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How to watch France vs. Poland online for free

Mashable - Tue, 06/25/2024 - 00:03

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

France began Euro 2024 as one of the favorites to win. But how are the French faring after Group D fixtures against Netherlands and Austria? This final group stage match against Poland should give an indication of just how far France can go.

It's almost a quarter century since France last raised the European Championship, but they've won the World Cup — and reached a second World Cup final — in the past six years. France are very much in it to win it. Which isn't surprising with world class players such as Kylian Mbappe and Oliver Giroud in the squad.

But Poland are the kind of team that knows how to cause problems — even for big hitters like France. This promises to be a can't-miss clash as the tournament gets ready to progress into the exciting knockout stages.

If you want to watch France vs. Poland in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, check out the below information.

When is France vs. Poland?

France vs. Poland in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. BST on June 25. This fixture takes place at the BVB Stadion Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany.

How to watch France vs. Poland for free

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

To access the UK-based BBC iPlayer from overseas, all you need is a VPN. BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform but it's also geo-blocked, which would usually restrict anyone outside the UK from accessing it. A VPN will help you sidestep restrictions by masking the location of your IP address and connecting you with a UK server, so BBC iPlayer recognises you as watching from within the UK.

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 France vs. Poland 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 BBC iPlayer is free to use, the best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription fee. But you'll still be able to use a VPN to watch Euro 2024 and not spend a penny. How? VPN providers will usually offer free trial periods and money-back guarantees. This will allow you to sign up and watch all the Euro 2024 fixtures. Just cancel before it actually costs you anything. That should give you enough time to watch all the top Euro 2024 action. You may even decide to keep the deal as there are other benefits to using a VPN — particularly online security and anonymity.

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 at the bargain price of just $99.95 — that's an impressive saving of 49% but for a limited time only. Within that plan you'll also get three bonus months of usage at no extra cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a guarantee to get your money back after 30 days if you're unsatisfied with the product.

Stream France vs. Poland in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Denmark vs. Serbia online for free

Mashable - Tue, 06/25/2024 - 00:02

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

In world football terms, the European Championships are second only to the World Cup. That's why football fans were counting down the weeks until Euro 2024 action.

And as Denmark face Serbia in Group C, the tournament is about the crank up a few levels — this is one of several last chance group games that will ultimately decide the line-up of the Euro 2024 knockout stages.

It hasn't been walk in the park for any of the teams in Group C, particularly with bookies' favorites England in the group too. Denmark were held to a disappointing draw against Slovenia in their opening game while Serbia are still looking to prove themselves on the international stage.

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

When is Denmark vs. Serbia?

Denmark vs. Serbia in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on June 25. This fixture takes place at the Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany.

How to watch Denmark vs. Serbia for free

Denmark vs. Serbia in Euro 2024 will broadcast on ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-blocked to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform by using a VPN. If you've never used a VPN before, it's a simple fix. A VPN can hide the location of your IP address and connect you with a secure server in the UK. That allows you to get around geo-restrictions and access ITVX 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 Denmark vs. Serbia in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free to use — they require a subscription cost — so how can you watch Euro 2024 for free? VPN providers tend to have incentive offers, such as try-before-you-buy trial periods and money-back guarantees. Use these offers to access ITVX and watch the Euro 2024 fixtures for no cost whatsoever. Just cancel your subscription in time. And who knows? With all the benefits that you get with a VPN, such as online security and anonymity, you may decide to keep it.

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, but for a limited time only. The deal includes an extra three months for free, a year of unlimited data cloud backup, and 30-day money-back guarantee. You get all that with 49% saving off the standard price.

Stream Denmark vs. Serbia in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Chile vs. Argentina online for free

Mashable - Tue, 06/25/2024 - 00:02

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

Argentina are favorites to win the 2024 Copa America. They're the defending Copa America champions, having beaten Brazil in 2012. Not to mention world champions, of course, after winning the 2022 World Cup. And with GOAT Lionel Messi in the squad, the Argentinians are only ever one kick away from footballing brilliance.

But this Group A fixture with Chile is far from a walk in the park for the Argentinians. Chile have won the Copa America twice in the last decade. This could an early contender for the tournament's most thrilling game.

And though it's held in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, you don't have to be in the United States to enjoy this game — or any other game in the 2024 Copa America.

If you want to watch Chile vs. Argentina in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Chile vs. Argentina?

Chile vs. Argentina in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 25. This fixture takes place at the MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey.

How to watch Chile vs. Argentina for free

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

Sportitalia is an Italian free streaming platform. It's geo-blocked outside of Italy, but viewers in other countries can access it by using a VPN. A VPN is a clever tool can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server based in Italy. This will allow you to access Sportitalia wherever 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 suppliers tend to offer incentives such as free trial periods or money-back guarantee. Take up these generous offers to watch free live streams, with zero cost in the long-term. And though it's definitely a short-term fix, these deals will give you just enough time to watch Chile vs. Argentina, along with all the other action in the 2024 Copa America. And with all the benefits of using a VPN, which include improved online security and anonymity, you may even decide to use a 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 — that's a saving of 49% off the standard price — 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. This offer is available for a limited time only, so don't miss out.

Live stream Chile vs. Argentina for free with ExpressVPN.

Score a Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for under £20 (yes, really)

Mashable - Tue, 06/25/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Save 87% on a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at the Mashable Shop. Pay only £19.68 (reg. £156.86) through June 26.

You don't necessarily have to buy a new computer to upgrade your tech arsenal. Sometimes, all it takes is installing a brand-new operating system to boost your productivity and enhance your computer's security. If you happen to have a Windows PC that meets the necessary requirements, consider breathing new life into it by upgrading to Microsoft 11 Pro.

Through June 26, the coveted Microsoft Windows 11 Pro lifetime license is on sale for £19.68. Once you set up the new Windows OS on your device, you're set for life. Your device's license will never expire. This OS boasts a bunch of nifty features, including a new-and-improved interface, advanced security, an elevated gaming experience, and access to Copilot AI features.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is great for modern professionals, especially those working in a remote or hybrid setup. For instance, if you're a stickler for security, the OS packs BitLocker device encryption, meaning you can lock your device remotely so no one else can access its contents. Windows Information Protection is included too, allowing you to remotely manage your system to prevent data leaks. Plus, you can also take advantage of biometrics login, Smart App control, advanced antivirus defenses, and more. 

In terms of usability, enjoy Windows 11 Pro's new interface, which includes snap layouts, seamless redocking, better voice-typing, and a more powerful search experience. It's primed for gaming too, thanks to DirectX12 Ultimate, which bolsters the quality of your computer's graphics, resulting in more immersive gaming. 

You'll have all these benefits and more with a one-time purchase of the license. You can install it on up to two devices, provided that they have 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space.

Until June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can grab a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro for only £19.68 (reg. £156.86).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: Lifetime License £19.68 at the Mashable Shop
£156.86 Save £137.18 Get Deal

How to watch England vs. Slovenia online for free

Mashable - Tue, 06/25/2024 - 00:00

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

The final round of Euro 2024 group stage fixtures will decide the fate of a number of competing countries. Group C has provided a lot of entertainment, with a number of big games between closely matched sides.

We're expecting another tough battle between England and Slovenia. If you want to watch England vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Slovenia?

England vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on June 25. This fixture takes place at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany.

How to watch England vs. Slovenia for free

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

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ITVX from abroad.

Access ITVX from anywhere in the world 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 England vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every Euro 2024 fixture for free.

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 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.

Stream England vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 25

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for June 25's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Enjoying your food a little too much.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1102 is...

SAVOR.

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

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 25

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 21:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for June 25's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Gossip

  • Green: Break apart

  • Blue: Words with a silent letter

  • Purple: The secret to success

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Divulge, As Private Information

  • Green: Divide

  • Blue: Silent "K"

  • Purple: Key to Success, So To Speak

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #379 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Divulge, As Private Information: DISH, SPILL, TALK, TELL

  • Divide: BRANCH, FORK, PART, SPLIT

  • Silent "K": DOORKNOB, KNIFE, TOPKNOT, UNKNOWN

  • Key to Success, So To Speak: FORMULA, RECIPE, SECRET, TICKET

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

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

Fake Elon Musk livestreams promoting crypto scams keep popping up on YouTube

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 16:43

Is there any end in sight to fake Elon Musk livestream scams on YouTube?

Over the weekend, Engadget reported on a YouTube broadcast featuring Elon Musk talking at what appears to be a Tesla conference-type event. The livestream had over 30,000 viewers at one point according to Engadget.

One problem: It wasn't real. The fake live event is part of an ongoing cryptocurrency scam on YouTube.

Fake Elon Musk livestreams on YouTube continue to flourish

The scammers that take part in this particular scheme appear to focus solely on YouTube to perpetrate their fraudulent activity.

The idea behind it is simple. Scammers broadcast a video of Elon Musk speaking at some event as a livestream. Oftentimes, these broadcasts feature real video of Musk on a loop. The audio can be either a fake AI generated voice that sounds like Musk or real audio from a Musk speech that's generic enough that it can be just about anything.

The on-screen graphics, however, portray the event as a live talk from Musk about cryptocurrency. These often include links or QR codes to the crypto scam, urging viewers to get in on this opportunity before the livestream ends.

There's another crucial element to this scam. These live videos are often being streamed on hijacked YouTube channels that people are already subscribed to. These hacked channels can have hundreds of thousands of subscribers, so there's a built-in audience that YouTube notifies because a channel that these users are subscribers to just went "live." The scammer usually changes the name of the YouTube channel in order to make it appear like an official Musk or Tesla-related account.

In this particular case over the weekend, the hacked channel had more than 10,000 subscribers and was also verified by YouTube. The channel was renamed "Tesla" with the YouTube handle "@elon.teslastream."

While Engadget viewed the livestream with as much as 30,000 concurrent live viewers at one point, it's unclear how many of those were actual real people. YouTube often promotes and recommends livestreams based on how many users are currently watching the stream. Its possible that a chunk of that viewership were bots in order to game the YouTube algorithm into pushing the video into users' feeds.

While Musk and Tesla are most commonly utilized to push these YouTube livestream crypto scams, scammers have altered the strategy a bit at times. For example, in April, Mashable reported on a SpaceX version of this scam that weaponized the solar eclipse in order to perpetuate their crypto scheme on YouTube.

Nearly four years ago, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak actually sued YouTube over Bitcoin scam livestreams that were using his likeness. So, this has clearly been going on for quite a while now. And, unfortunately, it looks like these fake YouTube livestream schemes are going to continue on, at least for the foreseeable future.

20+ Pre-Prime Day printer deals: Get a printer-scanner combo for $59.99

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 15:26
Early savings on printers and scanners: BEST HP DEAL HP Smart Tank Plus 651 inkjet printer $199.99 at Amazon (save $90) Get Deal BEST CANON DEAL Canon Pixma TR4720 inkjet printer $69 at Amazon (save $30.99) Get Deal BEST EPSON DEAL Epson Expression Home XP-4200 inkjet printer $59.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST KODAK DEAL Kodak Dock Plus 4PASS dye-sub photo printer bundle $129.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal

While Amazon hasn't officially made its Prime Day date announcement, we know it's coming in July. And in typical Prime Day fashion, early deals are already popping up. And if you're in need of a printer or scanner in particular, you can already score a sweet discount.

These printer and scanner deals aren't official Prime Day deals, but they're available to shop as of this writing. To help you save, we've rounded up the best live deals on inkjet printers, laser printers, scanners, and portable photo printers from top brands like HP and Epson. If you'd rather avoid the chaos of shopping on Prime Day, or you just need a printer or scanner ASAP, rest assured you'll still be getting a good deal.

We'll be updating this list with the best Prime Day deals on printers and scanners as they pop up, so if you don't see what you're looking for yet, keep checking back. We expect more discounts to keep flooding in as we get closer to the July shopping event.

Best printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Smart Tank Plus 651 inkjet printer $199.99 at Amazon
$289.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The most annoying thing about printers? Running out of ink whenever you actually need to print something important. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 comes with Original HP Ink bottles that will cover you for up to two years of printing. That's 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black-and-white pages right out of the box. It can print, copy, scan, and fax and features a 35-page automatic document feeder, borderless prints, and mobile and wireless printing. While it lacks some more advanced features, it makes up for them in printing volume, compact design, and price.

It's regularly $289.99, but you can pick it up at Amazon for just under $200 ahead of the official Prime Day printer deals we expect in July. That's not bad considering it covers your ink costs for two years. It's also down to its lowest price on record. You can also pick up the same deal at Best Buy, Walmart, and HP direct at the time of writing.

More early Prime Day printer deals

Inkjet printers

Laser printers

Photo printers (dye-sub)

Early Prime Day scanner deals

Amazon TV deals ahead of Prime Day are actually pretty good

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 15:18

Prime Day can surely be counted as one of the best times of year to buy a TV depending on the type of TV you're in the market for. If that's a budget-friendly QLED model or Fire TV, you're in luck — you even have a handful of options for decent deals before Prime Day actually starts.

While Amazon hasn't marked any of these deals as official early Prime Day deals yet, several are worth considering if you want that new TV now (rather than waiting until Prime Day officially starts). More than one match the lowest price we've ever seen on those models at Amazon, or are close (some deals are exclusive to Prime members, but most are open to everyone for now). The deals are already more impressive than the sorry showing of TV deals at last week's Walmart+ event, where there was barely a worthwhile QLED deal in sight.

SEE ALSO: The best 4th of July deals are already happening — here's what you need to know

Several TVs at Amazon also currently have a 90-day free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited attached to them — a nice $11ish per month break from Spotify or Apple Music if you're currently paying for that.

We'll be updating our list of TVs on sale at Amazon throughout the weeks leading up to Prime Day and will keep you posted when Amazon makes the big switch to official early Prime Day deals. For now, deals with a strikeout were either sold out or no longer available at their best sale price when we last checked. Anything marked with a 🔥 has dropped to an all-time low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Q6 QLED 4K TV $478.00 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $221.99 Get Deal Why we like it

TCL's Q6 TV is one of the most impressive cheap QLED TVs out there right now, so the opportunity to score the big 65-inch version for even less than $500 (just $30 away from the lowest price it has ever reached at Amazon) is pretty exciting for anyone looking to ditch their old muted LED TV. For the price, the Q6 gets bright enough to make HDR worthwhile, complemented by the noticeable boosted color accuracy from the layer of quantum dots.

More TVs on sale at Amazon

Plenty of Apple deals are live already if you don't want to wait for Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 14:34
Early Prime Day Apple deals to watch: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,129 at Amazon (Save $170) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $569.99 at Amazon (Save $29.01) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329.99 at Amazon (Save $99.01) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max $449 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal

There may not be a specific date announcement for Prime Day yet (beyond sometime in July), but what we do have is Apple deals that are already live.

To be clear, these deals aren't officially affiliated with the sale — they simply happen to be live in the weeks leading up to Prime Day. While Prime Day deals often do bring products — even Apple products — down to record low prices, it can also be a particularly hectic time to shop as people fight for hot-ticket items before they're sold out.

Plus, shopping early doesn't mean you're getting subpar deals: the 15-inch MacBook Air that came out just this past March is $170 off and down to a record low price, the Apple Watch Series 9 is nearly $100 off, and even the new M4 iPad Pros are discounted.

As we wait for Prime Day Apple deals to land, we'll be keeping our eyes out for early deals and updating this post as they crop up. Until then, check out some of the best Apple deals ahead of Prime Day 2024:

iMac and MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,299.00 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M3 MacBook Air (15-inch).

It's no secret that Apple laptops fall into a more premium price range, and that's especially true when you're looking at anything beyond an entry-level model. That's why we appreciate the pricing of this 15-inch MacBook Air, which gets you a wider display at a price you'd expect from a 13-inch model. Along with the extra screen space, you'll be getting a six-speaker sound system, WiFi 6E support, a great keyboard, and the ability to connect two external displays (while the laptop is closed). At $1,129, this is the lowest price we've seen this laptop hit. And if you have a bigger budget, configurations with more built-in storage and memory are also on sale.

More iMac and MacBook deals

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

Mac

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: 4 'Apple Intelligence' features you won't see until 2025 iPad deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $569.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal Why we like it

There aren't too many stellar iPad deals yet, but what this deal lacks in a hefty discount, it makes up in what's actually being discounted: this brand new iPad Air was just released in May, so any sale at all is impressive. Sure, the discount is only about $30, but that's $30 off a tablet with an M2 chip and starting storage of 128GB, beating the 2022 Air's M1 and 64GB combo. If you're not quite in need of the M4 Pro experience and instead want a tablet that can run most programs without a hitch, whether you're gaming, taking notes, or making some art, the M2 iPad Air is a great choice.

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SEE ALSO: New iPad Pro has a massive, hidden improvement, and it has to do with the battery Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329.99 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

What better way to enjoy the exceptional display brightness of the Series 9 than with the largest display you can possibly get? Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder appreciated that this watch introduced Double Tap but wrote in his review that the 2000 nit max brightness and minimum of one nit make this watch incredibly functional to use in the middle of a sunny day, or in the darkness of your room in the early morning. Apple Watches haven't introduced a ton of exciting upgrades over the years, but we do like that with this sale price, you can grab the 45mm Series 9 for about $70 cheaper than you would the 41mm Series 9 at full price.

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AirPods and Apple accessories deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $449.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

To be blunt, we don't consider the AirPods Max one of the best headphones out there anymore. They're missing key features, like a power button and a 3.5mm audio jack. Though they still sound great, they're way overpriced in 2024. However, we understand that some Apple fans treasure the only over-ear AirPods, so when they get a good discount, we make sure to note it. At $449, they're about $20 away from their lowest price ever, but it's been quite a while since they've hit that price. Even catching them at $100 off can be trickier these days, so if you're not trying to wait and see if Apple will announce new and improved AirPods Maxes later this year, this is a decent time to buy.

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The best internet moments of 2024, from the rise of Chappell Roan to AI fails

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 14:23

The internet moves fast, and we keep up with it, so you don't have to. In this list, we sift through the metaphorical cream that rises to the top of the cultural cesspool we call the World Wide Web, recapping the tech flubs, film faves, and charming catchphrases that have defined 2024 so far.

SEE ALSO: The best memes of 2024 (so far) Challengers Credit: Amazon MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures

The sizzling tensions of Luca Guadagnino's Challengers inspired memes, breathless text posts, and horny fan edits of the three lead characters. Many of these edits used clips from the movie shot surreptitiously on mobile phones in dark theaters nationwide. As Mashable’s Elena Cavender noted, pirated clips are looked down on in some fan circles. Still, the online frenzy around Challengers made them fair game for fan editors who knew the people needed their tennis fantasy fix ASAP.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, The Tortured Poet's Department, and Travis Kelce Credit: Shirlaine Forrest/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

For the past year, we've seen so much Taylor Swift on our feeds that she has become the moment. Her Eras Tour and relationship with footballer Travis Kelce — both the talk of 2023 — remained top of mind in 2024 as Swift played stadiums worldwide and managed to make it to her beau's Super Bowl game on time. Then came the release of The Tortured Poet's Department, a project fans expected would tear into her breakup with long-time partner Joe Alwyn. Instead, it seemed to primarily focus on her subsequent relationships with Matt Healy and Kelce, which sent listeners straight to their keyboards to discuss it all.

Pro-Palestine campus protests Credit: Fatih Akta/Anadolu via Getty Images

Across the country, college students protesting the war in Gaza demanded that their universities divest from financial support of Israel. These protests, which included on-campus encampments and demonstrations, drew varied reactions from law enforcement. The Guardian reported that though "fewer than 20" of the 533 campus demonstrations nationwide between April 18 and May 3 resulted in any serious interpersonal violence or property damage, there were at least 70 instances of forceful police intervention. One of those, at Columbia University, led to calls for President Minouche Shafik to step down after she allowed the NYPD to enter the Columbia campus and remove protestors.

"Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?"

This simple question, first shared on TikTok, opened a dialogue about gender-based sexual and physical violence: If left alone in the woods, would you feel safer being there with a man or a bear? Women answered, overwhelmingly: the bear, adding comments like, "The worst thing the bear can do is kill me."

Zendaya's Dune: Part Two red carpet style Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Zendaya and her longtime stylist, Law Roach, delivered incredible looks for the Dune: Part Two press tour, including a matching jumpsuit moment with co-star Timothée Chalamet. But the 'fit that topped them all was a vintage Mugler chrome bodysuit with revealing cutouts.

Tween girls at Sephora

For about a month between January and February of this year, the internet had a lot to say about tween girls shopping at Sephora. TikTok videos purported to show display cases at the makeup store wrecked by overeager young women. However, the larger conversation revolved around whether young girls should be in the store at all — and if the products they love from brands like Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe, and Charlotte Tilbury are suitable for young skin.

We chatted with actual teens and their parents about the hubbub.

TikTok "ban" Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

After years of threats by the U.S. government, a TikTok "ban" is finally underway. "Ban" is a bit of a misnomer since the social media app could have up to 12 months to find a buyer before it is no longer distributed in the U.S. App Store. The move could have enormous implications for creators who create primarily for TikTok, and the bill may face a long uphill battle in the U.S. court system.

"Who TF Did I Marry?"

"Who TF Did I Marry?" is an 8-hour video series that made creator Reesa Teesa the talk of the internet throughout February and March. The 52-part saga, posted to TikTok, details Teesa's marriage to a "pathological liar" and "narcissist" whom she calls Legion. The New York Times dubbed the series a harbinger of "TikTok’s Midlife Crisis Era," and Mashable's Tim Marcin noted that people listened to it the same way they would a podcast.

Chappell Roan's star-making ascent Credit: Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The slow and steady rise of singer Chappell Roan was supercharged this year by her performances at Coachella, where her whimsical outfits, undeniable stage presence, and progressive pop proved to be a powerful combination. Her festival stages boosted her streaming numbers enough to earn her her first entry on the Billboard 100 with "Good Luck, Babe!"

The rise (and fail) of AI Tweet may have been deleted

The meteoric rise of OpenAI in 2023 has upended content across the web in 2024. We’re seeing the application of artificial intelligence across almost every major platform to varying degrees of effectiveness. In April, a screenshot of Google’s AI tool recommending readers put "glue on pizza" raised eyebrows and set tongues wagging on X. It was one of the most powerful indications that AI may not be ready for prime time and may misinform users across the internet.

The Willy Wonka Experience Tweet may have been deleted

An event in Glasgow billed as an immersive, experiential walk through Willy Wonka’s factory for families turned out to be more weird than wonderful. Customers paying more than $40 a ticket were treated to one bouncy castle, no chocolate, a single oompa loompa, and the "The Unknown," a creepy new villain who "lives in the walls." Guests were reimbursed, but the event's fallout played out online as sleuths delighted in its sloppy AI-generated marketing and actors hired by the production shared their takes on the disaster. 

Stanley cups and the dangers of overconsumption Credit: Matt Fowler KC via Shutterstock

The Stanley tumbler, a 40-ounce reusable stainless steel cup, is portable and durable and should reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Instead, it became a symbol of overconsumption early this year when people began sharing their enormous Stanley Cup collections, and videos surfaced of Stanley-seekers outrunning each other to nab a limited-edition Valentine's Day colorway.

Mashable's Christianna Silva broke down the FOMO, opining that "the frenzy for the tumblers points to a sensation becoming all too popular on TikTok: The app makes us feel insecure and uncertain of ourselves, and those very insecurities and uncertainties are being exploited for spending power."

Jett and Pookie

Jett Puckett has a special nickname for his wife, Campbell. To him, she is "Pookie," and she always looks "absolutely fire." The couple's TikTok content, featuring their date night outfits and weekend outings, delighted viewers who especially loved listening to Jett wax poetic about Pookie's appearance. Mashable's Tim Marcin summed up the duo's simple appeal: "Pookie is dressed up, and Jett compliments Pookie."

How to turn on noise cancellation on your AirPods

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 13:58

The cool thing about Bluetooth headphones like AirPods is that you can listen to things without being directly next to your device, and you can choose how much background noise you let in through noise cancellation. 

With this handy feature, you can say "goodbye" to excess sounds and focus on the sounds you want to hear. But you have to turn on the noise cancellation feature first.

SEE ALSO: How to properly clean your AirPods

Here are three ways to turn on noise cancellation on your AirPod Pros: 

Turn on noise cancellation in Settings
  1. Take at least one of your AirPods out of the case so it is connected to your phone (you do not need to place it in your ear)

  2. Go to Settings

  3. Click on your Airpod name, which should appear right below your iCloud profile

  4. Scroll to the section marked "NOISE CONTROL"

  5. Choose your noise cancellation level:

    1. "Noise Cancellation"

    2. "Off"

    3. Transparency

Or you can:

  1. Take at least one of your AirPods out of the case so it is connected to your phone (you do not need to place it in your ear)

  2. Go to Settings

  3. Go to Bluetooth

  4. Select the "circled i" icon

  5. Scroll to the section marked "NOISE CONTROL"

  6. Choose your noise cancellation level:

    1. "Noise Cancellation"

    2. "Off"

    3. Transparency

Turn on noise cancellation in the Control Center 
  1. Place at least one AirPod in your ear

  2. Go to the Control Center by swiping down from the top right of your screen

  3. Click and hold the volume/sound control slider until it embiggens and is the only thing on your screen

  4. Click on the "Noise Control Transparency" icon on the bottom left of the screen

  5. Choose your noise cancellation level:

    1. "Noise Cancellation"

    2. "Off"

    3. Transparency

Turn on noise cancellation by holding the sensor on your AirPod Pro
  1. Place at least one AirPod in your ear

  2. Hold the sensor located on the outside of your AirPod until your hear a chime

Apple AirPods $89.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $40.00 Apple Airpods Shop Now

Prime Day laptop deals: Our favorite MacBooks are already on sale, and that's about it

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 13:49

On any given day, Amazon's best laptop deals include some markdowns on Apple MacBooks... and not much else. The retail giant lists a lot of older and/or discontinued PCs that aren't super worth it. Amazon also has a penchant for inflating sticker prices, making discounts look steeper than they really are.

Those factors, combined with the heavy presence of sketchy third-party sellers among Amazon's laptop listings, make it one of the worst places to buy a laptop on the internet (again, unless you're shopping for MacBooks). We usually recommend shopping at Best Buy or going directly to the manufacturer's online store instead.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024: When it's happening and everything else we know so far

The fine print here is that Amazon usually gets its act together for major savings events, including its flagship Prime Day sale. When such sales are live, it's way easier to find heftier discounts on new laptops shipped and sold by Amazon itself. (That said, it still behooves savvy shoppers to cross-check prices elsewhere, just in case.)

As we head into Prime Day season — it's confirmed for July — I'll be keeping track of the best Prime Day laptop deals. So far, I'm not finding much outside of the typical discounts on M2 and M3 MacBooks, and I'm willing to bet that they'll get even cheaper as Prime Day approaches, especially as other retailers roll out competing sales. But if you need to replace an older MacBook ASAP, there are some decent buys up for grabs right now — including some all-time lows.

Note: I've cross-checked all of the following deals with manufacturers' sites to make sure the discounts are legit. (If Amazon had the wrong MSRP, I corrected it and adjusted the discount accordingly.) I've also weeded out laptops sold by third-party sellers — if they have "Ships from/Sold by Amazon.com" underneath their "Buy Now" button, we're cool.

Any laptop marked with a 🔥 is at a record-low price, according to the Amazon price tracking site CamelCamelCamel. Lastly, because Prime Day hasn't officially begun, these savings aren't official Prime Day deals; however, all of these discounts are live and ready to shop now.

Early Prime Day laptop deals to watch Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3) 🔥 $1,129.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Earlier this year, Apple upgraded its thin and lightweight Air with a peppier M3 chip, WiFi 6E support, and the ability to drive two external monitors (with its lid closed). "[It] may seem like a simple refresh," wrote Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon, "but as someone who owns the M2 MacBook Air, I’d definitely trade it in for the new-generation model." (She gave it a 4.3/5 rating in her review.) This 15-inch model has more screen real estate and two more speakers compared to the 13-inch version. At $1,129, or $170 off, this is the base configuration's current record-low price.

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Apple and Meta reportedly in talks for an AI partnership

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 13:06

Meta AI might be coming to iPhones and other Apple devices.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Meta and Apple are in talks for a potential partnership that would integrate Meta's generative AI model into Apple Intelligence.

It seems that Apple and Meta are putting aside a longstanding feud over privacy and revenue-sharing in favor of establishing footing in the competition for AI dominance. For Meta, the partnership could mean wider distribution of its AI features. For Apple, it would insulate the company from any over-reliance on its OpenAI partnership.

At WWDC earlier this month, Apple announced a deal with OpenAI that brings ChatGPT to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. But that's not the only AI model Apple is planning to add to its operating systems. In a post-keynote discussion with iJustine, senior VP of software engineering Craig Federighi said Apple is also looking to integrate Google Gemini and other AI models.

"We think ultimately people are going to have a preference perhaps for certain models that they want to use, maybe one that’s great for creative writing or one that they prefer for coding. And so we want to enable users ultimately to bring a model of their choice," said Federighi.

Now it looks like Meta AI might be one of the models that Apple users can choose to interact with. The Journal also said Apple is also in with talks with Anthropic (which makes the ChatGPT competitor Claude), and Perplexity, which is an AI-powered search engine.

Apple Intelligence is the collection of AI features the company has developed for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. But Apple has chosen to supplement AI capabilities with ChatGPT for improved Siri functionality and features like drafting emails and generating images. Notably, Apple touted a privacy-first approach with the ChatGPT announcement and says users will be asked for permission before sharing information with ChatGPT.

The potential Meta partnership raises the question of how Apple will protect user privacy, since Meta doesn't have a great track record with that. Meta AI is trained on users' posts and other publicly shared data on its platforms and it's nearly impossible to opt out.

It's unclear what the terms of the deal would be. But we know that Apple "paid" OpenAI with distribution and access instead of cash. Partnering with Apple could similarly boost Meta's userbase and increase its stature in the cutthroat generative AI race.

More heat waves are coming: Get 30% off portable air conditioners at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:56

UP TO 30% OFF: As of June 24, Amazon is offering up to 30% off portable air conditioners from popular brands such as Honeywell and BLACK+DECKER.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Honeywell 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner $271 at Amazon (save $158.99) Get Deal Best for large rooms BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner $489.99 at Amazon (save $229) Get Deal Best budget deal SereneLife 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner $377.99 at Amazon (save $42) Get Deal

We can all agree that it’s been hot AF lately. As temperatures continue to rise to unbearable levels, many apartment dwellers are looking for ways to stay cool. You could try begging your landlord to install air conditioning in your building, but we wouldn't hold our breath.

Portable air conditioners offer a convenient solution. These units connect to a nearby window to quickly cool bedrooms, offices, or small apartments. You can even move them from room to room as needed. (For an even more convenient option that won't take up precious floor space, we were pretty impressed by the Windmill AC (medium, 8,300 BTU) window unit recently.)

SEE ALSO: 7 of the best portable air conditioners to keep you cool this summer

Luckily, Amazon is offering up to 30% off select portable air conditioners right now, so you can beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Honeywell Our pick: Honeywell 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner $271.00 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $158.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Honeywell 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner is ideal for smaller apartments or cooling your bedroom or home office. It can cover up to 400 square feet and has a built-in dehumidifier. The unit also has a washable dust filter for quick maintenance and a filter change alert function to let you know when it’s time to clean it.

Yes, there is a hose that connects this unit to the window, but it’s not as cumbersome as some of those old-school units. Plus, with the on-screen coupon, you’ll save an extra $48 at checkout, bringing the total to a whopping $271 (which is a pretty good deal for a Honeywell air conditioner).

Best air conditioner for larger rooms Opens in a new window Credit: BLACK+DECKER Our pick: BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner $489.99 at Amazon
$718.99 Save $229.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner can cool larger spaces of up to 700 square feet. It has a remote and can switch to heater mode in cooler months. There’s also a dehumidifier and a fan, and the filter is washable for easy maintenance. It’s a little pricier than the unit above, but it covers 200 more square feet, and the customer reviews are solid (4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 46,000 reviewers). Finally, this is the top-selling portable air conditioner on Amazon, if you trust the wisdom of the crowd.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: SereneLife Our pick: SereneLife 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner $377.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $42.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The SereneLife 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a mid-range option that can cool up to 550 square feet. It doesn’t have a heater like the BLACK+DECKER, so it probably won’t be a year-round solution, but it does have a dehumidifier, fan, and remote. There’s also an auto “swing” mode with a moving wind vent for optimal air circulation. With a 4.3-star rating and more than 20,000 reviews, this portable AC is a budget-friendly option that’ll get the job done.

REI's 4th of July Sale is here: Save up to 40% off all clearance gear

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:24

The 4th of July is ten days away, and savings events are already here. If your summer calendar is packed with camping trips, day hikes, and afternoons spent at the beach or park, you'll want to shop REI's 4th of July Sale before you ring in Independence Day.

Best Deals from the REI 4th of July Sale: Best tent deal The North Face Wawona 4 Tent $239.99 at REI (save $160.01) Get Deal Best sleeping bag deal REI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag $139.89 at REI (save $60.06) Get Deal Best Yeti deal Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler $200 at REI with Mmembership (save $50) Get Deal Best daypack deal Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack $67.39 at REI (save $22.56) Get Deal

REI's 4th of July Sale gives shoppers up to 40% off clearance items, including camping and hiking gear, clothes for men and women, and water sports equipment. Plus, REI Members can take 20% off any regular-priced Yeti cooler. (If you're not a member, you can join for $30 - and get a $30 REI gift card back when you sign up before July 11.) These deals are only here until July 4th, so we recommend acting on them sooner rather than later.

Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: The North Face Our pick: The North Face Wawona 4 Tent $239.99 at REI
$400.00 Save $160.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Need to upgrade your tent before you hit the trails this summer? No problem. The North Face Waona 4 tent is back with a re-imagined design, upgrading from single to double-wall construction for enhanced ventilation. Plus, its color-coded poles have been re-engineered for an even simpler setup. Measuring 10 x 27 inches and weighing 13lbs when packed up, this tent is ready for adventure.

Best sleeping bag deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI Our pick: REI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag $139.98 at REI
$199.95 Save $59.97 Get Deal Why we like it

In this year's sale, you can save 30% off REI Co-op brand's top synthetic sleeping bag, the Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag. Made for backpacking through the spring and fall seasons, this hooded sleeping bag comes in an extensive range of sizes so you can find your most comfortable fit. We love the bag's mummy shape and the way the bag's designed to prevent insulation from shifting - avoiding unwanted cold spots during the night.

Best Yeti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Our pick: Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler $200.00 at REI
$250.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

REI Members are reaping plenty of benefits during this year's 4th of July Sale - most notably, 20% off one full-price Yeti cooler. This saves members $50 off of the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler — a great pick to bring along camping or boating. With a shoulder strap and a top handle, this soft cooler is easy to pack up and carry, and its wide zipper also makes it easy to load and unload the cooler. With an 11.7 liter capacity and interior dimension of 11 x 9 x 8 inches, it's a great size for packing lunch, snacks, and drinks.

Best daypack deal Opens in a new window Credit: Gregory Our pick: Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack $67.39 at REI
$89.95 Save $22.56 Get Deal Why we like it

Shoppers looking for a causal daypack to bring along on quick hikes or to festivals will want to check out the Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack. With a 3L water reservoir, you can easily stay refreshed and hydrated. Plus, it has three spacious pockets and a front bungee attachment to stash your other essentials. It's designed for comfort too, with features that help keep your back cool and your load balanced as you move.

More REI 4th of July deals:

How to create a local Microsoft account for Windows 11

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:00

Microsoft's relentless push for users to sign into Windows with a Microsoft account is hard to ignore, especially with Windows 11 making it tougher to bypass this requirement. But if you’re tired of feeding your data to Microsoft and want to switch to a local account, you’re in luck — it's still possible.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft says 'Recall' will now be opt-in

Here's your quick guide to swapping out your Microsoft Account for a local one on Windows 11:

How to create a local Microsoft account for Windows 11
  • Fire Up Settings: Click on the Start menu and open the Settings app

  • Head to Accounts: Navigate to the "Accounts" section in Settings

  • Find Your Info: Under Accounts, select "Your info"

  • Switch to a Local Account: Look for the option that says "Sign in with a local account instead" and click on it

  • Follow the Prompts: Simply follow the on-screen instructions to set up your local account

While switching to a local account remains straightforward, you should create a password reset disk — without it, recovering a forgotten password can be a hassle.

While Microsoft, like Google and Apple, prefers users to stay connected within their ecosystems, opting for a local account is still a viable choice for those prioritizing data privacy and autonomy. Even though Windows 11 has made it less obvious, the ability to use a local account is very much alive. So go ahead and take control of your Windows experience.

Amazon deal of the day: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 earbuds just hit a record-low price

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 11:54
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds $243.66 at Amazon (save $56.29) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Instant Omni 7-in-1 air fryer oven (19-quart) $120 at Amazon (save $79.99) Get Deal BEST FITNESS DEAL Sunny Health and Fitness Smart Treadpad Pacer $444.99 at Amazon (save $175 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BUDGET EARBUD DEAL Soundcore Life A3i noise-cancelling earbuds $34.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal

Looking to do some deal shopping, but don't feel like waiting around for Prime Day? We've found some early deals worth grabbing at Amazon on June 24 from top brands like Sennheiser and Instant appliances.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these quench your thirst for savings, check back tomorrow for brand new picks.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds $243.66 at Amazon
$299.95 Save $56.29 Get Deal

As our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) wrote in their review, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds "produce powerful, bass-forward audio and are very customizable." However, they also noted that the noise-cancellation isn't what it should be for the $299.95 price tag. Fortunately, the current deal at Amazon knocks them down to a more justifiable $243.66 — the lowest price on record for these buds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Instant Omni 7-in-1 air fryer oven (19-quart) $120.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $79.99 Get Deal

If you have the space for another countertop appliance, the Instant Omni air fryer toaster oven is a well-rounded option that allows you to air fry, broil, bake, roast, toast, warm, and cook with convection all in one. Its 19-quart capacity can fit a 12-inch pizza, six slices of bread, a whole chicken, and more without taking up too much real estate on your counter. It's usually $199.99, but Amazon has it on sale for just $120 as of June 24 — that's its second lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sunny Health and Fitness Sunny Health and Fitness Smart Treadpad Pacer $444.99 at Amazon
$619.99 Save $175.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

We highly recommend trying out a walking pad if you're a remote worker who sits at a desk all day. Thanks to TikTok, it's one of our home office must-haves in 2024. The Smart Treadpad Pacer from Sunny Health and Fitness is a solid option that serves as a walking pad or a regular treadmill. It features speed levels ranging from 0.5 to 6 mph and six levels of automatic incline for when you want to ramp up your walking to a full-on workout. It's not the newest model the brand makes, but it's still compatible with the SunnyFit app via Bluetooth, where you'll find training videos, workouts, and routes around the world. Regularly $619.99, you can get it for just $444.99 at Amazon using the on-page coupon. That's a savings of 28%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Life A3i noise-cancelling earbuds $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

The Soundcore Life A3i make great travel companions if you're on a budget. Amazon currently has them listed for just $34.99 — that's 30% in savings — which matches their all-time low price. These buds offer 10 hours of listening on a single charge and 40 when you use the compact charging case. Even better, a quick 10-minute charging session will give you two full hours of listening. So, if you only have a 10-minute layover, you can juice up enough to enjoy some tunes on your flight. Just don't expect the noise-cancellation to be out of this world.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Photographers say Meta is labeling their photos as being 'made with AI' even when they're not

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 11:52

Meta is erroneously tagging photographs as being "made with AI," and it could be triggered by basic tools in Adobe's editing software.

In an effort to help users distinguish photos from AI-generated art, Meta announced in February that it would begin to label posts as AI-generated if it detected the image had been manipulated in third-party software like Adobe. Now, it appears that even basic functions, like preparing an image for export from an Adobe program, could lead to it being labeled on Meta products as being "made with AI."

SEE ALSO: What to know about Adobe Lightroom's new AI feature

One of the most well-known photographers encountering the issue is Pete Souza, who served as the official White House photographer during the Obama and Reagan administrations. Last week, Souza posted digital scans of film images he had snapped at a 1984 NBA Finals game to his Instagram account. The post was labeled as "Made with AI," which Souza told TechCrunch was "annoying" because Instagram "forced me to include the 'Made with AI' [tag] even though I unchecked it." He noted that Adobe required him to “flatten the image” before saving it as a JPEG file, which he believes could have triggered the incorrect "Made with AI" tag.

In another example, a cosplayer posted to X about an Instagram photo of her work that had been incorrectly tagged as being "Made with AI." They wrote, "My cosplay made with the physical labour of my own hands is being labeled as AI content on Instagram, with no way to correct this tag."

Tweet may have been deleted

The accurate labeling of AI-generated or edited images is crucial to maintaining a safe and authentic online experience, especially as the 2024 election looms. AI-generated images have already duped older users of Facebook, a Meta product. Adobe's AI capabilities, specifically, can be highly convincing.

A Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch about the company's AI-tagging capabilities: "Our intent has always been to help people know when they see content made with AI. We are taking into account recent feedback and continue to evaluate our approach so that our labels reflect the amount of AI used in an image."

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