Feed aggregator

This all-in-one PDF tool is cheaper than takeaway — and lasts a lifetime

Mashable - 5 hours 55 min ago

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for £19.07 (reg. £79.49) through 30 March at the Mashable Shop and alleviate your PDF headaches.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter Pro: Lifetime License £19.07 at the Mashable Shop
£79.49 Save £60.42 Get Deal

If you’re tired of clunky online converters and endless subscription fees, PDF Converter Pro is your one-stop solution for all things PDF. For just £19.07 (until 30 March), you’ll get a lifetime license to this powerful desktop software that lets you convert, edit, and protect your PDFs without relying on the internet.

Need to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or even JPG and PNG images? Easy. Want to create PDFs from other file formats? You can do that, too. Thanks to built-in OCR technology, you can even extract text from scanned PDFs while preserving the original layout and graphics.

PDF Converter Pro doesn’t stop at simple conversions. You can merge multiple PDFs into one document, split files into individual pages, or compress large PDFs to free up space. Need to protect sensitive information? Add password protection with a click — or unlock PDFs just as easily. Plus, you can extract images from any PDF in a single step.

Designed for both Windows and macOS, the software offers batch processing for handling multiple documents at once, and it’s been updated with editing features like annotations, text changes, and image adjustments (editing features available on Windows only).

Stop relying on slow online tools. 

Manage your PDFs with ease with a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for just £19.07 (reg. £79.49) until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get 10TB of cloud storage for life for just £223

Mashable - 5 hours 55 min ago

TL;DR: You can get an Internxt 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription for £222.60 (reg. £2,384.16) when you use the code STORAGE20 at checkout through 30 March. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £222.60
£2,384.16 Save £2,161.56 Use code 'STORAGE20' Get Deal

Are you doing a ‘low-buy year,’ like half the internet? Even if you're not, you’re probably looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Many people are canceling subscriptions, and the first one to go could be Dropbox or Google Drive. Instead, store your files with this lifetime cloud storage deal.

You’ll no longer be chained to annoying monthly payments — just pay once and be set for life. Mashable readers can get 10TB of storage with Internxt for £222.60 by using the code STORAGE20 at checkout. That's 92% off. And if you don’t need that much space, 2TB and 5TB plans are also available.

Cloud storage without fees

With Internxt, you may be paying more upfront, but your cloud storage plan will pay for itself in time, saving you money in the long run.

You also won’t have to worry about running out of storage space on your phone, computer, or tablet ever again with 10TB to go around. Here’s about how much that space can fit:

  • 2 million photos

  • 250 hours of 4K video

  • 6.5 million documents

Another thing you won’t have to worry about is security. All of your Internxt files are end-to-end encrypted for your peace of mind.

Imagine never worrying about cloud storage again. That’s Internxt. Use code STORAGE20 at checkout to get this affordable cloud storage plan for £222.60 (reg. £2,384.16) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Millwall online for free

Mashable - 5 hours 55 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup is all about big games between big rivals, and that's exactly what we're getting from the fifth round. Crystal Palace face off against Millwall in the fifth round. The Premier League side will be expected to win this London derby, but anything can happen in the FA Cup.

If you want to watch Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Crystal Palace vs. Millwall?

Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup starts at 12:15 p.m. GMT on March 1. This fixture takes place at Selhurst Park.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Millwall for free

Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you can use a VPN to unlock BBC iPlayer. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Crystal Palace vs. Millwall 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. Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Millwall 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Crystal Palace vs. Millwall without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream 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.

Stream Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle online for free

Mashable - 5 hours 55 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup fifth round showcases a number of fascinating matchups, including Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle. The Championship side knocked out Liverpool in the last round, and they get another massive Premier League team as their reward. Sometimes life isn't fair.

If you want to watch Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle?

Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup starts at 5:45 p.m. GMT on March 1. This fixture takes place at the Etihad Stadium.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle for free

Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle 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. Live stream Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream 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.

Stream Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch South Africa vs. England online for free

Mashable - 5 hours 55 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We've reached the final round of group-stage games in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Things are seriously heating up, as places in the knockout rounds are limited. It's now or never for the likes of South Africa and England.

If you want to watch South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. England?

South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starts at 4 a.m. ET on March 1. This ODI takes place at the National Stadium.

How to watch South Africa vs. England for free

The following platforms are offering coverage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is available to live stream for free in Pakistan. The free streaming platforms are geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free 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 Pakistan

  4. Visit Tamasha or PTV

  5. Live stream South Africa vs. England 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 leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream South Africa vs. England (plus every other 2025 ICC Champions Trophy game) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 1

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 22:00

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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 Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Mistakes

  • Green: Participate in events like floor routine and balance beam

  • Blue: Measured from the mound

  • Purple: Mascots minus a letter

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

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

  • Yellow: Goofs

  • Green: American gymnasts in 2024 Olympics

  • Blue: Stats for a relief pitcher

  • Purple: Team names, minus a "B"

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 Sports Edition #159 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Goofs - BLOOPERS, BLUNDERS, ERRS, FUMBLES

  • American gymnasts in 2024 Olympics - BILES, CAREY, CHILES, LEE

  • Stats for a relief pitcher - GAMES, HOLDS, SAVES, WINS

  • Team names, minus a "B" - EARS, ILLS, RAVES, RUNS

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 1

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 22:00

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 1 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let us prey

These words hunt to eat.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are animals that prey on others.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is ApexPredators.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 1
  • Tyrannosaurus

  • Crocodile

  • Lion

  • Human

  • Orca

  • ApexPredators

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 1, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 22:00

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 1 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Objects and creatures linked to fortune

  • Green: Words starting with a "to" or "bo" sound

  • Blue: Nicknames for famous stage plays

  • Purple: Preceding words in well-known titles

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: Associated with Good Luck

  • Green: To-Bo- Compound Words

  • Blue: Broadway Musicals, Familiarly

  • Purple: Words Before "Cowboy" in Film and Music

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 #629 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Associated with Good Luck: HORSESHOE, LADYBUG, PENNY, SHAMROCK

  • To-Bo-Compound Words: TOLLBOOTH, TOMBOY, TOOLBOX, TOWBOAT

  • Broadway Musicals, Familiarly: FIDDLER, MERRILY, PHANTOM, SUNSET

  • Words Before "Cowboy" in Film and Music: DRUGSTORE, MIDNIGHT, RHINESTONE, SPACE

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 1

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 1, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 22:00

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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for March 1 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.

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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 1, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

What a helicopter or drone does in place.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

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 is...

HOVER.

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 1

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 4: Bens Trial Explained

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 19:35

The Yellowjackets cast gives us a peek into what's actually going on during Ben's intense trial in Season 3, Episode 4.

The first 4 episodes ofYellowjackets Season 3 are now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, with new episodes weekly.

Get everything you need to learn ethical hacking in one A$55 powerhouse bundle

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:04

TL;DR: Learn ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity with lifetime access to 18 online courses, on sale for A$55 until 30 March.

This ethical hacking bundle offers a lifetime of learning for those eager to master this critical and in-demand skill set. With 18 courses and 132 hours of content, this A$55 bundle (sale ending 30 March) covers a wide variety of cybersecurity topics, from beginner-friendly basics to advanced penetration testing.

Dive into practical lessons that teach real-world techniques, like exploiting vulnerabilities, safeguarding networks, and building custom tools using Python. Courses such as "Complete Python 3 Ethical Hacking" walk you through coding your own backdoor tools and automating repetitive security tasks, while "Hacking Wireless Networks" teaches you to identify and protect against vulnerabilities in WiFi environments. These are hands-on experiences tailored for those who want to go beyond theory and practice in safe lab environments.

For those interested in web security, the bundle offers in-depth training in tackling vulnerabilities like SQL injections and cross-site scripting, using tools like Burp Suite to run penetration tests and secure applications. You’ll also explore Metasploit, the industry-standard framework for penetration testing, giving you the skills to identify and fix system weaknesses.

Even if you’re just starting out, courses like "Ethical Hacker Certification" make it easy to build foundational skills while setting you up for certifications. Meanwhile, "Bug Bounty: Web Hacking" introduces you to earning money by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities for major companies.

Whether you’re an IT professional, a cybersecurity enthusiast, or a beginner ready to jump into the field, this bundle gives you the tools to succeed.

With a one-time payment of A$55, you’ll gain lifetime access to a wealth of knowledge and resources in this comprehensive ethical hacking course bundle — all designed to help you protect, analyze, and improve systems like a pro.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle A$55.00 at the Mashable Shop
A$1,729.00 Save A$1,674.00 Get Deal

Meta plans to launch standalone Meta AI app. OpenAIs Sam Altman fires back.

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 14:55

Meta is reportedly planning to spin off Meta AI into a standalone app to compete with ChatGPT. OpenAI's Sam Altman immediately responded with a heavy dose of snark.

According to CNBC, Meta plans to make Meta AI — which currently exists as a tool embedded within Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — into its own app in the second quarter of this year.

This is all part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's ambition to make Meta AI the go-to AI assistant, aiming to take on competitors like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and xAI's Grok. "This is going to be the year when a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people, and I expect Meta AI to be that leading AI assistant," said Zuckerberg in a fourth quarter earnings call in January.

In order to do that, Meta has a steep hill to climb. The world hasn't embraced Meta AI as enthusiastically as ChatGPT, which became the fastest growing app of all time shortly after its launch. When Meta hard-launched Meta AI by making it the default search bar on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, people hated it and soon discovered you can't turn it off. That, plus the fact that it's integrated within Meta's apps, might skew data on use and engagement. Meta CFO Susan Li said in the January earnings call that Meta AI has "more than 700 million monthly actives," but that could be because it's part of the existing apps, and again, cannot be turned off.

By comparison, ChatGPT has over 300 million weekly active users. Altman took notice of the CNBC story and seemed skeptical about Meta AI's ambitious plans. "Ok fine maybe we'll do a social app," he said on X, reposting the CNBC article.

Tweet may have been deleted

Altman added in another somewhat snarky comment, "lol if [F]acebook tries to come at us and we just uno reverse them it would be so funny." Altman is referencing the Uno game card and meme that effectively boils down to beating someone at their own game.

Zuckerberg appears to see Meta AI as the company's golden goose for increasing engagement and monetizing its apps. But it has bungled past efforts to meaningfully engage with users. There was the whole confusing celebrity AI avatars, which was axed after less than a year after failing to gain traction. And then there were the made-up AI characters like Liv the "proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller," that was annihilated for being "digital blackface" and has since been shut down.

On top of that, Meta has made it near impossible to opt out of scraping user data to train Meta AI, which isn't great for fostering trust. That said, Google has similar data gathering practices for Gemini, so maybe it won't be a deal breaker for Meta users.

Your move, Zuck. Hope you know how to play Uno.

What if You Could Taste Food From 1,000 Miles Away?

NYT Technology - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 14:00
Scientists tested a device that showed promise at functioning like virtual reality goggles for your mouth.

Microsoft Will Shut Down Skype in Favor of a Free Version of Teams

NYT Technology - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:55
The company plans to move users of the pioneering service, which it bought in 2011, to Microsoft Teams.

Boses weekend flash sale includes QuietComfort headphones for $100 off, plus more

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:29
Best deals from Bose weekend flash sale Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones 249 (Save $100) Get Deal Best speaker deal Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II 229 (Save $70) Get Deal Best soundbar deal Bose Smart Soundbar 449 (Save $50) Get Deal

Bose is one of the best audio brands out there, which is why we think it's important for you to know that the company is having a weekend flash sale that features discounts on some of its most popular products, from headphones, to portable speakers, and beyond. (Yes, the QuietComfort Headphones are on sale.) If you're looking to give your audio arsenal an upgrade but also want to save some cash, look no further. Read on to find our favorite deals from the sale below, and check out the rest of the offerings on their website.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones for flying make air travel suck a little less Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $249.00 at Bose
$349.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Bose's QuietComfort line of headphones lives up to its reputation. The over-ear headphones boast high-quality noise-cancelation for when you want some peace and quiet, but also have a transparency mode for when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. They also feature up to 24 hours of battery life, adjustable EQ, and a cable for when you want to use a wired connection. They come in a variety of cool colors, and include a convenient carrying case with all the essentials you'll need to take the headphones on the go. Plus, they're super comfortable (it's in the name, after all).

Best speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II $229.00 at Bose
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With winter on its way out, it's time to start prepping for the warmer weather. No outdoor hang is complete without a good portable speaker to keep the vibes going, and the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a great option for exactly that. The pint-sized powerhouse features high-end audio quality, a 17-hour battery life, and support for Google and Siri voice commands. Also, it's water resistant, so pool parties are a must.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Smart Soundbar $449.00 at Bose
$499.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Going to the movies is fun and all, but having your own home theater is next-level. Any good home theater needs a great sound system, and starting with a Bose Smart Soundbar will surely get you a positive result. The soundbar is Dolby-Atmos- and Bose-TrueSpace-enabled, and is completely wireless, providing a seamless user experience. It also features personal surround sound and an A.I. dialogue mode for enhancing the dialogue in whatever you're watching. The best part? You can control it all from your smartphone.

The internets crashing out over Shreks redesign in the Shrek 5 teaser trailer

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:16

Shrek 5'first teaser trailer was released this week, and quite predictably, it has inspired much internet discourse, from outrage over character design choices to the more typical memes and jokes.

For the not terminally online, Shrek has long inspired memes, everything from the absurd, to the silly, to the NSFW. So when the upcoming movie released its first sneak peek, of course, the memes followed.

SEE ALSO: At a Shrek rave in New York City, a meme comes to life

Funnily enough, the teaser itself references Shrek memes — notably the giant, dancing Shrek that temporarily took over TikTok. It also revealed that Zendaya was joining the Shrek universe, voicing Fiona and Shrek's daughter in the fifth film.

SEE ALSO: 'Shrek 5' teaser trailer adds Zendaya to cast, draws on TikTok memes

To the chagrin of Shrek-heads out there, however, the teaser animation also appeared to show a slight change in how Shrek and Donkey look. It's definitely a change, but to my untrained eye, it doesn't feel egregious. Tell that to the internet, which responded with a true barrage of memes and jokes.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

As the internet is known to be, folks online aren't happy. Shrek 5 isn't due for release until Christmas 2026, so they've got plenty of time to rework things should the outrage continue. After all, it worked for Sonic.

The Oscars aren’t horny enough.

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:01

Are the Oscars still too prude? How horny is horny enough? Mashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko takes us down the rabbit hole of horniness at the Oscars and which movies shouldn't have been snubbed. Like, Challengers, Babygirl, Queer and Love Lies Bleeding.

TikTok Creator Marketplace is shutting down and being replaced by AI-packed TikTok One

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:46

TikTok is officially shuttering its Creator Marketplace on March 1 in favor of its AI-packed TikTok One platform.

According to TechCrunch, creators will no longer be able to create or be invited to new ad campaigns starting Saturday. The marketplace, which connects advertisers with creators for sponsorships and branded content, will shut down altogether on April 1.

SEE ALSO: Every potential TikTok buyer we know about

Instead, users will be redirected TikTok One, a newer platform that replaces Creator Marketplace and also offers a host of generative AI tools for advertisers.

TikTok One launched last May as a "one-stop shop" for brands to "access TikTok creators, production partners, and insights," according to the announcement. In addition to finding creators for ad campaigns, the platform has an assistant called Symphony that uses generative AI to write scripts, translate audio into different languages with AI voice dubbing, and even use AI-generated avatars of creators.

The success of the original Creator Marketplace was a bit of a mixed bag for creators. While it helped influencers monetize their content, some felt it wasn't worth the effort. A Business Insider report said some creators found it exploitative since brands set the rate, which preys on less experienced creators. Some creators found the lowballed rates and offers of gift cards or credit in lieu of cash payment were not "worth the hassle."

The new platform could create even more challenges since creators might be competing with AI-generated avatars in the already competitive landscape. There is also the well-established issue of AI hallucinations, which could impact the quality or credibility of campaigns (even though plenty of people use AI for TikTok videos outside of TikTok's official tools).

Ahead of the Creator Marketplace shutdown, users are advised to migrate their data to TikTok One.

RIP: Microsoft is officially killing Skype

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:29

Skype is dead. Long live Skype.

Microsoft, which has been Skype's parent company since 2011, announced in a company blog post that the 22-year-old video calling app will enter its eternal rest on May 5. From that point on, Microsoft's only official video calling software will be Microsoft Teams. Microsoft is offering a service that will let Skype users log into Teams with their Skype accounts, which should automatically migrate their existing chats from one app to the other. Users can also export all of their Skype data to have for themselves, if they choose.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Office has AI now, here’s how to get it

Younger readers may not remember this, but once upon a time, the word "Skype" was synonymous with video calls, much in the same way "FaceTime" and "Zoom" are today. Founded in 2003, Skype became one of the top video calling apps for years, as it repeatedly became acquired and later sold by various companies until landing with Microsoft in 2011. Since then, the prevalence of FaceTime and Zoom made Skype feel like a thing of the past, even as the software continued to exist and be supported until now.

Skype users have until early May to sort out their affairs. Everyone remember to pour one for a real one this weekend.

Take $400 off the Dell Inspiron 14 laptop and upgrade your mobile workstation

Mashable - Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:03

SAVE $400: As of Feb. 28, get a Dell Inspiron 14 (Intel Core 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) laptop for $599.99 at Dell, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell Inspiron 14 (Intel Core 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $599.99 at Dell
$999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal

If you're tired of trying to work on a phone or tablet during your morning commute, or you just need a new computer in general, Dell makes a line of great laptops you can count on. And they've had a few decent sales in recent memory, including price cuts and clearance that applies to some of its most popular models. In fact, today you can pick one up at a significant discount.

As of Feb. 28, get the Dell Inspiron 14 (Intel Graphics, Intel Core 7, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) laptop for $599.99 at Dell, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 43%.

SEE ALSO: Need a budget-friendly laptop? The Acer Aspire Vero 16 is $380 at Best Buy.

The Dell Inspiron 14 boasts Intel Graphics with an Intel Core 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It also has a 14-inch full HD screen with 1920 x 1000 resolution and a 60 HZ refresh rate, complete with 250 nits of brightness. That makes it the perfect on-the-go contender, with its backlit keyboard and lightweight frame that's just under four pounds.

Whether you need to fill out some Excel sheets (don't we all) or you want a go-to desktop replacement that you can browse TikTok or watch your favorite streaming services on, this Dell Inspiron has you covered. And, for under $600, it's well worth splurging on while it's on sale.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator