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'Severance' Season 2 finally has a release date — and an ominous first look

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 08:55
Apple TV+'s "Severance" Season 2 returns in January of 2025. Here's a first look.

Google Maps is bringing speed limits to iPhones

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 06:03

Speed limits are hitting Google Maps on iOS and Carplay, assisting iPhone-using drivers globally.

According to Google, the speedometer within the app "shows you how fast you're driving on the road", while the speed limit alerts will show drivers if they're going too fast.

SEE ALSO: How to share your location on Google Maps

The introduction of speedometer and speed limits comes to iPhones years after Androids became privy to the feature; Android users first got the tool back in 2019.

First reported by TechCrunch, the same features will be shown when users start using navigation on Google Maps on their iPhones.

Featured Video For You 3 tips for using Google Maps more effectively

Users can now turn on the speed limit indicators, by going into the Google Maps app and finding Settings, heading to Navigation and selecting "Driving options." If the feature is enabled, the speed indicator will change colors to nudge drivers to stay within speed limits within their designated region.

While you're here, Mashable's got a bunch of Google Maps guides for how to turn your location off and on with your iPhone, how to download Google Maps, how to turn on 3D buildings in navigation, how to save locations, and other Google Maps tips and tricks.

Students must swap their smartphones for Nokias at an elite UK school

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:53

Eton College, one of the UK's most elite schools and a globally-recognised name, is banning smartphones on campus, The Times reports.

The all-boys boarding school, founded in 1440 with alumni including George Orwell, several UK prime ministers, and Prince William, is removing smartphone use out of concerns regarding mental health and behaviour. In their place, students will reportedly receive Nokia handsets that are not connected to the internet. Students will only be able to make calls and send text messages.

SEE ALSO: 5 deeply '90s nostalgic things about the rebooted Nokia 3210

The exact model of the Nokia phones has not been specified, but Nokia has rebooted nostalgic '90s and '00s releases like the 3310, 3210, and 6310 in recent years. These phones, though obviously boasting more simplified tech than their smartphone successors, have internet connectivity, so if it is one of these phones, this feature will likely be switched off.

The rules only apply to those aged 13 and currently in year nine, with age-appropriate controls remaining "in place for other year groups." Parents were alerted to the changes by Mike Grenier the school's deputy head, who told The Times that smartphones should be taken home after SIM cards are transferred to the Nokia handsets that Eton will provide. The school will also reportedly provide iPads for educational news.

Grenier also told the news outlet that challenges and areas of concern about smartphones include "socialisation, misuse and overuse and the impact on both mental and physical health."

Eton joins a growing list of schools in the UK adjusting their guidelines around smartphone usage, including All Saints Catholic College in Notting Hill, London and Alleyn’s School in Dulwich.

Meanwhile, state school in the U.S. are grappling with how to manage smartphones too, with several schools outright banning such devices and others currently pushing to do so. The most significant move so far comes in Los Angeles, which recently passed legislation banning cellphones from district classrooms.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 10

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:43

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 July 10 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 10

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, July 10, 2024:

AcrossWebsite born from its C.E.O.'s "personal film diary"
  • The answer is IMDB.

Service symbolized by an envelope
  • The answer is email.

Japanese writing system based on Chinese characters
  • The answer is kanji.

Some frozen waffles
  • The answer is Eggos.

Ages and ages
  • The answer is eons.

DownP.R. concern
  • The answer is image.

Fruit that may be served with sticky rice
  • The answer is mango.

Spicy mustard
  • The answer is Dijon.

Pure joy
  • The answer is bliss.

___ out a living (barely get by)
  • The answer is eke.

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

Amazon Says It Reached a Climate Goal Seven Years Early

NYT Technology - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:01
The company said it effectively got all of the electricity it used last year from sources that did not produce greenhouse gas emissions. Some experts have faulted the company’s calculations.

How to watch De Minaur vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 online for free

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream De Minaur vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Novak Djokovic is a seven-time Wimbledon champion and he could be on his way to an eighth title — if he can get past Alex de Minaur in this quarter final showdown.

Djokovic may be feeling confident of an overall tournament victory now that world No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner has been eliminated. But don't forget that the world No. 2 hasn't long recovered from knee surgery — and Djokovic had to put up a fight to get past the always-tricky Holger Rune in the fourth round.

Alex de Minaur, meanwhile, has been impressive so far. The Australian No. 9 reached the quarter finals of the French Open and has looked sharp in the fourth round.

If you want to watch De Minaur vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is De Minaur vs. Djokovic?

De Minaur vs. Djokovic will meet in the quarter final of Wimbledon 2024 men's singles. The match will take place on July 10 from 8.30 a.m. ET / 1.30 p.m. BST.

How to watch De Minaur vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free

Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the quarter final matchup between De Minaur and Djokovic.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform — no matter where you are around the world — by using a VPN. A VPN can obscure your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, including the UK, which effectively unblocks free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere around the globe.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 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 Wimbledon 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 actually free, but the top VPN services usually offer sweetener deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers. you'll be able to unblock the BBC iPlayer without spending any cash in the long run. This will give you enough time to stream the remainder of Wimbledon 2024 matchups before recovering any initial 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 means a saving of 49%. As part of this plan you'll also get a bonus three months for free, a year of free unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. But don't miss out. The deal is available for a limited time only.

Live stream De Minaur vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

Team USA's parents get the gold for their Olympic trial reaction videos

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00
USA Olympic trials: Athletes' families get the gold for their reaction videos.

How to watch de Rybakina vs. Svitolina in Wimbledon 2024 online for free

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Rybakina vs. Svitolina in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Elena Rybakina is the only former Wimbledon champion left in the women's singles at this quarter final stage. And following the exit of favorites Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, Rybakina — the Kazakhstani No. 4 seed — must be feeling confident.

But will Elina Svitolina, the No. 21 seed, prove tricky competition on Centre Court?

Svitolina will be a sentimental favorite after a teary winner's speech in the fourth round — an emotional moment following attacks in her home country of Ukraine. What a moment it would be for Svitolina to win a place in the semi-final too.

If you want to watch Rybakina vs. Svitolina in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rybakina vs. Svitolina?

Rybakina vs. Svitolina will meet in the quarter final of Wimbledon 2024 women's singles. The match will take place on July 10 from 8.30 a.m. ET / 1.30 p.m. BST.

How to watch de Rybakina vs. Svitolina in Wimbledon 2024 for free

Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the quarter final matchup between Rybakina and Svitolina.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you'll be able to access this free streaming platform wherever you are around the world by signing up to a VPN. A VPN can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, unblocking free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere around the globe.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 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 Wimbledon 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 actually free, but the top VPN services usually have generous deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers. you'll be able to unblock the BBC iPlayer without losing any cash in the long run. This will give you more than enough time to stream the remainder of the Wimbledon 2024 fixtures before claiming back any initial 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 gives you a saving of 49%. Within this plan you'll also get a bonus three months for free, a year of free unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. But don't miss out. The deal is available for a limited time only.

Live stream Rybakina vs. Svitolina in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

This dash display has Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility for just $95

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Upgrade your older vehicle with this 9" Wireless Car Display that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It's on sale for just $94.97 (reg. $179.99) through July 21.

While cars might get you from point A to point B, there's a bit more to them than the basic functionality. For many of us, cars get us to work and grocery stores, but it's also a place to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks — a place to decompress between the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If your older car is missing a central dash hub to make navigation and entertainment easier, you have options other than a new car. This 9" wireless car dash display was to breathe modern life into an older car, truck, or SUV. It's also on sale for just $94.97 (reg. $179.99) through July 21. (A 7" Dash Display is also on sale for $79.97.)

This on-dash display is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which offers seamless access to your phone's apps. This means you can use your phone's navigation app, like Google Maps or Waze, on the the bigger dash display, making for easier-to-see and safer directions. It can even be controlled via voice using Siri or Google Assistant, enhancing your driving safety.

It also makes accessing your phone's music apps easier while you drive. The HD touchscreen screen lets you skip, play, pause, and select the music you want to hear, whether you're on your way to the office or taking an epic summer road trip. You can also send and receive messages, use phone mirroring (iOS only), and use it with a 1080p rear backup cam (not included).

Whether updating your daily drive, adding some modern flair to your classic car, or simply seeking a more connected driving experience, this car display can deliver on all fronts.

Get this 9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on sale for just $94.97 (reg. $179.99) through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility $94.97 at The Mashable Shop
$179.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

Grab this expert-led Windows PowerShell training for $15

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through July 21, you can grab this Windows PowerShell course bundle for only $14.97 instead of the usual $78.

Anyone who works in IT, system administration, or tech in general can tell you that the job often involves a mind-numbing array of tedious, repetitive tasks. But you know better than to slog through all that. You can make your life easier by automating some (or all) of them with scripts. Windows PowerShell can help you on that front, allowing you to get more done in less time.

To the uninitiated, Powershell is a cross-platform task automation and configuration management program designed to make your life easier. And if you’re serious about boosting your productivity and efficiency, this course package can help. It retails for $14.97 through July 21.

This training collection contains six courses spearheaded by Vijay Saini, an IT professional who has years of experience working in multiple domains in the industry. He specializes in tackling small to large-scale automation, resulting in cost benefits for various businesses. In short, he's someone who knows his stuff.

The courses will get you up to speed with PowerShell, from the basics of what it can do to the advanced tricks that can transform your daily grind. You'll learn how to automate your work, master advanced scripting, and dive into web scraping, advanced file handling, database management, and more.

While all the courses are beginner-friendly, having some baseline technical knowledge won't hurt. But don't stress if you're starting from scratch. The courses are available 24/7, so you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and on any device. 

Automate your tech life!

This Windows PowerShell certification bundle normally goes for $78, but you can grab it on sale for $14.97 for a limited time.

For more opportunities to boost your workflow, check out the Privacy and Security collection here.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 2024 Windows PowerShell Certification Bundle $14.97 at The Mashable Shop
$78.00 Save $63.03 Get Deal

'Sunny' review: Rashida Jones and a robot make an unlikely mystery-solving duo

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

Like it or not, artificial intelligence has wormed its way into our lives, with people using it as a shortcut for everything from day-to-day work to filmmaking to human companionship.

The latter becomes the focus of Sunny, the latest in a long line of sci-fi series from AppleTV+. (Think Severance, Silo, Foundation, and Hello, Tomorrow!) Here, a grieving woman and her domestic robot team up to solve the mysteries surrounding her husband and son's disappearance. But as they search for the truth, Sunny invites us into their burgeoning friendship. The result is a sweet, darkly fun (yet bloated) thriller that examines human loneliness and connection with a light sci-fi approach.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV Preview: Every show you must see What's Sunny about? Credit: Apple TV+

Adapted from Colin O'Sullivan's novel The Dark Manual, Sunny introduces us to Suzie Sakamoto (Rashida Jones). Suzie's an American expat living in Kyoto, whose husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and son Zen (Fares Belkheir) have gone missing in a plane crash. Not long after the crash, she receives a domestic robot named Sunny (voiced by Joanna Sotomura) that Masa designed for her at Imatech, the company he works for.

Some may read the gift of Sunny as comforting, as Sunny's near-future Japan is full of helpful homebots puttering around in the background. But for Suzie, the gesture is anything but a comfort. One, she hates robots — something Masa was very aware of. And two, she thought Masa only designed smart refrigerators. The revelation of his true line of work throws their relationship — and his disappearance — into a whole new light. What was Masa really up to at Imatech? And was his plane crash truly an accident?

SEE ALSO: 'Robot Dreams' review: A stunning, dialogue-free ode to loneliness

Suzie and Sunny's investigation will lead take them down a winding path through robot fighting rings and gang strongholds. Not every stage of their quest is particularly interesting, though. Some diversions, such as a plot involving succession within the yakuza, overstay their welcome and feel like the result of streaming bloat. However, Sunny proves time and time again that it's at its best when it's directly focused on Sunny and Suzie's relationship — and why Sunny may have been designed in the first place.

Sunny is an odd-couple series at heart Credit: Apple TV+

Beyond one being a human and another being a robot, Suzie and Sunny are completely different. Suzie is anti-social and often frustrated by those around her, prickly in the wake of her family tragedy. Sunny, an impressively designed animatronic puppet with a glowing face, is her opposite, often trying to cheer Suzie up even when it's clear that's not what she wants. But how much of this behavior is down to programming, and how much is because of the genuine feeling — if any — Sunny has for Suzie?

This is one of the many questions Sunny ponders over the course of its 10 episodes, during which it focuses less on the pros and cons of AI and more on whether an authentic relationship between a human and a robot is even possible. That line of thinking isn't the most groundbreaking when it comes to sci-fi, but it does gift us a delightfully off-kilter episode late in the game that takes us inside Sunny's mind for a tour of her sense of self.

Featured Video For You Would you let this robot cook you a steak?

I wish Suzie had been offered a similar level of internality. Jones nails her grief and her exasperation at the world around her, but in a show that relies so much on Masa's background — even to the point of giving him a flashback episode — Suzie's comparatively spotty backstory feels like an unfortunate oversight. In key moments, though, Sunny plays with Suzie's memories in an illuminating way, incorporating her present questions about Masa into conversations she had with him in the past.

Suzie would prefer to be reclusive, but her adventures with Sunny inevitably lead her to cross paths with Sunny's fun batch of side characters, like mixologist Mixxy (annie the clumsy), Masa's mother Noriko (Judy Ongg), and aspiring yakuza head Hime (You). While Suzie's relationships with some of the above are more antagonistic, others prompt welcome, unexpected connection that she wouldn't have found without Sunny. For her part, Suzie also teaches Sunny more about how it feels to be human (even if that means Sunny picks up some unsavory hand gestures along the way).

So while Sunny is bursting with technology, including phone-like "Devices" and AR headsets, it's not actually attempting to pass judgment on AI as a whole. Instead, it's a fairly solid exploration of technology's capacity to create connection — with the help of some (maybe homicidal) robots along the way.

How to watch: Sunny is now streaming on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes available, and a new episode every Wednesday.

Explore more with a portable LCD microscope on sale for under $70

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Get outside and explore with a portable handheld pocket LCD microscope on sale for $69.97 (reg. $100), or 30%, through until July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Portable Handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with 4-inch Screen $69.97 at The Mashable Shop
$100.00 Save $30.03 Get Deal

Whether you’re looking at bugs, flowers, or reading tiny print, adults and children alike can enjoy the fun (and utility) of a portable microscope — especially when it's on sale.

Get outside and explore with a portable handheld pocket LCD microscope on sale for $69.97 (reg. $100), or 30%, through until July 21.

Forget squinting to look down a barrel — this handheld pocket microscope has a 4-inch LCD screen for extra-sharp viewing. With eight adjustable LED lights, 1080FHD picture quality, and 80x more magnification, you’ll get a closer look at the micro-world around you. 

This nifty portable microscope records what you view and can be easily tucked away in your pocket or bag so you can take it anywhere. The microSD card can store up to 32GB of high-quality photos and videos. You can upload your discoveries directly to your social media accounts and share your findings with the world.

The microscope weighs only .47 pounds and comes with a wrist strap and a carrying bag. It makes the perfect travel companion for anyone who’s out and about. The built-in 2,000mAh rechargeable battery is convenient for when you’re on an adventure and need to power up. Take this digital microscope camping, hiking, or in the backyard — the exploration possibilities are infinite. 

Compatible with both PCs and Macs, download the compatible apps and connect via USB to view media. Show off your findings to family and friends and impress them with a photo of a rare flower or bug — you never know what tiny things you’ll see.

Get this portable handheld pocket LCD microscope for only $69.97 (reg. $100) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. Pt. No coupon is needed to grab this deal.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

These wireless noise-cancelling Beats Studio Buds+ are just $100

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Get new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for just $99.99 (reg. $149).

Cheapo wireless and wired earbuds are a dime a dozen. You can go into any convenience store and snag a very inexpensive pair. But that low price won't seem so low when they break shortly after purchasing them, and you already need a new pair. If you're serious about your audio experience, these new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds offer terrific sound quality and convenience and are now just $99.99 (regularly $149).

These have a new, open box status, which is usually just excess inventory from the stores that were returned. They are still considered new, but the open-box status makes them a little more affordable.

Escape into your music with the powerful noise-cancelling mode of the Beats Studio Buds+. Whether you’re commuting, working in a noisy environment, or just trying to find some peace and quiet, these earbuds will block out the surrounding noise and let you focus.

However, you sometimes need to stay connected to your surroundings, especially if you're at work or on a busy street. With the touch of a button, switch to transparency mode, which allows outside sounds to filter in while still enjoying your music.

These earbuds also feature upgraded voice-filtering mics that provide clean clarity and filter out background noises. With their charging case, you can expect up to 36 hours of battery life in total. In cases of auditory emergencies, you can eke out two hours of playtime with a five-minute charge. 

These quality earbuds come with four different sizes of ear tips for comfort and the ability to customize on-ear controls, all at a price that won't break the bank.

Get new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for just $99.99 (reg. $149).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats By Dre Beats Studio Buds+ Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (MQLK3LL/A) - Transparent (New - Open Box) $99.99 at The Mashable Shop
$149.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal

Astronaut snaps strange iridescent clouds at the edge of space

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

Astronaut Matthew Dominick was going about 17,500 mph or so above Earth when he peered out his window and saw this remarkable view.

Dominick, who launched to the International Space Station in March as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, pulled out his camera and snapped the above photo. Taken on the Fourth of July, the image is as gobsmacking as any fireworks display back home. 

Below a thin curl of the moon is a lofty bed of so-called noctilucent clouds, floating in the calm before the riotous break of sunrise. These strange high-flying clouds at the edge of space — beguiling to scientists just two decades ago — are easy to observe from the station's orbit about 250 miles above Earth. 

"We have had so many great sunrises lately with amazing noctilucent clouds," Dominick said on X, formerly Twitter. "Probably taken a 1,000 images or so in the past week of them." 

SEE ALSO: An enormous Martian cloud returns every spring. Scientists found out why. Tweet may have been deleted

At least as far back as the 19th century, astronomers have gazed up at the sky and wondered about this kind of cloud, the highest in Earth's atmosphere. Rain clouds tend to form no more than 10 miles up, but noctilucent clouds hover some 50 miles above the planet's surface in a layer of the atmosphere known as the mesosphere. 

From the ground, people have often referred to them as "night-shining clouds," because their altitude allows them to keep reflecting sunlight well after sunset. In the summer, these iridescent clouds shimmer at dusk and dawn near the North and South Poles. 

Bright, mysterious noctilucent clouds appear over Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada in July 2011. Credit: NASA / Dave Hughes

How they formed remained a mystery until NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) mission in 2007. Scientists knew noctilucent clouds could vary with latitude and solar activity but didn't understand why. 

With a spacecraft orbiting 350 miles above Earth, researchers learned that the clouds happen when ice crystals condense on meteor smoke, tiny particles from shooting stars that burn up in the atmosphere. Perhaps even more surprising was that the ice within the mesosphere forms in a single continuous layer.

NASA's AIM mission took the first global image of iridescent polar clouds in June 2007. Credit: NASA

In its first year, the mission documented the "life cycle" of noctilucent clouds in the Northern Hemisphere, which started at the tail end of May and continued through August. The satellite, which was only slated for a two-year study, returned 16 years' worth of data before its battery died last year. 

Its observations led to many discoveries, including how events closer to the ground could trigger changes in the clouds, and how the icy layer in the upper atmosphere could cause eerie radar echoes in the atmosphere during the summer. Scientists appreciate the spacecraft's success, especially given the hurdles it overcame at the beginning of its mission: A broken receiver forced the NASA team to figure out how to reprogram it to communicate in Morse code. 

One of the more recent findings from the mission is how humans influence the clouds' formation. A 2022 study published in the journal Earth and Space Science found that morning rocket launches could actually create noctilucent clouds at farther distances from the poles, over southern Alaska, central Canada, northern Europe, southern Scandinavia, and south-central Russia. 

International Space Station crew see noctilucent clouds in the late hours over the southern tip of South Korea on July 1. Credit: Matthew Dominick / Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit / NASA Johnson Space Center

Researchers compared the spacecraft's observations to the timing of launches south of 60 degrees north latitude. What they found was a strong correlation between morning launches and night-shining clouds in the relatively lower latitudes. 

Despite the end of the AIM mission, Cora Randall, deputy principal investigator, said in a statement that scientists will continue to make new discoveries based on the data. 

"There are still gigabytes upon gigabytes of AIM data to study," she said. 

How to watch Uruguay vs. Colombia online for free

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch Uruguay vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

With a place in the 2024 Copa America final up for grabs, you can expect Uruguay and Colombia to do everything they can to progress. That means we're in for a tense battle between two strong sides.

Uruguay and multi-time Copa America winners, though it's been 13 years since they last won the title. Colombia meanwhile haven't won the Copa America since 2001.

In other words, both teams will be hungry to earn a place in the final and challenge for the Copa America 2024 title. Whatever happens, this semi-final promises to be a thrilling matchup — and one not to miss.

If you want to watch Uruguay vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Uruguay vs. Colombia?

Uruguay vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America semi-final kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on July 10. This fixture takes place at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch Uruguay vs. Colombia for free

The 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia, including Uruguay vs. Colombia.

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

Access free live streams of the 2024 Copa America by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Sportitalia

  5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

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

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The best MacBooks: Which Apple laptop would we buy in 2024?

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Just get a MacBook.

And you know what? We don't blame them. The best MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, that's not something everyone will care about. At the end of the day, most of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals this week, from MacBooks, to Chromebooks, and everything in between

Although MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with some reaching into truly frightening territory — they justify the price with Apple's signature design, user-friendly OS, and the zippy M-series processors. Plus, you can often find MacBook Air and Pro models on sale (with the cheapest ones priced around $850 to $999). And with Prime Day 2024 on the horizon, you can expect more MacBook deals to land soon.

After testing out Apple's lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams. So, let's start shopping.

Your first big decision: MacBook Pro vs Air

When it comes to today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?

If you're a creative who is regularly pushing their laptops to the limit with demanding applications for video and photo editing, you'll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iteration is the speediest and most performance-driven yet.

Testing the M1 MacBook Air after its 2020 release. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the super-powered M3 MacBook Pro. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Now, if convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air is going to be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you're going to be lugging it around with you wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M3 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.

Next up: Which generation?

This is going to come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But, whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, the 2022 model M2 MacBook Air won't come with the latest chip, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for just $849.99. That's compared to the $1,249 price tag of the most recent Air, and the $1,599 asking price of the latest Pro.

A photo from Mashable's test of the M1 MacBook Air. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the M2 MacBook Air. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

So, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Yes, you'll have to get an older model, but staying current is overrated. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.

When is the best time to buy a new MacBook?

The good news is that there's never really a bad time to buy a MacBook, especially if you're shopping for a previous-generation model with the M2 or M1 chip. Those tend to go on sale consistently at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for at least $150 off, if not more. Newer MacBook models aren't much harder to find at a discount at the very same retailers depending on the configuration you choose.

SEE ALSO: If you're waiting for a touchscreen MacBook, we've got bad news

But to us, the best time to buy a MacBook is definitely during a big sale event like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. That's where you'll get the real bargains on coveted Apple laptops, as well as other Apple devices. Finally, you can often find discounts any time a new model is introduced — it almost always comes with a price cut to the previous-gen model, which we just saw with the M2 MacBook Air and Pro.

So, what are the best MacBooks?

After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2024. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, as well as who we think would like each model best.

The 24 best comedies on Max right now

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 05:00

Want something to tickle your funny bone but don’t want to spend hours perusing your options? Picking a comedy to watch can be tricky, because humor is largely a matter of taste. But worry not.

Whether you’re hankering for a comedy classic or a modern hit, a feel-good crowd-pleaser or a poignant critical darling, a mainstream romp or an outrageous musical, a candy-colored fantasy or a time-travel buddy-comedy, we've got you covered.

Here are the best comedy movies now streaming on Max.

1. Singin' in the Rain Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor dance in rain slickers. Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Moviepix via Getty Images

Craving something that’ll not only make you laugh but also make you want to get up and dance? Then splash into the stupendous pleasures of this 1952 classic, co-directed by Stanley Donen and Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. The latter stars as a Vaudevillian who has worked his way up from stuntman to silent movie star. As the sound era shakes up the film industry, he hopes to make sweet music with an enchanting ingenue (a beaming Debbie Reynolds). However, his cantankerous leading lady (a ruthlessly silly Jean Hagen) won’t be sidelined without a fight! Full of meta jokes, charming banter, hysterical hijinks, and astonishing song numbers, Singin’ in the Rain is one of the best musical comedies that’s ever been made. Come for the jokes. Stay for the signature dance number that’s as astonishing now as it was decades ago. Then, let the romance of this feel-good film sweep you away. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Singin' in the Rain is streaming on Max.

2. Barbie Margot Robbie is Barbie in "Barbie." Credit: Warner Bros.

Frankly, the promotional journey for Barbie was so full of pink, so joyful, so fun, that would have been Kenough. The movie could have been a silly trifle, and we'd likely have been pleased. But writer/director Greta Gerwig brought us the universally heralded coming-of-age comedy Ladybird and then the rapturous reimagining of Little Women. Her Barbie wasn't going to stop at playful. Instead, it parodied the patriarchy with horses, Stallone-inspired fashion, and a rousing dream ballet fueled by an actual banger, "I'm Just Ken."

Margot Robbie was picture-perfect as a Barbie who realizes the world is much bigger than the dreamhouse-dotted Barbie Land. Ryan Gosling snagged the rare comedy Oscar nomination for his delightfully deranged take on the insecure man doll who couldn't cope, and so turned to conquering. (Napoleon relates!) While detractors have argued the film's girl-power messaging is simplistic, it's hard to deny that Gerwig did more with this IP than we could have dreamed. Sure, Barbie is a glossy toy commercial. But it's a glossy toy commercial that not only has something to say, but does so through spectacular filmmaking that folds in eye-popping practical effects, enthralling details, discontinued dolls, and jokes that were way outside the box. From Weird Barbie to that on-point Pride and Prejudice mini-series namedrop, Barbie had us so giddy that we felt like kids again.* — K.P.

How to watch: Barbie is now streaming on Max.

3. Dear White People Tessa Thompson and the cast of "Dear White People." Credit: Code Red / Duly Noted / Homegrown / Roadside Attractions / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Justin Simien's breakthrough 2014 hit, Dear White People, looks racial tension in the face and digs in. It's a sharp, funny, and fearless investigation into what it means to be a Black person in America today, shot with a distinct sense of style and structure. Ripping into code-switching, colorism, and more, Dear White People follows multiple students' movements at one Ivy League university — including a student activist (Tessa Thompson) who runs an edgy campus radio show called "Dear White People" — as things escalate, building up to a Halloween party no one will ever forget. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Dear White People is now streaming on Max.

4. 50/50

Adam's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) biggest concern in his late twenties is that his crass best friend (Seth Rogen) doesn't really like Adam's girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard). But it's no big deal — Adam's got his whole future ahead of him! Or so he thinks. When a doctor's visit reveals he has a tumor with a 50 percent survival rate, Adam must confront his mortality, all while he's still learning to be an adult. 50/50 is a sweet and moving dramedy that skillfully mines humor from tragedy. This 2011 hidden gem, which is loosely based on screenwriter Will Reiser's experience with cancer, is a sweet and captivating watch that will make you laugh while you cry. — K.G.

How to watch: 50/50 is now streaming on Max.

5. Problemista Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres play a compelling odd couple in "Problemista." Credit: A24

Is your favorite brand of comedy the bleak, existential kind? Then Julio Torres' Problemista is the surreal and fractured fairy tale for you. Torres (who also wrote and directed the film) stars as Alejandro, an imaginative toy designer trying to make it in New York City. But when he's fired from his job at a cryogenics facility, Alejandro needs to find a new visa sponsor or he'll be deported. Enter Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth, a temperamental, delusional harridan — and the wife of one of Alejandro's former frozen clients. Alejandro must figure out how to manage Elizabeth's ever-changing whims while navigating the labyrinthine U.S. immigration process and keeping his dream alive. — K.G.

How to watch: Problemista is now streaming on Max.

6. Spy Jason Statham, Melissa McCarthy, and Jude Law in the poster for "Spy." Credit: 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Melissa McCarthy is Susan Cooper, a CIA agent who spends most of her time in a basement, assisting her partner on his missions via computer and earpiece. Not only does her entire work life revolve around Jude Law's Bond-like sexy super-spy Bradley Fine, but she’s also in love with him. So when Fine is killed on a mission to find the location of a rogue nuke, Cooper leaves her desk behind and heads into the field. Will she be the spy she always dreamed she could be? Or is she what Fine thinks she is — better suited for the basement?

Written and directed by Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids, The Heat), Spy is an exciting, silly, and unpredictable action comedy. It is more than a simple spoof on the spy genre; it's a hilarious, sharp commentary on how our world views the average woman, made even more sparkling with a top-notch cast that includes Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, and more. — K.G.

How to watch: Spy is now streaming on Max.

7. Legally Blonde Reese Witherspoon is in court in "Legally Blonde." Credit: Tracy Bennett / MGM / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

What can we possibly say about this truly perfect movie that hasn’t already been said? Written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, Legally Blonde is bright, bubbly, and seriously smart — just like its main character, Elle Woods. Reese Witherspoon is iconic as the blonde bombshell who gets into Harvard Law School with the goal of wooing back her old boyfriend, only to learn that loving herself gives her much more satisfaction. Luke Wilson is a perfect supportive new flame, and Jennifer Coolidge is peak Jennifer Coolidge as Elle's BFF. 

Endlessly quotable, inspiring a successful Broadway musical and garnering multiple awards, Legally Blonde is both a smash hit and an honest-to-goodness cultural milestone.* — K.G.

How to watch: Legally Blonde is now streaming on Max.

8. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves rock out in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Credit: Orion / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are iconic, ridiculous, and charming as two empty-headed teens with the fate of the world in their hands. 

In 1988, Bill and Ted, best buds and most excellent California bros, are struggling with an upcoming history exam. If Ted doesn't pass, his gnarly father will ship him off to military school! Not excellent, dude! But turns out there's more riding on this history exam than the fate of Bill and Ted's band, Wyld Stallyns. When a time traveler named Rufus (George Carlin) arrives, Bill and Ted learn that the entire future — one where they're heralded as the Two Great Ones — is at stake. They'll have to journey back in time and meet historical figures, from Genghis Khan to Napoleon, in order to ace the test and protect their future. Most outstanding! — K.G.

How to watch: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is now streaming on Max.

9. Modern Times Charlie Chaplin in a dinner scene in "Modern Times." Credit: Hulton Archive / Moviepix via Getty Images

Charlie Chaplin was a king of comedy in the silent film era, rolling his iconic Little Tramp into such side-splitters as City Lights, Gold Rush, and The Kid. These and many more Chaplin offerings are available on Max. Subscribers can easily look back at how American physical comedy was forged through set pieces silly and sensational. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to Chaplin, but we're highlighting Modern Times because even though it's set in 1936, its humor is truly timeless. Taking on a string of industrial jobs while romancing a charming gamin, Chaplin zips from one zany bit to another with a captivating waddle and a chipper twitch of his mustache, fearlessly throwing himself face-first into the wildest shenanigans. Plus, as this film includes some scenes with sound and dialogue, it's maybe the most accessible introduction to Chaplin's works. — K.P.

How to watch: Modern Times is streaming on Max.

10. Dope

Malcolm, Jib, and Diggy are three high school nerds who love '90s hip hop and can't wait to go to college. So when they're forced by a dangerous neighborhood drug dealer to move his product, the trio are out of their depth with their futures on the line. 

Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, and Kiersey Clemons are captivating and charismatic in this modern coming-of-age comedy. Their friendship feels real and lived-in; we're rooting for them from the get-go. Produced by Pharrell Williams and also featuring Chanel Iman, Tyga, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, and Vince Staples, Dope is an energetic, exciting watch and a fresh take on the well-worn teen comedy genre. — K.G.

How to watch: Dope is now streaming on Max.

11. Deadpool Ryan Reynolds stars as Deadpool. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock.com

When you look at the lineup of Marvel’s superheroes, Deadpool is not like the others. He's a fourth-wall-breaking, swearing, wisecracking ass who is well aware he's currently in an R-rated movie. Canadian mercenary Wade Wilson undergoes experimental cancer surgery that ends up awakening latent mutant genes. After healing from the surgery, he finds he has newly acquired accelerated healing powers — and he's now covered in growths that he finds grotesque. Shamed by his new appearance, Wade hides away from his former life, as well as his former love, Vanessa (played by a radiant Morena Baccarin). Until he can find a cure, he is no longer Wade Wilson. He is Deadpool. 

Though Deadpool’s main power is supposedly regeneration, his true superpower is being played by Ryan Reynolds. The motor-mouthed merc is peak Reynolds, who has been instrumental in getting the Deadpool franchise off the ground since the beginning. No one else has the swagger for this offbeat, meta, and gleefully violent take on the superhero flick! — K.G.

How to watch: Deadpool is now streaming on Max.

12. White Men Can’t Jump

Woody Harrelson is Billy Hoyle, a former college basketball player who hustles neighborhood courts in L.A. His edge? The predominantly Black players assume Billy can’t play because he’s goofy and white. But when he beats Sidney (Wesley Snipes) at a one-on-one shootout, Sidney approaches him with a plan to hustle together and start making some real money. White Men Can’t Jump is energetic, clever, and fun, a fresh take on the sports comedy. Written and directed by Ron Shelton, it’s still a hit decades later, thanks to a smart script and the radiant charisma of Harrelson, Snipes, and Rosie Perez as Billy’s girlfriend.*K.G.

How to watch: White Men Can’t Jump is now streaming on Max.

13. Dicks: The Musical The ensemble cast of "Dicks: The Musical" looks down. Credit: Justin Lubin / A24

Sometimes a movie comes along that is so completely outrageous that it feels like a miracle it exists at all. Dicks: The Musical is such a treasure. Writers/actors/homosexuals Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson translated Fucking Identical Twins, a two-man comedy musical once staged in the basement of a Gristedes, into a movie musical that is not only beyond bonkers but also features such big stars as Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Imagine The Parent Trap as a scorching satire of queer culture and homophobic fears, and you'll get some idea of what's in store. It's not just musical numbers about the joys of putting alpha males in their place, or the madcap chaos of Mullally's ad-libs, or even national treasure Lane spitting ham at his beloved Sewer Boys. It's also got Bowen Yang as God, and a finale number that is as joyous as it is absolutely iconoclastic. In a year peppered with superb comedies, nothing made us laugh as hard or loud or long as Dicks: The Musical.*K.P.

How to watch: Dicks: The Musical is now streaming on Max.

14. The Devil Wears Prada

Witty, biting, and eternally memeable, The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 hit that has triumphantly withstood the test of time. No matter how long it's been, Meryl Streep's turn as the cruel and demanding magazine editor (and Anna Wintour stand-in) is just as legendary and gleefully vicious as the first watch. 

Written by Aline Brosh McKenna and adapted from the novel by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada follows a frumpy, cerebral young journalist (Anne Hathaway) who is thrust into the cutthroat world of fashion when she gets a job at a Vogue-like mag. At first she considers herself above this style-focused world, but as she strives to impress her boss, she learns to not just survive, but to thrive. The Devil Wears Prada is a sophisticated gem of a comedy that will leave you smiling — and staring at your closet mumbling, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." — K.G.

How to watch: The Devil Wears Prada is now streaming on Max.

15. Keanu Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele co-star in "Keanu." Credit: Warner Bros / Everett / Shutterstock,com

Long before Jordan Peele became Hollywood's foremost horror auteur, he was doing ridiculous and boundary-pushing comedy alongside Keegan-Michael Key. Their magnum opus? 2016's absurd buddy action/adventure Keanu. Rell and Clarence are normal, if somewhat boring, cousins who find themselves embroiled in a drug-smuggling scheme when Rell's kitten, Keanu, goes missing. When Rell adopted the little ball of fur, he had no idea Keanu previously belonged to a cartel boss. Now that it seems Keanu has been cat-napped, Clarence and Rell will stop at nothing to get him back. Keanu is a fun, fast-paced, and ludicrous ride starring two infectiously watchable comedians at the top of their game — and a criminally cute kitten! — K.G.

How to watch: Keanu is streaming on Max.

16. The Skeleton Twins

After exiting SNL in 2012, Kristen Wiig seemed determined to prove she was not just a comedian, she was also a serious actor. When everyone was begging for more Bridesmaids-like comedies, Wiig gave us Girl Most Likely, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Welcome to Me. But a bright spot in this darker Wiig era is 2014's The Skeleton Twins, a dramedy that carefully balances both humor and heart. It's serious, it's silly, and the lead performances from two bona fide comedians will leave you moved. 

Wiig is Maggie, a depressed woman whose life gets turned upside down when she learns her estranged twin brother Milo (Bill Hader) has been hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Milo moves in with Maggie, who still lives in their hometown with her husband, Lance (Luke Wilson), and the two reforge their bond while facing painful memories from their pasts. — K.G.

How to watch: The Skeleton Twins is streaming on Max.

17. Tampopo "Tampopo" is all about the love of food. Credit: Apic / Moviepix via Getty Images

A spirited spoof tipping its hat to the Spaghetti Western, this 1985 Japanese comedy was promoted as a "ramen Western." Its central story is about a cowboy hat-wearing truck driver (Tsutomu Yamazaki) who comes across a humble ramen shop where the food is truly "terrible." Damsel-in-distress Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto) begs this hardened hero to save her family's business by teaching her to do right by ramen. So of course, he rounds up a posse to perfect her recipe. Full of physical comedy, giddy silliness, quirky characters, and charming performances, this film is a delectable delight. But writer/director Jûzô Itami brings even more to the table, spicing up this culinary tale with fantastical vignettes about the love of food. Though often ridiculous — and sometimes salacious — none of the laughs are lost in translation. But be warned: This funny film will make you hungry. The loving shots of ramen and the various speeches about its richness and wonders are ruthlessly mouth-watering. Maybe order dinner before digging in. — K.P.

How to watch: Tampopo is streaming on Max.

18. Trainwreck

The mid-2010s brought us ombre hair, planking, and #YOLO, but its most enduring cultural addition was a wave of movies about imperfect women. More female-led films at the box office meant there was finally enough space for leading ladies who didn't have to meet every standard to which we hold the modern woman. Movie theaters were flooded with bad moms, antiheroines, and the sloppiest drunks you've ever seen in your life. Enter Trainwreck, a hilarious and irreverent rom-com directed by Judd Apatow and starring Amy Schumer in a role that's basically her hot mess stand-up persona come to life. Schumer and Bill Hader are surprisingly charming together, and John Cena and Lebron James both add an unexpected sparkle to a fun and cheeky romance.* — K.G.

How to Watch: Trainwreck is streaming on Max.

19. Bridget Jones's Diary Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget Jones. Credit: Alex Bailey / Miramax / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Bridget Jones's Diary is a perfect movie, and we're not hearing any opinions to the contrary, thank you! Renée Zellweger gained 20 pounds to snag the role of Bridget, already a beloved character in the UK thanks to Helen Fielding's wildly popular Bridget Jones novels. The Brits were in an uproar about an American being cast as in a role that was archetypally British, but Zellweger's performance (and accent!) were so spot-on, the complaints quickly gave way to rave reviews.

The start of a film franchise and the best movie of the lot, Bridget Jones’s Diary introduces us to an ordinary thirtysomething woman in London who, after turning 32 alone, vows to lose weight, quit smoking, stop drinking, and find love. Enter Hugh Grant as Bridget's preternaturally charming boss, and, because this is a Pride and Prejudice adaptation, Colin Firth as the man who couldn't seem more wrong for Bridget (his name is literally Mr. Darcy!!!). Even if you know where this funny and grounded rom-com is going, you're sure to have a blast along the way. — K.G.

How to watch: Bridget Jones’s Diary is streaming on Max.

20. Heartbreakers

The romantic crime comedy is a highly underutilized movie subgenre. The stakes are high, the laughs are big, and the twists come with a kiss. It’s a winning combo any way you slice it, and Heartbreakers is a triumph of the form.

Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt are Max and Page, a mother-daughter con-artist team who have to complete one last grift together to pay a debt to the IRS. But when Page develops feelings for a man she’s trying to con on the side (Jason Lee), their whole delicate web of lies is placed in jeopardy. Heartbreakers is a rom-com with an edge: It’s funny, it’s irreverent, and it’s unpredictable.* — K.G.

How to watch: Heartbreakers is now streaming on Max.

21. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Michael Cera fall in love in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." Credit: Big Talk Productions / Kobal / Shutterstock,com

A romantic comedy/action/comic book/adventure mashup, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a simply fantastic movie through and through. More than a decade after its release, a fun, new rewatching bonus is seeing current Hollywood heavyweights (Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Kieran Culkin, and more) having fun and being silly at the start of their careers. These stars enjoyed working on the film so much, they all agreed to come back for Netflix's 2023 animated reimagining, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

Michael Cera is iconic as the soft-spoken Scott Pilgrim, a bass player in an unsuccessful indie band who becomes enamored with delivery girl Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Unfortunately for Scott, to date Ramona, he’ll have to defeat her seven evil exes first! Uh oh! Good thing this movie also pulls some of its visual style from video games! That’s right, Scott Pilgrim has it all! — K.G.

How to watch: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is now streaming on Max.

22. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

Some comedy is subtle, some is in your face...and then there’s The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! Full of slapstick, ridiculous physical bits, overt double entendres, and on-the-nose jokes, this police movie parody is absurd to its core. Leslie Nielsen is the master of stone-faced punchline delivery as Detective Frank Drebin, a hapless but determined cop tasked with stopping an assassination attempt on the Queen of England during a trip to the U.S. Get ready for absurd plot points, wordplay, sight gags, and...O.J. Simpson?! The ‘80s were quite a time to be alive!!! — K.G.

How to watch: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is now streaming on Max.

23. Date Night Tina Fey and Steve Carrell have a wild night out. Credit: 20th Century Fox / Everett / Shutterstock,com

Date Night kicks off with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey as a bored married couple worried they’re becoming simply roommates instead of lovers. They go out for a date night to add a little spice to their lives, but when they're mistaken for members of a criminal organization, their night on the town becomes a night fleeing for their lives. That’s a little more spice than they bargained for! Silly, exciting, and surprisingly heartfelt, Date Night is a fun and energetic romantic comedy adventure with a top-notch cast.* — K.G.

How to watch: Date Night is now streaming on Max.

24. Shazam! 

Billy Batson is a 14-year-old living in a group home who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. But when he’s mysteriously transported to a mythical cave called the Rock of Eternity, a wizard grants him the power to transform into Shazam, an adult superhero. So what would a 14-year-old do if he could instantly look like a grown-up and had superstrength? Make viral videos, of course! 

Shazam! is a fun and welcome twist on the classic superhero flick. Zachary Levi is pitch-perfect as a 14-year-old in an adult’s body, and Mark Strong is deliciously evil as the villain trying to steal Shazam’s powers for himself.* — K.G.

How to watch: Shazam! is now streaming on Max.

UPDATE: Jul. 8, 2024, 3:11 p.m. EDT This article was originally published September 3, 2021. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Max.


Defeated by A.I., a Legend in the Board Game Go Warns: Get Ready for What’s Next

NYT Technology - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 00:01
Lee Saedol was one of the world’s top Go players, and his shocking loss to an A.I. opponent was a harbinger of a new, unsettling era. “It may not be a happy ending,” he says.

Level up your skills with 15 coding courses on sale for only £31.26

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Through July 21, this 15-course Learn to Code bundle is on sale for just £31.26 (reg. £1,173).

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle £31.26 at the Mashable Shop
£1,173.00 Save £1,141.74 Get Deal

Are you ready to learn a new skill and increase your job prospects? Propel yourself into the future of technology with the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle.

Through July 21, you can grab this comprehensive online learning bundle featuring 15 courses for just £31.26 (reg. £1,137) and dive into the world of coding and artificial intelligence, including the revolutionary large-language model ChatGPT.

As we increasingly rely on technology in most aspects of our lives, understanding how to code and use AI tools has become an in-demand skillset. Whether you’re looking to switch careers or enhance your current role, coding can be a gateway to endless possibilities.

Utilising 15 courses and over 200 hours of content by professionals in the industry, you can learn as quickly or slowly as you like and rewatch lessons whenever you need to, all from the comfort of your own flat. 

With this bundle, you'll learn to code with Python 3, the latest version of one of the most popular coding languages in the world (according to Statista). You'll also study C++, SQL, MySQL, Google Assistant automation, Computer Vision, JavaScript, and more. Through these courses, you'll learn by doing as you go.

One of the most popular courses is "ChatGPT Series: OPENAI Fundamentals 2024." This course encompasses 133 lessons covering a range of AI topics, including the basics, evolution, and impact of ChatGPT. You'll also discover how it works, its capabilities, and be able to create your own OpenAI account with an API key.

Other courses include coding for kids and using ChatGPT for Salesforce development, which is ideal for those interested in Salesforce administration or development.

While this course package won't earn you any accredited certifications, it does provide the opportunity to learn a variety of in-demand skills needed to help you grow as a professional.

The Learn to Code Certification bundle is on sale for just £31.26 through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch Netherlands vs. England online for free

Mashable - Wed, 07/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Netherlands vs. England in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Everyone would like to book a place in the Euro 2024 final, but it doesn't work like that. Only the very best can make it through the trials of the group stage and then survive the knockout rounds.

Netherlands progressed after a nervy win against Turkey — the first time they've reached the semi-finals in 20 years. It's the nation's biggest game in all that time. They'll be laser focused on reaching the final.

England meanwhile started as favorites but have had a rocky road to this point in the competition. A stronger performance and a perfect penalty shootout against Switzerland could give the English a much-needed boost to get to the final.

If you want to watch Netherlands vs. England in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Netherlands vs. England?

Netherlands vs. England in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 10. This fixture takes place at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, Germany.

How to watch Netherlands vs. England for free

Netherlands vs. England in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform from any country with a VPN. A VPN is a useful tool that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ITVX no matter where you are in the world.

Access ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Netherlands vs. England in Euro 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 services do tend to offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a permanent solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere around the globe.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, 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 impressive saving of 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 Netherlands vs. England in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

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