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How to watch Dina Asher-Smith at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Tue, 07/30/2024 - 00:00

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

There's a huge number of incredible athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics, with Dina Asher-Smith right at the top of that list. The Brit will be taking place in a number of races, including the 100m and 200m.

If you want to watch Dina Asher-Smith at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Dina Asher-Smith competing at Paris 2024?

Dina Asher-Smith is set to compete in three events at Paris 2024:

Women's 100m

  • Women's 100m Round 1 — 5:50 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

  • Women's 100 Semi-Final — 1:50 p.m. ET on Aug. 3

  • Women's 100m Final — 3:20 p.m. ET on Aug. 3

Women's 200m

  • Women's 200m Round 1 — 4:55 a.m. ET on Aug. 8

  • Women's 200m Semi-Final — 6:50 a.m. ET on Aug. 5

  • Women's 200m Final — 3:40 p.m. ET on Aug. 6

Women's 4 x 100m Relay

  • Women's 4 x 100m Relay Round 1 — 5:10 a.m. ET on Aug. 8

  • Women's 4 x 100m Relay Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 9

How to watch Dina Asher-Smith at Paris 2024 for free

Dina Asher-Smith's events at Paris 2024 are 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 Dina Asher-Smith's events 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 Dina Asher-Smith's events 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 Dina Asher-Smith's events at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the 100m final at Paris 2024 online for free

Mashable - Tue, 07/30/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 100m final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a lot of events to keep tabs on at Paris 2024. In fact, some may argue that there are too many to keep up with. Paris 2024 will feature 329 events in 32 sports, which is probably too much content for even the most dedicated of fans.

So with that in mind, we recommend making a list of Paris 2024 priorities. And on that list, the 100m final should be near the top.

If you want to watch the 100m final at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 100m final at Paris 2024?

The 100m final at Paris 2024 takes place at 3:55 p.m. ET on Aug. 4. The event is hosted by the Stade de France.

How to watch the 100m final at Paris 2024 for free

The 100m final 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 100m 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 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 100m final at Paris 2024 (plus all the events that follow) 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 100m final at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 30

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 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 July 30'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 26 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Animalistic.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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...

FERAL.

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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NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 30

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 21:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for July 30's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 29 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: Going well

  • Green: Speak on that

  • Blue: A natural

  • Purple: Residential units

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: Peachy Keen

  • Green: Provide More Details

  • Blue: Ability to do Something Well

  • Purple: Group of Buildings

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 #415 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Peachy Keen: NEAT, BNIFTY, SUPER, SWELL

  • Provide More Details: ELABORATE, EXPAND, EXPLAIN, SPECIFY

  • Ability to do Something Well: FACILITY, FLAIR, GIFT, KNACK

  • Group of Buildings: BLOCK, COMPLEX, COMPOUND, DEVELOPMENT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

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

PS5 vs PS5 Slim: What are the differences?

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 20:54

"PS5 vs PS5 Slim" is a face-off you'll want to spectate to get a better understanding as to how the skinner model differs from the original variant.

For years, many complained about PS5's bulky, unwieldy body — and Sony finally addressed that with the new PS5 Slim.

Sony announced the brand spankin' new slim PS5 model in October 2024. This follows the game giant's decades-long tradition of each PlayStation console getting a smaller counterpart midway through its generation. As you can probably tell, the PS5 Slim is meant to be smaller gaming system compared to the original 2020 model — but that's not all.

SEE ALSO: PS5 Pro: Everything we know so far

Here are all the ways in which the new PS5 Slim is different from its predecessor.

PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Price

For context, the original PS5 has two versions: a digital one (no disc drive) and one with a disc drive. The same can be said for the PS5 Slim.

For whatever reason, Sony has elected to not drop the prices of the new PS5 models. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is still $499, while the PS5 Slim without a disc drive is, maddeningly, $449 — or a $50 increase over the original digital-only console.

  • PS5 Slim (no disc drive) - $449

  • PS5 Slim (with disc drive) - $499

  • Original PS5 (no disc drive) - $399

  • Original PS5 (disc drive) - $499

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon PS5 Slim (no disc drive) Get Deal

With that in mind, yes, the digital-only PS5 Slim is a money-saver in comparison to the one with a disc drive, but not in comparison to the digital-only model that launched three years ago.

The new price also means that buying a digital model before purchasing the additional disc drive would cost more than just snagging the version with a built-in drive. I don't really have a good explanation for any of that.

My only advice is this: If you want a PS5 that only costs $399, you better get one now. Once the existing stock of both original models sells out, the new slim models will replace them on store shelves.

PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Size

Obviously, size is what many gamers are most concerned about here, so let's get right to it. Looking at Sony's stated dimensions, you can see that the new PS5 is indeed smaller than the original:

  • Original PS5 (disc version): 104mm (height) x 390mm (width) x 260mm (depth)

  • PS5 Slim (disc version): 96mm x 358mm x 216mm

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PS5 (Original Disc Version) Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PS5 Marvel’s 'Spider-Man 2 Bundle' (Slim, Disc Version) Shop Now
  • Original PS5 (digital version): 92mm x 390mm x 260mm

  • PS5 Slim (digital version): 80mm x 358mm x 216mm

PS5 Slim models Credit: Sony

In other words, per Sony's announcement blog post, that's about a 30 percent reduction in total volume. That's definitely an improvement, but there's some important context missing in just those raw numbers. The Verge ran a digital size comparison and discovered that both new models are still substantially larger than the Xbox Series X.

In other words, this "slim" console is still pretty dang big.

For a visual comparison, check out this awesome PS5 Slim vs. Regular Reddit post.

SEE ALSO: Save on 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,' plus more PlayStation deals this Cyber Weekend PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Horsepower and storage

Another important aspect of the new PS5 models to get out of the way is that they have the exact same internal capabilities as the originals. This isn't a PS4 vs. PS4 Pro situation. Games will run exactly the same across the spectrum of PS5 consoles.

PS5 Slim Credit: Sony

One little internal bonus that owners of the new PS5s get, however, comes in the form of expanded storage. For some reason, the original PS5 only had 825GB of onboard storage, with the option to expand via external SSDs. The new ones have a full 1TB of built-in space, so you can install a few extra games depending on how big they are.

PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Disc drive

Just like at the PS5's launch in late 2020, there are two PS5 Slim models. One of them has a built-in disc drive and the other one is digital-only.

PS5 Slim Credit: Sony

Well, sort of, anyway. There's an optional detachable disc drive you can buy for $79.99. This was actually rumored more than a year ago, but the PS5 models were expected to launch next year — not 2023.

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iOS 18.1 developer beta has the new Call Recording feature. Here's how to use it.

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 17:03

Call Recording, announced at WWDC 2024, is one of the most highly anticipated iOS 18 features. And now, thanks to the iOS 18.1 developer beta that dropped today, iPhone users can test the new perk.

First, follow our guide to install the new iOS 18.1 developer beta. Next, because Call Recording is an Apple Intelligence feature, you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to access it. Once you've met these requirements, here's a quick-and-easy guide on how to test the new iOS 18 Call Recording utility (h/t MacRumors).

Call Recording on iOS 18.1: How to use it

Keep in mind that there may be bugs and other flaws in the beta version. So make sure that you produce a backup for your iPhone before installing the iOS 18.1 developer beta. Without further ado, let's dive into how to use call recording on the new beta.

  1. Start a call via the Phone app.

  2. While the call is in progress, tap on the record button on the top-left corner.

  3. You will hear the "This call will be recorded" message, notifying everyone on call that a recording is in session.

Your recorded call will be saved to the Notes app where you can access it. You'll have the option to listen to the call again. You can even get a full transcript of the call or get a short summary of it.

For a list of more AI-powered features you'll get to play with on the iOS 18.1 developer beta, you can read our non-exhaustive list of five Apple Intelligence features you can test now.

Stephen Nedoroscik's pommel horse performance for Team USA gymnastics generates online buzz

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 16:34

Stephen Nedoroscik, aka Pommel Horse Guy, proved to be an early Team USA standout in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday, delivering a medal-winning performance.

However, it wasn't just Nedoroscik's stunning performance on the pommel horse for the U.S. men's gymnastics team that had folks talking. Like a cheesy scene from She's All That, parts of the internet couldn't quite believe a dude with glasses — gasp — could also be a world-class gymnast. Nedoroscik also got the requisite Clark Kent comparisons, considering he has dark hair and specs.

SEE ALSO: How AI is trying to medal at the Paris Olympics

To be clear, Nedoroscik is a world-class gymnast. He specializes in the pommel horse event — like, that's all he does — and he absolutely crushed his routine to secure Team USA a bronze medal, the team's first medal since 2008. The team even lifted him in triumph after his performance.

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The internet was chock full of memes, praise, and, to be honest, a bit of thirst for Nedoroscik. It was pretty cool to see someone who had one job freaking nail it for the team.

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

The Olympics typically produce celebrities out of nowhere. Athletes who train in relative obscurity get their shot at being heroes for a day. Today, that athlete was Stephen Nedoroscik.

Court rules U.S. border agents need warrants to search electronic devices

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 15:06

Do U.S. border agents have free rein to search travelers' electronic devices, such as phones, tables, and laptops, without a warrant? According to court filings, that's what they were doing. But there might be an end to that "broad, unconstitutional authority," as the American Civil Liberties Union has called it.

A federal district court in New York sided with civil liberties groups to rule that U.S. border agents must obtain a warrant before searching those devices.

"As the court recognizes, warrantless searches of electronic devices at the border are an unjustified intrusion into travelers’ private expressions, personal associations, and journalistic endeavors — activities the First and Fourth Amendments were designed to protect," Scott Wilkens, senior counsel at the Knight First Amendment Institute, said in a press release. "The ruling makes clear that border agents need a warrant before they can access what the Supreme Court has called a 'window onto a person’s life.'"

SEE ALSO: U.S. court dismisses most claims against OpenAI in copyright class action

The ruling comes as part of a case in which a U.S. citizen, Kurbonali Sultanov, was flagged at New York's JFK International Airport for being "a possible purchaser or possessor of child sexual abuse material." Authorities allegedly found four videos on his phone after border agents said he had to give them his phone's password — without a warrant. He argued that the search violated his Fourth Amendment rights. 

The court found that "the searches of Sultanov’s phone violated the Fourth Amendment, which requires cell phone searches at the border to be supported by a warrant and probable cause; however, the Court denies suppression of the evidence because the government acted based on "the good faith exception to the exclusionary rule."

5 Apple Intelligence features you can try right now — and how to turn them on

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 14:12

Apple Intelligence is here — well, kind of. You can play around with the new suite of AI features and test them. However, it's not officially out to the public just yet.

You won't be able to test all of the Apple Intelligence features the Cupertino-based tech giant introduced at WWDC 2024, but you'll get a taste of your iPhone's AI smarts via the iOS 18.1 developer beta that just dropped today. You may be wondering, "Which Apple Intelligence features, exactly, will I get the pleasure of experimenting with in this new beta version?" We've got the answers for you.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: 4 'Apple Intelligence' features you won't see until 2025 5 Apple Intelligence tools you can use right now

Firstly, you'll need to have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to use Apple Intelligence. Secondly, follow our guide on how to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta. (Remember that this is a beta, so you should consider backing up your iPhone first because it's likely not quite polished nor refined.)

With that being said, here are the Apple Intelligence tools you can explore right now on the iOS 18.1 developer beta:

Writing tools

Writing Tools allow you to rewrite, proofread, and summarize anywhere in the operating system where there is a text field.

They're automatically available in Apple apps — and third-party apps that use Apple's standard text controls.

Apple Intelligence-powered Siri

Anyone running iOS 18.1 can now use the new Apple Intelligence-powered Siri. Apple's assistant has a new redesign, and as you might have guessed, advanced capabilities. For example, even if you stumble over your words, Siri should still understand the gist of what you're saying. It can also maintain context from one request to the next.

Apple Intelligence-powered Mail

In the Mail app, you'll have the ability to tap into Apple Intelligence to get summaries of messages in your inbox. You will also be able to experiment with the new smart reply feature, which gives you AI-powered suggestions and recommendations on how to best respond to your co-workers, friends, loved ones, and more.

Credit: Apple

There is also on-device categorization, so your mail will be organized into different sections, including "Primary," "Transactions," "Updates," and "Promotions."

Auto-summarized notifications

On iOS 18.1, you'll be able to test the new Apple-Intelligence-powered notifications, which can now be automatically summarized. In other words, you'll get a quick "Cliffnotes," if you will, of your texts and emails.

Natural language search for Photos app

If you have a massive library of pictures in the Photos app, you no longer have to scroll endlessly to find that one snapshot you forgot to organize into one of your albums.

Credit: Apple

Instead, you can use natural-language search to find the one you're looking for. With Apple Intelligence, you can also create memory movies on the demand.

How to turn on Apple Intelligence

Once you've got the iOS 18.1 developer beta installed on your iPhone, head to Settings. You'll find an option for Apple Intelligence there. Tap on "Join the Apple Intelligence waitlist." After a few hours or so, you'll gain access to Apple Intelligence.

The official, ready-for-primetime version of iOS 18 is expected to drop later this year.

Apple Intelligence is here (kind of). How to install iOS 18.1 developer beta to try it.

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 13:23

The iOS 18.1 developer beta is here — and two words explain why this is a big one: Apple Intelligence.

The Cupertino-based tech giant first announced Apple Intelligence, its new suite of AI features, at WWDC 2024. After months of rumors, Apple finally dropped the news that it's diving deeper into AI in a way that makes day-to-day tasks a smidge easier — and perhaps make you smile.

One of the most highly anticipated Apple Intelligence feature is Genmoji, a utility that lets you create your own emoji with a prompt. Image Playground, an AI image generation tool, is another long-awaited Apple Intelligence perk. No, these new features will not be available in the iOS 18.1 developer beta that was released today. However, there are still a gaggle of new Apple Intelligence utilities you can test today.

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence might get a paid tier one day How to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta

To be abundantly clear, this is the iOS 18.1 developer beta. This means that this operating system variant is still in its testing phase, and the Cupertino-based tech giant is seeking feedback from users, developers specifically, on how they it refine iOS 18.

As such, this iOS 18.1 developer beta may be a bit rough around the edges and some features are likely unpolished. That said, you'll want to backup your iPhone before installing the iOS 18.1 developer beta.

You'll also need to be a member of Apple's developer beta program before getting access to iOS 18.1. (Sign up for it; it's free.)

And finally, you'll need to have an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone (i.e., iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max)

Once you've fulfilled these requirements, you're ready to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta.

Total Time
  • 2 min
What You Need
  • iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Apple developer beta program membership
  • and an iPhone backup

Step 1: Tap on Settings.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Tap on "General"

Step 3: Tap on "Software Update"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4: Tap on "Beta Updates"

Tap on iOS 18.1 developer beta. Next, hit the back button.

Step 5: Tap on "Download and Install"

How to turn on Apple Intelligence

For the first time since Apple announced the iOS 18 betas, you'll have a chance to play around with some robust Apple Intelligence features. However, they're not on by default.

  1. Tap on "Settings."

  2. Tap on the "Apple Intelligence" option.

  3. Tap on "Join the Apple Intelligence" waitlist.

You'll be placed on a waitlist, but you should be able to gain access to Apple Intelligence features in just a few hours.

The official iOS 18 version is expected to drop later this year, perhaps alongside the launch of the iPhone 16.

YouTube's war on ad blockers continues, now making ads truly unskippable

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 13:22

YouTube ad-blocker users, prepare to stare at nothing for anywhere from 6 to 30 seconds.

Multiple YouTube users are now reporting on social media that YouTube is serving them with blank ads or black screens before a video when they are using an ad-blocker extension. The black screens appear for the length of a typical YouTube pre-roll or ad insert before displaying the actual content of the video the viewer wants to watch. 

In recent months, YouTube has made changes to stop users from skipping advertisements via third-party ad blocker extensions, which typically allow users to skip ads and jump right to the YouTube video content. Now, it appears that those ad-blocker users will still have to wait for their content, regardless of whether they can actually see the ad or not, which partially defeats the purpose of an ad blocker.

Reddit YouTube's push to Premium and permanently get rid of ad blockers

YouTube was obviously never fond of ad blockers, as advertisements on the platform are a major source of revenue for the company as well as its creators. However, YouTube really started to crack down on their use last year by serving ad-blocker users with a prompt to upgrade to another one of the company's revenue sources, YouTube Premium. 

For $13.99 a month, YouTube viewers can enjoy an ad-free experience through official channels. In turn, YouTube and its creators make revenue off those users who get to legitimately skip ads.

YouTube Premium has been a success, crossing 100 million paying subscribers earlier this year. Yet, many YouTube viewers still utilize ad-blocker extensions. Last month, YouTube unveiled its next course of action. The company began testing our server-side ad injection to further render ad blockers obsolete.

SEE ALSO: YouTube Premium might let you automatically jump to the most interesting part of a video

What does this mean? Previously, YouTube served video ads as a separate media component. The platform would basically show an ad before a video and then forward the viewer to the content once the advertisement was over. Ad blockers simply had to block the ad video, which in turn would immediately forward the user to the YouTube video that they wanted to watch.

With server-side ad injection, YouTube inserts the ad directly into the main YouTube video feed. Essentially, ad blockers can no longer see two separate pieces of media. It now appears as a single video stream. At the time, some ad blockers admitted that blocking ads would be more difficult but that there were still ways to do so. However, based on what ad-blocker users are seeing now, it appears that they are only achieving half of their intended goal. Ads are blocked but can't be skipped.

If ad-block users haven't experienced the black screen yet, it's likely because YouTube hasn't fully rolled out server-side ad injection across the platform. With YouTube's new ads, it seems like the only way to have an ad-free YouTube experience will soon be through YouTube Premium — at least until the ad blockers figure out a new workaround. 

Now you can transfer calls and share Wi-Fi hotspots across Android devices

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 13:19

With a new update, Google is making it easier to transfer calls and share Wi-Fi hotspots across your Android devices. The feature was initially announced during the Google I/O 2024 developer conference but is finally rolling out now.

SEE ALSO: In case you missed it: Bank info-stealing malware found in 90+ Android apps with 5.5M installs How to use Automatic Sharing

Once your device receives the update, navigate to Settings > Google > Devices and Sharing > Cross-device services to set up a device group. This group can include phones, tablets, and Chromebooks, allowing them to share calls and hotspots effortlessly.

Once connected, you'll have access to Call Casting, which lets you move calls between nearby devices signed into your Google account. This functionality currently requires Google Meet, but it may extend to other apps in the future.

The other feature in the update simplifies internet sharing by automatically connecting Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks to a shared hotspot, eliminating the need to input passwords. Samsung users won’t benefit from this feature, however, as Google’s internet sharing doesn’t support Samsung devices. Instead, Samsung users can continue using their existing auto-hotspot feature.

In essence, Google’s new update brings Android closer to Apple’s Handoff capabilities, making your digital life a bit more seamless.

How to watch your favorite A24 films, from 'Love Lies Bleeding' to 'Civil War' to 'The Iron Claw'

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:51

UPDATE: Jul. 26, 2024, 12:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest A24 releases — 'Love Lies Bleeding,' 'I Saw The TV Glow,' and 'Problemista' — as well as new streaming details.

Quick links to watch A24 films: BEST FOR 2022-2023 A24 FILMS Paramount+ with Showtime $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year Get Deal BEST FOR OLDER A24 FILMS Kanopy Free with a library card or university login Get Deal BEST FOR 2023-2024 A24 FILMS Max $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year Get Deal

A24, the cult favorite indie film studio, had one helluva 2023. It kicked things off by winning the Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once and has steadily been rolling out new gems ever since. Some of our favorite films of 2023 hail from A24, like the anxiety-inducing thriller Beau Is Afraid, the charming romance Past Lives, and the chilling Oscar-winning Holocaust film The Zone of Interest. And we can't forget the critically acclaimed horror flick Talk to Me.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2023, and where to watch them

This year is shaping up to be another doozy for A24, with The Iron Claw, Problemista, and Love Lies Bleeding running the show.

If you slept on any of the A24 films released in the past year, we've got you covered with a roundup of which flicks are worth your time and where you can watch them, as well as what's in store for the coming months. Plus, if you're looking for classic A24 flicks, we've got a streaming hack that could let you watch them for free.

Which streaming service has the most A24 films?

In December 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery signed a deal with A24 to bring the distributor's theatrical releases to their Max streaming service in 2024. Thus, any new A24 release will be headed to Max in 2024. Unfortunately, the majority of previous releases are still housed on Paramount+ with Showtime, including most of the films released in 2022 and the first half of 2023. Depending on which films you're interested in, these two streamers are your best bet for watching A24 movies.

How to watch older A24 movies

Want to watch classic A24 movies such as Midsommar, Eighth Grade, The Lighthouse, 20th Century Women, mid90s, and lots more? If you have a library card or university ID, then you can stream thousands of movies for free on Kanopy, including a slew of older A24 films. You won't find the newest 2023 or 2024 films on Kanopy, but plenty of standouts are available to watch at your leisure, thanks to the generous support of your public library or university.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kanopy Kanopy Free with a library card or university login Watch Now

If you're looking to watch specific films from the past year or so, here's a breakdown of the best ways to watch recent A24 releases:

How to watch The Zone of Interest: Stream it on Max

Nominated for five Oscars (including Best Picture), The Zone of Interest took home two statuettes on Oscar night: Best Sound and Best International Feature Film. The film is loosely based on Martin Amis's 2014 novel of the same name and centers around Commandant Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), who live in domestic bliss next door to the atrocities of Auschwitz. Mashable's Shannon Connellan calls it "a chilling portrait of complicity among atrocity."

The Zone of Interest makes its streaming debut on Max on April 5, 2024, nearly a year after its initial debut at Cannes Film Festival. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads or $15.99 per month without ads. It's also available to rent or purchase via digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $5.99 or $19.99, respectively.

Read our full review of The Zone of Interest.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Watch 'The Zone of Interest' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch The Iron Claw: Stream it on Max

"Gorgeous" and "evocative" are hardly the words one would typically choose to describe a pro-wrestling movie, but that's how Mashable's reviewer Siddhant Adlakha described The Iron Claw. "With The Iron Claw, writer/director Sean Durkin not only brings to theaters the tragic story of one of pro wrestling's most famous families, but also Zac Efron's career-best work." The film follows the Von Erich brothers who fought for their wrestling dynasty and the "curse" said to have plagued them through the '70s and '80s.

The Iron Claw makes its streaming debut on Max on May 10, 2024. Plans start at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year with ads, or $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year without ads. You can also rent or purchase it at video on demand retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV for $5.99 or $19.99, respectively.

Read our full review of The Iron Claw.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Watch 'The Iron Claw' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch Civil War: Buy it on digital

From the mind of writer and director Alex Garland, Civil War's dystopian plot centers around a near-future America engulfed in a second Civil War. It stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson as four journalists making the trek from New York City to the White House in hopes of interviewing the president (Nick Offerman) before the fall of the Capitol.

About a month and a half after its theatrical debut, Civil War is officially available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). As of May 24, you can purchase or rent the film for $24.99 or $19.99, respectively. It will eventually make its streaming debut on Max at a later date.

Read our full review of Civil War.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Rent or buy 'Civil War' at Prime Video $19.99 to rent, $24.99 to buy Watch Now How to watch Problemista: Stream it on Max

Julio Torres, co-creator and co-star of the celebrated comedy series Los Espookys, makes his directorial debut with Problemista, a whimsical tale of immigrants and outsiders in New York who make the city their home. Mashable's Film Editor Kristy Puchko has already dubbed it "one of the best films of 2024," pointing out that it's not just a quirky and clever story, but also "a deeply funny, feel-good movie that doesn't pull punches on its political or social satire."

Problemista opened in theaters nationwide on March 22, 2024. Just shy of a month later, it made its digital debut. You can rent or purchase the film at digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for $5.99 or $19.99, respectively. It's also available to stream on Max as of June 28. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month.

Read our full review of Problemista.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Watch 'Problemista' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch Love Lies Bleeding: Stream it on Max

Set in New Mexico in the '80s, Love Lies Bleeding follows the kismet relationship between introverted gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) and amateur bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian). It also stars Ed Harris, who plays Lou's father who is wanted by the FBI, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, and Dave Franco. The film comes from the mind of Rose Glass (writer/director of 2020 standout Saint Maud) and is what Mashable's Film Editor calls a "gnarly masterpiece."

You can rent or purchase the Kristen Stewart gem at digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for $5.99 or $19.99, respectively. Plus, as of July 19, it's officially available to stream on Max with other A24 flicks. Subscriptions start at just $9.99 per month.

Read our full review of Love Lies Bleeding.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Stream 'Love Lies Bleeding' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch I Saw the TV Glow: Buy it on digital

A Sundance 2024 stunner, Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow is "one of the most overpowering and uniquely despondent works of avant-garde horror to emerge from the American indie scene in several years," writes Mashable reviewer Siddhant Adlakha. It stars Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine as two isolated teens who share a love for a supernatural TV show that drives them to question their own reality and identities. It's not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its surreal imagery and offbeat approach, it's been dubbed "a new queer and transgender classic."

I Saw the TV Glow is not yet available to stream, but you can purchase it through video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ starting at $19.99.

Read our full review of I Saw the TV Glow.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy 'I Saw the TV Glow' at Prime Video $18.49 with Prime (reg. $24.99) Get Deal How to watch Dream Scenario: Stream it on Max

Nicolas Cage plays Paul Matthews, a nondescript college professor who starts to suddenly appear in millions of strangers' dreams, in Dream Scenario. At first, he's tickled by the stardom, but before long, he starts to lose his grip on his own narrative and spiral downward. While it wasn't a box office mega hit, the film did earn a 92% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes — one of the best scores of Cage's career.

Dream Scenario made its streaming debut on Max on March 15, 2024, about four months after its theatrical premiere. Max offers three tiers of subscriptions, starting at $9.99 per month, as well as annual subscription options starting at $99.99 per year. Don't feel like signing up for Max? You can also rent or purchase the film through digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Read our full review of Dream Scenario.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Watch 'Dream Scenario' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch Priscilla: Stream it on Max

Peek behind the glittery Graceland gates in Priscilla, one of our favorite films of 2023. The film serves as a poignant portrait of Priscilla Presley, Elvis's young lover and wife, and ultimately pulls back the curtain on their alleged fairy tale romance. Adapted from Priscilla Presley's own memoir from 1985, Elvis and Me, Mashable's film editor called Priscilla a "stunning and thoughtful portrait of a misunderstood icon."

Priscilla made its streaming debut on Max in February 2024. Subscriptions for Max start at $9.99 per month and go up to $19.99 per month. However, if you don't want to sign up for another streaming service, you don't have to. You can also rent or purchase the film at digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $5.99 or $19.99.

Read our full review of Priscilla.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Watch 'Priscilla' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch Dicks: The Musical: Stream it on Max

Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson have adapted their off-Broadway musical Fucking Identical Twins into a wondrously weird film called Dicks: The Musical. "At first glance Dicks: The Musical might look like a bro-down between two misogynist ladies' men who discover they are long-lost twins. But it's actually a merciless and maniacal parody of the kinds of fratty comedy that treat women as nags, T&A, or punchlines," explains Mashable's film critic Kristy Puchko, adding that "Dicks goes hard at satirizing queer culture, looping in musical theater, f-bombs, multiple sex montages, and sewer boys." Translation: it's bonkers.

Dicks: The Musical is currently streaming on Max alongside plenty of other A24 gems. You can also rent or buy the film on demand at Prime Video, Apple TV+, or other digital retailers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Watch 'Dicks: The Musical' on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now How to watch All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt: Buy it on digital

The feature-length debut from filmmaker and poet Raven Jackson delivers a "perfect storm of memory, family, and the places that shape us," as Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote in her review. It's a coming of age story of a young Black woman named Mackenzie, taking place in the '70s and '80s in Mississippi. And while "her story is almost entirely devoid of dialogue...Jackson finds meaning in silence and sensory experiences."

While All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is not available to stream quite yet, you can still rent or purchase it through digital services like Prime Video or Apple TV+. It'll cost you $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to purchase.

Read our full review of All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Rent or buy 'All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt' at Prime Video $5.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy Watch Now How to watch Beau Is Afraid: Stream it on Paramount+ with Showtime

Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko said it best: Beau Is Afraid is "a film that is shocking, immersive and so emotionally raw that it's essentially a three-hour-long panic attack as cinema." The movie was written and directed by Ari Aster, who previously made Hereditary and Midsommar for A24. Beau Is Afraid is about a paranoid man trying to make his way to his overbearing mother's house, accompanied by an internal chorus of chaos.

Currently, Beau is Afraid is available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime, which costs either $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (save 17%). Video on demand services like Prime Video and Apple TV+ also have the film available to rent or purchase.

Read our full review of Beau Is Afraid.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Watch 'Beau Is Afraid' on Paramount+ with Showtime $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (save 17%) Watch Now How to watch Past Lives: Stream it on Paramount+ with Showtime

Past Lives isn't just one of the best A24 films to come out last year, but one of the very best films of 2023. It was even nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. As Puchko noted in her review, it "avoids the buzz backlash by being sharply funny and refusing to play by rom-dram rules" and is the kind of film you "long to revisit."

Like Beau is Afraid, Past Lives is available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime. If you'd rather rent or purchase the film, it's also available at digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $4.99 or $19.99, respectively.

Read our full review of Past Lives.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Watch 'Past Lives' on Paramount+ with Showtime $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal How to watch Sharper: Stream it on Apple TV+

While we didn't get to review Sharper, Deadline called it a "deliciously twisty New York noir," while Variety dubbed it "ambitiously overwrought." See for yourself if you can follow this story of a con artist taking on Manhattan billionaires.

Sharper is currently streaming on Apple TV+, which offers a seven-day free trial for you to test the waters. After your free week of watching, you can snag a subscription for just $6.99/month. You'll also be able to watch other A24 films like Stephen Curry: Underrated and Causeway with an Apple TV+ subscription.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ Watch 'Sharper' on Apple TV+ $6.99 per month Get Deal How to watch Medusa Deluxe: Buy it on digital

"Medusa Deluxe is an extravagant, relentlessly propulsive, and wildly entertaining film, rich with provocative performances, jaw-dropping ambition, astounding visuals — both squalid and sublime — and a dizzying blend of dark humor and persistent empathy," writes Film Editor Kristy Puchko in her review. With a plot focused on a murder investigation at a rinky-dink hair competition and no central protagonist, it's a "wildly ambitious" project that is not to be missed.

While it's not streaming anywhere yet, you can rent the film from Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+ starting at just $4.99 or purchase it for $19.99.

Read our full review of Medusa Deluxe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Rent or buy 'Medusa Deluxe' at Prime Video $4.99 to rent, $19.99 to purchase Get Deal How to watch Earth Mama: Stream it on Paramount+ with Showtime

If you're looking for a tearjerker, Earth Mama — director Savanah Leaf's feature debut — tells the heartbreaking journey of a pregnant single mother trying to prove her commitment to her children as the system works against her.

The emotional film premiered at Sundance Film Festival early in 2023 and is now available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime. You can also rent or purchase the film on digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Watch 'Earth Mama' on Paramount+ with Showtime $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal How to watch You Hurt My Feelings: Stream it on Paramount+ with Showtime

In You Hurt My Feelings, writer-director Nicole Holofcener uses "her trademark authenticity and sharp wit to create an incisive look at the small things we keep from each other — and to question why we do so in the first place." It centers on a novelist overhearing her husband's honest critique of her latest book — and the emotional turmoil that follows. As Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards said, it's "an endearing watch full of cathartic, sweetly funny moments."

You can stream You Hurt My Feelings on Paramount+ with Showtime or rent or purchase the film from digital retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV+.

Read our full review of You Hurt My Feelings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Watch 'You Hurt My Feelings' on Paramount+ with Showtime $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal How to watch Showing Up: Stream it on Paramount+ with Showtime

On the surface, Showing Up is a film about a sculptor preparing to open her new show while navigating the everyday drama of family and friends. But dig deeper and you'll see that director Kelly Reichardt crafts a film that "speaks to the country's economic stagnation, the sinking valuation of aesthetic beauty, and the sacrifices required to live a worthwhile, self-examined life," as film critic Robert Daniels puts it.

Showing Up can be found on Paramount+ with Showtime like many other A24 films. You can also rent or purchase the film for your digital collection at Prime Video or Apple TV+.

Read our full review of Showing Up.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Watch 'Showing Up' on Paramount+ with Showtime $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal How to watch Talk to Me: Stream it on Paramount+ with Showtime

If you're looking for a horror flick that'll make you scream, gag, and jump, Talk to Me is at the top of our list. It centers on a group of friends conjuring spirits using an embalmed hand — and ultimately taking it too far. Film Editor Kristy Puchko said it's a "terrifically scary horror movie, thanks to powerful performances, creepy creature designs, a splash of blood and gore, and practical effects that'll blow your mind and chill your spine."

As of April 1, Talk to Me is available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime, which costs either $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. You can also rent or purchase it for your digital collection at retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV+ for $5.99 or $19.99, respectively.

Read our full review of Talk to Me.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Stream 'Talk to Me' on Paramount+ with Showtime Starting at $11.99 per month Get Deal

'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 7: Did Rhaenyra know Vermithor would do that?

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:35

Nobody hosts a barbecue quite like Vermithor.

In House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 7, after finding out that Seasmoke's new rider is Addam of Hull, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) decides to double down on her dragonrider recruitment strategy and gather as many lowborn Targaryens as she can for her cause.

What happens next could probably be best described as a mixed result, but an undeniable win for Team Black's war effort.

The question is, did Rhaenyra know how it was going to all go down when she led those would-be dragonriders down into the cave to face Vermithor?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 7: Who are Vermithor and Silverwing's new riders? What happens with Vermithor at the end of episode 7?

After sending out a call for anyone with possible Targaryen heritage to descend on Dragonstone for a chance at claiming a dragon, Rhaenyra gathers the respondees and makes a speech stressing the importance and danger of the task they'll undertake.

"Each of you has left behind a life to answer this call, a life to which you might never return," she says.

"If you survive, you will be transformed. No man or woman can face a dragon and be otherwise. Some of you may welcome the prospect of change — even death — given the alternatives. Privation, starvation, war. This is our purpose. To end those hardships. For you, for your kin, for all the realm. With these two dragons added to our number, the enemy will have no choice but to give way."

Once they get down into the cave, though, Vermithor quickly chooses violence. The large dragon torches and munches his way through most of the braised Targaryen bastards until Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) finally manages to claim, while Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) runs away and accidentally befriends Silverwing.

How to train your dragon. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

At this point the bloodshed stops, but Vermithor leaves a lot of dead and eaten lowfolk in his wake. So the question is, did Rhaenyra know that was going to happen? And is there any chance Rhaenyra wanted it to happen, so that she could dispatch any other Targaryen bastards who might try to threaten her son Jacaerys Velaryon's (Harry Collett) claim to the Iron Throne further down the line?

Featured Video For You House of the Dragon Season 1: Everything you need to remember about Season 1 in 60 seconds Does Rhaenyra know what's going to happen?

Well, it's difficult to imagine she didn't at least consider it might be a possibility. Rhaenyra witnessed firsthand what happened when Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan) tried to recruit Seasmoke, after all, so she presumably realised Vermithor would likely kill anyone who tried to tame him that he didn't like.

Rhaenyra's speech, too — while kind of underselling the danger — still suggests that death might be on the cards for anyone unsuccessful in dragon recruitment.

Our best guess? Rhaenyra knows that some — maybe even most — of the people she gathered before Vermithor might die, but she's simply seeing it as a necessary sacrifice; her number one goal is the war effort and bolstering dragon numbers. Does she actually want to kill off the Targaryen bastards, though? We won't be able to say for sure until we see what's happened to survivors in the next episode, but this feels like a step too far to us. Rhaenyra can be firm, but so far she's always been a ruler who favours peace over cruelty, following her father Viserys' values. It seems unlikely she'd risk angering any smallfolk with unnecessary death.

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

PlayStation's summer sale knocks $50 off the price of the PS5 Slim

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:34

Save $50.99: As of July 29, you can grab the PlayStation 5 Slim digital edition for $399, down from its full price of $449.99, at Amazon and Walmart. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is also on sale for $449, down from $499.99, at Amazon and Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Slim digital edition $399.00
$449.99 Save $50.99 Amazon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Slim with disc drive $449.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

PlayStation's summer sale is here, which means through Aug. 5 (or while supplies last), that you can grab a PlayStation 5 Slim on sale.

Our readers gave the PS5 a lot of love over Amazon Prime Day, even though the console wasn't actually on sale. That's why we want to let you know when you can actually score some dollars off, and where you can grab the absolute best prices. Although you can shop the sale on PlayStation's website, as well as several other retailers, true to form Amazon and Walmart are competing to offer the absolute best price.

In both cases, that means the retailers have dropped their prices 99 cents below everyone else. That means you can grab the PlayStation 5 Slim digital edition for $399 even, down from $449.99 at Amazon and Walmart, while folks who are into having a disc drive can grab that PlayStation 5 Slim at Amazon and Walmart for $449, down from $499.99.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 leaks: Release date, games, price, and more

Compared to the original PlayStation 5, value-wise you may find it worth it to opt for the disc drive model, considering Sony upped the list price on the digital model by $50 for the slim edition. Still, disc drive or not, you're getting much of the same top-notch performance from the original console in a slightly smaller package, according to our sister site PCMag's review. (And we were big fans of the original console). You'll also be getting 1TB of built-in storage space with the PS5 Slim, up from the 825GB some PS5 models have.

If you're not feeling quite sold on the PS5 Slim, you might find it worth it to wait for the PS5 Pro announcement.

Bissell's popular carpet clean is down to its lowest price since Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:16

Save 31%: The Bissell Little Green Machine is the easiest way to clean carpets and right now, it's down to $85.75, saving you $37.84 for 31% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green Machine carpet cleaner $85.75 at Amazon
$123.59 Save $37.84 Get Deal

Summer brings messes: Muddy pets and shoes, ice cream spills in the car, and grass stains for days. It's all worth it to capture the delights of warmer weather, however, eventually you've got to clean up. That's when a carpet and upholstery cleaner is your best friend.

The Bissell Little Green Machine is both the internet and Mashable's favorite upholstery cleaner. This compact cleaner is portable and easy to tote around with its top handle, however, it can get a bit heavy once the water tanks are full (luckily, they're removable). The dual nozzle and brush sprays cleaning solution over target areas, and then with the press of a button, it vacuums up all the dirt and grim hiding in upholstery.

With two tanks, the Bissell Little Green machines holds a water cleaning solution, while its other tank stores all the gunk that gets sucked up.

For a limited time, this carpet cleaner is down to $85.75, knocking $37.84 off the price. This is a Prime Day-level deal, nearly two week's after Amazon's big summer sales event, so don't drag your feet on these 31% savings.

The SharkPower Detect self emptying robot vacuum is at its lowest price ever at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:03

SAVE 44%: As of today, July 29, the Shark Power Detect self-emptying robot vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $449.99. Normally $799.99, this limited-time deal gives shoppers the chance to save $350.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Power Detect self-emptying robot vacuum $449.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $350.00 Get Deal

Are you tired of finding your robot vacuum stuck in a nook, its journey to cleanliness paused without your knowing? Then it might be time to upgrade to the Shark Power Detect self-emptying robot vacuum. Normally listed at a premium price, today's sale brings the high-ticket robot vacuum down to a more affordable price tag.

As of today, July 29, you can get the Shark Power Detect robot vacuum for $449.99 at Amazon. Normally, the self-emptying vacuum sells for $799.99. Today's limited-time deal shaves 44% off the list price, saving shoppers $350. It's also the vacuum's lowest price, so if you've been eyeing an upgrade, today's the day to buy.

Programmed with Shark's NeverStuck technology, this nimble little robot can lift and maneuver itself over obstacles and tricky thresholds to prevent itself from getting stuck. It picks up dirt that's invisible to the eye, and even changes its settings to adjust to the floor type to optimize for the best clean. With three deep cleaning settings and in-app control, the Shark Power Detect takes the stress out of keeping your floors clean. With a bagless base that holds up to 60 days' worth of debris, it's easy to forget the Shark is even there.

Score the Shark Power Detect for its lowest price when you shop today's limited-time deal at Amazon.

The Dyson V8 Extra is $100 off at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:00

GET $101.99 OFF: As of July 29, you can get the Dyson V8 Extra for $368, down from $469.99 at Amazon. That's $101.99 off the listing price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson V8 Extra cordless vacuum $368.00 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

The Dyson cordless vacuum has become so popular that it’s now described as a “status symbol" in many households. With its sleek design, impressive suction power, and versatility, the Dyson V8 Extra is one of the brand's flagship models — which means it’s pretty pricey.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

If you’ve been dying to join the Dyson club but haven’t been willing to shell out nearly $500 for the vacuum, now’s your chance to get it for a lot less. As of July 29, you can snag a Dyson V8 Extra (Nickel) for $368 — $101.99 off the regular price. (If you want something even more affordable, the Dyson V8 Origin Plus is selling for $299.99 on the Dyson site.)

This model features a HEPA filter, motorbar cleaner head, and up to 40 minutes of fade-free power on a single charge. The additional accessories included, like the hair screw tool and up-top tool, make it easy to clean every nook and cranny in your home. Plus, the crevice tool is ideal for getting into tight spaces, including between couch cushions and along baseboards.

While this isn’t the newest Dyson model available, the V8 Extra is still considered one of the brand's top vacuums. And, with all of its attachments, it’s like getting several cleaning tools in one.

Google Discover adds daily games. Here's how to play them.

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 11:55

Google launched a new game called "Today's Teaser" in the Discover section of its app. But if you're expecting the kind of game you'll get with the New York Times' Connections or Wordle, you might be disappointed.

The "game" is more just Google's version of the classic "would you rather." Basically, it asks you a question, and you answer. Once you choose your preference, then the world's results are revealed. Today, for instance, in honor of the Olympics' gymnastics competition, the question was, "Would you rather cartwheel everywhere you need to go or somersault everywhere you need to go?"

You can most easily play "Today's Teaser" by pulling up the Google app on your phone. It'll appear as a widget near other useful info, like the weather report or news you might be interested in. It'll look something like this:

I *am* interested in the Bruce Springsteen movie. Credit: Screenshot: Google

Once you pop open the teaser, you'll answer the question and see the results. For what it's worth, I voted for cartwheeling.

Cartwheeling just seems easier. Credit: Screenshot: Google

If you want to access the game directly, you can do so, but it does seem like a fun little Easter Egg for folks who use the Google app. So next time you search for something, maybe take a second to see if your opinion aligns with the rest of the world.

Get the Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds for just $20 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 07/29/2024 - 11:54

SAVE $20: The Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds are on sale for $19.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $39.99. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore by Anker Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen these days, but good wireless earbuds are still rare. If you have a limited budget, or if you're one of those who keep losing their earbuds, you wouldn't want to spend a lot on a single pair. This earbuds deal at Amazon will get you a pair of solid wireless earbuds at under $20, making for great value.

As of July 29, you can get the Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds at just $19.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $39.99. This 50% discount deal is also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. They're at this price a lot, though, but this is still a pretty great deal.

For wireless earbuds that come in under $20, the Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds pack in a lot of features. You get large 10mm drivers for a clean sound signature. These also come with the promise of 30 hours of playtime with the charging case. Quick charging is also available, getting you two hours of juice with a 10-minute top-up.

A standout feature is the single-earbud mode. The Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds can have one earbud playing the sound if you take out the other earbuds, making it easier to jump back into your surroundings without disrupting your audio experience. These earbuds also get water resistance. These earbuds sell at this discounted price quite often, though, but this is still a pretty great deal.

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