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60+ best back-to-school deals for students on a budget

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 05:00
Top back-to-school deals Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best headphone/earbud deal Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $189.99 at Amazon (save $59.01) Get Deal Best school supply deal Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator $99 at Amazon (save $51) Get Deal Best backpack deal Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack $44.99 at Amazon (save $20.01) Get Deal Best dorm deal Casper Comfy Mattress Topper (Twin XL) $175.20 at Casper (save $43.80) Get Deal Best Apple deal $150 gift card with purchase of MacBook or iPad From $549 in the Apple Education Store Get Deal

Whether you're entering elementary school or college, back-to-school season is here. We still get a thrill thinking of a new backpack filled with freshly sharpened pencils and clean, colorful folders. Unfortunately, the older you get the less fun (and more expensive) shopping gets — like spending over $100 on a calculator. However, plenty of back-to-school deals are here to bring oodles of savings on laptops, headphones, and more.

All the big retailers are hosting back-to-school sales, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more. You'll find savings on the small stuff, like colored pencils for just $0.99, or hundreds of dollars off laptops, including the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899.00 at Best Buy
$1,099.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M3).

The MacBook Air with M3 chip is a great college laptop — especially if you're on a budget. It comes in a light package, weighing 2.7 pounds versus a MacBook Pro's 3.4 pounds, but it holds the same M3 processing power as the Pro. During back-to-school season, find the M3 MacBook Air for under $1,000 at Best Buy. It's down to $899, an 18% savings and $200 off. (Note that you can save an extra $50 with a paid My Best Buy membership, matching its all-time low from Prime Day.)

More laptop dealsBest headphone or earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $179.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $69.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation).

Apple AirPods have become the universally beloved earbud, and it's earned too. They're foolproof for iOS users, as they automatically connect to iPhones, and they're compact size makes them easy to toss into a backpack so they can go with you anywhere.

The second-gen AirPods Pro are a fantastic option if you're in the market for a pair of back-to-school headphones. They offer active noise cancellation — ideal for long hours studying, or a very noisy roommate — but are much easier to transport than clunky over-the-ear headphones. You can find them at Amazon for $189.99, just $20 higher than their lowest price ever. Buy them now to save $59.01, giving you 24% off.

More headphone and earbud dealsBest school supply deal Opens in a new window Credit: Texas Instruments Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator $99.00 at Amazon
$150.00 Save $51.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It's a rite of passage to get your hands on a clunky graphing calculator for high school math. Luckily these days, the new generation of TI-84s are slim, sleek devices with colorful graphics. Ahead of the school year, get the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE for just $99, saving you $51 for 34% off.

More school supply dealsBest backpack deal Opens in a new window Credit: Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack $44.99 at Amazon
$65.00 Save $20.01 Get Deal Why we like it

No matter your age or grade level, you need a backpack. Herschel Supply Co.'s 26-liter Classic XL Backpack is a roomy and minimalist option that has one main compartment with a floating laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket, and a side water bottle pocket. It retails for $65 on Herschel's website, but Amazon has it on sale for $44.99 in two colors (Darkest Black and a limited-edition Seagrass/White Stitch). That's a savings of 31%, or just over $20.

For younger students, the slightly smaller Herschel Classic Backpack (no "XL") was also on sale at Amazon at the time of writing.

More backpack dealsBest dorm deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Comfy Mattress Topper (Twin XL) $175.20 at Casper
$219.00 Save $43.80 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're headed off to college, your shopping cart is likely exploding with new bedding, towels, and more. But there's one item we're begging you not to skip: A mattress topper. Dorm room mattresses are essentially plastic bags full of stiff metal springs guaranteed to give you a terrible night's sleep, but that's nothing that several inches of memory foam can't fix. Casper's Comfy Mattress Topper is a favorite and is pricey at $219, however, during its summer sale it's 20% off and down to $175.20. Those $43.80 are some sweet savings — letting you sleep even more peacefully.

More dorm dealsBest Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple $150 gift card with purchase of MacBook or iPad Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to save on Apple products, our usual advice is to buy anywhere but the Apple store, as they rarely have sales. That is until back-to-school season rolls around. The Apple Education Store lets students and teachers save on Apple devices. Before September 30, with the purchase of a MacBook or iPad you'll receive a gift card worth up to $150. Plus, when shopping in the Apple Education Store, you'll benefit from education pricing that saves you an extra $100 on devices.

More Apple deals

The best dating apps for introverts who prefer books to bars

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 05:00

If the thought of ordering a drink at a crowded bar or making small talk with strangers at a party fills you with the incomprehensible urge to jump out the nearest window, you’re probably an introvert — and that’s totally okay! We see you. We are you.

There’s no shame in being more comfortable curled up with a good book than out on the town, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life of solitude, either. In fact, introverts make for amazing partners, lovers, and friends — once we get to know someone.

Where do introverts find love?

This may come as a shock, but dating apps (and even some of the old-school dating sites that are still hanging around) are the place for introverts. On these platforms, you can show off who you really are without feeling the pressure to constantly be “on” like you might in a traditional social setting.

SEE ALSO: Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationships

Yes, it’s true that dating apps still get a bad rap as a last resort for the desperate, but for introverts, these nifty little tools provide a much-needed buffer that allows us to slowly and comfortably get to know potential partners. When you meet someone online, you can take the time to build the kind of deep, meaningful connections that often feel out of reach in today’s fast-paced, surface-level dating culture.

What are the best dating sites for introverts?

Even though we’re big fans of online dating, especially for our introverted readers, not all dating platforms are created equal. Tinder, for example, is pretty much the polar opposite of what introverts are looking for. Its hookup-centric interface and “swipe left” model are a recipe for disaster for shy singles who prefer to get to know their matches before jumping into bed. (If dating apps were places, Tinder would be the crowded sports bar.)

Instead, we’ve found dating apps like Hinge, OkCupid, and Match are much better suited for introverts. Unlike Tinder, these dating platforms encourage users to share a little bit more about themselves, from lengthy profile bios to lists of interests and deal-breakers.

So, to help you find your person — the one who’ll understand and appreciate you for who you truly are — we’ve rounded up the best dating sites for introverts just like you. (Plus, a few picks for hooking up, because we all have needs. Just because you're introverted doesn't mean you can't have a little fun.)

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 1

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 04:00

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 August 1 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 1

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 1, 2024:

AcrossScore 100% on

  • The answer is ace.

Word that, in German, translates directly to "hand shoe"

  • The answer is glove.

Its showers bring "May flowers"

  • The answer is April.

Hut

  • The answer is shack.

Not mainstream, in genre names

  • The answer is alt.

DownFirst letter of the Greek alphabet

  • The answer is alpha.

Reef builder

  • The answer is coral.

Kick out

  • The answer is evict.

Bad thing to run out of in the middle of nowhere

  • The answer is gas.

Antlered mammal in the Rockies

  • The answer is elk.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for August 1

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 03:55

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

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 1

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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Not stirred

The hint for the theme is that this word list is shaky at best.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are different things that can be shaken.

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 Shaken.

NYT Strands word list for August 1

  • Martini

  • Salt

  • Hands

  • Booty

  • Shaken

  • Hairspray

  • Maraca

  • Rattle

Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.

The best sex and dating apps for finding a hookup

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 02:00

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

Hookup culture is all about keeping things casual, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. We can all get stuck in a sexual rut from time to time, and trying to take strangers home from a bar or constantly texting your ex can be exhausting. If you're struggling to find a match in the real world, it might be time to put your faith in dating sites.

When we think about these sites, it's normal to go straight to the likes of Match, eharmony, EliteSingles, and other marriage-minded options, but not everyone is thinking about something so serious. Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and you best believe that there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world, because meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site. Why not give yourself the best chance of success?

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Lastly, using dating apps and sites is a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

When it comes to sex apps, you probably don't mind long questionnaires or in-depth profiles, but when you're just looking for a casual hookup, that all seems unnecessary. Sure, you want to gauge that you're at least a little compatible and not hooking up with a complete psychopath. The best hookup apps have quick and easy bios or prompts that give you an insight into who you'd be getting down and dirty with.

Photos are also a huge factor in good hookup apps. Some sex apps and dating sites gatekeep people's pics unless you have a paid subscription, and we don't really love that. Apps that show the full view of someone's profile are the way to go. You definitely want to make sure you're physically attracted to the person you're going to be having sex with.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

We have tracked down a strong selection of your best options for hooking up, with sites like AdultFriendFinder and iHookup making the cut. There should be something for everyone in this list, so what do you have to lose?

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2024.

The best VPN in August 2024

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

VPNs are handy security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.

We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.

Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:

  • Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

  • Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.

  • Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

  • Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.

  • Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.

  • Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, 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.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best VPNs in 2024.

Take your Microsoft Excel skills to the next level with this £23 training package

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Brush up on your Excel skills with The All-In-One Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle, on sale for 80% off. As of July 29, get it for only £23.32 (£116.69).

Microsoft Excel is a platform many of us are familiar with but have never mastered. In fact, there's a pretty good chance you're not using the software to its fullest potential. From intense data analysis to the fundamentals of VBA, there are so many layers to Excel.

To get a deeper understanding of the leading spreadsheet program, sign up for this All-In-One Microsoft Excel Training Bundle while it's massively discounted. 

This online course collection features over 650 lessons and 50 hours worth of training. And you'll be learning from true Excel wizards — including Jordan Goldmeier, who was the former Chief Operating Officer at Excel.TV. He's the author of Advanced Excel Essentials and Dashboards for Excel, and is currently working on his third book, Becoming a Data Head. So, it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about spreadsheets.

As you work your way through the lessons, you'll figure out how to do things on Excel you've never done before. For instance, there's a section on the programming language VBA and another on automating basic tasks to save you time.

Portions of the masterclass will have hands-on demonstrations and analysis of real-world data sets, such as California burrito ratings, shark attack records, sports team statistics, and more. This way, you'll have concrete examples of how these concepts can be applied. 

A major thing to note is that the Microsoft Excel software itself isn't included, but if you need it — it's also on sale at the Mashable Shop right now.

On a regular day, the All-In-One Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle is valued at £116.69. Luckily, you can take advantage of this massive discount and virtually enroll for only £23.32 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jordan Goldmeier The All-In-One Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle £23.32 at the Mashable Shop
£116.69 Save £93.37 Get Deal

How to watch Scottie Scheffler at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Rory McIlroy at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Scottie Scheffler will be hoping he can secure a gold medal for Team USA at Paris 2024, but it's certainly not going to be easy. There is a lot of talent in the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024, with a number of top players in with a chance of victory.

If you want to watch Scottie Scheffler at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Scottie Scheffler competing at Paris 2024?

The men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 takes place at Le Golf National from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4. Scottie Scheffler's tee times are as follows:

  • Round 1 — 4:11 a.m. ET on Aug. 1

  • Round 2 — 6:06 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

  • Round 3 — TBC on Aug. 3

  • Round 4 — TBC on Aug. 4

How to watch Scottie Scheffler at Paris 2024 for free

The men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 (plus all the other events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Rory McIlroy at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Rory McIlroy at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are so many exciting events at Paris 2024, but if you're looking to watch genuine superstars of world sport, you should check out the golf. And stars don't come much brighter than Rory McIlroy.

If you want to watch Rory McIlroy at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rory McIlroy competing at Paris 2024?

The men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 takes place at Le Golf National from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4. Rory McIlroy's tee times are as follows:

  • Round 1 — 4:11 a.m. ET on Aug. 1

  • Round 2 — 6:06 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

  • Round 3 — TBC on Aug. 3

  • Round 4 — TBC on Aug. 4

How to watch Rory McIlroy at Paris 2024 for free

The men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 (plus all the other events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

27 of the best MIT courses you can take online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX.

edX hosts a wide range of free online courses from top educational institutions like MIT. And the courses cover seriously useful topics like AI, modern finance, Python programming, and much more.

We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but if that sounds like too much work, we've lined up a selection of standout options to get you started. These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

These free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials. That sounds like a pretty good deal, don't you think?

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

How to watch the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Athletes from around the globe are competing for gold, and in any list of the best events at Paris 2024, the men's 400m hurdles final should feature. Expect to see Norwegian athlete Karsten Warholm, USA's Rai Benjamin, and Brazil's Alison dos Santos compete in what's set to be a thrilling race.

If you want to watch the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep on reading because we have all the information you need.

When is the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024?

The men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 takes place at 3:45 p.m. ET on Aug. 9. The event is hosted by the Stade de France.

How to watch the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free

The men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is technically geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone who wants to watch can access this streaming platform with a VPN. VPNs are tools that hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 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 often charge a small fee, but most do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. If you take advantage of these offers, you can unblock free streaming services such as BBC iPlayer without spending any cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 (plus all your favorite events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are many incredible events to keep track of at Paris 2024, but if speed is your thing then you won't want to miss the athletics. The races see some of the fastest athletes from around the world compete for the chance of a gold medal.

With plenty of incredible races to follow, we recommend making a list of your Paris 2024 priorities — and on that list should be the men's 110m hurdles final. Expect names like three-time world champion Grant Holloway to make an appearance on the track as he hopes to turn his Tokyo 2020 silver into a gold.

If you want to watch the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep on reading because we have all the information you need.

When is the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024?

The men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 takes place at 3:45 p.m. ET on Aug. 8. The event is hosted by the Stade de France.

How to watch the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free

The men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is technically geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone who wants to watch can access this streaming platform with the use of a VPN. VPNs are tools that hide your real IP address (your digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 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 often charge a small fee, but most do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. If you take advantage of these offers, you can unblock free streaming services such as BBC iPlayer without spending any cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 (plus all your favorite Olympics events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 the men's 110m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The hurdles is one of those events that reminds you just how fast and powerful these athletes are — truly elite. And the hurdles runners will be at their absolute peak at Paris 2024, with the most coveted medals in sport up for grabs.

There's a highly anticipated showdown in the women's 400m hurdles, as U.S. gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Dutch world champion Femke Bol battle it out. Also keep an eye out for Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton and Team USA's Anna Cockrell, who are also contenders for a medal.

If you want to watch the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024?

The women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 takes place at 3:25 p.m. ET on Aug. 8. The event is hosted by the Stade de France.

How to watch the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free

The women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-blocked outside of the UK, but you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world by signing up to a VPN. A VPN can disguise your actual IP address (digital location) while connecting you to a secure server in the UK. This will help you unblock free streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, along with all the Paris 2024 action, no matter where you're located around the globe.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 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 leading VPN services do tend to offer deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers to unblock BBC iPlayer, and it won't cost you anything in the long-run. The trial period will give you time to stream the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 (plus all the events that follow) before recovering any investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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, which includes a bonus three months at no extra cost. That's an impressive 49% off for a limited time. For that price you'll also get a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the women's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Of all the events scheduled at Paris 2024, it's hard to deny to appeal of a good old fashioned foot race. That's why the men's 200m final is a can't-miss event, particularly with self-styled U.S. superstar Noah Lyles among the athletes competing for gold.

Lyles won bronze at Tokyo 2020, but can he add the Paris 2024 200m gold medal to his collection?

If you want to watch the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere around the globe, we have all the information you need.

When is the men's 200m final at Paris 2024?

The men's 200m final at Paris 2024 takes place at 2:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 8. The event is hosted by the Stade de France.

How to watch the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 for free

The men's 200m final at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world by signing up to a VPN. A VPN can obscure your actual IP address (digital location) while also connecting you to a secure server based in the UK. This will help you unblock free streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer — no matter where you're located around the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 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 the top VPNs usually offer deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers to unblock BBC iPlayer, and without losing any cash in the long-run. This will give you time to stream the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 (plus any Paris 2024 events that follow) before recovering any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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. That's an whopping 49% off for a limited time. For that price you'll also get a year of unlimited backup via the cloud and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

The best massage guns for percussive therapy

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

Have you ever skipped doing a proper warm down and stretch after a workout because you just didn't have the time? Hey, we all have.

That's just the reality of trying to stay fit in amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When you're pushed for time, a warm down — never mind a proper massage — is the first thing to go. What you need are the tools to help you stay on top of both your body and your schedule.

Enter the massage gun. Turns out that those mesmerising skin ripples are more than just a weird flex. This form of portable muscle therapy began with professional athletes but has trickled down into the lives of your average gym-goer who doesn't have the time or money for foam rolling sessions on sore days. That means you, us, everyone.

If you have chronic shoulder, neck, or back pain, the ability to give yourself a deep-tissue massage at home can be life-changing. You'll find there's a range of models to hit the spot of your muscle recovery needs — from the basic to pro athlete level. Here's some useful information to get you started.

How do massage guns work?

Percussive therapy is the name of the game, and it's a more professional term for "your muscles like it rough." Athletes use deep-tissue massage for quick pain relief and faster recovery times. This is when a professional masseuse delivers forceful, rapid thumps to a specific area of the body to stimulate a specific set of muscles. The percussive therapy afforded by a massage gun lets individuals perform this same type of penetrative tissue attention on themselves without extra help, and these devices are said to provide hours worth of massage benefits in minutes.

What are the benefits of a massage gun?

Massage guns deliver short-duration pulses to enhance the blood flow, soften knots, and accelerate the repair of muscle fibres, all of which can lead to better-prepared warmups and quicker recovery times. Your mood might see a spike, too. The pressure point relief that massage provides has been linked to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), an increased production of endorphins (the feel-good chemical), and even a lower heart rate.

We should point out that percussive therapy isn't a fix-all. A massage gun can replace pricey massage appointments, but there's literally no substitute for the nutrients you get from a balanced diet, sleep, and getting proper hydration are still crucial to the muscle growth and recovery process.

Percussion massagers vs. vibration massagers — what's the difference?

Percussion massagers mimic the kneading hands of a masseuse, providing pressure that hammers below the top layers and work damaged muscle fibres. Perfect for heavy-duty workouts. Casual exercisers and chronic pain sufferers may prefer surface-level rumblings from a vibration massager, which gives speedy pulses but less "punch".

What features do massage guns offer?

Massage guns tend to offer some key features that appear in multiple models:

  • Battery life — Many people depend on their massage gun for a rushed cool down in the middle of a busy schedule, and charging after every use is a huge inconvenience. The best massage guns will get up to three hours of battery life while the weaker ones max out at around 40 minutes.

  • Massage heads – The first thing you'll notice when buying a massage gun is that they usually come with a selection of heads, each designed to work specific muscle groups in a different way and get different results.

  • Noise — No one wants to sit at the gym (or at home with a sleeping baby) using a device that sounds like a pneumatic drill. It's impossible for massage guns to be completely silent, but check the reviews for sound levels.

  • Speeds — Look for a gun with different speeds, or revs per minute (RPM. But don't forget that higher speed doesn't always mean vigour. The amplitude (how deep the massage head will push into your body) relies on the amount of force behind each pulse, and heavier force on a slow RPM setting will feel more intense than a faster RPM setting with weaker force. 

Keep these points in mind when shopping around for a massage gun.

What is the best massage gun?

There is a lot to know about massage guns, and it's important to do your research before making a purchase. To make your job a little easier, we have tracked down six of the best guns to cover all muscular bases. We've tried to find something for everyone and every budget. You just need to scroll through the options and pick a favourite. Your muscles will thank you — well, they certainly won't complain as much.

These are the best massage guns in 2024.

The best dating apps and sites in August 2024

Mashable - Thu, 08/01/2024 - 00:00

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

Dating is a competitive game, and you should do everything you can to give yourself a chance of success. Looking your best and smelling fresh is a good place to start, but nothing shortens your odds of success like signing up to a dating site.

The problem with this tactic is that there are just so many dating sites out there to consider, each with a different set of features that will suit some people better than others. It's difficult to know which site is best for you, and you could easily spend hours researching all of the sites on offer without a definitive answer.

We know that you don't have time for all of that, so we've set out to make things a little easier for you.

What are the benefits of using dating apps?

By subscribing to a dating site, you're shortening your odds of finding a connection. It's as simple as that.

Dating sites and apps let you get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals, and provide the opportunity to test out a potential relationship on an app before actually meeting in real life.

SEE ALSO: Best hookup apps and dating sites to find casual sex with no strings attached

Subscribing to dating apps and sites is also a way less intimidating way of meeting someone compared to a face-to-face situation. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you face your fears from the comfort of your own home.

Is online dating worth the hassle?

Sentiments aside, we have some hard data to back our reasoning for Why Online Dating Is Worthwhile™: Statista predicted that the online dating audience will grow to 53.3 million by 2025, compared to 44.2 million users in 2020. A study from Stanford released in 2019 asserted that online dating is officially the most common way for couples to meet, rounding out at nearly 40 percent of couples having first met online.

This pre-pandemic prediction came before the COVID-era dating app sign-ups surge. Though people are eager to get back to doing as many things IRL as possible now, dating apps are still a great place to find someone, whether you want a relationship or are just looking to get nasty.

And yes, though there are algorithms that dictate what profiles pop up on your screen, we firmly believe that the stars aligning still comes into play. After all, the person who signs up on the app and is looking for love at exactly the same time you are is up to fate and the universe, proving that online dating romance is very much alive and well.

Because it's not 2007 anymore, the need for mobile-friendly online dating isn't just a millennial thing — people over 40 don't have time to sit around at their home desktops, either. Dating sites that are older than most members of Gen Z (like Match and eharmony) have been forced to give serious attention to their smartphone counterparts if they don't want to be outgrown.

However, that statistical promise still requires patience and a game plan, the game plan is choosing the dating app with features that best fit your lifestyle — and the lifestyle of the type of person you're looking for. Are you looking for an app strictly for sex or an app more serious than Tinder but less serious than eharmony? Or maybe, you'd just really love to find an app where queer women aren't relentlessly sexualized by creeps and pestered by unicorn hunters.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are good examples of free apps with massive networks of users.

The bad news is that a lot of free apps simply don't cut it. You get what you pay for with dating sites and apps, and for the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up the cash.

You can still find something worth your time with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading. Paid sites provide access to premium features that give you the best chance of finding something special.

What is the best dating site?

We're sorry to break it to you like this, but there isn't a single dating site that is better than the rest. Instead, there are a lot of sites and apps with similar features and packages, and the best option for you really comes down to your own set of preferences.

To make the decision process a whole lot easier for everyone, we have lined up a selection of the most popular sites in the dating game, including leading sites like EliteSingles, Match, and Eharmony. All you need to do is pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best dating sites in 2024.

The best barbecues for a sizzling summer

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 23:56

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

The British aren't good at many things. Queuing, complaining, and crying over football are certainly up there as national skills. But there's another great British skill that sometimes goes overlooked: The natural, God-given ability to get out the barbecue at the very first glimmer of sunshine.

Even if you're not an experienced grill-person, few people can deny the great taste of barbecued food. That goes for veggies too. Barbecuing isn't only for the carnivores these days. But getting that great taste means getting a great bit of BBQ kit.

Fortunately, there are lots of options out there — from charcoal to gas via hybrid models. That doesn’t make buying a barbecue any easier. Barbecues are a hot topic, and it’s easy to go cold if you get blindsided by jargon, features, and tasty-looking choices. That’s why we’re here to help. Indeed, before you part with any cash, here’s a quick guide to buying a BBQ — and a selection of the very best models.

Charcoal or gas BBQs — which is better?

This is the ultimate question. Well, when it comes to barbecuing at least. Charcoal barbecues are of course the classic version. They give that distinctive smoky, chargrilled taste. They also need fewer extras than gas barbecues which means they’re usually cheaper, too. But they can be tricky to light and take much longer to get to the right temperature. They're also much harder to clean.

Gas barbecues are easier and faster. They’re usually ready to cook on in 10 minutes or less and have easily-controllable temperature dials — not to mention other fancy features and mod cons. They do, however, lack that authentic barbecue taste, unless they have flavouriser bars. And the added convenience will hit you right in the wallet.

It all comes down to personal preference: It's taste vs. convenience. Or you could meet halfway and get a gas-charcoal hybrid. Whatever you choose, it's all tasty stuff.

How big is a barbecue?

You can file this one alongside “How long is a piece of string?” There’s no straight answer but charcoal barbecues tend to be much smaller. In fact, there are options that are extremely portable — meaning you can take them on camping trips or even to the park. Gas barbecues tend to be bigger bits of kits. They're more like an oven on wheels and tend to suit larger gardens. Ask yourself some storage-related questions. Where will you keep your barbecue? In the garden all year round, under a protective cover? Or will you wheel it in and out of the garage? Size up your outdoor space first.

What are the important BBQ features?

It’s not only about gas and coal. There are lots of other features to consider. Here are some that might seal the deal for you:

  • Cooking space — That’s right, cooking space is always at a premium. Space might come in the form of side tables, condiment holders, and even hooks for your tools. Anything that helps maximise your BBQ'ing area.

  • Burners — On the subject of space, the number of actual burners (which you'll find included on gas barbecues) is crucial. Big family? Then four or even more burners might be necessary. Extra griddles and side burners are also a bonus.

  • Fat drip trays — Cleaning a barbecue can be a job in itself. That’s why fat drip trays are super useful. They can also reduce the amount of flare-up you get from the flames.

  • Hood — If a barbecue has a hood, it immediately levels-up your griddle game. This allows you to roast meant as well as grill. Especially good for cooking whole chickens.

Keep these things in mind when shopping for an upgrade.

What is the best barbecue?

We have researched everything on offer and highlighted a selection the very best models to suit you and your garden. We've considered price, size, cooking speed, fuel access, and much more, so you don't have to. Just pick a favourite.

These are the best barbecues for 2024.

How to unblock and watch U.S. Netflix

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 23:25

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We're a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can easily get to a point where it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN. It will likely unlock a lot of shows and movies on services to which you're already subscribed.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

  1. Sign up 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 the U.S.

  4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as 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.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2024.

'Squid Game' Season 2 release date announced as Netflix renews series for a final season

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 22:04
"Squid Game" Season 2 will arrive on Netflix Dec. 26. The series has also been renewed for a third and final season in 2025.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 1

Mashable - Wed, 07/31/2024 - 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 August 1's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 31 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An old teacher's way to write on a board.

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 C.

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...

CHALK.

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.

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

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