Feed aggregator

TL;DR: Through 22 December, this lifetime subscription to FastestVPN covers up to 10 devices and is on sale for just £19.66 (reg. £283.44) at the Mashable Shop.

In today's interconnected digital world, safeguarding your online privacy is a proactive measure that's simply par for the course. And lucky for all of us, there are tools available to make it easy. FastestVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) that creates a secure and anonymous connection over the internet. This week, a lifetime subscription is on sale for just under £20.

When you connect to a VPN server, all data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted. This encryption prevents unauthorised parties from accessing your data or identifying you, which is especially helpful when traveling and connecting to public networks. FastestVPN has more than 600 servers working in more than 41 countries for your convenience.

FastestVPN uses advanced encryption to keep security tight. It also features an ad-blocker, firewall, and anti-malware software. With a no-logging policy, you can rest assured that even FastestVPN doesn't have access to your information. This is as close as you can get to being truly invisible online.

This service is made for no-buffering while downloading and streaming via its fast P2P-optimised 10Gbps+ servers. The Smart Connect feature instantly connects you to the fastest server available, an ideal feature if you do a lot of streaming.

It's compatible with a huge variety of different systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, Apple TV, and more. You get access on up to 10 devices for life with an internet kill switch and round-the-clock tech support. No matter how you access the internet — on your phone, tablet, computer, or all of the above — you can protect yourself with this lifetime membership.

Take control of your digital privacy for life with this limited-time offer for Mashable readers.

A lifetime subscription to FastestVPN that covers up to 10 devices is now on sale for just £19.66 (reg. £283.44) until 22 December at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices) £19.66 at the Mashable Shop
£283.44 Save £263.78 Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of Amazon Web Services courses are available to take for free on edX.

Do you know all about Amazon Web Services? You probably use some aspect of AWS, but do you really know how to harness this technology? If not, you can address this knowledge gap without spending anything.

AWS is the world’s most comprehensive cloud platform, offering storage, databases, analytics, networking, developer tools, management tools, IoT, security services, enterprise applications, and much more to users all around the world. But we're not here to teach you about AWS. We'll leave that to the professionals.

A wide range of online courses from AWS are available to take for free on edX. We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from AWS. These are the best free online courses from AWS this month:

• Architecting Solutions on AWS

• AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials

• AWS Cloud Technical Essentials

• DevOps on AWS: Code, Build, and Test

• Exam Prep: AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate

• Getting Started with Data Analytics on AWS

• Hands-on with AWS: Software Development Practices

• Introduction to AWS Cloud Careers

• Introduction to Designing Data Lakes on AWS

• Introduction to Machine Learning on AWS

These courses are totally free, but they don't include things like a certificate of completion. That shouldn't stop you from getting started though, because you can still learn at your own pace with unlimited access to all the video content.

Find the best free AWS courses on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: edX Free AWS Courses Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final for free on FIFA+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Imagine winning the FIFA Derby of the Americas and the FIFA Challenger Cup, and your reward is Real Madrid.

Pachuca battled for a spot in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, only to be matched up with Real Madrid. And Real Madrid didn't even need to qualify, which seems a little unfair on the Mexican side. Of course, Pachuca are not just here to make up the numbers. They will be coming into this final with the goal of upsetting the odds and lifting the trophy.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the FIFA Intercontinental Cup?

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is an international men's football competition organised by FIFA. The competition features the club champions of the six confederations of FIFA, and is played as a knockout tournament with the European team receiving a bye to the final.

When is Real Madrid vs. Pachuca?

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 18. This fixture takes place at the Lusail Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Pachuca for free

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final is available to live stream for free on FIFA+.

FIFA+ is available worldwide, so fans from all around the world should be able to watch this fixture without spending anything. But if you are having problems accessing this free live stream, you should consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can bypass content restrictions to unblock free live streams from around the world.

What is the best VPN for FIFA+?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Have you ever skipped doing a proper warm down and stretch after a workout because you just didn't have the time? Hey, we all have. It's the bane of a gym-based life.

That's just the reality of trying to stay fit in amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When you're pushed for time, a warm down — never mind a proper massage — is the first thing to go. What you need are the tools to help you stay on top of both your body and your schedule. That means a massage gun, a must-have tool for pro athletes and average gym members alike.

If you have chronic shoulder, neck, or back pain, the ability to give yourself a deep-tissue massage at home can be life-changing. You'll find there's a range of models to hit the spot of your muscle recovery needs. Not sure if you're ready for the big (massage) guns? Let us get you started with some useful information.

How do massage guns work?

Athletes use deep-tissue massage for quick pain relief and faster recovery times. This is when a professional masseuse delivers forceful, rapid thumps to a specific area of the body to stimulate a specific set of muscles. The percussive therapy offered by massage guns allows individuals perform this same type of penetrative tissue attention on themselves without extra help. These devices are said to provide hours worth of massage benefits in just a couple of minutes.

What are the benefits of a massage gun?

Massage guns deliver short-duration pulses to enhance the blood flow, soften knots, and accelerate the repair of muscle fibres, all of which can lead to better-prepared warmups and quicker recovery times. Your mood might see a spike, too. The pressure point relief that massage provides has been linked to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), an increased production of endorphins (the feel-good chemical), and even a lower heart rate.

We should point out that percussive therapy isn't a fix-all solution. A massage gun can replace pricey massage appointments, but there's literally no substitute for the nutrients you get from a balanced diet, sleep, and getting proper hydration are still crucial to the muscle growth and recovery process.

Percussion massagers vs. vibration massagers — what's the difference?

Percussion massagers mimic the kneading hands of a masseuse, providing pressure that hammers below the top layers and work damaged muscle fibres. Perfect for heavy-duty workouts. Casual exercisers and chronic pain sufferers may prefer surface-level rumblings from a vibration massager, which gives speedy pulses but less "punch".

What features do massage guns have?

Massage guns tend to offer some key features that appear in multiple models:

• Battery life — Many people depend on their massage gun for a rushed cool down in the middle of a busy schedule, and charging after every use is a huge inconvenience. The best massage guns will get up to three hours of battery life while the weaker ones max out at around 40 minutes.

• Massage heads – The first thing you'll notice when buying a massage gun is that they usually come with a selection of heads, each designed to work specific muscle groups in a different way and get different results.

• Noise — No one wants to sit at the gym (or at home with a sleeping baby) using a device that sounds like a pneumatic drill. It's impossible for massage guns to be completely silent, but check the reviews for sound levels.

• Speeds — Look for a gun with different speeds, or revs per minute (RPM. But don't forget that higher speed doesn't always mean vigour. The amplitude (how deep the massage head will push into your body) relies on the amount of force behind each pulse, and heavier force on a slow RPM setting will feel more intense than a faster RPM setting with weaker force. 

Keep these points in mind when shopping around for a massage gun.

What is the best massage gun?

There is a lot to know about massage guns, and it's important to do your research before making a purchase. To make your job a little easier, we have tracked down six of the best guns to cover all muscular bases. We've tried to find something for everyone and every budget. You just need to scroll through the options and pick a favourite. Your muscles will thank you — well, they certainly won't complain as much.

These are the best massage guns in 2024.

Fitness trackers, or general wearable devices, have become part and parcel of everyday life. Chances are you've got one or you're thinking of getting one for the first time. Either way, it's always a good time to shop around and see what fitness trackers are available — not to mention smart watches that are packed with health and fitness features, such as the Apple Watch.

The great thing about fitness trackers is the fact they promote healthy routines and positive lifestyle change, helping with exercise, sleep, vitals, and mindset.

Yes, fitness trackers can do an awful lot for you. The difficult part is choosing one. We all have different lifestyles and fitness goals, which means there's no catch-all solution when it comes to fitness trackers. But don't worry, we've searched the internet and scanned the reviews to pull together a selection of the very best fitness tracker options. First up, here's a quick guide.

Can fitness trackers monitor your heart rate?

Absolutely. In fact, one of the big reasons to get a fitness tracker is how they help with heart health. Most fitness trackers will monitor your heart rate as a basic feature, while more advanced trackers can pick up on irregularities, give you on-demand ECG reports, and alert you to changing heart rate zones as you work out.

How do you choose a fitness tracker?

Before you start shopping for a fitness tracker, there are few things to you might want to consider: 

• Design — Wearables are meant to make our lives easier, yet some can be super clunky and uncomfortable. Invest in a fitness tracker that’s not an eyesore and fits nicely on your wrist. You don’t want to cut off your circulation or have it slip off while you’re on the move. Look for models that come in different colours too, so you can have one that goes with your activewear, casual, and work outfits. 

• Physical activity — What are your daily workout needs? Consider how a fitness tracker can benefit your exercise regimen. If you engage in activities like pilates, yoga, or walking, opt for a basic fitness tracker for heart rate monitoring and sleep data. On the other hand, if high-intensity workouts, including running and swimming, are more of your thing, choose a fitness tracker that can give you vital reads and remember your mileage. 

• Power — Most fitness trackers run on batteries or need to be charged regularly. Check the power life of a tracker first before buying it. If it doesn’t last long, skip it and opt for another model. You don’t want to have a tracker that can’t keep up with your physical activity needs. 

• Smartphone compatibility — Your smartphone is probably one of your most important tech devices, so it might be helpful to find a fitness tracker that connects with it. If that’s the case, you can receive call and text notifications when you’re commuting, exercising, or moving around the house. This is a major plus if you're prone to miss phone calls from coworkers, family members, and friends. Plus, some trackers come with smartphone apps, so you can store all your data in one convenient place. 

• Wellness features — A fitness tracker might already monitor heart rate, but what are its other wellness features? Some trackers give you stats on your sleep patterns, daily movement, and distance after workouts. Even though fitness trackers are not meant to cure or prevent any diseases, they can give valuable insights on your physical and mental state. 

What is the best fitness tracker for monitoring heart rate?

Finding the right fitness tracker can be challenging with so many options. You might be an avid athlete or more of an occasional gym rat, but regardless of what your activities are, there is a fitness tracker out there for your health needs.

We've checked out everything on offer from top brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple, and lined up a selection of your best options. It's worth taking some time to properly consider these models, because there is something for everyone and every budget.

These are the best heart rate fitness trackers in 2024.