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Best diagramming tool: Microsoft Visio 2021 Pro for Windows is on sale for $20

Mashable - Sat, 07/06/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Create and share data-driven diagrams and other templates with Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows, on sale through July 21.

In the business environment we live in today, having efficient tools at our disposal is vital for success. Fortunately, there is software for your computer that's designed to help you visualize, communicate, and innovate.

Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows is the go-to solution for anyone needing to create detailed, data-driven diagrams. It’s currently price-dropped from $299.99 to $19.97 until July 21 at 11:59PM, no coupon needed. 

From flowcharts to organizational charts, floor plans, and network diagrams, Visio 2021 makes it easy to turn complex information into understandable visuals. Creating diagrams with this software is straightforward, thanks to its vast library of ready-made, customizable templates. You can simply transform numbers and data into eye-catching visuals that help drive decision-making. The ability to connect diagrams to real-time data ensures your content is always current, ensuring accuracy.

Visio 2021 Professional integrates without a hitch along with Microsoft’s security features, keeping your data safe while you create and share diagrams across your organization. This means you can focus on your work without worrying about data security.

Whether you’re designing a new office layout, mapping out a network, or other important work tasks, Visio’s accurate, scalable templates and tools provide the precision you need for succeeding! With smart tools for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, and network diagrams, it simplifies complex tasks and helps you communicate ideas effectively.

Get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows while it’s price-dropped to $19.97 (no coupon needed) until July 21.

Check out this deal along with others for a low price, including other Microsoft deals.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows $19.97 at The Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal

Master ChatGPT and Midjourney for just $50

Mashable - Sat, 07/06/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Enhance your productivity with ChatGPT and Midjourney by enrolling in an introduction to AI course on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $149.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce Introduction to AI: ChatGPT & Midjourney Overview Bundle $49.99 at The Mashable Shop
$149.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you want AI to be your new productivity sidekick, you've got to know how to make the most out of it to make it work for you and your goals. If you're ready to learn, there's an educational course bundle on sale to help you study up on some of the most-used AI products today.

Introduction to AI is a three-pronged course bundle designed to help you navigate ChatGPT and Midjourney, two of the most popular generative AI tools out there. For a limited time, you can grab it on sale for only $49.99 (reg. $149.99).

This training collection begins with an extensive course on ChatGPT, in which you'll learn how to execute all sorts of tasks using the advanced language model. You'll basically learn how to make it your personal assistant. You can expect to discover how to feed it with information and have all your questions answered, create your desired documents, eliminate code bugs, summarize complex concepts, and more. Plus, discover unconventional uses to truly unleash its potential.

You'll then jump into mastering Midjourney, in which you'll learn more about AI art and everything that the tool can do. You'll get to grips with its AI art creation abilities to develop your own AI-driven art pieces that showcase your artistic flair. Wrapping up the course bundle is a breakdown of how to monetize both ChatGPT and Midjourney. Learn how to harness their power to enhance your sales process and explore various monetization techniques.

Boost your productivity with AI. The Introduction to this ChatGPT and Midjourney Overview Bundle normally retails for $149, but you can grab it on sale for $49.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Dating app fatigue has led to a flurry of IRL singles events

Mashable - Sat, 07/06/2024 - 05:00

Young professionals in Los Angeles are queuing up — not to access an exclusive concert or the drop of a new Supreme sneaker, but simply to meet other single people. They piled into a recent comedy show that promised to match people based on "vibes'' (assessed by three stand-up comedians) instead of dating app algorithms. But they're also going retro with three-minute speed dates in bars. They're even sitting down in front of a blank canvas with a glass of wine and trying to make conversation with strangers.

While these events vary widely, the attendees agreed on one thing: they were ready to try something — anything, really — to avoid one more online date. Singles are sick of dating apps, so they're turning to a growing number of offline events to find love.

SEE ALSO: Men found a surprising new way to lie on dating apps Dating app fatigue and frustration 

Though mobile dating apps have only been mainstream for a little over a decade — a mere blink in the long history of romance — their ubiquity in dating culture has left many singles feeling frustrated.  

Perhaps that's why the cracks in profitability are starting to show. Over the last three years, sales growth at Bumble has slowed from 31 percent in 2021 to only 9 percent today. To say that Bumble's latest marketing push failed to reverse this trend is an understatement. The ad campaign included billboards with phrases like, "A vow of celibacy is not the answer." That unleashed palpable anger from women online that prompted an apology from Bumble this May. The same month,  Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd painted an even more disturbing picture: a future where your AI avatar (trained to know your personality and preferences) will go on dates with someone else's avatar to determine your compatibility. Reactions online were overwhelmingly negative.

Bumble previously told Mashable, "We will stay relevant through our fundamental belief that by making the world better for women, we are making the world better for everyone, and that includes continuing to empower women in every aspect of their life."

Disaffection with the apps may also be attributed to new fees for previously free services. Although most have a free membership option, dating apps have basically dropped the pretense that this will lead to a love connection. Hinge, for example, has a new way to monetize love: only the highest tier membership (HingeX, available at $149.99 for 6 months as of publication) promises "access to your type." In other words, the Hinge algorithm has found the people with whom you would be most compatible. Without paying up, however, you'll only be allowed to access the less-than-ideal matches. If you use the basic model or Hinge+, you'll receive only one "rose" per week to contact your "standout" matches. If you want to reach out to more than one, it'll cost you about $1.50 for each additional person. Unless you're willing to shell out some cash, these magical, ideal partners sit in what TikTok users have dubbed "Rose Jail."

"Hinge is intentionally designed with one goal: to help all daters find each other and get out on great dates. Every feature is designed to help daters be more intentional about who they are, who they like, and why they like them. Our free membership and cost-effective subscriptions offer daters one of the most valuable experiences in the industry," a Hinge spokesperson told Mashable. "Hinge's intentional app design makes it easier for daters to express themselves and more quickly connect with people they’re compatible with through detailed profiles built around Prompts (short questions that allow people to showcase who they are). And it's working. Currently, we're setting up a date every two seconds."

An ongoing lawsuit alleges that Match Group, which owns Hinge, Tinder, and others, aims to turn users into "addicts" instead of helping them find a love match.

The surge of IRL dating events

With so much dating app dissatisfaction,  it's no wonder that people are looking for alternatives — and event planners are responding with creativity. Mackenzie Zoppi and Stephanie Scheele, for example, created LA Singles Only Social Club (or LA SOSO CLUB) after hearing about their friends' dating app fatigue. People weren't meeting suitable partners, were getting tired of trying, and the pandemic had only heightened their loneliness.

Scheele and Zoppi partner with local brands to throw mixers, organize speed dating, and host events like happy hours, beach tennis tournaments, or backgammon nights. Before long, "exclusive" dating app The League started sharing SOSO events with members; that's when they knew they were really onto something. The League "knew that people wanted in-person meetups, but they didn't have the bandwidth to host them," said Zoppi. After operating for one year, SOSO Club already boasts five committed relationships and countless first dates that have resulted from their soirees. 

Megan Weks, a dating and relationship coach, sees the rise of in-person dating options as a signal that the culture around dating is changing. "There is so much hope for commitment-minded singles, as motivated entrepreneurs are inspired to create opportunities for single people to meet the one," she said. Unfortunately, online dating has lessened our collective comfort with striking up conversations. "People are shy, unskilled, and even afraid of approaching others in real life."

Mike Falzone, creator of the aforementioned Human Romance comedy show, noticed that viewers of his advice-driven YouTube channel often asked about dating (or even about making friends as adults). Like Weks, he's seen how people are hesitant to startsingl IRL conversations. "We're all so insular now," he said. "The pandemic has made people unable to communicate with each other." 

Falzone's solution? A comedy show where three comedians interview audience members, match the ones who seem compatible, and then watch them go on a ten-minute date, live on stage. "Comedians can read people," Falzone said, and their ability to assess an audience via "crowdwork" gives them insight into who might have a spark.

The show's crowd skewed towards single women in their late 20s, many of whom said that they were, "unfortunately," using dating apps. Eleni*, a 28-year-old architect, said of digital dating, "In the beginning it's kind of fun and exciting, but after a while you're like, 'I could just be out with my friends right now. Why am I here with this man?'" Neither Eleni nor her friend Meghan (a 29-year-old content creator) had attended any singles' events before. Bri, 28, a retired athlete-turned-data analytics student, likes that dating apps provide a way to meet people. But she said "the desperation to find companionship," both from herself and from others, made things uncomfortable.

Bri was picked out of the crowd and paired with Bridget, a 29-year-old TV production secretary. During the show, Falzone and his fellow hosts Rachel Scanlon and Luke Mones posed such questions as, "If you went on a road trip, who would drive and who would handle the aux cord?" (Bridget prefers to take the wheel, so Bri would be happy to DJ.) "If this were a real date, who would be paying?" (Bri would definitely pay, but she'd be annoyed if Bridget didn't try to fight for the check.)

Based on audience applause, Bri and Bridget won the prize for best couple — $50 out of Falzone's own pocket to pay for their second date. Undeterred by the distance between them (Bri lives in Riverside, an hour-and-a-half drive from Bridget's place in central LA), the two were excited to have a real meet-up. "We've exchanged Instagrams, and… We'll see what happens," said Bridget with a flirtatious smile.

My journey into the jungle of offline dating events

Fueled by my own app burnout, I unsubscribed from Hinge+ a few months ago and decided to spend my money on in-person events. The first was an LA SOSO cold plunge singles' mixer in Venice Beach. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised to see that most of the attendees, who'd shown up in bathing suits and flitted from ice cold baths to saunas and sweat lodges, seemed inhumanly fit and gorgeous. I had great conversations with many of the women, but my "average"-to-"curvy" body seemed to prevent me from even registering as female on the radars of these muscled SoCal Adonises. I chatted with a lot of them, but none asked for my number.

SEE ALSO: The major dating apps are collapsing into each other

I had more luck at speed dating, where I made a few connections. Maybe it was because the hopeful romantics at these events seemed a bit sheepish about trying this twentieth-century dating method, but found strength in numbers. The men and women I met at CitySwoon's algorithm-based speed dating night (you receive texts telling you which of the attendees you should talk to next based on compatibility) shared a sense of vulnerability and openness — after all, we were all there for the same reason. Many of the people I spoke to said speed dating seemed more "humane" than swiping on an app. 

A singles' Paint and Sip event, organized by event space and podcast studio BSPOKE/LA, wine brand Besa Mi Vino, and app First Round's On Me, drew a crowd, but many of the attendees weren't aware the event was directed at singles at all. Teresa, a 29-year-old production manager, is in a relationship, but thought the Paint and Sip would be a good way to make friends. Selena Sevenler and Natalie Drelles, creative director and assistant creative director of BSPOKE/LA respectively, agreed that people are starved for connection, both romantic and platonic. "All we want is to make sure that the people around us actually have a heartbeat," said Drelles, who added that online communities feel disconnected from reality.

First Round's On Me (FROME) is a dating app, but it's one that encourages users to get together in-person by giving them only one match per day and 12 hours to plan a date with them. (The concept is not too dissimilar from HowAboutWe, a now-defunct dating app that emphasized meet-ups.) The 22-year-old painting instructor, Fredo Gillis, said that he'd noticed people coming solo to Paint and Sips that he'd facilitated before. It seemed like a natural "collaborative, social singles event." (Fredo is single and has Tinder, but said he meets most of his potential partners at modeling casting calls.) Besa Mi Vino head of events Jessie Goodall, who also works part time for FROME, wasn't surprised that all the painters were laughing and joking about their painting skills (or lack thereof.) "All it really takes is something to break the ice," she said. 

Shockingly, I turned out to be one of the only straight single women at the FROME Paint and Sip. I left with a mediocre painting of an LA skyline, Instagram accounts of two cute guys, and budding friendships with other artistically-challenged women.

When it comes to choosing events, Weks said that the hardest part can be making sure they attract potential partners who meet your qualifications. She advised daters to look for event companies that are a little more niche, rather than casting a wide net. "Whether it's people who value their careers, have a certain level of success, or love dogs, you'll save time by attending events that match your interests." If you get stuck in a conversation you're not enjoying, Weks also reminded us that, "It's okay to gently excuse yourself. You can always pick up the conversation later or let them approach you again if they are motivated." 

If you're afraid of approaching strangers in-person, Weks said it might help to not focus too much on romantic potential at the beginning of an interaction. "The basis of flirting can stem from genuine curiosity about others," she said. "Cultivate the habit of growing curiosity about others and practice chit-chatting for no other reason than to express curiosity or create a shared feel-good moment." 

As for me, I haven't deleted "the apps," but meeting people in the wild felt like a nice change from mindless (and fruitless) swiping. Only time will tell if this trend will last, or if our Whitney Wolfe Herd AI avatars will soon be handling all our dating for us in the Metaverse. For now, I'll probably just skip the events that require bathing suits. 

* Daters requested to go by their first-names only for privacy reasons.

20 best anime series on Netflix to watch right now

Mashable - Sat, 07/06/2024 - 05:00

Interested in anime? Then Netflix is the perfect place to dive in, boasting a massive library of terrific titles. The sheer quantity of these offerings can be daunting when looking for something to start watching, but have no fear! We've put together a list of the best anime currently on Netflix in order to satisfy any and all of your streaming desires.

The following anime selections cover several different genres. Some are classics; some are newer; all are bound to get you hooked. Featuring everything from pirates to bounty hunters, karaoke lovers to demons, here are the 20 best anime series on Netflix streaming now.

1. Aggretsuko Credit: Netflix

Aggretsuko is a down-to-earth anime that primarily takes place in an office and follows the life of Retsuko, an unassuming twentysomething red panda, who has to deal with a shitty boss, navigate relationships with coworkers, and let off steam by growling to death metal songs at karaoke bars. It's an adorable, lighthearted little series.*Kellen Beck, Science Reporter

How to watch: Aggretsuko is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Death Note

Death Note is a pretty intense show that revolves around a demonic book that can be used for murder by entering a person's name in it, visualizing them in your head when you do it, and writing how they die. The book falls in the hands of teenager Light Yagami, who begins using it for what he perceives as the greater good, utilizing the complicated rules that come along with the book to avoid being found out by investigators and fellow genius L. It's hard not to binge right through it.*K.B.

How to watch: Death Note is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

When Tanjiro Kamado's family is killed and his little sister Nezuko turns into a demon, he sets off on a quest to become a demon slayer in the Demon Slayer Corps. As he strives for vengeance and seeks to cure his sister, he meets other demon slayers and encounters sinister forces. Demon Slayer is immediately engrossing, helped along by compelling leads and an atmospheric setting. To top it all off, the fight scenes are incredible, with top-notch animation and fight choreography. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Credit: Netflix

A remixed anime version of Bryan Lee O'Malley's beloved graphic novels that brings back the actors from Edgar Wright's 2010 live-action adaptation Scott Pilgrim vs. the World to voice a totally different series of adventures for Scott, Knives, and Ramona with her league of evil exes? Heck yes, please

The first episode of the eight episode series — co-run and co-written with O'Malley's Are You Afraid of the Dark? partner BenDavid Grabinski — follows closely in the movie's footsteps. Dopey ne'er-do-well Scott Pilgrim falls for dream delivery girl Ramona Flowers, only to find out he must fight her seven former partners to the death in order to win her heart. But by that first episode's surprising end, you'll see that this series has a very different story to tell. 

With the superstar bunch of Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Mae Whitman, Jason Schwartzman, Kieran Culkin, Alison Pill, and Ellen Wong all back on hand, this whole thing lands like a dream. If only every "reenvisioning" of popular I.P. could be this creative. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Castlevania

Video game adaptations are notoriously hard to get right, but Castlevania more than sticks the landing. Darkly atmospheric and full of rich lore, Castlevania tells the story of Trevor Belmont, a monster hunter from the disgraced Belmont family. He and his companions, Sypha and Alucard, seek to protect the land of Wallachia from Dracula and his horde of demons. Get ready for dazzling magic, horrifying monsters, and high-intensity fights. Best of all, you don't need any prior knowledge of the Castlevania games to enjoy the anime — you'll get sucked in right away. — B.E.

How to watch: Castlevania is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Gon Freecss is a young boy who dreams of becoming a legendary Hunter like his father, who left him in order to pursue his career. Gon undertakes the strenuous Hunter Exam alongside other strong candidates, like Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. Every stage of the test contains exciting puzzles and trials, as well as a cast of vibrant supporting characters. This series is so much fun. Everything from Hunter x Hunter's vibrant characters to its exciting monster encounters combines to create a massively entertaining adventure. — B.E.

How to watch: Hunter x Hunter is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Pluto Credit: Netflix

The character of "Astro Boy," whose history stretches back into the 1950s, is iconic enough to be familiar to people who've never read a manga in their lives. He's basically the Mickey Mouse of manga. So when legendary artist Naoki Urasawa teamed up with the grandson of Astro Boy's creator to craft an updated story for the character in the aughts, it was kind of a big deal. So big a deal, it took another decade and a half for them to translate that manga, which was titled Pluto, into an anime series.

The futuristic world of Pluto is one of happy coexistence between humans and robots — until a serial killer comes along and starts murdering the world's top robots one by one, that is. As we tag along with a robot detective named Gesicht, we meet the next victim-to-be on the killer's list: a boy robot named Atom, who's incredibly powerful but in danger all the same. What follows from there in Pluto's eight hour-long episodes is one of the great reworkings of an iconic character, told with true emotional depth and no shortage of astonishing visuals. — J.A.

How to watch: Pluto is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Neon Genesis Evangelion

One of the greatest and most influential anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion is wildly ambitious, emotionally complex, and beautifully animated. In the future, the city of Tokyo-3 is under attack from monstrous Angels. Humanity's last defense are giant mechas known as Evangelions, or Evas. When 14-year-old Shinji Ikari's estranged father recruits him to be an Eva pilot, he finds himself at the forefront of the battle to save mankind. What follows is a series of incredible fights between Angels and Evas, as well as an in-depth exploration of trauma. — B.E.

How to watch: Neon Genesis Evangelion is now streaming on Netflix.

9. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Credit: Viz Media

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is an off-the-wall series full of ridiculous characters, beefy dudes, wild plotlines, and bright colors. The series follows various members of the Joestar family as they go on their individual, supernatural journeys, make friends, and ultimately defeat over-the-top villains. It's really weird and a great way to just completely disconnect from reality.*K.B.

How to watch: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen

Based on Gege Akutami's manga, one of the best-selling series of all time, Jujutsu Kaisen (which counts among its fans Bruno Mars and Megan Thee Stallion) is set in a world where people's unrestrained emotions can externalize and turn into Curses. Think David Cronenberg's film The Brood, only instead of deformed rage babies who wear snowsuits and kill people, these curses are spiritual beings, a la ghosts and demons, called Noroi, which translates straight to "Curses." The curses will attach themselves to people and do what curses do — fuck shit up. To battle these Curses, there are Sorcerers — people who, unlike most humans, can channel their "Curse Energy" to fight the monsters. 

The lead character is a high school kid and sorcerer-in-training named Yuji Itadori, who becomes host to one of the scariest curses around by, uhh, eating a cursed finger. (If you ask me, Yuji had it coming. Who eats a finger?) Anyway the cursed finger belonged to Ryomen Sukuna, an ancient sorcerer known as the greatest who ever lived, who went on to become King of the Curses himself — dude never did anything halfway. Probably not the best finger to eat, if one has to eat a finger. Which one doesn't! — J.A.

How to watch: Jujutsu Kaisen is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden has been used as a tool of war for her whole life. After the war ends, she adjusts to non-military life and works as an Auto Memory Doll, someone who composes letters for those who can't write. Throughout all of this, she grapples with her past, including the last words her army major ever said to her. Violet Evergarden is a touching exploration of memory and human emotion centered around a compelling heroine. — B.E.

How to watch: Violet Evergarden is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Yasuke Credit: Netflix

LeSean Thomas' miniseries follows the life and legend of its title character, a Black samurai who served daimyō Oda Nobunaga. Years after Nobunaga's death, Yasuke lives as Yassan, a boatsman who shuttles villagers along the water and speaks little of his past. But a young girl with awesome power undoes Yassan’s quiet life and alias, thrusting him back into a world of warriors, magic and more. The show blends together sci-fi, fantasy, and history as only anime can, with LaKeith Stanfield at the mic bringing Yasuke sublimely to life. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Yasuke is now streaming on Netflix.

13. One Piece

Looking for adventure on the high seas? One Piece is the anime for you. Follow along with Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the One Piece — the great treasure found by the last Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. One Piece is literal boatloads of fun, with zany characters and storylines. Netflix does not have the entire series (which is very, very long and still ongoing) in its library, but it does have the East Blue and Alabasta story arcs, which serve as great introductions to this classic anime. — B.E.

How to watch: One Piece is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Monster

Based on the massively successful and award-winning manga from artist Naoki Urusawa (yup, the same dude behind Pluto), Monster is widely considered a masterpiece. It tells the story of a genius surgeon named Dr. Kenzo Tenma who makes the mistake of saving a child's life. 

Not something that's usually a mistake, right? Well, this show is basically an inverse of that old moral quandary, "Would you go back in time to kill baby Hitler?" Because the kid that the good doc saves grows up to be a world-class sociopath named Johan. (And yes, Johan is German and blond, and eugenics is an explicit part of the plot. So the Hitler reference isn't out of nowhere.) 

The series follows Doc Kenzo for a full 74 episodes of hunting down Johan via the madman's ever-widening trail of destruction — 74 half-hour episodes that originally aired between 2004 and 2005, an extraordinary output that makes every other series on television seem awfully lazy. But this doesn't make the series doesn't feel rushed. It feels propulsive and desperate and all-consuming. — J.A.

How to watch: Monster is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Eden Credit: Netflix

A sweet fable about two maintenance robots in a humanless future who accidentally wake a human child named Sara Grace out of stasis. (Turns out there are humans, but they're all crated up for the time being.) And since their robot overlords don't look kindly upon humans (indeed, they're considering letting all of sleeping humanity go extinct), the two robots take the little girl out into the countryside to raise her safely. 

Eden is just four 25-minute episodes long, following Sarah Grace to her teen years, where she begins to explore and uncover her place in the world — not just her own, but all of humanity's. As teenagers are prone to do. Still, Sarah Grace's is a special case, you could say, and Eden probes at it with lovely (and gorgeously animated) curiosity. — J.A.

How to watch: Eden is now streaming on Netflix.

16. 7SEEDS

Similar to Eden, 7SEEDS is also about human beings being awoken from suspended animation into a distant future that's nothing like the one they came from. But this is the not-so-friendly version. In the before times, a meteorite is headed straight for Earth, so a group of Japanese scientists cryogenically freeze five pods of seven people (who notably aren't told what's happening to them beforehand). Each group is named after a season (with a Summer A and a Summer B) and scattered out to different areas of Japan. A computer is set to wake them up when it measures the world fit for human life again. 

When that fateful moment does arrive, our survivors (including a shy girl named Natsu who is basically our main character) stumble out into a world that has changed greatly. Not just the landscape, which has been altered drastically by climate change, but the lifeforms that survived the meteorite evolved and mutated in all kinds of terrifying ways. There are giant lizards reminiscent of velociraptors, swarms of carnivorous white cockroaches, and beetles the size of boats among the many horrors our humans encounter. Basically it's Land of the Lost but way yuckier. If evolutionary biology is your jam, this one kicks! — J.A.

How to watch: 7SEEDS is now streaming on Netflix. 

17. High-Rise Invasion Credit: Netflix

Grindhouse trash to be sure, but grindhouse trash that is great fun and super ridiculous, High-Rise Invasion is about a schoolgirl named Yuri Honjo who finds herself suddenly transported into a surreal world of mile-high rooftops connected by rope bridges where she's hunted by masked killers. Vacillating wildly between helplessness and being a savage gun-toting maniac, Yuri's character makes very little sense. But she eventually gets a girlfriend named Mayuko and the series becomes about two lesbians graphically murdering pervy dudes, and I can find no wrong with that. Oh, and it's also about this death game that they've been forced into playing about the creation of God? It's way weird, y'all. — J.A.

How to watch: High-Rise Invasion is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Mononoke

With a stunningly singular animation style that looks like classical Edo-era art filtered through Aeon Flux, Mononoke tells the tale of a nameless medicine man who every episode hunts down and fights a different "mononoke" — unnatural spirits that attach themselves to and feed off of bad vibes, basically. Our main character rolls into town, figures out what the baddie is, and how to fight them. It's a standalone series; think Murder She Wrote with monsters.

As a spin-off of the previous series, Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, Mononoke and its many demons often make for a very scary show, with the true strangeness of the animation only making its mood feel even more surreal. And the 12 episodes produced way back in 2007 have remained so popular that 15 years on, the series is getting a new movie called Mononoke: Karakasa . — J.A.

How to watch: Mononoke is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Onimusha

Onimusha is a series about a ronin named Miyamoto Musashi fighting a zombie plague during the historical Edo period (which ran from the 1600s to the 1800s). Miyamoto is based on Japan's most legendary movie star, Toshiro Mifune (of Rashomon, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, etc.), which means that Miyamoto is hella hot. You know. For an animated character. Anyway, that's reason enough right there to watch. It's why I have watched every season of Archer!

In all seriousness, the show, which is based on the old 2001 Capcom video game of the same name, blends 2D animation with computer graphics in a spectacular fashion, making the many fights truly something wondrous to behold. And it's got a surprising amount of heart, as our sexy hero wields a weapon called the Oni Gauntlet, which eats some of his soul every time he uses it. He's basically destroying himself to save the world. And he's doing it while looking like Toshiro Mifune! What's not to love? — J.A.

How to watch: Onimusha is now streaming on Netflix. 

20. Akuma Kun Credit: Netflix

If you dug the vibe of the 2010 Sherlock series with Benedict Cumberbatch, then Akuma Kun might just be the anime for you. It's about a boy genius named Akuma Kun and his sidekick, a half-demon named Mephisto, solving paranormal mysteries. Akuma Kun has no social skills and seems very much on the spectrum in the way he sorts out the world, while Mephisto is the friendlier, funnier Martin Freeman type of the pair. 

Far less interested in big battle sequences than most anime tends to be, this series is more concerned with wading through philosophical puzzles. Akuma Kun and Mephisto spend a lot time wittily debating their at-odds instincts as they solve each episode's riddle. And that, along with the fine hand-drawn animation, really makes this series (which is technically a sequel to a 1989 series of the same name) stand out from the pack. — J.A.

How to watch: Akuma Kun is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry is slightly modified from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Jul. 3, 2024, 3:24 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on Feb. 18, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current streaming options on Netflix.

Make editing and sending PDFs easier with this tool on sale for just £63 for life

Mashable - Sat, 07/06/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to PDF Expert's Premium Plan for Mac is just £62.49 (reg. £109.37) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle Limited PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) £62.49 at the Mashable Shop
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StackSocial prices subject to change.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 6

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 23:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for July 1's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: The stuff of life

  • Green: Certain shower gifts

  • Blue: Noisemakers

  • Purple: Words before a word that rhymes with "hag"

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: BIOLOGICAL BUILDING BLOCKS

  • Green: PURCHASES FOR A BABY

  • Blue: OBJECTS PLAYED AS INSTRUMENTS

  • Purple: ___ TAG

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #388 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • BIOLOGICAL BUILDING BLOCKS - ATOM, CELL, MOLECULE, PROTEIN

  • PURCHASES FOR A BABY - BOTTLE, CRIB, MOBILE, RATTLE

  • OBJECTS PLAYED AS INSTRUMENTS - JUG, SAW, SPOONS, WASHBOARD

  • ___ TAG - DOG, FREEZE, PHONE, PRICE 

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 6

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 23:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for June 29's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Pffft.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

F appears twice in today's word.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1113 is...

SCOFF.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

How to watch Netherlands vs. Turkey online for free

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 17:30

TL;DR: Watch Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Euro 2024 is slowly coming to its conclusion, which means only the very best sides can survive. There is only one semi final spot still up for grabs, so we're expecting a real battle between two strong teams. And you can watch how things unfold without spending anything.

The Netherlands have looked good so far though the group stage was a bumpy road. Turkey, meanwhile, have been surprisingly strong. They showed real fire in their round of 16 game against Austria, in which Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok made an all-timer last minute save — a save that will go down in Euros history.

Can Turkey pull off one more classic performance and reach the Euro semi-finals for the first time? The Netherlands will certainly put up a fight in this can't-miss game.

If you want to watch Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Netherlands vs. Turkey?

Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

How to watch Netherlands vs. Turkey for free

Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN — no matter where you are around the globe. VPNs are handy tools that can obscure your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. That means you can bypass any geo-restrictions and access streaming platforms such as ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access ITVX by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Simply sign up to leverage these offers and gain access to ITVX — all without actually spending anything in the long run. This is obviously not a permanent solution, but it will give you more than enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Netherlands vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

Elon Musk's X: Flawed Grok AI chatbot to become more deeply integrated

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 17:27

X, formerly known as Twitter, is looking to integrate its flawed AI chatbot even more deeply into the platform.

App researcher Nima Owji has recently uncovered code written within the X website that shows the company's upcoming plans for its AI chatbot Grok. While the features haven't publicly launched yet, Owji's discovery gives users a sneak peek into how much Elon Musk is looking to depend on AI for his social media platform.

It's important to note that these upcoming Grok-related features will likely be paywalled, similar to how Grok AI is currently structured. While users originally needed to pay for the $16 per month Premium+ plan, X has since rolled Grok out to those paying for the $8 X Premium plan.

X's upcoming Grok features

According to Owji's findings, X is planning to launch at least three new features across the platform that are powered by Grok.

Tweet may have been deleted

X will reportedly allow X Premium and Premium+ subscribers to highlight text on the platform — and then ask Grok about the selection via a pop-up without needing to head off the page. Owji found code in X which deploys an "Ask Grok" prompt pop-up message when text is highlighted.

Tweet may have been deleted

Another upcoming X feature that lets users access Grok without moving off-page is the "More about this account" prompt. Based on Owji's research, it appears X will soon let paying users ask Grok for background information about a specific X account via a Grok button that appears on an X user's profile card.

Tweet may have been deleted

There is a clear pattern here where X is trying to promote Grok use throughout the entire social media platform – and this final recently discovered upcoming feature makes that fully possible. X is looking to allow its subscribers to access Grok anywhere on X via a "Grok drawer." This basically enables an AI chatbot window to float over the X platform and remain accessible — no matter where the user goes on the site.

Grok is the first product from Musk's AI company xAI, which recently raised billions of dollars. Musk has been looking to prioritize his entrance into the AI race and Grok's deep integration into X at the AI chatbot's launch gave it a built-in user base.

Grok's stumbles

However, Grok has had its struggles. 

In April, X relaunched its Explore tab and made the feature dependent on Grok, which now creates news headlines and summaries based on what's trending on the platform. As Mashable previously reported, Musk's AI chatbot has already spread dangerous misinformation such as creating a fake news story about Iran striking Tel Aviv, Israel with missiles. In another example of Grok's failings, the AI chatbot took jokes posted by users on X and created a fake story about the NYPD being sent into NYC subways to have a "showdown" with an earthquake. 

That same month, Fortune reported that Musk was actually looking to further integrate Grok throughout X, going as far as wanting the AI chatbot to create posts for users. So, while these three upcoming Grok features aren't quite that, it's clear that X is going forward with pushing Grok onto users all throughout the platform.

How to watch England vs. Switzerland online for free

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 17:00

TL;DR: Watch England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Euro 2024 has been a joy to watch. The tournament has been full of spectacular goals, late drama, and passionate fans. What more could you want?

England entered the tournament as favorites, which isn't surprising with the strength of the English squad. But it's been a patchy start for the Three Lions. Though late drama in their win against Slovakia might give them a boost to go all the way.

England will face exceptionally tough competition from the in-form Switzerland, though. The Swiss have been one of the big surprises of the tournament so far, with world class mentality and dynamism on the ball. But, of course, only one of these teams can advance to the semi finals. It's all to play for.

If you want to watch England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Switzerland?

England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Düsseldorf Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.

How to watch England vs. Switzerland for free

England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. All you need is a decent enough internet connection to stream the action.

Access BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free to use, but leading services usually offer attractive deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Using these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream England vs. Switzerland in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' stars Judge Reinhold and John Ashton play The Newlywed Game

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 16:59
Judge Reinhold and John Ashton from 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' play The Newlywed Game

Mark Zuckerberg’s Viral Surf Video

NYT Technology - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 16:33
In a sequel to his much-mocked hydrofoil video, the Meta founder celebrates the Fourth of July in his own particular way.

How to watch Colombia vs. Panama online for free

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 16:30

TL;DR: Watch Colombia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are only two places left up for grabs in the 2024 Copa America semi-finals, and you can expect Colombia vs. Panama to put absolutely everything into securing a spot.

We're expecting a tense tussle between two sides with a lot of quality. Whichever way this game goes, the fans are the real winners.

Colombia finished top of Group D with two wins and a draw — a draw against the once mighty Brazil, in fact. Meanwhile, Panama scored wins over the United States and Bolivia. It's fair to say that Colombia have the edge here, but every game is must-watch in tournament football. You never know quite what's going to happen next.

If you want to watch Colombia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Colombia vs. Panama?

Colombia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America quarter final kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on July 6. This fixture takes place at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.

How to watch Colombia vs. Panama for free

The 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia, including Colombia vs. Panama.

Sportitalia is geo-restricted to it native Italy, but anyone can access this free streaming platform — no matter where you are in the world — by signing up for a VPN. VPNs are brilliant tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you to a secure server in another country, in this case Italy, which means you can stream with Sportitalia from anywhere around the globe.

Access free live streams of the 2024 Copa America by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy

  4. Visit Sportitalia

  5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPN brands usually offer incentive deals, such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without losing any money in the long run. The free trial period will give you time to watch all the remaining 2024 Copa America fixtures before claiming back any investment. You may even decide to keep it on a more permanent basis.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Italy

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 for a limited time. That includes a bonus three months at no extra cost — that's an overall discount of 49%. Also included in the plan is a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Colombia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America for free with ExpressVPN.

I’m a MacBook stan, but this Windows laptop I tested may convert me: 17 hours of battery life

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 14:32

The best Windows laptop we've tested in 2024 so far is — drumroll, please — the HP OmniBook X.

Not only does it have surprisingly long battery life, but its performance beats the likes of the M3 MacBook Pro and M3 MacBook Air. The OmniBook X is a part of a new wave of Copilot+ machines and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite PCs.

What is a Copilot+ PC?

If you've been out of the loop, one of the chuckle-worthy reasons Copilot+ PCs gained popularity is because Microsoft announced the new AI-powered Recall feature alongside its new Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 devices (which were one of the first Copilot+ PCs to hit the market.)

Microsoft made it clear that you can only enjoy Recall if you get a Copilot+ PC.

Surface Laptop 7, a Copilot+ PC Credit: Microsoft

Recall, which takes continuous screenshots of your display so you can search your own digital footprint via a timeline, caused a lot of controversy. If social media is anything to go by, many people were creeped out by it. Cybersecurity pundits were concerned about Recall's safety, calling it a "privacy nightmare."

Recall was supposed to launch alongside the new crop of Copilot+ PCs, which are AI-powered Windows laptops that must have a qualified NPU, a specialized processor that handles AI tasks.

The processor that's been outfitted in many Copilot+ PCs these days is the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip. And let me tell you — it's been shaking up the laptop industry.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite threatens MacBooks

Last year, if you were to ask me, a laptop reviewer and expert, "Which laptop should I get that has long battery life and robust performance?", I'd advise you to get an M3 MacBook.

Apple's 15-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

While you can find a Windows laptop with great performance, they're not the most power-efficient machines, particularly compared to MacBooks.

However, the launch of Copilot+ PCs, which often sport a Snapdragon X Elite chip, has me changing my tune in 2024. Qualcomm boasted that it beats the M3 chip in power efficiency and performance — and it's not wrong.

Mashable tested its first Copilot+ PC, the Snapdragon X Elite-packed HP OmniBook X, and it is a game-changer in the Windows laptop space.

HP OmniBook X beats M3 MacBook Air in battery life and performance

We ran a 1080p video rundown test to determine how long the OmniBook X lasts on a charge. So imagine our surprise when we saw that the HP laptop survived for an incredible 16 hours and 47 minutes. That's nearly 17 hours.

HP OmniBook X Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

MacBooks typically last quite long, but the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air tapped out after just 10 hours and 52 minutes on the same test.

  • HP OmniBook X battery life: nearly 17 hours

  • M3 MacBook Air: nearly 11 hours

On Geekbench 6, which tests for processor performance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip delivered a multi-core score of 13,888, beating the M3 MacBook Air's score of 12,057.

HP OmniBook X Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

For what it's worth, we also tested the OmniBook X against the M3 MacBook Pro. The HP laptop beat it, too (13,888 vs. 11,998).

  • HP OmniBook X Geekbench 6 score: 13,888

  • M3 MacBook Air: 12,057

  • M3 MacBook Pro: 11,998

As such, if you're not married to the Apple ecosystem, and you're OS agnostic, the HP OmniBook may be the best choice for you if you're looking for a long-lasting, high-performing PC.

You can purchase the HP OmniBook X with 1TB of storage at Best Buy for $1,199. There’s also a cheaper variant, sporting 512GB of storage, that will set you back $1,049.99 via HP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy HP OmniBook X $1,199.00 at Best Buy
Get Deal

Lots of wireless earbuds from top brands are on sale ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 14:16
The best early Prime Day wireless earbuds deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $169.95 at Amazon (save $109.05) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple AirPods (2nd generation) $89 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST JBL DEAL JBL Vibe Buds $28 at Amazon (save $21.95) Get Deal BEST SONY DEAL Sony WF-1000XM5 $278 at Amazon (save $21.99) Get Deal BEST SOUNDCORE DEAL Soundcore Space A40 $50.99 at Amazon (save $29 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

Prime Day doesn't officially start until July 16, but worthwhile discounts are already popping up at Amazon — particularly on wireless earbuds.

We're seeing some early deals on big-name brands like Bose, Sony, Beats, Apple, and JBL, but we expect things to really ramp up in the weeks to come. Still, if you'd rather shop ASAP, you can score the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or the JBL Vibe Buds for record-low prices.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2024

As with any Amazon-hosted event, we're also predicting price drops on the mega retailer's own Echo Buds and Apple AirPods of all shapes and sizes. However, those deals are starting off a bit slower than other brands.

Below, we've rounded up a list of the best wireless earbuds deals Amazon has blessed us with ahead of the shopping event of the season. We'll be keeping a lookout for even more to drop as Prime Day nears, so be sure to check back often.

Best early Prime Day wireless earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $169.95 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $109.05 Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of Prime Day's official start, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are sitting at an all-time low of $169.95 (reg. $279) at Amazon. These buds feature a completely personalizable ANC experience, which intelligently adjusts noise cancellation and sound performance based on your environment. They come with three sets of ear tips and stability bands for a comfortable listening experience and last up to six hours on one charge (24 with help from the charging case). While we haven't had a chance to review the newest installment (we reviewed the original QuietComfort Earbuds and mostly loved them), our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) have and they were big fans — honoring them with a 4.5-star rating and an Editor's Choice award.

Apple earbuds early Prime Day dealsJBL earbuds early Prime Day dealsSony earbuds early Prime Day dealsSoundcore earbuds early Prime Day dealsEven more wireless earbuds deals

This is likely the biggest password leak ever: nearly 10 billion credentials exposed

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 13:11

Cybersecurity researchers are calling it the largest password compilation leak of all time.

On July 4, a newly registered user on a popular hacking forum posted a file containing nearly 10 billion compromised passwords in plaintext. The post was first noticed by researchers at Cybernews.

"Xmas came early this year," user "ObamaCare" wrote on the forum. "I present to you a new rockyou2024 password list with over 9.9 billion passwords!"

RockYou2024 leaked password compilation

This gigantic list of leaked passwords known as RockYou2024 provides hackers with an important tool that can be utilized in a brute force attack. 

A brute force attack is a popular hacking method where the attacker guesses a user's password by trial-and-error. Hackers commonly use automated scripts when carrying out a brute force attack, which enables them to try out a slew of passwords within a short period of time. With a leaked password database this big, hackers have a nearly unlimited pool of passwords to try out. 

“In its essence, the RockYou2024 leak is a compilation of real-world passwords used by individuals all over the world," writes Cybernews' researchers. "Revealing that many passwords for threat actors substantially heightens the risk of credential stuffing attacks."

As Cybernews researchers point out, this list may very well be the largest password leak ever, beating the previous record holder known as RockYou2021, which had around 8.4 billion passwords.

In fact, the hacker forum user "ObamaCare" claims they used that older list and updated it with newer password leak data from over the past three years. As a result, 1.5 billion more passwords have been added to the previous compilation to create RockYou2024.

"I updated rockyou21 with collected new data from recent leaked databases in various forums over this and last years," wrote the hacker forum user while adding that they also included recent compromised passwords that they recently obtained themself.

The RockYou2024 leaked password list is new, so at the time of this writing, it's unclear if any private data has been compromised as a direct result of this compilation.

Anyone signed up to any service online should assume that a password that they use is on this list. Cybersecurity researchers recommend that users update their passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Serve up delicious smoothies, sauces and more with $20 off this Ninja personal blender

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:46

SAVE $20: As of July 5, the Ninja QB3001SS Fit Compact Personal Blender is on sale at Amazon for 29% off. That's $20 off its normal price of $69.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

You should probably stop spending so much money on takeout. Invest in yourself and make tons of delicious, good-for-you food at home and you'll not only save your hard-earned dollars, but you'll get higher-quality eats, too. Right now, you can save on a personal blender to help you do just that, and you'll be stoked on how many awesome soups, sauces, smoothies and more you can make at home with very little effort.

As of July 5, you can get the Ninja QB3001SS Fit Compact Personal Blender at Amazon for just $49.99. That's $20 off its normal price of $69.99 and a discount of 29%.

This 700-watt push-to-blend unit is perfect for one person to crush ice, blend up fruits and vegetables, and mix together frozen drinks. It's compact, so it has a small footprint for your countertop, and it's simple to use. You blend directly in its 16-oz. single serve cup, so you can pour your sauces out from the source, sip your smoothie where you made it, and have fewer dishes to wash. Plus, it comes with a 50-recipe guide to help you get on the right track to figuring out what to make next.

So if you're ready to tackle making more dishes at home or you just want to try your hand at making more yummy drinks like your favorite coffee shop or juice bar, this is a great investment, especially when you can get it for under $50.

Score today's best unlocked Samsung phone deal before it's gone

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:32

SAVE $50: Today, July 5, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A35 5G smartphone is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, taking 13% off its regular list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy A35 5G $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Upgrading your phone can be expensive and time consuming, especially when you're negotiating a trade-in with a specific carrier. Opting for an unlocked smartphone can be a convenient workaround - and also save you more money.

As of today, July 5, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is on sale at Amazon for just $349.99. Today's limited-time deal takes $50 off the list price, saving shoppers 13% off the regular $399.99 price. While we can expect to see more unlocked phone deals this upcoming Prime Day, this best-price deal is a great option for those who need an upgrade ASAP. Plus, when you shop the deal on Amazon, you also get three free months of Amazon Music.

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a great mid-range Android pick, especially considering its four years' worth of software updates and included long-term software support. In PC Mag's smartphone review, mobile analyst Iyaz Akhtar called the phone an "excellent value" for its durability and camera functionality, commending it as a viable alternative to the more expensive Google Pixel 7a.

Score $50 off the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and get three free months of Amazon Music when you take advantage of today's deal at Amazon.

Ti West reveals the sexy 'MaXXXine' Easter Egg you might have missed

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:28
'MaXXXine' writer / director Ti West breaks down a crucial easter egg that ties all three movies together.

Beat the summer heat with up to $150 off bladeless fans at Amazon and Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:05

UP TO $150 OFF: As of July 5, you can get up to $150 off bladeless fans from Dyson, Dreo, and more. Shop bladeless fan deals at Amazon and Best Buy.

Our top picks: Best bladeless fan deal overall Lasko oscillating tower fan (T42951) $64.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best runner-up bladeless fan deal Dyson Purifier Cool (TP07) $499.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Best bladeless neck fan deal JISULIFE portable neck fan $25.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a comfortable climate year-round, chances are you’ve already had a serious case of swamp ass at some point during this summer — and the season’s only just started.

SEE ALSO: The best fans for beating the summer heat

Fortunately, there’s an easy and affordable fix for staying cool when the mercury starts to rise: bladeless fans. These innovative gadgets can cool an entire room, depending on their size and power, sans blades, giving you a chill breeze without the drawbacks of traditional fans (like higher energy bills). And, thanks to the Fourth of July holiday (and upcoming Prime Day), retailers are offering big discounts on bladeless fans right now, with savings up to $150 at Amazon and Best Buy.

Here are our top picks for staying calm, cool, and comfortable this summer:

Best bladeless fan deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lasko Our pick: Lasko oscillating tower fan (T42951) $64.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Lasko oscillating tower fan (T42951) is an affordable, high-powered option ideal for small bedrooms or medium-size living rooms. It’s 42 inches tall, has three adjustable speeds, and has a remote control that allows you to change the oscillator, settings, and timer from across the room. The 7.5-hour timer and "nighttime mode" are designed to help light sleepers fall and stay asleep with dimmed lights and quieter operation. This bladeless fan is a bargain at $64.99 ($15 off the listing price).

Best runner-up bladeless fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson Purifier Cool (TP07) $499.99 at Best Buy
$649.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re a Dyson stan, the Dyson Purifier Cool (TP07) smart air purifier fan is $150 off at Best Buy. It’s still much more expensive than the Lasko model above, but this fan is an air purifier and fan combined. In addition to keeping you cool, it auto-senses pollutants and allergens in the air and filters them out. You can also see how clean your air is via the LCD screen or the MyDyson app. This bladeless fan also features a "night mode," voice control, and programmable settings, all of which can be adjusted via the app.

Best bladeless neck fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: JISULIFE Our pick: JISULIFE portable neck fan $25.99 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you live in an urban area and take public transit in the summer, the JISULIFE portable neck fan could be the best purchase you make all season. At only $25.99, it's a steal.

It features three speeds and runs on 4000mAh batteries that can last up to 16 hours, depending on how often you use it at max power. It’s also lightweight, and thanks to its bladeless design, you won’t have to worry about getting your hair caught in the fan.

Shop even more bladeless fan deals:

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