Feed aggregator

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra just dropped to its lowest price ever

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:48

SAVE $232: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) is on sale at Amazon for $1,067.99, down from the normal price of $1,299.99. That's an 18% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) $1,067.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $232 Get Deal

If you're in the market for a top-tier phone, you've probably budgeted for well over $1,000, and with tariff news changing every day, that might go higher. But if you're quick, you can score a premium model at a steep discount today.

As of May 1, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) is on sale for $1,067.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard list price of $1,299.99. That shaves $232 off the price thanks to the 18% discount. This sale also happens to be the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. Samsung used its most powerful battery ever in the S25 Ultra. In Mashable's review, writer Alex Perry noted the Samsung S25 Ultra got almost 27 hours of battery life when looping a 1080p video on the display. That means you can likely get over a day's worth of battery life out of each charge.

SEE ALSO: Score the 32-inch Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $300 off and give your office a big upgrade

This model also comes with 256GB for storing all your dog photos and downloaded movies. That'll come in handy during summer vacation, since you'll need plenty of entertainment downloaded for the flight.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also comes with S Pen, which is great for jotting down notes or using Samsung's Circle to Search function. Plus, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is the newest processor.

If your smartphone has been lagging or no longer holds a charge for all-day use, today is a great day to upgrade while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is hanging out at $1,067.99 — the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.

Bad news, Xbox gamers: Consoles and video game prices are going up

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:40

Starting today, Microsoft will be raising the recommended retail prices of its Xbox consoles and controllers, and video games are next. Microsoft says some new first-party games will see a holiday season price increase to $79.99.

The news was announced on a May 1 blog post on the Xbox support blog.

The blog post reads, “We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”

While Microsoft cites “market conditions” and the “rising cost” of development, the company didn’t mention tariffs specifically. However, we’ve already seen a wave of tariff-related price increases, with more likely to come in the near future.

And Xbox isn’t the only platform potentially raising prices. Nintendo alarmed some Switch gamers when it announced that the Switch 2 launch title Mario Kart World would be priced at $80. Video game prices have stayed relatively flat for decades, and as we noted at the time, the Mario Kart World price could be a harbinger of more price increases to come. In fact, a price adjustment may be overdue.

However, the Microsoft announcement did leave the company some wiggle room. The company said they "expect to adjust the pricing of some of our new, first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99." (Emphasis added.)

Mashable reached out to Microsoft for comment on the Xbox price changes, and we'll update this article if we receive more information.

Get the limited edition Blossom Bliss Shark FlexStyle for 27% off ahead of Mothers Day

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:14

SAVE $91.50: As of May 1, get the limited edition Shark FlexStyle in Blossom Bliss for $238.49. Use code SPECIAL10 at checkout to save $91.50 for 27% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System in Blossom Bliss $238.49 at Shark
$329.99 Save $91.50 Get Deal

Another day, another great Shark deal. Earlier this week, we spotted the Shark FlexStyle back down to $239.99, saving 20% off. This air styling and hair drying system is our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe, making at-home blowouts an easy reality. But ahead of Mother's Day, which is May 11 if you needed a reminder, Shark just dropped an even better deal on the FlexStyle.

As of May 1, Shark has dropped its price on its limited edition Blossom Bliss FlexStyle. Normally $329.99, it was marked down to $264.99, but with code SPECIAL10, you get an extra 10% off. That brings it down to $238.49, 50 cents cheaper than Amazon's FlexStyle listing. That provides $91.50 off for 27% in savings.

The Blossom Bliss FlexStyle comes in a metallic pink finish with decorative cherry blossoms printed on the side — a more festive upgrade from the FlexStyle's usual shade of metallic beige. It comes with five attachments: a styling concentrator, two auto-wrap curlers, an oval brush, and a paddle brush.

Use code SPECIAL10 to get the Blossom Bliss FlexStyle for $238.49 at Shark.

How to watch Athletic Club vs. Manchester United online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:07

TL;DR: Live stream Athletic Club vs. Manchester United for free on RTBF Auvio. The best service for live streaming sport is ExpressVPN.

The Europa League semi finals are here, with all eyes on Athletic Club vs. Manchester United. This absolutely huge matchup is all that matters to Manchester United at this stage of the season. It has been a season to forget, but they could end things on a much more positive note by winning this competition and securing qualification for next year's Champions League.

If you want to watch Athletic Club vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Athletic Club vs. Manchester United?

Athletic Club vs. Manchester United kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on May 1. This fixture takes place at the San Mamés Stadium.

How to watch Athletic Club vs. Manchester United for free

Athletic Club vs. Manchester United is available to live stream for free on RTBF Auvio in Belgium.

RTBF Auvio is geo-restricted to Belgium, so if you're away from Belgium for this fixture, you'll have to use a VPN to get access to your usual coverage. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Belgium, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access RTBF Auvio from anywhere in the world.

Unblock RTBF Auvio 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 Belgium

  4. Visit RTBF Auvio

  5. Stream Athletic Club vs. Manchester United in the Europa League for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 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 RTBF Auvio without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Athletic Club vs. Manchester United before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

  • 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 Athletic Club vs. Manchester United for free with ExpressVPN.

The OnlyFans creator mansion thats dividing the internet

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:03

Living together in a gigantic six-bed, five-bath property in Miami, eight conventionally attractive women sunbathe in bikinis, twerk in matching jammies, and dance by the pool in almost-sheer bodycon dresses. This is not a new-age iteration of the Playboy Mansion; there are no silk robe-clad men in sight, and in fact, no men at all. This is the Bop House, a content creator mansion founded by 20-year-old Sophie Rain and 22-year-old Aishah Sofey at the tail end of 2024. 

While you may be well-versed with Hype House, Sway House, and the many dupe content mansions that have sprung up since the pandemic, Bop — or "baddie on point" — is part of a growing niche of homes like the Creator House and Rebel House that exclusively host OnlyFans creators. In the four months since Bop's inception, Rain and Sofey have recruited Alina Rose, Camilla Araujo, Julia Filippo, Summer Iris, Ava Reyes, and Joy Mei to their mansion. (Mei has since left, according to Bop House's Instagram bio.)

SEE ALSO: Trump divides the porn industry. He also might ban it.

The uber-successful creators have over 40 million social media followers between them, while Bop House has over four million combined followers on TikTok and Instagram. That's not all. Rain claimed that the content house earned over $10 million in December alone, and its prosperity has already inspired a rival OnlyFans-only mansion called the Asian House

In case you're curious about the kind of videos that Bop posts to garner clout at breakneck speed, the ordinary, everydayness of their content may surprise you, at least at first glance. Just like countless other lifestyle creators, the Bop House women make dance videos, play pranks on each other, and wear colour-coordinated outfits. It's a seemingly never-ending slumber party, but the online reaction signals the longstanding and seemingly ever-growing stigma against sex work, even when made on women's own terms. 

Inside the Bop House

Despite the staid nature of their TikTok and Instagram content, most Bop House videos stack millions of views because of the subliminal suggestiveness and seduction. The creators don't just dance to any tunes, but specifically those that encourage jumping and jiggling. On a day out, you'll see them at a PG-13 trampoline park in tank tops and bum shorts, as the camera pans on their butts and boobs. Even if the content appears to be all fun and games, in reality, each post is meticulously planned with the Bop House women hard at work. After all, just like other OnlyFans creators, their income depends on their social media. 

The OnlyFans platform is notoriously bereft of a search function and a discovery space like Explore or FYP. The only way for a creator to get new subscribers is by promoting their work on other forms of media like X, Reddit, Telegram, TikTok, and Instagram. That's why UK-based OnlyFans creator Lauren Roland thinks the Bop House is a genius idea. 

"I spend 90 percent of my day marketing my content online. But there's only so many times I can post photos of myself dressed like a French maid or a nurse before it becomes repetitive," the 51-year-old shares. "Having creators to collaborate with helps your creativity and reach because you're targeting wider audiences." 

Creating content amid censorship

According to an OnlyFans spokesperson, as of April 2025, the platform has over four million registered creators. While it has always been difficult to stand out amidst the crowd, the ongoing censorship of sex workers by big tech is only stigmatising the industry further, making it nearly impossible for creators to exist on mainstream platforms. The current stigmatisation of online sex work can be traced back to the 2018 U.S. bills FOSTA-SESTA (Fighting Online Sex Trafficking Act and Stop Enabling Sex Trafficking Act). 

When Donald Trump signed the controversial bills in his first term with the intent to curb human trafficking, the law made online publishers responsible for any trafficking incidents that take place on their platforms. In an effort to safeguard their own interests, the platforms then began policing content excessively. Human moderators — or worse, automated systems — were trained to aggressively weed out any nudity or reference to sex. These mentions are then flagged as potentially soliciting, and associated accounts are eventually reported or suspended. Sex educators, workers, and creators became collateral damage amidst this censorship, as the process leaves plenty of room for error. 

Last year, Roland lost 125,000 followers on TikTok when the app suspended her account out of the blue. Her Instagram is shadowbanned, meaning it does not appear in the search function, on Explore pages, or under recommended accounts. 

"It's hard for a machine to determine what is or isn't safe for work, it's super dehumanising and demonstrates the ways that people in the erotic sphere are blocked from accessing legitimate infrastructure," says Megan Wallace, the creator behind sex and desire zine PULP and the editorial director at GayTimes

For years, heaps of sex workers, educators, and LGBTQIA+ users have protested Meta's arbitrary (shadow)bans of their personal and professional accounts despite complying with their no-nudity and no-solicitation rules.

That also explains why Bop House content is carefully indicative, with absolutely no mention of OnlyFans. The link in their Instagram bio takes users to an official website where you can further tap into the individual creators' OnlyFans accounts — two whole clicks away from Meta. 

The timing is painfully ironic: 2025 is also the year that Anora, a film about a sex worker, swept up six awards at the Oscars. In reality, the sex worker community is being pushed underground. Instead of regulating and protecting sex workers, the current law erases them from social media, enforcing the idea that they aren't valid members of society, worthy of community, connection, or any visibility. 

The timing is painfully ironic: 2025 is also the year that 'Anora,' a film about a sex worker, swept up six awards at the Oscars. In reality, the sex worker community is being pushed underground.

In an attempt to circumvent censorship yet continue to draw in eyes, OnlyFans creators are forced to develop their own niche online. For example, Astrid Wett is known for being a boxer, Bonnie Locket uses her love of supercars to lure fans, while London-based Venus Energy is making more lifestyle-first videos. "I recently started a TikTok series of me struggling to open jars, it's a humorous way for men to offer help that is still above board," Energy explains. 

Similarly, the women of Bop House are distinguishing themselves from other creators through community and by exclusively creating group content. 

But this has elicited uproar and moral panic of its own. The Bop creators are between 19 and 24 years of age, and naysayers on the internet claim they're too young for sex work. Not only does this narrative strip the creators of any agency, but it also fuels the belief that sex work is inherently bad and must be banned. 

"Years ago, with Emma Watson and more recently with Millie Bobby Brown, we have seen barely-legal celebrities be overly sexualised against their will," shares Dr. Carolina Are, innovation fellow at Northumbria University's Centre for Digital Citizens, platform governance researcher, and content creator. Back in 2014, Watson delivered a speech about the lack of gender equality in films and revealed that the press sexualised her when she was only 14 years old. 

In the decade since, nonconsensual objectification has gained the backing of technology like pornographic deepfakes (AI-generated videos) of Brown and other young celebrities that are easily available on the internet. 

"Even musicians have written songs objectifying young girls; so it's incredibly revealing that these adult women who are consensually creating sexual content are somehow a problem for people," Are adds. 

Mounting misconceptions about sex work

This angst towards Bop House magnified in February when 17-year-old content creator Piper Rockelle posted videos with the housemates. The internet was up in arms about an underage creator allegedly joining OnlyFans, but this never happened. Rockelle visited the creators at Rain's private residence (not Bop House) and filmed mainstream TikTok trends. (Teenagers and parents who worked with Rockelle accused her mother, Tiffany Smith, of harassment and abuse in a 2022 lawsuit. Smith denied the allegations, and a settlement was reached.) 

But the furore led to Bop House being labelled "the most disgusting content house" on a YouTube video with over a million views, while they continue to field daily hate on X and TikTok. The consistent fear-mongering spreads the belief that Bop House's viral presence online could lure in minors with PG-13 content, eventually funneling them onto OnlyFans before they are legally allowed. 

When Mashable reached out to OnlyFans for comments, a spokesperson said, "OnlyFans is not affiliated with the Bop House and does not endorse any third party or agency." They also linked us to the platform's child-safety policies. 

In accordance with the UK's Online Safety Act and U.S. 2257 Record-Keeping Regulations, creators have to provide over nine proofs of identity before they can be registered on OnlyFans. This includes their name, email, postal address, date of birth, valid government photo ID, selfie with and without said ID, W-9, and social security number. Depending on the country, subscribers must also provide a range of personal IDs, payment details, and go through age verification checks before viewing media on OnlyFans. 

In the U.S., for instance, fans must share valid over-18 bank details and a passport or driver's license in order to be cleared. To ensure minors aren't accessing OnlyFans through an adult's account, the platform also hosts secondary selfie checks every 30 days. 

Although OnlyFans has roadblocks in place to prevent minors from accessing adult content, the internet at large unfairly places this responsibility on creators. 

SEE ALSO: What the Supreme Court hearing about age verification could mean for you

"Parents and schools should educate children because right now, sex work and any related content is so heavily censored that it restricts access to important conversations about sexual health, wellbeing and consent while proliferating misogynistic content and stigmatising sex," Are says. 

At a time when one in five UK men aged 16 to 29 look at Andrew Tate favourably and believe feminism did more harm than good, safe conversations around sex are essential. Similarly, the recently released Netflix thriller Adolescence —which explores the rise of the toxic manosphere and its impact on young boys — is resonating with audiences globally and making a case for the need for healthy conversation around sex and gender. 

On the other hand, big tech sees a complete elimination of sex workers as the easy fix to trafficking and safety. Roland explains why this only makes matters worse: "Right now OnlyFans creators are making content from the safety of their homes and on their own terms — the Bop House women have solidarity in their togetherness. But if you censor us on social media, we may be forced to [post videos] on platforms like Pornhub." The creator adds that with the latter, sex workers have less control over how much they are paid and how the content is promoted, taking away their agency. 

"Pornhub has collaborated closely with the model community to create a payment structure that fairly compensates them for their work. You can learn more about our tier system here, including how we have regularly implemented model feedback into the system as it evolves," Pornhub's VP of brand and community, Alexzandra Kekesi, said in an emailed statement to Mashable. "Pornhub is deeply invested in the success of the creators that are a part of our community." 

Yet even from the perspective of child safety, some creators prefer a platform like OnlyFans — where viewers must jump through several hoops before seeing adult content — over easily accessible porn websites where age verification and consent is a simple, faith-based "yes or no" answer. (In the U.S., age-verification laws are in effect in several states, requiring ID or facial recognition to access explicit sites. While they outwardly want to curb minors from seeing porn, an early study shows that they don't work, and free speech experts Mashable have spoke to say there are privacy and security concerns.)

"Parents and schools should educate children because right now, sex work and any related content is so heavily censored that it restricts access to important conversations about sexual health, wellbeing and consent." - Researcher Carolina Are

Like any other profession, working in a collective like the Bop House is better for the creators' mental and social welfare than filming alone. Are says, "I'm part of a research network where we address various aspects of content creators' lives, and something that stands out is how lonely their work can be."

Are insists that creator mansions like Bop House can play a vital role in their overall protection and safety. For instance, in February, Rain revealed that her stalker broke into the mansion while she and the team were away at the Super Bowl; he even told the cops that he was married to the creator. In a YouTube video, she sat down with Reyes and Araujo to talk about how terrifying the experience was while emphasising how having the group's support helped her process the trauma. 

Globally, sex workers have a 45 to 75 percent chance of experiencing violence on the job. Popular OnlyFans creators are possibly at a higher risk of exposure to violence, as they're public-facing. 

Energy agrees, "OnlyFans can be an isolating career, so I'm envious of what those girls have by working together." Unfortunately, as per the law, Bop House would be illegal in the UK. Two sex workers cannot work together in the country as it is deemed "brothel-keeping," making it increasingly unsafe by forcing creators to work in silos. 

"But I am trying to access the community where I can," Energy says. "I've joined a few Telegram and Discord groups where we ask each other questions and discuss ideas; I hope those don't get banned too." 

Get the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station for its lowest-ever price

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 09:41

SAVE $90: Clip the on-page coupon to get the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station for just $169 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and the best price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90 Get Deal

Maybe it's been a while since you physically clipped a coupon to score a discount, but that doesn't mean this type of opportunity has disappeared. Occasionally, Amazon offers an on-page coupon that offers a steep discount. They're hard to spot, but there's a great coupon right now that's perfect for the upcoming camping season.

As of May 1, the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is on sale for $169 with the $90 on-page coupon, marked down from the normal price of $259. That works out to a 35% discount and the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Take $43 off the Marbero Portable Power Station and be ready for "just in case"

Weighing slightly over seven pounds, the Jackery Explorer 300 deserves to get packed along on your next camping trip. The portable power station comes with 293Wh capacity and 300 Watts ouput which means you'll be able to stay powered up even if you go off-grid. In real-life terms, that means your phone can recharge 16 times or it'll keep a Bluetooth speaker pumping tunes for 19 hours. You'll get recharging options on the Jackery Explorer 300 with two AC ports, one USB-C, and two USB-A connections.

When it comes time to recharge the Jackery Explorer 300, you can do so either by car charging, wall charging, or solar charging. The Jackery also focuses on a quiet operation, working at a sound that measures just 36.4 decibels, so you won't need to worry about it being too loud if you're using it to power up a CPAP machine at night.

The Jackery Explorer 300 is perfect for outdoor adventures this summer, but it's also nice to have around the house should you experience a power outage. Instead of driving around the neighborhood to recharge your phone in the car, the Jackery is around to keep your gadgets ready to go.

While it's at its lowest price ever, grab the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station for just $169 at Amazon. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon to score this $90 discount.

A24s Sorry, Baby trailer teases an awkward and bittersweet comedy

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 09:00

A24's latest film, Sorry, Baby, has the look of a quirky comedy with a serious edge judging by the brand new trailer out today.

Written and directed by and starring Eva Victor, the movie follows Agnes (Victor), a woman struggling to terms with something bad that happened to her three years before.

"Bittersweet, brilliant, and heartwarmingly funny, Sorry, Baby is a movie that is sure to find an audience beyond Sundance," wrote Mashable's Kristy Puchko in her review. "And not just because A24 is a master of marketing offbeat cinema, but because Victor has a voice that is strong, strange, and demands to be heard."

Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, Louis Cancelmi, and Kelly McCormack also star.

Sorry, Baby is in select cinemas on June 27, nationwide on July 18.

Tesla Chair Denies That Board Sought to Replace Elon Musk

NYT Technology - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 08:59
Robyn Denholm, who leads Tesla’s board, said on social media that board members were “highly confident” in Mr. Musk, the company’s chief executive.

Pedro Pascal gets schmoozed by Walton Goggins in The Uninvited exclusive clip

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 07:17

If you've had a dream where Pedro Pascal is royally schmoozed by Walton Goggins, check out the reality of the exclusive clip above from The Uninvited.

A sneak peek at writer-director Nadia Conners' upcoming film, the scene takes place amid a deeply fancy party thrown by former actor Rose (Elizabeth Reaser, The Haunting of Hill House) and her Hollywood agent husband Sammy (Goggins, The White Lotus).

Sammy's white whale client target is a silk-shirted Pascal (The Last of Us) as Lucien, an A-lister movie star and bonafide lothario. But why do Lucien and Rose look like Sammy just interrupted something?

The Uninvited is in cinemas May 9.

How to watch Musetti vs. Diallo online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:44

TL;DR: Live stream Musetti vs. Diallo in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open quarter finals include some really interesting matchups, including Musetti vs. Diallo. The unseeded Diallo has been one of the best stories of the tournament so far. Can the Canadian continue to upset the odds and progress into the semi finals?

If you want to watch Musetti vs. Diallo in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Musetti vs. Diallo for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Musetti vs. Diallo.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Diallo without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Musetti vs. Diallo in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Draper vs. Arnaldi online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:41

TL;DR: Live stream Draper vs. Arnaldi in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open quarter finals are bringing together some of the best players in the world. We know this isn't the French Open, but this tournament provides an awesome opportunity to build momentum before the main event.

Draper takes on Arnaldi in one of the most interesting matchups at this late stage. If you want to watch Draper vs. Arnaldi in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Draper vs. Arnaldi for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Draper vs. Arnaldi.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Draper vs. Arnaldi without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Draper vs. Arnaldi in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

John Wick fans, you need to watch the documentary trailer

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:38

If you're a fiend for the world of John Wick, you'll want to watch this.

A new behind-the-scenes documentary, Wick Is Pain, will let you step inside the Continental hotel and go behind the scenes of Chad Stahelski's Keanu Reeves-led, puppy-fuelled, towering body count-clad assassin action franchise.

Directed by Jeffrey Doe, the film features interviews with the cast and crew including Reeves and Stahelski, alongside producers Erica Lee, Basil Iwanyk, and David Leitch. From the looks of the trailer, there's plenty of on-set footage of Reeves in full John Wick stunt mode — as his stunt double Jackson Spidell says, "When you see Keanu in pain onscreen, it's probably for real." After all, Stahelski did hit Reeves with a car.

But the film also promises to go into the fact that the first John Wick movie in 2014 — the one with the puppy that started it all — almost didn't happen.

Wick Is Pain is available to rent and buy on digital platforms from May 9, after screening at Beyond Fest at the American Cinematheque on May 8.

How to watch Cerundolo vs. Mensik online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:38

TL;DR: Live stream Cerundolo vs. Mensik in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open quarter finals are here for the men's draw, with Cerundolo taking on Mensik in one of the toughest matchups to predict. We really can't call this one. It's going to be an absolute battle for a spot in the semi finals.

If you want to watch Cerundolo vs. Mensik in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Cerundolo vs. Mensik for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Cerundolo vs. Mensik.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Cerundolo vs. Mensik without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Cerundolo vs. Mensik in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Svitolina online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:34

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open semi finals are here, with two absolutely huge matches in the women's draw. Gauff takes on Swiatek in the first, followed by Sabalenka vs. Svitolina. This is particularly tough match to call, but top seed Sabalenka will be favorite for many fans.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Svitolina for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Sabalenka vs. Svitolina.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sabalenka vs. Svitolina without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Gauff vs. Swiatek online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:31

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open is coming to a dramatic conclusion with some massive games still to play, including Gauff vs. Swiatek. This huge semi-final matchup is the one to watch. It's the defending champion's toughest matchup in the competition. Coco Gauff has the talent to beat anyone on her day.

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Swiatek for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Gauff vs. Swiatek.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Gauff vs. Swiatek without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Gauff vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Ruud vs. Medvedev online for free

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:23

TL;DR: Live stream Ruud vs. Medvedev in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open is entering its final stages, so fans can expect some massive games between the world's best players. The first quarter final in the men's draw sees Ruud take on Medvedev. This one is tough to call, but it should be an entertaining tussle between two aggressive players.

If you want to watch Ruud vs. Medvedev in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Ruud vs. Medvedev for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Ruud vs. Medvedev.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Ruud vs. Medvedev without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Ruud vs. Medvedev in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

The best Max deals and bundles in May 2025

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:16

MAX BUNDLES: Max is offering a few different bundle deals so you can stream from its library without making a massive dent in your wallet.

The best Max deals and bundles in May 2025: Best Max Annual Deal Max (Annual Plan) $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Student Discount Max Student Discount Students save 50% on Max Basic With Ads plan Get Deal Best Bundle with Hulu Hulu with Max Add Max to your Hulu base plan from $9.99 per month Get Deal

Some of the most prestigious shows and films live on Max's streaming service. From The White Lotus to Dune: Part Two and so much more, Max is worth the investment for those looking to dive into the most talked about pieces of entertainment. And with highly-anticipated shows like The Last of Us running again — you can check out our review of The Last of Us season two to learn our thoughts about the show's return — there's no better time than now to start looking at plans and bundles.

The good news is that Max has a few different bundles available at the moment that are worth checking out, including a big bundle with Disney+ and Hulu. With streaming prices on the rise, a bundle like this can be a great way to save some cash while getting access to your favorite services. Max is also offering a great deal at the moment on its yearly plans, which you can learn more about below.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 1 Recap: Everything you need to remember before watching season 2

Alongside that deal and a couple more, we've also broken down Max's standard plans in case you're just interested in its service on its own.

Best Max Annual Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Annual Plans Basic With Ads, Standard, and Premium Get Deal Why we like it

For a limited time (until May 7), Max is offering a deal on its yearly plans so you can save on either the Basic With Ads, Standard, or Premium plan for your first year. The Basic With Ads yearly plan is currently down to $79.99 (usually it's $99.99), the Standard yearly plan is down to $139.99 (usually it's $169.99), and the Premium yearly plan is down to $169.99 (usually it's $209.99).

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Max, Disney+, and Hulu bundle is a top-tier choice for those looking to have access to some of the biggest streaming services around. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for them on their own. If you've already got Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, this bundle is worth every cent. If you're interested, there are two plan options to choose from:

Max Student Discount Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student Discount Students save 50% on Max Basic With Ads plan Get Deal Why we like it

It's always nice when streaming services have a deal for students, and Max's offer is definitely worth taking advantage of. Students who can verify their status with UNiDAYS are eligible to get the Max Basic With Ads plan for just $4.99 per month. That's a 50% discount off its usual price of $9.99 per month. After verifying your status, you'll receive a unique code that can be used to redeem the discounted plan on Max.

Best Bundle with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with Max Add Max to your Hulu base plan from $9.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not interested in the Disney+, Hulu, and Max mega bundle, you can just get Hulu and Max together if you already have a Hulu base plan, which starts at $9.99 per month. Max (With Ads) can be added onto your plan for $9.99 per month, or you can splash out on the Max (No Ads) plan for $16.99 per month.

Max's monthly plans

Max offers a few different subscription plans. If you don't mind having to sit through ads, Max's Basic With Ads plan starts at $9.99 per month or the annual plan usually runs for $99.99 per year, which ultimately saves you $19. If you can't stand ads and don't mind throwing down a bit more cash, the Standard plan will cost you $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year, which saves you $33. If you really want to go big on a Max plan, you can spring for the fancy Premium plan, which costs $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year.

Below we've broken down what comes with each of these plans, per Max's website, so you can know a bit more before you buy.

Basic With Ads — $9.99 per month, $79.99 for the first year $99.99 per year

  • Stream on two devices at once

  • Full HD 1080p resolution

Standard (Ad-free) — $16.99 per month, $139.99 for the first year $169.99 per year

  • Stream on two devices at once

  • Full HD 1080p resolution

  • 30 downloads to watch on the go

Premium (Ad-free) — $20.99 per month, $169.99 for the first year $209.99 per year

  • Stream on four devices at once

  • 4K Ultra HD video quality (as available)

  • Dolby Atmos immersive audio (as available)

  • 100 downloads to watch on the go

If you're wondering where to start once you've set yourself up with a Max subscription, we've got an excellent selection of recommendations to point you in the right direction. Looking for a great TV show to kickstart your next binge-watching session? Have a look through our roundup of the 20 best TV shows streaming on Max. Or if you prefer movies, we narrowed down the 25 best movies on Max to make your next movie night a spectacular one.

How to become a full-time creator, according to makeup influencer Samantha Harvey

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:00

Samantha Harvey may have over 1.2 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, but her journey hasn't been all brand trips to Paris with Huda Beauty and London staycations with Nars. Originally from Edinburgh, Harvey only went on her first brand trip — to Los Angeles with Sephora Collection sprinkled with a few Dolce and Gabbana beauty events — just six months ago.

She launched her social media channels during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and, as she puts it, “things took off pretty quickly.” Since then, she’s built a loyal global following with her makeup tutorials, dramatic beauty looks, and extremely online personality. Below, Harvey answered some of our biggest questions about how she grew to this point, how she monetizes her content, and how she turned her makeup passion into her dream career.

How Sam Harvey gets it all done Credit: Jeffrey Hazelwood/Mashable Composite; Sam Harvey Mashable: Where do you find inspiration or ideas for your videos?

Samantha Harvey: There’s honestly so much that inspires me! I know it sounds kinda cliché, but I’m such a makeup girl at heart — it’s seriously my happy place. Whether it’s a new product drop, a celeb makeup look, or some iconic pop culture moment, I’m always soaking it all in.

Like most of us, I’m chronically online, so I’m always scrolling TikTok to keep on top of trends. And Halloween!! It’s basically the makeup influencers' Olympics. I’m that girl who starts planning her Halloween looks in July or August!

View this post on Instagram How long did it take before you saw significant growth in followers, and what strategies helped you get there?

I was honestly super lucky to start my page during lockdown, so things took off pretty quickly for me! I didn’t have a job at the time, so I just threw myself into it completely. I’d be doing creative makeup looks like three to four times a week, jumping on every single trend and viral audio.

I've always tried to get the most out of each look, like I’ll film a bunch of content in one go so I can post more consistently. That definitely helped with growth early on!

What was your first viral video or post, and how did it change your approach to content creation?

My first viral post was actually a makeup transition video on TikTok! That kind of became my thing after that — it’s what people started to recognize me for, so it really helped me figure out what type of content I should lean into.

At what point did you realize you could turn your content into a full-time career and generate income from it?

When I first started, I had no idea how to actually make money from the content I was posting. I was literally just doing it for fun for, like, the first year! So when a management team reached out and told me this could actually be a real career, it was such a game-changer. It seriously changed my whole life!

How did you get your first brand deal? How did that differ from how you come by brand deals today?

I still remember how excited I was when a small lash brand DM’d me offering free lashes in exchange for content—it felt like such a big deal at the time! Now, all my brand deals either come through my management or directly from brands wanting to collaborate. My manager and I have a long-term strategy where we focus on working with brands I genuinely love and already use, so everything stays super authentic.

How do you make money from your content, and what monetization methods do you use?

Most of my income comes from brand deals and partnerships, but I also make a bit from YouTube AdSense and the TikTok Creator Fund on the side.

When did you feel like you "made it" as a content creator, if at all?

Being part of the first-ever Huda Beauty influencer campaign was majorrrr, like such a surreal moment!! I’ve looked up to so many of the creators in that space since I was a teen, so being recognized and actually working alongside them was literally a dream come true.

And honestly, there are days I’m doing my makeup, filming content, and I just stop, like… OMG, I really get to do this for a living. I get to play with blush and lip gloss and call it work?! It’s kinda iconic.

Which platforms have been most crucial in growing your audience and why?

TikTok was 100 percent the platform that helped me grow the fastest — it’s just so much easier to go viral and reach new people on there. But honestly, I feel like Instagram is just as important for me. The audience there feels a bit more loyal and consistent, like my real day-ones.

I’ve also just started branching out into some long-form YouTube content, which has been so nice. It gives me space to actually chat and lets people get to know me on a more personal level, not just the glam side!

Can you walk me through your workflow from ideation to publishing a post?

Not gonna lie, I’m definitely not the most organized content creator out there. But I do try to sit down at the start of each week and update my list of ideas, whether it’s new trends, products I’m loving, or requests from my followers.

I’m not really into scripting my content either. I feel like I work way better when I just sit down, vibe, and go with the flow. I try to batch-film when I can, but I’m not the fastest when it comes to filming, so that part can be a bit of a struggle sometimes.

I edit everything on CapCut, and if I’m being really on top of things, I’ll actually schedule my posts ahead of time. But let’s be real — most of the time I’m scrambling to finish editing so I can post at a good time.

View this post on Instagram What advice would you give to someone starting out in content creation today, looking to build a career and grow their following?

Find what you love doing and just go for it! Practice, stay consistent, and please don’t stress over likes and views. And seriously, don’t let the fear of being "cringe" stop you!! I’ve definitely felt that way, but trust me: it’s totally fine to feel awkward in front of the camera (I still do sometimes). Pushing through that cringe is literally what helps you grow!

Apple held in contempt for violating court order in Epic Games antitrust case

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 05:49

A U.S. judge has found Apple intentionally violated a court order prohibiting it from anti-competitive conduct. Held in civil contempt of court, the tech giant is also facing an investigation for criminal contempt, with one of its executives even accused of "outright [lying] under oath."

On Wednesday, California District Court judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a scathing order calling out Apple for "willful violation" of a 2021 injunction. This injunction had been issued as part of Epic Games' ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Apple, in which the Fortnite developer argued that iOS apps should be allowed to offer in-app payment processing methods other than Apple Pay.

At the time, the court ordered that Apple could not prevent app developers from directing users to alternate payment options. It also found that the 30 percent commission Apple had been charging on in-app purchases was anti-competitive, and thus would no longer be allowed.

SEE ALSO: Apple Pay can be used to buy cryptocurrency now

However, Apple allegedly implemented some workarounds, according to Wednesday's court order. Gonzalez Rogers said that after the 2021 ruling, Apple began to charge a 27 percent commission on off-app purchases — a fee which hadn't previously existed. The order further stated that Apple had attempted to steer customers away from alternate, non-Apple payment methods with barriers such as "full page 'scare' screens, static URLs, and generic statements."

"Apple, despite knowing its obligations thereunder, thwarted the Injunction’s goals, and continued its anticompetitive conduct solely to maintain its revenue stream," wrote Gonzalez Rogers.

"This is an injunction, not a negotiation. There are no do-overs once a party willfully disregards a court order."

"Cook chose poorly." - Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers

Gonzalez Rogers also called out specific Apple executives, writing that vice-president of finance Alex Roman attempted to mislead the court by providing testimony "replete with misdirection and outright lies." Noting that neither Apple nor its lawyers corrected Roman's testimony, the judge ruled that "Apple will be held to have adopted the lies and misrepresentations to this Court."

Not all Apple's executives are accused of having attempted to skirt the law, with internal documents cited in the order revealing that executive Phillip Schiller argued Apple should comply with the injunction. Unfortunately, they also showed that CEO Tim Cook allegedly chose to follow the "lucrative approach" advice of Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri instead, which was "advocating for a commission."

"In stark contrast to Apple’s initial in-court testimony, contemporaneous business documents reveal that Apple knew exactly what it was doing and at every turn chose the most anticompetitive option," Gonzalez Rogers wrote. "Internally, Phillip Schiller had advocated that Apple comply with the Injunction, but Tim Cook ignored Schiller and instead allowed Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri and his finance team to convince him otherwise.

"Cook chose poorly."

Featured Video For You This deep sea robot just dove down Earth's deepest trench

Apple is now facing the consequences of that decision, with the court referring both the company and Roman specifically to the U.S. Attorney for investigation of criminal contempt. The company must also cease its alleged injunction workarounds.

"Apple willfully chose not to comply with this Court’s Injunction," wrote Gonzalez Rogers (emphasis original). "It did so with the express intent to create new anticompetitive barriers which would, by design and in effect, maintain a valued revenue stream; a revenue stream previously found to be anticompetitive.

"That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation. As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple."

In a statement, Apple said that it "strongly disagree[s]" with the court's decision, and intends to appeal.

Of course, Epic Games is much more pleased with the outcome. In the wake of Wednesday's order, CEO Tim Sweeney announced that it now plans to bring Fortnite back to iOS in the U.S. next week. Apple removed Fortnite from its app store back in 2020, though last year it made a return for players in the EU.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"Epic puts forth a peace proposal: If Apple extends the court's friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we'll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic," Sweeney posted to X.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in May 2025

Mashable - Thu, 05/01/2025 - 05:33

HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its impressive library without breaking the bank.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in May 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Add-On Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal

There's a wide range of excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From A Complete Unknown to season six of The Handmaid's Tale, it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained for hours. You can even catch Oscar Best Picture winner Anora on the service right now.

If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help you get the best deal. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.

SEE ALSO: How to watch 'The Monkey': When is the Stephen King adaptation streaming?

With streaming prices on the rise (Hulu even recently increased its prices just last year), there's no better time than now to find a way to save on streaming services like this one. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending.

You'll even get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

Released last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:

Best Disney+ Add-On Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and Max bundle, the next best thing is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $10.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.

This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead. And if you're a sports fan and want to throw in ESPN+, there are also Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic and Premium plans, which run for $16.99 per month and $26.99 per month, respectively.

Best Student Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.

Hulu's monthly plans

If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $9.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.

If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $82.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (No Ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $95.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.

Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator