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TL;DR: Get a 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad on sale for $26.97 (reg. $69) through July 21.
Are you tired of dealing with tangled cords and multiple chargers for your devices? Do you sometimes tear your house apart looking for that one cable but instead find about ten others? It may be time to streamline your charging routine with the 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad.
It's available through July 21 for the reduced price of just $26.97 (reg. $69) and uses three wireless charging modules to wirelessly charge three devices at once. That means instead of powering up your Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods with three separate cables, you can use this one pad to charge them all.
This charging pad has an innovative folding design. When folded, it transforms into a convenient phone stand, allowing you to watch videos, make video calls, or browse the internet hands-free while your phone charges. And if you're worried about your expensive electronics slipping off and breaking, the super-strong magnetic suction holds them firmly in place.
Fold it up and easily put it in your bag or pocket to take with you to the office or when you travel. It also has built-in safety features to protect your devices from overheating, over-charging, and more.
This charging pad is not just for Apple devices. It’s compatible with any Qi-enabled device, including smartphones from Samsung, Google, and more. However, there are some device models that aren't covered, so it's best to look closely before you purchase.
Streamline your charging experience and keep all your essential devices powered up and ready to go with this modern folding pad.
The 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad is on sale for $26.97 (reg. $69) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad $26.97 at The Mashable ShopAlex Garland has made his mark on cinema combining thrilling genre setups with social commentary, ranging from the epic Ex Machina to the bewildering Annihilation and the underwhelming Men. In his latest, the English writer/director wags his finger at America, warning us of the dangers of autocracy with Civil War.
If you watched the first trailer and wondered what had caused California and Texas to not only secede but also join forces against the U.S. government, Civil War will offer no answer. The details of why the war began are sprinkled in among dialogue about a president who refuses to speak to the press and has bombed American civilians. The why of the war is not the point, and as such Garland keeps politics out of it. (Perhaps that also helps avoid polarizing could-be movie-goers?)
In Civil War, there's not talk of red or white, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal. And to a point, that is compelling, as it instead urges audiences to focus on how an us-versus-them mentality can be as nebulous as it is dangerous. However, as was true in Men, Garland's epiphany feels shallow, as if delivered from an outsider looking in.
Civil War takes its cues from Children of Men. Credit: A24The specifics of these films' conceits vary, but the core of their story is the same: In a world where widespread disaster is imminent, a hardened cynic is given fresh cause for hope in a dangerous quest to preserve something sacred.
In Alfonso Cuarón's thrice Oscar-nominated dystopian thriller, the hero is a former political activist (Clive Owen) who has to overcome his world-weariness to protect a miraculously pregnant woman in a world gone infertile. In Civil War, Kirsten Dunst stars as Lee, a war photojournalist who has grown cold as a coping mechanism from witnessing the worst of humanity. While her homeland is ripping itself to pieces, she and a journalist named Joel (Wagner Moura) are plotting a course from a scorched Manhattan to the White House. There, they hope to interview and photograph the embattled president (Nick Offerman) before the Capitol falls.
While this trip would typically be a commute of a few hours, devastation on major highways pushes them into small towns and not-so-cozy corners of America, where violence and ignorance are prized above any sense of unity. But Lee and Joel are not alone on this quest; they're accompanied by Sammy (Lady Bird's Stephen McKinley Henderson), a veteran reporter who may be older and out of shape but still has fight in him, and Jessie (Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny), an aspiring photojournalist who idolizes Lee. Together, they set forth on a road trip pitted by gunfire, cruelty, and a jarring shopping detour.
Each stop functions as a vignette in which Garland exposes a corner of American wrath, wrong-headed self-righteousness, or apathy. And like with Children of Men, where the quest is born from ideology — in this case, Lee's dedication to journalism — it becomes achingly personal. Seeing a bit of herself in Jessie, Lee takes risks to protect the young woman, even as she laments that their work demands putting themselves in harm's way.
Civil War has echoes of a Western.This structure is the stuff of the gunslinger who lives on the fringe of society, often because of his vocation's proximity to violence. But when the civilized world needs a hero, the gunslinger is uniquely skilled to pull the shot that could change things for the better. Here, that shot could come from Lee's camera. Though she is often amid soldiers and gunfire, on her hip is that camera, its lens focused unblinkingly onto America.
Dunst is sensational in the role, which could have felt stiff in the hands of a lesser actor. But boiling beneath Lee's stoic facade is a war of regret, rage, and worry, released only in the occasional flash of her eyes at the naive and too gung-ho Jessie. Spaeny proves a solid scene partner, charged with an energy that wavers from enthusiastic to anxious and back again like a puppy or a hotshot duelist (Think Leonardo DiCaprio in The Quick and the Dead). For his part, Moura has the swagger of a shiny-badged deputy who feels untouchable because of his mission. Henderson provides balance as a grandfatherly figure, carrying worry and warmth in equal measure.
There are black hats here too, the most terrifying of them played by Dunst's real-life partner, Jesse Plemons. Wearing fatigues, a snarl, and an incongruent pair of pink, heart-shaped sunglasses, he delivers a line that hits hard in the trailer: "What kind of American are you?" It's a trap of a question, and everyone faced with it is all too aware. This place, a vague stretch between NYC and Washington, D.C., is the new Wild West, where the rules are made by whoever's got the quickest draw.
All of this leads to a catastrophic climax in D.C. that is sprawling and spectacular, throwing unarmed journalists into the thick of the action. Here, like in Men, Garland has his audience caught up in the tension and life-or-death stakes. But even as the final shot is sharply executed, the film overall lacks focus.
Civil War is undermined by its dearth of specificity.When it comes to structure, Garland has smartly leaned on the tried-and-true framework of a cynical protagonist transformed by a quest to preserve an innocent. But Garland's depiction of America is achingly generic.
A sequence in a gas station manned by gun-toting rednecks, a perfectly unruffled small town with gleaming white exteriors, a ugly office park shot up by warring factions — these are all settings found along their road trip, but none feel specific to a place. All feel like an idea of America that doesn't recognize the cultural differences not only state to state but even town to town. These spaces are physically diverse from each other but not distinctive in a way that might allow Americans to recognize them as real. Their inhabitants rarely have accents, which is a dizzying choice considering the journalists' route takes them through Western Pennsylvania and presumably Maryland, both places with pronounced and distinctive accents. Their clothes range from casual to resort wear, prim florals to military gear, but their outfits rarely connote a sense of place. And so the film often feels ungrounded, lost in a gesture at America rather than a ruthlessly authentic portrait someone like Lee would capture.
One exception takes place in a firefight between a pair of men in fatigues and an unseen shooter from a far-off farm house. Lee and her crew crouch near the would-be soldiers, who are hiding in a sprawling Christmas display of lawn ornaments, all battered and sun-scorched in the summer heat. Though the gunman hidden in the house will never be seen, the decorations outside their home gives a strong sense of who they are and were. This winter wonderland once welcomed visitors, but the decay of this festive spectacle reflects the gunman's shift from friendly to territorial. The once-proud display has been warped into a grisly carnival game where the goal is to pick off the intruders. And the feeling is mutual. While Joel begs the shooters for information on who's fighting who, they roll their eyes between fired rounds. That's beside the point when someone's aiming a gun at you. Your options are fight, flight, or roll up and die.
That's an engaging insight for one sequence. But as the film lurches from one vignette to another with unwieldy pacing, there's little sense of progress in the journey because of all the details Garland willfully ignores. Not just the politics, but the cultural flourishes that set states apart, the accents that speak swiftly to background, the slang that sings of commonality or culture clash.
Perhaps all this ambiguity was intentional. Maybe Garland was trying to show Americans have much more in common than they realize, for better or for worse. But the effect of flattening America into cliched depictions of big cities, small towns, and rural offshoots suggests he doesn't understand this nation well enough to be making such grand statements about its future.
With Ex Machina, Garland lured audiences into an intriguing and isolated realm of robotic splendor and human hubris. Keeping the film brutally focused on its core space and its handful of characters, he built the perfect setting to explore toxic masculinity and the flaws in a white knight narrative. With Men, the pull of its harried heroine was darkly enchanting, presenting the overwhelming terror inherent in rape culture through a town entirely peopled by the same man in different roles, all of them bent toward some form of domineering menace. But from there, he added nothing new or all that thought-provoking about the experience of women in a man's world.
And now, with Civil War, Garland goes much, much bigger, aiming a critical lens at not just an idea like misogyny or grief but an entire nation and its history. Along the way, he shovels in a slew of characters, and ends up losing the trees for the forest. Pulled back so wide, this thought-provoking filmmaker's argument is lost amid his muddy portrayal of a nation that is no stranger to internal conflict, buried beneath the nuances and details he papers over with a smug indignation.
Civil War is now streaming on Prime Video.
UPDATE: Jul. 8, 2024, 3:15 p.m. EDT This article reviewing "Civil War" out of SXSW 2024 was originally published in March 2024. The article was updated to include information about the movie's theatrical release on April 12 and its digital availability on July 8.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, despite the fancy name, is a simple device. It's exactly the same as the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, but it costs $40 more and has four upgrades: 32GB of memory (up from 16GB), wireless charging, an automatically adjusting front light, and no ads.
Since we already established that the standard Paperwhite is a great e-reader, the focus of this review is simple: To figure out whether these four improvements are worth the extra money.
SEE ALSO: Shop the best Prime Day Kindle deals A thoroughly great e-readerMy colleague Alex Perry reviewed the regular fifth-gen Paperwhite, but here are my basic impressions (coming from someone whose primary e-reader before now was a second-gen Paperwhite).
The new Kindle Paperwhite is just the right size and sat perfectly in my hand. It's also beach-ready, with an IPX8 rating, which is a big deal to me, especially when compared to my iPad mini, which officially isn't water-resistant at all.
The USB-C charging port on the bottom was a much-needed upgrade from the microUSB port on previous Paperwhites. Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableI have only one beef with the device's design, and that's the fact that Amazon moved the power button to the bottom from the top, which took some getting used to. (It's worth noting that this change happened on a previous iteration of the Paperwhite.)
The new Paperwhite is a lot faster than my old model, but it could be faster still, especially when browsing through menus. The battery lasts forever, and having a USB-C port instead of the old microUSB connector is a blessing.
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Kindle Rewards So, what do you get for that extra $40? Compared to my ancient, 3rd generation Paperwhite, the new one is shaped a bit more like a typical book, which isn't a bad thing. Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableOne thing you won't get on this Kindle is ads. Compared to ads on certain other devices, advertisements on the Kindle's homescreen aren't nearly as intrusive, but I still prefer zero ads on something I paid for. You can remove the ads from the base model Kindle for an extra $20, but then the price difference between the two is a mere $20, which means you should really look at the other extras you get with the Signature Edition.
You know what they say about memory: More is always better. That said, unless you're a voracious reader, or you constantly send a bunch of periodicals to your Kindle, you won't need more than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, but it is comforting to know you'll never have to worry about storage.
When this review was originally published, the Kindle Paperwhite cost $139.99 for 8GB of storage. That configuration is no longer offered, and the current base model includes 16GB for $149.99. So, there's an even smaller price gap between the standard model and Signature Edition now at $40 compared to the previous $50, making these bonus features even more worth the upgrade.
Whether wireless charging will be worth it for you depends entirely on whether you normally use it in other scenarios. All Kindles have great battery life, so you won't be charging them very often. I do have wireless chargers in my car and scattered all around the house, so the ability to just toss the Kindle onto them and have it charge is a nice, if marginal, improvement.
The MagSafe isn't the best way to charge your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it works! Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableFun fact: I tried to charge the Kindle Paperwhite SE using Apple's MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and not only does it work, but the charger sticks (though just barely) to the Kindle like it does to the iPhone. Pretty great.
The display, automatedThe last big improvement on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the display.
The 6.8-inch, 300ppi display is sharp, crisp, beautiful to look at, and won't tire your eyes even after long reading sessions. The bezels on the sides and top of device are far smaller than on the previous iteration, but there's still enough room to rest your fingers without accidentally flipping the page.
The display now makes brightness adjustments on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableNow for the big difference between the regular and the SE version of the Paperwhite: Automatically adjusting front light. The best way to explain the importance of this feature is to think of smartphones: Literally every single modern smartphone has this feature. You don't think about it much, but if someone took the feature away, you'd definitely notice.
It's similar on the Paperwhite. The display automatically sets brightness depending on the amount of light in your environment. I like reading in very dim light, and the Kindle set the screen's brightness pretty much as I would do. The device supports dark mode (bright text on dark background), and if I switched to that, it readjusted the brightness accordingly. I love the feature and though I could live without it, I'd be slightly annoyed about having to adjust brightness manually again.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition battery lifeA single charge should have the Kindle Paperwhite lasting up to 10 weeks. While we didn't run the e-reader for 10 weeks until it died, we can say it had excellent battery life based on our usage.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth it?This may be because I'm biased from reviewing Apple devices — Apple charges an arm and a leg for upgrades and extra features — but I feel like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth it.
For $50, you get no ads (a $20 value), wireless charging, 32GB, and an improved display. None of it is essential, but it does feel like you're getting a decent value for your money.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $189.99 at AmazonUPDATE: Jul. 9, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This review has been updated to reflect that the base Kindle Paperwhite model now houses 16GB and retails for $149.99. Previously, the device started at 8GB for $139.99. That means there's now a $40 difference between the standard Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, rather than $50.
Kids aren't the only ones who get excited about birthday gifts. You can be a full-grown adult and still lose your shit when you open up the gift that topped your wish list. But as you get older, it does become a little more difficult to come up with a list of birthday gift ideas. You can't just ask for all the coolest new toys anymore. Well, you can if you want — we're not going to stop you.
SEE ALSO: Try Gift Lab: Our interactive gift guideIf your birthday is coming up and you're struggling to think of what you want, don't sweat it. We compiled the ultimate birthday wish list, with gifts ranging from tech to outdoor essentials to home goods. Read on for some birthday inspo and start casually dropping hints to your friends and family. And hey, happy birthday!
P.S. Some stellar birthday gifts will be on sale during Prime Day on July 16 and 17.
The gift of clean air Credit: LevoitI know, I know, an air purifier is not the sexiest gift, but it is a practical one. The Levoit Core 300S is a smart air purifier with a companion app that lets you control the device and see real-time stats about your home's air quality. It's suitable for spaces up to 1,095 square feet.
Levoit Core 300S smart air purifier $149.99 at AmazonAtlas Coffee Club is a coffee subscription that sends you coffee beans and postcards from a different country each month. So, you get to try roasts you probably can't get from your grocery store and you get to learn about a new place — and maybe get some travel inspo. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.
Opens in a new window Credit: Atlas Coffee Club Atlas Coffee Club gift subscription Starting at $55 Shop Now A puzzle with a few tricks up its sleeve Credit: Magic Puzzle CompanyMagic Puzzle Company makes incredibly fun 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles that have a secret envelope for you to open when you're done. This surprise envelope unlocks a "magical twist ending," so placing that final piece will be even more exciting. The intricate designs feature tons of Easter eggs and some of the puzzle pieces are even shaped like items throughout the scene. The Big Rock City puzzle has a hot dog-shaped piece and music note-shaped piece to name a couple.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic Puzzle Company Magic Puzzle Company (Big Rock City puzzle) $33.89 at AmazonRather than laying your headphones throughout your home or having them clutter up your desk, ask for a universal headphone stand for your birthday. This one is compatible with almost any pair of over-ear headphones or gaming headsets — and it has a pretty sleek look, too.
Opens in a new window Credit: coreminded Universal headphone stand $24.99 at AmazonBig candle fan? Then a candle warmer should be on your birthday list. It helps your candle last longer and you don't need an open flame burning in your home. And if you're going to ask for a candle warmer, make it a cute one. With glass lamp shade, this warmer blends seamlessly into your home decor.
Opens in a new window Credit: Geezo Candle warmer lamp $24.99Sony released its new ULT Power Sound lineup in April, and we adore the headphones. The ULT Wears have Sony's impressive sound quality and noise cancellation, and are made even more impressive by the addition of the ULT button, which punches up the bass two additional levels. These headphones are booming, and the best part is they're relatively budget-friendly.
Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Sony ULT Wear headphones $198.00 at AmazonThis Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug is a great size for both true coffee lovers and beer drinkers. It can also hold two Moscow mules, according to Yeti, if that's more your speed. The Rambler is available in an array of fun and neutral colors. Plus, you can customize it with an etched design or monogram. For just $6 to $10, you can choose designs from Yeti's library or upload your own file. I personally own the king crab orange mug with a cowboy boot and flowers etched on the side.
Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug $35.00 at YetiBirthday cake is the standard, but might we suggest this fun alternative: mini cupcakes selected by an astrologer specifically for your zodiac sign. This Baked by Melissa offering comes with 25 cupcakes and the flavors vary depending on your sign — though there are some fan-favorites that show up in each zodiac variation. These also make for a great last-minute ask if you're in Manhattan or Boston, as there's same-day delivery for select locations.
Opens in a new window Credit: Baked by Melissa Baked by Melissa zodiac cupcakes $37.00If you work remotely, you gotta get this portable desk from Logitech. The Casa Pop-Up Desk includes a wireless keyboard, wireless trackpad, and a desk stand that doubles as a discreet and stylish carrying case. It comes in three colors so you can match your aesthetic. This is an especially great tool if you like working from coffee shops or move around while you work.
Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk $179.99 at AmazonWhether you're a hardcore camper or you just like unwinding with a few beers by the fire, Solo Stove's Ranger fire pit is a fantastic gift to ask for. It's designed to be smokeless and portable, making it great for balconies, backyards, beach hangs, or camping trips. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel reviewed the larger Solo Stove Bonfire and wrote that it burns "beautiful, clean fires when conditions are right." The best part? The Ranger is typically on sale for $199.99, so whoever gifts it has 30 extra dollars to spend on your birthday.
Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 $199.99 at Solo StoveMy favorite type of birthday gift is something I want to buy myself but just can't justify spending my own money on. The Verve chair is a prime example of that. It's super comfy and ergonomic, and it comes in really cute colors, but it's definitely on the luxury end of pricing. If you work from home or just spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, put this at the top of your wish list.
Opens in a new window Credit: Branch Verve Chair $549.00 at BranchFilm photos are back in a big way, but not all of us have the patience to fill up an entire roll and then wait for it to get developed. Paper Shoot is a really neat camera that takes film-esque photos and stores them on an SD card so you can pull them to your computer or phone and post immediately. The design is super low-profile, making it easy to slip into your purse or pocket on a night out. Plus, there are a bunch of cute designs to choose from for the outside case.
Opens in a new window Credit: Paper Shoot Camera Paper Camera $139.00 at Paper ShootMashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry described the Lenovo Legion Go as "beefier and more powerful" than the Nintendo Switch. It has a huge display, solid performance, and all-around great specs. It's not a one-to-one competitor of the Switch, but rather a portable way into PC gaming that's "really good at running all kinds of games."
Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go $699.99 at Best BuyAre your Spotify playlists just not cutting it anymore? Switch it up and go retro with a vinyl music collection. This turntable connects to Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or you can hook it up to a traditional sound system using cords. It costs $249.99 (but you can sometimes find it on sale for under $200).
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Turntable $248.00 at AmazonIf you don't have a smart speaker by now, it's time to make a change. The Echo Dot is an affordable voice-controlled companion that'll keep you in the loop on the weather, current events, and keep track of your most important reminders. Also, they're great for playing music. Get one for $49.99.
Echo Dot smart speaker $49.99 at AmazonBeach days and outdoor adventures are made complete with your favorite playlist. The Bose SoundLink Flex is a portable speaker that can handle the elements while still providing stellar sound quality. It's waterproof, rust and drop resistant, and even floats. Plus, it comes in five fun colors. For even bigger sound, try the Bose SoundLink Max.
Bose SoundLink Flex $149.00 at AmazonWhen you already own a pair of earbuds, it can be hard to justify splurging on a new pair — even if you really, really want to. And that's why the new AirPods Pro (Gen 2) earbuds are an ideal birthday present. For people still using lightning cables (gross), the new USB-C version will be a welcome upgrade. Apple stepped up its audio game with these buds, which feature improved sound quality and active noise cancellation. For a cheaper alternative, ask for the latest 3rd Gen AirPods, which start at $169.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.00 at AmazonWhether you're working at a desk all day, running around, or just inexplicably tense, a massage gun will get you limber and relaxed again. What better gift than the gift of painless movement? Our best recommendation? Go for the TheraGun. Their Prime model costs $299, but if that's not quite in your budget, then check out our gadget gift guide for more gifting inspiration.
Opens in a new window Credit: Theragun TheraGun $299.00 at AmazonThis drone is small and super lightweight, but it takes stunning photos and videos. It's great for traveling or for use at home. DJI is one of the top names in drones and the Mini 2 SE costs $339 with a remote control.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Magic Mini 2 SE $299.00 at AmazonMake smoothies in your own kitchen with a NutriBullet personal blender — it's fast and easy. The NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor comes with the 600W motor base, blender blade, 24-ounce blending cup, travel lid, and lip ring, plus a recipe book if you're sick of the same old smoothies. It costs $58 at Walmart.
Opens in a new window Credit: NutriBullet NutriBullet $58.00 at WalmartStill living that single-camera iPhone 8 life? Don't spend your own money on an expensive phone — have someone who loves you spend their money! The new iPhone 15 starts at $799 while the iPhone 15 Plus retails at $899 and up. (Group gift, anyone?)
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Starting at $799 at Best Buy Shop Now A camera to rival your phone Credit: NikonWhen giving your friends and family birthday gift ideas, it's usually best to look for gifts under $50. But if you have a partner or parent who really loves you, then it's okay to dream big.
An easy-to-use mirrorless camera designed with creators in mind, the Nikon Z 30 boasts video, camera, and live streaming capabilities at an affordable price. The camera body can be purchased alone or with one or two kit lenses. There’s also the creators’ accessory bundle which comes with a mic, tripod grip, and Bluetooth remote.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nikon Nikon Z 30 Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera Bundle $696.95 at AmazonWe mentioned the Paper Shoot Camera above, but sometimes you really just want that classic disposable camera experience. You'll capture some fun, in-the-moment memories with no do-overs. A three-pack of disposable cameras costs $79.99 (these have become kind of expensive since the invention of digital/phone cameras).
Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm disposable cameras $79.99 at AmazonAn Apple Watch lets you access smartphone features conveniently on your wrist. You can control your music, send and receive texts, monitor your health, and tons more. The Apple Watch Series 9 is $399 at Amazon, but you can usually find it on sale.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 $399.00 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices we've tested, and it's also one of our favorite birthday gift ideas. If you don't already have a smart TV but want to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and all the other streaming apps directly from your TV, ask for a Fire TV Stick for your b-day. Amazon's streaming stick has better voice control than similar products from Roku, and the 4K version normally goes for $49.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $39.99 at AmazonYou really can't beat the gift of cold, hard cash — or a gift card. A Visa card is a perfect birthday gift because you can spend it on literally whatever you want; buy yourself something fun or get some help with groceries. Best of all, you don't need to decide exactly what you want before your birthday. The gift card starts at $10.
Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Gift card Starting at $10 at Giftcards.com Shop Now A delicious-smelling candle Credit: Bonita FierceCandles are a timeless gift that you can ask for at every single gift-giving opportunity (and will likely receive anyway if you don't specify what you actually want). We are firm believers that you can never have too many candles. Add some sweet scents from Bonita Fierce, a Latina-owned small business, to your b-day wish list this year and every year. Candles start at $16.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bonita Fierce Bonita Fierce candle Starting at $16 at Bonita Fierce Shop Now The delicious scent without the fire hazard Credit: PuraIf candles are a no-go, opt for a Bluetooth-enabled diffuser to make any room in your home smell divine. The Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99) holds two fragrances and is controlled entirely through the app. Schedule one smell to wake up to and one to fall asleep to with the in-app calendar feature. Pura collaborates with brands like NEST, Anthropologie, Disney, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to source their scents, so whatever the occasion calls for, they’ve got your back.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pura Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser $49.99 at PuraA cast-iron skillet is the true sign that you're graduating from cheap nonstick cookware and all mismatched plates. It's something you probably want, but don't particularly want to spend the money on. Lodge has different sizes depending on what you're wanting to cook. A 10.25-inch skillet costs $40.75, but we've seen it drop below $25 recently.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lodge Lodge cast iron skillet $40.75 at AmazonMaybe not quite as heavy duty as a cast-iron skillet but just as useful: a pressure cooker that can air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, prepare rice, steam, sauté, and more. Impress guests with your culinary skills (that are in fact just throwing all the ingredients listed in the recipe into this thing and then waiting a few hours). The Instant Pot 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker will cost your gift-giver $199.99, but they can reap the rewards when you cook for them with it.
Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp $199.95 at AmazonSometimes, the best birthday gifts are the ones made just for you. If you're obsessed with your pet, these custom pet portraits need to be on your birthday list. There are many different styles to choose from, each one super freakin' adorable. Prices vary depending on size.
Opens in a new window Credit: LeFlore Studio Custom pet portrait Prices vary at LaFlore Studio on Etsy Shop Now Color-changing smart light bulbs Credit: PhilipsTurn your bedroom into a party with these color-changing smart light bulbs. You can control the lights from your phone and set whatever mood you're feeling. This kit includes two smart Bluetooth bulbs for $99.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Bulbs $99.99 at Best BuyAll of your friends will start calling your home the "cool house" if movie nights involve this mini portable projector. Use it to play movies, shows, or games outside on a screen or indoors on a blank wall. The Anker Nebula Capsule in black costs $299.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule Projector $299.99 at AmazonHead outdoors with this hybrid bike designed for both leisure and more adventurous rides. It comes in different colors and a couple of different styles for men and women. The 18-inch Schwinn GTX 2.0 bike normally goes for $549.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Schwinn Schwinn GTX bike $549.95 at AmazonLove to be outside, but can’t fold a map to save your life? Enter AllTrails+, the app designed to get you off your phone and into the wild. Featuring over 400,000 curated trails all over the world, the app allows you to download maps in case of a poor signal, record your hikes, create your own trails, and more. A yearly subscription costs $35.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: AllTrails AllTrails yearly subscription $35.99 at AllTrailsMacBook Airs are super nice computers, but they can definitely be a bit pricey... which is what makes them such a great addition to a birthday wish list. Someone who loves you can drop the big bucks for you! A 13.6-inch MacBook Air M2 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD goes for $1,099 at Best Buy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air $1,099.00 at Best BuyStop manually vacuuming your house every day and let a robot vacuum clean your floors for you. The Roomba 694 has WiFi connectivity for mobile and voice controls and it's tough on pet hair. This robot vacuum costs $274.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Roomba 694 $274.99 at AmazonThe Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is a combination robot vacuum and mop that has a squared design for getting dust along walls and corners. It features spinning mop heads that don't just drag water along your floors but actually scrub and clean. After it's done cleaning, the vacuum returns to its charging dock where it empties its dustbin and cleans and dries its mop pads. The vacuum even has an onboard camera onboard so you can watch where it's cleaning.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni robot vacuum and mop $999.99 at AmazonFor what seems like an extraneous expense, an extra-heavy blanket can be a total game-changer. Besides providing all the comfort of a partner without the snoring, a weighted blanket can reduce tossing and turning and keep you extra warm. This one at Amazon comes in a bunch of colors, sizes, and weights, but the 60-inch by 80-inch 15-pound blanket (a good place to start) costs $76.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: quilty Quilty weighted blanket $76.99 at AmazonThe Mashable team has tested every Kindle e-reader, and we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the right e-reader for most people. Instead of asking for a book, ask for a Kindle for your birthday and save yourself money and space. Yes, it doesn't smell the same as a new book, but now you'll have no excuses for not keeping up with your yearly reading resolutions. The newest Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB storage and onscreen writing is $149.99 at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $149.99 at AmazonWhether you're packing your lunch or storing leftovers, using plastic bags should be your last resort. Heck, you should be trying to stay away from all single-use plastics if you're able to. But, if you want to start small, these Stasher bags are a great option to make your daily life more eco-friendly. These silicone bags are secure and completely reusable — either wash them by hand or stuff them in the dishwasher. Grab a starter pack for $99.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Stasher Stasher Bags starter kit $99.99 at StasherComforters, like a mattress, shouldn't be an item you cheap out on. They're supposed to last you a while, so why not have something a little more luxurious? The Buffy Cloud comforter is a sustainable comforter made from recycled fiber and eucalyptus. Mashable Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed it here, calling it "the first piece of bedding I've used that actually feels kind of dreamy." Snag a full/queen size comforter for $195 at Buffy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Buffy Buffy Comforter $195.00 at BuffyIf you're anything like us, you view your pet like it's your actual child. We support that. Now, you can up your pet parent game by picking up a Furbo pet camera. Not only does it livestream what your pet is up to while you aren't home straight to your phone, but it also has the ability to toss treats and produce two-way audio for quick check-ins. This pet camera is often on sale, so check for the latest price at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo pet camera $210.00 at AmazonIt's always a good time to get more serious about hydration. A HydroFlask is a perfect way to make sure you have a cool (or hot) beverage on-hand, and they're super durable during outdoorsy activities. Grab one for $49.95 at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: HydroFlask Hydroflask $49.95 at AmazonStep up your take-out game and do right by the environment with a set of elegant, reusable chopsticks. The bundle of six bamboo chopsticks comes in two color palettes and retails for $32.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pingto Pingto Bamboo Chopstick Sets $32.00 at AmazonSpeaking of take-out: if you’ve maxed out your city’s culinary offerings, see what’s available from the rest of the country. Goldbelly makes it possible to order meals and gifts from restaurants around the United States. No matter your craving, a Goldbelly gift card at any price point is bound to satisfy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Goldbelly Goldbelly gift card starting at $50 at Goldbelly Shop Now A habit tracker Credit: MochiThingsYou’re one year older, so it's time to get your shit in order and form some healthy habits. Whether there’s an exercise regimen you’re hoping to stick to, a project you want to finish, or a vice you’re trying to quit, this weekly habit tracker will keep you on track without judgment. It only costs $10.95 to become a better person.
Opens in a new window Credit: MochiThings Good Habit Tracking Memo Pad $10.95 at MochiThingsThere’s running errands and there’s running errands. If you’re prone to getting in a few miles before you stop at the grocery store, ask for a Nanobag, a tote bag that can fold up into a pocket-size ball. The standard size starts at $13.95 and comes in ten different colors and patterns.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nanobag Nanobag $13.95 at NanobagHave some photos on your phone or Instagram that you want to pin to your fridge? Ask for the Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer ($139). This sleek gadget connects to your Android or iPhone through WiFi, SD card, or USB stick and prints out your favorite pics in a layout design of your choosing. The printing isn’t instant (the color ink layers print one at a time), but the quality of the final product makes it worth the wait.
Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer $138.97 at AmazonWho says ab workouts can’t be fun? (Most people). The Plankpad PRO ($129) turns core exercises into games through the specialty balance board and synchronized app. In addition to games, the app also has the standard exercise series if you’d prefer to suffer through it without some silly graphics to distract you.
Opens in a new window Credit: Plankpad Plankpad PRO $129.00 at AmazonWhether you’re going for a run or heading to a music festival, keep your necessities at the ready with a FlipBelt Zipper pack. This handy belt can hold your phone, money, credit card, keys, and all sorts of everyday necessities. Coming in multiple sizes, the FlipBelt doesn’t bounce or chafe and is machine washable. Choose a color or pattern you like and add it to your Amazon cart for $39.
Opens in a new window Credit: FlipBelt FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt $39.00 at AmazonTurn traditional jump roping on its head with Crossrope. The weighted jump rope (available in 1/4, 1/2, one, and two-pound weight options) and associated app keep you on your toes and strengthen your entire body through guided workouts. For those with downstairs neighbors or curious pets, the weighted ropeless option provides a silent solution for an otherwise noisy activity. Upgrade to the Bluetooth-connected AMP handles for a more individualized experience.
Opens in a new window Credit: Crossrope AMP Jump Rope Set $199.00 at CrossropeCelebrate your favorite furry creature by eating their face — in a good way. Send in a photo of your best pet friend to this Etsy store and get a four-inch-wide, food-safe PLA cookie cutter of their likeness in return. Whether you’re taking care of the baking or you’re leaving the prep work for the recipient, you’re going to be hailed as an absolute gift-giving wizard. Order these custom birthday gifts for $30 from Etsy seller the FormaCookieCutters.
Opens in a new window Credit: FormaCookieCutters Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter $30.00 at EtsyNot satisfied with supermarket-bought chai? Get the real thing from New York-based chai-preneurs at Kolkata Chai. This small business will send authentic chai straight to your door with the Chai Trio Variety Pack ($62) or the Chai Starter Kit ($45). For devoted chai drinkers, Kolkata Chai offers subscription packages to keep that tea coming.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kolkata Chai Kolkata Chai Starting at $45 at Kolkata Chai Shop Now New reading materials Credit: Getty Images / iStock / Extreme-PhotographerSupport independent bookstores from around the country with a gift card to Bookshop. Starting at $10, the gift cards can either be used to buy books from a specific shop you love, or the purchase can feed the site’s profit-sharing pool to benefit all of Bookshop's partner stores.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Bookshop.org Gift Cards Starting at $10 at Bookshop Shop Now A one-of-a-kind planner Credit: PapierAre you a proud Type A over-planner and over-thinker? Or maybe your meticulously organized BFF is having a birthday soon? This planner can be customized with the recipient's name and three personal photos, and despite the personalization, this spiral-bound planner costs just $35.
Opens in a new window Credit: Papier Personalized Photo Strip 2024 Planner $35.00 at PapierOne of our favorite gifts under $50 is this Lego Orchid that's fun to build and adds a nice touch of greenery to your space that feels more unique than a plastic plant. This set is part of the Lego Icons line, which also features succulents, a bonsai tree, and a bouquet, in case orchids aren't your thing.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Orchid $49.99 at AmazonWhether you're an enthusiastic home chef, like a bit of greenery, or simply can't stand running to the grocery store every time a recipe calls for some cilantro, a hydroponic garden is a great way to keep veggies and herbs on hand, even if you don't have a green thumb. We're fans of AeroGarden, which has gardens that start at $57.72.
Opens in a new window Credit: AeroGarden AeroGarden Sprout $57.72 at AmazonThere's a lot of debate about what makes a good gift, but getting something that is a) practical and b) something just extravagant enough that you'd never get it for yourself may be the infallibly perfect combo. We think for coffee and tea drinkers, that combo is found in the Ember Mug 2, which retails for $129.95. This temperature-controlled mug may be unnecessary (and expensive), but boy does it feel good to take a hot sip of coffee after forgetting you poured it an hour ago.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Mug 2 $129.95 at AmazonYou can ask for a day at the spa, or you can ask for the gift of getting a facial whenever you want and from the comfort of your home. In her review of the device, Mashable's Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote the TheraFace Pro is "a hell of a lot cheaper than getting regular professional facials, and I truly feel like I've received a spa treatment every time I use [it]."
Opens in a new window Credit: TheraGun TheraFace Pro $399.00 at TherabodyInstead of asking for the $600 Dyson Airwrap, you can get a product that performs nearly identically for half the price in the Shark FlexStyle (trust us, we tested them head to head). Pick up a version for textured hair or straighter hair for $299.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $299.99 at AmazonIt's never too late to upgrade your Switch set up, and the Pro controller can help you do just that. This controller is perfect for when you connect your device to a larger display, and it has the added bonus of zero Joy-Con drift.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $69.99 at AmazonThere's something to be said for a product that can marry form and function, and this Vitruvi humidifier does just that. Admittedly, $229 is probably a hefty price for a humidifier you're buying for yourself, but it's a great splurge gift if you prefer your household appliances not be eyesores.
Opens in a new window Credit: Vitruvi Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier $229.00 at AmazonPick out a funny phrase, inside joke, or a family name and get a custom sign in as little as one week. It might sound too good to be true, but Mashable editors have ordered from this Amazon storefront before and had a great experience. In fact, this is one of our favorite undiscovered gems on Amazon, and you can buy signs for as little as $53.96.
Opens in a new window Credit: GITM Store Custom Neon Sign $53.96 at AmazonThere's a certain electric gooseneck kettle that's beloved by design nerds, but that's also a tad overpriced (more than a tad, really). Instead, make the smart choice and opt for the infinitely more practical Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It still has plenty of charm — not to mention pre-set buttons for tea, coffee, and boiling water — and it's available via Prime for $69.99 or less.
Opens in a new window Credit: Cosori Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle $69.99 at AmazonWhy go out for overpriced cocktails when you can make them at home? Shaker & Spoon sends you a new cocktail kit every month with all the ingredients you need to make 12 delicious cocktails. All you need to do is buy the alcohol and follow the recipes to recreate the same cocktails mixed up by award-winning bartenders. The company also makes it easy to give a subscription via email, so no excuses. Subscriptions start at $59 per month.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shaker & Spoon Shaker & Spoon Gift Subscription Starting at $59 per month at Shaker & Spoon Shop Now Learn something new Credit: CoursehorseYou’ve successfully completed one more trip around the sun, so to celebrate, develop a new skill or indulge a passion by taking an IRL class on the subject of your choice. Coursehorse partners with real-world instructors and schools in major cities to offer nearly 70,000 classes in subjects such as art, language, music, cooking, self-defense, gardening, and anything else you could possibly want.
Opens in a new window Credit: Coursehorse Coursehorse Gift Card Starting at $5 at Coursehorse Shop Now Affordable no-worry earbuds Credit: AnkerWorried your earbuds will fall out of your ears and be lost forever? Get peace of mind with the affordable Soundcore Sport X10 wireless earbuds ($79.99). Designed for athletes but perfect for anyone, these headphones hook around your ears and stay put no matter how sweaty or active you get (a fact we can personally attest to). Keep them in their case for on-the-go charging.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds $79.99 at AmazonThe 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 9 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 9Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, July 9, 2024:
AcrossSubstance used by violin playersThe answer is rosin.
The answer is hippo.
The answer is Iliad.
The answer is Nets.
The answer is odes.
The answer is rhino.
The answer is oiled.
The answer is spite.
The answer is I pass (no space).
The answer is nod.
Having a clean and tidy home is a joy. Cleaning and tidying said home is less of a joy. Though there are some elevated beings among us who find scrubbing their stovetop a meditative experience, most people consider such tasks exhausting, reviled chores only undertaken with reluctance.
Fortunately, the steady march of technological advancement continues to lighten the burden of domestic labour. The popularisation of washing machines and dishwashers revolutionised everyday chores in the '50s, freeing up precious time for millions of people. New devices are now furthering the cause, seeking to become the next ubiquitous household cleaning essential.
Here are four gadgets to help keep your home clean with minimal effort.
SEE ALSO: How to clean your laptop screen Dremel Versa electric scrubber Scrubbing made way easier. Credit: DremelKeeping a home clean unfortunately often necessitates scrubbing for hours on end until your fingers are permanently, painfully stuck in a clawed position. The Dremel Versa is an electric scrubbing device designed to make this chore much easier, replacing your elbow grease with 2,200 RPM.
The Versa has a slew of attachments available to suit a variety of scrubbing needs, whether you want to clean steel, grout, or glass. While its brushes screw in, the sponges adhere to the Versa via a Velcro-like pad, keeping them firmly attached while also making them ridiculously easy to swap out.
Dremel has a handy chart to help you determine the appropriate sponge for a variety of tasks, though it's still fairly nerve-wracking at first. As someone who has inadvertently scratched shower glass with a drill-powered scrubbing brush, you don't want to be applying such power unless you're absolutely sure you have the right attachment. You should consider wearing hearing protection as well, especially if you're using the Dremel Versa in an enclosed space such as a shower. After all, it is essentially a drill.
Though once you've figured it out, the Dremel Versa can go a long way to making home upkeep less taxing.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dremel Dremel Versa electric scrubber at AmazonA decade ago robot vacuums were frequently considered novelties, more suitable as subjects of drunken shenanigans than reliable home helpers. They've developed significantly in the years since, evolving to the point where having a robot vacuum is actually a reasonable proposition. Roborock's S8 MaxV Ultra is the result of those years of technological advancement.
Boasting 10,000 Pa of suction power, Roborock's flagship model does practically everything you could ask of a robot vacuum within the bounds of current technology — as well as a few things you probably wouldn't have thought to request. In addition to vacuuming and mopping, the S8 MaxV Ultra's docking station allows it to automatically wash its own microfibre mop pad, empty its dust bin, refill its water tank, and even top up its detergent. Using LiDAR and AI to identify obstacles and navigate your home, the S8 MaxV Ultra can respond to voice commands and even has a novel in-app feature for tracking down your pet, letting you observe your furry friend via its onboard camera.
SEE ALSO: The 4 best robot vacuums for carpet and rugs in 2024The camera quality isn't much to write home about, but the S8 MaxV Ultra is a powerful tool when it comes to cleaning, which is its primary purpose anyway. The robot vacuum's stand out feature is it FlexiArm Design side brush, which reaches out to sweep up corners as well as areas under low furniture that might otherwise be missed. Its edge mop also ensures that you get a close clean along walls.
One caveat is that this handy robotic friend will set you back a pretty penny. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is one of the most expensive robot vacuums currently on the market, meaning it will primarily appeal to those with a couple of thousand dollars to spend. But if you're sick of vacuuming and want a set-and-forget solution to keeping your floors clean, investing in a S8 MaxV Ultra might very well be worth it.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum at AmazonAs someone who lives in a fairly suburban area, I used to think air purifiers were largely unnecessary gadgets. Having now been through several dire bushfire seasons which smothered my home in smoke, I now know better.
Whether you're dealing with wildfire smoke or city smog, a good air purifier can be vital to the comfort of a home. After all, it's difficult to relax if you can't even get a lungful of good, clean air. The Coway Airmega 200M is a relatively unobtrusive workhorse that can maintain clean air in a 361 square foot area, whether you're binge-watching Netflix in your living room or optimising your sleep in your bedroom. The result is an environment that feels undeniably fresher and more peaceful.
The Airmega 200M has four stages of filtration: a pre-filter for larger particles such as hair and dust; a deodorisation filter to capture smells; a True HEPA filter for ultra fine particles like pollen, viruses, and germs; and a vital ioniser to catch any ultra fine particles the previous filters missed.
Operating at a whisper-quiet volume, Conway's air purifier has a timer which can be set to one, four, or eight hours, as well as three different fan speeds. It also has an Eco Mode, which will save you energy by turning the fan off if the Airmega 200M doesn't detect pollution for half an hour, then turning it back on when it does.
Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Coway Airmega 200M air purifier at AmazonHaving an abundance of windows can make a home feel refreshing and bright, allowing in natural light to transform an otherwise gloomy space. Unfortunately, these benefits are significantly diminished if you can't keep said windows clean.
Bosch's GlassVAC Solo Plus window vacuum aims to simplify this chore, squeegeeing and sucking up liquids for a tidy, streak-free finish. Bundled with a spray bottle affixed to a microfibre cloth head, this handheld gadget is designed to clean windows, mirrors, shower screens, tiles, and other such surfaces. Just turn it on, squeegee as usual, and watch as dirty water collects in its 100mL tank instead of on your window sill.
The vacuum isn't quite as effective when running the GlassVAC Solo Plus horizontally across surfaces as opposed to vertically, and it may not get every last drop. Depending on how wet your window was, you may still need to give the sill a quick wipe. Even so, the GlassVAC Solo Plus does an excellent job of substantially minimising mess, and is particularly handy when dealing with morning condensation on bedroom windows.
The Bosch's GlassVAC Solo Plus also doesn't make that grating squeaking sound that most standard squeegees do, which is an undeniable bonus.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bosch Bosch GlassVAC Solo Plus window vacuum $98.75 at AmazonTL;DR: Live stream the athletics at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's Olympics month and it's not long before the action kicks off for Paris 2024. There are plenty of sports to keep us entertained, including races from some of the fastest athletes in the world.
With so much to keep track of, we've put together all the information you need to watch all the athletics races, from anywhere in the world.
From 100m hurdles to shot put, keep reading to find out how to live stream all the athletics races in the 2024 Olympics.
When are the athletics at Paris 2024?The athletics races begin on August 1 and will run until August 11, ending with the Women's Marathon race.
How to watch the athletics at Paris 2024 for freeThe athletics at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but keen athletics fans can access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world 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:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream the athletics at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the athletics 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 athletics at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. Paul in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Wimbledon excitement is cranking up, with the quarter finals serving up some highly anticipated action. Today's action sees defending Wimbledon champion and No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz take on No. 12 seed Tommy Paul.
The 21-year-old Spaniard is the favorite here, having won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open just weeks ago. But can Alcaraz get past Paul and challenge for a second Wimbledon on the bounce?
Tommy Paul won't go down without a fight. Last year he reached the Australian Open semi-final but hasn't reached those heights since at a Grand Slam tournament. This could be the moment for the 27-year-old American to prove his mettle on the biggest stage in tennis.
If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. Paul in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Alcaraz vs. Paul?Alcaraz vs. Paul will meet in the quarter final of the men's singles at Wimbledon 2024. The match will take on July 9 from 8 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. BST.
How to watch Alcaraz vs. Paul in Wimbledon 2024 for freeWimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the quarter final matchup between Alcaraz and Paul.
BBC iPlayer is geo-blocked outside of the UK, meaning that only viewers within the UK can access it. But you can access this free streaming platform from any country around the world with a VPN. VPNs are clever tools that 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 no matter where you are.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPN providers usually have generous offers such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing any cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you more than enough time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering any upfront investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 for a limited time only — a huge saving of 49%. The plan includes an extra three months for no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Alcaraz vs. Paul in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Medvedev in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Jannik Sinner is one of the true superstars of tennis at the moment. The 22-year-old Italian is also the No. 1 seed at Wimbledon and the favorite to win.
Next up he faces Daniil Medvedev. The 28-year-old Russian is the No. 5 seed, making this quarter final clash one of the biggest matchups of the tournament so far.
Both Sinner and Medvedev reached the semi-finals last year, but fell to Djokovic and Alcaraz respectively. This year, however, the quarter final is the end of the road for one of these competitors. It promises to be a thrilling showdown.
If you want to watch Sinner vs. Medvedev in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sinner vs. Medvedev?Sinner vs. Medvedev will meet in the third round of the men's singles at Wimbledon 2024. The match will take place on July 5 at 8.30 a.m. ET / 1.30 p.m. BST.
How to watch Sinner vs. Medvedev in Wimbledon 2024 for freeWimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the quarter final matchup between Sinner and Medvedev.
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform that's geo-restricted to the UK. But overseas viewers can access BBC iPlayer by using a VPN. A VPN is a useful tool that can obscure your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you to a secure server in the UK, allowing you to unblock UK-based streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. All you need is a decent enough connection for streaming.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPN services do tend to offer generous incentive deals like free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer, which will give you enough time to watch all the Wimbledon 2024 games. And you won't have to commit any cash. Simply recover any initial payment once the trial period is finished.
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 discounted to $99.95 for a limited time only — a saving of 49%. The plan includes a bonus three months at no additional cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Sinner vs. Medvedev in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Paolini vs. Navarro in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Jasmine Paolini is on a roll right now. She reached the final of the French Open and, as the No. 7 seed, one of the highest ranked women left in the quarter final stage at Wimbledon. But reaching the semi-final won't be easy for the 28-year-old Italian. Her opponent, Emma Navarro, is on a roll too.
Navarro, the No. 19 seed, knocked out Coca Gauff in the previous round. The 23-year-old American also holds three victories over Paolini in previous competitions. Can she do it again when it matters the most?
Both women will give it everything in what could be the biggest match of their careers so far. All of which means this a match not to miss.
If you want to watch Paolini vs. Navarro in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Paolini vs. Navarro?Paolini vs. Navarro will meet in the quarter finals of Wimbledon 2024 on July 9 from 8.30 a.m. ET / 1.30 p.m. BST.
How to watch Paolini vs. Navarro in Wimbledon 2024 for freeWimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the quarter final matchup between Paolini and Navarro.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free streaming platform from abroad by signing up for a VPN. VPNs can mask your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock UK-based streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from any country around the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPN brands offer incentives such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously not a permanent solution, but it gives you enough time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering any initial cost.
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 currently discounted to $99.95, which includes an extra three months for free. That's an impressive 49% off the regular price 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 Paolini vs. Navarro in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Sun vs. Vekic in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's exciting to see up and coming players do well at Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis competition in the world. That's what's happening for 23-year-old New Zealander Lulu Sun, the world No. 123, at Wimbledon 2024.
Sun knocked out sentimental favorite Emma Raducanu, demonstrating a formidable forehand in her stunning performance. But Sun will have to get through Donna Vekic, a 28-year-old Croatian, if she wants to make it all the way to the semis.
Vekic has never reached the Wimbledon quarter final before either, so she's sure to come out swinging. Whoever wins, there's a chance at Wimbledon glory up for grabs.
If you want to watch Sun vs. Vekic in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sun vs. Vekic?Sun vs. Vekic will meet in the quarter finals of Wimbledon 2024 on July 9 from 8 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. BST.
How to watch Sun vs. Vekic in Wimbledon 2024 for freeWimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the quarter final matchup between Sun and Vekic.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free streaming platform from abroad by signing up for a VPN. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPN brands offer incentives such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing any cash. This is obviously not a permanent solution, but it gives you enough time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering any downpayment.
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 the discounted price of $99.95, including an extra three months for free. That's an impressive 49% off for a limited time only. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Sun vs. Vekic in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Make the job hunt more efficient with help from a lifetime license to LazyApply, now just £46.80 (reg. £116.28) through July 21.
Being funemployed only lasts so long. Once the paycheck stops hitting and it's time to start the dreaded job search, you forget all those jobless perks pretty quickly. If you're looking to make the application portion of your job hunt less painful, it might be time to check out LazyApply.
With LazyApply, finding and applying for jobs becomes a whole lot easier — no more typing and retyping your professional history with every single online application. And you can currently score a lifetime license to LazyApply Job Application Basic for only £46.80 — over £69 off the usual price of £116.28 — until July 21.
Imagine applying to 100 jobs in a day. While that would take 10 hours on your own, this AI job application tool makes it a reality. This Chrome plugin helps you save time in a tough job market, helping your CV reach more eyes as you apply on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. Just save your info once and let LazyApply automate the job application process. Their AI automatically fills apps with your information, so you can spend your time more wisely.
Learn new skills in lieu of tediously typing out your professional history over and over with LazyApply. This Basic license lets you apply to 150 jobs a day, while analysing your application performance day after day to give you unique insight. You'll also receive a weekly consultation call, where you can potentially learn better application strategies.
Speed up your job hunt with this lifetime Basic license to LazyApply, now only £46.80 through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: LazyApply LazyApply Job Application Basic: Lifetime License £46.80 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Watch Spain vs. France in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Euro 2024 final is looming on the horizon. It's one of the biggest fixtures in world football, but getting to that point is incredibly tough. Even at this late stage, the remaining sides will need to be nearly perfect to progress to the final.
And while Spain have been clinical and dominant so far, having won every game and netted 11 goals, France haven't been up to their usual standard. We know France are a world class squad and have the capacity to give Spain a run for their money. After beating Portugal on penalties in the quarter final, can France step their game up?
Either way, it's a clash of European football titans and it's all to play for — there's only one spot in the Euro 2024 final available.
If you want to watch Spain vs. France in Euro 2024 semi-final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Spain vs. France?Spain vs. France in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 9. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
How to watch Spain vs. France for freeSpain vs. France in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools 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 BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Access BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Spain vs. France in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world
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 BBC iPlayer without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the top choice 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 Spain vs. France in Euro 2024 semi-final for free with ExpressVPN.
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 1'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 deletedEach 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 deletedPlayers 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.
Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Events written down
Green: Crazy locks
Blue: Certain pop culture product made singular
Purple: Words to follow a synonym for "bush"
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: CHRONICLE
Green: MESS OF HAIR
Blue: TV SHOW MINUS "S"
Purple: WORDS AFTER HEDGE
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 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayCHRONICLE - JOURNAL, LOG, RECORD, REGISTER
MESS OF HAIR - MANE, MOP, SHOCK, TANGLE
TV SHOW MINUS "S" - CHEER, FRIEND, SCRUB, WEED
WORDS AFTER HEDGE - FUND, HOG, MAZE, TRIMMER
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.
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 June 29'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.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Trumpet.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?No letters repeat.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle...
BLARE.
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.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
UPDATE: July 8, 2024, 6:33 p.m. EST
In a statement to Mashable, a Google spokesperson says that this so-called "experimental feature" isn't new:
"Promoted pins in navigation are not new - they let people see relevant ads for businesses like gas stations, restaurants, and stores along their route. To avoid driver distraction, these ads do not pop up, expand only if they’re tapped on, and disappear quickly after a short time."
Original article: July 8, 2024, 5:24 p.m. EST:
Is Google Maps is testing a new feature that may drive — no pun intended — you up a wall? Anthony Higman, a Google Maps user, posted on X about it, pointing out that he spotted a "never-before-seen" pop-up ad while driving with the navigation app near Atlantic City, New Jersey.
"Yo Check Out This Wild New Ad Format On The Google Maps App," Higman wrote. "I Put In Directions Down The Shore And Then When I Passed This Gas Station This Royal Farms Ad Popped Up With 'Add Stop.'"
Higman added that he didn't input anything regarding gas or food into the app. "Anyone Know What Kind OF Ad Format This Is?!?!?!" he asked.
Tweet may have been deleted SEE ALSO: Your Google Maps' ‘Timeline' data may soon be deleted on the web. Here's how to save it. Google Maps experimenting with new pop-up ads?It appears that Google Maps is testing a new feature that, without being prompted, launches a sponsored pop-up ad for a nearby business with the buttons "Cancel" and "Add Stop."
Calling it "aggressive," 9to5Google pointed out that this is an ad format that Google has used for its Waze app. Of course, Google Maps is no stranger to sponsored content. For example, per Neowin, Google highlights sponsored businesses on maps and search results, particularly when people search for adjacent locations (e.g., "pizza near me").
According to AndroidPolice, this so-called "intrusive" ad may be based on a recent memo Google sent to advertisers that says, in part, "We're launching ads on Google Maps to help advertisers like you get more leads. The current launch is limited to the iOS version of the Google Maps mobile app."
However, when Mashable reached out to Google for comment, a spokesperson told us the following:
"Promoted pins in navigation are not new - they let people see relevant ads for businesses like gas stations, restaurants, and stores along their route. To avoid driver distraction, these ads do not pop up, expand only if they’re tapped on, and disappear quickly after a short time."
In other words, this isn't a new practice. You probably have seen these ads already, and if you haven't, it's only a matter of time.
Multihypenate talent Donald Glover, who just dropped his new single "Lithonia," can add another accomplishment to his resume: a major collaboration on TikTok. OK, so it's not necessarily the same as the award-winning series Atlanta, but Glover teamed up with TikTokker @Jordan_The_Stallion8 to film a video joking about the fact that many folks seem to think they look alike.
If you're unfamiliar with Glover, well, where have you been? He's a movie and TV star, an accomplished musician under the moniker Childish Gambino, and a brilliant writer and creator. If you're unfamiliar with Jordan The Stallion, his real name is Jordan Howlett, and, well, that's a bit more understandable. But he's a very popular TikTokker, known for his hot takes, bringing awareness to food "secrets," and ranting in front of his bathroom mirror.
And folks seem to think these two men look alike. I don't see it, but the TikTok playing off that fact on Howlett's account has already racked up some 11 million views.
The TikTok itself is pretty funny. It starts with Glover copying Howlett's signature style and then both revealing themselves on frame in the same outfit. The video features a couple of playful jokes like "Grownish Gambino" and Glover lamenting the fact that people ask him for ridiculous recipes. It's a funny TikTok, and it's obviously gone wildly viral.
However, it just goes to show how powerful a platform TikTok has become. Consider the fact that a major Hollywood star is teaming up to make jokes with a popular TikTokker. Sure, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that Glover is promoting his upcoming album, Bando Stone & The New World, but promoting that album on TikTok is as powerful a tool as anything else.
OpenAI released a ChatGPT app for Mac less than two weeks ago – and there's already been a security issue.
It turns out the ChatGPT for Mac app had been storing users' conversations with the AI chatbot in plain text.
OpenAI has since fixed the issue with an update, so its important to download the latest ChatGPT for Mac version from the OpenAI website.
SEE ALSO: It’s not just ChatGPT. A new AI chatbot is coming to iPhone, according to new report. ChatGPT for Mac security flawLast week, Threads user @pvieito discovered that the recently released ChatGPT for Mac application was storing user conversations with the AI chatbot in plain text in a non-encrypted location.
These conversations were stored locally, so a bad actor would've needed to access the user's computer to utilize these conversations for nefarious purposes. However, as Mashable and other outlets have recently reported, due to Microsoft's own issues with its Recall feature, bad actors are increasingly gaining access to unsuspecting victims' computers via malicious remote methods.
Post by @pvieito View on ThreadsAs @pvieito pointed out, OpenAI distributes its ChatGPT Mac app from its own website — not through Apple's own Mac App Store. Apple is notorious for its strict guidelines for developers who choose to distribute apps through their official app stores. However, third-parties who distribute through their own platforms are not held to the same security standards.
“We are aware of this issue and have shipped a new version of the application which encrypts these conversations,” an OpenAI spokesperson told The Verge in a statement last week. “We’re committed to providing a helpful user experience while maintaining our high security standards as our technology evolves.”
While the issue has since been fixed, it could not have come at a worse time for OpenAI. The ChatGPT creator and Apple just announced a partnership last month and Apple is notorious for prioritizing users' privacy. In fact, Apple's inability to trust Meta regarding privacy concerns has reportedly led to the iPhone maker passing on using Meta's AI models for its Apple Intelligence ambitions.
OpenAI will need to be more proactive about privacy and security issues in the future so its credibility doesn't come into question from its partners.
YouTube Music is stepping up its game with an exciting new AI feature that lets users create custom radio stations just by asking. Spotted by an eagle-eyed Reddit user, kater_pro, this experimental feature is currently rolling out to a lucky few.
SEE ALSO: YouTube has delivered an important update to its audio eraser toolWhen fully launched, the new feature will introduce an "Ask for music any way you like" card on the Home feed. This card, displayed in vibrant purple and pink hues, is similar in appearance to the existing "Create a radio: Your music tuner" card in the Library tab. Selecting this card will create a chat-based interface where users can request music via voice or keyboard.
RedditFor instance, a request for "Queer Hip Hop Beats" produced a station the AI described as "Rhymes and flows from the heart, a celebration of queer pride in hip hop's art." The interface also offers a variety of suggested prompts such as "Catchy pop choruses," "Epic soundtracks," and "Upbeat pop anthems," with a "Surprise me!" option for a randomly generated station.
After a prompt is entered, the AI generates a radio station, which appears in the familiar playlist card format. The station is named after the prompt and marked "Created for you," with a description to match. YouTube Music has added a note cautioning users that "AI-generated responses are experimental," indicating that the quality and accuracy of responses may vary. It also advises against sharing personal or confidential information.
While it's still being tested by a few lucky users, it'll be interesting to see how well YouTube Music's foray into generative AI playlist-making stacks up against Spotify's own endeavors.
GET $300 OFF: As of July 8, Target Circle members can snag a Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop for just $399.99, down from $699.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop $399.99 at TargetIf you’re looking for a new robot vacuum that can handle mopping duties, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop (previously known as the Sharl AI Ultra 2-in-1) might be your best option.
SEE ALSO: Target's Circle Week is here and runs through July 13As of July 8, Target Circle members can get this amped-up robot vacuum hybrid (and self-emptying base) for $399.99, down from $699.99. That’s $300 off the listing price and the lowest price we’ve seen on this model since April. (If you don’t want to sign up for Target Circle, Amazon matches this price.)
The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is the real deal. According to Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth, this little robot is “actually good at mopping, a rarity in this market, and it cleans just as well as flagship robot vacuums that cost two or three times as much.” He even dubbed it the best robot vacuum mop combo you could buy in 2023.
With Matrix Clean technology, this robo-vac is built to clean floors more thoroughly than most. The matrix grid system uses multiple passes to hit every inch of your floors, and the self-emptying base means you won't have to empty the dustbin as often. You can set no-go zones and control it via the SharkClean app.
It also features true HEPA filtration to capture allergens, and the Sonic Mopping feature works on hardwood, tile, and laminate floors.
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