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Save 90% on 10TB of cloud backup

Fri, 01/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Degoo Premium (10TB) is on sale for £79.09, saving you 90% on list price.

Since our lives are intertwined with technology, data protection is a paramount concern. If you don't have a backup for your data, photos, videos, and files, this could be a good opportunity to find something to suit your needs at a reduced price. Something like this Degoo Premium lifetime 10TB backup plan on sale for just £79.09.

With this Premium plan, you only have to pay once and get access for life. With a generous 10TB of cloud storage, Degoo Premium provides ample space for your precious data with the freedom to store, share, and access your files on your terms.

And if you're concerned about the security of such a platform, it might help to know that Degoo uses top-notch security measures to protect your data. Utilising super-secure 256-bit AES encryption protects your files from unauthorised access, ensuring that your memories, work, and essential documents remain confidential and secure.

Degoo uses the power of AI to enhance user experience. AI-based features like a private feed will help you rediscover favourite photos and life moments. And if you feel like sharing your files for work or to reminisce, you can send files via email, link, or messaging app.

With easy compatibility, Degoo can be used on a web browser or mobile device (Android and iOS).

Don't miss this special pricing on a Degoo Premium lifetime 10TB backup plan, on sale for the exclusively low price of £79.09.

Opens in a new window Credit: Degoo Degoo Premium: 10TB (Lifetime Subscription) £79.09 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

'Thelma' review: June Squibb lives her 'Mission: Impossible' fantasy

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 22:30

Ever wonder what a Mission: Impossible movie would look like if it centered on a 93-year-old grandmother? If so, you're in luck! Thelma is here to answer that curious query for you. And the answer is: downright delightful. 

Following in the footsteps of action-comedies like the sports spoof Shaolin Soccer and the student heist flick Bad Genius, Thelma treats its low stakes with a tongue-in-cheek intensity. Action sequences — like a mobility scooter chase around a retirement home — are less nerve-rattling and more rib-tickling. Remarkably, the joke is never on the old folks at the movie's heart. 

Thelma is inspired by a true story — sort of.  June Squibb and Fred Hechinger play grandma and grandson in "Thelma." Credit: David Bolen

Written and directed by Josh Margolin, Thelma stars Academy Award nominee June Squibb (Nebraska) as a widowed nonagenarian who is a "little wobbly" but a "very determined…tough cookie." So, when some scammers trick her out of thousands by pretending to be her beloved grandson Daniel (Fear Street's Fred Hechinger) in desperate need of bail money, Thelma isn't going to just sit back and take it. 

Thelma's daughter Gail (Parker Posey) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg) are just relieved no one got hurt, and the police simply shrug when Thelma reports the swindle. Daniel is dealing with troubles of his own, like a break-up and his parents' suffocating attention. So, Thelma recruits her reluctant pal Ben (Shaft's Richard Roundtree in his final film performance) to help her track down the crooks and get her money back! 

Incredibly, Margolin drew from personal inspiration to craft this tale. In real life, his own adored grandmother is a sharp lady who'd been conned over the phone by scammers exploiting her love of her family. Rattled that some creep could take advantage of his Thelma, Margolin imagined a Hollywood scenario where she could get her happy ending — and the crook his just desserts. While the resulting film takes a lot of liberties with the truth, Margolin's love for his grandmother shines through in how his senior heroine is depicted.

SEE ALSO: Scammers weaponize iPhone 15 overheating issue to steal users' phones June Squibb and Richard Roundtree are a dynamic duo. 

Too often in films, the elderly are painted as tragic, dotty, or definitely past their prime. Thelma rejects this ageist trope (see also: Swan Song and Grumpy Old Men), painting its eponymous protagonist as a vibrant woman who values her independence, hates the discomfort of her MedicAlert bracelet, and appreciates a good Tom Cruise action movie. All her "friends are dead," but she advises doting grandson Daniel that they've got to be like Tom Cruise and "always land on your feet." 

SEE ALSO: 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' review: Tom Cruise does action rom-com

Through a casual but comedic introduction of this cross-generational hangout, Margolin gives us a good feel for who Thelma is on an average day. But once that crooked call comes through, we see an exciting new side of her as she treks through Los Angeles to seek out the scammers — mobility issues be damned! Tapping into a classic good-cop/bad-cop dynamic, Thelma is a rule-breaker while her old friend Ben (Roundtree) is a by-the-books guy, happily whiling away his days in a retirement community. That is, until Thelma kicks him into gear. 

Squibb and Roundtree share a warm chemistry that feels like they've known each other for decades. She's the feisty grandma who's so familiar that I admittedly teared up missing my own. (Monica was a total Thelma.) He's a man who's earned his retirement, but age hasn't robbed him of boldness or kindness. Together, they pull off comically low-stakes action sequences, like a showdown with the iconic Malcolm McDowell that is as surprising and exciting as it is hilarious. Amid this senior-specific action, there are great one-liners, like Thelma's insistence that she can figure out how to use a stolen gun: "How hard can it be? Idiots use them all the time!"

Thelma is a tale of underdogs coming out on top.  Parker Posey, Fred Hechinger, and Clark Gregg in "Thelma." Credit: David Bolen

Like the classic Shel Silverstein poem The Little Boy and the Old Man, Thelma presents the plights of being old and young as parallels. At the film's start, both Thelma and 24-year-old Daniel are underestimated by Gail and Alan, whose coddling — while well-intentioned — can feel condescending. And both feel adrift, unsure of what their next chapter can offer. But inspired by Tom Cruise and his determination to do his own Mission: Impossible stunts, Thelma and Daniel find they can be their own heroes.

Hechinger's crooked grin carries a mischievousness that pairs perfectly with Squibb's determined glare. They are kindred spirits in reckless adventure. Elegantly and warmly, Margolin's movie reminds us that age is just a number, as shown by how these two truly see each other across generational barriers. It's beyond heart-warming — watching these characters rediscover themselves while supporting each other is good for the soul.

In the end, Thelma laughs at the absurdity of aging, not the elderly. While there are jokes about senility and the infirmities that come with getting older, Thelma and her friends aren't the butt of them. We all are. There's a comforting relatability in their obstacles' familiarity, which never tips into bleakness; the tone of the film is determinedly resilient, and its color palette soft and inviting. These heroes might fall, but like Tom Cruise, they'll get up again, perhaps inspiring us as they rise. Bolstered by some cheeky action tropes, including twists, chases, gunplay, and even an explosion, Thelma is more than a winsome romp. It's a real thrill.  

Thelma was reviewed out of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for January 19

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 22:00

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 Jan. 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 Wordle answer for Jan. 18.

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:

An object.

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 T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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 #944 is...

THING.

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.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for January 19

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 21:00

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 January 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 categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Ice cream add-ons

  • Green: Ghosted

  • Blue: What the fudge

  • Purple: Tounge rhymes

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Sundae Toppings

  • Green: Leave High and Dry

  • Blue: "Phooey!"

  • Purple: Words in Tounge Twisters

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for December 28

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 #222 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Sundae Toppings: CHERRY, FUDGE, NUTS, SPRINKLES

  • Leave High and Dry: DESERT, DITCH, MAROON, STRAND

  • "Phooey!": CURSES, DARN, RATS, SHOOT

  • Words in Tounge Twisters: FUZZY, PEPPERS, SEASHELLS, WOODCHUCK

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.

Sheryl Sandberg, former Facebook COO, to step down from Meta board

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 17:42

Sheryl Sandberg will step down from the board of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, in May. The 54-year-old announced the news — where else — on her Facebook page, in a post that explained that "the Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away."

In 2022, Sandberg stepped down as COO of the company, a role she had held for more than 14 years. When Mark Zuckerberg hired her to join the startup known as Facebook in March 2008, it was not yet profitable. Under her guidance, the company adopted advertising models that transformed it into a modern monolith.

Sandberg may be stepping down from its board, but she isn't cutting all her ties with Meta. She will still serve as an advisor to the company, and "will always be there to help the Meta teams," she wrote in her post.

She also extended her thanks to Zuckerberg, writing "I will always be grateful to Mark for believing in me and for his partnership and friendship; he is that truly once-in-a-generation visionary leader and he is equally amazing as a friend who stays by your side through the good times and the bad." Sandberg has credited Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan as integral to her dealing with the sudden death of her husband in 2015.

In a comment, Zuckerberg responded, "I am grateful for your unwavering commitment to me and Meta over the years. I look forward to this next chapter together!"

Before joining Facebook, Sandberg was a Vice President at Google and served as Chief of Staff for the US Treasury Department under Bill Clinton. Her best-selling 2013 book, "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" inspired a generation of working women and was criticized for its hollow messaging that excluded the realities of single parents and women of color. Sandberg remains one of the most visible, successful women in corporate America and a trailblazer in an industry historically dominated by men.

January 2024 TV deals include several premium Samsung QLEDs, plus cheap TCL and Hisense QLEDs

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 15:28

UPDATE: Jan. 19, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest deals on 4K and 8K TVs, including several Sony and Samsung discounts that have gotten even bigger since last week.

Best 4K TV deals this week: Best 55-inch TV deal TCL 55-inch Q5 QLED TV $299.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal LG 65-inch 99 Series Mini-LED 8K TV $1,499.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch A76K QLED TV $529.99 at Best Buy (save $370) Get Deal Best 85-inch TV deal Samsung 85-inch Q80C QLED TV $1,999.99 at Samsung (save $1,300) Get Deal

Upgrading to a 4K TV — even a QLED or OLED — no longer has to be an intimidating financial setback. High-quality TVs featuring punchy colors, decipherable shadows, and smooth transitions have become increasingly affordable for regular consumers, made even more budget-friendly by frequent sales from retailers like Best Buy, Samsung, Walmart, and Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra preorder deals: The best deals on the most advanced phone

We've pulled the best TV deals from across the internet as of Jan. 18. Deals are categorized by brand, then listed in order of size (smallest to largest) and price (lowest to highest).

Samsung TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 85-inch Q80C QLED TV $1,999.99 at Samsung (save $1,300) Get Deal Why we love it

Of the handful of 85-inch 2022 and 2023 Samsung QLED TVs on sale right now, we think the deal on the extra-large Q80C for more than $1,000 off is the best bang for your buck.

The Q80C is Samsung's most advanced QLED (before meeting the Neo QLED side of the family), packing 96 precisely-lit local dimming zones for the meticulous brightness necessary for watching sports in the daylight. Also present are advanced gaming features like a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support.

More Samsung TVs on saleLG TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: LG Our pick: LG 65-inch 99 Series QNED TV $1,499.99 at Best Buy (save $1,000) Get Deal Why we love it

This 2021 65-inch QNED TV is one of the few LG TVs still at their holiday sale price — and the reigning discount happens to be an impressive 40% off. QNED is a mashup of LG's NanoCell technology and quantum dots (which amp up color depth using an extra light filter of nanoparticles) and the backlighting of mini LEDs (like regular LEDs, but smaller for extra precision).

The 99 Series of LG QNEDs also happens to be 8K instead of 4K. That doubled resolution isn't yet necessary for most streaming content that's available right now, but this large, ultra-bright TV is sitting at such a good price that most similarly-sized 4K models from LG won't be cheaper.

More LG TVs on sale Sony TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony 85-inch X90L 4K TV $1,999.99 at Best Buy (save $800) Get Deal Why we love it

Several Sony TVs that were on sale last week are a few hundred dollars cheaper this week (not because of new ones dropping at CES, though, as this is the second year in a row that Sony didn't drop any new TVs at CES). However, the model highlighted here still has the best discount, despite the fact that we've been seeing it for weeks.

Of Sony's 2023 TV line, the X90L is the most premium regular LED model before the lineup switches over to mini-LED. Still, the X90L features full-array backlighting with local dimming that offers more precise brightness across the entire screen than a cheaper edge-lit LED TV. (That's particularly helpful when the screen is so massive.) With better-than-basic lighting plus a high contrast ratio, low input lag, and VRR support, this 85-inch X90L is a great big-screen budget gaming TV.

More Sony TVs on sale More TV deals from Amazon, TCL, Hisense, and more Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 55-inch Q5 QLED TV $299.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Why we love it

TCL's Q5 series came out in late summer 2023 and knocked the Q6 Series out of its spot as the brand's most affordable QLED. And with Best Buy's discount pushing this model under $300, it's easily the cheapest 55-inch QLED on our list.

A quick scroll up to our mid-size QLED picks from Samsung, Sony, and LG make the rarity of a 55-inch QLED TV under $300 palpable. The Q5 has most of the same specs as the Q6 including HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology (a win for gamers on a budget), three HDMI ports, and built-in Google Assistant.

More TCL TVs, Hisense TVs, Fire TVs, and other TVs on sale

Forget your astrological sign, the internet wants to know your 'daylist'

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 15:26

What does your Spotify "daylist" reveal about you? Probably nothing.

Daylist is a singular playlist that updates and changes to reflect your so-called listening habits at different times of the day. As the playlist refreshes, its title changes, adding words to describe what kind of morning — or afternoon, or whenever it happens to be — the algorithm thinks you typically have. Some examples include "lyrical delicate thursday morning" and "chill study funk pop morning."

SEE ALSO: TikTok is criticizing young girls who shop at Sephora. They're missing the point.

The tool — part of Spotify's ever-expanding recommendation machine — launched back in September, but an Instagram challenge reading, "Don't tell me your astrological sign; I want you to go into Spotify, search for your daylist, and post the title it gave you," has brought it the top of feeds (and minds).

The trend urges users not to share their music taste, but to identify with nebulous algorithmically-generated terms to describe a similarly algorithmically-generated playlist. The comparison to astrological signs suggests that these words reveal something mysterious and true. But Spotify users lack the context to understand what these words even mean.

For example, earlier, my daylist read, "floaty r&b thursday morning" and featured the likes of Baby Keem and Steve Lacy. Now it's "rage angelic thursday afternoon" and lists a combination of Hozier, Troye Sivan, and the typical two artists I've never listened to before that Spotify incessantly recommends to me, Reneé Rapp and Madison Beer. It's unclear what floaty, rage, or angelic are supposed to mean, or whether even the platform itself has a definition for them.

"Daylist updates frequently, bringing together the niche music and microgenres you typically stream at certain times of the day and week. You'll get new tracks at every update, plus a new title that sets the mood of your daylist," a Spotify spokesperson told Mashable in September.

But the lure of analyzing what does this reveal about me is intoxicating. The daylist exercise supposes what so many social media algorithms do, that we can get a cut-and-dried identity from the internet without much reflection. In the New Yorker, Kyle Chayka wrote about algorithmic anxiety, the sensation of "constantly contend[ing] with machine estimations of [our] desires." The mental gymnastics to make meaning of our daylists is yet another example of algorithmic anxiety, and it steers us away from forming our own identities in offline ways.

Forget daylists. I want to know a song that is meaningful to you and why.

This week's best robot vacuum deals include almost every Roomba and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 15:15

UPDATE: Jan. 18, 2024, 12:45 p.m. EST This story has been updated to include the latest pricing for robot vacuums on sale this week, including almost every Roomba dropping very close to holiday pricing.

Best robot vacuum deals this week: Best budget deal Shark Matrix RV2300 $199 at Walmart (save $100.99) Get Deal Best self-emptying deal Shark Matrix RV2300S $299 at Walmart (save $200.99) Get Deal Best vacuum-mop combo deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ $498.98 at Amazon (save $301.01) Get 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.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums unveiled at CES 2024 go where Roombas still haven't Robot vacuums under $200 Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Matrix RV2300 $199 at Walmart (save $100.99) Get Deal Why we like it

For a solid cheap Shark option, skip the outdated $139 Shark ION and opt for the Matrix instead. For less than $200, you're securing LiDAR-powered smart home mapping and virtual boundaries, plus Matrix technology, which attacks debris from multiple angles in a crosshatch pattern to grab anything that was missed on the original pass. On top of the thorough spot cleaning, Shark claims that the Matrix packs 50% more suction power than the Roomba i3. (Though Walmart isn't marking this as a sale price anymore, note that this vacuum did originally retail for $299.99.)

  • Spot cleans in a thorough grid pattern

  • 120-minute battery life

  • Schedule cleanings in the app

More robot vacuums on sale for under $200Robot vacuums deals under $500 Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Matrix RV2300S $299 at Walmart (save $200.99) Get Deal Why we like it

The self-emptying version of the standalone gray model listed above is on sale at Walmart for less than $300 — $30 less than a near-identical model we saw on sale at Best Buy last week, which is now back to full price.

Home mapping and virtual boundaries guided by 360-degree LiDAR are present here, plus Shark's newest claim to fame that we just mentioned: its Matrix cleaning technique that vacuums in a crosshatch pattern to grab any debris missed from the first angle.

  • HEPA filter

  • 120-minute battery life

  • Self-emptying dock holds at least 30 days' worth of debris

More robot vacuums on sale for under $500 Robot vacuum and mop hybrids Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ $498.98 at Amazon (save $301.01) Get Deal Why we like it

There is one self-emptying, mopping Roomba that's on sale for less than the Combo j5+, and that's the Combo i5+ for $349.99. But before you automatically opt for the cheaper one, consider the main difference between the i5 and j5: The j5 Series are the cheapest Roombas with obstacle avoidance tech that can steer clear of phone chargers, socks, and pet waste. This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, will be huge if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up before they could clean.

  • Four-stage cleaning system with more thorough cleaning on dirtier areas

  • Swap and Mop system avoids designated carpets during mopping mode

  • Self-emptying dock holds at least 60 days' worth of debris

More hybrids and robot mops on sale

The best VPN deals in January 2024: NordVPN's New Year's sale is still live

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 14:37

UPDATE: Jan. 18, 2024, 11:20 a.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest VPN deals and pricing.

Best VPN deals of the week at a glance: Best roster of features NordVPN Standard (2 years) $3.39/month (save $9.60/month) Get Deal Most globally diverse server network ExpressVPN (1 year + 3 months) $6.67/month (save $6.28/month) Get Deal Best for privacy wonks Proton VPN Plus (2 years) $4.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal Best for streaming CyberGhost VPN (2 years + 2 months) $2.19/month (save $10.80/month) Get Deal Best for VPN newbies TunnelBear Unlimited (3 years) $3.33/month (save $6.66/month) Get Deal

Using a virtual private network (or VPN) is an easy way to bypass geo-restrictions, protect company data while working remotely, and browse privately on public WiFi networks. Most providers' plans cost anywhere from $2 to $13 per month, though many lure customers in with discounted introductory rates that skyrocket after your initial term. To help you lock in a plan that'll fit your budget in the short and long run, we're compiling a weekly roundup of the best deals on all the VPNs we've personally tested. Below, you can check out our top picks as of Jan. 18 — including one holiday offer that's somehow still live.

NordVPN Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN NordVPN Standard (2 years) $3.39/month (save $9.60/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of NordVPN.

Power users shouldn't think twice about signing up for NordVPN, an industry giant that bundles its highly customizable VPN service with advanced security features like Tor access, a dark web monitor, and malware protection. New users can snag a two-year Standard plan for just $3.39/month (billed $81.36 upfront) thanks to its lingering New Year's deal, which takes 74% off its usual $12.99/month rate. (If you don't see that discount reflected, try pulling up the NordVPN website in an incognito window.) The plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and renews annually at $8.29/month after your first term ends.

Optional add-ons include:

ExpressVPN Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1 year + 3 months) $6.67/month (save $6.28/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN service with a globally diverse server network, a user-friendly app, a built-in tracker blocker, and a strong commitment to user privacy. Its monthly rate also hovers around the high end of the spectrum at $12.95, so we recommend opting for its 15-month plan at $6.67/month (billed $99.95 upfront) — that's a 49% savings and covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Your subscription will convert to an $8.32/month annual plan after the first term is up.

Proton VPN Opens in a new window Credit: Proton VPN Proton VPN Plus (2 years) $4.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of Proton VPN.

Proton VPN is another great pick for privacy wonks with open-source apps and ultra-transparent company policies. It offers a decent free plan, but we recommend its Plus tier for full access to its server network, streaming and P2P support, multi-hop, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and Tor access. While monthly subscriptions typically go for $9.99, you can save 50% and pay just $4.99/month (billed $119.76 upfront) by committing to a two-year plan; that's a fixed rate that won't increase after your first term if you decide to extend the subscription, which is pretty rare. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies here, too.

CyberGhost VPN Opens in a new window Credit: CyberGhost VPN CyberGhost VPN (2 years + 2 months) $2.19/month (save $10.80/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of CyberGhost VPN.

CyberGhost lays claim to a massive network with special servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and P2P to help minimize lag. New customers can take advantage of its holiday deal and sign up for a 26-month plan at just $2.19/month (billed $56.94 upfront), saving 83% on its standard monthly fee of $12.99. The subscription will renew as a $4.75/month annual plan after your initial term is up, which still isn't terrible — and like all of CyberGhost's multi-year plans, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee plus free access to its ID Guard and Privacy Guard tools. If you don't want to commit to anything just yet, you can try CyberGhost for free for up to a week, depending on the platform.

Optional add-ons include:

  • Dedicated IP — $2.50/month $5/month (save 50%) for two years

TunnelBear Opens in a new window Credit: TunnelBear TunnelBear Unlimited (3 years) $3.33/month (save $6.66/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of TunnelBear.

Our go-to recommendation for anyone who's never used the technology before, TunnelBear is a simple, lightweight VPN with an intuitive (and adorable) interface. Though it's incapable of unblocking international streaming sites, it should serve you well for basic web surfing. Pick its Unlimited plan over the free version for unlimited browsing and priority customer service, which costs $3.33/month (billed $120 upfront) when you enroll for three years — that's 67% off its usual $9.99/month rate. Your plan renews at $4.99/month on a yearly plan after the first term. There's no money-back guarantee, unfortunately, but refunds are offered on a case-by-case basis.

Private Internet Access (PIA) Opens in a new window Credit: Private Internet Access Private Internet Access (2 years + 2 months) $2.19/month (save $9.80/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of PIA.

It's nothing particularly special, but for users in search of a basic VPN with open-source apps, built-in ad blocking, and unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA is worth a look. You'll pay only $2.19/month (billed $56.94 upfront) if you lock into a 26-month plan, saving 82% on its regular rate of $11.99/month; that does include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Your subscription will switch to an annual plan at $4.75/month after the initial term is over.

Optional add-ons include:

IPVanish Opens in a new window Credit: IPVanish IPVanish (2 years + 3 months) $2.99/month (save $10/month) Get Deal

Read Mashable's review of IPVanish.

Another middle-of-the-road pick, IPVanish makes up for a lack of advanced security features with a minimalist, straightforward app and support for unlimited simultaneous connections. You can get your first 27 months for $2.99/month (billed $80.75 upfront), which shaves 77% off its usual monthly rate of $12.99 and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. After that term is up, you'll get bumped to $7.50/month on an annual plan.

Editor’s note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, Mashable's publisher. Any IPVanish products or services featured on Mashable are covered independently by our team.

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra at Amazon and score a gift card worth up to $200

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:16

Preorders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 are underway with a release date set for Jan. 31. If you're hoping to be one of the first to get the latest model in your hands, Amazon is offering free credits with preorders. Here are the best deals today if you're in line for any of the three models of the Samsung Galaxy S24.

Quick links for pre-ordering at Amazon Amazon preorder deals on the Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24 $799.99 (get a $50 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Amazon preorder deals on the Galaxy S24+ Samsung Galaxy S24+ $999.99 (get a $150 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Amazon preorder deals on the Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,299.99 (get a $200 Amazon gift card) Get Deal

Until Jan. 30, pre-order any of the new Samsung Galaxy S24 phones at Amazon and get an Amazon gift card to use on future purchases at Amazon (click the "redeem" box on the Amazon product page before you add it to your cart). The gift cards come via email with a promo code once the shipment is complete. The gift card amount varies depending on which phone you choose, ranging from a $50 Amazon gift card to $200.

The new Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra phones are set for a release date of Jan. 31.

Galaxy S24 Amazon preorder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Pre-order a Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB or 256GB), get a $50 Amazon gift card $799.99 at Amazon Get Deal

With a display size of 6.2 inches, the Samsung Galaxy S24 comes in either 128GB capacity or 256GB, and the retailer has both storage sizes on sale for the same price of $799.99. A storage upgrade for free with a $50 Amazon gift card seems like a no-brainer if you're shopping for the basic model of the new Samsung Galaxy S24. Make sure you click the "redeem" box on the Amazon product page before you add it to your cart.

Galaxy S24+ Amazon preorder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Pre-order a Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB or 512GB), get a $150 Amazon gift card $999.99 at Amazon Get Deal

The Galaxy S24+ has a larger 6.7-inch screen and comes with either 256GB or 515GB of storage. Amazon is offering both storage versions for the same price of $999.99, which means you can get double the storage for no extra charge. Preorders of the Galaxy S24+ come with an Amazon gift card worth $150. Don't forget to click the "redeem" box on the Amazon product page before you add it to your cart.

Galaxy S24 Ultra Amazon preorder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Pre-order a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB or 512GB), get a $200 Amazon gift card $1,299.99 at Amazon Get Deal

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, this line's premium version, has a 6.8-inch screen and comes with a built-in S Pen so you can quickly take notes or sign documents. It's available for preorder at Amazon for $1,299.99 in both the 256GB model and the 512GB model, so you might as well opt for the larger storage capacity. Preorders of the Galaxy S24 Ultra come with a $200 Amazon gift card. Be sure to click the "redeem" box on the Amazon product page before you add it to your cart.

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