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Best Buy is back with its "buy one, get one free" deal on Samsung TVs

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 04:43

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE: As of Dec. 13, Best Buy is offering a "buy one, get one free" deal on Samsung TVs. If you buy a select Samsung 75-inch TV, you'll get a 32-inch TV for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Buy One, Get One Free on Samsung TVs at Best Buy Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are dead, long live Best Buy's doorbuster deals.

If you've been waiting for an opportunity to kit out your house with top-quality TVs, the latest doorbuster deal from Best Buy is for you. As of Dec. 13, Best Buy is giving away a free 32-inch Samsung class TV with any purchase of a select 75-inch Samsung class TV. And better yet, a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership is thrown in for free.

SEE ALSO: Score a 48-inch LG B4 TV for under $700 at Best Buy

The 32-inch model usually costs $229.99. And the 75-inch TV is down to $549.99 from its list price of $749.99. That's a total discount of over $400 on a pair of top TVs. The 75-inch model would look great in any home, and the 32-inch is an excellent option for any smaller spaces.

"Buy one, get one free" deals like this don't tend to stick around for very long. If you've been hoping to upgrade your TV setup, we recommend taking advantage of this limited-time offer at Best Buy.

How to watch Joker: Folie à Deux at home — the sequel is now streaming

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 04:30
The best deals to watch 'Joker: Folie à Deux' at a glance: BEST MAX DEAL Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST DEAL WITH NO ADS Max Ad-Free annual subscription $169.99/year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Learn More BEST FOR STUDENTS Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy 'Joker: Folie à Deux' on Prime Video $12.99 (save $7) Get Deal

Todd Phillips' ambitious sequel and box office dud Joker: Folie à Deux seeks to find a new audience this week with its official streaming debut. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film was met with some rough reviews upon its theatrical release. Streaming is a different ball game, though, and could be the platform that finally puts the divisive film in front of the right audience.

If you missed the Joker sequel in theaters, it's officially available to stream as of Friday, Dec. 13. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Joker 2 about?

The musical sequel to the 2019 supervillain origin story, Joker: Folie à Deux sees Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as clown-faced criminal Arthur Fleck slash Joker. Now institutionalized at Arkham State Hospital and awaiting trial for his crimes, Joker meets fellow patient Lee Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). Sharing his affinity for violence and mayhem, sparks fly immediately. Most of the film then sees Arthur enduring a trial while escaping into his imagination to sing, frolic, and go on murderous sprees with Lee.

Joker 2 also stars Oscar nominees Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener, alongside Zazie Beetz, reprising her role from the first film.

Check out the official trailer below:

Is the Joker sequel worth watching?

There are some sequels that get it right, like Smile 2 and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and there are others that swing and miss. We found that Joker: Folie à Deux is the latter — and we're not the only ones. Or, as Mashable's reviewer Kristy Puchko wrote, "This sequel feels like a punishment."

On Rotten Tomatoes, the Joker sequel has just a 32 percent critic and audience rating. Its box office debut was largely a flop. Warner Bros. sources claim the film needed to make $375 million worldwide to break even; its worldwide box office tally peaked at $206 million.

Of course, like every other film, whether it's worth watching is subjective. You might love it. It could end up becoming a cult classic years from now. If you're a Gaga fan, you'll probably want to watch it simply for her star power. For what it's worth, several big names actually praised Joker 2, including Quentin Tarantino and John Waters, so it can't be that bad.

Check out our full review of Joker: Folie à Deux.

How to watch Joker: Folie à Deux at home Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Joker sequel became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video and Apple TV as of Oct. 29. You can purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. If you'd rather stream it instead, keep scrolling to learn more about its streaming debut.

Note: Renting a film gives you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers: Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Buy 'Joker: Folie à Deux' on VOD $12.99 at Prime Video
$19.99 Save $7.00 Watch Now Is Joker 2 streaming?

As a Warner Bros. film, Joker: Folie à Deux is set to make its streaming debut on Max, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer on Dec. 13. Yes, that's Friday the 13th (what could go wrong?). The original Joker film from 2019 is also streaming on Max, so you can make it a double feature. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few ways you can save some money on your plan. Check out the best Max streaming deals below.

Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

If ads aren't a deal breaker for you, Max will only cost you $9.99 per month. You can easily just sign up for a single month, watch Joker 2 and whatever else you want to within that time frame, then cancel before you're charged for another month. Or you could save some money by sticking around for the long haul. An annual plan with ads will run you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month instead — about a 16% savings compared to the monthly plan. The only downside is that you have to splurge on a full year upfront.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

Can't stand ads interrupting your viewing experience? You have two options to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs $16.99 per month, while the Max Ultimate tier costs $20.99 per month. However, we recommend choosing a yearly plan instead, as you'll save about 16%. It'll only cost you $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month) for Max Ad-Free or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month) for Max Ultimate.

Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier takes things a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

If ever there was a reason to sign up for Cricket Wireless, here it is: Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get Max with ads for free (a $99.99 value). If you're on the $60 per month plan, just head over to the Max app (or navigate to Max.com), choose Cricket as your provider, and enter your credentials to log in. Then you're free to watch whatever you want, whenever you want — including Joker: Folie à Deux if you choose. Peep the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more.

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads monthly for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can get 50% off a Max monthly subscription with ads for an entire year, dropping the price down to only $4.99 per month. As long as you can verify your student status through UNiDAYS, you'll get a unique discount code that lets you knock half off the full price of Max.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

It may not be the cheapest way to watch Joker 2, but you can definitely get more bang for your buck by snagging the bundle deal that includes Max, Hulu, and Disney+. Enjoy all three libraries with ads for only $16.99 (reg. $25.97) per month or ad-free for $29.99 (reg. $48.97) per month, which is up to 38% in savings.

The Game Awards 2024 big announcements: Elden Ring, Witcher, and more

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 04:06

The 2024 Game Awards took place in Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on Thursday night, with developers travelling from across the globe to celebrate this year in video games.

Now in its 10th year, The Game Awards have become known for new game announcements and previews as much as they are for celebrity appearances, weird marketing stunts, and forcing timid game developers to awkwardly deliver speeches in front of thousands of people. 

Here are all the biggest announcements from The Game Awards 2024.

SEE ALSO: 'Split Fiction' hands-on: A co-op adventure through sci-fi and fantasy worlds The Witcher IV announced, almost a decade after last game

The 2024 Game Awards started out strong with the announcement of The Witcher IV from CD Projeckt Red. The fourth game in the Witcher series, The Witcher IV will break from its predecessors by following former supporting character Ciri rather than previous protagonist Geralt — and it looks as though she's shaping up to be just as formidable a monster slayer as he is.

The Witcher IV will be a single-player open-world roleplaying game though, with CD Project Red stating that it "marks the beginning of a new saga with Ciri as a protagonist." This project is the studio's first new game since 2020's Cyberpunk 2077, and the first new title in the Witcher series since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in 2015. 

Elden Ring co-op spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign unveiled

Considering how popular FromSoftware's Elden Ring was in 2022, it's unsurprising that we're getting more games in the same universe. What is surprising is that Elden Ring: Nightreign will be a three-person co-op action survival game, and is a spin-off rather than a sequel. Fortunately it will also support singleplayer, so you won't always need to wait for your friends to play.

Elden Ring: Nightreign will have players work together to survive the "everchanging" land of Limveld and level up one of eight characters, each of whom have their own special abilities. Survive for three days, and you'll have to face the dangerous Nightlords.

Though the game will have many of the same weapons and enemies found in Elden Ring, the world will be different in every playthrough. New key locations, enemies, and weapons will appear or shift around in each new game, FromSoftware stating that players will have to overcome "the map itself."

Elden Ring: Nightreign is currently planned for release on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC in 2025.

Untitled game from Shadow of the Colossus developer teased

We don't even know the title of this game, but its pedigree already makes it one that many people will want to keep an eye on. The Game Awards offered a brief glimpse at a new game from genDESIGN and its founder Fumito Ueda, the creator behind notable titles such as Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian.

Borderlands 4 offers official first look

Borderlands 4 was previously announced with a teaser trailer in August, but now we have our official first look at 2K Games' next entry in the popular franchise. 

The new first-person loot shooter will pick up after the events of Borderlands 3, when — spoiler alert — Siren Lilith averted a disastrous collision by teleporting Pandora's moon Elpis to an unknown location. It turns out that said location was the atmosphere above Kairos, which did not do great things for the protective barrier surrounding the planet.

Borderlands 4 positions players as a Vault Hunter searching for treasure, wealth, and glory after crash landing on Kairos several years later. It may not all be hedonistic self-interest though. Players will contend with The Timekeeper, Kairos' ruthless dictator and leader of an army of synthetic soldiers known as The Order. Also opposing him are the Rippers led by their formidable Queen Callis, making the situation on Kairos volatile to say the least.

The game will support solo players as well as co-op games, with two-player local split screen or up to four players online. Borderlands 4 is scheduled to arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2025.

New Virtua Fighter game from Yakuza's studio in development

Virtua Fighter is a hugely influential fighting game series. Considered the first ever 3D fighting game, the game has informed and inspired numerous others since its first title was released in 1993. Even so, there hasn't been a new Virtua Fighter game since Virtua Fighter 5 in 2007. This is about to change.

SEGA announced a new Virtua Fighter game during Thursday's Game Awards, this time led by Like a Dragon/Yakuza developer Ryu Ga Gotoku. In a subsequent livestream, SEGA President and COO Shuji Utsumi also revealed that the original Virtua Fighter team has also returned to work on the game for the first time since 2006.

"For a number of years now, we have been working on this project together with the Virtua Fighter developers as a united team," said Ryu Ga Gotoku director Masayoshi Yokoyama (translated from Japanese to English). "[It will] incorporate the game technologies that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has built and refined over the years, as well as Virtua Fighter's signature full-contact action systems."

The Last of Us developers reveal retro sci-fi game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

The Game Awards traditionally end with "just one more thing," a big, exciting reveal to close out the night. This year that reveal was a brand new game in a brand new IP from The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog, offering a cool '80s retro sci-fi aesthetic.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet follows bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun (Tati Gabrielle), who pursues her latest target to the mysterious planet of Sempiria. Nobody has left Sempiria's orbit in over 600 years, with all communication from it having gone dark. Now Jordan must keep her wits about her and fight hard if she wants to be the first person in six centuries to escape.

The sci-fi adventure game will be scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who have previously provided the soundtracks for films such as The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, and Challengers.

We don't know much else about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet yet. However, Naughty Dog Studio Head Neil Druckmann states that it "lives up to the Naughty Dog tradition of creating an emotional, character-driven epic journey," and that it will be "the deepest gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history."

Astro Bot won Game of the Year 2024

For many gamers, The Game Awards' main appeal is its slew of new game reveals. Even so, the event is technically an awards ceremony, with one game ultimately taking home the title of Game of the Year.

The 2024 Game Awards' Game of the Year went to platformer Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi. Though Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth led the nominations with seven each, the former took home the most trophies after winning Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure Game, and Best Family Game as well.

For £22, Microsoft Visual Studio Pro could be your coding command centre

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is just £22.06 (reg. £393.56) through 22 December.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows £22.06 at the Mashable Shop
£393.56 Save £371.50 Get Deal

If you're unhappy with your coding process, a software switch could be in order. Elevate your coding experience with Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows. It was designed to help you code faster, more accurately, and across multiple platforms — and a lifetime device license is only £22.06 through 22 December.

This powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is packed with features that allow you to code smarter, build collaboratively, and bring complex projects to life. From entry-level developers to seasoned programmers, Visual Studio Pro 2022 has the tools you need to tackle any project efficiently.

One of the most helpful features of Visual Studio Pro 2022 is its support for cross-platform development. You’re not limited to one platform. Instead, you can build mobile, web, and desktop applications using the same IDE.

With .NET MAUI, you can craft cross-platform mobile and desktop applications, while Blazor lets you build responsive web UIs in C#. And for those working with Linux, Visual Studio’s debugging and testing capabilities for .NET and C++ apps make it incredibly versatile.

Need to make quick changes on the fly? Hot reload allows you to edit running ASP.NET pages without restarting, saving valuable time and boosting productivity.

Visual Studio Pro 2022 also includes tools like IntelliCode and CodeLens, offering unparalleled productivity boosts. IntelliCode is an AI-powered tool that understands the context of your code, completing lines or blocks with accurate suggestions. It even anticipates your next move, making coding faster and smoother.

The CodeLens feature provides valuable insights directly into your code editor. It shows you information like recent changes, authors, tests, and commit history at a glance, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of your codebase and make informed decisions without interrupting your flow.

Pick up a device license that never expires when you get Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 on sale for £22.06 (reg. £393.56). This price is only available through 22 December at the Mashable Shop.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows - £22.06 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get Skoove Premium for £95 and pay once for unlimited piano lessons for life

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Score permanent access to Skoove Premium piano lessons on sale for £94.64 (reg. £236.60) at the Mashable Shop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £94.64 at the Mashable Shop
£236.60 Save £141.96 Get Deal

Thinking of fulfilling a lifelong goal of learning to play the piano? Finding an instructor to teach you every month will quickly set you back hundreds, if not thousands of pounds — not to mention the coordination of both your schedules. And learning from YouTube can be hard without a solid direction.

Thankfully, there's a way to combine the personal approach of an in-person teacher with the flexibility of learning from videos: interactive piano lessons from Skoove Premium. You can get lifetime access to Skoove virtual piano lessons on sale for £94.64 (reg. £236.60).

Skoove uses artificial intelligence to identify and understand what you're playing so it can give real-time feedback. You'll get access to over 400 piano tutorials that are tailored to your preferences, with a variety of genres to choose from like popular music by The Beatles, Adele, and more, as well as classical music by Beethoven, Mozart, etc. And if you need additional help, Skoove music instructors are there to give one-on-one support to supplement your studies. 

Every month, new videos and songs are added, so you'll never get bored. And lifetime access means you only have to pay once for unlimited access.

If you're ready to tickle the ivories and learn to play the piano on your own schedule, consider Skoove.

Score a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium piano lessons marked down 60% at the price of £94.64.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

19 of the best Stanford University courses you can take online for free

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A wide range of free online courses from Stanford University are available to take with edX.

edX is one of the best platforms for online courses, with a massive range of lessons covering useful topics like Python, mathematics, computer science, and much more. And some of these online courses are delivered by famous schools like Stanford University.

We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout options from Stanford University. And the best thing is that it costs absolutely nothing to enroll. It sounds too good to be true, but it's legit.

These are the best Stanford University courses you can take for free this month.

These free courses do not include certificates of completion, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at your own pace with unlimited access to all the resources on offer.

Find the best free online courses from Stanford University at edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stanford University Stanford University Courses Free at edX Get Deal

How to unblock Pornhub for free

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Pornhub has been around forever, but your access to this popular site is not guaranteed.

Pornhub has been banned in Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and more locations around the world, which is frustrating for anyone looking to access their favorite site at an entirely appropriate moment. Fortunately, online restrictions like this can be bypassed with a quick and easy hack.

If you want to unblock sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Access Pornhub by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

  4. Access Pornhub from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to permanent retain access to everything the online world has to offer, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking content is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

How to unblock TikTok for free

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Unblock TikTok by hiding your digital location. The best VPN for unblocking TikTok is ExpressVPN.

The Jan. 19 deadline for the potential TikTok ban is fast approaching. It's still not clear whether or not the TikTok ban will actually come into effect, but if it does, you better be prepared.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock TikTok for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock TikTok for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. That means you can change your digital location to somewhere that supports the use of TikTok, meaning you can retain access to your favourite app from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock TikTok:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to TikTok

  4. Visit TikTok

  5. Use the app from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at Express (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer generous money-back guarantees. Using these money-back guarantees is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can temporarily unblock TikTok and then recover your investment at a later date.

If you want to retain permanent access to TikTok from an unsupported location, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for TikTok is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TikTok?

There are a number of VPNs that can reliably unblock TikTok, but ExpressVPN is probably the best:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Australia vs. India 3rd Test online for free

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. India for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Australia secured an emphatic 10-wicket victory over India in the 2nd Test to level the series at 1-1. And now, all eyes are on the Gabba as both sides look to gain an advantage in this electric contest.

If you want to watch Australia vs. India (3rd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. India (3rd Test)?

The 3rd Test between Australia and India takes place from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18 (in Australia). This Test match takes place at the Gabba.

The full schedule for India's five-Test tour of Australia is as follows:

  • Australia vs. India (1st Test) — Nov. 22 to Nov. 26

  • Australia vs. India (2nd Test) — Dec. 6 to Dec. 10

  • Australia vs. India (3rd Test) — Dec. 14 to Dec. 18

  • Australia vs. India (4th Test) — Dec. 25 to Dec. 30

  • Australia vs. India (5th Test) — Jan. 2 to Jan. 7

The good news for fans is that every Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.

How to watch Australia vs. India for free

Australia vs. India (3rd Test) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus in Australia.

If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock 7Plus. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Australia vs. India from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Australia vs. India by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 7Plus

  5. Stream Australia vs. India for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Australia vs. India (3rd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to your favorite streaming platforms from anywhere in the world, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Australia vs. India (3rd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch New Zealand vs. England 3rd Test online for free

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. England for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

England have looked really impressive in their Test match series against New Zealand. England beat New Zealand by 323 runs to win the second Test and series, which was somewhat surprising after a disappointing defeat against Pakistan in their last outing.

New Zealand were coming off a 3-0 win against India, so expectations were high for the home side. The Black Caps might have lost the series, but they can still end on a high.

If you want to watch New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test)?

The 3rd Test between New Zealand and England takes place from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18 (in New Zealand). This Test match takes place at Seddon Park.

The final Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.

How to watch New Zealand vs. England for free

New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

  4. Visit TVNZ+

  5. Stream New Zealand vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on TVNZ+, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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Live stream New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

The best running watches in 2024

Mashable - Fri, 12/13/2024 - 00:00

We're stating the obvious but it's worth reiterating: Running is hard. Like, really hard. Unless you're one of those freakish individuals who can just get up and run a half marathon. Otherwise, the idea of hauling oneself off the sofa is effort enough. Never mind pounding the pavement for a few kilometres or more.

That's why it's worth spending some money on something that makes running as easygoing and bearable as possible. Take running watches, for example. These helpful devices are built to optimise and personalise your training, which will improve performance and set you racing towards those ever-increasing PB goals.

Sounds helpful, right? Absolutely. If you're determined to get out there, you might as well make it easy on yourself. Plus, you'll be able to measure how quickly you were running before you passed out — if that's what it comes to, anyway. To get you started, here’s what you need to know about running watches.

What can a running watch do?

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are stacked with so many features, it’s sometimes hard to know what’s what. Also, relatively few fitness watches are only running watches — they are usually equipped for multi-sport activities — so you need choose a watch that includes features best suited for running.

These will include basic data, such as your step count, calorie burn, and distance travelled. Also, a GPS that tells you where you’re going and helps to track runs. More advanced watches will measure heart rate and other bio-metrics, while even analysing elevation, speed, and much more. A solid battery life is an advantage, especially if you’re doing — or working towards — long distances.

What is a GPS watch?

Not every fitness watch has GPS. But for even mid-level runners, GPS is essential. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites to track your position and movements with impressive accuracy. In running terms, this means you can track routes without having to map yourself, and also measure key metrics such as pace, distance, and time.

Some watches combine other features, such as an accelerator, to work out your speed and the length of your stride and keep the GPS map accuracy even if you go through a tunnel and out of satellite range.

What stats do running watches track?

As well as all the basics from your run — distance, time, and speed — decent running watches use sensors to measure all kinds of biometric data. This will include calories burned, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and BMI (body mass index). Some can even isolate and report on the kind of energy your body uses while running. These are usually tracked in a fitness app that syncs with your watch and smart device.

Do running watches track other workouts?

Yes, absolutely. It’s unusual to find a watch that’s specific to just running. Most do the very basics — swimming, strength, and cardio exercises — but you’ll find many of the watches on this list have different sport modes built in. Some watches are geared towards triathlon training, and you’ll find others are better for specific types of running — particularly long-distance and endurance running.

How much does a running watch cost?

As with everything, it depends on the kind of specs you want. If a basic, no-frills model suits you, you can get a watch for under £100. But expect to spend a few hundred pounds for a mid-range model. For the very best, prepare to spend £500 or more. It depends on the kind of runner you are. Are you a casual jogger looking to break the 5K? Then a budget or mid-range model will likely suffice. Or are you a serious marathon runner who’s clocking dozens of miles per week? In that case, something more specialist is in order.

What is the best running watch?

It not only depends on the kind of runner you are but the specific goals you’re running towards. But we have attempted to answer this question by tracking down the best options from some of the top brands. Whether you're just starting or training to be an elite runner, there's something on this list for you.

These are the best running watches for 2024.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a new retro sci-fi game from The Last of Us developers

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 23:13

We finally know what the next game from the makers of The Last of Us and Uncharted looks like.

It's called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and it's coming to PlayStation 5. It's a third-person sci-fi adventure with extremely lush visuals, a cool aesthetic that's at least somewhat inspired by stuff like Cowboy Bebop, and 1980s pop music. There isn't much else to say about it just yet because the Game Awards trailer didn't show much, but you play as a cool-looking lady with some kind of laser sword.

Maybe this one will get a hit TV show, too.

NYT Strands hints, answers for December 13

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 22:39

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: One for the Swifties

These words are related to Taylor Swift

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are easily recognized by fans of Taylor Swift.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is AlbumTitle.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 13
  • Folklore

  • Fearless

  • Midnights

  • Evermore

  • Lover

  • AlbumTitle

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 22:39

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Used in snow

  • Green: Worn by athletes

  • Blue: Team representatives

  • Purple: Sounds broadcasters might make

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

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

  • Yellow: Skiing equipment

  • Green: Logos of athletic brands

  • Blue: NBA mascots

  • Purple: Sports onomatopoeias

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #81 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Skiiing equipment - BOOTS, GOGGLES, POLES, SKIS

  • Logos of athletic brands - SWOOSH, PUMA, JUMPMAN, THREE STRIPES

  • NBA mascots - BENNY, BURNIE, CHUCK, RUMBLE

  • Sports onomatopoeias - BLOOP, CLANK, DOINK, SWISH

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13, 2024

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 22:00

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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 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: Mythical beings

  • Green: Common sections in an email client

  • Blue: Citrus-based fizzy drinks

  • Purple: Sounds like an animal

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: Fantasy Creatures

  • Green: Email Folders

  • Blue: Citrus Sodas

  • Purple: Animal Homophones

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #551 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Fantasy Creatures: DRAGON, GIANT, PIXIE, TROLL

  • Email Folders: DRAFTS, SENT, SPAM, TRASH

  • Citrus Sodas: CRUSH, SPRITE, SQUIRT, STARRY

  • Animal Homophones: BORE, LINKS, PHISH, TOWED

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 13 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.

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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Participants in sanctioned fist fights.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

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 today's Wordle is...

BOXER.

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Virtua Fighter got a surprising revival from the Yakuza developers at The Game Awards

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 21:27

Fighting game old-heads are freaking out right now, and for good reason.

Virtua Fighter, one of the most beloved and also most presumed-dead fighting game series, is back. A new, currently untitled entry in the series was announced at The Game Awards 2024, courtesy of longtime series publisher SEGA and new lead development studio Ryo Ga Gotoku, of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series.

In other words, the people who make the coolest games about beating dudes up are making a new game about beating dudes up. Sounds great.

Amazon Plans $1 Million Donation to Trump’s Inaugural Fund

NYT Technology - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 21:19
The move follows Meta’s donation of the same amount to the fund earlier this week.

Borderlands 4 gets its grand reveal at The Game Awards

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 21:15

Borderlands is back, and you won't be surprised to learn it has plenty of guns and attitude.

That's the rub from the Borderlands 4 reveal trailer aired at The Game Awards, anyway. It has new characters, locations, guns, and enemies, which are all the things you would want from a new Borderlands game. The classic art style returns, too, so Borderlands fans shouldn't be disappointed.

Let's just hope it clears the movie.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is a co-op spin-off announced at The Game Awards

Mashable - Thu, 12/12/2024 - 20:42

Elden Ring was a very popular game, so naturally, they're making another one.

It isn't Elden Ring 2, though. Geoff Keighley took to the stage at The Game Awards 2024 to announce something slightly unexpected: A co-op action game set in the Elden Ring universe. Called Elden Ring: Nightreign and developed by From Software, it looks like it might be a cross between Elden Ring and Monster Hunter, with players teaming up to take down horrifying boss monsters.

Whatever it is, it probably just became the single most anticipated game for millions of people.

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