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SAVE 20%: Costco members can buy a $100 Instacart e-gift card for just $79.99. That's a savings of $20.01.
Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart $100 Instacart e-gift card $79.99 at CostcoWe're all in agreement that the price of groceries has gotten a bit out of hand. With inflation rates playing a game of "go wild," the cost to buy food can feel painful at times. If you prefer to grocery shop through Instacart and happen to be a Costco member, you'll want to check out this great deal.
As of June 20, Costco members can grab a $100 Instacart e-gift card for just $79.99 which works out to a 20% discount or a savings of $20.01. If you're not yet a Costco member, you can join for $60 which gives you a year-long membership. Each membership can purchase two $100 Instacart gift cards during this sale.
Instacart has become a magical resource for anyone who doesn't have time to head to the grocery store or for those who simply don't feel like dealing with people. Through the Instacart app or website, shoppers can peruse the selection at popular grocery stores like Costco, Sprouts, QFC, Fred Meyer, Safeway, and plenty more. After placing your order, delivery can arrive at your doorstep can happen in as little as one hour.
If your fridge is stocked, but you need other supplies, you can also place an Instacart order from Target, Home Depot, Petco, Sephora, and Best Buy, to name a few more options.
Instacart makes accepting deliveries easy with delivery windows you get to choose from that start at 9 a.m. and run as late as midnight. But if you're not thrilled about getting a delivery, Instacart also offers pickup options at select stores.
If you're aiming for quality time spent with family or doing relaxing activities this summer, leave the shopping to Instacart. If you're a Costco member, grab a $100 Instacart e-gift card for just $79.99 which means you're in for $20.01 of free groceries. But you'll want to hurry to grab this deal since Costco says it's only valid while supplies last and there's no telling when it'll run out.
It's officially summer and we're kicking things off with an assortment of deals from Amazon. If you can't wait for Prime Day next month to do some shopping, we've handpicked a few of the best deals we could find at the mega retailer on June 20.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our picks from June 18 and June 19 as well, since many of those are still live.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore P40i noise-cancelling earbuds $49.99 at AmazonJust released earlier this year, the Soundcore P40i are a solid budget option for noise-cancelling earbuds. Regularly only $69.99, Amazon (and Soundcore's own website) have them on sale for just $49.99 as of June 20. That's their biggest discount to date. The P40is feature adaptive ANC, 11mm composite drivers enhanced with BassUp technology, six mics for clear calls, and a battery life that lasts 12 hours on a single charge and 60 hours with the help of the charging case. The noise-cancellation may not be the best in the business, but for $50, it's hard to even complain.
Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse $99.99 at AmazonA top pick among esports teams and pro gamers, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight is, as the name suggests, light as a feather. Its Hero sensor offers precise, quick, and consistent control, while its PTFE feet ensure fluid motion and smooth gliding. The wireless design gives you up to 70 hours of play time, which isn't the highest amount on the market, but is still plenty impressive. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed it and found it to be an "excellent" esports mouse. However, they found the price point too hefty at $159.99. Fortunately, as of June 20, Amazon has dropped the price down to just $99.99, making it a bit easier to swallow.
Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Sprocket Studio Plus $129.99 at AmazonIf you're looking for a way to edit and print photos from your phone or social media accounts, the HP Sprocket Studio Plus pumps out high-quality 4-by-6-inch photos. It's a dye sub printer, which means the output is much better than Zink photo printers offer, but not quite in the league of a high-end inkjet printer. The downsides, according to PCMag's review, are that it's a bit on the slow side and a bit on the expensive side. The upside is that its on sale for $20 off at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Certified Refurbished Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet $49.99 at AmazonIf you're looking for a basic tablet for media consumption that won't break the bank, the Fire HD 8 tablet won't let you down. And if you're really trying to save some cash, you can pick up a certified refurbished one and save $50 off the usual $100 price tag. The Fire HD 8 lasts for up to 13 hours at a time (an extra hour compared to the previous version), offers USB-C charging support, and features a strengthened aluminosilicate glass display and hexa-core processor (which is 30% faster than the previous model). As PCMag noted in its review of the tablet, "It won't wow you, but it doesn't need to." This certified refurbished option went through a full diagnostic test and thorough cleaning and inspection by Amazon. In other words, it's certified to work as if it was brand new.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Hey YouTube Premium subscribers! Did you use a VPN in order to get a cheaper subscription rate on YouTube's ad-free Premium service?
If so, it looks like your subscription may soon be getting canceled – if it hasn't already.
According to reports on social media, YouTube is canceling subscriptions for Premium subscribers who used a money-saving workaround meant for users living in specific countries. A Reddit thread that was posted in r/YouTube on the cancellations is full of users sharing their own experiences.
RedditThe detail trying together all these YouTube Premium cancellations: They signed up via a VPN, which virtually placed their accounts in countries where prices are lower.
YouTube Premium purchasing power parityPurchasing power parity has recently gained popularity among online services.
SEE ALSO: YouTube tests own version of Community Notes ahead of 2024 electionBasically, companies with purchasing power parity pricing offer users in certain countries a lower price for a product or service than what they usually charge elsewhere. The cheaper pricing is meant to give local consumers an affordable option to pay for a product or service at a cost more in line with their country's currency and standard of living.
As Android Authority points out in its report, YouTube currently offers Premium subscriptions in Ukraine for around $2.44 per month due to purchasing power parity. In the U.S., for example, that same subscription costs $13.99 per month.
Using a VPN, YouTube users can basically "trick" YouTube into making it look like their account is logging in from a country where the video platform provides lower pricing. From there, users can sign up for Premium at the cheaper monthly rate and then use YouTube ad-free via their Premium subscription.
YouTube Premium accounts canceledIt seems like this workaround for lower Premium subscription pricing has become popular enough for YouTube to start clamping down on it.
Premium subscribers who utilized this method to sign-up have been receiving automated emails from YouTube that show that their account has been canceled.
"Your YouTube Premium membership has been canceled," reads the automated email from YouTube to users who subscribed using a VPN.
Redditors who contacted YouTube's customer service report that the YouTube representative told them that their subscription was canceled because the user had "moved" and now needed to sign up from the location where they now reside. Android Authority notes that they have yet to hear cancellation reports from users who actually did move from a country that's offered a lower-priced YouTube Premium subscription.
Recently, YouTube has become more serious about shutting down workarounds to avoid ads. YouTube has begun warning users with ad blocking extensions that they would experience buffering or playback errors unless they deactivated the ad blocker. Then, just last week, YouTube began testing out a new ad-serving technique, which makes it much more difficult for ad blocker extensions to operate.
YouTube is making it clear that they want viewers to use the ad-supported version of the platform or pay for a Premium subscription for an ad-free experience – and that Premium subscription price should be paid accordingly based on where the user actually lives.
The dreaded summer scorch has arrived, and it feels early this year. If you don't have a perfectly air conditioned apartment, you're probably dealing with soaring temperatures and seeking some comfort. And thanks to Amazon's sale prices, you could be one shipment away from relief.
Best cooling deals at Amazon today Best cooling sleep product deal Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling mattress topper (queen) $282.57 for Prime members at Amazon (save $216.43) Get Deal Best portable air conditioner deal Honeywell 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner $271.99 at Amazon (save $158) Get Deal Best chilled beverage deal Bodum 51-ounce cold brew coffee maker $14.78 at Amazon (save $5.22) Get Deal Best backyard cooling deal Intex 28167EH Easy Set pool $148.79 at Amazon (save $16.53) Get DealSummer came on hot and heavy this year. If you're not thrilled to be dealing with sweaty weather until September, Amazon has some great solutions that also happen to be on sale. Stick these deals in your cart and you'll be well on your way to cooler days and nights. Here are some top cooling deals at Amazon today.
Best cooling sleep product deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + cooling mattress topper (queen) $282.57 at AmazonGetting restful sleep when it's too hot at night can feel impossible. And we all know a bad night's rest is usually not in the recipe for having a good day tomorrow. Thankfully, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + cooling mattress topper is designed to keep sleepers at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. In a queen size, the topper is on sale for Prime members for just $282.57, marked down from the usual price of $499. That's a 43% off for Amazon Prime members. If you want to add some cooling to a twin mattress, the topper is an even better deal, on sale for $175.74, which is a 58% discount off the usual price of $419.
The three-inch thick mattress topper is designed with cool-to-the-touch material which can feel prefect while trying to catch some zzzzs. Plus, it comes with a washable cover so you can sleep of perfectly clean linens. The memory foam material of the topper can also help isolate motion if you're often disrupted by a partner's movements.
Best portable air conditioner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Honeywell Honeywell 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner $271.99 at AmazonIf you're feeling like the only solution to cool off to stand in front of the open freezer, it might be time for a portable air conditioner. Thanks to Amazon's sale price, the Honeywell 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner is just $271.99 with the on-page coupon for a total of 37% off the usual price of $429.99.
Designed to cool off rooms up to 400 square feet, the Honeywell can also serve as a fan or a dehumidifier. The include remote control makes it easy to turn the unit off or change the temperature from the comfort of your bed or the couch. Choose your desired temperature between 61 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit and you'll be well on your way to cooling relief.
Best chilled beverage deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bodum Bodum 51-ounce cold brew coffee maker $14.78 at AmazonMany of us like to start the day with a nice cup of coffee. Unfortunately, a steamy latte doesn't always sound perfect when it's already 80 degrees at 8 a.m. Instead, switch to cold brew for the summer with the Bodum 51-ounce cold brew coffee maker, on sale for just $14.78 at Amazon.
The Bodum cold brew coffee maker has a similar design to the brand's classic French press, but this model produces chilled coffee that's less acidic than traditionally brewed coffee. One of the two included lids keeps coffee fresh while it's brewing while the plunger lid allow you to pour your chilled morning cup of Joe.
More cool drinks deals:Hydro Flask ice pack — $11.97 $19.95 (save $7.98)
Frigidaire Mini Portable Compact Personal Fridge Cooler — $29.98 $49.99 (save $20.01)
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle (32 ounces) — $34.72 $44.95 (save $10.23)
If you've been blessed with a backyard space, you might as well go all out and add in the Intex 28167EH Easy Set pool. Thanks to today's sale price, the above-ground pool can be all yours for under $150. The pool is made with three-ply durable material that's resistant to punctures and set up is simple. Spread out the pool on a flat surface, inflate the top ring, and fill with water. The pool's overall dimensions measure 15 feet in diameter and about 2.75 feet in height which is perfect for an afternoon lounging session with neighbors.
SAVE $770: As of June 20, get the Jackery Solar Generator at Amazon for $879. That's 47% off its normal price of $1,649.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Solar Generator $879.00 at AmazonIt's officially summer. If you're planning on going on a camping trip or taking any off-the-grid excursions this season, it's a good idea to make sure you have portable chargers or a generator to fall back on. You never know when you'll need to power up a phone for an emergency or whether you might need some extra electricity to heat up some water in a dire situation. Maybe you just want to be able to catch up on Bridgerton. Whatever the case may be, it's a good idea to have something to fall back on. You can get a powerful generator right now thanks to Amazon for a much more palatable price today that'll keep you powered up no matter what you get into this summer.
As of June 20, get the Jackery Solar Generator for just $879 at Amazon, which is 47% off its normal price of $1,649. That's a discount of $770. This is the 1000W option that comes with two 100W solar panels, but if you don't need the solar panels, you can get the 1000W version without them for $300 less at $579.
This solar generator has a 1,000Wh capacity with three 1,000W AC outlets to hook up whatever you need to charge. It also features two 100W solar panels so it can juice back up using only the power of the blazing sun – plenty of that out there across the country right now. All you have to do is leave it out and the sun can handle the rest. With this much power, you can boost your phones and computers, run cooking appliances, and even set up some fans to cool you down.
Plus, this rugged generator is tough enough to withstand whatever's thrown at it. If you drop it, no problem – it'll come out safe on the other side. It also has a handy carrying handle so you can cart it from one place or camping site to the next. This is a great piece of tech to keep with you even if you aren't going camping, because you never know when you might need some extra power. And at this price, the peace of mind you'll get from having it far outweighs what might happen if you don't have access to some electricity.
Young Instagram users are more easily recommended sexually explicit and harmful videos than the platform lets on, according to a new report.
The child safety findings are based on two different site experiments conducted by the Wall Street Journal and Northeastern University computer science professor Laura Edelson. Tested over a period of seven months, the publication set up new minor accounts which then scrolled through Instagram's video Reels feed, skipping over "normal" content and lingering on more "racy" adult videos. After only 20 minutes of scrolling, the accounts were flooded with promotions for "adult sex-content creators" and offers of nude photos.
Instagram accounts marked as minors are automatically assigned to the strictest content control limits.
SEE ALSO: TikTok child privacy complaint sent to U.S. Dept. of JusticeThe journal's tests replicate those conducted by former company safety staff in 2021, which found that the site's universal recommendation system was limiting the effectiveness of child safety measures. Internal documents from 2022 show that Meta knew its algorithm was recommending "more pornography, gore, and hate speech to young users than to adults," the Wall Street Journal reports.
"This was an artificial experiment that doesn’t match the reality of how teens use Instagram," Meta spokesperson Andy Stone told the publication. "As part of our long-running work on youth issues, we established an effort to further reduce the volume of sensitive content teens might see on Instagram, and have meaningfully reduced these numbers in the past few months."
Similar tests were run on video-oriented platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, but they did not yield the same recommendation results.
The new findings follow up a November report that found Instagram's Reels algorithm was recommending sexually explicit to adult users that were only following child accounts.
A February investigation, also by the Wall Street Journal, unveiled that Meta staffers had warned the company about the continued presence of exploitative parents and adult account holders on Instagram, who were finding ways to profit from images of children online. The report noted the rise of "Momfluencers" engaging in sexual banter with followers and selling subscriptions to view suggestive content of their children, such as dancing or modeling in bikinis.
Advocates and regulatory bodies have trained their sights social media's role in online child exploitation. Meta itself has been sued multiple times for its alleged role in child exploitation, including a December lawsuit that accused the company of creating a "marketplace for predators." Following the creation of its child safety task force in 2023, Meta launched a series of new safety tools, including anti-harassment controls and the "strictest" content control settings currently available.
Meanwhile, Meta competitor X recently overhauled its adult content policy, allowing users to post "produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior, provided it's properly labeled and not prominently displayed." The platform has stated that account holders under the age of 18 will be blocked from seeing such content, as long as its labeled with a content warning. But X does not outline any consequences for accounts posting unlabeled adult content.
When former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever left the company in May, everyone wondered why.
In fact, the recent internal turmoil at OpenAI and a short-lived lawsuit by early OpenAI backer Elon Musk were suspicious enough for the internet hivemind to come up with the "What did Ilya see" meme, referring to the theory that Sutskever saw something alarming in the way CEO Sam Altman led OpenAI.
Now, Sutskever has a new company, and it may be a hint at why, exactly, he left OpenAI at the perceived height of its power. On Wednesday, Sutskever tweeted that he's starting a company called Safe Superintelligence.
"We will pursue safe superintelligence in a straight shot, with one focus, one goal, and one product. We will do it through revolutionary breakthroughs produced by a small cracked team," wrote Sutskever.
Tweet may have been deletedThe company's website is currently just a text message signed by Sutskever as well as co-founders Daniel Gross and Daniel Levy (Gross was a co-founder of search engine Cue, which was acquired by Apple in 2013, while Levy ran the Optimization team at OpenAI). The message reiterates safety as the key component of building an artificial superintelligence.
"We approach safety and capabilities in tandem, as technical problems to be solved through revolutionary engineering and scientific breakthroughs. We plan to advance capabilities as fast as possible while making sure our safety always remains ahead," the message reads. "Our singular focus means no distraction by management overhead or product cycles, and our business model means safety, security, and progress are all insulated from short-term commercial pressures."
SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly paid OpenAI zero dollars for its ChatGPT partnershipWhile Sutskever never publicly explained why he left OpenAI, instead praising the company's "miraculous" trajectory, it's notable that safety is at the centre of his new AI product. Musk and several others warned that OpenAI is reckless about building AGI (artificial general intelligence), and the very departure of Sutskever and others in OpenAI's safety-focused team indicate the company may have been lax when it comes to making sure AGI is being built in a safe way. Musk also has beef with Microsoft's involvment in OpenAI, claiming that the company has been transformed from an nonprofit into a "closed-source de facto subsidiary" of Microsoft.
In an interview with Bloomberg, published on Wednesday, Sutskever and co-founders did not name any backers, though Gross said that raising capital is not going to be a problem for the startup. It's also unclear whether SSI's work will be published as open source.
It is a truth universally reviled that you can exercise and eat well for months before noticing even the tiniest changes in your body. Though such efforts do have a positive impact on your wellbeing, it's easy to get discouraged and give up when that 30-day ab challenge doesn't actually sculpt your abs in 30 days. As such, getting any sort of indication that your hard work is paying off can be vital motivation.
Withings' $199.95 Body Comp smart scale helped me persevere with my fitness routine by providing me with that proof of progression. I've been using the Body Comp for 10 weeks now, and it has quickly become my favourite gadget in my daily routine.
SEE ALSO: Smart scale comparison: Fitbit vs. Withings vs. GarminRather than merely measuring weight, the Body Comp also evaluates body composition (hence the name), basal metabolic rate, standing heart rate, and visceral fat — that is, the fat around your organs. It further assesses the health of your arteries, using pulse-wave velocity to determine your Vascular Age, and measures sweat gland activity in your feet to provide an Electrodermal Activity Score (or Nerve Health Score if you're outside the U.S. like me).
All this information might seem excessive, but it can make a world of difference when trying to improve your health. It has also thoroughly convinced me that body scales which only measure weight are pointless.
Setting up the Withings Body CompOnce you've picked a spot on the floor for it, the Body Comp is easy and painless to set up. All you need to do is download the Withings app, create an account, and pair it with your scale so your measurements are automatically logged whenever you weigh yourself. The scale connects with your phone via WiFi, though Bluetooth is used during setup and as a backup if WiFi isn't available.
This process only took me a few minutes, and soon I was ready to literally find out what I'm made of.
Withings recommends weighing yourself at least twice a week, and to do so at the same time of day under the same conditions (such as clothed or unclothed). It's a much healthier guideline than the Garmin Index S2's encouragement of multiple weigh-ins per day, particularly as weight can fluctuate according to matters as simple as how recently you've eaten, when you last went to the bathroom, and even how much you've been sweating. As such, it's much more useful to look at how your data trends over time than fixate on individual numbers.
Featured Video For You Non-invasive wearables are transforming the way we control smart devicesI personally weighed myself with the device every morning, as I quite enjoyed the daily check-in. Once set up, using the Body Comp is simple. Merely step on it, ensuring your feet are either side of the round knob in the middle, and stay still for several seconds as the 2.8-inch LCD screen loads your measurements.
Cycling through various screens at a sedate pace, the Body Comp's default display will include data such as your weight, fat mass, muscle mass, and even the weather and air quality at your location (as identified by you in the app). You can customise this though, and there's different modes for athletes, pregnancy, and an eyes-closed setting which hides numbers in favour of focusing on trends.
Metrics such as your Vascular Age aren't available immediately upon setup, as the Body Comp needs to collect data from multiple weigh-ins first. Unlocking this data provides a decent incentive to use the scale somewhat regularly, though.
My Withings Body Comp is my biggest supporter The Withings Body Comp smart scale gave me proof that my workouts were actually working. Credit: Amanda Yeo / MashableI was initially inspired to try out Withings' Body Comp due to my new fitness routine's apparent lack of impact. While I'd been exercising consistently for weeks, my weight was relatively stable and I saw practically no difference in the mirror. I wasn't noticing any improvement in how I felt either. I was mainly just achy from my workouts.
It was easy to conclude from this that I must be doing something wrong, and that my earnest efforts at improving my health were completely ineffectual — a highly discouraging thought.
Fortunately, the Body Comp proved this idea incorrect. Taking my body composition measurements over several weeks, the Withings app showed me that I was actually losing fat and gaining muscle, which was offsetting downward progress in my weight. It was the encouragement I needed to help me keep going, reassuring me that my persistence wasn't in vain.
All this data encouraged me to push on through my slumps, offering a vital boost to my resolve.Seeing even the slightest downward slope in the app's graphs was energising, yet the Body Comp still helped me keep on track when the numbers weren't shifting in my desired direction. For example, I saw my weight jump up by more than its usual fluctuations after a short trip — not an unexpected result. However, the Body Comp also showed me that a lot of it was water weight, and that I had not miraculously undone months of work and discipline within just 72 hours.
Similarly, my Vascular Age and Nerve Health Score kept me motivated when even my body composition trend graph plateaued, becoming a largely straight line for weeks. My cardiovascular and nerve health weren't issues I'd had sincere concerns about, but it was unexpectedly gratifying to see them improve and to know they were in good condition. Despite my inability to see any changes in my physicality, it was encouraging evidence that I was getting healthier.
All this data encouraged me to push on through my slumps, offering a vital boost to my resolve. Even the exceedingly slow inching down of my Visceral Fat Index was a welcome reminder that, though it may take months, I was making progress.
How accurate are Withings' smart scales?There isn't any independent research specifically investigating the Body Comp's accuracy. However, there have been studies examining Withings' earlier Body Cardio. Like the Body Comp, the Body Cardio scales also use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess users' body composition. BIA works by running a small alternating current through your body, then determining how much fat, muscle, and bone you have by how the tissue conducts electricity.
In 2020, a study of 20 people found that Withing's Body Cardio accurately assesses pulse-wave velocity — an indicator of cardiovascular health. However, its body composition readings deviated from those taken by air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD), the "gold standard" measurement method. A 2021 study further concluded that while Withings' Body Cardio was reasonably accurate when measuring weight, it underestimated fat mass and overestimated muscle mass when compared to dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
This didn't concern me. Such variations merely seemed like the natural consequence of different measurement methods varying in precision. I wasn't expecting a $199.95 at-home device to be as accurate as a clinical assessment by a medical professional with thousands of dollars of equipment. Even so, a 2018 paper found BIA's margin of error to be similar to that of other methods, and further argued that such small variations are of minimal clinical value anyway.
I wasn't expecting a $199.95 at-home device to be as accurate as a clinical assessment by a medical professional with thousands of dollars of equipment.Withings' smart scales may not be a complete replacement for BOD POD or DEXA, particularly when monitoring people with severe health issues. However, the Body Comp's BIA measurements are far more accessible to the average person, as getting frequent X-rays or regularly paying $45 for a BOD POD scan isn't feasible for most.
Whether or not Withings' BIA body composition assessments are precise to the gram, the information the Body Comp provides is still accurate enough to assist and encourage the average user in reaching their health goals. I was rarely surprised by my measurements, and my longer term trends progressed as expected considering my diet and exercise habits. This helped reassure me that I could trust my Body Comp's assessments for functional everyday use.
Withings' Body Comp is informative, but you might not like what you learn The Withings Body Comp picks up smudges, dust, and stains incredibly easily. Credit: Amanda Yeo / MashableAs much as I love it, Withings' Body Comp isn't perfect. It frequently took several minutes for the measurements from my latest weigh in to appear in the Withings app, which left me standing around as I waited to be sure nothing had gone wrong. I'd once made the mistake of assuming my measurements would just show up in the app later, and ended up with a skipped day in my progress graph because of it.
The Y-axis on the body composition graph is also inaccurate, as its numbers don't correctly align with the data points. For example, a 40-kilogram data point may be plotted as closer to 28 kilograms than 42 kilograms. Withings tells Mashable it plans to address this issue in a future update, but for now you're better off ignoring those vertical values in favour of your data points and overall trends. You should also disregard the Withings app's home page summaries of your progress. While the body composition tile insists that my metrics are stable and unchanging, tapping it for more detailed information quickly reveals this to be incorrect.
The Body Comp would occasionally have difficulty taking my measurements as well. A few times the LCD screen showed my weight fluctuating before settling on a red X indicating an error, or successfully took some of my measurements before failing to show my Vascular Age or Nerve Health Score. The screen also completely glitched out more than once. Fortunately, the matter was inevitably resolved after I stepped off the scale and stepped back on again to reweigh myself (though sometimes I'd have to do this a couple of times).
SEE ALSO: The best smart scale for your fitness journeyI further encountered some difficulties setting up other people in my household on the Body Comp. While the Withings app has a function to allow you to add family members, a spokesperson informed me it was more geared toward children than other adults. Adding my mum to my profile resulted in my Apple Watch data being copied to her profile as well as mine, crediting her with workouts that she absolutely did not do.
As such, you'd be best off having everyone who wants to use the scales create their own Withings account on their own phone. The Body Comp claims to support up to eight users and refers to people's last known weight to determine who is standing on it, though you can use your feet to select the correct profile on the display if it misidentifies you.
Finally, the Body Comp did have a few aesthetic issues. Though the scale's beautifully shiny surface looks great straight out of the box, it accumulates dust and stains at an impressive rate. They wipe off easily, but it is a notable annoyance.
The Body Comp's reflective finish also acts as a mirror, which unwittingly provides users with way more information than is likely welcome. Seeing what you look like when viewed from that particular angle is a tad confronting, to say the least.
I'm addicted to the Withings app The Withings app automatically logs your measurements and shows you how they're trending over time. Credit: Mashable composite: WithingsWhile Withings' Body Comp has basically transformed my life, it's important to note that body weight scales aren't without their dangers. Having your data automatically logged and organised on your phone is fantastically convenient, but it's also easy to inadvertently get caught up in those numbers.
Withings' app is intuitive, clearly comprehensible, and neatly organised, displaying your most recent measurements up top — all undeniable positives. However, this ease of use means you might need some strong resolve to prevent yourself from pouring over your data a little too often. I did find myself opening the Withings app to check my weight and body composition graphs more frequently than perhaps I should, habitually tapping on it whenever I picked up my phone.
While Withings' Body Comp has basically transformed my life, it's important to note that body weight scales aren't without their dangers.Even if I hadn't weighed myself or performed any exercise that might have been logged via my linked Apple Health app, I'd regularly refer to Withings' app simply to flick through my data throughout my day. This included compulsively switching between weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly overviews; viewing my body composition according to both percentage and weight; and double checking that yes, the recommended ranges for all my metrics were still the same as they were two hours ago.
I found the Body Comp great as an average person working to improve their health, with the data serving as a good reminder and motivator to keep on track. Even so, it could easily become destructive for people who struggle with negative body image issues, eating disorders, or would find such comprehensive data condemning rather than motivating.
Which Withings smart scale is for you?The $199.95 Body Comp is Withings' middle-of-the-road smart scale option, flanked by the $99.95 Body Smart (an upgrade from the Body+ and Body Cardio) and its top of the line $399.95 Body Scan. The primary differences are that the Body Smart doesn't measure your Vascular Age or Nerve Health Score, while the Body Scan monitors your heart with six-lead ECG and breaks down the distribution of your fat and muscle mass into five body segments.
The Body Scan may be useful for gym junkies aiming to build muscle in specific areas rather than just improve their overall health. Otherwise, the Body Comp or Body Smart should more than suit the average person's needs. Though considering the similarities between the two devices, it does raise the question: Is it worth springing for the Body Comp, or should you save yourself $100 and opt for the Body Smart?
If you have cash to spare, you may want to invest in the Body Comp if you'd like some indicator of your cardiovascular and nerve health. As previously mentioned, I found these measurements galvanising when my other metrics seemed to be stagnating. Still, while I haven't used it myself, Withings' Body Smart may be a good alternative to consider if you'd prefer to save some money and are primarily interested in your body composition.
Is Withings' Body Comp smart scale worth it?In a society obsessed with appearance and weight, the stark numbers body scales spit up can feel like sneering judgement and negatively impact your self esteem. Weight alone isn't even necessarily a good indicator of your overall health, meaning that stepping on a standard set of scales may do little more than demoralise you.
The Body Comp's focus on fat mass, muscle mass, and trends made it a game changer for me. I found its comprehensive breakdown of my body composition extremely useful and motivating, and loved the convenience of all that data being instantly logged on my phone in an easily comprehensible format.
I will reiterate my caveat that Withings' smart scales may be dangerous if you have even the slightest tendency to obsess over your weight. Being able to access a graph of your weigh-in history on your phone at any time could be damaging to your mental health if misused, so you'll definitely need to know yourself well before investing in a device such as this.
But if utilised carefully and appropriately, Withings' Body Comp could be just the gadget to help you help you finally reach your health goals.
Withings Body Comp smart scale $199.95 at AmazonIf you feel like you’d like to talk to someone about your eating behavior, text "NEDA" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a trained volunteer or visit the National Eating Disorder Association website for more information.
As a new MacBook owner, one thing I miss the most about Windows is the Paint app. It's a rudimentary graphics editor, yes, but it takes me back to the good ol' days when I'd sketch wildly on Paint, creating a whirlwind of colors and shapes. But every once in a while, I'd stare at a blank canvas, overcome with artist's block.
As someone who doesn't have a fraction of Picasso's talents, I often felt stuck. This is where Cocreator, a new AI-powered feature that underpins the Paint app, swoops in to save the day.
Cocreator is designed to help squeeze out your creative juices. At a recent Microsoft press event, I had the opportunity to play around with Cocreator — and I totally get the hype.
SEE ALSO: I’m a Windows stan, but I just switched to a MacBook – 3 reasons I’m never going back What is Cocreator?As mentioned, Cocreator is designed to help guide you throughout your creative process while doodling on Paint. You may be wondering, "How, exactly, does it work?" Well, I answered that question after getting some hands-on experience with Cocreator on the new Microsoft Surface Pro 11.
The Paint app was already opened for me with a blank canvas. On the right side was a panel that said "Cocreator."
Cocreator feature on Windows 11 Paint Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIn a text field that says, "Describe what you'd like to create," you can type in a prompt — any prompt — that gives Cocreator an idea of what you're about to draw. With that in mind, you can start drawing. (Make sure your drawing is based on the prompt.) And Cocreator, using your doodle as a guide, will give you its best rendition of your artistic creation. It's as if it's saying, "Hey, this is what your painting would look like — if you actually had any talent."
Windows 11 Paint with Cocreator: The pink flamingoA Microsoft rep asked me what I'd like to create with Cocreator. Don't laugh, but the first thing that came to mind was a dancing pink flamingo with heels. I dropped my nutty thought into the prompt field. Next, the rep asked me to pick up the Surface Pen nestled in the Surface Pro 11's keyboard silo before guiding me to choose the pink hue. After adjusting the line weight, I got to doodling.
Poor Cocreator; it has to work with my non-Picasso talents. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableSuddenly, it hit me. I forgot how to draw a flamingo. I did a swooping, curvy motion to capture the flamingo's neck, but my thoughts simply couldn't recall how the rest of the body, particularly the bottom part, looked.
Just as I was about to give up and throw in the towel, Cocreator populated a striking picture of a flamingo for me on the side. I added legs and black heels to my doodle, which made my flamingo look like a duck on stilts. Still, Cocreator grasped my drawing intentions — and delivered a stunning image of an actual dancing pink flamingo with heels.
Windows 11 Cocreator turning a my pink flamingo doodle into, well, an actual pink flamingo. Credit: Kimberly GedeonAs you add more details to your doodle, Cocreator does the same, but with more aristic finesse and flair. There is also a slider you can play around with, allowing you to increase or decrease the creativity of Cocreator's, er, more attractive sketch.
Only for Copilot+ PCsDon't think you can run Cocreator on any ol' machine. Cocreator is specifically for Copilot+ PCs, which includes the recently unveiled Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and the Surface Pro 11 (which I used during my hands-on experience). The reason for the limitation is that Cocreator requires an NPU, a specialized processor that is designed to handle AI tasks.
The Surface Pro 11, for example, comes in two chip flavors: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, with the latter boasting that it can beat the M3 chip stuffed inside MacBooks. Mashable hasn't had the opportunity to test a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip yet, but we have a Snapdragon X Elite-powered Surface Laptop 7 in the office as we speak. Stay tuned for our review of this highly anticipated laptop. We'll let you know how it stacks up against its Apple rival.
In the meantime, if you want to take advantage of Cocreator on Paint, scoop up either a Surface Laptop 7 or a Surface Pro 11. Both start at $999, but the Snapdragon X Elite chip variants will cost you a bit more.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft / Amazon Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite) $1,399.00 at AmazonTL;DR: This June, you can enroll in The Essential 2024 Business Accounting Basics online courses to study the fundamentals of business accounting for just $29.99. Learn the basics without breaking the bank or eating up all of your spare time.
Whether you're starting a new career in finance, running your own business, or simply looking to understand your personal finances better, mastering the fundamentals of accounting can be a beneficial. While you could certainly go back to college and earn your degree, there are less expensive ways to start your journey that don't require a commitment a full degree.
Building a solid foundation in accounting not only helps you make informed financial decisions, but also gives you the confidence to handle various financial scenarios effectively.
Right now, The Essential 2024 Business Accounting Basics online course bundle is on sale for just $29.99 (reg. $152). This bundle includes eight courses with almost 12 hours of instruction. Learn business accounting for beginners in these expert-led courses from Skill Success.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Getty Images The Essential 2024 Business Accounting Basics Bundle $29.99 at The Mashable ShopLooking for more tips to grow your accounting knowledge? Check out these five tips to build a strong foundation in accounting fundamentals.
1. Get comfortable with basic accounting termsAccounting has its own language, and familiarizing yourself with key terms is the first step in understanding the field. Here are some fundamental terms you should know:
Assets: Resources owned by a business that have economic value, such as cash, inventory, and property.
Liabilities: Obligations or debts that a business must pay in the future (e.g., loans, accounts payable).
Equity: The owner’s claim after subtracting liabilities from assets – also known as net worth or owner’s equity.
Revenue: Income generated from normal business operations.
Expenses: The costs incurred in the process of earning revenue.
Libraries, often underestimated, are treasure troves of knowledge for all age groups. From engaging children's programs to a diverse range of adult courses, they offer more than just books. Most local branches even send out course calendars, making it easy for you to plan your learning journey. And if you prefer digital access, they likely have all this information online, just a few clicks away.
3. Check out accounting softwareModern accounting software simplifies many traditional bookkeeping tasks and helps you understand accounting processes more clearly. Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks offer user-friendly interfaces to manage finances, track expenses, and generate reports.
It can also help to choose a popular accounting software and explore its features through online tutorials or trial versions. Focus on core functionalities such as recording transactions, managing accounts, and producing financial reports. Using software can help you see practical applications of accounting principles and get some hands-on experience.
This digital world offers many more learning opportunities than we had years ago. You no longer have to enter a classroom to access expert instruction because much of it is available online.
For example, this Business Accounting Basics bundle includes eight courses totaling over eleven hours of content to get you up to speed on accounting fundamentals and beyond. You can pick it up right now while it's on sale for $29.99 (regularly $152).
All the courses in this bundle include multiple lessons. For example, Fundamentals of Accounting has 13 lessons that introduce you to proper recording and documentation of business transactions, tracking and categorizing accounts, and the principles of double-entry accounting, among many others.
Managerial Accounting Basics features 32 lessons to help you understand managerial accounting, its foundational concepts, and specifics like how to allocate costs between multiple products.
Other courses include Introduction to Payroll Accounting and Foundation of Carbon Accounting. Others cover cloud accounting, financial statement analysis, tax prep, and more. And the best part is that you can learn from the comfort of your own home or work space on a timeline that suits your specific life.
While you may be wondering if an internship is a thing if you're not in college, it definitely is. A hands-on approach is almost always a quicker way to learn. If you are looking to amp up your current learning or curious about what a career in accounting might look like in reality, reaching out to some local agencies could be a game changer.
It doesn't mean that you'd be working there, and it doesn't have to be a big commitment. Even a few hours a week or month rolling up your sleeves with the pros could kick-start your understanding of this specialized world.
Grasping accounting fundamentals is a valuable skill that opens up numerous opportunities, whether in business, personal finance, or professional development. By familiarizing yourself with basic terms, learning to read financial statements, using accounting software, and investing in quality resources, you can build a strong foundation in accounting.
TL;DR: Dive into the world of IT with this project management training bundle, now on sale for only $39.99 (reg. $195). This five-course bundle can help you study for CompTIA, CAPM, and PMI-ACP certification exams.
Technology is evolving faster than most of us can keep up, and now is the time to invest in your future. A career in IT can be lucrative, and project management certification training can be an important step on that journey.
Check out these comprehensive IT training exam prep courses and gain knowledge that spans across multiple vendor-specific certifications. With five online courses and over 83 hours of content, you’ll get access to lessons 24/7 so you can learn at your own pace. Some of the project management certifications covered in this advanced learning bundle include CompTIA, CAPM, and PMI-ACP.
You can learn more about these online courses in this Youtube video:
This bundle includes lifetime access to:
PMI Organizational Change Management
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) - 7th Edition
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced IT tech, these lessons offer something for all levels — although some courses recommend having at least one year of experience working in the field. If you’re just getting started, the CompTIA Project+ certification course was designed for both new and junior-level project managers. This course is geared to help managers execute small to medium-sized projects with a lower degree of complexity.
Trying to take your IT career to the next level? Get ready to add new certifications to your resume.
For a limited time, get this project management training bundle for just $39.99 (reg. $195).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Getty Images The Complete 2024 Project Management Certification Training Bundle $39.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Can't get over your newfound Fallout obsession? Score a CD key to Fallout 76 for Xbox and play the prequel to the famous franchise for only $3.97. Play on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.
Thanks to a new streaming adaptation, the Fallout franchise is earning lots of new fans. Whether you're a longtime player or newcomer, you'll appreciate playing through Fallout 76, the prequel to the popular video game franchise.
With this Xbox CD key, you can play Fallout 76 on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S console for only $3.97, a 94% discount from the usual $69.99 price tag.
Packs improved gameplay, enhanced mechanics, and a more thrilling gaming experience
Jump into brand new content, including new locations, weapons, adventures, and mysteries, a brand new CAMP, and even a re-hauled reputation system
Go solo or join a multiplayer game. Either way, you'll come across a diverse set of characters, each with their own juicy backstories.
Dive into time-limited tasks where you can win consumables, CAMP goods, and more to advance through a season.
Brought to you by Bethesda Game Studios, the brilliant minds behind award-winning games like Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Ready for more Fallout fun? Grab the Fallout 76 for Xbox CD key on sale for only $3.97 (reg. $69.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bethesda Game Studios 'Fallout 76' CD Key (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) $3.97 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: A refurbished MacBook Pro model can be yours for just $439.99 (reg. $1,099) for a limited time.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refrubished 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $439.99 at The Mashable ShopIn the market for a new-to-you laptop? Refurbished devices are a great option for those looking for a high-quality device without the hefty price tag.
If you're hoping to stay productive this summer and you've had your eye on an Apple MacBook Pro, you're in luck. A refurbished 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is currently on sale for just $439.99 for a limited time. That's $660 off the usual price tag of $1,099.
There's a reason the MacBook Pro is beloved by Apple devotees: it's both power-packed and super portable. This 13.3-inch model features a stunning Retina display equipped with an energy-efficient LED backlight, and the Intel Iris Graphics 6100 lets you enjoy streaming shows and playing games to the fullest. A powerful Intel Core i5 2.7GHz processor with four-way processing performance lets you multitask, so you can work and play without delay.
8GB of RAM gives you a solid amount of memory, and 256GB of storage helps you save important files on your device. This model hails from 2015 and comes with a grade "B" refurbished rating, which means you may see light scuffing on the bevel and case, or light scratches or dents on the body, but it will still work great.
Bring home a refurbished Apple MacBook Pro for just $439.99 (reg. $1,099) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Netflix has kicked off the start of 2024 in style, boasting the return of some major tentpole shows, as well as some new hits.
We returned to the Regency era with Bridgerton Season 3, couldn't stop crying after One Day, and even witnessed the start of an alien invasion in 3 Body Problem. But that's not all! From sci-fi to romance to drama, here are the best Netflix shows of the year so far.
SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV shows of 2024 (so far) 10. Eric Benedict Cumberbatch and Ivan Howe play father and son in "Eric." Credit: NetflixIf you miss the Sherlock days, when Benedict Cumberbatch was a broody misanthrope on a mission to solve a confounding case, you should check out Eric.
This mini-series created by Abi Morgan stars the British leading man as Vincent, a grumbling puppeteer in 1980s New York. While at work, it's his job to perform warmly; at home, he's callous with his wife (Gaby Hoffmann) and son Edgar (Ivan Morris Howe). But when his kid goes missing on the walk to school, Vincent is determined to find him — with the help of an imaginary monster named Eric. Mixing family drama with crime procedurals and Sesame Street, Eric weaves together narratives of cops, criminals, suspects, and the guilt-stricken father that kicks this story off. If you're seeking something with twists and thrills, consider this show for your next binge-watch. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Eric is now streaming on Netflix.
9. The Brothers Sun Sam Song Li, Michelle Yeoh, and Justin Chien in "The Brothers Sun." Credit: Courtesy of NetflixAcademy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh gets bloody in The Brothers Sun, a family drama-meets-crime thriller-meets comedy caper about two very different brothers. Charles (Justin Chien) is a world-renowned assassin with a big role to play in the family's Taiwanese crime syndicate. Bruce (Sam Song Li) loves improv, slacks in school, and doesn't know a thing about the family business. But when an attack on their father brings the estranged brothers together, it's up to this unlikely pairing — and their fierce mother Eileen (Yeoh) — to take down their enemies. Featuring some kick-ass fight, heartfelt musings on different immigrant experiences, and a surprising amount of churros, The Brothers Sun is an action-packed treat. It's a shame Netflix canceled it. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: The Brothers Sun is now streaming on Netflix.
8. Bridgerton, Season 3 Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan in "Bridgerton." Credit: Liam Daniel/NetflixFirst there was Daphne and the Duke. Then came Kate and Anthony and Queen Charlotte and George III. Now, with Season 3, Shondaland's beloved adaptation of Julia Quinn's romance novels brings us Penelope and Colin's love story, the slowest-burn romance yet — she's been burning for him since Season 1! It took traveling around the world for Colin Bridgerton to get a glow-up and realize what a great girl he had back home. Thankfully by the end of part one, he showed her his deep, probing affection in a carriage scene that left fans hot and bothered.
SEE ALSO: 'Bridgerton' Season 3 is fun, but I can't get past this 1 plot holePart two throws these lovers into each other's arms and fresh drama. And we're here for every moment, because Nicola Coughlan is our queen. Sure, there's other plotlines this season, some spicy, some bewildering, and one involving a vegetarian who deserves better! But it's Coughlan and her grace, her comedic timing, and her swoon-inducing charms that has made Bridgerton Season 3 among Netflix's very best in 2024. — K.P.
How to watch: Bridgerton Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
7. Dead Boy Detectives Jayden Revri and George Rexstrew in "Dead Boy Detectives." Credit: Courtesy of NetflixAdapted from the comic book series by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, Dead Boy Detectives' premise is pretty self-explanatory: Two teen ghosts solve crimes.
Specifically, Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) are an odd couple, the former a 1918 prep school student, the latter a 1989 punk. But together — with the help of psychic gal pal Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson) and a uniquely plagued neighbor Niko Sasaki (Yuyu Kitamura) — they crack the cases that the living can't. While each episode follows a Buffy the Vampire Slayer monster-of-the-week model, the overarching plotline has the pair dodging Death (The Sandman's Kirby Howell-Baptiste), matching wits with the mischief-making Cat King (Lukas Gage), combatting a gnarly witch known as Esther Finch (Jenn Lyon), and confronting their own confusing teenage longings. If you like your teen drama with a touch of gallows humor and scads of supernatural mayhem, you'll revel in this charmingly creepy series. — K.P.
How to watch: Dead Boy Detectives is now streaming on Netflix.
6. 3 Body Problem Sea Shimooka in "3 Body Problem." Credit: Courtest of NetflixSometimes you want a light comedy; other times, you want to lean into potentially world-ending existential terror. The latter is firmly on offer in 3 Body Problem, a sci-fi epic based on Cixin Liu's trilogy and brought to the screen by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and The Terror's Alexander Woo. The series tells the story of an alien race called the San-Ti, who have been forced to leave their home planet and are several hundred years away from landing on their new home: Earth. 3 Body Problem is impressive because it asks some pretty big questions of the universe while also creating a very human story about how people might react when faced with possible future extinction. Oh, and there are some sequences that will never leave your head — hello, episode 5. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Netflix's '3 Body Problem' 5. One Day Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod in "One Day." Credit: Matt Towers/NetflixIn February, we did a whole lot of TV-induced crying, as Netflix's One Day broke our damn hearts. An ambitious, romantic, and fresh adaptation of David Nicholls' novel, this impeccable, slow burn series gave the story more room to breathe than Lone Scherfig's 2011 film. Following students Emma and Dex (magnetic, lived-in performances by Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall) across decades of their complex friendship, One Day makes a cinematic epic of long-game love while unpacking the politics of privilege in relationships. Even hearing the name of the series will induce starry-eyed looks into the horizon and a palm to the heart. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: One Day is now streaming on Netflix.
4. Girls5eva, Season 3 Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Busy Philipps in "Girls5eva." Credit: Alyssa Longchamp / NetflixIf you're looking for a pop culture-savvy sitcom to fill the 30 Rock and The Other Two-shaped hole in your heart, look no further than Girls5eva. Canceled by Peacock after two (great) seasons, Girls5eva moved to Netflix for a stellar Season 3 where our titular girl group hits the road on tour. The quartet of Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Busy Philipps has never been better; the jokes have never flown faster; and the songs are catchy as ever. "Sweet'N Low Daddy"? "Returnity"? "Tap Into Your (Fort) Worth"? All bangers! So, Netflix, please do us a favor and give us more of Girls5eva. To borrow a turn of phrase from our girls, three seasons is just three short. — B.E.
How to watch: Girls5eva is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Boy Swallows Universe Felix Cameron in "Boy Swallows Universe." Credit: Courtesy of NetflixA dark but genuinely funny tale of suburban crime brimming with magical realism, the Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton's novel Boy Swallows Universe is one of 2024's unsung heroes — much like its pint-sized protagonist, 13-year-old Eli Bell (played by outstandingly talented youngster Felix Cameron). Chock full of '80s Australiana, the series is set in the working-class Brisbane suburb of Darra, where Eli navigates school bullies and a turbulent family life as well as he handles hard-edged criminals with his imaginative brother Gus (Lee Tiger Halley). It's a heartfelt, unsettling, and hilarious journey through young adolescence, the reality of addiction, and brutal crime, with a killer Aussie soundtrack.* — S.C.
How to watch: Boy Swallows Universe is now streaming on Netflix.
2. Ripley Andrew Scott in "Ripley." Credit: Lorenzo Sisti / NetflixAndrew Scott awed TV audiences as the theatrically malicious Moriarty in Sherlock, then as the scorchingly hot Priest in Fleabag. But with Ripley, he plays a very different game.
SEE ALSO: Does 'Ripley's murder scene count as ASMR?Adapted from Patricia Highsmith's classic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, this drama mini-series from Steven Zaillian lures audiences into the seductive world of Thomas Ripley, American social climber turned con man and killer. Offered a free trip to Italy to reclaim an industrialist's expatriate heir, Ripley sees a whole new world open before him: one of privilege, art, and endless opportunities, all tied to status and money. But to claim a bit of it himself, he'll have to get his hands dirty. While you might know the story (or the Matt Damon movie), the patience with which this slow-burn series doles it out allows audiences to luxuriate in Highsmith's high-stakes game of jealousy, deception, and murder. The result is a show that feels like a lost holiday — alluring, surprising, and sure to linger on in your mind, heart, and soul.* — K.P.
How to watch: Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.
1. Baby Reindeer Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning in "Baby Reindeer." Credit: Ed Miller / NetflixFor better or worse, Baby Reindeer is a show that sticks with you: It's amusing in parts, tense in others, and emotionally shattering overall. Based on creator Richard Gadd's own experience of being stalked, the series follows the budding comedian (who plays a version of himself) as he balances career disappointment with his job in a London pub — until a woman named Martha (a brilliant and terrifying Jessica Gunning) comes in one day and develops an obsession with him. "This isn't the type of show with a clear resolution," I wrote in my review for Mashable. "It's messy, thought-provoking, and — like a dream that's difficult to shake — you'll find your mind going back to it long after the credits have rolled."* — S.H.
How to watch: Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.
(*) denotes that this blurb has been modified from a different list.
TikTok and Taylor Swift are long past their bad blood, so much so that the social media platform is expanding its partnership with the superstar.
SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift's brand is mightier than her penPreviously, Swift and TikTok launched in-app experiences to promote her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department. Now, fans can participate in weekly challenges tied to the remainder of her world tour. Those who complete all 11 weeks will earn a special Swiftie profile frame. Along the way, users can earn other themed profile frames and beads to create their own virtual friendship bracelets in support of Swift and the Eras Tour.
To participate, fans can click the Taylor Swift anchor on TikTok or select banners that appear with related search terms.
The Tortured Poets Department collaboration was more involved, requiring fans to follow Swift and her official fanbase, Taylor Nation, add the song "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)," and promote the album by posting a video tagged "#TheTorturedPoetsDepartment" to unlock a special profile picture banner.
Swift forged numerous partnerships to promote the album, including a "library installation" courtesy of Spotify, an emoji gimmick with Instagram, and curated playlists for Apple Music.
SEE ALSO: Yes, 'You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me' is a Taylor Swift lyricThis new era of connection with TikTok comes after Swift's music was temporarily pulled from the platform during negotiations between TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG). Her music returned to the platform just before the release of The Tortured Poets Department. Since then, TikTok and UMG have reached an agreement, restoring all UMG music to TikTok.
The Tortured Poets Department has spent eight weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the remainder of her tour has already sold out. Still, Swift will always find new ways to engage with her fans — and boost her streaming numbers.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 20 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 20Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, June 20, 2024:
AcrossSizzlingly popularThe answer is hot.
The answer is cakes.
The answer is avian.
The answer is Venmo.
The answer is angst.
The answer is haven.
The answer is OKing.
The answer is teams.
The answer is cava.
The answer is snot.
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