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SAVE $119.01: As of June 25, get a new, unlocked iPhone 15 (128 GB) for $679.99 at Woot. That's a discount of 15%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Woot! iPhone 15 (128 GB) $679.99 at WootIf you want to make sure you nail those summer vacay photos, it may be time to upgrade your smartphone before the big trip. You're in luck, because there's a great deal at Woot that can net you a new iPhone 15 for a low price today.
As of June 25, get a new, unlocked iPhone 15 (128 GB) at Woot for just $679.99. This configuration normally goes for $799 at Apple, so you're saving $119.01, a 15% discount. Choose between yellow or green colorways or, if you don't like those options, you can always cover them up with a case. Woot says these phones are brand new, but they do not come in retail packaging. They do come with a one-year vendor warranty, but are not eligible for AppleCare.
SEE ALSO: Plenty of Apple deals are live already if you don't want to wait for Prime DayThe iPhone 15 is the latest generation of the iPhone, and comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Apple's A16 Bionic chip and 5-core GPU. Its dual-camera system boasts a 48MP main camera with an ultra-wide lens that'll net you 24MP and 48MP high-resolution photos, complete with 4x optical zoom. Battery life isn't too shabby at an estimated 15 to 20 hours, and the phone's Dynamic Island makes it easy to track activities and notifications while you're doing other things.
If you've been waiting to invest in a new phone, this is a great time to do it. The iPhone 15 is a good step up from the previous generation, and if you're curious about moving over from Android, this model is a nice, discounted option that should provide everything you're looking for in a smartphone. Just act quickly, as this sale is only available for the next 15 hours or until all models sell out.
House of the Dragon fans: Consider this your reminder to separate the actor from the character.
Actor Fabien Frankel experienced the fandom's intense hatred for his character Ser Criston Cole firsthand when people posted harassing comments on his Instagram account. It got so bad that Frankel reportedly had to limit comments on his recent posts.
Tweet may have been deleted SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon': Everything you need to remember about Season 1 in 60 seconds"The Realm is going to war because you're too busy serving face and fashion. Shame on you Ser Criston Cole," commented one user on a post promoting a profile on Frankel in the style magazine Man About Town.
"I hate you. But you're so handsome," commented another on the same post. Some called out Cole's — shall we say — negligence over the young Targaryen heir Jaehaerys being slain in bed, commenting, "Where were you when the heir to the throne was murdered?" Still others shared their desire for Frankel's character to meet a gruesome death. "Man I hope someone jumps this guy," said one commenter.
Ser Criston Cole was already a contender for the most detestable House of the Dragon character when he spitefully switched allegiances to Alicent Hightower in Season 1 — after being rejected by Rhaenyra Targaryen. But when he concocted episode 2's evil twin plot, fueled by his own guilt about breaking his celibacy vow (a lot) by bedding Alicent while the heir presumptive was beheaded, Cole may have surpassed Joffrey Baratheon as the most hated character.
While some vocal House of the Dragon fans are publicly conflating the real Frankel and the fictional Cole, other fans swiftly came to the actor's defense and gave the haters a reality check. "I'm sorry HOTD fans are bothering you, you don't deserve any hate for playing a character, love you Fabien," said one Instagram user in a comment that got 1,893 likes. "Yes. We hate Sir [sic] Criston Cole. Yes, we LOVE Fabien," said another.
Many pointed out that Cole's loathsome antics are a testament to Frankel's acting. "You know an actor has mastered the craft when the audience is unable to separate the fictional character from the real-life human. You are doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work!" said one comment. "You're a very talented actor, ignore the hate. You just play the character so well that people assume you're the same person," said another.
Yes, Ser Criston Cole sucks. But let's keep the hatred to the fictional character who is destabilizing the realm with his impulsive, egotistical behavior, not the actor who makes Cole the character we love to hate.
How to watch: New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Remember Tesla Cybertruck's oversized windshield wiper? The one that appears too large to exist, at least not without malfunctioning in some way? Well, it turns out that it is.
Tesla just issued a recall for over 11,000 Cybertrucks over a windshield wiper issue. The recall includes all model year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from Nov. 13, 2023, to June 6, 2024, which is pretty much all of them given that the Cybertruck deliveries started in Nov. 2023.
"On affected vehicles, the front windshield wiper motor controller may stop functioning due to electrical overstress to the gate driver component," the recall report says. "A non-functioning windshield wiper may reduce visibility in certain operating conditions, which may increase the risk of a collision."
SEE ALSO: Cybertruck buyers are reporting delivery delays due to windshield wiper issueThe report also said that Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries, or deaths relating to the issue.
For Cybertruck owners, this means that they'll have to take their car to a Tesla service center and get the windshield wiper motor replaced.
The Cybertruck's oversized windshield gained notoriety even before the car itself launched with spy shots revealing just how oddly huge it is (compared to any other car's wiper). Tesla CEO Elon Musk also said that the wiper is a big trouble for the car's development, noting that there's "no easy solution" for it.
The chatter about the wiper subsided after the car launched, but it appears that its troublemaking days aren't over.
The company also issued another Cybertruck recall, this one for a trim piece along the truck bed which can come loose and fall off. This one will also need to be replaced or re-attached to avoid losing it.
This is not the Cybertruck's first recall rodeo. The company recalled all of the Cybertrucks it sold in April 2024 due to accelerator pad issues. And unlike many of Tesla's other recalls, which were easily solved with a software update, these Cybertruck recalls required a visit to a service center. All in all, Tesla issued four Cybertruck recalls since the car went on sale.
Yelp is launching a new array of searchable accessibility tags this week, part of the platform's recognition of July's Disability Pride Month.
Users can now sort their results by business features that accommodate visitors with various disabilities. Those features include:
Accessible parking near the establishment's entrance
ADA-compliant main entrances
ADA-compliant restrooms
No steps or stairs at entrances or inside the business
ASL proficient staff
Closed captioning on TVs
Braille menus
QR code menus (used by those who need access to assistive technologies on their own devices)
The updated tags (known as "attributes") are intended to address broader, intersecting accessibility needs for those navigating public spaces and businesses, following the popularity of Yelp's "wheelchair accessible" tag. The new attributes were created in collaboration with disability inclusion groups Disability:IN, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Open to All, and The Arc.
Credit: YelpYelp will also provide accessibility inclusion guidance under a new Accessibility Resources Hub for business owners themselves, designed with information from its nonprofit partners.
"Far too often, people with disabilities do not have access to information to find businesses and services that are accessible to them," said Calla Devlin, managing director of Open to All, a coalition of nonprofits promoting nondiscrimination. "Yelp’s new suite of attributes is an invaluable tool for customers, and Open to All offers resources and guidance for businesses to create welcoming and safe environments for all customers."
Yelp's visual features will be getting a revamp, too, with new AI-powered alternative text descriptions for photos uploaded to the site. The feature harnesses unnamed Large Language Models (LLMs) to automatically generate descriptive alternative text for images for screen readers, Yelp explains. Earlier this year, Yelp announced a new AI assistant, adding to a larger collection of generative AI features integrated on the platform.
"To help people discover and connect with great local businesses, it’s important that they can determine if those businesses will accommodate their needs, especially when it comes to accessibility," said Yelp Senior Vice President of Product Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh. "With these new accessibility attributes, we’re excited to help businesses more clearly indicate their inclusive practices to make it even easier for people to find the right business for them."
After a lengthy, highly publicised legal battle, including five years in a British prison, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is free.
The 52-year-old left the UK for Australia on Tuesday, having fought extradition to the U.S. within the high security Belmarsh prison since 2019.
Assange's freedom is down to a plea deal, the BBC reports, which will see the WikiLeaks founder plead guilty to one charge under the Espionage Act. He was facing life imprisonment for a total of 18 counts in the U.S., including espionage charges over WikiLeaks' publication of classified government documents in 2010 and 2011 and hacking charges over conspiring to break into a Pentagon computer network.
Assange and his supporters have long protested the charges, deeming them a threat to the right to publish, journalism, and free speech.
SEE ALSO: 'I am the canary': Vivienne Westwood protests from giant birdcage for Julian AssangeIn a post on X, the official WikiLeaks account said, "Julian's freedom is our freedom."
"This is the result of a global campaign that spanned grass-roots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators and leaders from across the political spectrum, all the way to the United Nations," the post continues. "This created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a deal that has not yet been formally finalised. We will provide more information as soon as possible."
Tweet may have been deleted"WikiLeaks published groundbreaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions. As editor-in-chief, Julian paid severely for these principles, for the people's right to know."
Assange was arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2019 for failing to surrender to the court, when his asylum was withdrawn by the country. Assange was granted asylum in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden on 2010 charges of sexual assault, which have since been dropped.
According to the Associated Press, Assange will appear in front of a judge in a U.S. federal court on Wednesday in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth. If his plea is accepted, Assange will continue to Australia.
The UK Home Office declined to comment on the deal, only telling the BBC, "As the case is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
Australia's foreign minister, Penny Wong, delivered a statement on Assange's release, speaking to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government's push for the Wikileaks founder to return to his home country of Australia.
"The prime minister and I have been very clear, Mr Assange’s case has dragged on for too long," said Wong. "Over the last two years, the Albanese government has advocated for him to come home."
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 7 is likely officially coming on July 10, but we now know some of the specs and (possibly) the price of the watch, thanks to an apparent leak on Amazon Canada.
The listing on Amazon Canada, discovered by PassionateGeekz, was still live at writing time, enabling us to take a screenshot. It contains no images of the watch, featuring instead images of a Chromebook; and some of the details, such as 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, are obviously related to a Chromebook. But a big chunk of the listing, including the title, seems to be about the upcoming wearable.
Not all of the details fit, but some of this stuff seems to describe the Galaxy Watch 7. Credit: Amazon CanadaAccording to the listing, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 7 will be available in a 40-millimetre size and "Cream" color. An unnamed, three-nanometre chip is powering the watch, and a BioActiveSensor 2 should provide "more accurate measures" of your heart rate both during exercise and sleep.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 leak: 3 big upgrades, including battery and cameraA number of AI-related features are also listed, including a personalized Daily AI companion which will enable "AI Powered Sleep, AI Powered Exercise, and AI Powered Communication" (yes, we're aware that that's as vague as it can be). Also, Galaxy AI "smart reply" will "help find the rights words and tone when replying to messages on the watch."
Finally, the listing mentions a 100-hour battery life in Power Saving Mode, as well as Stamina Mode for very long workouts.
The listing also says the item will "be released on July 10, 2024," which aligns with Samsung's next "Unpacked" event. The price is listed at 358.55 CAD, which is roughly $262.62.
For reference, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 comes in two sizes (40-millimetre and 44-millimetre), and it has a 1.3 or a 1.5-inch AMOLED display. It's powered by a five-nanometre Exynos chip, comes with 16GB of storage memory and 2GB of RAM, and it launched with a starting price of $299.99.
It's worth noting that Samsung accidentally leaked some info on the upcoming Galaxy Watch FE, which is also likely to launch on July 10.
Earth isn't the only world in the solar system with active lakes, rivers, and oceans.
About 880 million miles away in space, Saturn's largest moon Titan is also flush with surface liquid that evaporates, forms clouds in its hazy atmosphere, and rains. Despite this seemingly similar hydrology, the two planetary bodies couldn't be more different: Titan's oceans are made of methane and ethane — not water. Though people tend to think of those chemicals as gasses, they act like liquids on this super-cold moon, like gasoline on Earth.
Despite NASA's Cassini spacecraft mapping more than 620,000 square miles of lakes and oceans on Titan before the end of its mission in 2017, much of how these alien seas behave remains a mystery. But a new study published in Science Advances suggests that these liquids may indeed ripple, surge, and swell against Titan's shorelines, just as water does on Earth.
Whether Titan's oceans are still or have waves has been debated for more than 15 years, said Rose Palermo, a geologist and lead author of the study.
"Some people who tried to see evidence for waves didn't see any, and said, 'These seas are mirror-smooth,'" Palermo said in a statement. "Others said they did see some roughness on the liquid surface but weren't sure if waves caused it."
SEE ALSO: NASA rover finds clear evidence of ancient waves, yes waves, on Mars Titan, one of 146 known moons orbiting Saturn, is the planet's largest. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science InstituteUsing computer models to simulate different erosion mechanisms that occur on Earth, a team mostly composed of MIT geologists found that waves were the likely source of erosion to have formed the coastal shapes seen in Cassini's radar images.
If Titan's oceans exhibit waves, that could give scientists insight into the moon's climate. They could then begin predicting the strength of wind on this world and infer what direction it's often blowing — factors that might be necessary to power such waves.
"If we could stand at the edge of one of Titan's seas," said coauthor Taylor Perron, in a statement, "we might see waves of liquid methane and ethane lapping on the shore and crashing on the coasts during storms."
Tweet may have been deletedIn order to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that Titan's liquids are moving in waves, scientists will eventually need direct views of this activity. That may be possible in the next decade, when NASA's Dragonfly, a helicopter-like robotic spacecraft, arrives at the moon for exploration in 2034. The $3.35 billion mission is slated to launch in 2028.
NASA has made the mission a priority because Titan's icy dunes appear to have the organic ingredients for life — the kinds that we know about, at least — to potentially emerge.
If you asked me a year ago if I was picky about external monitors, I probably would’ve laughed. My pre-owned 27-inch iMac served me well for nearly a decade, and I was satisfied with my desk setup. That is, until my new job sent me a 34-inch curved ultra-wide monitor along with my company laptop. It was an absolute behemoth, laughably large in the tiny home office I share with my partner, but — after leaving that job and replacing my iMac with a new Macbook Air — it left a gaping hole on my desk that I knew I needed to fill.
The lads at the Best Buy return counter can tell you that I started with a huge mistake: a 31-inch full HD monitor that I thought would be perfectly fine, only to discover that once you go 4K, you can’t go back. My next step was a 32-inch Samsung M7 Smart Monitor, which offered a 4K UHD resolution and a host of smart features that transform this external monitor into a television. But as much as I love my Samsung, when I was asked to test the Philips Creator Series 27-inch 4K UHD Monitor, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Philips Creator Series 27E2F7901 price and specsThe Philips Creator Series monitor has an MSRP of $499.99, but we've seen it drop between $329 and $399 on sale.
Some notable specs:
27-inch 4K UHD display
USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort
400 nits brightness
I’ve unboxed four monitors in the past eight months, and the Philips’ Creator Series Monitor is firmly tied for first with my Samsung M7 in terms of first impressions. The packaging was sleek and convenient, the instructions were easy to follow, and I had my new monitor up and running within minutes. The monitor itself is gorgeous, with a sleek silver frame mounted on a sturdy metal base, and it boasts multiple connection options, including USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
The ports available with this Philips Creator Series monitor. Credit: RJ Andersen / MashableEven more impressive, the Philips Creator Series includes a built-in KVM switch, meaning you can see and interact with content from two computers at the same time with a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This 4K monitor also has a DisplayPort that supports daisy chaining. Translation? If your computer also supports daisy chaining, you can plug it directly into this monitor and use the DisplayPort to seamlessly extend your display onto additional monitors.
SEE ALSO: The best laptops for photo editing, according to expert editors and photographers What I love about this monitor: Adjustable orientationOne of my favorite features about this monitor took my by surprise: The ergonomic, adjustable base that offers height adjustment, tilt, and swivel. It might not sound like much, but the ability to adjust the monitor with a single touch was an incredible feature that I used more than I thought I would — especially the ability to rotate the monitor completely into a portrait orientation.
The adjustable base. Credit: RJ Andersen / MashableOnce I figured out how to rotate the monitor’s screen within my MacBook’s settings, I was surprised to discover that I preferred this orientation. I had inadvertently created the perfect second screen to hold more of my “static” programs like my daily to-do list, calendar, Spotify, and Discord. Especially with my multi-screen setup, I loved having the option to rotate the Philips to act as either a functional main display or a secondary vertical monitor. Along with the brightness and crisp 4K display, the Creator Series feels futuristic and cool.
The Philips monitor in portrait orientation. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable What I didn't like about this monitor: Daisy chaining multiple monitorsTruthfully, with a monitor like this, there isn’t a lot to dislike. It is quite a bit pricier than your standard 27-inch monitor, even when comparing it with other 4K UHD models. It also retails for $100 more than my 32-inch Samsung M7 Smart Monitor. The refresh rate is also a little low at only 60 Hz, so it’s not going to be the best gaming monitor when speed is on the line. It should work for casual gamers, but it really depends on your personal preference.
SEE ALSO: The best laptops for video editing, according to an experienced editorThe only other issue I had with this monitor was the DisplayPort out functionality to daisy chain multiple monitors together. While this monitor is fantastic for Mac users, my M2 MacBook Air doesn’t support daisy chaining, which means I wasn’t able to test this functionality fully. After a quick search through Reddit, I was able to find a workaround involving a DisplayLink port, but — as a casual user — I didn’t really want to spend an extra $150 on an additional adapter.
Instead, I stuck with using my MacBook Air as my main display, extending to the Philips via USB-C and extending to my Samsung monitor via Apple Play. It wasn’t the greatest solution, considering there was a significant lag and quality drop when casting from my MacBook to the Samsung monitor, but it was able to give me a taste of what it would be like to daisy chain the two monitors together.
Is the Philips Creator Series 27-Inch 4K UHD Monitor worth it?It depends on how you plan to use it. For the casual user, I’d probably recommend going for a cheaper option — you can get a similar size 4K UHD monitor for a couple hundred dollars less than this one, especially if you wait for a decent sale. However, for creative professionals who need a higher level of brightness and impressive color accuracy for their work, the Creator Series is a smart investment. And if you like the idea of a swivel screen that can support portrait orientation, or you want to utilize the DisplayPort technology to extend your monitors, then it’s definitely worth the splurge.
After testing it out on my own desktop, I can tell you that this 4K monitor delivers a truly gorgeous display that definitely stands out in a crowded market.
Philips Creator Series 27-Inch 4K UHD Monitor $329.99 at AmazonTL;DR: Using Thread technology, you can connect 250+ Apple HomeKit-compatible devices to the Belkin Wemo Smart Plugs and control each one from your phone; get a three-pack of these smart plugs for only $69.99 (reg. $119.97).
Smart home tech has come a long way from timer outlets, microwaves you can text, and lights you turn on/off by clapping. Now, smart plugs actually connect wirelessly (via Bluetooth or Thread) to other devices for more seamless control. That means you can set schedules, make rules, or just enjoy controlling a room full of devices from your phone. All it takes are a few smart plugs around the house.
The Belkin Wemo Smart Plug controls more than just the devices plugged into it. This Apple HomeKit compatible smart plug helps connect your whole smart home, and a three-pack is only $69.99 (reg. $119.97).
Automate your homeThe Wemo WSP100 looks simple, but it has a lot going for it that other smart plugs simply can't match. First, it uses new Thread technology to wirelessly connect to a lot of different compatible devices. So you aren't limited just to the devices you can plug in.
The mesh network can support over 250 devices, so it'd take a pretty hefty power strip to match this smart plug. (And please never plug 250 devices into a single power strip!).
Already looking around the house for devices you can connect? Remember, these plugs only work with Apple HomeKit. They need iOS or MacOS devices along with an Apple Home Hub or Thread-compatible hub to operate. It might sound intimidating if you're still new to smart home tech, but in practice there are only a few boxes to check
Make sure you:
Have an Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer
Have an Apple Home Hub device (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad)
Don't buy things that don't fit the power limitations. This one's power specs are 120V, 15A input, and 1800W at 60 Hz output.
Check new devices for Apple HomeKit compatibility on the box.
Put your whole home on tap with a refreshing improvement over standard smart plugs.
Get a three-pack of Belkin Wemo Smart Plugs for $69.99. Single packs start at just $29.99 (reg. $39.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Wemo Belkin Wemo Smart Plug with Thread for Apple Home Kit (3-Pack) $69.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Pay only $63.99 for the Swym Waterproof Bone-Conduction Headphones, designed to stream your favorite tunes up to 4.9 feet underwater.
Looking to add a soundtrack to your pool adventures? If you're on the hunt for a device that lets you jam out while channeling your inner Katie Ledecky, grab a pair of Swym Waterproof Bone-Conduction Headphones.
With an open-ear design, these headphones let you stream your favorite playlists and podcasts without blocking out the world around you. Great for any outdoor activity involving water and sweat — whether it's hiking, swimming, or running a half-marathon in the rain — these headphones are up for grabs for just $63.99.
Unlike typical headphones that you either jam into or clamp over your ears, these use bone conduction technology, sending soundwaves through vibrations from your cheekbones to your inner ear. Worried about sound leakage? Don’t be. They're designed to deliver powerful sound, even underwater. Plus, with a built-in noise-canceling microphone, you can take calls, too.
You also don't have to worry about experiencing discomfort while practicing your backstroke. These headphones feature an ergonomic design for a comfortable, open-ear fit that stays put no matter how intense your activity is, thanks to the loop over the ears. They're pretty lightweight at only 29 grams, and with an IP68-waterproof rating, they can withstand up to 1.5 meters (around 4.9 feet) of water.
Check them out:
Unlike most underwater bone-conduction headphones, which rely solely on MP3 storage, these also feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can wirelessly link up with your smartphone. Or, if you're feeling nostalgic, you can always load up songs on the built-in 8GB storage.
For a limited time, get the Swym Waterproof Bone-Conduction Headphones on sale for just $63.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Conduction Labs Swym Waterproof Bone-Conduction Headphones $63.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Ahead of the August 9 release date of the Borderlands movie, you can get the Borderlands 2: The Bundle Steam key for PC gaming on sale for the low price of $23.99 (reg. $89.97) for a limited time.
Attention Vault Hunters! With the highly anticipated Borderlands movie set to hit theaters on August 9, there’s no better time to dive into the chaotic world of Pandora.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, the Borderlands 2 bundle offers an affordable opportunity to gear up for the cinematic adventure. For just $23.99 (regularly $89.97), you can immerse yourself in the action-packed story and enjoy all the game’s expansions.
The main video game, Borderlands 2, takes you on a wild ride through the dangerous yet incredibly fun world of Pandora. As one of the four new Vault Hunters, you’ll battle through an array of enemies, uncover secrets, and loot endless treasures.
The game is rated for ages 18 and up. Notable features of the game include new characters and classes, dynamic online and LAN play, and brand-new environments and enemies.
You also get the Borderlands 2 Season Pass, which allows you to unlock additional skills and levels. It also features new campaigns, locations, and enemies and gives you a level cap increase. Discover Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, and more.
The other extension included in the bundle is Borderlands 2: Game of the Year Edition. Here, you get even more add-ons, including the Creature Slaughter Dome battle arena.
Amp up for the August 9 release of the much-anticipated film adaptation with the Borderlands 2: The Bundle Steam key for PC gaming, on sale for the low price of $23.99 (reg. $89.97) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Borderlands Borderlands 2: The Bundle [Steam Key for PC Gaming] $23.99 at The Mashable ShopAstronomers are getting their money's worth.
Scientists used the powerful $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope to peer into some of the deepest cosmos, and for the first time captured views of star clusters inside an extremely ancient galaxy. In the images below, you're viewing these star clusters, which are gravitationally bound groupings of stars, as they existed just 460 million years after the universe's creation. That's looking through 97 percent of cosmic time.
This profoundly deep space view was made possible by the double whammy of the Webb telescope's unprecedented sensitivity — its over 21-foot-wide gold-plated mirrors detect extremely faint sources of light — and a natural phenomenon called a "gravitational lens." In the foreground sits a massive cluster of galaxies, each containing hundreds of billions of stars, millions of black holes, and perhaps trillions of planets. The combined mass of these galaxies warps space, like a bowling ball sitting on a mattress. It creates a giant magnifying lens.
"Webb's incredible sensitivity and angular resolution at near-infrared wavelengths, combined with gravitational lensing provided by the massive foreground galaxy cluster, enabled this discovery," Larry Bradley, an astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute which manages the Webb telescope, said in a statement.
"No other telescope could have made this discovery," Bradley, who led the new research published in the science journal Nature, added.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.The image below shows this unprecedented cosmic view.
- On right: Almost every object in this image is an entire galaxy (besides the six-pointed stars in the foreground). The white galaxies at center make up the massive galaxy cluster SPT-CL J0615−5746, which creates the gravitational lens.
- On left: Two lensed, or magnified, galaxies. The galaxy on bottom, dubbed the "Cosmic Gems arc," is shown with a number of separate star clusters. There are actually five, but gravitational lensing can sometimes, under the right viewing alignment from our perch in space, create mirror-images of objects.
The image on left shows Webb's zoomed in view of two gravitationally lensed galaxies, with the Cosmic Gems arc seen on the bottom. Credit: ESA Webb / NASA / CSA / L. Bradley (STScI) / A. Adamo (Stockholm University) / Cosmic Spring collaboration Tweet may have been deletedAstronomers are using Webb to learn about the creation of the earliest stars and galaxies — ultimately revealing more about our cosmic history in the Milky Way galaxy. What's more, astronomers suspect these first galaxies — and massive star clusters inside that may eventually form even larger "globular star clusters" — emitted intense radiation into the early universe, and eventually broke down dense clouds of gas that had saturated space, making it largely opaque. Ultimately, this ended the universe's "Dark Ages." Brilliant starlight was no longer hidden; the light was finally unleashed, about 1 billion years after the universe began.
"No other telescope could have made this discovery."Today, with the aid of Webb, we can see these momentous objects from primordial space.
"The surprise and astonishment was incredible when we opened the Webb images for the first time," Angela Adamo, an astronomer at Stockholm University who also authored the research, marveled in a statement. "We saw a little chain of bright dots, mirrored from one side to the other — these cosmic gems are star clusters! Without Webb we would not have known we were looking at star clusters in such a young galaxy!"
The Webb telescope's powerful abilitiesThe Webb telescope — a scientific collaboration between NASA, the ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency — is designed to peer into the deepest cosmos and reveal new insights about the early universe. But it's also peering at intriguing planets in our galaxy, along with the planets and moons in our solar system.
Here's how Webb is achieving unparalleled feats, and likely will for decades:
- Giant mirror: Webb's mirror, which captures light, is over 21 feet across. That's over two-and-a-half times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror. Capturing more light allows Webb to see more distant, ancient objects. As described above, the telescope is peering at stars and galaxies that formed over 13 billion years ago, just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang.
"We're going to see the very first stars and galaxies that ever formed," Jean Creighton, an astronomer and the director of the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, told Mashable in 2021.
- Infrared view: Unlike Hubble, which largely views light that's visible to us, Webb is primarily an infrared telescope, meaning it views light in the infrared spectrum. This allows us to see far more of the universe. Infrared has longer wavelengths than visible light, so the light waves more efficiently slip through cosmic clouds; the light doesn't as often collide with and get scattered by these densely packed particles. Ultimately, Webb's infrared eyesight can penetrate places Hubble can't.
"It lifts the veil," said Creighton.
- Peering into distant exoplanets: The Webb telescope carries specialized equipment called spectrographs that will revolutionize our understanding of these far-off worlds. The instruments can decipher what molecules (such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane) exist in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets — be they gas giants or smaller rocky worlds. Webb will look at exoplanets in the Milky Way galaxy. Who knows what we'll find?
"We might learn things we never thought about," Mercedes López-Morales, an exoplanet researcher and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, told Mashable in 2021.
Already, astronomers have successfully found intriguing chemical reactions on a planet 700 light-years away, and as described above, the observatory has started looking at one of the most anticipated places in the cosmos: the rocky, Earth-sized planets of the TRAPPIST solar system.
TL;DR: Score an open-box Apple Pencil on sale for $59.99 for a limited time.
The iPad has evolved from being just a jumbo iPhone into a near-laptop powerhouse. But let's be real, you're going to need an Apple Pencil to handle video editing, illustration, animation, and more like a pro, and we all know that thing isn't exactly cheap.
Want to save some cash on this high-tech stylus? Skip the sketchy knockoffs and go for an open-box Apple Pencil instead. At just $59.99, it's over $60 cheaper than a newly packaged second-generation model. The best part? This one's brand-new, too.
To be clear, an open-box model is not a refurbished unit. It's just been chilling on store shelves, or maybe it was returned, with its packaging showing signs of handling. But it's been sent back to the warehouse and verified to be in brand-new condition, so you can rest assured that it's mint when you finally get your hands on it.
Function-wise, it's in tip-top shape. This stylus, which happens to be the 2023 model, takes notes, sketches, marks up documents, and more. It boasts natural control and pixel-perfect precision, making you feel as if you're using pen and paper. It delivers impressive responsiveness regardless of whether you're scribbling, drawing, writing this week's grocery list, or just playing Candy Crush.
It also pairs and charges seamlessly with USB-C for a streamlined experience, and when not in use, you just have to click it into place on the side of your iPad magnetically, and it will stick securely as if it belongs there (it kinda does).
Upgrade your iPad experience with this open-box Apple Pencil. The open-box deal usually goes for $79 (and a brand-new model for $129), but you can get it on sale for only $59.99 for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil USB-C (New - Open Box) $59.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: For a limited time, get lifetime access to Imaget Bulk Image Downloader while it's on sale for $29.95 (reg. $99.95).
The ability to manage and instantly download large numbers of images quickly and efficiently can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a social media manager, a marketer, a blogger, or a content creator, this tool can help you handle your image work easier.
Lifetime access to the Imaget Bulk Image Downloader is on sale for $29.95 (reg. $99.95), and it works on both Mac and Windows desktops. It allows you to easily and quickly download images from any website, including faves like Instagram, Pinterest, Giphy, Google, and more.
Downloading images one by one can be a tedious and time-consuming task. With Imaget Bulk Image Downloader, you can streamline this process by downloading multiple images simultaneously with just a few clicks. It also maintains the image's original quality.
Ideal for anyone who needs to gather large quantities of images from websites quickly, it's an affordable way to speed things up. Customize your image selection with sizing filters, auto-scroll to extract all of the images and GIFs on a webpage, and download images by pasting a list of image URLs or by opening multiple tabs.
This productivity tool offers easy album creation to organize your images. It's also designed with a user-friendly interface that does not require technical expertise to master.
One of the standout features of Imaget Bulk Image Downloader is its Lifetime Plan, which allows you to use the software on up to five devices for life. This means you can install it on multiple desktops or share it with team members, making it a great value for both individual and professional use.
Get lifetime access to the Imaget Bulk Image Downloader while it's on sale for $29.95 (reg. $99.95).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Imaget Imaget Bulk Image Downloader for Desktop Only: Lifetime Plan (5 Devices) $29.95 at The Mashable ShopIn the wake of a rare diagnosis that threatened to derail her 40-year music career, Canadian singer Celine Dion allowed a documentary crew into her Las Vegas home to introduce a new side of herself in I Am: Celine Dion. Considering all the sides she's already presented to audiences over decades of concerts, albums, and TV appearances, this in and of itself is an achievement, as Dion is as multifaceted as a diamond.
One side of her is the belter of rousing love songs, like '90s hits "Because You Loved Me," "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," or the Titanic theme, "My Heart Will Go On." Beyond these glamorous romantic tracks, she's got a dizzying catalog of songs in French and English, with which she has toured the world, won five Grammy Awards, built a big and fervent fandom, and created a successful Las Vegas residency. Her performance style is eccentric, led by confidence, bespoke jumpsuits, and a flinging of limbs that is unapologetically enthusiastic — if not a bit goofy. It's little wonder that she's inspired the bizarre unofficial biopic Aline, the off-Broadway jukebox musical Titanique, and countless drag queens. But that's not all.
In I Am: Celine Dion, which is peppered with concert footage and home movies, the world-famous singer also reminds us of her funny side, with clips from her Titanic boat ride performance for The Late Late Show with James Corden and giving her all for another theme song, "Out of Ashes" for Deadpool 2.
Watching such clips one after another, I Am: Celine Dion urges audiences to recognize that while Dion takes her craft seriously, she refuses to take herself seriously. Her diva stage persona is bolstered by a quirky ability to laugh at her own indulgences. Her ability to make us cry through her song is born from the vulnerability she shares generously. And with this documentary, she's more vulnerable than fans have ever seen her before.
I Am: Celine Dion is no tedious music bio-doc. Credit: Amazon MGM StudiosIf you're looking for a bog-standard documentary that baby steps audiences from Dion's Quebec childhood to her career launch at Eurovision '88 through her controversial romance with her manager, the late René Angélil, and on to mega-stardom — look elsewhere. Documentarian Irene Taylor refuses to be so predictable.
There will be no talking heads of colleagues or influenced artists or critics or historians weighing in on who Dion is. Instead, this doc is firmly rooted in Dion talking about herself, which is inherently fascinating. While some divas might be seeking overt control over their narrative, determined to keep anything unglamorous or potentially damning off-screen, Dion is willing to show us not just her personal life but also her harrowing battle with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes stiffness and seizures of the muscles.
SEE ALSO: 10 best music docs on Prime Video, for when you need to let your hair downIn interviews, Dion explains the long journey of getting this diagnosis, the prescribed medications she took to stave it off so she could perform, and the hardships now that these coping methods no longer serve her. The progression of the disease could mean the end of her performing career, a possibility she is openly terrified about. But it's not that her work or her art is all she has. Dion is up front about the many blessings in her life, like her family.
The film begins with a playful interview in which Taylor steps aside to let the singer's teen sons, Nelson and Eddy, offer some questions of their own. Even when the question seems simple — "What's your favorite color?" — Dion regards it thoughtfully, inviting in their perspective. Often, she appears in these at-home interviews with little to no make-up on. Yet this doesn't feel like a ploy to paint her as just like us.
One sequence — perhaps the film's funniest — shows Dion touring her personal warehouse of mementos, which includes everything from haute couture worn on red carpets to crayon drawings from her children, all lovingly stored and inventoried. It's that scene from Hacks, but more remarkable because this is real. Surrounded by essentially a museum of Celine Dion, it's somehow both sweet and silly to hear the singer go on a rant about how she loves shoes so much she will will them to fit, size be damned! "When a girl loves her shoes," she explains, "She always makes them fit." In this, she seems relatable, but also defiant in a way that is distinctly Dion.
But for all these tender moments, there are some really tough ones.
I Am: Celine Dion is shocking in how much of her struggles it shows.As teased in the film's trailer, the documentary does present footage of Dion in a prolonged and painful seizure. Early on, Taylor shows a brief clip of this sequence, which cynics might think of as a way to tantalize with the shocking climax. But considering the clear affection the film has for its subject — swirling in a cycle of current confessions to nostalgic highlights of Dion's career — I suspect this early moment is more a warning of what's to come. Not intended to hang like a looming cloud over the sunshine that is Dion reflecting on her life and playing with her children during COVID lockdown, this brief clip is about giving the audience a chance to brace themselves for how hard this will get.
However, while the seizure scene is alarming — both for the clear distress Dion is in and for the intense intimacy of seeing such a private moment — there's something even more shocking here. Celine Dion allows us to see her fail.
In an interview, she explains how stiff person syndrome has impaired her vocal cords, making it harder than ever before for her to hit those high notes that dazzle audiences worldwide. Within that, she struggles with her identity. Who is she if not the Celine Dion who can hit the notes that makes us all drop jaw in awe? Who is Celine Dion if not her?
So, when she lets the cameras into a studio session, it feels even more personal than letting us in on the medical alert. Here she is, before the mic, and we know how scared she is that this is it. This could be her defeat, the end of the concerts, the cheering, the connecting, the end of her career. The tension is awful as we witness her fight with her own body. I Am: Celine Dion shows audiences how raw and real her struggle to reclaim the life and vocation she loves is. There will be no chipper Hollywood ending, promising us that the tough times are behind her and her next world tour is just around the corner. Instead, the film leaves us in a moment of mixed emotions, where Dion has found a win in reclaiming her voice but a loss in her body's reaction to that.
Essentially, I Am: Celine Dion is a tale of resilience. While many music docs look to bolster legends or build legacies, Dion's ends on a bit of an ellipsis, uncertain what might come next for her. But as the past footage of good times (her concerts, her TV appearances, home movies of the birth of first-born) and bad (her husband's funeral, her slipping up on stage), there's a gentle reminder that she is not just what she can do, but also what she can endure.
Far from a fluffy documentary that fawns over its subject, I Am: Celine Dion is a roller-coaster of emotions that leaves audiences with a mix of elation and uncertainty. But most incredibly, it gives one of music's biggest stars her voice back.
How to watch: I Am: Celine Dion is now streaming on Prime Video.
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 25 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 25Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, June 25, 2024:
Across"___ your other question ..."The answer is asto.
The answer is chirp.
The answer is condo.
The answer is tweet.
The answer is SRs.
The answer is acct.
The answer is show.
The answer is tines.
The answer is order.
The answer is pots.
TL;DR: Watch Netherlands vs. Austria in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are just a few days left of the Euro 2024 group games. By this point we have a good idea of which teams are going through to the knockout stages.
But there are always a few surprises in the groups, which makes every game at this stage of the competition a must-watch fixture — including this Group D decider.
The Netherlands are well experienced on the international stage. They won the Euros back in 1988 and they've reached the semi finals twice since. But Austria are a team on the up in recent years. Could they cause the Orange Army problems?
If you want to watch Netherlands vs. Austria in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, check out the below information.
When is Netherlands vs. Austria?Netherlands vs. Austria in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. BST on June 25. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
How to watch Netherlands vs. Austria for freeNetherlands vs. Austria in Euro 2024 will be broadcast by the BBC, which includes free live streaming on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform for viewers based in the UK only. It has geo-restrictions that ordinarily block anyone outside the UK from accessing it. But you will be able to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world by using a VPN. If you've never used a VPN before, it's a useful tool that can hide the digital location of your IP address. It can also connect you with a UK server, thereby allowing you to bypass any geo-restrictions and access BBC iPlayer.
Access BBC iPlayer to stream Euro 2024 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 Netherlands vs. Austria in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming aren't free unfortunately, but there are still ways to use them without opening your wallet. VPNs tend to offer free trial periods and money-back guarantees. This allows you to sign up and watch all the Euro 2024 games before cancelling your subscription. It's not a long-term VPN solution but it should give you enough time to watch all the top Euro 2024 action.
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 on offer, costing just $99.95 for a limited time only — that's an impressive saving of 49% off the standard price. The plan includes three bonus months at no extra cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back promise.
Stream Netherlands vs. Austria in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Peru vs. Canada 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 with this Group A clash — Peru vs. Canada. The Peruvians are experienced at the Copa America toiurnament — they're former champions who regularly finish in the quarter and semi finals or even runners up.
Canada on the other hand are entering their very first Copa America, which comes hot the heels of a spirited effort in the most recent World Cup — the Canadians' first World Cup appearance in a whopping 36 years.
The Canadians are certainly the ultimate underdogs of the 2024 Copa America, but are they an international team that's on the rise? Nabbing a point or three against Peru here would be a major result. All of which means Peru vs. Canada is must-watch.
If you want to watch Peru vs. Canada in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Peru vs. Canada?Peru vs. Canada in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on June 25. This fixture takes place at the Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City.
How to watch Peru vs. Canada for freePeru vs. Canada in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.
Sportitalia is an Italian free streaming platform. It's geo-restricted to Italy, but viewers in other countries can access it by using a VPN. If you've never used a VPN before, it can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy. This will allow you to watch Sportitalia from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Copa America 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 Italy
Visit Sportitalia
Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world
While the best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, top VPN suppliers generally offer free trial periods or money-back guarantee incentives. You can take advantage of these deals to gain access to free live streams — and all without parting with any cash. It's a short-term fix, but these deals will give you enough time to watch Peru vs. Canada, not to mention all the other games in the 2024 Copa America. And with all the advantages of 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 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 $99.95 for a limited time — that's a total saving of 49% — which includes an extra three months for free. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Peru vs. Canada for free with ExpressVPN.
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