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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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David Beckham takes on 'Hot Ones', stays impressively cool

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:45
David Beckham appeared on First We Feast's "Hot Ones" and took on increasingly spicy wings.

Gmail on Android now lets you ask Gemini to find that pesky lost email

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:41

You know that feeling when you just know there's an email hiding in your inbox, containing some precious bit of information, but you just can't find it? It happens to me every week day hour.

Now, however, Android users who happen to be paying for Google's One AI Premium package can make Google's AI assistant Gemini do the hard work for them.

SEE ALSO: Google Gemini now lets you create AI-generated images of people — but there's a catch

To do so, tap the black Gemini star at the top right of your Gmail app on Android (or from the "summarize this email" chip), and then ask it questions. Some examples of things you can ask include "What was the PO number for my agency?", "How much did the company spend on the last marketing event?", or "Catch me up on the emails about quarterly planning," per Google's blog post.

OK, where the HELL is that funny cat video I know I sent a month ago? Credit: Google

All of this has recently been introduced to the web version of Gmail, and Google says it'll also be coming to iOS "soon." The feature is rolling out to Android gradually, so it might take two more weeks until you see it in your Gmail app.

Google has lately been steadily adding Gemini features to Gmail, including the ability to help you write emails, summarize them for you, as well as polish your drafts. All of this, however, is currently only available for people paying for Gemini for Google Workspace or Google One AI Premium.

How to watch the NRL 2024 online for free

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:03

TL;DR: Stream the NRL 2024 for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Where would we be without weekly doses of top-level sport from around the world? Life can be particularly tough from time to time, but you know what really helps? Sitting back and watching athletes at the top of their game doing battle in a desperate attempt to claim victory.

And you know what makes that spectacle even better? When you can watch everything play out without spending anything.

If you want to watch the 2024 NRL season for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL?

The National Rugby League (NRL) is a professional rugby league competition in Australasia, containing clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.

The season typically runs from March to October, with each team playing 24 matches. The regular season is followed by a finals series contested by the eight highest placed teams. The season culminates in the NRL Grand Final. The reigning champions are the Penrith Panthers.

When is the NRL in 2024?

The 2024 NRL season is the 117th season of professional rugby league in Australia. This season will run from March 2 to Oct. 6.

How to watch the NRL for free

Channel 9 offers free streams of NRL matches on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access 9Now to stream the 2024 NRL season 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 Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Stream the NRL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 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 gain access to 9Now without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the NRL live before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NRL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking 9Now to stream the NRL, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 94 countries including Australia

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to five simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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 the 2024 NRL season for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

My office bike makes me more productive and charges my phone while I pedal

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy is “neither created nor destroyed” — it just changes forms. The energy you produce by moving (your kinetic energy), therefore, could be passed on to something else — something useful to you — if only you were able to easily harness it.

That’s where the LifeSpan Ampera Bike ($999) comes in. While it looks like an office chair you might find on the set of Star Trek, this under-desk bike uses the power of your pedaling to charge up your devices.

Specs and setup

The Ampera Bike is an upright, stationary bike designed to be used at your desk. Its standout feature is that it can charge your devices wirelessly or using the included USB-C port. But you don’t have to plug it in. In fact, you can’t. Your pedaling provides the energy needed to charge your devices (and also to turn on the ring lights around each pedal, which can be set to 12 different colors).

SEE ALSO: Logitech's Casa Pop-up Desk makes working away from my home office a dream

The bike also features easy, lever-activated height adjustment and several resistance levels to add a bit more challenge (and calorie burn) to your desk workouts.

It looks really sleek too, although at first glance it does border on futuristic-looking to the point of being a little bit silly. I love the glacier white color that I received (although it’s also available in space gray), and I think the leather-look detail on the handle and the fabric and trim on the seat are nice touches that make the bike look much less clinical.

My Ampera Bike was professionally assembled, but looking through the owner’s manual, the setup appears to be a pretty straightforward process. The installer was in and out in under one hour.

Cycling while I work

Using this bike could not be more straightforward. You get on, you start pedaling — just like any old-school workout bike. If you want to use the charger, just plop your phone on the wireless charger or plug it into the USB-C cord and keep on pedaling.

The pedals were a bit stiff and almost sticky (not to the touch, but they felt a bit resistant to pedaling) at first, but this resolved after just a few minutes of pedaling.

I found it very easy to focus on work while slowly pedaling away. Although my extremely pregnant belly kept me from being able to bring the bike as close to my desk as I would like, I was able to reach my keyboard easily and type with a very high level of accuracy.

I was able to get a low-impact workout in while I worked. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable

The lowest resistance levels also provided plenty of resistance while working, in my opinion, although I could see increasing the resistance for an added burn if I were streaming video or mindlessly scrolling social media.

The seat is also comfortable enough that it can double as a permanent office chair for focused work that needs to be done while completely stationary. With no seat back and the firm bike seat below my bum, it kept my posture dialed in even when I wasn’t pedaling — which was a productivity boost in and of itself.

Overall, I still prefer my treadmill setup, but I’ve never really been a “bike” person. I know so many people who would salivate at the very idea of this bike, and it’s also an excellent option for people who need something that’s more low-impact and easy on the joints.

Pedaling to charge my devices

One of the coolest features of this bike by far is the whole "charge your devices using your own energy" thing, and it works flawlessly. The bike comes equipped with a wireless charger as well as a USB-C port, both of which make it really easy to charge a phone. I prefer using the USB-C port since I have to take my phone out of its case to charge it wirelessly, and my phone desperately needs the protection offered by its case.

When I plug in my phone, just a few seconds after I start pedaling I hear the “ding” notifying me that the phone is being charged. I’m able to charge it a full percent after just a few seconds of consistent, fast, focused pedaling — however, it naturally charges more slowly while working because I’m pedaling more slowly. According to the LifeSpan website, it can charge a device from zero to 50 percent in just 30 minutes (but you really gotta be pedaling to accomplish this).

If you wanted to up the stakes and use the bike to charge your work laptop, you’d need to have or buy an appropriate USB-C converter for your laptop cable. A bit of a challenge for us Stone Age folks who still aren’t using a Macbook — but it could definitely be done.

I also appreciate the slight degree of gamification that the charging option adds. It’s motivating to be able to pedal your phone battery up, but not distracting. And you could easily set up some incentives or benchmarks to make it more fun, like taking a coffee break or giving yourself some “reading for fun” time after charging your phone by an additional 25 percent

An OK app that needs improvement

To connect to the LifeSpan app, you’ll need to be pedaling so that the bike is “powered on” and therefore able to appear in the list of available devices.

I was able to connect the bike easily to the app repeatedly, although the app controls are a bit clunky. Still, in order to adjust the resistance and change the color of the lights around the pedals, you’ll need to use the app — so I was glad I didn’t experience any connectivity issues. 

The app has very poor reviews, unfortunately, mostly from users who have had repeated issues connecting their LifeSpan devices. However, the entire app experience for the Ampera bike seems like a great improvement over my experience using the app with the other LifeSpan device I tested, the TR1200-GlowUp under-desk treadmill. I was able to view and save workout data and make adjustments as needed to the resistance quite easily.

To be honest, I found the color-changing lights cute but overall not worth fooling with too much. I work alone in a home office and I can’t see the lights myself while I’m pedaling (which is the only time they are on), so I’d really only be doing it for the vibes.

Comfortable enough to sit

This bike is also surprisingly comfortable to use (and this is coming from someone who’s heavily pregnant and has a very low tolerance for any kind of pelvic pressure at the moment). It has a wider seat than the standard bike seat that comes equipped on most exercise bikes, so it’s much more supportive and comfortable for longer periods of sitting. 

No banana seats here. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable

It’s too tall to be used comfortably with a standard-height desk, however, so you’ll also need either an adjustable desk or a bar-height desk.

Is the LifeSpan Ampera bike worth it?

This is not a rinky-dink set of desk pedals — it’s a legitimate piece of fitness equipment that just happens to be particularly well-suited for your desk. But with a price point just under $1,000, it does require a significant financial investment. 

I recommend it most to people who already enjoy biking, people who require something that’s more low-impact and joint-friendly than a treadmill, or people who are looking for something that can double as an office chair for stationary, seated work.

Overall, this is a really well-made, comfortable, easy-to-use bike that can help you stay active during the workday while keeping your phone charged, too. That’s a win-win-win.

LifeSpan Ampera office bike $799.00 at Amazon
Shop Now

The Lifespan TR1200-GlowUp under-desk treadmill might be the best productivity hack money can buy

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

It’s 2024 — everybody knows how terrible it is to sit hunched over at your desk for hours and hours at a time, yet many of us still do it almost daily. Standing desks are a much-needed improvement, but even then you’re still limited to, well, standing.

Enter: the under-desk treadmill. These treadmills have grown insanely popular over the past few years, especially since the events of 2020 paved the way for more people than ever to work from home. These treadmills are popular because of their size, portability, low price compared to full-size treadmills, and compatibility with standing desks.

I recently had the opportunity to try the LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill ($1,799.00). Here’s how it performed and how it helped me perform — both physically and mentally.

The LifeSpan treadmill is sturdy and has a 350-pound weight limit. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable Price and specs

The TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill is a $1,799 treadmill — comparable in price to many high-end, full-sized treadmills.

However, this compact treadmill is made to be used with a standing desk so it lacks blazing speeds and resistance options. Still, it’s well-built — featuring a 2.5 HP motor, a 20-inch x 50-inch walking surface, a max speed of 4.0 mph, and a generous weight capacity of 350 pounds.

It’s also fully pre-assembled, making setup a breeze. And it comes with an Omni-Hub Console, a small touchscreen display that sits on your desk and allows you to set and control speeds and view workout metrics.

You can see all your stats at a glance. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable

The high price is definitely an outlier in the under-desk treadmill sphere, and while the treadmill does have higher-quality features than other walking pads, we've still docked its Bang for the Buck score because of its price. And luckily, we've seen the TR1200-GlowUp go on sale.

Safety, controls, and performance

I have considered buying an under-desk treadmill for a while, but looking online I wasn’t impressed with the options. A lot of them were inexpensive, flimsy-looking Amazon models. While the prices were great, they looked underpowered and lightweight, and they had LOTS of mixed reviews.  Many of them seemed like they wouldn’t last very long or that they wouldn’t be very reliable.

SEE ALSO: The TikTok girlies are right: You need a standing desk and treadmill

That’s why I was SO impressed when I first saw the specs for the TR1200. This treadmill weighs 100 pounds, which is pretty heavy compared to similar under-desk treadmills — but it also makes for a very sturdy walking surface (it’s also easy to maneuver around thanks to the wheels, even for me by myself). It feels extremely secure when I’m walking on it – there’s no wobbling or shaking, and the belt doesn’t catch. It’s also very quiet. These are complaints I saw frequently in reviews for less expensive under-desk treadmills.

It also has a much more generous maximum weight limit than most under-desk treadmills. It can accommodate people weighing up to 350 pounds, while most other models have an upper weight limit of 220 to 250 pounds. This makes the TR1200 a much more accessible option for people who are larger, or people who simply want a treadmill that’s a little more sturdy.

The controls on the Omni-Hub display are also really easy to use, once you get used to them. I appreciate that it includes three presets (0.4 mph, 1.2 mph, and 3.0 mph) so that I don’t have to begin at the bottom speed and use the arrows to scroll up to my desired speed every time I start walking.

Like most treadmills, it comes with a safety key that stops the treadmill if it gets pulled out of place. Mine is mounted to my desk, although I never remember to clip the other end to myself before I start walking. 

In addition, the treadmill automatically powers down if you stop walking on it for 20 seconds.

The app is a bust

Unfortunately, the Lifespan app leaves a lot to be desired. On the Google Play Store, it has only a 1 out of 5 stars with 18 reviews. I had no trouble connecting my treadmill to it via Bluetooth during the initial setup, but was never able to successfully connect to the app again. This was a common thread in customer reviews. And while I thought the app may be useful for setting my default speed or starting and stopping the treadmill, it actually just tracks metrics. For such a great treadmill, I’d love to see improved functionality and more robust features on the app.

Activity and productivity

Now for the good stuff: How did this treadmill affect my productivity? 

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting the massive increase in my productive work time (and my average daily step count) that I experienced using this treadmill.

I had to start slowly, getting used to working while walking at 1.0 mph (which is essentially standing still) before increasing the speed any further. However, within just a few days I was able to work up to 2.0 mph and still be productive and efficient.

As a writer, I did experience some issues with typing accuracy while walking — mostly because I’ve been in my third trimester of pregnancy while testing this treadmill. My belly bumps against the desk with every step I take, causing it to wobble and making it difficult to hit keys quickly and correctly. However, I wouldn’t expect this to be a huge issue for people who aren’t pregnant or who don’t have a large belly. Still, it’s much easier to walk while completing tasks that don’t require a lot of typing. 

Walking while working, even though it was slow, really helped me to stay more focused on the task at hand. It also helped to combat the fatigue I feel in the afternoon or when I’m doing something for work that’s not particularly mentally stimulating.

Also, the fitness benefits are great. Although I wouldn’t consider slow treadmill walking a substitute for my regular workouts, it really helps boost my daily step count and prevent the soreness and stiffness that come along with sitting for hours at a time. Generally, I’m able to clock roughly 800 to 1,000 steps per 10 minutes of walking — which means I can hit my daily step goal by walking at my desk for just one hour in addition to my standard daily steps.

For a great setup that allows for sitting and walking easily at an adjustable desk, I’d also like to recommend my setup – I’m pretty pleased with it. When I need to sit, I lower my adjustable desk and sit at my weight bench with a balance ball seat placed on top of it. The weight bench is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the legs provide plenty of clearance for me to leave the treadmill in place without needing to move it each time I want to sit. I’ve also seen some people use an exercise ball directly on top of the treadmill as a seat, which also allows them to leave the treadmill in place.

I can keep the treadmill in place if I want to switch to sitting on my weight bench. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable Is the LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp under-desk treadmill worth it? 

I highly recommend the TR1200-GlowUp. I have been so pleased with this treadmill, and feel confident that it will last a while thanks to its solid construction. While I totally understand purchasing a less expensive option, I think it’s worth paying a bit more for this one — especially if you’re a larger person and you can’t find another under-desk treadmill that will accommodate your weight.

Not to mention, the productivity boost from using an under-desk treadmill has been so fantastic I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to just sitting at a regular desk.

Now, the price tag is pretty steep — especially considering other under-desk treadmills are often available under $500. However, this treadmill offers a more powerful motor, a larger walking deck, a higher max speed, and a more generous weight limit than most others, so it may be worth spending more for. However, for casual desk walkers, consider a cheaper option like the WalkingPad P1 or EgoFit Walker Plus, which have both been tested and approved by Mashable writers.

LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp under-desk treadmill $1,499.00 at LifeSpan Fitness
$1,799.00 Save $300.00 Shop Now

Snag a CompTIA certifications bundle on sale for just $50 and get closer to an IT career

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Study for 15 different CompTIA certifications with this $49.99 bundle, making each course less than $4.

Opens in a new window Credit: CommerceNova Ltd The Complete 2024 CompTIA Course Super Bundle by IDUNOVA $49.99
$585.00 Save $535.01 Get Deal

Want to make more money? Of course you do. The bigger question is: Are you willing to hit the books to earn it? We don’t mean going back to college — we’re talking about IT certifications that help you start a new career or move up the ladder at your current job.

Your motivation? The possibility of a new job with higher earning potential. This bundle of CompTIA prep courses on sale for $49.99 (reg. $585) from an official CompTIA partner is a great place to start. Official study guides cost hundreds apiece, so this package that includes over a dozen is quite a deal.

15+ different career paths lie ahead

One last question: What interests you? Working in IT isn’t limited to troubleshooting computer issues but managing projects, ethical hacking, overseeing networks, and so much more.

Regardless of where you want to land, you’ll have to start with CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 certifications as a baseline. These give you foundational knowledge and qualify you to work as an IT support specialist.

From there, you could dabble in the other dozen IT training courses and explore what interests you and what doesn’t.

Take the first step toward an exciting career path in IT with this CompTIA exam prep bundle, on sale now for just $49.99 (reg. $585).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max camera test: Which takes better photos?

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

The troll in me is ready to spark up another age-old Android vs. iPhone debate. Apple has touted that the iPhone has a superior camera system compared to other rivals. However, in recent years, some Android users have claimed that the Pixel series has been catching up.

To settle the score, I decided to run a quick camera test to determine which top-of-the-line phone — the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the iPhone 15 Pro Max — takes better photos.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, released last year, boasted a new telephoto sensor that allowed the phone to zoom in on photos up to 5X via optical zoom, up from 3X on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, a new variant for the Pixel series, offers impressive, improved Super Res Zoom (30X vs. 20X digital zoom on the Pixel 8 Pro).

But the question is, how do they stack up against each other?

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max camera test

We've got two smartphone behemoths that offer photos from many perspectives, including the wide lens, telephoto sensor, ultrawide shooter, and selfie camera. Let's explore them all.

Wide lensPixel 9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro XL shot of Northport Bay in New York Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro Max shot of Northport Bay in New York Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Analysis: The details on the Pixel 9 Pro XL's photo are more sharp and pronounced. For example, the blades of the grass, the leaves on the trees, the texture of the tree trunks, and the ripples of the bay appear to be more crisp and well-defined. The iPhone 15 Pro Max's shot, on the other hand, has a softer look.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL appears to have a brighter look and it's slightly more exposed.

Finally, the colors in the Pixel 9 Pro XL's shot are slightly more vibrant while the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers a more natural look. I'm a sucker for an image with sharp, defined details, so the winner here is the Android device.

Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Wide camera specs

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 50MP, f/1.7 aperture, and 1.2µm

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 48MP, f/1.8 aperture, and 1.22µm

Ultrawide lensPixel 9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro XL shot of Manhattan Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro Max shot of Manhattan Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Analysis: The iPhone 15 Pro Max produced a significantly more detailed shot with the ultrawide shooter. It captured more details like the reflections on the glass buildings and textures on the billboards. Sharpness is well maintained throughout the image.

The iOS device also captured more vibrancy and delivered richer colors. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL lacks the definition the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s ultrawide shooter offers.

For example, if you look at the sky, the blue hues are more vivid on the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s shot. But on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, they look more muted — and even the clouds lack detail.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Ultrawide camera specs

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/1.7, 123 degrees

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.2, 120 degrees

TelephotoPixel 9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro XL shot of the Bryant Park Hotel (5X zoom) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro Max's shot of the Bryant Park Hotel (5X zoom) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Analysis: On the right of the image, you'll find water shooting out of a nearby fountain. On the iPhone 15 Pro Max's telephoto shot, the water droplets are more defined and sharper compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL's interpretation of the scene.

Looking at the tippy-top of the Bryant Park Hotel, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a warmer look, which is particularly noticeable when you look at the golden decorative finial featured on the building's pinnacle. Details like the brickwork, arches, and other ornamental features appear to be more pronounced on the Pixel 9 Pro XL compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max produced a darker, cooler image, offering a more dramatic look. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, is noticeably brighter.

This one was a tough one, but again, I have a preference for sharper images, so this one goes to the Google device.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Telephoto specs

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom

SelfiePixel 9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro XL's selfie shot Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro Max's selfie shot Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Analysis: One positive about the Pixel 9 Pro XL is that it offer a greater field of view for selfies, so you can see more of my upper body in the shot. However, my skin tone looks less warm and my reddish hair color and burgundy top look more muted.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, captured more details on my top. Plus, my complexion is more true-to-life. Even the leathery texture of my bag appears to be more prominent on the iPhone 15 Pro Max's capture.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Selfie camera specs

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 42MP, f/2.2

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/1.9

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max camera test winner

There isn't a clear winner here. As cliche as it sounds, it depends on your preference. To sum things up, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels with its wide lens shooter and telephoto sensor. The iPhone 15 Pro Max snaps better selfies and ultrawide shots.

The Google phone tends to offer brighter images, which may be appealing to those who prefer a highly illuminated look to their photos. The iPhone 15 Pro Max's shots are more balanced and true-to-life, so for consumers who have a preference for natural color accuracy, the Apple device is their best bet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Google Pixel 9 Pro XL $1,099.00 at Google
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max in Blue Titanium

Get a language-learning app for life for just $80

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Save 73% on a Promova lifetime subscription and learn up to nine new languages.

Opens in a new window Credit: promova Promova Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $79.99
$299.99 Save $220.00 Get Deal

Language classes and even language-learning apps can be pricey, but today you can get one for life for under $80.

You can use Promova to learn up to nine new languages. Plus, you only have to pay once — yes, no recurring fees — to use the app for life: $79.99 (reg. $299.99). You won’t find a better price anywhere else.

Become multilingual on the cheap

While Promova may be new to you, it’s not to hundreds of people who left positive ratings on Trustpilot. It seems learners enjoy all the different learning methods the app offers, including immersive lessons, flashcards, grammar practice, speaking sessions, gamified quizzes, and books.

You might learn best through repetition of Korean flashcards, reading books in German, or conversation practice in Spanish. Something different works for everyone, and Promova gives you the resources and time to grow and hop between different languages as you please.

Other apps usually just give you lessons and reviews, maybe some speaking practice, but don’t offer as much immersion. Promova also gives you cultural insights for more understanding of each culture, which is an excellent feature if you’re planning on traveling to Korea, Germany, or Spain and want to make sure you’re polite and respectful.

Learn a new language with a Promova lifetime subscription with our unbeatable price of $79.99 (reg. $299.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get a pocket LCD microscope for 30% off and make science portable and fun

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: See the world at 80x magnification with a Portable Handheld LCD Microscope, on sale for $69.97. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Portable Handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with 4-inch Screen $69.97
$100.00 Save $30.03 Get Deal

Discovering the tiny details of our world is pretty amazing, whether you’re a budding scientist or just curious about what things look like up close. But let’s be honest: traditional microscopes can be a pain. Squinting through a tiny eyepiece and fiddling with focus knobs isn't exactly fun, especially for kids or beginners. That’s where the Andonstar AD203 digital microscope steps in to save the day.

This nifty, portable, LCD microscope ditches the old-school eyepiece for a super clear 4-inch LCD screen, so you can see everything right in front of you (and take pictures of it) without straining your eyes, and you can get one for just $69.97 (reg. $100).

Your dog isn't the only lab you can bring outside

With 80x magnification and crisp 1080FHD resolution, this little microscope delivers a stunning level of detail without the clunky design of a traditional microscope. The 2,000mAh battery means you won't run out of juice mid-exploration, and the adjustable LED lights make sure you always have ideal lighting.

The AD203 also lets you snap pictures and record videos of your discoveries, storing them on a microSD card for easy access. And if you want to dig deeper into your findings, just hook it up to your computer via USB; it works with both PCs and Macs. Whether you’re collecting coins, checking out your soldering work, or just satisfying your curiosity, this microscope has got you covered. And don’t worry, it comes with everything you need to get started, including a wrist strap, carrying bag, power cable, and a 32GB SD card.

Stop and appreciate the (very) little things

Make science fun and easy.  Get a Portable Pocket Microscope on sale for $69.97 (reg. $100). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Never lose your wallet again — get a tracker on sale for just $30

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Find your wallet every time with the KeySmart SmartCard, a credit-card sized tracker on sale for $29.97. 

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard $34.95
$39.99 Save $5.04 Works with Apple Find My Get Deal

Your wallet's gone, and no, it's not stuck between the couch cushions. Not in your other pants, either. All you can do is look, but that wouldn't be your only option if you had a tracker.

The KeySmart SmartCard may look like some James Bond-level spy tech, but it works a lot like an AirTag you can slip into your wallet or purse and track whenever they get lost. How much frustration does it cause when you have to systematically replace every card that was in your lost wallet? Is it worth $29.97 to never feel that way again? Because that's how much one of these costs. 

Get a KeySmart SmartCard on sale for just $34.95 (reg. $39.99). 

Your wallet is never lost; it's just pre-found

The KeySmart SmartCard pairs seamlessly with the Apple Find My app, changing the way you keep tabs on your belongings. Let’s say you’re out running errands and suddenly realize your wallet is missing. Panic mode, right? Nah. With a quick tap on your iPhone or other Apple device, you can instantly see where your SmartCard is. Get a notification if you leave it behind, and if it’s really lost, activate Lost Mode to display your contact info to anyone who finds it, making it that much easier to get your stuff back.

But there’s more to this card than just smart tracking. It’s also designed to be sleek and practical. At under 2mm thick, it slides into your wallet without adding any bulk. Wireless charging? Check. Just drop it on any Qi-enabled charger, and you’re good to go. With a battery life that lasts up to five months, you won’t be constantly worrying about recharging. And don’t stress about water damage; this card is IPX8 waterproof, so whether it gets caught in the rain or takes a quick dip in a puddle, it’s built to keep working. 

Plus, it comes with a handy lanyard slot, perfect for attaching to an ID card, security badge, or anything else you can’t afford to lose. Whether you’re at work, out on an adventure, or just managing your daily grind, the KeySmart SmartCard keeps your essentials within reach and keeps you stress-free. 

Turn your lost into found. Get the KeySmart SmartCard on sale for $34.95 (reg. $39.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

How to watch Popyrin vs. Djokovic in the 2024 US Open online for free

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Popyrin vs. Djokovic in the 2024 US Open for free on 9Now or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After an impressive win at the Olympics, Novak Djokovic will be laser-focused on winning the US Open. He hasn't won a Grand Slam this year, which is an unfamiliar feeling for the Serbian superstar. But he has made a strong start to this tournament, and Popyrin will have his work cut out for him if he wants to stop the Olympic gold medalist.

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

How to watch Popyrin vs. Djokovic in the 2024 US Open for free

Fans can live stream the 2024 US Open for free on these platforms:

These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone from around the world can access these sites with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock 9Now and TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open 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 Australia or New Zealand

  4. Visit 9Now or TVNZ+

  5. Watch Popyrin vs. Djokovic in the 2024 US Open 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 deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these offers to access free live streams of Popyrin vs. Djokovic without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every US Open match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the US Open for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia and New Zealand

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Popyrin vs. Djokovic in the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

'Pachinko' showrunner Soo Hugh on how Season 2 gives Isak the farewell he deserves

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

The second episode of Pachinko Season 2, titled "Chapter Ten," is undoubtedly one of the most moving hours of TV you'll see all year.

Co-written by Pachinko showrunner Soo Hugh, Christina Yoon, and Melissa Park, "Chapter Ten" marks the return of Sunja's (Minha Kim) husband Isak (Steve Sanghyun Noh), who's been in jail since the end of Season 1. Now deathly ill, Isak only has a few hours left to say goodbye to Sunja and his sons Noa (Kang Hoon Kim) and Mozasu (Eunseong Kwon). During that time, he shares some parting wisdom with his family about moving on and forgiving those who have wronged them. In Pachinko's 1989 timeline, Sunja and Isak's grandson Solomon (Jin Ha) is willing to do neither of those things. As he works to destroy the businessmen who ended his career, he visits the Korean land owner (Hye Jin Park) he sought to do business with in Season 1, where he finds some unexpected leverage for his fight moving forward.

SEE ALSO: 'Pachinko' Season 2 review: Decades-spanning family drama makes a triumphant return

To dive deeper into this extraordinary episode, Mashable spoke with Soo Hugh about crafting the perfect goodbye for Isak, how reactions to his death speak to Solomon's current storyline, and the key parallel to Season 1 that proves how far Sunja and Isak have come.

The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Steve Sanghyun Noh and Eunseong Kwon in "Pachinko." Credit: AppleTV+

Mashable: This episode is full of individual moments between Isak and his family as they're all saying goodbye in different ways. It feels like he's teaching them how to go on without him. Which of these conversations resonated most with you?

Soo Hugh, showrunner, writer, and executive producer of Pachinko: My favorite was the scene where Isak is sitting with Noa and Mozasu and he says, "I am your father, and you are my sons." I would just cry every time I heard that, because it's obvious he's speaking on a double level. He know he's not Noa's father, and he has no idea if his son will ever discover the truth, but he's telling Noa in that moment, "I am your father. No matter what you hear or what you learn, I will always be your father."

We get another interesting scene involving Noa and Isak, when Isak reveals it was Pastor Hu who turned him in. What does that revelation mean to Noa in that moment?

Can you imagine, if you're that boy and you find out that the person you looked to as a father figure while your father was gone was the person who put your father away, how devastating that must be?

You'll start to see the beginnings of a new Noa. - Soo Hugh

After that, you'll start to see the beginnings of a new Noa, the Noa that's going to start realizing that he will succeed at all costs. Before episode 2, he said he wanted to stay and be a pastor. But after Isak's death, he makes the decision that, "No, I'm going to go to Waseda. I'm going to succeed." That starts to set up Solomon's arc, too. There's a lot of mirroring between Solomon and Noa that we intentionally did. You see the same cycles working themselves in these generations.

SEE ALSO: 'Pachinko' showrunner Soo Hugh on Season 2, and what's next for Sunja and Hansu

Tell me about Solomon's storyline this episode, where he returns to the Korean landowner's house and learns about the bones under her land, and how it speaks to Isak's death.

One of the things that we talk about on Pachinko, and Sunja says it later on, is that you can't ever forget the past. The past is always living with them. In the present day, when Solomon hears about the bones under the landowner's property, those bones are from the period that we're watching in the past storylines. So you feel like history itself is the bones of our show.

The stories of what happened amongst our mothers and grandmothers and grandfathers are the bones that we're excavating in this show. - Soo Hugh

We have a saying in our show: The stories of what happened amongst our mothers and grandmothers and grandfathers are the bones that we're excavating in this show.

Hye Jin Park and Jin Ha in "Pachinko." Credit: Apple TV+

Speaking of the buried bones, this episode feels like it takes inspiration from some horror elements. I'm thinking about the flashes of the bicycle courier at the very start of the episode.

I love that you picked up on that. We always said that from the opening shot of this episode with the boys playing war, that this should play like a horror film, and we're watching the boogeyman come back. In some ways, Isak's the boogeyman when he first bursts in, but then we subvert that.

SEE ALSO: 'Pachinko' Season 2 trailer teases more sweeping family drama — with the help of BLACKPINK's Rosé

The stories in both timelines in this episode take place over a day and a night, so they feel really contained. What does a time constraint like that offer this episode in particular?

To me, it really makes it feel so intimate, right? In Pachinko, we span so much time and so many different time periods, and we make time jumps. But to be able to say, for this one episode, we're going to use a microscope and really get down into it, it just felt like such a pleasure to be able to change rhythms. But also in an episode that has such a profound, emotional scene like Isak's death, I can't imagine shortchanging that and not giving it its time.

That final scene between Sunja and Isak is clearly a defining moment for the show. As you and your co-writers Christina Yoon and Melissa Park approached this episode, what were some of the big challenges you anticipated facing?

That scene is deceptively hard. We know it's going to be a sad scene, right? The question is, "How sad do you want it to be? And when do you want it to be sad?" Because if you start off so heavy in that final goodbye scene, where does the scene go? It was a challenge to write, and then it was a challenge for us to edit in the edit room, because our initial instinct was, "Come on, let's milk it. Let's make this as sad as possible." And it just didn't feel quite right when you did it that way. It didn't feel like our show, so we actually pulled back. If you look, there's actually very few tears that are shed.

Composition-wise, those last moments between Sunja and Isak mirror a key scene from Season 1, episode 5, when they're first intimate with each other. Why did you choose to echo that scene in particular?

We knew this scene had to mirror the first time Sunja and Isak made love. It establishes a cycle, right? Our beginning is our ending, which is bringing everything back into closing the loop here.

You realize just how much that love has really, really grown between them over the years. - Soo Hugh

I love that moment in Season 1, when it's the first time they really connect. They're married, and they're strangers. They don't know one another. You just see the terror as they're looking into each other's eyes, and then you see the love, the first glimpse of love start to bloom between them. Then when you cut to this scene in Season 2 with the cameras in the same place and at the same angles, you realize just how much that love has really, really grown between them over the years.

Pachinko Season 2 is now streaming, with a new episode every Friday.

How to watch New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm online

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues into the home stretch. At this point, all eyes are on the playoffs as Seattle Storm host New York Liberty.

New York sit atop the Eastern Conference and have already punched their ticket to the playoffs. Seattle, however, are playing well in the Western Conference but haven't quite confirmed a postseason spot. A win against New York, the best performing team in the whole league, could clinch it. All of which means it's a game not to miss.

The good news is, we have all information you need to watch New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA for free and from anywhere around the world.

When is New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm?

New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Aug. 31. This fixture takes place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

How to watch New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm

Basketball fans can watch New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

Remember that WNBA League Pass doesn't show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But you can get around this by using a VPN. VPNs are useful online tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you to secure servers in other locations, allowing you to watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon 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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 currently on sale for $99.95 but for a limited time only. This deal — which gives you 49% off — includes an extra three months for free plus a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces online

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 WNBA season has been so much fun, and there's still a lot to enjoy before the playoffs begin. The next fixture sees Atlanta Dream and Las Vegas Aces go head-to-head in an exciting matchup.

If you want to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces?

Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces

Basketball fans can watch the 2024 WNBA season by using a WNBA League Pass.

But you can't use this alone, as the WNBA League Pass might not allow you to watch locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. However, with the use of a VPN, you'll be able to get around this. VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location), so you can connect to secure servers in other locations and watch WNBA League Pass games live from anywhere in the world. This excludes games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces plus other WNBA games live (except games hosted by Amazon 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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings online

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The regular WNBA 2024 season is coming to an end and the playoffs are set to get underway in September. There are still qualifying spaces up for grabs, and Dallas Wings are hoping to work their way up the standings. After recent successful games, Minnesota Lynx clinched their playoff spot, and will now look to finish off the season strong.

If you want to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings?

Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings

Basketball fans can watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings from anywhere in the world with the use of a WNBA League Pass.

The WNBA League Pass might not allow you to watch locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas, but you can get around this by using a VPN. VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location), so you can connect to secure servers in other locations and watch WNBA League Pass games live from anywhere in the world.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings plus other WNBA games live (except games hosted by Amazon 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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky online for free

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA 2024 season is nearing its end as the playoffs are set to kick off next month. There are still a few matches to go, however, and next on the court, it's Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky. Both teams have yet to qualify as we come into the final weeks of the regular season, so it's not a game you'll want to miss.

If you want to watch Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky?

Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky

Basketball fans can watch the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with the WNBA League Pass.

However, WNBA League Pass might not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But you can get around this by using a VPN. VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location). With this, you'll be able to connect to secure servers in other locations and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky plus other WNBA games live (except games hosted by Amazon 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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for accessing blocked porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Pornhub has been blocking access to a lot of users in 2024, which is frustrating for anyone looking to access their favorite site for some important alone time. Fortunately, users don't need to put up with these online restrictions because there is a quick and easy hack for securing access to sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

If you want to unblock sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following this quick and easy process:

  1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

  4. Visit Pornhub

  5. Watch Pornhub videos 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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to your favourite sites.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to sex 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.

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix online for free

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The nine races left in the 2024 MotoGP season, the battle for top spot is seriously intense. Only five points separate Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, meaning every remaining race is going to be electric. And you can watch how things unfold without spending anything.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix?

The MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix takes place at the Ciudad del Motor de Aragón. The 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix race starts at 8 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. BST on Sept. 1.

How to watch the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix for free

Every MotoGP 2024 race is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

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

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

  4. Connect to ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming 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 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the 2024 Italian Grand Prix online for free

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Italian Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After what felt like years of underwhelming racing, F1 has exploded. Max Verstappen is no longer dominating and a number of teams are in contention for the race win every weekend. The fans are the real winners here, because entertaining racing is back on screens around the world.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 Italian Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 Italian Grand Prix?

The 2024 Italian Grand Prix takes place over 53 laps of the 5,793-kilometre Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The full schedule can be found here:

  • Practice 1 — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 30

  • Practice 1 — 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET on Aug. 30

  • Practice 1 — 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 31

  • Qualifying — 10 to 11 a.m. ET on Aug. 31

  • Race 9 a.m. ET on Sep. 1

It's possible to stream the 2024 Italian Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2024 Italian Grand Prix for free

You can find free live streams of F1 on these platforms:

ORF, ServusTV, and RTBF are geo-restricted, but anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 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 Austria or Belgium

  4. Connect to ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF

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Slingshot review: Casey Affleck's sci-fi comeback fumbles

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 05:00

Casey Affleck leads a small but impressive cast who end up terribly short-changed.

A psychological thriller with few thrills and a weak grasp of psychology, Mikael Håfström's Slingshot sees three capable actors monologuing in space about nothing in particular. The sci-fi drama has logical start and end points, but meanders aimlessly along the way, desperately searching for anything resembling plot or thematic meaning.

Credit: Bleecker Street

As a trio of astronauts embarks on an interplanetary mission, they find themselves gripped by paranoia — at least in theory — and are unable to trust each other, or their own faculties. The problem, however, is that little-to-none of this conflict is rooted in discernible human drama.

The appearance of drama certainly exists, both aboard the space vessel and in numerous flashbacks. However, Slingshot's images feel entirely disconnected from one another, since the film is less concerned with emotional impact, and more focused on indiscriminately tossing out twists and turns. By the end, the film is unable to sustain the weight of its attempted surprises, yielding a head-scratching experience. 

What is Slingshot about?

Aboard the confines of a pristine spaceship, the Apple Store-like Odyssey One, astronaut John (Casey Affleck) wakes up from his fourth 90-day nap, a drug-induced hibernation that saves on energy and keeps the mission participants young. He's been gone from Earth for more than a year, and for the few days he's spent awake tinkering and taking measurements, his only company has been his comrade Nash (Tomer Capone) and their leader, Captain Franks (Laurence Fishburne). The trio only spends a day or two walking around at any given time, but these precious moments of consciousness are spent in a groggy haze, at least at first. 

Their mission, in the short run, is to fly past Jupiter and use the planet's gravity to slingshot their way to Titan, one of Saturn's moons. They hope to scout the surface and eventually establish a human colony there, but despite the movie laying out these broad strokes, it never really features a sense of a wider objective or wider danger, be it images of a ravaged world left behind or any other existential threats. It's Interstellar without the blight or the sense of cosmic mystery, but it does feature a red-headed woman back home, who our protagonist constantly thinks of.  

Credit: Bleecker Street

Emily Beecham plays John's lover, Zoe, a design technician whose work on the space project remains unspecified, but who we meet through the familiar, mawkish framing of a fleeting memory of her under a bedsheet, staring lovingly at John. There's nothing inherently wrong with doing what dozens of movies have done before — "If it ain't broke," and all that — but Zoe seldom exists as a real, complete person outside of her adoration for the protagonist, despite appearing in numerous flashbacks.

What is it that actually threatens the Titan mission? Well, that's not exactly clear. The camera whirls around the ship's halls a few times, as if to embody some invisible creature threatening our characters, but those are the only indications of any noticeable aesthetic flourish — one that isn't just aping 2001: A Space Odyssey, that is. (For instance, the scene in Kubrick’s film in which two astronauts speak in secret to avoid a super-computer’s prying ears is re-created here, but without the certainty that anyone else is listening.) This thread of some kind of lurking presence aboard the ship unfortunately doesn't last, so it doesn't really come to represent anything for the characters as they lumber through the movie’s plot (or lack thereof), making observations and relaying those observations back to one another.

John finds parts of the ship damaged, possibly due to external impact, which theoretically endangers their upcoming gravitational slingshot, but the captain disagrees. John sees (or imagines) things going wrong all around him, but the crew can find no evidence of something overtly wrong. This disconnect is a central wedge aimed at creating tension and mystery, but it thrusts the film into a strange narrative limbo where it's hard to know if there are any stakes at all.

Slingshot's stellar performances can't save the movie.

Upon emerging from his drug-induced sleep, John gradually loses his grip on reality, seeing people on the ship who clearly aren't there. Zoe is among these hallucinations, though curiously, her phantom appearance is rarely used as fuel for the movie’s flashbacks. When the trio loses communication with Earth, their sense of uncertainty turns toward one another. John suggests there may be a problem with the vessel; Nash is more certain of this, albeit without any evidence; and Captain Franks dismisses their concerns. This leads to the closest thing the movie has to an interesting theme: a dynamic between the three characters that forces John to mediate between two extremes. 

As John, Affleck harbors a weary exhaustion in every scene, selling the fact that he can't be trusted to make rational decisions, since he has trouble remembering basic details about his life on Earth. His first time trying to recall these details is the only time the movie’s many flashbacks feel motivated. The rest appear at random, presenting a patchwork story of a man driven to pilot a space mission (for unspecified reasons) at the cost of his relationship. 

Amid his delirium, John is shouldered with the burden of being the most calm, logical, and centered character, while his coworkers gradually drift toward opposing extremes. Affleck does his level best to connect the dots between these past and present narratives, putting on a stern front in either case and gradually letting cracks appear in his stoic armor. But the film is fatally flawed: Its structure seldom allows for any causality between these timelines — any ripple effects or regrets, even though John's decision to join the three-man crew is a sticking point for his relationship with Zoe. Their fate as a couple seems to become clearer as the film goes on, though it’s eventually muddied in service of unearned surprises that, at the end of the day, do little more than obscure its actors’ stellar dramatic work. What they draw on emotionally seems to shift at a moment’s notice, making it hard to latch on to the leading trio. 

Credit: Bleecker Street

Capone, like Affleck, captures his character's unraveling with aplomb, as Nash steps further toward madness and away from reality. He threatens to turn the film truly intense, though his ravings about what might go wrong are short-lived. The film keeps brushing past any sense of immediate danger the moment it arises, and in the process, doesn't allow Capone to access the full extent of Nash's unhinged trajectory, despite the actor hinting toward a mental snap of some kind.

Captain Franks, on the other hand, has a much icier demeanor, and Fishburne is granted the movie's most complete (and really, only) marriage between story and performance. As John and Nash lose their grip on reality and question their own eyes, Franks is much more certain of what he sees, which makes him all the more terrifying. With dialogue that borders on Shakespearean, Fishburne taps into a sense of misguided human ambition, and gestures toward a thematic layer to the movie that, while ever-present, goes mostly unexplored.

No, really, what is Slingshot actually about?

The three men aboard the ship take wildly different approaches to the scenario at hand, and in the process, they come to represent the three prongs of human personality through a Freudian lens. Nash, with his erratic moments and instinct-driven concerns, embodies the id. Captain Franks, who places constraints on his comrades and claims a rational high ground, is the superego. And John, who's forced to mediate between them and make moral compromises, is the ego in this scenario.

The problem, however, is that despite the movie employing this particular framework (one it harps on quite overtly by the end), it doesn't use it to explore the fraught dynamics between the characters in any meaningful way. What they each represent feels set in stone, with little sense of dilemma or evolution. How they behave in any moment is dictated by their respective "types" rather than by the unfolding plot, or even by one another's words or actions. One could, in theory, map out exactly what each of them might do in practically any scenario, which robs the movie of tension at every turn.

Credit: Bleecker Street

To make matters worse, there aren't even enough interesting scenarios that arise during the film, which might in theory pose dramatic challenges. As Slingshot goes on, any sense of psychological or dramatic framing is superseded by an insistence on surprise at any cost, though these attempted zigzags are mostly delivered in the form of dialogue, rather than anything visual (and thus, emotionally lasting). The film takes full advantage of the characters' unreliable perspectives, perhaps to a baffling degree. Each moment of realization, each discovery that things may not be exactly as they seem, is followed by another, and another, and yet another, with no room for any revelations to breathe or sink in, let alone alter the characters' sense of self.

Beyond a point, shifting reality becomes Slingshot's status quo, even though it largely presents these shifts in the form of dialogue. Characters simply explain to each other what may or may not be their version of the truth, until every other line hints at some new twist or surprise with no impact whatsoever, eliciting no more than a shrug.

With little by way of character psychology to latch onto, and even less by way of actual stakes, the movie's thrills and science-fiction elements are practically null, rendering Slingshot an entirely meaningless sci-fi thriller. Its basic premise would be hard to explain to a friend, because it doesn't even feel like it has one.

Slingshot opens exclusively in theaters Aug. 30.

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