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Over 54 minutes of elevator music and then – complete silence.
That's what X users who tried to tune into Elon Musk's interview of Donald Trump were treated to on Monday night as X's live audio platform, Spaces, glitched out when hundreds of thousands of user accounts tried to listen in.
Musk blamed the issue on a denial-of-service attack (DDoS) attack. However, some X employees say that's not true.
Tweet may have been deleted X's Spaces failureThe interview between Musk and former president Donald Trump was heavily promoted in advance by both participants.
Earlier this summer, Musk officially endorsed Trump in his reelection campaign for president. Trump has been struggling in the polls since President Joe Biden announced he wasn't running for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. To promote the interview, Trump returned to Musk's X before the Spaces chat and published a barrage of posts on the platform for the first time in nearly a year.
Trump's X account shared the Spaces chat around 15 minutes before its scheduled 8 p.m. ET start. While both Trump and Musk were in the Space, it took just over 54 minutes past the planned start time before the two started their conversation.
During that time, X users were reporting issues even entering the Space on X. Mashable viewed a few hundred thousand users in the Space around 8:30 p.m. When Mashable tried to enter the Space, we were abruptly pushed to a screen that said "This Space is not available." Other X users reported similar experiences and were unable to enter the Space to listen in. Those lucky enough to get inside were subject to elevator-esque waiting music, and then eventually, complete silence.
Tweet may have been deletedWhen X's tech issues were finally resolved, Musk blamed a "massive DDoS attack" for the glitches.
"There appears to be a massive DDOS attack on 𝕏," Musk posted. "Working on shutting it down. Worst case, we will proceed with a smaller number of live listeners and post the conversation later."
However, aside from the glitches in the Trump and Musk Space, the rest of X seemed to be running as normal at the time. Further raising doubts about Musk's DDoS claim, some X employees told The Verge that what Musk said about an attack simply was not true.
"A source at the company confirmed to The Verge that there wasn’t actually a denial-of-service attack," the tech outlet reported. "Another X staffer said there was a '99 percent' chance Musk was lying about an attack."
X previously faced technical difficulties when Musk tried to host a Spaces stream last year with then-presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. The platform, then-known as Twitter, crashed in a similar fashion as hundreds of thousands of users attempted to enter the Space.
Musk's fake numbers and "Twitter" flubOnce the Space chat was up and running at the 54 minute mark, the two had a typical right-wing political discussion talking about many of the topics that Musk posts about on social media and Trump brings up in his stump speeches.
Trump congratulated Musk for the tech issues, attributing them to "breaking every record" of viewership, citing inaccurate stats. Later on in the interview, Trump appeared to be looking at the views on his post that shared the Space, which was at around 60 million views at the time. Post views on X function more like impressions, tracking each instance a post appears in front of a user, whether they actively clicked on it — or it just appeared on their feed as they scrolled.
The live audio Space itself between Trump and Musk peaked at around 1.4 million concurrent viewers.
Musk has leaned into Trump's inaccurate viewership references though.
Tweet may have been deleted"Combined views of the conversation with @realDonaldTrump and subsequent discussion by other accounts now ~1 billion," Musk said on X, calculating the total of all post views or impressions about the Space chat.
As of publishing time, the X Space between Trump and Musk has roughly 24 million views, which includes the live viewership numbers as well as replays. The post itself, however, claims 183 million views or impressions.
Interestingly, when talking about the platform that he acquired and rebranded as X, Musk referred to it as "Twitter" numerous times during his conversation with Trump. He also called "posts" by their no longer official name, "tweets."
As for Trump, his @realDonaldTrump account pinned the Space to the top of his X profile. Trump's account hasn't posted to X since.
As of Tuesday, Trump is back on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump shared links to his conversation with Musk on Truth Social – but he didn't share a link to X. Instead, he pointed Truth Social users to recordings of it on YouTube and the right-wing video platform Rumble.
We had to do a little more digging today than usual, but we still managed to find some deals at Amazon worth your hard-earned cash — and from top brands like Samsung and Sony, too. There's no saying for sure how long these discounts will stick around, so be sure to add them to your cart if they tickle your fancy.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 13. Be sure to check out our picks from Aug. 12 as well; some of those discounts are still live.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198.00 at AmazonSony's WH-1000XM5 headphoness truly knock it out of the park, earning a nearly perfect score upon testing. However, they're really only a slight upgrade over the previous generation, the WH-1000XM4s, and will run you nearly $150 more. The WH-1000XM4 headphones earned the Best of the Year badge of honor in 2020, as well as an Editor's Choice award from our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis). They credit the top-notch noise cancellation and audiophile-friendly sound quality for their 4.5-star rating. They're usually $348, but as of Aug. 13, you can pick up these fantastic headphones for only $198 — that's a new record-low price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $449.99 at AmazonIf you've had your eye on Samsung's The Frame TV, but can't swing the price, Amazon's Omni QLED Fire TV is a solid dupe. It offers an "Ambient Experience" mode that pulls up artwork, photos from your personal collection, or a selection of handy Alexa widgets. Plus, the QLED display offers local dimming, adaptive brightness, and support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. It's easily the best-looking Fire TV with more lifelike color, bolder contrast, and better clarity. The 55-inch model typically goes for $599.99, but you can snag it on sale for only $449.99 as of Aug. 13. While it may not be a record-low, it's still 25% in savings and currently cheaper than the 50-inch model.
Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Carlsbad Dark Room 6-person camping tent $167.30 at AmazonGot a camping trip coming up? Upgrade your sleeping setup with this Coleman Calrsbad Dark Room six-person camping tent. It's quick and easy to setup, can fit two queen-size air mattresses, and features dark room technology that reduces heat and blocks out 90 percent of sunlight for more comfortable rest. It's typically $349.99, but you can save 52% and snag it on sale for only $167.30. That's currently cheaper than the four-person option.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB) $169.99 at AmazonWhile it may not be as fancy or impressive as the Galaxy Tab S9 lineup, the A9+ is still a reliable tablet that can handle basic tasks proficiently without breaking the bank. Not everyone needs a tablet that competes with their computer. Our sibling site PCMag called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy," noting that it checks off all the boxes a low-cost tablet should. The A9+ features an 11-inch screen, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. The 64GB option is already priced at an affordable $219.99, but you can get it for only $169.99 as of Aug. 13. That's just $10 shy of its lowest price on record.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Not all technology is beneficial for everyone. For example, you might not need a one-wheel electric scooter or you might think the advent of glasses with built-in speakers will never be your jam, and that's all good. But smart home technology in particular can be helpful for most people.
SEE ALSO: Move over Roomba! An Apple smart home robot is reportedly in the worksSmart home tech covers everything from a doorbell that links to your phone so you can see when your Amazon package has arrived to a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temp once you've left for the day. Not only can smart home tech make your life easier, it can help save energy and save you money on monthly utility bills.
If you're in the market for some smart home upgrades, we're seeing some great deals this week. Here are some of our favorites for the week of August 13:
Best smart home entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Our pick: Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34.00 at AmazonIf you stream shows or movies to your home's TV, you'll want a Bluetooth streaming stick. These small devices give you a dashboard to navigate to your favorite streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and MAX. Thanks today's deal at Amazon, you can snag the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for just $34, marked down from the normal price of $49.99. That's a 32% discount.
Mashable shopping reporter Samantha Mangino put the Roku Streaming Stick 4K in a head-to-head battle with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Her review of the two found the Roku Streaming Stick 4K to be significantly better in performance speed and user-friendly controls. "For me, Roku is very clearly the winner. Between its ease of use, quick navigation, and brilliant streaming, it's a no-brainer," wrote Mangino.
Best smart home vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ $999.00 at AmazonSome of the most beneficial smart home advancements have come in the category of robot vacuums. Thanks to today's deal, you can save $400 on our favorite Roomba model, the Roomba Combo j9+, spending $999 instead of the usual price of $1,399. While it's not an inexpensive robot vacuum by any means, it's an impressive robot that not only vacuums your floors but mops them too.
Mashable senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart is an expert on robot vacuums an found this model to the very best Roomba in 2024 and one of the only negatives she mentions is the high price, which is significantly discounted at Amazon this week.
In addition to the impressive performance both in vacuuming and mopping, the Roomba Combo j9+ is a dream when it comes to smart home tech since you can set it to clean on a specific schedule and forget about it for up to 30 days. Its charging dock also serves as a self-empty station that shouldn't need attention much more than once per month.
Best smart home air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Our pick: Levoit Vital 200S-P air purifier $159.99 at AmazonSummer is nearing its end which unfortunately means that smoke season could appear any day. To protect your health and the health of your family and pets, today is probably the best day to snag an air purifier — before the air quality drops and local stores sell out.
The Levoit Vital 200S-P air purifier is on sale today at Amazon for just $159.99, down from the usual price of $189.99. That's a $30 savings that'll leave you breathing easy should air quality drop. But an air purifier can also be great if you deal with seasonal allergies or have pets.
The Levoit Vital is designed to work in larger rooms (up to 1,800 square feet) with HEPA filtration. But to help extend the life of the filter, there's a washable pre-filter on the Levoit that can capture pet hair and dust.
Set schedules for the air purifier through the free app where you can also control settings and check the filter life.
More smart home deals to shop:TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (4-pack) — $21.99 $25.99 (save $4)
Govee Smart Plug (4-pack) — $22.90 $26.99 (save $4.09)
Kasa Smart Light Switch (3-pack) — $33.99 $44.99 (save $11)
Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $39.99 $59.98 (save $19.99)
Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $49.99 $69.98 (save $19.99)
Echo Spot with Sengled LED Smart Light Bulb — $79.99 $99.98 (save $19.99)
eufy Smart Lock C33 — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)
Echo Show 8 with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $149.99 $169.98 (save $19.99)
Google's Circle to Search feature might reportedly be able to identify songs just like Shazam.
Android Authority dug around in the code through an APK teardown of the latest Google beta app and discovered an "Audio search" function. While exploring the feature, the outlet found that Circle to Search can be used to identify a song that's playing, or even humming and ambient noise.
Circle to Search is a tool that launched with the Google Pixel 8 series and Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup last year. By drawing a squiggle or a circle around an image, Android users can look up an object like an article of clothing or a restaurant menu and search for it in the same window. It's a useful feature for quickly identifying something you love and want to buy or easily translating text within an image.
In the video demo of the feature, by invoking Circle to Search, Android Authority found a musical note icon. When tapping the icon, an overlay popped up that shows "listening" function and then performs a Google search. Mashable has reached out to Google for confirmation and will update this story with a response.
SEE ALSO: What to expect at Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL and moreSo when will this feature become available? The Made by Google event is today at 1 p.m. ET. While today's event will mostly focus on hardware like the debut of the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, we can also expect a few new software features as well. If not today, the Google Android 15 launch is expected in the next months, so we might hear something about Circle to Search's audio function then.
People in treatment for major depression now have another recovery option to try.
Rejoyn, the first-ever app cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to help treat depression, officially launched to the public on Tuesday.
Rejoyn isn't a form of digital talk therapy or an expansive library of exercises in cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of treatment that helps people reframe negative thoughts and beliefs.
Instead, the app's parent company, Otsuka Precision Health, likens Rejoyn to physical therapy for the brain. The app offers a six-week program that challenges patients to recognize and remember four specific emotions, like happiness and disgust, they see on a series of photos of faces, then determine whether they match the emotion on the face in front of them.
SEE ALSO: Your mental health coach is ready to text you nowFormally known as the emotional faces memory task (EMFT), the activity is thought to help patients strengthen neural connections between the brain's prefrontal cortex, which manages executive functioning, and the amygdala, which processes emotions.
As users improve their face-matching ability, they move onto more difficult face-matching scenarios.
Rejoyn appears to work by strengthening neural connections in the brain. Credit: Otsuka Pharmaceutical"EMFT is designed to really enhance circuits that have been shown to be not optimally functioning in depression," Dr. John Kraus, Otsuka Pharmaceutical's chief medical officer, told Mashable. Rejoyn also includes brief lessons in cognitive behavioral therapy.
Though Rejoyn is now available in the App Store and Google Play, only patients with diagnosed major depression who are currently on antidepressant medication are eligible for a prescription for the app. Patients must also be at least 22 years old.
Rejoyn is considered low risk by the FDA. Kraus said that the company didn't detect any adverse events during its clinical trial, but like with any treatment for depression, patients should consult their health care provider if their symptoms don't improve, or if they experience suicidal feelings or behavior.
Rejoyn was tested against another memory task involving shapes instead of faces. Those who matched faces saw improvement in their depression symptoms compared to those who worked with shapes. Rejoyn, however, has not been tested against proven computer-based treatments for depression, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which are often free.
Initially, Rejoyn will cost $50 for individual patients paying cash. For insurers, the price is $200. Otsuka Precision Health expects insurance carriers to eventually add coverage for the app. Patients can receive a prescription from their healthcare provider.
They can also request a virtual consult through the telehealth provider group Wheel Health, Inc., via Rejoyn's website. The consult, which costs $29, will assess whether Rejoyn is appropriate the patient. Upon receiving a prescription, they receive a unique code to access the app's treatment program.
When the six-week treatment period ends, patients can access the cognitive behavioral therapy lessons for another four weeks. After that point, they're no longer able to use the app. Kraus said patients could potentially receive a new prescription in the future, if recommended by their health care provider.
While Rejoyn doesn't emphasize achievement, it does require consistent and sustained attention. Each matching task takes 20 to 30 minutes. Users can pause their progress if they need to momentarily step away, but the session will reset after 15 minutes.
Given the cost and timeframe, patients may want to consider whether the app is best-suited for their needs, compared to other apps or treatment options, said Dr. John Torous, a psychiatrist and director of the digital psychiatry division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
He noted that most people stop engaging with mental health apps within weeks of starting to use them, so patients may benefit more when they choose an app they believe they'll stick with from the outset.
Torous said patients are most likely to experience progress when they're using an app as part of their ongoing treatment with a mental health provider.
"Pure self-help is hard, but at least having your clinician check in...[and] keeping you accountable is going to be very important for making it work," Torous said.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
Netflix keeps making Squid Game a reality.
SEE ALSO: 'Squid Game' Season 2 release date announced as Netflix renews series for a final seasonFirst, the streaming giant produced Squid Game: The Challenge, a competition show that eerily recreated some of Squid Game's greatest hits, from Red Light Green Light to glass bridge hopscotch. Then, in Dec. of 2023, Netflix opened Squid Game: The Trials in Los Angeles. The Trials invited fans into an immersive, Squid Game-themed experience that tested their luck and skill in the show's deadly children's games. Now, Netflix is bringing that experience — renamed Squid Game: The Experience — to New York City.
Opening on Oct. 11 at the Manhattan Mall, Squid Game: The Experience lets players compete — as individuals, or in groups of up to 24 — for Squid Game glory. An Aug. 13 press release from Netflix teases that while some of the experience's games are inspired by the original show, some are brand-new. (Red Light Green Light will definitely be involved, though, as the press release points out terrifying murder doll Young-hee will be in attendance.)
Once the games portion of the experience is done, participants can enjoy Korean food and drinks at the Night Market, or check out the Squid Mart for exclusive merchandise.
Tickets for Squid Game: The Experience start at $39, with general sales beginning Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. ET. However, if you don't want to wait that long, you can join the waitlist now for the chance to purchase tickets before anyone else.
Squid Game Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Season 2 premieres Dec. 26.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 13 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 13If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Look it up!These words a very resourceful.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are related to reference books.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Reference.
NYT Strands word list for August 13Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Almanac
Handbook
Atlas
Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.
TikTok has finally added a group chat feature so you can send all those cucumber recipe videos to the group rather than just one person.
Announced by the company on Monday, the tool lets you add up to 32 people (including you) in one very demure, very mindful conversation. You can add friends or followers to a group chat, or friends can add you, but you can only invite mutual followed friends to the chat. If your TikTok settings ensure you don't get DMs, invites to group chats won't appear.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best books of 2024 so far, according to BookTokTo start a group chat, all you have to do is open your inbox on TikTok, press the + button to create a new chat, select which friends you want to add, then hit "Select group chat." As with most other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, and Instagram, you can change the name of the chat and add members.
You can also start a group chat by directly sharing a video — TikTok now shows a "Create group chat with friends" option when you select multiple people to share to.
TikTok said it has limited the number of groups someone can create and how many times messages can be forwarded. Muting and blocking tools have been brought over to the group chats, as well as the option to report harassment and abusive or hateful behaviour.
The group chat feature is not available for people under 15 (the minimum age to use TikTok is 13), and teens aged 16 to 17 have access restrictions. According to to TikTok: "If a teen is sent a link to join a group conversation, they will not be able to join unless the group includes at least one mutual friend. If they are eligible to join, they will be required to make a proactive decision to join. When a teen creates a group conversation, by default we will require them to review and approve new joiners."
In the same blog post, TikTok announced the addition of stickers in DMs, so you can plague your group chat with them.
It's the latest in a bunch of features TikTok has added of late, including the TikTok Spotlight entertainment tool, more in-FYP ticketing, and AI-generated digital avatars. That's all when the company isn't fighting U.S. legal battles from every angle.
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 August 13 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 13Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 13, 2024:
AcrossGymnastics surfacesThe answer is Mats.
The answer is Hopes.
The answer is Ample.
The answer is Toll.
The answer is Hay.
The answer is Momoa.
The answer is Apply.
The answer is Tell.
The answer is SSE.
The answer is Hath.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
We’ve reached a new pinnacle of online dating absurdity: social media users have discovered that ChatGPT can now be utilized to uncover the truth about men’s height on dating apps.
Yes, really. Over the weekend, one user on X (formerly known as Twitter) revealed that OpenAI's popular tool can call others out on height-related lies men may tell on dating apps like Tinder or Hinge.
People are using ChatGPT as a height lie detector Tweet may have been deletedIn the viral tweet, a user known as Venture Twins uploaded four photos of herself to ChatGPT, asking it to guess her height. She didn’t stop there — she also tested it with photos of her friends. The results? ChatGPT’s estimates were surprisingly close, reportedly within an inch of their real heights.
Curious, I decided to give it a shot myself. The verdict? It sort of works. Depending on the photo, ChatGPT pegged me anywhere between 5'9" and 6'1". So, it seems the accuracy hinges on the snapshots you feed it.
Credit: ChatGPT screenshot / Chance TownsendI ran another set of photos through ChatGPT, and it confidently declared that I’m "likely" 6 feet tall. While I’d love to claim those extra inches, the reality is I’m only 5'9". If you’re really desperate to catch a liar in the act, you might have better luck consulting Kentai Haven on TikTok — he seems to have a knack for it.
Credit: ChatGPT screenshot / Chance TownsendThat said, this is a fascinating if slightly unsettling, use of AI, especially when you consider how fed up women are with men fudging their height to score dates. The reasons for these height fibs range from the pressures of sociocultural norms around masculinity and attractiveness to plain old insecurity. The phenomenon of men exaggerating their height is so pervasive, it’s practically become a meme.
Using AI to guesstimate someone’s height isn’t exactly a trend — yet — but tread carefully if you’re tempted to try it. There’s a big difference between screenshotting a stranger’s dating profile for group chat banter and uploading their photos to a tech company with a questionable track record on privacy.
Should men stop blatantly lying about their height? Absolutely. But maybe we should all take a break from dating apps and go touch some grass instead. I hear speed dating is making a comeback.
TL;DR: Get this five-course online learning bundle for $39.99 to advance your career with in-demand cybersecurity skills — just $7.99 per course.
Ready to future-proof your career? This cybersecurity essentials bundle could be your gateway to high-paying opportunities in a field that's booming. In a world where we rely so much on technology, companies are desperate for skilled professionals who can protect their digital assets.
This bundle, on sale for $39.99, is designed to equip you with the most sought-after skills, ensuring you're ready for the cybersecurity jobs of tomorrow.
"The Cybersecurity: Implement Security Measures to Prevent Attack" course sets the foundation, covering important topics like threat identification and prevention methods. You'll learn how to safeguard personal and organizational data, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges of today's digital landscape. This course is perfect for anyone looking to understand the basics of cybersecurity and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
For those aiming to specialize, "Advanced Strategies for Businesses" delves into cutting-edge techniques, including human-centric security approaches and AI-driven solutions. This course provides insights into how businesses can strengthen their defenses, making you an indispensable asset in any organization.
For a limited time, get this cybersecurity essentials course bundle on sale for $39.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: LinCademy Training The 2024 Cybersecurity Essentials Bundle $39.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: This durable 100W charging cable comes with magnetic attachments for Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB on one end and USB-A and USB-C on the other. Get it while it's on sale, starting at just $19.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Statik Statik® 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable $19.99 at The Mashable ShopYou probably can’t even count how many charging cables you own, and yet how many times do you have to go searching for the exact one you need? Your iPhone wants Lightning, your tablet needs USB-C, and your Kindle? It’s stuck in the past with micro-USB. It used to be frustrating, but there’s a new solution with universal charging cables.
While not literally universal to every device on the planet, this Statik 100W phone cord has three interchangeable ends for Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB to make a single cord more versatile. The 10-foot cable is $23.99 (reg. $27.99), the 6-foot cable is $21.99 (reg. $24.99), and the 3-foot cable is $19.99 (reg. $23.99) — all with free shipping.
How does it work? Strong magnets hold the cable ends together, but you can easily pull them apart to swap them out. An included cable organizer helps you store the tips so you don’t lose them. The other end switches between USB-A and USB-C, so you can get the right charging combo with a single cord.
Not only can you swap out the USB connector, but this is also a 360-degree charging cord, meaning it spins around and bends when it’s plugged into your phone, tablet, or laptop so it doesn’t get in your way. Imagine playing Genshin Impact without your annoying cord poking out and getting bent in the process. Thanks to the rotating hinge, it also acts as a right-angle cable when you're short on space.
The Statik cable also supports 480Mbps data transfer speeds if you need to move photos or files between your phone, camera, and computer, and 100W fast charging when you use the USB-C charging tip.
Throw out six of your charging cables because this one can replace the need for them all. Grab a phone cord with USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB starting at just $19.99 with free shipping.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: This open-box Dell UltraSharp 4K monitor brings professional-quality video calls to your home office for $699.99 and ships free.
Working from home has its perks, but struggling with a subpar video setup isn't one of them. Enter the Dell UltraSharp 32-inch 4K Video Conferencing Monitor, a game-changer for anyone who wants to look sharp on screen.
This monitor delivers crystal-clear visuals that make you feel like you're in the room, even when you're miles away. For a limited time, take advantage of this major 41% discount and get this open-box model for $699.99 (reg. $1,199) with free shipping.
This item is labeled "open-box", which just means it was either leftover inventory or was returned and repackaged — but rest assured, it is a brand-new monitor.
Gone are the days of your pixelated face and poor microphone quality. The UltraSharp comes with a pop-up 4K webcam, built-in speakers, and noise-canceling mics, making your meetings less of a headache, and more of a productive session. Plus, the monitor has plenty of ports to connect all your gadgets, so your workspace stays neat — no more juggling cords or struggling to find the right connection.
This monitor isn't just for meetings. The 32-inch screen is perfect for multitasking while you work, allowing you to run all your essential apps and windows side by side. Whether you're designing, writing, or just browsing, everything looks sharp and vibrant on this display, keeping you focused and productive.
No more grainy video calls.
Pay $0 shipping and invest in an upgraded work-from-home lifestyle with this open-box Dell UltraSharp 32" 4K Video Conferencing Monitor on sale for $699.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell UltraSharp 32" 4K Video Conferencing Monitor U3223QZ (New - Open Box) $699.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Save 25% on the Cheerble pet toy that rolls on its own and get it for $19.97. You won’t find a better price anywhere else.
It’s challenging being a pet parent. Your dog is restless all day, and your cat has zoomies all night, no matter how much attention you give them. Even though they probably don’t need another, this interactive pet toy can help them release some extra energy.
The Cheerble ball rolls on its own and keeps your pet guessing and moving while you’re sleeping, working, or not even home. As soon as your pet nudges it, it takes on a life of its own — you don’t even have to control its movement on an app or remote.
Depending on your pet’s activity levels or age, you can set the toy to three modes: normal, gentle, or active. Lazy cats like Garfield will love gentle, while a pup like Scooby-Doo would want active. There's also a companion mode, which means it'll liven up if your cat is in the mood to play or wind down if he just wants to snuggle up.
Take a look at the toy in action:
You can get the Cheerble self-rolling pet toy on sale for $19.97 (reg. $26.90) for a limited time. That’s an unbeatable deal.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Cheerble Cheerble Ball: Interactive Toy for Cats $19.97 at The Mashable ShopMars didn't lose all its water without a fight.
The planet, today 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth, gradually lost its insulating atmosphere. The Red Planet's once great Martian lakes and rivers evaporated some 3 billion years ago, and the rocky world plunged into a global freeze. But some pools of water with high levels of salt persisted, dramatically lowering the freezing point to some -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). Salt, as you probably know from swimming in the ocean, easily dissolves in water.
These ancient pools could have even hosted holdouts of life — hardy primitive microbes. But eventually these pools vanished, too. Salt deposits, like those shown below, were left behind. Today, these dried relics of Mars' watery past can resemble some familiar shapes.
"Most likely, those salt deposits formed from shallow ponds of water or brine that evaporated in the sun," Valentin Bickel, a planetary scientist at the University of Bern in Switzerland, said in a statement. "People use a similar method to produce salt for human consumption in saltwater pools on Earth," Bickel, who led the recent research published in the journal Scientific Data, added.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, a Martian satellite that's part of a mission to determine if life has ever existed on Mars, captured the imagery. In the colour-infrared image, the salty deposits are shown in purple on Mars' desert surface.
A "smiley face"-like deposit of salts on Mars' surface. Credit: ESA / TGO / CaSSIS Planetary scientists suspect these salt deposits are leftovers from briny ponds. Credit: ESA / TGO / CaSSIS Tweet may have been deletedA collaboration between NASA and ESA will in 2028 launch a terrestrial companion to the ExoMars satellite, the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. "A new instrument on the rover will be the first drill to a depth of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) deep below the surface to collect ice samples that have been protected from surface radiation and extreme temperatures," NASA said.
It's here, beneath the surface, that scientists may detect compelling evidence of life. Robust bacteria, similar to those found on Earth, could have persisted underground, in dormant states, for millions of years.
We won't know until we look.
Dating is, famously, not easy. Single parenting, is also, famously, not easy. Put them together, and dating as a single parent feels damn near impossible.
The good news is, you're certainly not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly a quarter of children in the United States live in single-parent households. That means there are tons of people out there just like you — single parents who are devoted to their family and wouldn't mind some romance in their lives. On top of that, the best dating apps for single parents can also connect you with men and women who aren't parents themselves but also aren't afraid to date someone with a family.
SEE ALSO: 16 expert-approved kid podcasts to hit play on right nowTo help make online dating feel less impossible, we've vetted the best dating apps and sites for you. We know — dating apps don't always have the best rep, but there are actually apps made just for parents these days, and some features on more well-known apps like Hinge can help the dating process along.
Why it's so hard to date as a single parentSometimes, the most obvious answer is also the most accurate one, and for single parents, free time can be a huge constraint on their dating life. We know you don't have time to swipe through Bumble and send out dozens of messages that might lead to a date.
"If someone is full-time responsible for parenting their child(ren), time is the most difficult/delicate issue," said Karen Bonnell, a co-parent, stepfamily coach, and author of The Stepfamily Handbook, in an email to Mashable. "Even when the children move back and forth in a two-home family, dating time is often modified to reflect that schedule and can feel compressed and/or a bit like a whipsaw from 'independent adult dating' and 'responsible parent parenting.'"
SEE ALSO: The top 12 dating sites for finding a serious relationshipEven though dating apps take some effort and time, using the right ones can help streamline the process of meeting someone new. That's why we think they're a solid option for single parents looking for love, fun, and friendship. An algorithm that actually shows you people you're compatible with, rather than anyone with a pulse in a 10-mile radius, is a major bonus.
Bonnell also told us it's important to be upfront about your time constraints and responsibilities.
"Dedicating time for communication ('after the kids are down') or setting the children up in an activity while letting them know 'Mom/Dad’s going to do a little computer work now,' or 'taking a call' can work, but it’s not easy," Bonnell wrote. "The ability to openly talk about these barriers and to come to reasonable agreements will predict the long-term durability of the relationship with a parent."
What's the best dating site for single parents?Popular dating sites are the best places to find a wide array of users, but when you're dating as a single parent, curation can be key.
The dating app market also includes apps specifically designed for parents. In 2020, single parents and family-minded folks alike could start looking for love on heybaby (sadly, this dating site for single parents is no longer active). In 2022, Match Group launched Stir, a platform made specifically for single parents (though anyone can join).
Keep reading to find the best parent-centered dating apps, plus our favorite mainstream dating apps for parents.
A new lineup of Google Pixel phones is on the horizon. We'll hear all about them at the Made by Google event on Tuesday, August 13.
SEE ALSO: The pink Google Pixel 9 resurfaces in another video leak — but the screen is turned on this timeYep, August. That's not a typo. Google will hold its annual hardware event two months earlier than it normally does in October, which is great news for those of us who have been anxiously waiting for news on the newest Pixel phone. With this event, you can expect updates to the Pixel 9 lineup and the reveals of the already confirmed Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Fold.
Among those updates are rumors of a Pixel Watch 3 and perhaps some new earbuds. But all that and more will have to wait until Tuesday. So here's how to watch:
How to watch Made by Google 2024 event:This year's Made by Google event will be hosted at its headquarters in Mountainview, California at 10 PM PT/ 12 PM CT/1 PM EST. You'll be able to catch the whole event live streamed on Youtube at this link here or in the embed below:
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