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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 21 min 11 sec ago

Apple, Google, and Meta are being investigated by the EU under new Big Tech regulation

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:37

The EU is wasting absolutely no time in making sure Big Tech companies are complying with its new Digital Markets Act (DMA) law.

On Monday, the European Commission announced that it was opening non-compliance investigations into three companies defined as "gatekeepers" under the new regulations: Apple, Meta, and Google's parent company Alphabet.

SEE ALSO: 5 new iOS features you’re not getting because you’re outside the EU

"Today, the Commission has opened non-compliance investigations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) into Alphabet's rules on steering in Google Play and self-preferencing on Google Search, Apple's rules on steering in the App Store and the choice screen for Safari and Meta's 'pay or consent model'," said the European Commission in a statement. "The Commission suspects that the measures put in place by these gatekeepers fall short of effective compliance of their obligations under the DMA."

Here's why the EU is investigating Meta, Apple, and Alphabet

The main purpose of the DMA is to force these "gatekeeper" companies to open up its core platforms in order to spur competition from third parties so the investigations are all into Apple, Alphabet, and Meta potentially failing to comply in those areas. However, the EU's investigation into these three companies is multi-pronged. 

Meta's "pay or consent"

The investigation into Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, focuses on what's called the "pay or consent" model. Under the DMA, tech companies must get consent from users in the EU when they share user data between their core platforms. For example, Meta needs to get permission from a user to share their account data on Facebook in order to serve the user personalized ads via its advertising platform. 

Meta says that it complies with this by providing an option for EU users to subscribe to its paid subscription service on Facebook and Instagram, which provides the user with an entirely ad free experience. By not subscribing to this service, Meta argues that a user is consenting to their data being used.

"The Commission is concerned that the binary choice imposed by Meta's 'pay or consent' model may not provide a real alternative in case users do not consent, thereby not achieving the objective of preventing the accumulation of personal data by gatekeepers," the Commission says.

Alphabet's "self-preferencing"

This one is pretty straightforward and has long-been a concern among users. The Commission is investigating whether Google unfairly ranks its own products over third-party services. 

Examples provided by the EU Commission include Google "self-referencing" its Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels products over competitors searching for price comparisons or airline and hotel deals.

"The Commission is concerned that Alphabet's measures implemented to comply with the DMA may not ensure that third-party services featuring on Google's search results page are treated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner in comparison with Alphabet's own services," said the Commission in a statement.

There is one interesting note towards the end of the Commission's statement regarding self-preferencing and a fourth Big Tech company, ecommerce giant Amazon. The Commission said it is taking "investigatory" steps into looking at Amazon's own "self-preferencing" when it comes to its own brand of products and alleged unfair preferential placement for those items on Amazon's website.

Apple and user choice

Apple has received a lot of coverage for its policy changes over the past month and much of it was criticism from its peers for alleged "malicious compliance" with its fee structure changes related to the App Store and alternative iOS app distribution.

However, the Commission announced its looking into another aspect of iOS: user choice.

According to the Commission, it's investigating whether Apple has allowed users to uninstall any iOS apps, including Apple's own apps like Safari which currently cannot be removed from iPhone or iPad devices. The Commission will also look into whether Apple has made it easy to change default iOS settings. In addition, the investigation will include whether Apple has been providing adequate choice screens providing consumers with alternatives to the default web browser or search engine.

"The Commission is concerned that Apple's measures, including the design of the web browser choice screen, may be preventing users from truly exercising their choice of services within the Apple ecosystem," the Commission stated.

And, speaking of that controversial app fee structure, the EU Commission also announced that it started taking "investigatory" steps into whether these new Apple fees are contradictory to the DMA.

App store steering rules

The EU Commission is looking into both Apple and Alphabet for a possible DMA-compliance issue related to their respective mobile application stores.

App developers can sometimes pay hefty percentages of their revenue to Apple and Alphabet when a user makes a purchase or signs up for a subscription through their mobile app stores. Developers have sought to work around those fees by setting up cheaper alternatives for users to purchase from. However, both Apple's App Store and Google Play have greatly restricted developers' ability to "steer" users to those better offers as they seek to collect their fees.

Under the DMA, though, Apple and Google must allow developers to "steer" those users elsewhere. The EU Commission is going to investigate whether either company's rules impose "restrictions and limitations" that don't comply with regulation.

These investigations can take up to 12 months, according to the Commission. If the investigation discovers that a company did violate the DMA, the EU can impose a massive fine of 10 percent of the company's worldwide turnover. The fine can double for repeated infringement.

How to reset your AirPods

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:28

If your AirPods are acting up, a simple reset may be just what the earbud doctor ordered. The entire process should take less than five minutes.

Total Time
  • 5 min.
What You Need
  • AirPod buds
  • AirPod charging case
  • Charging cord (optional)

Step 1: Put AirPods back in their charging case.

Gather your AirPods and their charging case, making sure to remove any decorative elements that might obstruct access to the big button on the back of the case. Pop your AirPods into the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.

Step 2: Open your device Settings and see if the AirPods are "Connected."

Navigate to Settings on any Apple device that is paired with your AirPods. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Search your list of connected devices for your AirPods (if they are not there, continue to the next step). Once you find your AirPods, tap the small blue "i" next to it, tap "Forget This Device," and then confirm your selection.

Step 3: Reconnect your AirPods.

Open the lid of your charging case. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light on the front of the case flashes orange, then white (about 15 seconds). With the lid still open, hold the charging case near your device. A screen should pop up on your device prompting you to "Connect" your AirPods. Follow the steps on screen to complete the process.

Score discounted Blink home security cameras during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:23

Spring is here, which means it's the season of home improvement projects. If you've been meaning to rig up a new outdoor home security system, now is the perfect time to invest in the right equipment. Here are the best Blink home security camera deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale blink home secuirty camera deals Best video doorbell deal Blink Video Doorbell $41.99 at Amazon (save $8) Get Deal Best home security bundle deal Blink Whole Home Bundle $136.97 at Amazon (save $53) Get Deal Best floodlight camera deal Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 (save $51.99) Get Deal Best deal for large properties Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) 8 camera system $377.98 at Amazon (save $252.01) Get Deal

Whether you want to equip the whole backyard with cameras or you just want to keep an extra eye on the doorway and your front porch, you can find what you need in today's deals. Some products, like the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera, are at their new lowest prices. Today marks the last day of the Big Spring Sale, so you'll want to score these savings while you can.

Best video doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Video Doorbell $41.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While this isn't the lowest price we've ever seen the Blink Video Doorbell hit, today's sale does bring the two-way audio video doorbell camera down to under $50. If you're just starting to get into outdoor home security, the Blink Video Doorbell is a great place to start. It lets you check your door from your smartphone, no matter where you are, and works with Alexa to provide alerts and let you communicate with whoever's at the door. Whether you want to keep an extra eye on your packages or just be more in tune with the comings and goings of your household, the Blink Video Doorbell can help.

Best home security bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Whole Home Bundle $136.97 at Amazon
$189.97 Save $53.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're ready to go all in securing your home, check out the Blink Whole Home Bundle, which includes the Blink Video Doorbell, Outdoor 4, Mini, and Sync Module 2. Unified by the Blink App, these devices work together to provide you with video footage, motion detection, and person detection alerts. The bundle even comes with free 30-day access to the Blink Subscription Plan, which lets you save and share video clips in the cloud, and even get access to extended live footage.

Best floodlight camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $51.99 Get Deal Why we like it

At 700 lumens, the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is powerfully bright, fully illuminating your property when motion is detected. With HD live view, infrared night vision, and real-time alerts, you see exactly what's going on when motion is detected so you can have your peace of mind intact. We also love this floodlight security camera because it has an extensive two-year battery and doesn't require wiring or drilling to set up. Plus, it's at its lowest-ever price!

Best deal for large properties Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) 8 camera system $377.98 at Amazon
$629.99 Save $252.01 Get Deal Why we like it

While not everybody will need an extensive network of cameras, the Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) 8 camera system is a great value buy for those folks who do. Normally listed for over $600, the Big Spring Sale is taking the bundle's price down to $377.98, saving you over $250. It's a great option for keeping eyes on your kids and pets when they're out in the backyard, especially thanks to its two-way audio communication.

Zoom unveils all-in-one AI work platform for more than just video conferencing

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:43

Zoom is putting all of its AI tools in one place for the ultimate productivity super-platform.

On Monday, the video conferencing company announced Zoom Workplace, an "AI-powered collaborative platform," that houses its AI virtual assistant in addition to a bunch of new features designed to improve workflow within teams.

The video conferencing company, which became a mainstay in the era of remote and hybrid work environments, has been steadily building AI tools and features to automate tasks, summarize conversations, and draft messages for working within teams and their customers. Last March, during the flurry of generative AI product launches, Zoom released AI Companion, which acts as a personal assistant for taking notes and identifying to-dos during meetings.

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Zoom's practices came under scrutiny for the company's policy of using customer's data to train the technology. The issue of training data has been a controversial one, since the sophistication of generative AI tools relies on vast amounts of human-generated content, which is often obtained without prior consent or knowledge. Zoom quickly clarified its Terms of Service update by affirming it "never use[s] audio, video, or chat content for training our models without customer consent."

SEE ALSO: I spent a week using AI tools in my daily life. Here's how it went.

Zoom Workplace has recruited its existing AI Companion to do much of the heavy lifting for planning and summarizing meetings. The interface has an Ask AI Companion feature which helps workers prepare for upcoming meetings and recap ones that have occurred. It does this by gathering and synthesizing data from across Zoom's apps like Meetings, Mail, Team Chat, Notes, and Docs. This includes automatically scheduling and preparing for meetings based on Team Chat conversations. Zoom Workplace can also integrate data from enabled third-party apps, like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

Zoom Phone also got an AI upgrade so it can now provide post-call recaps and next steps, as well as prioritizing voicemails and pulling key information from voicemail and SMS messages.

The video conferencing capability, which Zoom is known for, also has some snazzy new upgrades like "AI portrait lighting" for low-light environments. Users can also now create their own backgrounds using generative AI, much like we've seen testing on the likes of Google Meet and Instagram.

The Zoom Workplace platform and its AI tools are of no additional cost to paying subscribers. Zoom Pro, which is the lowest tier of paid subscriptions and includes, Meetings, Mail and Calendar, and AI Companion access costs $15.99 per month or $13.33 annually.

Score up to 61% off Echo devices on the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:39

UP TO 61% OFF: As of March 25, you can score up to 61% off select Echo devices at Amazon. It's the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $34.99 at Amazon (save $27.29) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle $99.99 at Amazon (save $62.99 ) Get Deal Best budget deal Our pick: Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle $22.99 at Amazon (save $36.99) Get Deal

There's no denying Amazon has some of the best deals on the internet. But today's the last day to score big during the Big Spring Sale, where you can save on everything from laptops to smartphones to kitchen appliances.

Amazon also has a ton of deals on Echo devices, with savings of up to 61%.

Here are our top picks:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $34.99 at Amazon
$62.98 Save $27.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle is the best deal in this sale. Not only will you get an Echo Dot (5th Gen), which is a compact and versatile smart speaker, but you will also receive an Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb.

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) is said to be one of Amazon's best-selling Echo devices. It delivers crisp vocals and dynamic bass, making it perfect for streaming music or listening to podcasts.

The Smart Bulb can help you automate and control your lighting with just your voice, adding convenience and simplicity to your daily routine. Plus, with the Group Control function, you turn on multiple bulbs at once for a personalized and synchronized lighting experience.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle $99.99 at Amazon
$162.98 Save $62.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle is a great runner-up deal for anyone interested in hands-free video calling, streaming TV shows or movies, and controlling their smart home devices. Of course, you can listen to music on this device, too.

Unlike the Echo Dot, the Echo Show features an eight-inch touchscreen display, so you can do more. Call your friends, cook along with a recipe video, or watch your favorite shows or movies. And whenever you're not using it, you can turn it into a digital picture frame to showcase your favorite photos. With the Smart Bulb, this bundle is definitely worth considering.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle $22.99 at Amazon
$59.98 Save $36.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with the Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle. For just $22.99, you can get both!

This bundle is ideal for anyone who's never used an Echo device or is looking for a basic smart speaker experience. With the Echo Pop, you can access Alexa's voice controls and enjoy music, podcasts, weather updates, and more.

Instagram is limiting political content. Here's how to get around it.

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:27

Instagram users will be seeing a lot less political content on their feeds — if that's what they want.

The Meta-owned social media company announced that political content will be automatically limited from people's suggested posts in Explore, Reels, Feed Recommendations, and Suggested Users. This won't affect the content from accounts that someone follows.

Meta has been moving away from news-related and political content for a while now, with concerns about the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and extremism on platforms like Instagram.

SEE ALSO: Instagram just limited the political content you see. You can change that.

The change is complicated. Election season is coming for the world's largest democracies, and this appears to be Meta's way of limiting rampant misinformation. Instagram is defining political content as "likely to mention governments, elections, or social topics that affect a group of people and/or society at large." As Mashable's Christianna Silva reports, "Social media sites have been rife with misinformation and disinformation during past elections. It seems Meta's response to these egregious mistakes is to make political content rarer on its platforms."

But as critics have pointed out, social media giants are also crucial for providing information, keeping communities engaged, and for letting users know what is actually affecting people globally. Instagram has been flagged for shadowbanning vital information about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, for example, and people are now expressing concern that posts about issues affecting marginalized groups will be eclipsed on the platform. And, as several outlets have noted, the language around what Instagram defines as "political" is also vague, which means these limits have the potential to affect content about women's rights, climate change, race, and LGBTQ issues.

Featured Video For You How to hide likes on Instagram

For many, the absence of politically-inclined content is a privilege: not having to engage with issues the world is facing is a choice in itself, and not available to all.

The choice is up to users, and you can head to Instagram settings to make the decision for yourself. Many users have found that their content preferences have been automatically set to limiting political content, furthering the idea that Instagram is trying to distance its users from accessing such content. Here's how to work around it.

How to work around Instagram's political content limit Total Time
  • 2 minutes.
What You Need
  • Instagram app

Step 1: Click on the three bars at the top right of your profile.

Step 2: Scroll down or search for "content preferences".

Step 3: Click on "Political content".

Credit: Instagram

Step 4: Select "Don't limit": the option that makes sure political content is still recommended.

Credit: Instagram

X's new best friend is a GIF of a joint-smoking cartoon duck

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:14

X / Twitter users are getting all their ducks in a row, one duck to be specific.

In the past 48 hours, a GIF of a cartoon duck with half-lidded eyes holding a joint in its wing has become beloved on the platform. In the GIF, the duck chuckles to itself and shakes its head. Through repeated use, the clip came to mean something like, "exactly" or "isn't that true." As one user wrote, "is your entire timeline a duck smoking a blunt or do you have normal mutuals."

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According to Know Your Meme, the duck comes from a sticker pack made for WhatsApp by GIF artist LIVTORRESEC. The original joint-smoking duck had purple text reading, "HAHA CLASSIC" above it. A cropped version was reposted onto X in 2023, but it's only in the past couple of days that the duck caught on.

SEE ALSO: March Madness and Caitlin Clark have already given us some great memes

Users incessantly post it with resonant lyrics to popular songs or iconic lines from films. For example, someone captioned it with the lyrics to Phoebe Bridgers' 2017 hit "Motion Sickness" — "i hate you for what you did and i miss you like a little kid." Another used lines from Zedd's 2012 track "Clarity" — "if our love’s insanity why are you my clarity."

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The Hunger Games fans entered the chat and wrote, "how coriolanus felt after saying snow lands on top" and "haymitch in the audience after peeta said 'if it weren’t for the baby.""

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Other users likened the smoking duck to another X user favorite, the blunts and exposing the government girl — the duck was reposted to appear as such. One user posted a side-by-side GIF of the two captioned, "they’re smoking the idgaf blunt." Another created a fancam featuring the duck and the exposing the government girl soundtracked by "Smokin' Rollin'" by Juicy J.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The smoking duck is so popular that users are digging into the GIF sticker pack and posting it doing other activities. In one, it sweeps. In another, it gives a thumbs up.

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It's only a matter of time before the timeline finds a new meme to play with.

Boeing's CEO will resign amid mountain of controversy and bad headlines

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:10

Things are going incredibly poorly for Boeing these days. The company's reputation is so bad people are going out of their way to not book flights on its planes.

It makes sense, then, that the CEO said Monday he would resign.

Boeing president and CEO Dave Calhoun wrote in a letter to employees that he plans to step down at the end of the year. The executive acknowledged mounting safety concerns, specifically citing the recent Alaska Airlines flight where an entire panel of the plane flew off mid-air.

"As you all know, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident was a watershed moment for Boeing. We must continue to respond to this accident with humility and complete transparency. We also must inculcate a total commitment to safety and quality at every level of our company," Calhoun opened the letter.

He added: "The eyes of the world are on us, and I know we will come through this moment a better company, building on all the learnings we accumulated as we worked together to rebuild Boeing over the last number of years."

SEE ALSO: What's going on with Boeing planes? Safety concerns prompt flyers to change their flights.

There will be a slew of other changes with Boeing's leadership, Calhoun's letter noted, including a new board director and a new CEO of Boeing's commercial airlines division. Calhoun told CNBC that stepping down was "100 percent" his own idea.

It's difficult to list the myriad issues at Boeing recently, but the serious safety concerns began with the two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. Ever since, there have been troubling reports on safety and quality procedures at the company.

Calhoun, a longtime Boeing board member, took over as CEO from Dennis Muilenburg in the wake of those accidents in 2020. It's unclear who will take the role with Calhoun stepping down. But what is clear is that they'll have their work cut out for them.

Apple might finally let you freely customize Home Screen icons on iPhone

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 09:36

Apple has always been stingy when it comes to Home Screen customization on the iPhone. Yes, you can move the icons and folders around, but that's about it; it's far from the level of customization you get on Android phones, or even that same iPhone's Lock Screen.

This is probably about to change. According to MacRumors, which cites sources familiar with the matter, Apple is planning a big Home Screen overhaul with iOS 18, which is likely to be unveiled during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: 2 new rumored features coming to your iPhone

You won't get complete freedom; app and folder icons will remain locked to the invisible grid, just like they are now. But MacRumors claims that users will be able to arrange icons more freely, with the ability to create blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently mentioned that Apple is planning to introduce a "more customizable" Lock Screen, too, though he didn't share any additional details.

Apple's iOS 18 is shaping up to be a massive release; reports say that Apple plans to introduce new generative artificial intelligence features, new Live Speech options, the ability to launch accessibility settings with your voice, RCS support for Messages, and design changes, among others.

'Game of Thrones' creators say ending response didn't change their approach to new show

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 08:49

Although one's fantasy and one's sci-fi, Game of Thrones and 3 Body Problem have plenty in common. Both shows are based on epic book series (George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past series, respectively), they both have large casts of characters, both have left us with plenty of burning questions, and they're both helmed by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (they've been joined by The Terror showrunner Alexander Woo for this new Netflix series).

In short, the comparisons are going to be inevitable. Plenty of people will likely tune into 3 Body Problem because they were fans of Game of Thrones. The elephant in the room, of course, is that although everyone loved Thrones, the reactions to the ending were a lot more mixed.

SEE ALSO: How should 'Game of Thrones' have ended?

So to what extent did those negative reactions influence how Benioff and Weiss approached this new show?

"I mean on the one hand it’s impossible to not hear that on some level," D.B. Weiss told Mashable in an interview with the 3 Body Problem showrunners. "We’re not particularly plugged in, by design we unplug from the hive mind reactions to things. But it doesn’t mean we didn’t know what that reaction was."

"You kind of need to practice letting go."

Weiss went on to explain, though, that every show is a new animal.

"There’s no way to do justice to the show that you’re working on, especially one on this scale, if your eyes are on the rearview mirror the whole time," he said. "You kind of need to practice letting go and focussing on the moment that you’re in, because the moment that you’re in is long – it took five years to make this show – and it just wouldn’t have served this show very well to be constantly seeing it through the lens of something else, if that makes any sense?

"I think that all your experiences affect you, and that was definitely an experience that affected us, but I also think that more importantly, we kept our eyes and attentions forward, and really wanted to push forward with the show that we were working on. All you can really do at the end of the day is tell the story you want to tell in the best way you know how, and then what happens is out of your hands at that point."

If you're here for 3 Body Problem, here's everything you need to know about the show.

Everything you need to know about Netflix's '3 Body Problem'

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 08:05

If you're like us and consumed by the mind-bending series that is Netflix's 3 Body Problem, you might have a few burning questions. Bringing author Liu Cixin's novels to the streaming screen, showrunners David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo have crafted a sci-fi epic worthy of your video meeting/watercooler chats.

In the first season of the series, there's a lot to take in, which is where we come in with our overtly obsessive nerdery and penchant for watching TV shows way too many times for tiny clues. Here's everything you need to know about 3 Body Problem, from how it differs from the book to the mathematical quandary at the series' core.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

The best mesh WiFi router for gamers

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 07:57

Any online gamer knows how crucial it is to have a reliable, robust WiFi connection. In gaming terms, it could be the difference between death or glory. In real-world terms, it could be the difference between non-stop buffering, getting kicked out of your game mid-session, and not throwing your controller across the room in frustration.

The answer could be a mesh WiFi system, which uses satellite routers (or nodes) to cover all areas of your home. It’s the kind of WiFi that serious gamers and heavy internet users benefit from, due to blanket coverage and high speeds.

But shopping for specialist tech is a minefield of mind-bending jargon and spec. If you’re not already an expert, it’s near impossible to know what it all means and which WiFi system is right for your gaming needs. To help, we’ve tried to break it all down as simply as possible with this quick-and-handy guide.

What is a mesh WiFi system?

WiFi mesh will deliver reliable WiFi throughout your entire home, eliminating dead spots in corners that other routers can't reach and maintaining speeds on multiple devices — all without slowing your gaming system.

It works using a main router and satellite nodes which are placed strategically around your living space to reduce spotty service. The nodes, which use the same SSID and password as the main router (unlike range extenders), help to cover areas in the home that the main router doesn’t reach on its own, like the basement or behind signal-dampening walls and obstructions. The best systems are easily expandable by adding more nodes where needed. 

How fast is mesh WiFi?

It will depend on the system you buy. Some are faster (and more expensive) than others. The systems featured below mostly range between 30,000 and 10,000Mbps. WiFi systems that use WiFi 6 will fun faster (around 10Gbps) and systems on WiFi 6E will run faster still. The real benefit is that multiple devices maintain high speeds because they’re connected via different nodes around the home.

What is low latency?

The most important factor when it comes to gaming is avoiding latency. This means the delay between sender and receiver — the time it takes for the action onscreen to happen after you’ve pressed the button on the controller. Even just a small amount of latency — the kind that isn't detectable when browsing the internet or streaming a video — can heavily impact gameplay. That’s why gamers want the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh available. Look out for systems that promise low latency.

What area can a mesh WiFi system cover?

Mesh WiFi systems will generally cover around 2,000 square feet, though some of the systems below will cover way beyond that — 6,000 or even 7,000 square feet. Bear in mind that coverage of that scale is likely way beyond what the average gamer needs — but it will suit an office or commercial space.

Dual-band vs tri-band — which is best?

​​This jargon can prove especially tricky for everyday web users. A band is a wireless broadcast frequency on which you can send or receive data. A dual-band router has two frequency channels — 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band is meant for further distances, at a slower speed, while 5GHz is faster but has a shorter range. A tri-band router adds an extra 5GHz band, which allows all devices in the household to share the bandwidth evenly. In truth, tri-band is likely surplus for the average household.

What is WiFi 6?

In simple terms, WiFi 6 is the most recent, up-to-date version of WiFi tech. For average users, the differences between WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 — still widely in use — are marginal. But it’s actually a pretty major upgrade. The most serious gamers and tech heads will appreciate faster speeds, lower latency, and all-round stronger connections. WiFi 6E is yet another upgrade, which uses a 6GHz frequency, though there are fewer devices that support it. There's also a smattering of futuristic WiFi 7 devices on the market.

What are the best mesh WiFi systems?

We're so glad you asked. And rest assured, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. We've checked out everything on offer from the biggest and best brands, and lined up a selection of the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh routers for gamers.

These are the best mesh WiFi routers for gamers in 2024.

The best VPN for China

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 07:41

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

VPNs are useful for anyone around the world, but these powerful cybersecurity services are even more important when you're travelling to a country with tight restrictions on internet usage, like China. If you're planning a trip to China or you've made the country your home, you could benefit from using a VPN.

Do you need a VPN in China?

You've probably heard and read quite a bit about China's internet censorship, but what does it actually mean for the average internet user in the country? What is understood is that the Chinese government block access to foreign websites and slows down cross-border internet traffic. The government censors content for mainly political reasons, but also to maintain its control over the population.

This system of censorship is named the 'Great Firewall' and is the largest system of its type in the world. If you’re travelling to the vast country, then your internet privileges will be severly restricted. Fortunately it's not an experience most people will be familar, but it has become the norm for Chinese citizens.

If you’re visiting the country, you can circumvent this system by using a virtual private network, or VPN. Take it from us: You don't have to get blocked in China. While using a VPN in China is technically legal, providers play a game of cat-and-mouse with the authorities, which periodically crack down and try to block servers and throttle bandwidth, much to the annoyance of internet users.

Users in China may have to swap VPNs if theirs becomes blocked, but having one is a necessity for anyone wanting unfettered access to foreign websites, from news sites to social media and Google. If you’re on holiday in China you'll need a VPN for posting snaps to Instagram and keeping in touch with friends using Whatsapp. This is because VPNs assign a virtual IP address to obscure your real location from others, enabling you to circumnavigate geo-blocking and censorship measures as if you are based somewhere without them. VPNs also encrypt data, leaving your computer or device to make it impossible for others to see what you’re downloading, which is useful in a country where surveillance is a top priority for the authorities.

What should you consider when using a VPN in China?

The first thing to consider when using a VPN in China is that while it's perfectly legal, it will be frowned on by the authorities. It's not something to be taken lightly and you should think carefully about your priorities before you take any decision. The second thing to know about VPNs in China is that it’s easier to install one before you arrive.

Server number and location (in China if possible), high speeds, and extra layers of security are all important things to look for in a VPN. Reliable customer service is also an important consideration, because if you experience technical difficulties while you’re there, the fastest service available isn’t much use to you if you can’t troubleshoot.

What is the best VPN for China?

To help you make your decision, we have lined up a selection of the best VPNs for China, including popular services like PureVPN and NordVPN. All you need to do is pick a favourite option from this list.

These are the best VPNs for China in 2024.

The best VPNs that maintain a strict no-logging policy

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 07:39

A good VPN provides you with extra security when browsing online, watching Netflix, torrenting, or shopping. We've talked extensively about VPNs, giving recommendations on the fastest and cheapest services, but what about the most secure?

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are security tools that provide protection for your identity and data by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. The best way to visualise a VPN is to think of it like an encrypted tunnel through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

Should you care about a VPN's logging policy?

Connecting to the internet by way of a VPN means that your ISP can't see what you're doing and neither can the authorities. That only works if your VPN doesn't keep logs, though. Otherwise, those logs can help trace your online activities. 

This is a particular problem if your VPN service is located in one of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance countries whereby surveillance agencies are more likely to be legally allowed to access your browsing history. Understandably, this can all be an issue for some privacy conscious users, especially if you're trying to use a VPN to get around a country's restrictive censorship laws.

While many VPN clients promise that they don't keep any logs of your activities, the idea of a "no-logs policy" can mean a number of different things. Some companies can still keep more information than you feel comfortable about providing. A strict no-logs policy is what's needed most of all if you want your data to be kept away from roving eyes.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs out there, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. Alternatively, you can pay for a VPN. So which option is best for you and your lifestyle?

You get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

Something to consider is that free VPNs don't require you to input any payment details, which adds another layer of anonymity.

What is the best no-log VPN?

Whatever your reason for staying secure online, it's important to pick out the right no-logging VPN for you. We've lined up your best options, including leading services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

These are the best no-log VPNs in 2024.

Spotify is dabbling in online learning

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 06:33

Spotify is testing the waters of online learning, with video-based courses launched on the audio streaming platform today.

Available only in the UK for now, Spotify's video courses are the result of partnerships with educational platforms including Skillshare, BBC Maestro, PLAYvirtuoso, and Thinkific. The courses cover four areas of learning, described by Spotify as "make music, get creative, learn business, and healthy living."

A large chunk of Spotify's offered courses are fittingly music-related, with tutorials for music recording and production, songwriting, DJing, radio broadcasting, and specific genre courses including rap, grime, garage, drum and bass, house, and techno. But there are also courses geared toward a larger range of topics including startups and business, cooking, money, dancing, fitness, mindfulness, video production, and art techniques from watercolour painting to photography and graphic design.

The majority of Spotify's courses are geared toward music. Credit: Spotify / Mashable screenshot

Both premium subscribers and free Spotify users will get two lessons per course for free, but will have to buy the rest — a similar move to Spotify's audiobook offering, which gives premium users 15 free listening hours per month, after which you can buy additional credit. Spotify's video courses will sit in the app's home and browse tabs, or you can find them on the platform's dedicated page.

SEE ALSO: Uh, YouTube? Spotify just added full music videos

It's a bold but not so surprising move for Spotify, following the company's fierce investment in podcasts and audiobooks (though Spotify gutted its podcast workforce last year). In a blog post announcing the feature, Spotify claims that "about half of Spotify Premium subscribers have engaged in education or self-help-themed podcasts." However, Spotify will have its work cut out here, as the online learning space is long established and heavily crowded — from edX to FutureLearn, Coursera to Khan Academy, online courses are big business.

Genre-specific courses are on offer. Credit: Spotify / Mashable screenshot

“Testing video courses in the UK allows us to explore an exciting opportunity to better serve the needs of our users who have an active interest in learning,” said Babar Zafar, Spotify's VP product development said in a press statement.

“Many of our users engage with podcasts and audiobooks on a daily basis for their learning needs, and we believe this highly engaged community will be interested in accessing and purchasing quality content from video course creators. At Spotify, we’re constantly striving to create new offerings for our creators and users, and having built best-in-class personalized music and podcast offerings, we look forward to exploring the potential of video-based learning on Spotify.”

It's the latest feature Spotify's testing in the UK, with the company aiming to take a sweet chunk out of YouTube by adding full music videos. This feature is only available in 11 countries including the UK, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, the Netherlands, Colombia, Poland, Philippines, and Sweden, with no plans yet for additional markets including the U.S.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 25

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:24

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 March 25 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 25

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 25, 2024:

AcrossWhat "rizz," Oxford's 2023 Word of the Year, means
  • The answer is Charm.

Vowel group
  • The answer is AEIOU.

Kings, queens and jokers
  • The answer is Cards.

Providers of oxygen to earth's atmosphere
  • The answer is Trees.

"___ all good"
  • The answer is It's (without the ').

DownDesert flora

The answer is Cacti.

Tin Man's wish in The Wizard of Oz
  • The answer is Heart.

Buenos ___, Argentina
  • The answer is Aires.

Went on, as a roller coaster
  • The answer is Rode.

Tousle, as hair
  • The answer is Muss.

Get Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless earbuds for just $99.99

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, these new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are on sale for just $99.99 (reg. $169).

There are a lot of listening devices on the market. However, they weren't all created equal. If you'd like a more elevated audio experience, going with a trusted name is probably a good idea. Beats was co-created by none other than Dr. Dre to offer consumers a superb, premium way to listen to music.

These Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Earbuds are considered a new, open-box item. New, open-box products are generally extra stock from stores and might have some extra handling shown on the packaging. But the beauty of this category of products is that, even though new, they come at a reduced price of $99.99.

These Beats earbuds feature active noise cancellation. That means you can put them in and play your tunes while tuning the world out. The one-touch pairing makes connecting your devices seamless.

These Beats are designed with a custom acoustic platform and can provide up to 36 hours of sound when used with the included charging case. The case is small enough to keep in your pocket, making commuting and traveling with your gear much easier.

The days will be even more efficient with Dual-beam microphones that target your voice and filter external noise for incredible call performance. The on-ear control even allows you to manage calls and skip songs.

Don't settle for a sub-par listening experience.

Get these new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds on sale for just $99.99 (reg. $169).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Open Box) $99.99 at the Mashable Shop
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Save an extra $20 on this stock screener

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, get Tykr Stock Screener for life for an extra $20 off with code GET20, making it just $99.97.

Investing in the stock market might feel like gambling, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. If you do your research, you can make more informed investments and have a better idea of where your money will go. Nothing can guarantee an investment will pay off, but educational tools like Tykr Stock Screener could help you find the least risky places to invest. A lifetime Premium Plan is an extra $20 off through April 2.

Your first in a long line of wise investments

Tykr is an educational investment tool that you could use to research potential investments. Instead of going in blind, you can use Tykr to get a summary of 30,000+ US and international stocks that includes helpful information like potential risks, rewards, and pricing history. It's up to you to make the final call on whether you should invest or not, but measurements for a stock's margin of safety could help you get a good sense of whether or not buying a few shares is worth the risk for the reward. 

The stock market is dynamic, and so is Tykr. That's why it doesn't stop at traditional markets. Tykr also covers 1,600 ETFs and over 1,800 cryptocurrencies. And it does all of this with completely open-source calculations. There's no magic or behind-the-scenes trickery. You can check the formulae for yourself, but Tykr might save you a whole lot of time. 

Investment research for 30,000+ stocks

Make informed investments without needing to do all the legwork researching each stock yourself. 

If you use code GET20 by April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a Tykr Stock Screener Premium Lifetime Subscription for $99.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Tykr Tykr Stock Screener: Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.97 at the Mashable Shop
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This $25 password manager remembers and fills in your passwords

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, get a lifetime subscription to Sticky Password Premium, which is compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, for $24.97 (reg. $199).

Even if you only use the internet for absolutely essential accounts and some light browsing, you may still accrue more passwords than you can reasonably remember. Between your email accounts, social media, utilities, streaming accounts, and any shopping you've done online, you might have dozens of passwords. That's a lot to remember, so it's natural to start re-using passwords or opting for things that are easier to remember. A more secure solution may be to try a low-cost password manager. 

Sticky Password is a comprehensive password management and form-fill tool compatible with a wide range of devices. If you're sick of memorizing all your passwords, here's a chance to give your memory a break. A lifetime subscription to Sticky Password is only $24.97.

Remember one password

Instead of remembering a different password for each account, how about you just remember one? This simple password manager is compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices, so you can access all your accounts whether you're on your tablet, phone, or laptop. 

Sticky Password lets you save unlimited encrypted passwords, and it even fills them in for you. Log into your counts automatically, and if you're buying something, take advantage of Sticky Password's secure digital wallet. It even works with two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and more. 

Save on a simple cybersecurity solution 

Improve your password security without needing to improve your memory.  

Until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a Sticky Password Premium Lifetime Subscription for $24.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Sticky Password Sticky Password Premium: Lifetime Subscription $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
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PC users, get Windows 11 Pro for only $24.97

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, if you're looking for a low-cost way to improve your digital security, try upgrading your operating system to Windows 11 Pro for $24.97 (reg. $199).

Cybersecurity may seem like an abstract concept, but there are very real and simple things you can do to help keep your data and devices safer. Something as simple as modernizing your apps and operating systems could give you access to more recent, automatic security tools, and it might not cost as much as you think. 

PC users have a chance to upgrade a compatible device to Windows 11 Pro for a limited-time low price. Through April 2, you can get Windows 11 Pro for only $24.97, with no coupon needed. 

Whether you're a remote worker, a business owner, or just looking for an upgrade, Windows 11 Pro may be able to help. This OS comes with advanced security measures, such as support for biometrics login (for compatible devices), TPM 2.0, and Smart App Control.

Security isn't the only thing going on with 11 Pro, though. Gamers might enjoy DirectX 12 Ultimate for boosted gaming graphics, and casual users could even notice the difference from quality-of-life improvements like snap layouts, desktops, and improved voice typing. 

Just keep in mind that not all computers are compatible with 11 Pro. If your Windows device is running Windows 10 and can't upgrade to Windows 11 for free, 11 Pro won't work either. 

The easiest way to improve your cybersecurity might not be yet another app. 

Instead, take advantage of this limited-time deal and get Windows 11 Pro for $24.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
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