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TL;DR: Through Sept. 29, you can sign up for a 1-year subscription to Windscribe VPN Pro Plan for only £37.43.

Having a VPN seems essential nowadays with the thousands of cyber criminals roaming the web.

Along with providing digital safety, a VPN can also help you maintain online privacy from your internet service provider, who may or may not be keeping track of your activity. And some VPNs like Windscribe go the extra mile to shield you from being bombarded with pesky ads whenever you hop online. Right now at the Mashable Shop, the price of 1, 2, and 3-year subscriptions to Windscribe have been reduced for a limited time.

Available as both a desktop app and a browser extension, Windscribe works to protect your online privacy, help you bypass geo-restrictions, and remove ads and trackers from your everyday browsing. Touted for its simplicity, the service features a no-frills interface, so you won't have to deal with confusing settings to enjoy digital protection.

Free VPNs often come with strings attached, with many providers collecting your data and selling them to third parties. Windscribe prides itself on a strict no-logging policy and anonymous sign-up, meaning you won't even have to provide an email address.

Windscribe has servers spread across 69 countries and 112 cities worldwide. There are bonus features you may find helpful, too, including Time Warping (changing your timezone to make it appear like you're somewhere else), Cookie Monster (keeping track of cookies and deleting them upon closing the tab), and Split Personality (rotating your user agent to lessen the chances of basic fingerprinting).

Grab an exclusive 1-year Windscribe VPN Pro Plan for only £37.43 (reg. £52.71) through Sept. 29 at 11:59 pm PST. 

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Windscribe Windscribe VPN Pro Plan: 1-Year Subscription £37.43 at the Mashable Shop
£52.71 Save £15.28 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream the final match of the England vs. Australia T20 international series for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

T20 cricket is a lot of fun, and even though the upcoming T20 series between England and Australia will be seen by some as a warm up to the upcoming ODI series, it doesn't change the fact that both sides will be desperate to win every match. This is England vs. Australia we're talking about. It doesn't get much bigger than this.

If you want to watch the England vs. Australia T20 international series for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Australia?

The England vs. Australia T20 international series takes place on the following dates:

• England vs. Australia (T20 1 of 3) —6:30 p.m. BST on Sept. 11

• England vs. Australia (T20 2 of 3) — 6:30 p.m. BST on Sept. 13

• England vs. Australia (T20 3 of 3) — 2:30 p.m. BST on Sept. 15

The good news is that the final match is available to live stream for free.

How to watch England vs. Australia for free

The final match of the England vs. Australia T20 international series is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer 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 access free live streams on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of England vs. Australia 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 England vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the final England vs. Australia match without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the T20 game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Stream the final match of the England vs. Australia T20 international series for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next WNBA fixture sees the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky come together to battle it out. The Chicago Sky have already claimed their postseason spot, but the Washington Mystics are still hoping to secure the last available place. Currently fighting for this spot alongside the Atlanta Dream, this is a game you won't want to miss.

If you want to watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky?

Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 11. This fixture takes place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

How to watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky

You can watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky with the WNBA League Pass.

However, bear in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

You can get around this with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next WNBA fixture sees Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever go head-to-head. Both teams have secured their playoff positions, so will be looking to improve their positioning. This is especially true for the Indiana Fever, who sit in sixth place right now.

If you want to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever?

Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 11. This fixture takes place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever

You can catch the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season with the WNBA League Pass.

However, it's worth noting that the WNBA League Pass might not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But all you need to get around this is a VPN. These tools work by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Everyone's favorite childless cat lady, Taylor Swift, took to Instagram on Sept. 10 to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris after the presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump.

SEE ALSO: Swifties for Kamala: How Taylor Swift fans are creating a new blueprint for political organizing

Swift wrote, "I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them."

This comes after Trump shared AI-generated images of both Swift and her fans on Truth Social, falsely claiming both the Tortured Poets Department singer and Swifties endorsed his campaign for re-election. (Meanwhile, a cohort of Swift fans created Swifties for Kamala to campaign for the Vice President.) Swift addressed Trump's claims, writing, "Recently I was made aware that AI of 'me' falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this."

View this post on Instagram

In recent weeks, pressure has been mounting for Swift to get political following the AI incident and the photograph she took hugging Trump supporter Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open.

In 2020, a month before the presidential election, she endorsed President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris in a V Magazine article. She also posted a photo holding Biden Harris 2020 cookies to social media. But in the past couple of years, Swift has reached unprecedented levels of stardom, leading to questions over whether she would risk her career highs to endorse Harris publicly.

Tweet may have been deleted

Swift first broke her silence on political issues in 2018 when she endorsed Tennessee U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen, calling his opponent Marsha Blackburn "Trump in a wig." Her decision to talk about politics was a major focus of her 2020 documentary, Miss Americana. It shows her, her father, and her team discuss her choice to come out for Bredesen. On the verge of tears she expresses regret that she didn't use her voice against Trump in 2016. "I can't change that...I need to be on the right side of history," she said in the documentary.

She's since posted several Instagram posts about Black Lives Matter, tweeted about her terror after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and encouraged her followers to vote, resulting in 35,000 new registrations.

Now, she's taken the opportunity to come out against Trump and for the potential first female president, something "The Man" singer can certainly get behind.

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 September 11's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A passage between rows of seats.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

AISLE.

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

After launching early on Tuesday, the billionaire Jared Isaacman and his crew traveled to altitudes not visited by any astronaut since the Apollo moon missions of the 1960s and ’70s.

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 September 11s Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 11 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: Lots of money

• Green: Giving some advice

• Blue: How they made dinosaurs in that one movie

• Purple: Purple

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: Large Amount of Money

• Green: Bits of Wisdom

• Blue: Featured in Jurrasic Park

• Purple: Things That Are Purple

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #458 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Large Amount of Money: BUNDLE, FORTUNE, MINT, PILE

• Bits of Wisdom: KERNEL, NUGGET, PEARL, TIDBIT

• Featured in Jurrasic Park: AMBER, DINOSAUR, MOSQUITO, PALEONTOLOGIST

• Things That Are Purple: AMETHYST, EGGPLANT, GRIMACE, LAVENDER

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Are you an Apple user who found the iPhone 16 launch event to be dull, disappointing, a let-down? Did it seem like it focused on niche products, like the black Apple Watch Ultra 2, before it got to the main meat ... of what turned out to be relatively minor iPhone hardware updates?

Then, frankly, you weren't the target audience, even if you're an iPhone user. Your current model is likely doing just fine, and you're probably attached to its color (as with mine, a year-old deep purple iPhone 15 Pro). You're not ready to pony up for a slightly better device, and all the Apple Intelligence in the world won't make you.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Wait until the next hype cycle — which in this case, is already building around the 2025 model, a reportedly thinner iPhone 17 "Air." By then, you might find your phone's declining battery and tiny-seeming screen to be an embarrassment, and the Apple trade-in offer will suddenly make a lot more sense. Just as owners of the iPhone 14, and earlier models, were predisposed to find something to like in the iPhone 16 announcement.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 17: 3 credible rumors that may convince you to skip iPhone 16

In the meantime ... are you sure you don't want to test your hearing loss (requiring new AirPods) or find out if you have sleep apnea (requiring a series 10 Watch)?

Apple, a $3.3 trillion company, has been at this game some time, and the game is called "get users into our ecosystem." As each market that the tech giant has entered matures, it becomes harder to get current customers to upgrade individual devices. The more the iPhone becomes a luxury item, and the more aware consumers become of its environmental cost, the less likely they are to upgrade every year, or even every other year.

So if you're Tim Cook, and you have a fiduciary duty to keep growing the company, what do you do?

Sure, you make sure you're in the game when it comes to new technology. Cook has got a firm toe-hold in virtual space now with the Apple Vision Pro; if VR or AR suddenly look like the future, Apple is ready. He also understands the assignment with AI, which (for the moment, at least) is largely a matter of rebranding your machine-learning software so you don't look like you're falling behind: enter Apple Intelligence.

But most of your job as Apple CEO is to make multiple Apple devices seem more appealing to every user, even in a world of highly fragmented consumer groups. You find more groups served by the possibilities of new hardware-software combos: hearing loss and sleep apnea sufferers are huge and growing health niches, which is why manufacturers of hearing aids took a hit on the stock market in the Apple event's wake.

If you look at the steadily growing Apple user base for non-iPhone items, then front-loading Apple events with tedious-to-you Watch updates, for one, makes a lot more sense.

Credit: EMarketer

Moreover, to update a phrase that has differentiated Apple since its Jobs-Wozniak days, Tim Cook's job is to make sure everything just works ... together. Once upon a time, when Windows working well with Macintosh OS was what mattered, the Apple "walled garden" was a millstone around the company's neck. Now, the walled garden may be the company's biggest asset.

Take, for example, the Apple AirPods Max: beautifully-designed, massively expensive over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones saddled with a terrible name. When they were launched, I scoffed: Why would I buy those when I could grab a comparable Bose pair for much less?

I discovered the answer this year: because the Max cans connect and switch so easily to and between my MacBook, iPad and iPhone — and most importantly, to my Apple TV — while providing incredible spatial audio.

I wasn't in the market for regular AirPods, because I don't like wax-producing earbuds (for exercise I use these Bose open-ear models instead). But the Max turned out to be totally my jam, so much so that here I am, seriously considering trading in my two-month old green headphones for the new USB-C model in purple, to match my iPhone.

I probably won't — not this cycle, anyway. My Apple budget for 2024 is entirely spent. But if Apple brings out a purple iPhone 17 next year, then it will almost certainly be time once more to hook up their vacuum cleaner to my wallet — no matter what new features are hyped up at the 2025 iPhone launch event.

TL;DR: The first Harris-Trump presidential debate can be streamed LIVE and for free on cable websites like ABC.com and CNN.com, and on YouTube via pages like PBS NewsHour. Paid streaming services also have options to tune in.

Tonight (Sept. 10), presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump take the stage in what will be their first match-up on the debate floor.

ABC's "Race to the Whitehouse" will see Americans eagerly tuned in to see the two finally face off on national policy, following President Joe Biden's removal from the 2024 presidential ticket in favor of Kamala Harris' vibrantly-embraced bid to be the first woman in the White House.

SEE ALSO: How porn performers feel about Trump, Harris, and Project 2025

The debate will be available in traditional formats via ABC and other cable networks, but those without cable aren't out of luck. Disney-owned ABC, official host and broadcaster of the debate, has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery's CNN (host of the previous Biden-Trump debate) to offer joint online broadcasting and options for current streaming subscribers.

Here's how you can watch online.

What time is the presidential debate?

Viewers should be primed to tune in to the debate at 9 p.m. ET. The event, taking place at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, will last 90 minutes, and is hosted by ABC and moderated by ABC World News Tonight host David Muir and anchor Linsey Davis.

Presidential candidates will abide by new rules instituted at the last Biden-Trump debate, including muted microphones and a lack of opening statements.

Where can I stream the Harris-Trump debate?ABC.com & ABC News Live

The presidential debate will be streamed live and for free on ABC.com and on ABC's 24/7 news site, ABC News Live. The network has also created a dedicated presidential election hub for ongoing news and updates, including debate live streaming.

CNN.com

CNN will provide live commentary during its "CNN Special Event: Second Presidential Debate Hosted by ABC" coverage, available for free on CNN.com.

NBC.com

Debate coverage will be simulcast on NBC News channels, including online via the live NBC News Now page.

FOXNews.com

FOX News' live simulcast programming, "FOX News Democracy 2024: ABC Presidential Debate," will be available on FOXNews.com.

PBS NewsHour

PBS NewsHour's YouTube channel will stream special debate coverage, including pre- and post- event analysis.

The above livestream begins at 6 p.m. ET.

Paid streaming services

Disney+ and Hulu + Live TV subscribers will also have access to live debate coverage via ABC, as part of its ownership deal. Those who have bundled Disney+, Hulu, and Max can access the live debate, as well. Viewers will find streams on the apps' ABC News Live channels or on their homepages.

Peacock subscribers can tune into NBC's simulcast via the app's NBC News Now Channel.

Apple TV subscribers can stream the debate through the PBS NewsHour channel.

Select Sling TV and Fubo TV subscribers can watch the debate, if their subscription plan includes access to ABC.

National debate broadcasts may also be available for free on sites like Tubi or Pluto TV.

Falsehoods claiming migrants in Ohio are killing cats and decapitating ducks went viral this week. The Trump campaign embraced them.

Cryptocurrency may not be in the spotlight like during the 2021 to 2022 crypto boom, but that doesn't mean the money isn't flowing. Cybercriminals are still utilizing crypto to generate billions of dollars in fraudulent income each year.

In fact, according to the FBI, 2023 was the most lucrative year yet for cryptocurrency scammers.

SEE ALSO: New online scam claims to have proof your spouse is cheating on you

A new FBI report released on Monday says more than $5.6 billion in losses were reported in 2023 as a result of cryptocurrency scams. The data comes from more than 69,000 complaints the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received last year. 

Crypto scams reported to the FBI over the years. Credit: FBI Crypto scams bigger than ever before

The FBI's cryptocurrency scam report is especially interesting since 2023 was the first full year following the crypto boom. The crypto industry was shaken up in 2022 when a number of crypto tokens collapsed following the downfall of large crypto firms like Celsius and Terraform Labs. Then in November 2022, one of the largest crypto exchanges, FTX, went bankrupt. While some crypto tokens and blockchain-based companies have since bounced back, the industry has yet to recover its mainstream appeal.

Cryptocurrency scams, however, appear to be going stronger than ever before. The FBI's 2023 cryptocurrency report shows that crypto scams grew 45 percent compared to the year before.

In fact, 2023 losses from cryptocurrency scams now make up more than half of the total number of losses from all online scams from the FBI's 2022 report.

According to the FBI, investment fraud is the biggest of the cryptocurrency scams. The report found that crypto investment scams specifically increased by 53 percent, with $3.96 billion in losses compared to 2022's $2.57 billion. 

Different types of scams affected age demographics differently. For example, those in the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups were most affected by crypto investment scams. However, the most complaints reported and overall loss totals were from those over 60. According to the FBI, more than $1.6 billion in crypto-related scam losses came from the over 60 age group.

Of course, the likely total of crypto scam losses is much higher than what's in the FBI report as the agency can only include data sent to them by the victims.

"Scams targeting investors who use cryptocurrency are skyrocketing in severity and complexity,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray in the bureau's statement on the report. "The best way to help stop these crimes is for people to report them to ic3.gov, even if they did not suffer a financial loss. The information allows us to stay on top of emerging schemes and criminals’ use of the latest technologies, so we can keep the American public informed and go after those who commit these crimes."

Dating is, famously, not easy. Single parenting, is also, famously, not easy. Put them together, and dating as a single parent feels damn near impossible.

The good news is, you're certainly not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly a quarter of children in the United States live in single-parent households. That means there are tons of people out there just like you — single parents who are devoted to their family and wouldn't mind some romance in their lives. On top of that, the best dating apps for single parents can also connect you with men and women who aren't parents themselves but also aren't afraid to date someone with a family.

SEE ALSO: 16 expert-approved kid podcasts to hit play on right now

To help make online dating feel less impossible, we've vetted the best dating apps and sites for you. We know — dating apps don't always have the best rep, but there are actually apps made just for parents these days, and some features on more well-known apps like Hinge can help the dating process along.

Why it's so hard to date as a single parent

Sometimes, the most obvious answer is also the most accurate one, and for single parents, free time can be a huge constraint on their dating life. We know you don't have time to swipe through Bumble and send out dozens of messages that might lead to a date.

"If someone is full-time responsible for parenting their child(ren), time is the most difficult/delicate issue," said Karen Bonnell, a co-parent, stepfamily coach, and author of The Stepfamily Handbook, in an email to Mashable. "Even when the children move back and forth in a two-home family, dating time is often modified to reflect that schedule and can feel compressed and/or a bit like a whipsaw from 'independent adult dating' and 'responsible parent parenting.'"

SEE ALSO: The top 12 dating sites for finding a serious relationship

Even though dating apps take some effort and time, using the right ones can help streamline the process of meeting someone new. That's why we think they're a solid option for single parents looking for love, fun, and friendship. An algorithm that actually shows you people you're compatible with, rather than anyone with a pulse in a 10-mile radius, is a major bonus.

Bonnell also told us it's important to be upfront about your time constraints and responsibilities.

"Dedicating time for communication ('after the kids are down') or setting the children up in an activity while letting them know 'Mom/Dad’s going to do a little computer work now,' or 'taking a call' can work, but it’s not easy," Bonnell wrote. "The ability to openly talk about these barriers and to come to reasonable agreements will predict the long-term durability of the relationship with a parent."

What's the best dating site for single parents?

Popular dating sites are the best places to find a wide array of users, but when you're dating as a single parent, curation can be key.

The dating app market also includes apps specifically designed for parents. In 2020, single parents and family-minded folks alike could start looking for love on heybaby (sadly, this dating site for single parents is no longer active). In 2022, Match Group launched Stir, a platform made specifically for single parents (though anyone can join).

Keep reading to find the best parent-centered dating apps, plus our favorite mainstream dating apps for parents.

Sony has finally unveiled the PS5 Pro after months of leaks and speculation, but the console comes with a hefty price: $700.

Billed as a more powerful, graphically enhanced version of the original PS5, the Pro's price point is sure to raise some eyebrows. At $700, it’s almost as expensive as the base iPhone 16, putting this in line with other moves amid Sony's recent push for higher pricing, from being one of the first companies to charge $70 for games, to hiking the price of DualSense controllers.

SEE ALSO: Sony finally announces the PS5 Pro, including release date and preorder details

It’s no surprise that the news has sparked reactions across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, where users are already calling Sony out for what many see as a blatant cash grab.

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The major upgrade with the PS5 Pro is its ability to handle high-fidelity modes at a consistent 60fps, which sounds great on paper. But when you consider that the standard PS5 could already achieve similar results by sacrificing some resolution, it starts to feel less like a game-changer. Many users are already questioning whether slightly improved graphics justify the $700 price tag.

In fact, for that kind of money, you could easily snag a custom-built PC with an RTX 3070 on Facebook Marketplace — and that’s exactly what some (read: me) are doing instead.

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The PS5 Pro also ditches the disc drive, and to top it off, the vertical stand is sold separately — a move that’s already causing debate among fans. With no major PS5 exclusives pushing the limits of the hardware, many are questioning whether the upgrade is even worth it.

It should be noted that Sony does have an excellent line up of first-party titles from God of War, The Last of Us, Marvel's Spider-Man, and the recently released AstroBot.

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"PS5 has no games" aside, the Pro is priced high and looks a little goofy. Only time will tell if this will be a flop or not for Sony.

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"Kamala loves a Venn diagram, right? So in one circle, you've got Swifties, who love Taylor, and in the other circle, you've got people who love Kamala. In the middle, you have us — you have these people who support Taylor and support Kamala," Lexa Hayes, the friendship bracelet coordinator of the new organizing group Swifties for Kamala, tells Mashable. 

SEE ALSO: Is it 'Kamala' or 'Harris'? The answer is complicated.

Hayes is one of many Taylor Swift fans who have joined Swifties for Kamala, a coalition of fans campaigning for presidential hopeful and current Vice President Kamala Harris that operates independently of Swift herself, who still has not offered an endorsement of either candidate in the upcoming election. Born out of a tweet, the organization takes advantage of Swift fans' pre-existing passion and online savvy and aims to use it to turn the presidential election blue. 

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Always interested in politics, Hayes never knew how to get involved, but Swifties for Kamala gave her an accessible, unintimidating introduction to the space. "It's talented people that I already know and am comfortable with," she said of the group. 

Behind the constant Swift lyrical references, glittering 47s on their hands, and friendship bracelets is a legitimate organization helmed by Swifties with professional experience working on campaigns. April Glick Pulito, the coalition's political director, worked on the 2020 presidential election for the Wisconsin State Democratic party and on the Georgia Senate race runoff in 2022. The group's campaign manager, Annie Wu Henry, is a digital and political strategist who was instrumental in Senator John Fetterman's TikTok campaign strategy.

The Democratic Party immediately embraced Swifties for Kamala. The group's Aug. 27 Zoom rally featured speakers like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey, as well as recording artist Carole King and members of the House of Representatives. Indivisible, the organization that led the run-of-show, back-end, and registration for other affinity groups for Harris, like White Women Answer the Call, AAPI Communities for Harris, and Female Lawyers for Harris, similarly supported Swifties for Kamala. 

Leah Greenberg, the co-executive director of Indivisible, thinks Swifties for Kamala has a ton of potential — organic potential that doesn't come from outside organizations.

"We've been seeing this big surge of different affinity groups, interest groups, and communities coming together to support Vice President Harris, and we've been trying to be supportive wherever we can," Greenberg told Mashable. 

SEE ALSO: 'Kamala is a relaxing thought': Swifties for Kamala raise $100,000 for the Harris campaign

The Swifties for Kamala Zoom rally saw an estimated 27,000 participants and raised over $100,000 for the Harris campaign. Those are not insignificant numbers, but when compared to affinity groups politicians already appeal to, like Win With Black Women, Win With Black Men, White Women Answer the Call, and White Dudes for Kamala, which raised $1.5 million, $1.3 million, $2 million, and $4.2 million, respectively, Swifties for Kamala only made a fraction of the impact.

Fandom as an affinity group

Swifties for Kamala is similar to other Zoom coalition calls in that they bring together large, diverse groups of people with different lived experiences and issues they're voting around, coming together not necessarily over policy but for an individual candidate. 

However, while other coalitions like White Women Answer the Call and White Dudes for Kamala organized in response to their demographic's role in and history of electing conservative and racist leaders, Swifties don't have as clear a lineage in the nation's voting history. Some Swifties say they have organized in defiance of groups of men on the right who belittle them. For others, it's a callback to their idol's past political stance.

For example, a rallying point among Swifties for Kamala is a tweet from the Republican Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee. After Swift broke her political silence and came out against Republican Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn in 2018, Huckabee wrote, "So @taylorswift13 has every right to be political but it won't impact election unless we allow 13 yr old girls to vote. Still with #MarshaBlackburn."

After the Zoom rally, the Swifties for Kamala account quote-tweeted Huckabee, writing, "Guess who's old enough to vote now." It received 90,000 likes. Another fan quote tweeted it with, "This aged like milk because those 13 year old girls in 2018 can vote in this election. We smile and smile." The post garnered 14,000 likes. But "Swiftie" isn't a political stance. 

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When asked about conservative Swifties, Glick Pulito alluded to their idol's few outspoken moments, saying, "Once you get deep enough into this fandom and have watched Miss Americana…" — a reference to Swift's 2020 documentary, implying that conservative fans aren't true fans. Swift's decision to talk about politics was a major focus of the film. It shows her, her father, and her team heatedly discussing her choice to come out in favor of Tennessee U.S. Senate candidate Bredesen. On the verge of tears, she expresses regret over not using her voice against Trump in 2016. "I can't change that...I need to be on the right side of history," she said in the documentary. 

The conversation resulted in her first political endorsement, in which she called on fans to support Bredesen in 2018 and called his opponent, Blackburn, "Trump in a wig." In 2020, a month before the presidential election, she endorsed President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris in a V Magazine article. She also posted a photo of herself holding Biden-Harris 2020 campaign cookies to social media. 

For fans, her outspokenness was consistent with the larger messaging of her Lover era. The album featured the pro-LGBTQ rainbow anthem "You Need to Calm Down," and her go at a feminist takedown of the male-dominated system, "The Man."

In the years since she's uploaded several Instagram posts about Black Lives Matter, tweeted about her terror after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and encouraged her followers to vote, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. 

"There are so many Swifties for Kamala because there's a real inclusiveness [to Swift's music]. Like all of Lover," continued Glick Pulito. "Her art does not lend itself to putting people down or moving backward. Loving this artist who strives to continue to make the world better, who strives to create good art, and who strives to constantly show up for her fans and herself and her family and her community — I'm not surprised that so many Swifties are committed to building a better future."

Swifties for Kamala define their eight policy stances as "equality, freedom, and safety," with nods to common sense gun reform, reproductive freedom, and a "permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas." Post Lover and Miss Americana, Swift's image aligned fairly well with these vague policy areas.

The tension between Swifties for Kamala and Taylor Swift

However, in the past couple of years, Swift, with her chart-topping albums, re-recordings, and The Eras Tour, has reached unprecedented levels of stardom, giving her unprecedented reach to millions. But she has yet to endorse Vice President Harris, a major reckoning point among Swifties for Kamala. 

Swifties for Kamala organizes over a personal identity marker, liking Swift, with no inherent political attachments. They are also organizing around Swift, someone who can attach herself to policies and people outside of Swifties for Kamala's goals, further complicating their group. Unlike other interest-based affinity groups, like the public transit-oriented Train Lovers for Kamala, there's no apparent policy the group can immediately agree on, and Swift's recent public actions don't necessarily align with Harris' campaign. 

For example, last October, Swift officially reached billionaire status and came under fire for her use of a private jet and its environmental impact. Meanwhile, Swifties for Kamala lists "climate change is taken seriously" as one of their eight policies. In a recent public outing, Swift was photographed hugging Trump supporter Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open, much to the disappointment of many of her fans. 

"What would they need to get our vote? They don't need to have a favorite Taylor Swift song, but it certainly helps,"

Swift's lifestyle appears increasingly inconsistent with the political change one might expect a digitally active fan to want. But, as Henry reminded Mashable, "Swifties are not a monolith." 

The diversity among fans calls into question the effectiveness of Swifties as a voting coalition, though. None of the organizers had specific ideas when pressed on how a politician might "court" the Swiftie vote as part of their own campaigns. They spoke in vague terms, as believers in Vice President Harris first and foremost. Not even the dissolution of monopolies, which could be used to rally the troops as it was a central rallying point for Swifties due to Ticketmaster's fumbling of selling Eras Tour tickets, was brought up as a core tenant of Swiftie beliefs. Politicians in support of the group were more specific. Senator Warren brought up taking on corporations like Ticketmaster during the Zoom rally, and Senator Markey referenced the climate crisis. 

SEE ALSO: Meet the Swifties trying to take down Ticketmaster

"What would they need to get our vote? They don't need to have a favorite Taylor Swift song, but it certainly helps," joked Glick Pulito. 

Across their social media presence, on their website, and at the Zoom rally, Swifties for Kamala repeats, "Not affiliated with Taylor Swift," but she's still their bonding force and inspiration. 

"We're not waiting for any one person anywhere to call people to action," explained Henry. "So much of what the Swiftie community does happened organically and not because they were told you should be doing this thing."

Hayes pointed to Swift's aptly-titled third album Speak Now as a point of inspiration. "[Swift] is this force in our lives that gives us confidence to be the people that we want to be and to fight for the change we want in the world. It's not about getting her attention, but the community that we built and using that force for good," she said. 

Is fandom the future of campaigning?

Despite the political tension between Swift and her fans, the organization is still a glimpse into the potential future of fandom and politics. "One of the things that keeps [organizers] going is being in community with each other," Greenberg said of her work at Indivisible. "It's only natural that a group of people — who are brought together by their passion for and excitement around Taylor Swift — are also sustaining their political work and weaving their political work together with their excitement and passion, as members of an incredibly engaged fan community."

SEE ALSO: How fandom is shaping the 2024 presidential election

Similarly, Henry told Mashable, "It's potentially a blueprint for how we can mobilize and invest in other digital communities just as we do in geographical areas. We should be reaching out to online spaces because, for better or worse, people are more online and dependent on online spaces."

For now, the group hopes to be present at Swift's remaining U.S. tour dates in Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana before the election. Many of those are after the voter registration deadlines, so until then, Swifties for Kamala plans to focus on encouraging people to vote. "We want to remind people that every vote counts, especially since she has an upcoming date in Florida," said Hayes. 

The friendship bracelet coordinator is also set to launch her brainchild in the coming weeks, an effort known as the "You're Not Alone, Kid Campaign." Hayes says, "It's basically a motivation campaign to remind people to get to the polls and to not let motivation wane." 

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Hayes hopes to get volunteers in every state to make bracelets and place them around public spaces in the community. Each bracelet will have a QR code that directs the scanner to the Swifties for Kamala website, where voter information is available. On Oct. 13, the group plans to launch the campaign to the public by posting photos of the hidden bracelets to its social media accounts. It will track where the bracelets are found. 

"Getting a beer with a political candidate is a little outdated," Glick Pulito said. Now, it's about memes. It's about viral posts. It's about harnessing the power of the internet, as Swifities for Kamala does so well. "It makes [politics] more accessible, and the more accessible you make it, the more people are gonna engage with it."

Like it or not, fandoms are a central part of digital natives' lives. Swifties for Kamala are harnessing that power for the election—friendship bracelets and all. It doesn't matter who Swift endorses; look what she already made them do.

Google rolled out a trio of Chrome updates on Tuesday designed to make juggling your endless tabs a little less chaotic.

SEE ALSO: New evidence claims Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon could be listening to you on your devices

Whether you're on desktop, iOS, or Android, Chrome goal with this new update is to smooth out the clutter and keep your browsing in sync across devices. And while these updates make things a little easier when browsing, syncing tab groups and getting proactive page suggestions across devices means Google Chrome is keeping a close eye on what you're browsing—and where.

Chrome tabs update1. Tab Groups for iOS

Tab groups are finally landing on iOS, joining their desktop and Android counterparts. If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, you’ll now be able to organize your tabs into neat, customizable groups.

Want to give them a personalized touch? You can add custom names and colors for easy recognition. To get started, open the tab grid, long-press on a tab, and hit "Add Tab to New Group." From there, you’re free to shuffle things around and arrange the tabs exactly how you want.

2. Cross-device tab groups

Chrome is rolling out the ability to save and sync your tab groups across iOS, Android, and desktop, making it easier to jump between devices seamlessly. Start something on your phone and finish it on your computer without losing track of your progress.

3. Tab suggestions

Chrome's third feature is getting a more experimental rollout. Instead of a full release, Google is treating it as an early test.

Chrome will start surfacing suggestions for pages you've previously visited, making it easier to pick up where you left off. Whether you’re working at the office or commuting home, Chrome will do the heavy lifting, showing you relevant pages right on the New Tab page across Android, iOS, and desktop.

Don't miss out on the best streaming deals as of Sept. 10:

Best Streaming Deals Best Streaming Deal Free Peacock Premium subscription with Instacart Plus $0 (Save $7.99) Get Deal Best Paramount+ Deal 50% off Paramount+ $29.99 (Save $29.99) Get Deal Best Starz Deal 6 months of Starz for $20 $19.99 at Starz (Save $26 ) Get Deal

Halloween is just over a month away, and you know what that means: scary movies. If you're looking to spend this fall taking in some great horror flicks and TV shows, now's the time to invest in a new streaming service. Even if you just plan to cuddle up on the couch in a blanket while the weather gets chilly, you can benefit from these discounted streaming platforms, because there are some seriously sizzling ones available right now.

As of Sep. 10, you can save big with discounts that net you Peacock Premium for free with your Instacart Plus subscription. You can also nab platforms like Starz and Paramount+ at lower rates right now, just in time to kick off the season. That means you can access some of the biggest stores of content available right now for some of the lowest prices yet. If you're looking to cancel Netflix due to rising prices, or you just want to try something new, check out the week's best streaming deals to see what you can save on (or gift to friends and family) right now.

Best streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Our pick: Free Peacock Premium subscription with Instacart Plus at Instacart
Get Deal Why we like it

Right now, you can sign up for Instacart Plus and get a free Peacock Premium subscription by doing so. Instacart Plus is $10 per month, and comes with free unlimited deliveries on orders over $35. Normally, Peacock Premium is $7.99 monthly, though it does include ads — you have to pay $14 monthly for the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus — but there's plenty of content to choose from on the streamer. Find NBC series like The Voice and Yellowstone there, as well as NFL content, just in time for football season. Whatever you plan to watch, free is a great price.

Best Paramount+ deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Our pick: 50% off Paramount+ $29.99 at Paramount+
$59.98 Save $29.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Paramount+ is offering annual streaming plans for just $29.99 a year, which is 50% off its normal price, through September 23. This deal applies to both new and former subscribers, so now's the time to see what Paramount+ has to offer for about $5 per month. You can find a variety of series and movies there, including South Park, Frasier, Yellowstone and Star Trek. New movies like A Quiet Place: Day One are also streaming there, with a swath of other movies making their way to the service.

Best Starz deal Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Our pick: 6 months of Starz for $20 $19.99 at Starz
$46.00 Save $26.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Starz is offering new and returning subscribers six months of the service for just $20, which is $26 off its normal price. There's a wide selection of shows and movies to choose from on the platform, including Bad Boys for Life, Power, and Gaslit. Alternatively, if you don't want to subscribe for six months, you can get your first month for just $5. When the trial period ends, you'll have to make sure you cancel before the price goes back up from there.

SAVE $40: Buy two Kindle Scribe devices with basic pens at Amazon for $639.98, marked down from the normal price of $679.98 for two. That's a 6% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Two Amazon Kindle Scribe devices with basic pens (16GB) $639.98 at Amazon
$679.98 Save $40.00 Get Deal

If you're a student, you travel often, or you're a voracious reader, you could be a perfect fit for an e-reader. Instead of needing to buy (and store) tons of physical books, these small tablet-like devices allow you to read digital books. Kindle has a long been a leader in the industry, and thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can save when buying two Kindle Scribes.

As of Sept. 10, two Kindle Scribe devices with basic pen are on sale at Amazon for $639.98, down from the list price of $679.98 for two. That's a savings of $40.

The Kindle Scribe can be perfect for those who want an e-reader but also like to take notes in the margin of books, sketch, or jot down their thoughts. In addition to serving as an e-reader the included basic pen means you can mark up a textbook or write a note in a novel to discuss at book club. If you're working on a PDF for work, add notes for co-workers to chat about during your next meeting.

Mashable's analysis of the best Kindle mentions the Scribe is the best option if you like to take notes.

With a 10.2-inch screen, the Kindle Scribe earns bragging rights as the largest Kindle display — twice the size of the Kindle Paperwhite. It's also large enough to read pages side-by-side when in landscape mode. The device also comes with an impressive battery, getting weeks of life before it needs to recharge.

If your handwriting isn't the best, no worries. You'll be able to convert your handwritten notes into text before sending them off to classmates or coworkers.

Keep in mind the Kindle Scribe isn't waterproof, so it might not be the best option if you spend the summer reading poolside. However, our favorite version, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, comes with waterproofing, so look into that option if you'll be near water often.

Throughout the year, Amazon offers plenty of perks for those who own a Kindle like the recent Stuff Your Kindle Day which offered thousands of titles for free. There's also the Amazon First Reads program which also offers free books.

If you and a family member, a friend, or a coworker could benefit from the functionality of the Kindle Scribe, today is a great time to save $40 when buying two devices. Happy reading!

SAVE UP TO $60: Through Sept. 23, Paramount+ is offering new and ex-subscribers 50% off annual subscriptions. That drops the price of Paramount+ Essential from $59.99 to $29.99 (or $2.50/month) and Paramount+ with Showtime from $119.99 to $59.99 (or $5/month).

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual subscription $29.99
$59.99 Save $30.00 50% off through Sept. 23 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription $59.99
$119.99 Save $60.00 50% off through Sept. 23 Get Deal

Week two of the 2024-2025 NFL season is kicking off with an epic deal on Paramount+ — the streaming home of your local AFC games on Sundays. Sure, it's just one of the many streamers you'll need to watch every game this season, but this discount could significantly lower your overall streaming costs for game day.

Through Sept. 23, annual subscriptions to Paramount+ are 50% off for your first year. This brings the yearly cost of Paramount+ Essential from $59.99 to $29.99 (breaking down to just $2.50/month) and Paramount+ with Showtime from $119.99 to $59.99 (breaking down to just $4.99/month). The promo is available for both new and former subscribers.

Besides being the streaming hub for NFL on CBS, Paramount+ is also home to UEFA Champions League matches, CBS originals like Ghosts, Survivor, and Big Brother, old Nickelodeon and MTV shows, and Paramount's latest theatrical releases like A Quiet Place: Day One and Bob Marley: One Love. All of these things are accessible with the basic Paramount+ Essential subscription. If you opt for the pricier option with Showtime, you'll also unlock the entire Showtime library — including Yellowjackets, The Curse, and The Chi — an ad-free viewing experience (except for with live TV), even more live sports, and the ability to download shows to watch offline.

Considering the current price of a yearly Paramount+ with Showtime subscription is the same cost as an Essential subscription on a regular day, we'd highly recommend signing up for 50% off before Sept. 23.

Google and Apple's legal woes are getting expensive.

On Tuesday, the tech giant lost the second and final appeal to overturn a 2017 antitrust ruling by the European Commission, forcing Google to pay $2.7 billion (2.42 billion euros). The ruling, upheld by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) said Google was guilty of anti-competitive practices via its Google Shopping service because it favored its own price-comparison tool over competing shopping tools in search results.

SEE ALSO: New evidence claims Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon could be listening to you on your devices

Now that the Google ruling has been upheld, it "validates the Commission's approach to such practices," deemed "self-preferencing," said EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager in her remarks about the ruling.

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"This case was symbolic because it demonstrated that even the most powerful tech companies could be held accountable. No one is above the law," Vestager continued. "It inspired regulators and policymakers worldwide to scrutinize the activities of digital giants more closely."

The judgement comes a little over a month after Google lost a huge antitrust lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. The case said Google was operating as a monopoly by paying Apple $20 billion a year to make Google the default search engine on Safari.

Apple lost in the EU courts too

Speaking of Apple, that company is also in trouble with the European Commission. On Tuesday, the same day it upheld its ruling against Google, the CJEU handed down a final decision forcing Apple to pay $14.3 billion (13 billion euros) in back taxes, after the Commission said Apple had skirted its tax bill due to loopholes in Irish tax laws. The judgment was the result of a decision upheld from 2016 that Apple has unsuccessfully tried to appeal. "It is a win for the Commission. It is also a win for the level playing field in the Single Market, and for tax justice," said Vestager in the same remarks.

Recently, Apple was fined $1.9 billion by the EU for an antitrust violation against Spotify, and it faces another fine for breaching the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) for restricting third-party apps to the Apple App Store. If that weren't enough, Apple is also in the middle of a antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice for favoring its own apps and services over third-party competitors.