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Off to Norway, With Three A.I. Travel Assistants

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:02
Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

The A.I. Boom Has an Unlikely Early Winner: Wonky Consultants

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:01
Rattled by tech’s latest trend, businesses have turned to advisers at Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey and KPMG for guidance on adopting generative artificial intelligence.

When the Terms of Service Change to Make Way for A.I. Training

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:01
Tech companies have been making subtle and not-so-subtle changes to their rules for better access to data for building A.I. We took a look at some of them.

Landlords Have Started Using A.I. Chatbots to Manage Properties

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00
Artificial intelligence is doing everything from helping landlords communicate with tenants to managing energy use.

What China's new moon rocks could reveal that Apollo samples didn't

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00

China's robotic spacecraft has brought back rocks and dust from the lunar far side that may solve enduring mysteries about the interior composition of the moon

The uncrewed Chang'e-6 mission capsule landed in northern China's Inner Mongolia at 2:07 p.m. Beijing Time on Tuesday, according to China's State Council Information Office. Its journey to the moon about 250,000 miles away had lasted over 50 days. 

Though Apollo 8 astronauts were the first people to see the far side with their own eyes from a spacecraft — with William Anders describing it as a kids' sand pile — NASA has never landed there. This is the first time in history anyone has returned samples from the portion of the moon facing away from Earth.

That's in part because of how difficult it is. The moon itself blocks communication between people on Earth and the far side. But China put a communication relay satellite about 40,000 miles beyond the moon that could exchange the signals.

"The outstanding contributions you have made will always be remembered by the country and the people," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a statement congratulating his military-controlled space program. State social media accounts shared video and images of the capsule plummeting through Earth's atmosphere.

SEE ALSO: China landed on the moon and found water in dirt and rocks Tweet may have been deleted

The achievement comes at a time when the world's space race has reignited, with China emerging as a strong spacefaring competitor, making gains in low-Earth orbit research at its own space station and becoming the third country to land an uncrewed spacecraft on Mars. China has completed several previous robotic moon missions, successfully detecting water molecules while on the near side and collecting samples. 

Though much of China's findings and research are published in peer-reviewed science journals, the space program is often secretive about the details of its rocket launches and missions before they occur. Chang'e-6 carried instruments from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency. The United States, on the other hand, has prohibited NASA by law from collaborating with China on space missions or having scientific exchanges. 

A researcher looks at samples brought back from the moon by China's previous Chang'e-5 spacecraft. Credit: VCG / VCG via Getty Images

Despite popular belief, the far side of the moon — sometimes referred to as the "dark side" — is not in perpetual darkness. It's the hemisphere that always faces space. In reality, it gets just as much light as the near side, which always faces Earth. 

What scientists have learned is the side humans can't see from this planet is quite different. China's moon rocks have the potential to reveal information about the moon's evolution and history of the solar system that the Apollo samples can't. 

Though the near side has large dark patches, the far side has few of these spots. The spots are called maria, dark areas formed when meteoroids slammed into the moon, erasing previous craters that recorded some of the moon's geological history. But the far side seems to have a more pristine record of earlier cosmic collisions.

China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft returned to Earth from a mission to the far side of the moon, the hemisphere unseen from Earth. Credit: NASA Goddard

The Chinese spacecraft landed at the enormous South Pole-Aitken basin, where scientists believe some of the moon's mantle — material between the core and the crust — could have been blasted to the surface during an ancient asteroid impact. That makes the samples potentially invaluable to understanding the inner workings of the moon.

During the earlier Chang'e-4 mission, which also touched down on the far side, China took measurements and discovered the soil went much deeper there than on the near side. But why the moon would have a sort of lopsided crust, with one side much thicker than the other, is unclear. 

Despite China's successes, NASA remains the leader in lunar exploration. Through future Artemis missions, the U.S. space agency intends to send astronauts to the moon's south pole region, where scientists believe water ice is buried. If the ice could be mined, the resource could literally fuel a burgeoning lunar economy

Walmart's new Prime Day-rivaling sale is already much better than Walmart+ Week

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00

While Walmart+ Week (which ran from June 17 through 23) was largely underwhelming, Walmart is redeeming itself with a brand-new Prime Day-rivaling shopping event. Simply dubbed Walmart Deals, the big box store is marketing it as its "largest savings event ever" and it kicks off the week before Prime Day. Coincidence? Never. We knew Walmart wouldn't pass up the chance to compete with Mr. Bezos. Here's everything you need to know.

When is the Walmart Deals event?

Walmart Deals kicks off Monday, July 8 at 5 p.m. ET and runs through Thursday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET on Walmart.com and the Walmart app. If you're a Walmart+ member, you can start shopping five hours before everyone else, beginning at noon ET. For those keeping track, that's just a little over a week prior to Prime Day's official kick off.

Can you shop Walmart Deals without being a Walmart+ member?

Unlike Walmart+ Week, which overlapped with Prime Day last year, Walmart Deals is not exclusive to Walmart+ members. Anyone can shop the deals on Walmart.com and the Walmart app beginning July 8 at 5 p.m. ET. However, being a Walmart+ member definitely has its perks. You'll get exclusive early access to deals five hours before everyone else. If you've got your eye on a specific deal and want to guarantee it comes home with you, shopping early as a Walmart+ member is probably worth it.

Best deals to look out for during the Walmart Deals event

As noted in the retailer's press release, Walmart Deals will cover a very similar list of categories to Prime Day — shocker. Those include electronics, home, toys, travel, and back-to-school must-haves. Big doorbusters mentioned in a Walmart sneak peek include the Dyson V12 Detect Slim for $449.99 (reg. $649.99) and an HP Victus gaming laptop for $599 (reg. $979). You can also expect up to $100 off TVs, up to $200 off fitness, up to 50% off floor care, and up to 30% off Lego.

Here's a preview of some of the best featured deals to look out for. We'll keep you updated with new deals that drop once the event officially begins.

Tech dealsHome dealsOutdoor dealsToy deals

Prime Day Echo deals: Amazon's smart home devices are falling to record-low prices

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00
The best early Prime Day Echo deals at a glance: Best Echo smart speaker deal Echo Pop Kids $22.99 at Amazon with Prime (save $27) Get Deal Best Echo smart display deal Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon with Prime (save $45) Get Deal Best Echo Frames deal Echo Frames (3rd Gen) Prescription Ready + Echo Pop $169.99 at Amazon with Prime (save $139.99) Get Deal

Amazon loves to keep things in the family on Prime Day: Discounts on its in-house lines of gadgets are plentiful and steep during the retail giant's annual members-only sale. This is especially true for its Echo smart home devices, which frequently enjoy Prime Day deals exceeding the half-off mark. New year-round lows are not uncommon.

Echo devices also tend to be some of the first products Amazon puts on sale as official "Early Prime Day Deals" before the sale formally starts. As a case in point, the retail giant rolled out a handful of Echo offers alongside its Prime Day 2024 announcement Tuesday (which confirmed that it's scheduled for July 16 and 17). Let the games begin, as they say.

SEE ALSO: Amazon just announced the exact dates of Prime Day 2024

As things currently stand, two kid-friendly Echo speakers have returned to previous lows for Prime members, while all styles of the third-generation Echo Frames are now cheaper than ever before — again, only for Prime members. These will be joined by additional smart speaker and display deals as Prime Day gets closer, per Amazon's announcement, which teased up to 55% off the Echo Pop, up to 45% off the Echo, up to 44% off the Echo Show 5, and up to 45% off the Echo Show 8.

Read on for an overview of the best early Prime Day Echo deals that are worth adding to your cart already, according to Mashable's team of shopping experts. Check back often, as we'll be updating our picks constantly as Amazon releases more offers in the leadup to the 16th.

Note: Any device marked with a 🔥 is at a record-low price, according to the Amazon price tracking site CamelCamelCamel.

Best Echo smart speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop Kids 🔥 $22.99 at Amazon (with Prime)
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The kid-friendly version of Amazon's pint-sized smart speaker from 2023 comes with built-in parental controls, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and six months' worth of Amazon Kids+. (That unlocks extra age-appropriate content, including Audible books, games, and a "Hey Disney!" custom assistant with the voices of 20-plus Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters.) It's available in two styles, Disney Princess or Marvel's Avengers, and both options come with a blue protective silicone sleeve.

The Echo Pop Kids is now on sale for $22.99 for Prime members, which is 54% off and a match of its all-time low price from last Black Friday. You've also got the option of bundling it with an Echo Glow smart lamp (worth $29.99) for just $10 more.

More Echo smart speaker dealsBest Echo smart display deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon (with Prime)
$99.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The third-generation Echo Show 5 is a 5.5-inch smart display from 2023 with speakers and a built-in camera. This kid-centric take on it has a fun Galaxy-patterned design, a two-year guarantee, and a built-in dashboard where parents can set usage limits and approve contacts for video calls. Amazon also throws in a year's worth of its Kids+ service.

Prime members can snag the Echo Show 5 Kids on sale for $54.99 ahead of Prime Day, which works out to a 45% savings. That's not a match of its all-time low — it was $44.99 last Black Friday (and $49.99 last Prime Day) — so if you don't desperately need it, consider waiting to see if it gets cheaper in the coming weeks. Note that you can add an Echo Glow for $10.

Best Echo Frames deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen) Prescription Ready + Echo Pop 🔥 $169.99 at Amazon (with Prime)
$309.98 Save $139.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's third-generation Echo Frames are smart glasses that can play music, stream podcasts, and take calls hands-free. They're equipped with Alexa, so you can also use them to control compatible smart home devices. They offer up to 14 hours of battery life and come in up to five styles, depending on the lens type: Black Rectangle, Black Square, Gray Rectangle, Blue Round, and Brown Cat Eye.

All variants of the Echo Frames are currently on sale for a record-low of $169.99 for Prime members — that includes the Frames with prescription-ready lenses (normally $269.99), with sunglass lenses (normally $299.99), and with blue light-filtering lenses (normally $299.99). However, only the former come with a free Echo Pop smart speaker worth $39.99.

More Echo Frames deals

Take 40% off vibrant outdoor speakers that will be the life of the party

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Spice up your outdoor gatherings with a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers for just $119.99 (reg. $199). 

Opens in a new window Credit: DbSoars 80W Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker with RGB LEDs (2-pack) $119.99 at The Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Summer is here, and so are the barbecues, pool days, and holiday parties. Bring the good vibes with a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers and give your guests some bumpin’ tunes to groove to. 

As of June 25, you can get a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers for just $119.99 (reg. $199). 

These luminous Bluetooth speakers let you connect up to 100 speakers at a time for a complete surround sound experience. You’ll love the crisp, 360-degree sound from the dual speakers, and you can turn on the optional bass boost for more immersive listening. Create a stereo pair for a broader sound stage and a more dynamic audio experience for your guests.

Once the sun starts to set, fire up the light show feature and enjoy a color-changing display from 24 RGB LEDs. Choose from four lighting modes: breathing rainbow light, solid colorful light, running colorful light, or a beat-driven light that syncs with your music. Level up the ambiance in your yard and program the lights to go with a particular theme or holiday, plus take advantage of the included timer. 

The speakers have a built-in rechargeable battery that gives you up to 20 hours of playtime and light displays on a single charge. Designed for outdoor use, the speakers are durable and IPX5 water-resistant to withstand spills, light drizzles of rain, splashes, etc. No matter the occasion, these versatile speakers bring the fun year-round. 

Cue up your favorite playlist with a 2-pack of 80W outdoor Bluetooth RGB LED speakers for just $119.99 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Avoid low storage warnings with a 1TB external hard drive for $60

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Access your files whenever with a slim, portable USB 3.0 external 1TB hard drive, on sale for just $59.99 (reg. $109.99) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Slim Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive — 1TB $59.99 at The Mashable Shop
$109.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Most of us have digital data that is constantly growing, so having a reliable and convenient storage solution is essential. Scrap the costly subscriptions with a handy external hard drive on sale today.

Access your files wherever, whenever with a slim, portable USB 3.0 external 1TB hard drive on sale for just $59.99 (reg. $109.99) for a limited time. Whether you’re backing up important documents, storing your photo collection, or expanding your game library, this slim, portable USB 3.0 external hard drive offers a practical and efficient solution.

One of the standout features of this external hard drive is its slim and lightweight design. At just a fraction of an inch thick, it’s easy to slip into your bag or pocket, making it ideal for those on the go. Whether you’re traveling for work or fun, heading to class, or simply moving between rooms or devices at home, this drive provides convenient, portable storage without the bulk.

Speed matters, especially when transferring large files. The USB 3.0 interface on this external hard drive ensures rapid data transfer rates. It offers a fast 120Mbps read speed and 104Mbps write speed.

With 1TB of storage space, you'll have plenty of room to keep cherished family photos and videos safe and backed up; 1TB of space translates to around 250,000 photos.

Its backward compatibility means it's compatible with USB 2.0, so you can use it with a wide range of devices. However, it should be noted that it only includes a USB 3.0 Micro-B to USB-A cable. An adapter is required to connect to USB-C ports. In addition, the drive needs to be formatted for compatibility with Mac computers.

Streamline your digital life with this no-bulk external hard drive. For a limited time, this slim, portable 1TB USB 3.0 external hard drive is on sale for just $59.99 (reg. $109.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Price drop: Play 'Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy' on Steam for $23.99

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Get ready for action-packed adventure set to classic '80s hits when you purchase Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy game for Steam for just $23.99 (reg. $59.99).

If you’ve ever dreamed of joining Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Drax, and Groot on a cosmic adventure, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is available on Steam for just $23.99 – a significant drop from the regular price of $59.99.

This limited-time offer lets you save 60% on one of the most thrilling action-adventure games of 2021. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a convert because of the Guardians ride in Magic Kingdom, or a newcomer to the franchise altogether, it's kind of a can't-miss price.

The Guardians of the Galaxy game brings the beloved misfit heroes to life in a way that’s both familiar and new. It offers an original story set in the Marvel Universe.

As Star-Lord, you’ll lead the Guardians through a series of epic battles and morally complex decisions that affect the outcome of the game. Each character — from the fierce Gamora to the tech-savvy Rocket — has its own unique abilities and personality, contributing to the dynamic and engaging team interactions.

Make good use of Element Blasters, tag-team beatdowns, engage in boot-powered dropkicks, and more. This third-person gameplay gets you up close and personal with new, powerful beings and offers interesting new twists on iconic characters. And the icing on the cake is that you get to save the galaxy to a killer '80s soundtrack.

Available here at 60% less than what you'd normally pay on Steam, it's a great chance to get lost in the intergalactic action.

Get Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy game for Steam while it's on sale for just $23.99 (reg. $59.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aspyr 'Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy' on Steam $23.99 at The Mashable Shop
$59.99 Save $36.00 Get Deal

The best romantic movies on Netflix right now

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 05:00

Is there anything more romantic than cuddling on the couch?! Of course not. There’s a reason modern dating can be summarized with the phrase "Netflix and chill." Netflix is for lovers! 

With a deep catalog and a seemingly endless supply of rom-coms, the streaming giant has a lock on the love department. Whether you're looking for something to make you cry, make you sigh, or put you in the mood, Netflix has a movie for you.

Here are the best romantic movies on Netflix (in no particular order).

1. Carol

Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt (republished as Carol in 1990), Todd Haynes' Carol stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two forbidden lovers in 1950s New York. Therese (Mara) is an aspiring photographer working at a department store one Christmas when she meets Carol (Blanchett), who is shopping for a present for her daughter. The sparks fly immediately, but their blossoming love has a few roadblocks, such as Carol's impending divorce from her crappy husband Harge (Kyle Chandler, no!), not to mention that era's attitude toward homosexuality.

If you're in the mood for queer yearning, a tense slow-burn, and one of the best sapphic love stories ever, Carol is the perfect watch. You will feel all the feelings. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor  

How to watch: Carol is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Lady Chatterley's Lover Credit: Netflix

This modern adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's scandalous 1928 novel will leave you absolutely swooning. Emma Corrin (The Crown) is spectacular as Connie Reid, the titular Lady Chatterley. Her marriage to Clifford Chatterley seemed like the perfect match before the war, but when he returns paralyzed, withdrawn, and uninterested in her happiness, Connie feels utterly alone and isolated in their empty countryside manor. She finds a refuge for her oppressive loneliness in the estate's gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors (Jack O'Connell). Very quickly the two begin a torrid affair that is both passionate and tender, exuberant and profound — and a threat to both of their lifestyles. 

Much like the source material, Lady Chatterley's Lover puts sex on full display. Their trysts are steamy and explicit, but thanks to the incredible vulnerability of Corrin and O'Connell, and the steady hand of director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, they never feel pornographic. The lovers' stolen moments are deeply intimate and personal. Together, in the sumptuous woods of the Chatterley estate, they explore each other's bodies and souls with unbridled joy. It's an elegant and sensual adaptation that makes an age-old story feel like a breath of fresh air. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Lady Chatterley's Lover is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' review: A steamy affair that makes room to examine class 3. Entergalactic

When street artist Jabari (Kid Cudi) moves into his new Manhattan apartment for a major job opportunity, he knows his life is about to change. But what he doesn’t anticipate is how mesmerized he will be by his charming photographer neighbor, Meadow (Jessica Williams). 

With a breathtaking animation style reminiscent of Into the Spiderverse and Arcane, Entergalactic is a fresh, captivating love story. Accompanied by the music of Kid Cudi’s 2022 album of the same name, the couple falls head over heels in a breathless, unbelievably lovely sequence — it’s hard not to fall with them. With epically imaginative visuals and a star-studded supporting voice cast featuring Ty Dolla Sign, Timothée Chalamet, and Vanessa Hudgens, Entergalactic is a one-of-a-kind romance for the modern audience. — K.G.

How to watch: Entergalactic is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Love at First Sight

Based on a hit novel by Jennifer E. Smith, Love at First Sight is a delightful romance with an airport at the center of its meet-cute. Haley Lu Richardson is a perpetually late, underprepared American student heading to London for her dad’s wedding, and Ben Hardy is a charismatic Brit who offers to lend her his phone charger at a crucial moment. They fall in love during the flight, but a mix-up at baggage claim prevents the star-crossed pair from sharing their contact information. Will they ever see each other again? Love at First Sight is a champion charmer, but it also packs a more weighty emotional punch than your standard rom-com. Gut-wrenching moments from a particularly unique costume party will stay with you for days.* — K.G.

How to watch: Love at First Sight is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 12 of the best movies by Black creators to watch on Netflix now 5. When We First Met Credit: Jami Saunders

Groundhog Day meets Some Kind of Wonderful in this delightful romantic comedy from director Ari Sandel. Adam Devine and Alexandra Daddario star as Noah and Avery, friends who could've worked as a couple but didn't get the timing right. So when the pining Noah discovers a magical photo booth that will transport him back to the night he and Avery first met, he's willing to do anything to get it right this time(s). Funny and surprisingly sweet, When We First Met is a hidden gem time-travel romp with spectacular supporting performances and a predictable ending you'll like all the same. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: When We First Met is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Karan Johar's directorial debut became an instant Bollywood classic when it hit theaters in 1998. Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol) are college besties until Rahul falls in love with Tina (Rani Mukerji) and Anjali realizes her true feelings for him. The friends become estranged before Tina dies, leaving behind a daughter, also named Anjali in honor of their old friend. Little Anjali grows up reading letters from her late mother, and she learns about her father's old friend — his first love. Tina tasks her daughter with tracking down Anjali and reuniting the friends as lovers, once and for all.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai remains Johar's best work to date, a film that made his name synonymous with pure power in the Hindi film industry. Khan and Kajol's chemistry captivates throughout, from their Gap-clad days of college teasing to the unfathomable sexual tension of the gazebo scene. Despite being famous for its love triangle, the movie never pits Anjali and Tina against each other, instead depicting a beautiful friendship between the two women as well as their respective relationships to Rahul. "Pyar dosti hai," Rahul declares early on: Love is friendship. And Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is nothing if not a timeless story about friends. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Set It Up Credit: Netflix

Rom-coms are back, baby — and Set It Up, written by Katie Silberman (who also penned Booksmart) and directed by Claire Scanlon (The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), is one of the best entries of this new golden age! Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell are young assistants who hatch a plan to set up their high-strung, demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) so they can finally get a weekend off. What these two schemers never anticipated, of course, was that they might find themselves in their own romance in the process. Whoops!

Set It Up is a fun, hilarious romp that feels exponentially more real than your standard, candy-coated romantic comedy. The characters are charming because they're flawed, and they talk like people you know (Zoey uses insider nicknames like "Golf Guy" when chatting with her friends about her dating life). If you're looking for a romantic comedy that leaves you feeling like you just had the night out with your crew, this is the movie for you.*K.G.

How to watch: Set It Up is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Why everyone you know is falling hard for 'Set It Up' 8. A Walk to Remember

Fantastically soapy and emotionally manipulative, A Walk to Remember is a Hall of Famer in the dying-teen-romance genre. Modern hits like The Fault in Our Stars owe a debt of gratitude to this 2002 classic based on Nicholas Sparks' novel. 

Shane West is high school bad boy Landon Carter, who gets the choice between being expelled or joining the school play. (High school theater is an equivalent punishment to being kicked out of school. Perfect premise. No notes!) Now forced to interact with the nerdy theater kids, he finally notices Mandy Moore’s radiant Jamie. Once her father (a REVEREND! Religious overtones! A Walk to Remember has it ALL!) finally agrees to let them date, Landon learns the reason why Jamie is able to live so fully in the present: She might not have much time left. — K.G. 

How to watch: A Walk to Remember is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Been So Long Credit: Netflix

Do you love musicals, romance, and Michaela Coel? Then Been So Long is the movie for you. This stylish musical epic follows Simone (Coel), a young, single mother in London completely wrapped up in caring for her differently abled daughter. After her friends and family tell her she's too uptight, she finally agrees to a night out and meets the handsome, complicated Raymond (Arinzé Kene). The two tentatively begin a flirtation, though they'll each have to contend with their own baggage before the relationship can thrive.

Directed by Tinge Krishnan and adapted from the successful stage show of the same name, Been So Long is a bright and buoyant musical for the modern era. The stories are grounded and complex, the characters are relatable, and — perhaps most importantly — the songs are absolute bops!*K.G.

How to watch: Been So Long is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Plus One

Ben King (Jack Quaid) and Alice Mori (Maya Erskine) are old college friends who, in their late twenties, find themselves some of the few people in their circles left without partners. With a summer of endless weddings and awkward singles tables ahead of them, Ben and Alice decide to team up as each other’s plus ones and wingmen for the nuptial marathon, accidentally falling for each other along the way. 

With a cast full of indie comedy darlings and a funny, grounded script, Plus One is a top notch rom-com for the modern era. For outrageous hijinks and convenient romance, look elsewhere. This is a sweet, relatable winner that feels about as real as a rom-com can get.* — K.G.

How to watch: Plus One is now streaming on Netflix.

11. To All the Boys I've Loved Before Credit: Netflix

Netflix's rom-com revival kicked off in 2018, a year whose slate included this criminally charming movie based on the novel by Jenny Han. Lara Jean (Lana Condor) is a hopeless romantic in the habit of writing letters to her most epic crushes — writing, not sending. When the letters are leaked, she starts pretending to date Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) to divert attention from her real crush on her sister's boyfriend.

SEE ALSO: Why 'XO, Kitty' has the best relationship in the 'To All the Boys...' franchise

With a bouncy pop soundtrack and visual style that is the envy of your entire Instagram feed, To All the Boys is the kind of movie you can return to again and again, a comfort watch as sweet as Lara Jean's baked goods. Will we ever tire of watching fictional characters fake love until it becomes real? If they're even half as adorable as these two, the answer is no. — P.K.

How to watch: To All the Boys I've Loved Before is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Our Souls at Night 

Quiet, sweet, and touching, Our Souls at Night is a beautiful meditation on companionship and love. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford are excellent as two widowed, long-time neighbors who decide to start spending the night in the same bed to stave off loneliness. The arrangement is purely platonic, a simple solution to a problem — but as they get to know each other, a deeper love begins to bloom. 

Fonda and Redford are truly mesmerizing here, completely self-assured in bringing this spare, sophisticated script to life. There aren't a ton of films about romance in our twilight years, but the poignancy of Our Souls at Night proves that the power of love will never get old. — K.G.

How to watch: Our Souls at Night is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Though this 1940s-set title is a bit of a mouthful, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a straightforward tale of boy-meets-girl. Or boy in a book club meets lady author who is staying in town to do research on the German occupation and uncovers WWII secrets. Lily James (Rebecca, Downton Abbey) and Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones) star as a bookish couple whose interest in history — and the author Charles Lamb — brings them together even as the world tries to move them away from each other. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is now streaming on Netflix.

14. The Half of It Credit: Netflix

Director Alice Wu's The Half of It hinges on straight-A student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) and her journey toward self-acceptance. It does wonders for the streaming service's rom-com catalog, not because it's especially new in its ideas, but because Wu executes them with a flair all her own.

A charming combination of unique subject matter and clichéd storytelling, The Half of It explores the perspectives of characters rare to the genre — namely, Ellie who is a queer, Chinese-American teenager — with some pretty predictable narrative turns. You haven't seen this story done with these characters anywhere else before, but you'll feel like you have. That's a victory for the genre in its own right.*A.F.

How to watch: The Half of It is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Call Me by Your Name

Timothée Chalamet became a household name with his raw and passionate performance in Luca Guadagnino's Call Me by Your Name (2017). Chalamet plays Elio, a teenager living with his parents in 1980s Italy. When his father, a professor of archaeology, invites a grad student to live with them over the summer, sparks fly between the two young men. When so many LGBTQ romances are centered on repression, Call Me by Your Name is defined by joy. The romance between Elio and Oliver (Armie Hammer) is both tentative and ardent, and as Mashable’s Laura Prudom put it, “will make you believe in love again.” Though Armie Hammer’s multiple sexual harassment scandals have cast a shadow on his former work, there’s no denying that Call Me By Your Name is a hopeful, romantic triumph. — K.G.

How to watch: Call Me by Your Name is streaming on Netflix starting July 1.

16. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Ed Araquel / Netflix

The thrill of a new romance often lies in just that — the fact that it's new. But what if your truest love lies in one of your oldest relationships? Always Be My Maybe stars Ali Wong and Randall Park as a pair of childhood besties who lost touch in their teens but find their way back to each other as grownups. With a delightful supporting cast that also includes Daniel Dae Kim, James Saito, and Keanu Reeves, Always Be My Maybe is as deliciously cozy as a bowl of Mom's kimchi jjigae — and just as satisfying. — Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

17. The Last Letter From Your Lover

The sweeping, soapy melodrama The Last Letter From Your Lover spans half a century and checks off all the romance tropes: love letters, deceit, impeccable costumes, and ill-timed amnesia. It's The Notebook meets An Affair to Remember, with a dash of every period romance sprinkled in for good measure. Don't think about it too hard, and you'll be sure to enjoy the ride. 

SEE ALSO: 9 horny and romantic books that will completely consume you

It's the '60s, and Shailene Woodley is Jennifer Stirling, a woman putting the pieces of her life back together after a car accident damages her memories — and her connection to her husband, Laurence (Joe Alwyn). When she discovers a love letter between "J" and "Boot," she can't help but wonder what else she's forgotten. At the same time, we also follow Ellie (Felicity Jones), a present-day reporter who stumbles across the letter in her publication's archives and becomes determined to find out what happened to the mysterious, passionate pair. The Last Letter From Your Lover is moody, glamorous, and boasts a stellar cast — a cozy, stylish pick for movie night. — K.G.

How to watch: The Last Letter From Your Lover is now streaming on Netflix.

18. The Incredible Jessica James Credit: Netflix

Get a masterclass in self-confidence and healthy communication from The Incredible Jessica James. Jessica Williams stars opposite Chris O'Dowd, with a supporting performance from LaKeith Stanfield. This charming tale of a woman who will stop at nothing to be loved the way she deserves explores so much of what makes romance the sticky business that it is. But this rom-com boasts just the right amount of optimism to keep you invested until its stunningly grounded happily-ever-after.* — A.F.

How to watch: The Incredible Jessica James is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Falling Inn Love

As a genre, romance can offer us a deep exploration of human relationships and what they demand of us — vulnerability, bravery, emotional intelligence — or it can simply be delightfully mindless fluff. Falling Inn Love is a truly excellent example of the latter. Christina Milian is delightful as Gabriela, a city girl from San Francisco who somehow wins a rustic New Zealand inn. And who happens to be the only person qualified to help her fix up the ramshackle property? That’s right — the hunkiest guy in town, Jake (Adam Demos, who co-stars in Netflix's steamy series Sex/Life).

Look, you're not here for the plot. You're here to watch hot people fall in love in a beautiful location, and Falling Inn Love absolutely delivers, with charm to spare. — K.G.

How to watch: Falling Inn Love is now streaming on Netflix.

20. All the Bright Places Credit: Michele K. Short / Netflix

There's nothing like a good ol' YA love story to get the tears going, and All the Bright Places is a guaranteed tear-jerker. Adapted from Jennifer Niven's novel of the same name, All the Bright Places follows two lonely teenagers, Theodore Finch (Justice Smith) and Violet Markey (Elle Fanning), who serendipitously meet one day and become fast friends, then quickly fall in love. The two discover that they share many similarities despite never really talking to each other at school before, which All the Bright Places uses to navigate hefty themes like teen mental health, loss, and grief. The ending will make you cry. Theodore and Violet's relationship will make you cry. And in my book, that's a 10/10 romance movie. — Y.H. 

How to watch: All the Bright Places is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry has been modified from a previous Mashable list.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

UPDATE: Jun. 25, 2024, 3:09 p.m. EDT This article, previously published in February 2024, has been updated to reflect Netflix's current selection.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for June 26

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 04:51

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 26 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 26

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, June 26, 2024:

AcrossIt "puts you there where things are hollow," in a David Bowie hit
  • The answer is Fame.

What QR codes at restaurants lead to
  • The answer is elite.

Top of the top
  • The answer is menus.

Subject of a marathoner's P.R.
  • The answer is time.

Log chopper
  • The answer is axe.

Down___ Felicis, potion in the Harry Potter books known as "Liquid Luck"
  • The answer is Felix.

Japanese cartoon genre
  • The answer is anime.

Zoom call button
  • The answer is mute.

Suffix with Senegal or Sudan
  • The answer is ese.

Parent company of Facebook
  • The answer is Meta.

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

Scary AirPods hack could have someone replace the music you're listening to

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 03:11

Imagine this: You're happily strolling through the park on a summer day, listening to Slayer's fifth album, "Seasons in the Abyss" on your AirPods, when someone abruptly replaces it with Taylor Swift's second effort, "Fearless."

Surely such an event would come as a shock, but that's exactly the sort of thing that could happen if a hacker took advantage of a recently disclosed vulnerability, mercifully fixed by Apple in a new firmware update for the AirPods (2nd gen and later). The same issue affects all versions of the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro.

In a support document, spotted by MacRumors, Apple described the vulnerability as follows: "When your headphones are seeking a connection request to one of your previously paired devices, an attacker in Bluetooth range might be able to spoof the intended source device and gain access to your headphones." Brrr.

SEE ALSO: How to turn on noise cancellation on your AirPods

Apple offers no way to manually update the firmware on your AirPods, meaning you cannot force the update and then save yourself from being forcefully exposed to music you don't want to hear. Instead, per Apple, "firmware updates are automatically delivered while your headphones are paired with and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac."

There is a way to check whether your buds or headphones are vulnerable, though. Open your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings – Bluetooth, and tap the info button next to your headphones. The software version you want to see in there is either 6A326 or 6F8.

How to watch Czech Republic vs. Turkey online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 01:00

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

The final day of the Euro 2024 group stages is here. Whatever happens, the excitement of Euro 2024 is about to start all over again as we whittle down the competition and get ready for the knockout rounds.

If you want to watch Czech Republic vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we've pulled together some useful information.

When is Czech Republic vs. Turkey?

Czech Republic vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on June 26. This fixture takes place at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany.

How to watch Czech Republic vs. Turkey for free

Czech Republic vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 will broadcast on ITV, with live free streaming on ITVX.

ITVX is a free streaming platform for viewers within the UK. That means it's unfortunately geo-blocked for anyone wanting to watch overseas. But you'll be able to get around the geo-restrictions by using a VPN. If you've never used a VPN before, it's a handy tool that can hide your computer's IP address and connect you with a secure server in the UK.

This way, ITVX thinks you're in the UK, allowing you to watch all the Euro 2024 action — no matter where you are in the world. Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Czech Republic vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

While ITVX is free to use, the best VPNs for streaming are not. They require an ongoing subscription fee. But there's still a way to watch Euro 2024 without spending a dime. VPN providers tend to offer incentive deals that include free-trial periods and money-back guarantees. This will give you all the time you need to watch Euro 2024 for free. You may even find that the VPN is worth keeping on a permanent basis.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for a bargain price of $99.95 — a huge saving of 49% off the standard fee — but for a limited time. The deal also includes three bonus months of useage for free, a year's worth of unlimited data cloud backup, and 30-day money-back promise if you're unstaisfied.

Stream Czech Republic vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Ecuador vs. Jamaica online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:01

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

Few football fans will have Group B teams Ecuador or Jamaica as top picks to win the 2024 Copa America. But part of the fun of international tournaments is seeing how the group stage plays out — to see what twists the early games have in store.

Ecuador must fancy their chances though. The stiffest competition in Group B will come from Mexico, but Ecuador will be confident about reaching the knockout rounds.

Even so, Jamaica could cause problems for all the Group B competition — particularly with prolific Premier League scorer Michail Antonio up front for the Reggae Boyz.

If you want to watch Ecuador vs. Jamaica in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's some helpful information.

When is Ecuador vs. Jamaica?

Ecuador vs. Jamaica in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on June 26. This fixture takes place at the Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.

How to watch Ecuador vs. Jamaica for free

Ecuador vs. Jamaica in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is a streaming platform that's free to use in Italy. It's geo-restricted, however, meaning that viewers in other countries usually can't access it. But you will be able to watch Sportitalia outside of Italy with a VPN. VPNs are handy tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy. This will allow you to access Sportitalia no matter where you are in the world.

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

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

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

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

  4. Visit Sportitalia

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

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

While the best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, top VPN providers usually offer incentive deals, such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can take up these generous offers and access free live streams — all without losing a penny. Simply sign up and use the trial period to watch all the 2024 Copa America action, including Ecuador vs. Jamaica. And with all the benefits of using a VPN, such as better online security and anonymity, you might even decide to keep the VPN.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Italy

  • 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 a limited time at $99.95 — an overall saving of 49% from the standard price. As part of this package you also get a bonus three months of usage absolutely free, a year's worth of free and unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Ecuador vs. Jamaica for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Slovakia vs. Romania online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Slovakia vs. Romania in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're down to the last few group games of Euro 2024. The knockout stages are just days away. That's when the action really picks up. No more second chances.

On paper, this Group E fixture between Slovakia and Romania isn't the most exciting face-off in the Euros, but all the group games have implications for the knockout stages. Elsewhere in the group, Belgium and Ukraine kickoff against each other.

Is this the fixture where Slovakia and Romania make their mark on the international football stage? Be sure not to miss it. The group stage can take all kinds of unexpected turns and deliver moments of footballing greatness.

If you want to watch Slovakia vs. Romania in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, here's some useful information.

When is Slovakia vs. Romania?

Slovakia vs. Romania in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. BST on June 26. This fixture takes place at the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt, Germany.

How to watch Slovakia vs. Romania for free

Slovakia vs. Romania in Euro 2024 will broadcast on the BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform in the UK. But to watch it overseas you need a VPN. BBC iPlayer has geo-restrictions, which prevents anyone outside of the UK from accessing it. With a VPN you'll be able to bypass any geo-blocks. The VPN does this by hiding your IP address, which masks your location, and connects to a UK server. You can then access BBC iPlayer and watch Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer to stream Euro 2024 by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream Slovakia vs. Romania in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription fee. So how can you watch Euro 2024 for free? It's simple. VPN providers tend to offer free-trial periods and money-back guarantee deals. Taking advantage of these offers will give you time to watch all the Euro 2024 games — without parting with a single cent. With all the extra benefits to using a VPN, such as improved online security and anonymity, you may even decide to keep the VPN on a more permanent basis.

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for just $99.95 for a limited time — an overall saving of 49%. For that price you'll also get three extra months of usage for free, a whole year of unlimited backup via the cloud, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied with the service.

Stream Slovakia vs. Romania in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Venezuela vs. Mexico online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:00

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

The 2024 Copa America action continues as Venezuela and Mexico face off in Group B. Mexico — who return to the competition after an eight-year absence — are surely the favorites to win this match. Though it's not a foregone conclusion.

It's fair to say that this isn't the greatest period for the Mexican national team, following a disappointing turn in the World Cup. But Mexico have finished as semi-finalists and runners-up in the Copa America several times.

For Venezuela, the goal will be to improve of their performance at the last Copa America, when they finished bottom of the group. Can they surprise Mexico?

If you want to watch Venezuela vs. Mexico in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's how to do it.

When is Venezuela vs. Mexico?

Venezuela vs. Mexico in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 26. This fixture takes place at the SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.

How to watch Venezuela vs. Mexico for free

Venezuela vs. Mexico in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is a free streaming platform. As the name suggests, it's for sports fans in Italy. That means it's geo-blocked in other countries unless you use a VPN. VPNs are handy but powerful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and hook you up to a secure server within Italy. This will allow you to access Sportitalia and watch all the Copa America fixtures, no matter where you are in the world.

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

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

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

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

  4. Visit Sportitalia

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

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

While the best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, top VPN providers usually offer incentive deals, such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can take up these generous offers and access free live streams without spending a dime. All you need to do is sign up and use the trial period, which will give you enough time to watch Venezuela vs. Mexico and plenty more 2024 Copa America fixtures. And who knows? You might even decide to keep the VPN on a permanent basis.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Italy

  • 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 a limited time at $99.95. That's a total saving of 49%. Within this package you also get three extra months of usage at zero cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Venezuela vs. Mexico for free with ExpressVPN.

Last chance: Get this VPN and ad-blocker combo for 3 years for under £20

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Through June 26 only, you can get The Awesome AdGuard 3-Year Subscription Bundle for only £19.68 — that's 91% off.

Cyber threats can be a big concern, but there’s a lot you can do to bolster your privacy and improve your online security. One of the simplest cybersecurity tools that can also make a huge difference is a VPN. If you want a reliable VPN for you and the whole family, try this AdGuard three-year subscription bundle, on sale for a limited time.

This low-cost bundle gives you access to two subscriptions for three years: AdGuard VPN and the AdGuard Ad Blocker Family Plan. Not only can you use these memberships on nine to 10 devices, but you can get them both for a one time purchase of £19.68 (reg. £231.71).

Tighten your digital security 

This AdGuard bundle comes with two subscriptions, one for an individual user with up to 10 devices and one for a family with up to nine devices. 

The individual VPN plan gives you access to AdGuard VPN, a no-log VPN with servers in 60 locations around the world. Stream without geographic restrictions and enjoy the internet anonymously. 

Ads are annoying, but they can also be dangerous. Usually, the simple solution for malvertisements is to turn on an ad blocker (or just not click them), but if you have a family, the younger browsers in the house might not be as diligent or tech savvy. The AdGuard Family Plan lets you install a VPN and ad blocker on multiple devices.

Once it’s installed, AdGuard automatically starts improving your security by blocking web requests from dangerous sites, helping guard you against tracking mechanisms, blocking ads on all browsers and apps, and masking your IP address. No cybersecurity tool is 100% secure, but this one could go a long way in helping your whole family stay safe online. 

Block ads, cyber threats, and more

Both of these subscriptions are available to new users only and last for three years. This deal is only available until June 26 at 12:00 p.m. PT.

Get this AdGuard three-year subscription bundle on sale for £19.68 (reg. £231.71).

Stack Social prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard The Awesome AdGuard 3-Year Subscription Bundle £19.68 at the Mashable Shop
£231.71 Save £212.03 Get Deal

How to watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup semi final for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We have reached the semi-final stages of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, meaning that the four remaining sides are just two games away from immortality. Afghanistan have probably been the story of the competition so far, but they face stiff competition for a place in the final from South Africa.

If you want to watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup semi final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. Afghanistan?

South Africa vs. Afghanistan in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup semi final starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 26. This fixture takes place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.

How to watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan for free

Smartphone users in India can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar, including the semi final between South Africa and Afghanistan.

This free content is geo-restricted to India, but anyone from around the world can access these live streams with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the T20 Cricket World Cup by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the T20 World Cup without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch South Africa vs. Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi final for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Georgia vs. Portugal online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:00

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

It's the final day of the Euro 2024 group games. That means the excitement is about to start all over again as the tournament enters the knockout stages. That's when the competition gets serious and the stakes are higher than ever.

This Group F fixture looks like a foregone conclusion, and it's true that Georgia shouldn't pose too much of a problem for the former Euro champions. But the group stages are always good for a few surprises — right down to the final day — and this could be Cristiano Ronaldo's final Euro tournament, which means all of Portugal's games at Euro 2024 are must-watch.

If you want to watch Georgia vs. Portugal in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, here's some helpful information.

When is Georgia vs. Portugal?

Georgia vs. Portugal in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on June 26. This fixture takes place at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

How to watch Georgia vs. Portugal for free

Georgia vs. Portugal in Euro 2024 will broadcast on ITV and will live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is a free streaming platform, but it's geo-blocked for UK viewers only. If you're watching from outside the UK, you'll need a VPN. A VPN is a handy tool that can obscure your real-world location by masking your IP address and connecting you to a secure server within the UK. That allows you to effectively dodge any geo-restrictions and access ITVX — and the Euro 2024 action — from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Georgia vs. Portugal in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

While the streaming platform is free, the best VPNs for streaming do require an ongoing subscription fee. There is a zero-cost solution, however, as VPN providers offer incentive deals, such as free-trial periods and money-back guarantees. This will give you plenty of time to watch all the Euro 2024 fixtures. And with all the benefits that you get with a leading VPN, such as improved online security and anonymity, you may decide to keep your VPN on a more permanent basis.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

There's currently a great deal on a one-year subscription to ExpressVPN. It's on sale for just $99.95 — that's an impressive 49% saving — but for a limited time only, so don't miss out. The deal includes an extra three months for free, a whole year of unlimited data cloud backup, and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Georgia vs. Portugal in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

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