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Microsoft’s all-in moment on artificial intelligence has been defined by billions in spending and a C.E.O. counting on technology with huge potential and huge risks.

Battery life and detection

Most Apple Watches have similar battery life, and the Apple Watch Series 8 and the SE each have about 18 hours of juice. Both watches support low-power mode, but the Series 8 has faster charging. Both have access to 32GBs of memory.

The Series 8 has crash detection and temperature sensors, accelerometers, GPS, and a heart rate monitor. The SE, on the other hand, only comes equipped with a second-gen optical heart.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Health features

I use my Apple Watch almost exclusively for fitness tracking. I need to close my circles, I need to track my runs, and I simply must reach 10,000 steps a day. The Apple Watch SE has everything I need to do just that: notifications if your heart rate is high, low, or irregular, cardio fitness levels, cycle tracking, and sleep tracking. For me, that's plenty. But if you're really into tracking, the Apple Watch 8 offers more, like blood oxygen, nighttime wrist temperature deviations, and retrospective ovulation estimates.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers of 2024: Tested and reviewed

For me, the Apple Watch SE wins this round, but for those who are more health data-obsessed, the Series 8 might come out on top because it simply has more to offer.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Screens

Both watches are available in two sizes. The Apple Watch Series 8 has a 904 sq mm display area or a 1,143 sq mm display area, while the SE has either a 759 sq mm or a 977 sq mm display area. Put more simply, Series 8 watches can be way, way bigger if that's what you're looking for.

Personally, I have great eyesight (20/20) and prefer the way a smaller watch looks on my wrist, so I prefer the cheaper SE. However, others with bad eyesight and other fashion preferences might have differing opinions.

Winner: Apple Watch SE

TL;DR: Through July 21, master the much-loved, much-hated Microsoft app with this Microsoft Excel training bundle. It's on sale for just £23.60 (reg. £314.14) for a limited time.

In many different types of business environments, proficiency in Microsoft Excel is more than just a skill on your CV; it’s a necessity. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a more experienced user hoping to refine your knowledge of pivot tables, this Excel online learning bundle provides comprehensive training to boost your abilities and confidence in this essential tool. You can get it on sale for £23.60 through July 21.

This bundle includes 16 courses totaling almost 99 hours of learning content. Beginners can start with the Microsoft Excel 2021/365: Beginners Course, which has 100 lessons to get newbies up to speed on these versions of Excel. There are also multi-lesson intermediate and advanced courses on Excel 2021/365 as well.

Tap into Excel with ground-up learning that shows you how to create and navigate workbooks. You'll also learn to work with dates, enter text and numbers, and understand essential functions and formulas. The advanced Excel 2019 course takes things a bit further, showing you how to use detailed formatting tools, understand advanced charting and graphing, and connect to other databases outside of Excel.

Other courses cover a wide range of topics, including MS Excel 2019 for Mac, Pivot tables (both beginner and advanced), using the software for business and data analysis, advanced formulas, VBA, and more.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your professional skills from the comfort of your own space.

Until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, check out The 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle on sale for just £23.60.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StreamSkill The 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle £23.60 at the Mashable Shop
£314.14 Save £290.54 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a three-year Windscribe VPN Pro Plan subscription for just $79 (reg. $207) through August 31.

We all want online privacy and the ability to enjoy a seamless browsing experience. Lucky for us, VPNs are virtual private networks made for that exact reason. They are designed to enhance and protect your online activity. This three-year Windscribe VPN Pro Plan subscription is on sale for just $79 and has many features to make your online life more enjoyable.

With an extensive network of servers in over 69 countries and 112 cities, Windscribe ensures you can always find a fast and reliable connection. A VPN is ideal for those who travel or work remotely and want secure access while on public servers. Windscribe also allows you to access a wider range of movies, TV shows, and games.

This VPN has advanced encryption for security and automatically connects you to the best available server for optimal speed. It also features unlimited downloads and simultaneous connections. Windscribe's ad blocking also enhances your browsing experience by hiding intrusive ads and trackers, leading to faster load times and a cleaner interface.

Other more advanced features of this VPN include split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t. The R.O.B.E.R.T feature works to block IPs and domains on all devices and creates a proxy server on your network for other devices.

This VPN deal gets you a Windscribe Pro subscription with a browser extension for three years. One- and two-year plans are also available starting at just $49.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your internet security and browsing experience.

Through August 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a three-year Windscribe VPN Pro Plan subscription for just $79 (reg. $207).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Windscribe Windscribe VPN Pro Plan: 3-Yr Subscription $79.00 at The Mashable Shop
$207.00 Save $128.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through July 21, you can get a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone for $151.99 with the coupon code SAVENOW.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $151.99 at the Mashable Shop
$399.00 Save $247.01 Use coupon code SAVENOW Get Deal

The amount of errands and running around you do on a weekly basis is exhausting. Why haven't they invented more hours in a day yet? You probably have a long to-do list, but you may have a list of things you want to do, too. For example, if you've ever thought about picking up a new language — whether you're preparing for an international trip, for a new job, or just for fun — it's never been easier.

A well-known leader in the language-learning industry, Rosetta Stone is here to help. With this app, you can learn up to 25 languages without even having to get up off the couch. Until July 21, you can score a major discount on lifetime access to Rosetta Stone for $151.99 (reg. $399) with promo code SAVENOW. We've seen this app go on sale before, but this is a new low price for the lifetime pass.

Rosetta Stone guides you through languages with short lessons you can fit into your schedule or between episodes of your latest binge-watch. As an interactive language app, it uses speech-recognition technology to help you with pronunciation. You'll learn useful topics and phrases you'll actually need when traveling — like ordering food, asking for directions, and shopping. Throughout your lessons, you'll move on to more advanced topics until you become fluent.

This Rosetta Stone deal gives you lifetime access to all 25 languages in the app: Spanish (Latin America), French, Italian, German, English (American), Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English (British), Filipino, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Spain), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

You can download Rosetta Stone on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or higher, Mac OS X 10.9 or later versions, or access it online using Internet Explorer 11, Safari 10 and 11, and the current and previous two versions of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Learn a new language right from home.

Regularly $399, you can get a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone on sale for $151.99 when you enter promo code SAVENOW until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Looking for more ways to learn a language? Check out the language collection from the Mashable Shop.

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TL;DR: Watch Apple TV content more easily with this Function101 button remote for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, on sale for $23.97 through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Function101 Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV $23.97 at the Mashable Shop
$29.95 Save $5.98 Get Deal

It's become a known fact that the Siri Remote that comes with Apple TV is not user-friendly at all. Between the awkward shape, confusing design, and non-raised surface that makes it really annoying to use, it's a major pain. Even if you master the learning curve, you may long for actual buttons. If you're into shows like The Morning Show, Severance, and tons more, you might want to find an Apple TV remote alternative that doesn't make you want to cancel your subscription.

This raised-button remote does the trick by bringing incredible content and functionality together in one affordable package. Until July 21, you can get it on sale for $23.97 (reg. $29.95).

Thanks to its infrared (IR) technology, you can quickly sync the remote with your TV to manage power, volume, and mute functions. This thoughtful design provides a user-friendly alternative to the Siri Remote, enhancing your Apple TV experience.

While the IR technology requires a clear line of sight to the Apple TV, it offers a robust range of up to 12 meters. This Apple TV remote alternative is fully compatible with all Apple TV models, including the Apple TV 4K, and works with most TVs. Without needing voice commands, all the necessary buttons are conveniently located, making this remote an easy and reliable choice for your entertainment setup.

Take your Apple TV experience up a notch with the Function101 button remote for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, now on sale for $23.97 until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Only through July 21, you can get this grade-A refurbished Apple iPad 6th Gen and renewed Beats Flex headphones bundle for just $159.97 (reg. $249.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 6th Gen (32GB, Refurbished) + Beats Flex Headphones Bundle $159.97 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $90.02 Get Deal

Staying connected and entertained is at the top of almost everyone's priority list. Whether for work, school, or leisure time, having the right tech can make all the difference. This bundle is an excellent way to enjoy Apple gadgets without breaking the bank.

This bundle includes a grade-A refurbished Apple iPad 6th Gen and renewed Beats Flex headphones for just $159.97 (reg. $249.99). The 2018 iPad 6 has a grade A refurbished rating, which means it is in near-mint condition with only minor cosmetic blemishes possible. The 2020 Beats Flex headphones are considered a renewed open-box return.

Opting for refurbished and renewed products is a smart way to enjoy high-quality tech at significantly reduced prices. These products have been thoroughly inspected, tested, and restored to ensure they meet strict quality standards, offering performance and reliability comparable to new items. Plus, you’re contributing to sustainability by giving these devices a second life.

The iPad has 32GB of storage and a powerful A10 Fusion chip to deliver smooth and efficient performance for all your apps, games, and multitasking needs. It also has a 9.7" LED-backlit touch-sensitive Retina display. It has Bluetooth and WiFi and comes with iOS 16, which can be updated to the latest operating system.

The Beats Flex headphones have an Apple W1 chip for optimal compatibility with the iPad. These in-ear headphones also feature on-ear controls, audio sharing, and up to twelve hours of playtime.

The bundle also comes with an iPad case, stylus, and screen protector.

Whether you need a new tablet, are back-to-school shopping, or want a secondary device for travel, consider this bundle.

Get this grade-A refurbished Apple iPad and renewed Beats Flex headphones for just $159.97 (reg. $249.99) through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get an Angle Pro Knife Sharpener with angle gauge while it's on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $199) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Angle Pro Sharpener Angle Pro Knife Sharpener with Angle Gauge $49.99 at The Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $149.01 Get Deal

A kitchen isn't a kitchen without at least one really good knife. Whether you rely on a whole set or just one chef knife, the precision and sharpness of your knives can make all the difference in your day-to-day meal prep. However, maintaining that perfect edge on your favorite knives can be a daunting task, which is why the Angle Pro is a game-changer. 

The Angle Pro Knife Sharpener isn't just another sharpener. It's designed to be the ultimate solution for maintaining and sharpening a variety of kitchen knives. Unlike many knife sharpeners, it can match multiple blade angles to create a more precise sharpening experience. For a limited time, it's on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $199). 

First, you'll use the angle gauge to determine the knife's precise angle. Then, you can hone, sharpen, and re-edge your knives to keep them at their best for longer. 

This knife sharpener actually has three different tools in one. The ceramic wheels straighten the edge, while the diamond-coated wheels quickly restore the blade to its original sharpness, which allows for a clean and precise cut every time.

The sharpener's other function is via the tungsten carbide rods. These rods are excellent for restoring extremely dull or damaged blades. They remove a small amount of metal from the knife edge, creating a new, sharper edge that’s ready for action.

Keeping a quality knife sharpener on hand will help create a safer cutting environment and is a cost-effective way to prolong the life of your favorite knives.

Take advantage of this limited-time offer and get your Angle Pro Knife Sharpener with angle gauge for just $49.99 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I’ve been a lover of books for as long as I can remember. Junie B. Jones was my icon in kindergarten, helping me develop both my vocabulary and my backsass. Even still, my book collection is expansive and my greatest ambition is to one day have an entire library with one of those sliding ladders (assuming I eventually have the funds to buy my own house). Regardless, I buy books almost as often as I buy clothes, but surprisingly have never used an e-reader of any kind. Paper copies have always had so much value to me, and I never thought a screen would be able to beat it. After reviewing Amazon’s latest Kindle, I can say that there are a lot of perks that come along with the device, such as reading in the dark (and one-handed) with no problem. For only $100, I now consider it a fantastic addition to my ever-growing library, not its replacement. 

The base Kindle model is small, lightweight, and comes with double the storage of the previous version. It also has the longest battery life of any model, claiming to last up to six weeks. The image resolution is 300ppi, the same as the Kindle Paperwhite, but for a fraction of the cost. The 2022 release is the 11th generation of the basic Kindle model, and has some differences compared to the 10th generation released in 2019. 

The new Kindle is a nice upgrade from the 2019 model. Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable Kindle (2022) price and specs

As I mentioned, the standard Kindle retails for $99.99, though we'll almost certainly see that price drop for Prime Day. If you want to get rid of lockscreen ads, the price bumps up to $119.99. Here's what the Kindle is working with in terms of specs:

• 6-inch glare-free display

• 16GB of storage

• USB-C charging port

• Up to six weeks of battery life

• Weight: 5.56 ounces

• Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches

Phone setup isn’t that simple  

The Kindle was relatively easy to set up. All I had to do was press the power button until the screen lit up, and then the device prompted me to select a language and region. It then gave the option to set up on the Kindle device or my phone via the Kindle app. At first, my phone wouldn’t connect to the Kindle, but after I plugged my phone into the charger, it worked fine. My phone then made sure it was on the same WiFi network as the Kindle and my Amazon account was transferred to the Kindle. There’s a “kid-friendly” setting, which seems like a good option for parents to have during setup. After that, my library immediately popped up on the device and the Kindle ran me through a quick user tutorial. I also reset the device and tried the “set up on Kindle” option, which actually took less time because all you had to do was login to Amazon versus going through extra steps using your phone. 

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review: The upgrade is worth the money An elevated reading experience 

As soon as I finished setting up, I downloaded Jeannette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. It’s been in the top 10 for weeks and consequently, on backorder as well. I knew that with the Kindle, I could read it without having to wait or search for it in a store. To download the book, all I had to do was click on the Kindle Store icon and search for it. Then, since my Amazon account is already linked to the device, I just clicked “buy” and downloaded it to my library and began reading. The download was super fast, and I started reading before the download was even finished.

Kindle's e-books let you read sold-out bestsellers without having to wait. Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

I must admit, I was glued to the couch reading for the next few hours. Even when I was ready for bed, I took the Kindle with me and kept reading. At night, the light in my room is a pink LED lamp, which provides very little light for reading books. Normally, my eyes strain too much to read in there for a long time, but the light of the Kindle made it easy. I adjusted the brightness and switched to night mode, feeling virtually no eye strain after hours (seriously, I could not put this book down). You can feel from using it in low light how much better it is for your eyes than your phone, which can cause major eye strain from blue light.

While reading a book on the Kindle, there will be a percentage at the bottom of the page that indicates how far along in the book you are. For some reason, I think this motivates me to keep reading. It goes up one percentage every few pages or so (depending on the book) and it just made me want to keep going. If I was at 72 percent, I would think OK, I’ll put it down at 75 percent. You know how some people need the TV volume to be an even number or an increment of five? Same vibe. Currently, I am on my third Kindle read. I also read Drew Barrymore’s memoir Wildflower and am almost finished with the best-selling fantasy novel A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass. 

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you? What makes this Kindle the best Bezos has to offer? 

Compared to the previous versions of Kindle, the 2022 release is the smallest and most lightweight model yet. At only 158 grams, it weighs less than my iPhone, so I am able to read one-handed for a pretty long period of time without any discomfort. Also, the screen measures six inches diagonally, making it the smallest screen available for a Kindle. I really like the size of the device — it’s super easy to carry around and fits in a lot of my smaller purses. 

The Kindle is nice and compact for convenient transport. Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

The resolution of the 2022 Kindle screen is 300ppi, while the 2019 Kindle model only has a resolution of 167ppi. Book covers and pictures appear very clearly, but keep in mind they are always black and white to keep up the “paper and ink” aesthetic. Not great for books that are mostly photos. It also comes with 16GB of storage instead of 8GB, letting you download way more to your library at a time. So far, I have five or six books downloaded to my library and haven’t run into any storage issues. I’m interested to see how many books I can have downloaded at a time (it's supposedly thousands). The battery of this device does last for a while. Fully charged, I read two and a half books over the course of three weeks or so before the device reached 10 percent battery and prompted me to charge. I think Amazon’s “six weeks of battery” claim is a bit of a stretch, because it obviously depends how much you’re reading. Three weeks is still a long time for how much I was using it. 

Images appear clearly on the Kindle's screen. Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable She’s even Earth-friendly

I’m pretty proud of Amazon for this one. The website states that the new model is made with 90 percent recycled magnesium. It’s also made with 75 percent recycled plastics for the black model and 30 percent recycled plastics for the denim model. It comes in 100 percent recyclable packaging, which lessens plastic waste. Amazon actually has a whole program dedicated to recycling old Kindle models, and they will offer you Amazon gift cards and discounts on a new Kindle device in exchange. For a company that has a large carbon footprint, it’s nice that they’re using old materials to make new Kindles, as well as giving customers incentives to return their old ones.

Why do e-books have to cost so much? 

Amazon offers Kindle Unlimited, which is $11.99 a month for access to more than 3 million book titles on Kindle. New Kindle users can get a three-month free trial of the service. However, nothing I had been gunning to read was available through Kindle Unlimited. There were a few from some authors I knew, but it seems like the Kindle Unlimited selection is for people who are okay with reading whatever. I am not that person. I have a list of the next 15 books I want to read on deck at all times. I wish more than anything that Amazon had some type of deal where you could buy the printed and Kindle versions bundled together. That way, I could own the printed version while still using the Kindle for nighttime reading or traveling. My book collecting habits are against me on this one. I’m not going to spend $15 on a Kindle copy of a book that I already own on paper. 

Is the Amazon Kindle worth it? 

If you’re looking for a basic e-reader, this one has everything you could need. While some of Amazon’s other releases, like the Kindle Scribe or Kindle Oasis, come with bells and whistles, they cater to a specific audience. The basic Kindle is really all you need if your goal is to read for pleasure. It’s only $10 more than the previous version of the basic Kindle and comes with way more storage, battery life, and pixel resolution. This review is coming from the perspective of someone who has never owned an e-reader, so I’m not sure how worth it these upgrades are for someone who owns an earlier version. If you are a book fanatic like me, I highly recommend adding it to your collection. For only $99, it has genuinely made me read more than I have in months. 

Kindle (2022 release) $99.99 at Amazon
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TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After two weeks of action it's time for the Wimbledon 2024 men's singles final. There have been twists and turns along the way, including the unexpected exit of top seed Jannik Sinner, but it's no surprise that the final is a rematch from last year. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are quite simply the best in men's tennis.

Alcaraz won the French Open and has been on fine form at Wimbledon, despite a few scares in one or two games. Novak Djokovic meanwhile has bounced back from knee surgery and has battled against some crowd hostility. But the Serb is better rested than his opponent after a walkover in the quarter final.

Can Alcaraz stun Djokovic for the second year running in the Wimbledon final and score back-to-back titles? Or will Djokovic avenge last year's loss and claim his eighth Wimbledon championship?

If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Alcaraz vs. Djokovic?

Alcaraz and Djokovic will meet in the Wimbledon 2024 men's singles final. The match will take place on July 14 from 9.00 a.m. ET / 2.00 p.m. BST.

How to watch Alcaraz vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free

The Wimbledon 2024 women's singles final is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform that's geo-restricted to the UK. But you can access BBC iPlayer from any country around the world by using a VPN. VPNs are brilliant tools that can obscure your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server based in the UK, allowing you to bypass the geo-restrictions and access BBC iPlayer no matter where you are.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for 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. Live stream Wimbledon 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 do require an upfront fee or subscription. But the top VPN services also offer incentive deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can take advantage of these offers to watch Wimbledon 2024 on BBC iPlayer and it won't cost anything in the long run. Simply claiming back any upfront cost at the end of the trial period.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service 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 now available at the sale price $99.95. That's a total saving of 49% for a limited time only. As part of the package you three bonus months at no extra cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Alcaraz vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

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

The 2024 Copa America has been a wild ride, and after weeks of electric entertainment, it all comes down to the final between Argentina and Colombia. We're expecting fireworks from the start, as two star-studded sides put it all on the line.

Argentina are the defending champions — not to mention the World Cup 2022 winners — and probably the best team in international football right now. But Colombia are the kind of team that can cause problems on the pitch, even against a team like Argentina. And the Colombians will be hungry for this win. It's 23 years since they lifted the Copa America trophy.

Whatever happens, this will be a hugely exciting game of football. The good news is, you can watch it no matter where you are.

If you want to watch Argentina and Colombia in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Argentina vs. Colombia?

Argentina vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on July 14. This fixture takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

How to watch T1 vs. T1 for free

The 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia, including the final between Argentina and Colombia.

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

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 final 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to free live streams around the world without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Copa America final before claiming back your investment.

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 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

As a science reporter, Katrina Miller covers the cosmos, innovations in physics, space exploration and more.

TL;DR: Through July 21, get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just £47.23 (reg. £236.15) on sale for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription £47.23 at the Mashable Shop
£236.15 Save £188.92 Get Deal

It's all too common to find ourselves endlessly scrolling through social media feeds or getting lost in the constant stream of news updates. These activities can lead to wasted hours and can even increase stress levels.

This summer, break free from these time-wasting cycles and invest in a tool that can benefit your personal growth and well-being. A lifetime subscription to Headway, an app that gives you useful summaries of nonfiction bestsellers, is now available for a one-time fee of £47.23 when you order through July 21.

Headway was made to empower you with a vast library of easy-to-digest summaries of best-selling nonfiction books. These summaries span a wide range of topics, from self-improvement and productivity to psychology and business. With Headway summaries, you can gain key insights and actionable advice from some of the world’s most popular books in just 15 minutes a day — and you can get them in audio or written versions.

The app also offers gamified learning and tailored recommendations based on your interests and goals. Whether you want to improve your leadership skills, learn about mindfulness, or explore new business strategies, Headway has something for everyone.

Your Headway Premium plan boasts interactive features like quizzes and actionable insights to help you retain information and apply what you’ve learned in real life. These tools help make learning engaging and practical.

Turn those in-between moments into opportunities for growth. Whether you're waiting in line at the store, commuting, or taking a break, the Headway Premium app makes it easier to learn something useful instead of scrolling through TikTok.

Stay motivated and focused with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium on sale for Memorial Day for just £47.23 (reg. £236.15).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

After an incredible group stage full of entertaining fixtures and some seriously intense knockout rounds, we have reached the Euro 2024 final. It all comes down to this, and you can watch every minute of the action from anywhere in the world. And better yet, you don't need to spend anything to see how things unfold.

Spain have looked the best team by far in the tournament. They beat defeated the defending champions Italy, knocked out hosts Germany, and toppled the mighty France. On paper, this is Spain's tournament for the taking.

But England have sparked to life in the last few games. They started the tournament poorly, but found their groove over the last two games and played some beautiful football in the semi-final against the Netherlands. Can England break the curse of almost 60 years and win a major trophy?

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

When is Spain vs. England?

Spain vs. England in the Euro 2024 final kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 14. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

How to watch Spain vs. England for free

Spain vs. England in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by BBC and ITV, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms 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 and ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer and 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 BBC iPlayer and ITVX

5. Stream Spain vs. England 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 do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer and ITVX without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but you'll be able to stream the Euro 2024 final and other international sports events for free from anywhere in the world.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer and ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer and 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 Spain vs. England in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

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 July 14'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:

Moving pictures.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter V.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle...

VIDEO.

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.

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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 14'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: Sharp objects

• Green: Wear and tear

• Blue: Career

• Purple: Types of nuts

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: Slender Projections

• Green: Conditions for Collectibles

• Blue: Profession

• Purple: Words Before "Nut"

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #399 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Slender Projections: POINT, PRONG, TINE, TIP

• Conditions for Collectibles: FAIR, FINE, GOOD, MINT

• Profession: BUSINESS, FIELD, LINE, TRADE

• Words Before "Nut": BRAZIL, BUTTER, DOUGH, PINE

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.

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

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• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Eero 6 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (Router + 2 Extenders) — $149.99 (List Price $199.99)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm, Midnight, S/M, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)

Meta has given Presidential nominee Donald Trump free reign of his Facebook and Instagram accounts, as the tech giant reset the candidate's page restrictions in favor of an equal digital playing field ahead of the November election.

Following a two-year suspension of his accounts in 2021, spurred by his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection attempt, Trump's accounts were reinstated on a provisional basis. Meta warned that even the smallest policy violation could result in a long-term ban. Trump was also previously banned from posting on X (formerly Twitter).

SEE ALSO: What happened at Biden's speech, translated via tweets

"With the party conventions taking place shortly, including the Republican convention next week, the candidates for President of the United States will soon be formally nominated," the company wrote in an update the 2023 reinstatement. "In assessing our responsibility to allow political expression, we believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for President on the same basis. As a result, former President Trump, as the nominee of the Republican Party, will no longer be subject to the heightened suspension penalties."

Shortly after Meta's announcement, the Biden administration issued a statement decrying the company's decision as "greedy" and "reckless."

In a quote for the Hill, Biden campaign national spokesperson Charles Lutvak said: “Restoring his access is like handing your car keys to someone you know will drive your car into a crowd and off a cliff. It is holding a megaphone for a bonafide racist who will shout his hate and white supremacy from the rooftops and try to take it mainstream. Without question, it is a direct attack on our safety and our democracy.”

Meta added that the previous restrictions were due to "extreme and extraordinary circumstances" that warranted invoking heightened penalties for public figures during times of civil unrest. Now, policy violations on Trump accounts will only result in the typical short-term suspension, and the company pledged to hold both presidential candidates to the "same Community Standards as all Facebook and Instagram users," including policies on hate speech and incitement to violence.

The U.S. Senate has unveiled yet another AI protections bill among a series of similar initiatives, this time aimed at safeguarding the work of artists and other creatives.

Introduced as the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED Act), the new legislation would require more precise authentication of digital content and make the removal or tampering of watermarks illegal, the Verge reported, under new AI standards developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The bill specifically requires generative AI developers to add content provenance information (identification data embedded within digital content, like watermarks) to their outputs, or allow individuals to attach such information themselves. More standardized access to such information may help the detection of synthetic, AI generated content like deepfakes, and curb the use of data and other IP without consent. It would also authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce the new regulations.

SEE ALSO: Someone is turning old Apple blogs into AI content factories with fake authors

A regulatory pathway such as this could effectively help artists, musicians, and even journalists keep their original works out of the data sets used to train AI models — a growing public accessibility issue that's only been exacerbated by recent collaborations between AI giants like OpenAI and media companies. Organizations like artist union SAG-AFTRA, the Recording Industry Association of America, the News/Media Alliance, and Artist Rights Alliance have come out in favor of the legislation.

"We need a fully transparent and accountable supply chain for generative Artificial Intelligence and the content it creates in order to protect everyone’s basic right to control the use of their face, voice, and persona," said SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

Should it pass, the bill would make it easier for such creatives and media owners to set terms for content use, and provide a legal pathway should their work be used without consent or attribution.

SAVE $85: As of July 13, Prime members can grab the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) with Active Noise Cancellation and a wired charging case for just $34.99, down from $119.99. That's 71% off, and a new all-time low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) with Active Noise Cancellation $34.99 at Amazon
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We're just three days away from Prime Day 2024, and Amazon has already rolled out hundreds of worthy early deals. It's an especially great time to shop for eye-popping deals on Kindles, Fire tablets, Echo products, and all the rest of Amazon's branded items. But there's one deal in particular that stands out today: an extra-affordable pair of ANC earbuds.

Prime members can now get the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) with Active Noise Cancellation and a wired charging case on sale for just $34.99, down from $119.99. That's $80 off, or a 71% discount, and a new all-time low price. We were excited when these buds were discounted to $54.99 in the spring, making this an especially notable deal.

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

Typically, headphones with ANC do not come in this price range. Mashable's Alex Perry gave the wireless buds a solid 4.25 rating in his 2021 review, saying they "deliver good sound quality, effective ANC, and a slimmed down build for a startlingly low price of $119.99. If you've been looking for a device-agnostic pair of wireless earbuds that will drown out the world around you, look no further." They have some flaws, including too-sensitive touch panels and a limited battery life of about five hours with ANC. But we'd be willing to deal with some minor drawbacks for a steal like this.

Feel free to compare and contrast this deal to other early Prime Day wireless earbuds deals and noise-cancelling headphones deals — but if you want a decent pair of ANC earbuds for the cost of a dinner, we suggest jumping on this price for the Echo Buds.

Researchers are exploring the existential implications of generative AI, including whether or not the advancing technology will actually make humans more creatively capable — or narrow our views.

The new study, published in Science Advances by two University College London and University of Exeter researchers, tested hundreds of short stories created solely by humans against those created with the creative help of ChatGPT's generative AI. One group of writers had access solely to their own ideas, a second group could ask ChatGPT for one story idea, and a third could work with a set of five ChatGPT made prompts. The stories were then rated on "novelty, usefulness (i.e. likelihood of publishing), and emotional enjoyment," reported TechCrunch.

"These results point to an increase in individual creativity at the risk of losing collective novelty," the study reads. "This dynamic resembles a social dilemma: With generative AI, writers are individually better off, but collectively a narrower scope of novel content is produced."

SEE ALSO: TikTok bad actors are using AI to churn out political misinformation, new report shows

Participants were "measured" for creativity prior to the writing session with a commonly used word-production task that builds a standard of creativity among respondents. Those who tested lower on these creativity proxy tests received better scores on their personal writing when given access to AI-generated ideas. But for those with already high creativity scores, AI ideas had little to no benefit on their story ratings.

Additionally, the pool of stories aided by AI-generated prompts were deemed to be less diverse and displayed less unique writing characteristics, suggesting the limits of ChatGPT's all-around ingenuity. The new study's literary findings add to concerns about AI's self-consuming training loops, or the problem of AI models trained only on AI outputs degrading AI models themselves, Mashable's Cecily Mauran reported.

Study author Oliver Hauser said in a comment to TechCrunch: "Our study represents an early view on a very big question on how large language models and generative AI more generally will affect human activities, including creativity... It will be important that AI is actually being evaluated rigorously — rather than just implemented widely, under the assumption that it will have positive outcomes."