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Apple Music launches three new radio stations, including Apple Music Chill

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 09:22

I have a confession to make: Despite being proud of my eclectic music taste, the thing I type the most into both Apple Music and Spotify is "chill". Yes, sometimes I need to get some work done, and I need music that will speak softly to me from the background without distracting me.

Enter Apple Music Chill, a new radio station on Apple Music that will feature a "continuous flow of chill highlights across genres, interspersed with mindful moments meant to remind listeners to make the time to find center and calm."

SEE ALSO: Apple Music Replay 2024: How to get it

Unlike so many "chill" music stations, this new station by Apple Music shouldn't be just a soulless blend of downtempo beats. Apple set out to prove that with the first song to air on the station, Beck's new recording of George Harrison's "Be Here Now." Listeners can also expect to hear music curated by the likes of Brian Eno, Stephan Moccio, and Zane Lowe.

"In a world of AI and algorithms, Apple Music Radio is live. It’s real people, it’s a shared event, and I’m so excited to be broadening that experience to listeners worldwide with three new stations," said Lowe in a statement.

Apple also launched two other radio stations today.

FKA Twigs will be providing mixes for Apple Music Club. Credit: Apple

Apple Música Uno focuses on Latin music, with daily programming by Evelyn Sicairos and Lechero, as well as music from popular playlist Puro Pop Radio.

Finally, Apple Music Club is a station devoted to dance and electronic music. Some of the highlights including mixes from Honey Dijon, Jamie xx, FKA twigs, and Nia Archives, and curation by Circoloco, Tomorrowland, The Warehouse Project, fabric, Hï Ibiza, Stone Island Sound, and more.

SEE ALSO: Tesla app for Apple Watch hands-on: Friggin' finally!

Apple Music Radio is available to Apple Music subscribers, but you can also listen to the stations without a subscription (you do need an Apple ID, however). The three new stations bring the total to six, together with Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country. The stations are available over at https://music.apple.com/us/radio.

Save $80 on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones at Best Buy

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 07:44

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 10, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are on sale for $349 at Best Buy. That's $80 off their list price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones $349.00 at Best Buy
$429.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

There are still some nice deals floating around before the holidays kick in. If you're on the lookout for new headphones — whether to give as a gift this year or to pick up for yourself — Best Buy is offering some nice discounts right now. This includes a great offer on our pick for the most comfortable headphones: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

At the moment, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are marked down to $349 at Best Buy, a whopping $80 off their list price of $429. All of the colors are on sale as well, so you can choose between black, lunar blue, diamond, and white smoke. On top of this great deal, you also get a sweet bonus offer with your purchase of three months of YouTube Premium for free.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

These headphones are worth every cent, too. As mentioned previously, they rank high on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones as the most comfortable pick, and our review had high praise for them as well. Mashable's Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, said "If you're wearing headphones from the beginning of your commute, all throughout the workday, and until the moment you get back home, these are a worthy investment for comfort, not to mention battery life."

A deal like this likely won't stick around for long, so scoop up the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones on sale for $349 while they're still discounted.

If you're hoping to find even more headphone deals, there are thankfully a couple still on sale after Cyber Monday. Right now you can also save on the Sony WH1000XM4 headphones and Beats Studio Pro headphones.

The Sonos Era 100 is my favorite speaker, and its on sale at its lowest-ever price after Cyber Monday

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 06:59

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 10, the Sonos Era 100 speaker is on sale for $199 at Amazon. This is 20% off its list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 100 $199.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

High-quality speakers are a game-changer when it comes to playing music or watching your favorite shows or movies. As someone who recently bought the Sonos Era 100 speaker, it's worth every cent for creating a fantastic surround sound experience in your home or just playing your favorite songs while hanging out. If you've had your eye on it, the great news is it's still on sale after Cyber Monday.

The Sonos Era 100 speaker is currently down to $199, 20% off its retail price of $249. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this $50 price drop marks its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

I think the Sonos Era 100 is worth picking up at any price. I've got two set up behind my couch for a nice surround sound setup, and they absolutely deliver. Certain shows and films feel elevated with these speakers, making for some of my most memorable movie nights and TV show marathons this year. Not to mention, their compact design means I can fit them right into places like a bookshelf or on the corner of a desk.

Amazon currently has the Sonos Era 100 speaker listed as a 'limited-time deal', so take advantage of this all-time low price while the deal is still live.

Amazon has a few more deals live after Cyber Monday. If you're curious what else is still available, have a look through our breakdown of Amazon's Cyber Monday sale to see if any deals that caught your eye are still around.

Nightbitch does more than explore motherhood. It celebrates body hair.

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 06:21

Marielle Heller's Nightbitch tackles the feral nature of motherhood, with her protagonist Mother (Amy Adams) physically transforming before our very eyes, taking on more than a few canine features. Adapted from Rachel Yoder's novel, Nightbitch encapsulates the animalistic rage felt by mothers living in a patriarchal society. 

The movie deftly navigates the ways in which women are subjected to misogyny in their early days of motherhood (and beyond). Adams depicts a woman in crisis as she parents a toddler, slowly admitting to the loneliness and shame she feels — something her mostly absent Husband (Scoot McNairy), who makes an artform of weaponised incompetence, fails to understand. 

Featured Video For You Amy Adams on how she transformed into a dog in 'Nightbitch'

But there are other hugely revolutionary things about Nightbitch. Notably, how it depicts and dismantles taboos and shame around women's body hair, as well as the reality of women's bodies when it comes to motherhood, menstruation, and everything else the female body miraculously creates and endures.

Nightbitch gets real about body hair

Early on in Nightbitch, we see Mother discover long hairs on her chin while looking in the mirror. She doesn’t recoil in repulsion at a very natural hormonal reaction — as society would have her do — she accepts it as part of her new reality. It's refreshing to watch. Representative of both a literal and figurative shift from woman to dog (Mother also grows a tail, gleefully pulling it from a boil), the scene also shows an acceptance of women growing body hair and rolling back the damaging societal assumption that most women don’t encounter it. Writer and director Heller told the Guardian she wanted to show a "euphoria" to the transformation, while Adams described the depiction as showing "this radical acceptance of change" — and that she grew her own "whiskers" for the role.

Amy Adams as Mother in "Nightbitch." Credit: Searchlight Pictures

This kind of healthy, empowering representation of facial hair on screen is crucial when it comes to normalising it for women, particularly younger generations and those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where excess body hair growth is common – research says it affects 80 percent of women with PCOS.

The importance of showing body hair on screen

For Rachel Morman, a trustee of UK PCOS charity Verity, moments like these on screen could be a revelation for women, particularly for those with PCOS, and "encourages people to rethink their perceptions and prejudices."

“Portraying a natural and common experience like chin hair growth can be powerful and validating as it brings a typically hidden or shamed aspect of their lives into the light,” she tells Mashable. “Anything that can be done en masse helps to normalise the conversation and demonstrates that body hair is a normal part of the female experience."

I certainly wish I’d seen this kind of body hair representation on screen when I was first diagnosed with PCOS in my mid teens. I felt self conscious of body hair that I didn’t know was actually quite common. In my 20s I kept the laser hair removals I paid for a secret from friends because I thought I was the only person whose body was having that kind of reaction to my PCOS. Body hair is still taboo enough as it is, excessive amounts due to a hormonal condition like PCOS comes with all kinds of stigma and shame. Seeing Adams with hair on her chin, later discovering she grew it herself for a role, as well as the accepting reaction her character has to this “transformation” felt like an overdue liberation from what society says I should look like and an embrace of the reality of women’s body hair.

Seeing Adams with hair on her chin, later discovering she grew it herself for a role...felt like an overdue liberation...

Of course, PCOS advocates such as Harnaam Kaur have been speaking out for years about the importance of embracing facial hair. At the age of 16, Kaur stopped shaving her facial hair and chose to embrace it — and has been championing love and self-acceptance when it comes to body hair, and women’s bodies more widely, since. 

She tells Mashable that representation on screen is crucial for constructing a more authentic attitude towards women’s body hair, with the current narrative leaving many with PCOS feeling misunderstood and out of place.

“Representation of body hair on screen is about telling honest, human stories,” Kaur says. “For those with PCOS, it can shine a light on lived experiences that are often overlooked, fostering understanding and empathy. By breaking the silence around these realities, we empower people to feel seen and valued.” 

She adds that showing diversity of body hair on screen, like in Nightbitch, will help to break down damaging expectations around femininity. “The stigma around women and body hair, especially for those with PCOS, often comes from standards that tell us what’s ‘feminine’ or ‘acceptable’. This creates a lot of unnecessary shame, as if having body hair makes someone less worthy or less womanly.”

Above all, Kaur says, representation of body hair on screen “reminds us all that there’s nothing to be ashamed of, and that’s incredibly powerful”.

Hollywood’s history of hairless women 

Of course, when it comes to body hair on screen, we are fighting the most acute of Hollywood beauty standards, ones that remain despite decades of feminist resistance. There has always been stigma, outrage and sometimes “scandal” around showing women’s body hair on screen. Sophia Loren embraced armpit hair in the '50s, Grace Jones in the '70s. Julia Roberts appeared at Notting Hill’s 1999 movie premiere with armpit hair and it was deemed "scandalous". Many actors, musicians, and celebrities have resisted Hollywood body hair conventions. Within films themselves, we have seen some progress — like Adams, Salma Hayek grew out her own moustache when playing the role of Frida Kahlo, while Kate Winslet and Rooney Mara both wore merkins (a public wig), in The Reader and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo respectively, to better embody their character.

Discourse around body hair on screen is definitely more visible and spirited than it used to be, with many calling out representations that don’t feel true to them. For instance, Emma Stone’s Poor Things body characterisation was criticised due to her cleanly shaven legs and neatly trimmed pubic hair throughout, despite the fact that the film centres around her character’s sexual liberation and rejection of societal expectation around women’s bodies and behaviour.

But unlike Nightbitch, the majority of movies still subscribe to the Western ideal of what a woman should look like — which, currently, is largely hairless. And the shame around it, and pressure to remove it, runs deeply to all those who feel subscribed to white, cisgender beauty standards. What we see on screen directly impacts how we see ourselves, and what we expect of ourselves when it comes to beauty standards. So it’s never been more important to champion the movies, directors, and actors that step outside of that to show a more authentic portrayal of women’s bodies. 

Nightbitch's portrayal of menstrual blood also hits back at taboos

Alongside the film's inclusion of body hair, Heller also includes an authentic, refreshing depiction of menstrual blood in Nightbitch, during a scene where Mother is in the shower. She is taking some long overdue time to herself when her Husband interrupts to ask her why there’s no milk in the house — as if it’s her job alone to supply it. She quickly retorts that he should go to the shop, especially as she’s about to bleed and will need sanitary products, and the camera pans to menstrual blood running down her legs in the shower. This portrayal was a deliberate decision made by the director in order to “normalise” its representation on screen. In her directorial debut, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Heller also showed hymen blood on screen after her protagonist Minnie (Bel Powley) has sex for the first time. Heller spoke at the time about period or hymen blood not being met with “shock or shame or disgust”.

Amy Adams as Mother in "Nightbitch." Credit: Searchlight Pictures

In recent years, we’ve seen period blood on screen feature slightly more heavily. Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You sees her character Arabella’s sexual partner remove both a used tampon and a blood clot, reacting with curiosity instead of disgust. We also see Anya Taylor-Joy’s The Queen’s Gambit protagonist Beth flee to the bathroom from a chess match with menstrual blood running down her leg. Portrayals of period sex are also on the up, explored in 2024 movie Babes and the adaptation of Lisa Taddeo's Three Women. The fact that it’s been present in horror movies for a longer stretch, though — think Carrie and Ginger Snaps — may feed into the narrative that menstrual blood is something to be afraid of.

The complaints and controversy that have frequently followed period blood being shown on screen reflects the misogynistic attitudes that remain around women’s bodies. For example, an advert for Wuka period pants received hundreds of complaints after broadcasting a similar scene to Nightbitch that included blood clots and menstrual bleeding in the shower.

Just like with its choices around portraying body hair, normalising menstrual blood on screen works to “break down centuries of silence and shame surrounding menstruation” according to Morman. She adds that it means something even more to women with hormonal conditions such as PCOS.

“For women with PCOS, who may face irregular or heavy periods, this representation is particularly meaningful and validating,” she says. “Showing menstrual blood in a matter-of-fact way also helps educate audiences, challenging the idea that periods are something to hide. This openness can lead to greater empathy and understanding, encouraging conversations about conditions such as PCOS.” 

In a world where I’ve been made to feel anxious, ashamed and lesser because of body hair that is out of my control and due to a hormonal condition that affects one in every 10 women and deserves more awareness, having acceptance and representation for women like me through scenes in a Hollywood movie like Nightbitch means a lot. I hope it is only just the beginning when it comes to seeing better diversity of bodies on screen, as well as the reality of women’s bodily functions.

“Normalising body hair and the realities of women’s bodies on screen has the potential to empower all women by breaking down oppressive beauty standards,” Morman agrees. “Ultimately, this shift in representation can help create a culture where we feel free to embrace our natural bodies, leading to improved mental health, self-esteem and ultimately quality of life.”

Nightbitch is out now in cinemas.

How to watch Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic online for free

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 06:07

TL;DR: Live stream Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures includes some really exciting matchups, including Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic.

Celtic have performed pretty well in this year's competition, and have a strong chance of making the knockout rounds if they continue to pick up points. They will fancy their chances of taking three points from Dinamo Zagreb, but there are no easy games in the Champions League.

If you want to watch Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic?

Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Dec. 10. This fixture takes place at the Maksimir Stadium.

How to watch Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic for free

Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic 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 Ireland

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic 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 access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

  • 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 Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Tesla Model Q: Are the rumors about the new, affordable Tesla true?

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:56

Will Tesla's new, affordable electric vehicle be called Tesla Model Q? Don't hold your breath for the name, but a cheaper Tesla is, apparently, coming.

A Deutsche Bank report mentions the new model and claims the car will launch in the first half of 2025, with a starting price under $30,000.

SEE ALSO: Tesla app for Apple Watch hands-on: Friggin' finally!

According to GlobalChinaEV, Travis Axelrod (Teslaa's Head of Investor Relations) talked about the vehicle with Deutsche Bank. The report claims that the car – codenamed "Redwood" – will be 15 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than Tesla's Model 3, and that it will cost Tesla about half as much to manufacture.

The report also mentions two battery configurations for the car (53kWh and 75kWh), as well as single- and dual-motor variants.

Take these details with a grain of salt. The Wall Street Journal's Becky Peterson claims she saw a copy of the Deutsche Bank report. She does confirm that Axelrod discussed the new Tesla with Deutsche Bank (Model Q seems to be Deutsche Bank's name for the car, not Tesla's). She also claims that the new car will be built on Tesla's existing production lines, and that it will cost less than $30,000 with subsidies (meaning that the actual starting price would be $37,499).

Tweet may have been deleted

But Peterson says that the report does not contain any details about the car's size, cost, or that it will built on Redwood, which is Tesla's internal code name for a mass market vehicle built on a new platform which was paused by Musk earlier in 2024.

When laid out like this, the report doesn't really bring much new to the table, given that Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently said a cheaper Tesla is coming in the first half of 2025, without revealing any additional details. Musk also specifically said that a non-Robotaxi Tesla car that costs $25,000 will not happen.

Where does all this leave us? Well, mostly where we were before. Despite Musk's own AI Grok already claiming that Tesla has "announced the upcoming launch of the Model Q," nothing new has been officially announced. Yes, a more affordable Tesla seems to be coming next year, but it's unclear whether it'll be an entirely new model or just a cheaper Model 3.

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa online for free

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:40

TL;DR: Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with another batch of huge games, including RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa.

Aston Villa haven't had things all their own way in the Premier League, but things are going pretty well in the Champions League. They find themselves in nith place after five games, with a strong chance of progressing to the knockout rounds. RB Leipzig have lost five from five in this year's competition, so will be desperate to secure their first points.

If you want to watch RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa?

RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Dec. 10. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena.

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa for free

RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

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

  5. Watch RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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 RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Score the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ at its lowest-ever price after Cyber Monday

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:26

SAVE OVER $170: As of Dec. 10, the 512GB Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet is on sale for $945 at Amazon. This is 16% off its list price of $1,119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus $945.00 at Amazon
$1,119.99 Save $174.99 Get Deal

Amazon has plenty of deals still available after the Cyber Monday shopping event, including on some newer pieces of tech from this year. For a limited time, you can still save on this year's Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet, if you're still looking to pick up some tech ahead of the holidays as a gift or for yourself.

The 512GB model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet is currently down to $945, 16% off its list price of $1,119.99. This is also its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, making it a great time to scoop it up if you've had your eye on it for some time. And if you've had it in mind as a gift for the holidays, Amazon also has a note above the 'Add to Cart' button saying it'll arrive 13 days before Christmas, so there's no need to worry about delays.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

Boasting a large 12.4-inch screen and a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, this tablet is a powerful piece of tech. We've also ranked it as the best option for AI in our roundup of the best tablets in 2024, noting "It's not a cheap option but it has plenty of power, which comes courtesy of its MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ CPU. This will give you plenty of oomph for creative tasks and gaming, with superb graphics and incredibly quick performance overall."

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act fast to pick up the 512GB model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet for $945 at Amazon.

If you're curious to see more deals at Amazon leftover from Cyber Monday, it's worth having a look at our list of Amazon's Cyber Monday deals. A few deals are still live after the sale event, so you can see if any options you liked are still available at their discounted price.

Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buys Deal of the Day

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:23

SAVE $130: As of Dec. 10, Best Buy's Deal of the Day is offering a 128GB 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) for $469, $130 off its original price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (M2) $469.00 at Best Buy
$599.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

If you're in the shopping spirit ahead of the holidays, whether to get something for someone in your life or to pick up a little treat for yourself, there are still quite a few deals available after Cyber Monday. Best Buy's Deal of the Day currently has a great offer on an Apple iPad Air that you definitely don't want to miss.

On Dec. 10, you can score an 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for $469. This is $130 off its original price of $599, and according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, even marks its lowest price yet in comparison to Amazon. Even lower than Cyber Monday, which is a steal.

SEE ALSO: I love finding gaming laptop deals, and $300 off the HP Omen is one of the best

We think very highly of this iPad as well, ranking it as the best option for most people in our roundup of the best iPads of 2024. Our review also said that the "M2 chip brings sweet energy efficiency and a performance uptick." It's a worthy investment for those looking for an iPad upgrade.

If you want to scoop it up at this price, you'll want to act fast to grab this 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for $469 before the deal disappears.

Hoping to find even more Apple deals right now? Thankfully, a few are still on sale after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Have a look through our roundup of Apple Cyber Monday deals to see if any that caught your eye during the sale events are still live at their discounted price.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 10, 2024

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:22

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, December 10, 2024:

Across"The ___," "Seinfeld" episode in which Kramer gets everyone tickets for "Pagliacci"
  • The answer is Opera.

The fourth of Santa's eight reindeer (plus Rudolph!)
  • The answer is Vixen.

Live and breathe
  • The answer is Exist.

Baptisms and the like
  • The answer is Rites

Cantankerous
  • The answer is Testy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9 DownObvious for all to see
  • The answer is Overt.

Impish creature of folklore
  • The answer is Pixie.

Airplane rows with extra legroom
  • The answer is Exits.

Press the power button on a Nintendo Switch for about 15 seconds to do this
  • The answer is Reset.

Anxious about what's ahead
  • The answer is Antsy.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

I love finding gaming laptop deals, and $300 off the HP Omen is one of the best

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:19

SAVE $300: As of Dec. 10, HP Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptop is on sale for $1,299.99 at Best Buy. That’s $300 off its regular $1,599.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Omen Transcend 14 $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Gamers and creators, this one’s for you. The HP Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptop is now available for $1,299.99 at Best Buy, a $300 discount from its usual $1,599.99 price. With cutting-edge hardware, a sleek design, and a vibrant OLED display, this laptop is built to handle everything from competitive gaming to content creation.

What sets this laptop apart is its stunning 14-inch OLED display. Featuring a 2.8K resolution (2880 x 1800) and a 120Hz refresh rate, it brings vivid colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth visuals to life. Certified by VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black, it ensures exceptional color accuracy and contrast, making it ideal for gamers and video editors alike. Its micro-edge design maximizes the screen-to-body ratio for an immersive viewing experience.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

At the heart of the Omen Transcend 14 is Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 processor, designed to deliver high performance in demanding scenarios. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, this laptop can easily handle the latest AAA games, 3D rendering, and video editing. The 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD ensure quick load times, efficient multitasking, and ample storage for your projects and games.

One of the highlights of this machine is its portability. Housed in a lightweight, all-metal chassis, it’s easy to take on the go without sacrificing power. The 71 Wh battery supports USB-C fast charging, giving you a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, perfect for those who need quick power-ups between classes or meetings.

Gamers will love the HP Omen Tempest Cooling Technology, which ensures stable performance during intense gaming sessions. The four-zone RGB keyboard lets you customize your setup, while WASD keys are highlighted for optimal gameplay control. Add to that the IMAX Enhanced certification and HyperX Audio, and you have a device that offers visual and auditory immersion.

Connectivity is top-notch with Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The laptop also includes thoughtful extras like an HP True Vision FHD IR camera for secure logins and an Eyesafe Certified display to reduce eye strain during long hours of work or play.

This deal also includes three free months of PC Game Pass, which gives you access to hundreds of high-quality games. If you’ve been looking for a versatile gaming laptop that balances portability, power, and a stunning display, the HP Omen Transcend 14 is a fantastic pick. Grab it for $1,299.99 at Best Buy before the price goes back up.

This Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker is just $49 — its lowest price yet

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:17

SAVE 70: As of Dec. 10, the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker is available for $49 at Walmart. That’s a $70 discount off its original $119 price, making it a steal for audiophiles on the go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Micro $49.00 at Walmart
$119.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Portable speakers are a must-have for music lovers, and the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker is a standout option. Now available for just $49 at Walmart, this compact yet powerful device offers premium sound at an unbeatable price. With a $70 discount off its usual $119, this is the lowest price we’ve seen, making it the perfect opportunity to snag one for yourself or as a thoughtful holiday gift.

Despite its tiny size, the Bose SoundLink Micro packs a big punch. Thanks to Bose’s audio engineering, this speaker delivers crisp sound with deep, impactful bass that can fill a room or your favorite outdoor spot. It’s perfect for backyard hangouts, road trips, and poolside parties. The rubberized silicone exterior is designed to absorb drops and resist scratches, so it can handle life’s adventures without missing a beat.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

The SoundLink Micro doesn’t just survive the elements; it thrives in them. It’s fully waterproof and dustproof, so this speaker is ready to go from braving a rainstorm to hitting the beach. Plus, it features a tear-resistant strap that easily attaches to bikes, backpacks, or coolers, making it one of the most travel-friendly options in its class.

Battery life is another highlight of the SoundLink Micro. With up to six hours of playback per charge, it’s got enough juice to power through your daily adventures. You can double the sound when paired with another Bose speaker for a truly immersive experience. It even connects seamlessly to select Bose soundbars, letting you expand your audio setup at home.

But the perks don’t stop there. The SoundLink Micro is a smart assistant that allows you to take calls or control Siri or Google Assistant with a button. It also syncs with the Bose Connect app, making it easy to manage Bluetooth connections, access updates, and unlock new features.

Available in black, stone blue, and white smoke, this speaker is as stylish as it is functional. At just $49, the Bose SoundLink Micro is a fantastic deal for anyone. Whether buying for themselves or gifting it to someone else, don’t wait too long — at this price, it’s bound to sell out fast.

I’m obsessed with OLED TVs, and the heavily discounted LG 55-inch OLED is a steal

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:08

SAVE OVER $400: As of Dec. 10, LG 55-inch OLED B3 Smart 4K TV is on sale for $798 at Walmart. That’s over $400 off its usual $1,199 price, making it a great deal for movie buffs and gamers alike.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch OLED B3 Smart 4K TV $798.00 at Walmart
$1,199.99 Save $401.99 Get Deal

If you've been waiting for a stunning OLED TV that balances premium features with an approachable price, your wait is over. The LG 55-inch OLED B3 Smart 4K TV is now available for $798 at Walmart, a $401 discount from its original $1,199 price.

OLED TVs are a game-changer in home entertainment, and the B3 model proves why. Its self-lit pixels provide unmatched contrast with perfect black levels and vivid colors. The visuals are breathtaking from watching a dimly lit drama or a vibrant animated movie. The α7 AI Processor Gen6 optimizes picture and sound automatically, ensuring everything you watch looks its best.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

But this TV isn't just for movie nights. Gamers will appreciate features like the native 120Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR (variable refresh rate), which make fast-paced gaming sessions incredibly smooth. The 0.1ms response time adds an extra edge, while four HDMI 2.1 ports let you connect all your devices without hassle.

Powered by WebOS23, the B3 has LG Channels for free access to over 300 live streaming options and an intuitive Magic Remote. With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos onboard, you're also treated to immersive visuals and sound that rival the theater experience.

At $798, this LG OLED TV is a rare deal that combines cutting-edge tech with a significant discount. This is the perfect time to upgrade your movie nights, level up your gaming setup, or both. Don't let this deal slip away!

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 10

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:08

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 10 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: Terms Serena Williams would know

  • Green: Throws a baseball

  • Blue: Soccer greats

  • Purple: Award-winning football players

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: Tennis terms

  • Green: Baseball pitching roles

  • Blue: French soccer greats

  • Purple: Heisman-winning RBs

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 #78 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Tennis terms - FAULT, LET, RALLY, VOLLEY

  • Baseball pitching roles - ACE, CLOSER, OPENER, SETUP

  • French soccer greats - GIROUD, GRIEZMANN, HENRY, MBAPPE

  • Heisman-winning RBs - BUSH, GEORGE, INGRAM, SANDERS

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.

28 Years Later trailer is how you make a damn trailer

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:05

You'll never look at the Teletubbies the same way after watching the stunning, harrowing, blood-spattered trailer for 28 Years Later one of the biggest movies coming in 2025.

Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland reunite to instil their signature brand of existential, survivalist dread, one we've feasted on since 2002's Cillian Murphy-led 28 Days Later, one of the best British horror movies of all time.

Set (of course), 28 years after the events of the first two films (following 2007's 28 Weeks Later), the decimation of society after a contagious virus has not ebbed. This time, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes fend off zombies all while we get glimpses of the horrifying state of the world. Bone columns and skull pyramids? Churches filled with ravenous creatures?

Folks, this is how you make a damn trailer. And the film was reportedly mostly shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max?

How to watch: 28 Years Later opens June 20.

I’ve been eyeing the TCL 55-inch QLED Smart TV — get over $800 off at Amazon right now

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:05

SAVE OVER $800: As of Dec. 10, TCL 55-inch Class QLED 4K Smart NXTFRAME TV is available for $697.99 at Amazon. That’s a massive $802 off its $1,499.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Class QLED 4K Smart NXTFRAME TV $697.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $802.00 Get Deal

This is your sign if you've been waiting for a TV upgrade that feels more like a splurge than a necessity. The TCL 55-inch QLED 4K Smart NXTFRAME TV (2024 model) is currently down to $697.99 at Amazon. With an impressive $802 discount, it's one of the best deals you'll find this season for a high-end TV packed with premium features.

This ultra-slim TV is designed to blend seamlessly into any living space. It boasts a stunning anti-glare QLED screen with 4K Ultra HD resolution, making every scene pop with vivid color and detail. TCL's AIPQ Pro Processor enhances the picture quality, delivering optimized brightness, contrast, and clarity.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

The TV includes a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync for gamers, ensuring buttery-smooth visuals during fast-paced action sequences. Built-in Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos support elevate your viewing experience with vibrant visuals and immersive sound. Plus, the TV is equipped with Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility, making it a breeze to control smart home devices or search for your next Netflix binge.

TCL has considered everything with this model, including its thinnest world's-thinnest design at just 1.1 inches deep. It comes with a flush wall mount for an elegant look. Still, additional stands and floor mounts are also available for more versatility. If you've ever wanted a TV that doubles as a statement piece, this is it.

Deals like this don't last long — especially during the holiday shopping season. At $697.99, you're snagging an $802 discount and a lot of style. Don't miss out!

How Crypto Insiders Turned ‘Debanking’ Into a Political Storm

NYT Technology - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:03
Concerns that crypto companies are being purposely cut off from the global banking system have become a political cudgel at an opportune moment for the industry.

Scientists reveal why Bering Bridge let humans cross — but not all animals

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:00

A pivotal history of Earth lies submerged beneath the Bering Sea.

Today this frigid strait separates North America and Asia, but geologists suspect when the oceans were dramatically lower a land bridge tied the two continents together — allowing humans and other species to cross into the Americas. Scientists thought the Bering Land Bridge mirrored the dry grassy plains found in the nearby Siberian steppe ecosystem. But new research, employing a vessel's sonar and coring technology, shows the environment was likely dominated by bogs, floodplains, and snaking streams.

The soggy bridge might have allowed some to pass, but not others.

"The watery, wet landscape could have been a barrier for some species, or a pathway for species that actually travel by water," Jenna Hill, a U.S. Geological Survey geologist who coauthored the research, said in a statement. "That’s how this fits into the bigger picture."

SEE ALSO: NASA ventured into the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, a forbidding land

The research, entitled "The Bering Land Bridge During the Last Glacial Stage: Great Grazing or Buggy Bogs?" will be presented at the American Geophysical Union's 2024 meeting.

Before Earth's glaciers dramatically receded and filled the oceans at the end of the last ice age some 11,000 years ago, the bridge was an expansive migration corridor, spreading 1,000 miles from north to south. Humans began crossing over by around 16,500 years ago, which many scientists argue was the earliest (but not the only) migration to the Americas.

Agile, though at times drenched, humans could have skirted ponds and bogs as they slogged westward towards modern-day Alaska. But some larger ice mammals — who never made it across — might have been deterred by the wet region. For example, woolly rhinos never made it to North America, while American camels (who went extinct some 12,000 years ago) and short-faced bears (who inhabited great swathes of North America including Alaska and the Yukon) never made it to Asia.

Even though the bridge was open for business, conditions there may have thwarted much movement. Pleistocene bison made two big migrations into North America. "But DNA analysis shows a fair amount of genetic separation of Pleistocene bison from east and west Beringia suggesting there was only limited movement of bison back west over the land bridge," Pamela Groves, a research scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, previously wrote.

Yet some iconic ice age herbivores still found ways to cross.

"It may have been marshy, but we are still seeing evidence of mammoths," Sarah Fowell, a paleogeologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said in a statement. "Even if it was mostly floodplains and ponds, the grazers were around, just uphill following higher, drier areas."

A map of Beringia, a vast area periodically exposed during Earth's glaciations. Lighter browns depict once exposed land areas. Credit: NPS An artist's depiction of a woolly rhino during the last ice age. Credit: aleks1949 / Getty Images

The Bering Land Bridge's boggy environs were revealed by a research cruise aboard the R/V Sikuliaq, an over 260-foot oceanographic vessel operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The researchers used sonar (which bounces signals off the seafloor) to identify low-lying regions of the former land bridge, and then captured sediment cores from 36 different submerged sites, hundreds of feet underwater.

They found sediments from freshwater lakes, abundant egg cases from freshwater fleas, moss leaves, and beyond. The evidence clearly showed a swampy world.

"We were looking for several large lakes," explained Fowell. "What we actually found was evidence of lots of small lakes and river channels."

The new, hard-earned findings will almost certainly stoke more scientific study and debate about this influential Arctic region, and how it helped mold the diverse world we see today.

This app makes professional growth fit any schedule

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Learning fits any schedule with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium, only $59.99 (reg. $299). 

Sometimes, you can sit down with a book everyone else liked and still get absolutely nothing out of it. It doesn't matter if you're a speed reader, that's still a lot of lost time, and life gets busy. 

If you want a faster way of getting to the meat of a good book, check out Headway. Headway is a mobile app that summarizes a ton of nonfiction bestsellers into quick, actionable insights. You can use these either as a lesson in their own regard or as a way to see which books are actually worth reading in full, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $59.99 (reg. $299). 

There's finally time to learn

Headway gives you access to a huge collection of titles, and it's growing all the time. There are already over 1,500 with 30-50 added every month. Headway even gives you an incentive to keep learning and growing by gamifying the whole process. See how many days you can keep your streak going. There are even achievements for the completionists. 

The insights you get from Headway summaries are a quick way to learn the key lessons from a book. It's not quite the same experience as reading the full text, but nothing's stopping you from going back and diving in once you know a book is worth the time. 

Headway tailors recommendations to your unique interests, so every summary aligns with your aspirations. Whether you prefer reading or listening, professionally narrated audio versions let you learn on the go. 

Join over 15 million other users and find time to learn. 

Get a Headway Premium Lifetime Subscription for $59.99. 

Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription - $59.99

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Opens in a new window Credit: GTHW App Limited Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
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Secure your digital world with FastestVPN for just $24.97

Mashable - Tue, 12/10/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to FastestVPN for just $24.97 (reg. $360) and protect up to ten devices with military-grade encryption, malware protection, and more.

Online security isn’t optional anymore; it's just part of being online. With FastestVPN, you can protect your personal data, unblock geo-restricted content, and browse the web with peace of mind. For just $24.97 (reg. $360), this lifetime subscription covers up to ten devices, making it a cost-effective solution for individuals, families, or even small businesses.

Want to stream your favorite shows on Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu? Or bypass geo-restrictions to access BBC iPlayer or Hotstar? FastestVPN makes it easy, delivering smooth, buffer-free streaming. Gamers and torrent users will also love its P2P-optimized servers for fast, anonymous downloads and lag-free gaming sessions.

FastestVPN stands out for its military-grade encryption, anti-malware features, and ad blocker. With over 600 servers worldwide, you can stream, torrent, and browse without limits — while staying completely anonymous. Its 10Gbps+ servers allow for blazing-fast speeds, and the Double VPN feature provides an extra layer of encryption for those who want maximum security.

Worried about possible speed reductions? While advanced features like Double VPN can slow things down, FastestVPN’s optimized servers and protocols let you balance security and speed effortlessly. Plus, the Smart Connect feature automatically finds the fastest server for you.

For just $24.97, you’re saving a lot of money and investing in lifetime protection for all your devices. This one-time purchase gives you unlimited access to FastestVPN’s cutting-edge features without any continuous fees, including ad-blocking and malware protection, global server access for unrestricted browsing, and simultaneous use on ten devices.

Take advantage of this holiday pricing and order your protection today.

Get lifetime access to FastestVPN for just $24.97 (reg. $360) for a limited time.

FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices) - $24.97

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