed moon, Io.

After swooping by Jupiter's tortured moon on Feb. 3, NASA's Juno spacecraft beamed back some of the closest-ever images of this unique world. The agency's deep space probe came within just 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) of Io, following a similar pass just over a month ago. Planetary scientists hope these much-anticipated flybys will answer fundamental questions about the mysterious, lava-spewing moon.

"The twin flybys are designed to provide new insight into how Io’s volcanic engine works and whether a global magma ocean exists under Io’s rocky, mountainous surface terrain," mission operators wrote after the first images came back.

SEE ALSO: Before its demise, NASA's Mars helicopter captured a glorious aerial view

Io contains hundreds of volcanoes, many of which are active and hot enough for Juno to detect their heat on the moon's surface. Some of the prominent mound-like volcanoes are easily visible in the images below, as are darker areas where lava may have somewhat recently flowed.

These impressive views are processed (removing noise and distortion, etc.) by both professional and amateur image processors, some of whom work for NASA or related space research programs. These are the closest views of Io captured in over two decades. (More images will be added as they become available.)

Tweet may have been deleted The Feb. 3 Io flyby shows a moon teeming with volcanoes. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS Tweet may have been deleted

Io is blanketed in erupting volcanoes because it's relentlessly locked in a tug-of-war between nearby objects, including the colossal Jupiter. "Not only is the biggest planet in the solar system forever pulling at it gravitationally, but so are Io’s Galilean siblings — Europa and the biggest moon in the solar system, Ganymede," NASA explained in a statement. "The result is that Io is continuously stretched and squeezed, actions linked to the creation of the lava seen erupting from its many volcanoes."

In recent months, the Juno craft has spotted clear signs of activity on Io, including a hazy plume it observed over the volcano Prometheus. NASA's Galileo mission also captured a plume above these fields of lava in the year 2000.

"It is the purest form of discovery."

Planetary scientists will pour over these latest images in the coming weeks, months, and years. The new views and data could reveal whether or not a lava ocean sloshes beneath Io's hardened lava crust.

"It is the purest form of discovery," Ashley Davies, a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory who researches Io, told Mashable in November 2023. "We're seeing things that we have never seen before."

Taylor Swift wins her fourth Grammy for Album of the Year, makes history

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 00:51

Taylor Swift made history at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, becoming the only person in the award show's history to win Album of the Year four times. The previous record was jointly held by musical icons Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder.

Announced by Celine Dion, Swift shares her Grammy for Album of the Year with her fellow producer and songwriter Jack Antonoff, as well as engineers/mixers Zem Audu, Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea, David Hart, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Ken Lewis, Michael Riddleberger, Laura Sisk, and Evan Smith, and mastering engineer Randy Merrill.

Swift previously won the Grammy for Album of the year with Fearless in 2010, 1989 in 2016, and Folklore in 2021.

"I would love to tell you that this is the best moment of my life, but I feel this happy when I finish a song, or when I crack the code to a bridge that I love, or that I'm shot listing a music video, or when I'm rehearsing with my dancers or my band, or getting ready to go to Tokyo to play a show," Swift said in her acceptance speech.

"For me the award is the work. All I want to do is keep being able to do this. I love it so much, it makes me so happy. It makes me unbelievably blown away that it makes some people happy who voted for this award too. All I want to do is keep doing this, so thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do what I love so much. Mind blown. Thank you so much!"

SEE ALSO: The complete list of winners at the 2024 Grammy Awards main ceremony

Swift had already been awarded the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album earlier in the night, noting in her acceptance speech that it was her 13th Grammy — famously her lucky number.

Time's Person of the Year for 2023 also took the opportunity of her earlier win to announce her new album The Tortured Poets Department, revealing that it would be released Apr. 19. Swift posted the album art to her Instagram account once offstage, which features a black and white photograph of her lying on a bed.

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