Mashable

Subscribe to Mashable feed
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.
Updated: 1 hour 51 min ago

Yes, another Prime Day is coming. Here are the early deals to shop now.

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 01:06

UPDATE: Sep. 16, 2024, 1:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest information about Prime Big Deal Days 2024, which has officially been announced for October.

We can hardly believe it too: another Prime Day is coming. Just as we've seen the past few years, Amazon is bringing back Prime Big Deal Days, its October sale event that's essentially another Prime Day. This comes just three months after July's Prime Day, which brought some decent deals, but admittedly, didn't blow us away.

That being said, we're looking ahead to what a new event brings. Amazon just announced that Prime Big Deal Days will run from Oct. 8 through Oct. 9 this year, and we're keeping our eyes peeled in the meantime for the best deals ahead of the event. Because even when there isn't a big sale event, there are always live deals ready.

Best Early Prime Day deals Best Apple Deal Apple iPad, 9th generation, 10.2-inch (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (Save $130) Get Deal Best Amazon Echo Deal Amazon Echo Show 8 $104.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best headphone deal Beats Fit Pro $104.99 at Amazon (Save $40.95) Get Deal Best TV and streaming deal Amazon Fire Stick TV 4K $29.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum $679.99 at Amazon (Save $120) Get Deal When is Amazon Prime day?

Back in August, Amazon announced that Prime Big Deal Days would be in October, and the mega-retailer just confirmed our suspicions that October Prime Day will fall on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 in 2024. The event will run for a full 48 hours, and we're already seeing early deals popping up.

What kind of deals can you find this year?

If you're familiar with Prime Day, you know what to expect. Two days of glorious deals on almost every product imaginable including headphones, tablets, laptops, robot vacuums, and the list goes on and on. While these sale events sometimes have a lot of junk brands from third parties to avoid, there are also plenty of products from our favorite retailers including Apple, Beats, Eufy, and more.

Best Apple Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation, 10.2-inch (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The iPad 9th generation has dropped down to the spectacular price of $199, the cheapest price we've ever seen on this iPad and any iPad ever really. So while it isn't the latest generation, it is the most affordable.

This tablet comes with the A13 chip, a powerful processor that lets you stream, browse the internet, and even game. Normally $329, the sweet price of $199 saves you $130 for 40% off. The price has been hanging around for a few weeks now, but there's no guarantee it will last until Prime Big Deals Day.

Best Amazon Echo Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 $104.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Show 8 works as a smart home hub that's more than just a speaker. With a four-inch by eight-inch screen, it displays music, recipes, and even video calls with its built-in camera. Plus, if you want to stream your favorite Prime Video content while cooking, the Echo Show can do that too on its HD display.

Now down to $104.99, you can find the Amazon Echo Show 8 for 30% off. That saves you $45 before Prime Day's dates are officially announced.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $159.00 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $40.95 Get Deal Why we like it

There are plenty of great headphones out there, and we've tested a lot of them. But when you're looking for something specific, like a set of headphones for working out, you've got to look to the particulars. The Beats Fit Pro are fantastic for working out, with easy touch controls to pause music or end calls. Plus a secure fit will keep them in your ears from start to finish of your workout.

These are fantastic earbuds, Mashable's Alex Perry even said they're better than AirPods. And now you can find them for $159, cheaper than the AirPods Pro with all the same features. That saves you $40.95 for 20% off.

Best TV and streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick TV 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Is the Amazon Fire Stick 4K the best streamer we've ever tested? No, Roku takes the cake there. However, it still works perfectly fine, and not to mention, it's hard to turn away from its delightful $30 price tag ahead of Prime Day. Having tested the Amazon Fire Stick TV, set-up is easy, as simple as plugging it into an HDMI port in the back of your TV.

While the home screen is a little clunky and slow, full of ads and promotion for Prime Video content, it is a dream for those who primarily stream on the site. Now it's down to $29.99, saving you $20 and 40% off.

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum $679.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Back in July, Mashable's Leah Stodart wrote about her favorite Prime Day deal on the Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum. While Roombas usually get the most love when it comes to robot vacuums, the Eufy is a powerful competitor especially the X10 Pro Omni, which works as a dual vacuum and mop.

Stodart notes that unlike the iRobot Roomba j9+, the X10 Pro Omni self-washes and dries its mopping pads, ensuring your floors are getting thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Ahead of Prime Day, it's down to $679.99, saving you $120 for 15% off.

Amazon announces the dates of its October Prime Day sale

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 01:03

Amazon's "October Prime Day" event is right around the corner.

Prime Big Deal Days will run for 48 hours from Tuesday, Oct. 8 through Wednesday, Oct. 9, the company announced today. (We were right.) The event will be exclusive to members of Amazon's Prime subscription service, just like its flagship summer Prime Day sale.

This marks the third time Amazon has held a fall Prime event that serves as the extra-early kickoff to its holiday shopping season ahead of Black Friday — and it appears its name is finally sticking. It was called the Prime Early Access Sale in 2022 and renamed to Prime Big Deal Days last year.

Other retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are expected to announce competing sales that coincide with Prime Big Deal Days in the coming weeks.

Not yet a Prime member? Don't want to commit to a paid subscription? You can still take advantage of Prime Big Deal Days discounts by signing up for a free 30-day trial of Prime. Just remember to cancel it before the trial automatically upgrades to a paid membership at the end of that month.

This story is developing.

When does Prime Big Deal Days start? October Prime Day officially has dates.

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 01:02

If you're already antsy about your Black Friday haul this year, just know that you'll likely be able to snag a bunch of your Amazon stuff early. Yup, October Prime Day is back for another round.

The event, officially coined as Prime Big Deal Days, is Amazon's Prime-exclusive fall sale event that falls right in the sweet spot between actual Prime Day in July and Amazon's Black Friday event (which will kick off with no time to breathe after Big Deal Days, no doubt).

SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?

But with Amazon offering decent deals every day of the week year-round anyway, it's easy to get your wires crossed when it comes to the legit kickoff. We've got you covered with the full schedule, plus any other details you might need to know.

What time does Prime Big Deal Days 2024 start?

Considering the fall event is commonly referred to as "October Prime Day" (maybe even more so than its actual name), you've probably gathered that it's in October. Amazon announced official dates on Monday, Sept. 16: Prime Big Deal Days 2024 will start on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and run through Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The deals run for two full days with new deals dropping as often as every five minutes throughout the event. While most deals that go live on the first day typically hang around through the second, some are time sensitive, like lightning deals that have been fully claimed or a viral item that has sold out.

When does Amazon Prime Day 2024 end?

The 48-hour Prime Big Deal Days shopping period officially closes at 3:01 a.m. ET (12:01 a.m. PT) on Oct. 9, but many deals tend to linger for days (weeks, even) after. But again, if you're in the market for a very specific hot ticket item, we recommend grabbing it as soon as you see it on sale.

What are the best Prime Day deals?

Seriously, what even goes on sale for Prime Day? Everything?

Like the OG Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days is a great time to buy things like Apple products, robot vacuums, TVs, Ninja kitchen gadgets, headphones, and of course, Amazon's own devices like Echos and Fire tablets. But the mere presence of the discounts doesn't mean you should buy something you don't need just because it's on sale — it also doesn't mean every deal is worth it. Need help deciphering what deals are actually worth grabbing? Check out our guide on what to buy and what not to buy on Prime Day. Better yet, follow along with our live coverage of the best deals in every category to know what's worth adding to your cart in real time

Deals we've already seen ahead of Prime Big Deal Days BEST EARLY MACBOOK DEAL Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal BEST EARLY HEADPHONES DEAL Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $177 at Amazon (save $102) Get Deal BEST EARLY ECHO DEAL Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) $104.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal BEST EARLY ROBOT VACUUM DEAL iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST EARLY TV DEAL TCL 55-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV $319.99 at Amazon (save $280) Get Deal BEST EARLY KITCHEN DEAL Ninja Thirsti Sparkling Drink and Soda Maker $119.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal

We'll be tracking all of the best deals throughout the 48-hour event and beyond, so be sure to check out all of Mashable's shopping guides for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

Create custom forms for life while Formly is on sale for £75

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Grab a lifetime Formly Online Form Builder Gold Plan on sale for £74.91 and simplify your form creation process.

Opens in a new window Credit: Formly Formly Online Form Builder Gold Plan: Lifetime Subscription £74.91 at the Mashable Shop
£789.93 Save £715.02 Get Deal

One thing most of us can agree on is that paperwork is a major pain. But whether you’re running a small business, managing events, or just trying to keep your projects organised, creating forms is a necessary evil. That’s where Formly comes in, turning what could be a tedious task into something you can do with ease.

The Formly Online Form Builder Gold Plan offers you a lifetime subscription to stress-free form creation for £74.91, giving you the tools you need to design, share, and collect data without the headaches.

Formly makes creating custom forms a breeze. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it — just drag and drop your way to the perfect form. Whether it’s for customer feedback, event RSVPs, or surveys, you can whip up something that looks polished and professional in minutes. And because you’re getting lifetime access, you never have to worry about recurring fees or losing access to your forms.

But it’s not just about making forms. With Formly, you can easily share them with your audience and collect data seamlessly. The platform allows you to embed forms on your website, share them via email, or distribute them through social media. Plus, all responses are neatly organised, so you can analyse your data without sifting through piles of paperwork.

Formly’s Gold Plan even includes advanced features like conditional logic, custom branding, and secure data encryption, so your forms are not only easy to use, but also powerful and secure. And with lifetime access, you’re set for all your future projects.

Get lifetime access to the Formly Gold Plan on sale for £74.91 (reg. £789.93) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

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

The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm. Both teams have secured their postseason spot, so this match will be about improving their standings before the regular season comes to an end.

To watch the Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm?

Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm

You can watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

To get past this, you'll need to use a VPN. This is a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can 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 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 Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

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

The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream. Neither team has qualified for the postseason thus far, and there's only a handful of games left in the regular season.

To watch the Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream?

Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream

You can watch this latest fixture with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

You can bypass these restrictions with just a few easy steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can 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 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 Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics online

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

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

The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the New York Liberty and the Washington Mystics. Both teams have secured postseason spots, and will be looking to improve their positioning in the remaining matches.

To watch the New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics?

New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC.

How to watch New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics

You can watch New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

However, you can get around this with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can 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 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 New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun online

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

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

The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun. Both teams have secured postseason spots, and will be looking to improve their positioning in the remaining matches.

To watch the Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun?

Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun

You can watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

However, you can get around this with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can 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 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. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Real Madrid secured another Champions League title last season, making them the team everyone will want to beat this year. Stuttgart are first up for the defending champions. The German team won't go down without a fight, but any team featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham is always going to be favorites.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart?

Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart for free

Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons. Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, 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 Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart on Tabii 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 Turkey

  4. Sign in to Tabii

  5. Watch Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

  • 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 Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first round of Champions League fixtures has thrown together some really intriguing matchups, including Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb. Sure, Bayern Munich will be the heavy favorites in this clash. But Dinamo Zagreb will firmly believe that they have a chance of taking something off Vincent Kompany's team.

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

When is Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb?

Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb for free

Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons. Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, 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 Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb on Tabii 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 Turkey

  4. Sign in to Tabii

  5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

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

How to watch Young Boys vs. Aston Villa online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Young Boys vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This is a big moment for Aston Villa. Qualifying for the Champions League was a major achievement, but now the real test starts.

There are no easy wins in the Champions League, and Aston Villa will be well aware that Young Boys dumped Galatasaray out of the competition in the playoffs. Aston Villa might be favorites in this matchup, but they'll need to perform to secure three valuable points.

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

When is Young Boys vs. Aston Villa?

Young Boys vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Wankdorf Stadium.

How to watch Young Boys vs. Aston Villa for free

Young Boys vs. Aston Villa is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons. Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, 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 Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Young Boys vs. Aston Villa on Tabii 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 Turkey

  4. Sign in to Tabii

  5. Watch Young Boys vs. Aston Villa 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 Young Boys vs. Aston Villa (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

  • 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 Young Boys vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Juventus vs. PSV online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Juventus vs. PSV in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with a brand new format that promises more big games between the best sides, including the first match between Juventus and PSV. The Italians will be favorites to win at home, but don't count out PSV. They've started this season really strongly and will fancy their chances against a Juventus side that's still in transition.

If you want to watch Juventus vs. PSV in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Juventus vs. PSV?

Juventus vs. PSV in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Stadium.

How to watch Juventus vs. PSV for free

Juventus vs. PSV is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, 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 Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Juventus vs. PSV on Tabii 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 Turkey

  4. Sign in to Tabii

  5. Watch Juventus vs. PSV for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Juventus vs. PSV in the Champions League without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream a number of Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons, so a subscription might be something to seriously consider.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

  • 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 Juventus vs. PSV in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch AC Milan vs. Liverpool online for free

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch AC Milan vs. Liverpool 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 has an exciting new format that promises to deliver more matches between the biggest and best sides in Europe, and that starts with AC Milan vs. Liverpool. These two sides have a famous history in this competition, and this opening round fixture stands out as one to keep a close eye on.

If you want to watch AC Milan vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is AC Milan vs. Liverpool?

AC Milan vs. Liverpool in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the San Siro.

How to watch AC Milan vs. Liverpool for free

AC Milan vs. Liverpool 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 AC Milan vs. Liverpool (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video.

Fans from outside the UK will 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 AC Milan vs. Liverpool 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 AC Milan vs. Liverpool 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 AC Milan vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 17

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 22:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 16's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 17 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Shorthand for someone really attractive.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BEAUT.

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

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

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

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

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

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 17

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 21:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 17's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 17 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: What cheerleaders do for crowds

  • Green: Shoe types

  • Blue: Positions in parliament

  • Purple: Sounds like a name

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

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

  • Yellow: Get Excited, With "Up"

  • Green: Kinds of Shoes

  • Blue: Legislative Roles

  • Purple: Name Homophones

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 #464 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Get Excited, With "Up": AMP, FIRE, HYPE, PSYCH

  • Kinds of Shoes: FLAT, MULE, PUMP, SLIDE

  • Legislative Rolesk: CHAIR, LEADER, SPEAKER, WHIP

  • Name Homophones: DUG, MATTE, MIC, PEAT

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.

23andMe breach victims to benefit from multi-million dollar settlement

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 17:41

Biotechnology company 23andMe has agreed to pay a $30 million settlement over a massive data breach that affected 6.9 million users.

Per Reuters, the genetic testing company filed a court document on Thursday detailing the settlement in a class action lawsuit in the Northern District of California. In the document, 23andMe proposed compensation for victims of the data breach.

SEE ALSO: 23andMe confirms how many people were affected by its data breach. It's not great news. What is the 23andMe settlement about?

In October 2023, 23andMe announced a data breach in which hackers had stolen users' personal records and genetic information. But it wasn't until December that year that the company revealed the extent of the damage. Around 14,000 users had their information stolen, but hackers leveraged 23andMe's relative-finder tool to access even more users, amounting to the 6.9 million affected.

The class-action lawsuit filed in San Francisco also alleged that 23andMe failed to properly notify users with Chinese and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage who were reportedly singled out for their information on the dark web.

So 23andMe is paying up, but that doesn't mean victims of the breach will get an even distribution of the $30 million. According to the court document, only $5 million is allocated towards compensating the users. Breaking this down further, users who filed for an "extraordinary claim," meaning they suffered financial fraud, are eligible for a $10,000 payout. Others, however, are only entitled to $100. The bulk of the settlement will be used to pay attorney fees.

Through the settlement, 23andMe will be required to boost its cybersecurity measures and provide a customized "Privacy & Medical Shield + Genetic Monitoring" to affected users in order to protect them from future fraud and identify theft issues. Once the settlement proposal is approved by the court, 23andMe will set up a dedicated class-action settlement website where users can file their individual claims.

So if you were one of millions of users affected, stay tuned for more information on how to get your (probably small) piece of the settlement.

'We Live in Time' review: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in the biggest cinema disappointment of the year

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 16:33

On paper, We Live in Time seems thoughtfully formulated to be the perfect tearjerker for today. John Crowley, the celebrated helmer of the stunning Saoirse Ronan romance Brooklyn, teams with heralded actors/internet darlings Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in a weepy romance of wooing and tragic loss. And yet, while peppered with sex scenes and adoring close-ups, this is not a hot or even sweaty embrace of lust and love, but a soggy handshake of a film that underwhelms despite its star power.  

It’s shocking how We Live in Time had the pieces that should’ve been the stuff of Oscar acclaim and audience adoration. But despite bringing together two of the hottest young actors currently working, Crowley’s movie is astonishingly middling, set apart from forgettable fare only by a time-skipping device that feels inexplicable at best and frustrating at worst. 

We Live in Time's plotting gimmick does not work. 

We Live in Time begins with a couple already so well established that they have a cozy morning routine. Ambitious chef Almut (Pugh) goes on a long picturesque run through a lovely forest, foraging ingredients along the way to use in her next culinary experiment. She returns home to a gorgeous cottage and gets to work in her pretty kitchen, while her loving husband Tobias (Garfield) is still sleeping comfortably in their bed.

No sooner is their bliss established over a breakfast in bed than the movie leaps back to before they met, when he was just a sad sack on the brink of divorce with his first wife. There’s thrilling chemistry following a literal car crash of a meet-cute, with Pugh’s signature charm sparking against Garfield’s unflappable wholesomeness. Other moments, like their much memed ride on a merry-go-round, are winsome. But they are tossed into this film with little regard to pacing or theme or any kind of apparent logic.

SEE ALSO: Horrible 'We Live in Time' horse becomes instant meme

Despite the flashes back and forward, their story is straightforward, the stuff of weepy beach reads. They fall in love while she is building her first restaurant, and he is dealing with the end of his first marriage. They nearly break up realizing they have different expectations around children. But they will overcome these issues, as they will her first battle with cancer and its brutal chemo treatments. The main plot of the film takes place once they’ve had their daughter and are faced with the recurrence of the cancer, more aggressive than before. The question becomes, will Almut endure another round of body-wilting chemo that may not even save her life? Or will she reject treatment to make the most of the time she has left?

The second cancer battle alone could have made an interesting movie. But because this screenplay aims to loop back-and-forth to show the breath of their entire relationship,We Live in Time feels more like postcards of a relationship than a portrait that is fleshed out or remotely captivating. There’s so little sense of cohesion from sequence to sequence, it’s hard to get emotionally invested in these characters, even if you’re someone who has been a fan of the actors, as I am.  

Florence Pugh shines. Andrew Garfield is stranded. 

This is the kind of role that seems perfect for Florence Pugh, as it is a woman who is dealing with conflicting emotions that demand she smile and frown with equal passion. Almut loves her husband and her child, but also wants to be more than just “someone’s dying mum.” So when an opportunity to compete in a high-level cooking competition arises, she can’t bring herself to turn it down, even if it means pushing her body to its limits and spending less time at home. 

Again, this could’ve made a compelling story on its own. But We Live in Time aims to create some sort of balance by also following Tobias, who has much less to do. Where Almut is established as having desires outside of her marriage, her husband exists solely to mope when she disappoints him. He’s just Ken, an accessory to hang on her like an anchor. Which is wild because Tobias’s arguments in the film — for honesty in their marriage and for attempting a new round of chemo — are valid, yet undermined by a plotting that treats him as a clingy obstacle to Almut’s professional dreams. 

While Garfield delivers a soulful performance with big watery eyes, the scattered structure of the film gives him little to build on. Tobias is so thinly realized that the audience is left to fill in the gaps, perhaps with prior appreciation for Garfield or a general affection for Nicholas Sparks–style romances where the besotted lovers are doomed to be separated by death. In either case, the film on its own is frustratingly fractured. 

Crowley fails to elevate a lackluster script. 

To be clear, We Live in Time is not the worst movie of the year. That’d be the repulsive and abysmal relaunch of The Crow. It’s not the biggest bomb of the year, which looks to be Eli Roth’s messy adaptation of Borderlands. It’s not even a movie arguably enhanced by some sort of scandal, like Pugh’s Don’t Worry Darling or 2024’s other recent weepy It Ends With Us. In fact, We Live in Time will likely be bolstered by the incredible chemistry its stars are sharing on red carpets and cheeky promotional interviews. But on its own, this movie is far less than the sum of its parts. 

The cancer story could have been enough to sustain it. Perhaps with flashbacks to bolster our understanding not only of this couples' love but also the hardships they’ve traversed before. It could have been a delicately balanced story from both perspectives, exploring how sometimes even the choice of life or death is achingly complicated. But Crowley’s execution of Nick Payne’s woe-infested scribblings of a screenplay manages neither. The time jumps feel like artless novelty, attempting to distract from how threadbare this story actually is — particularly Almut’s first round of cancer, which makes up three short scenes.

While Pugh and Garfield give their all to Almut and Tobias, the chaotic smattering of scenes provides no build in emotional tension. In fact, jumping from the couple already together to not having met undercuts scenes of nervous flirtation with inevitability. It’s like for everything that might work in this film, there’s something else that works against it. Sequences like their first conversation in a hospital hallway and a birth sequence wildly alive with energy offer moments of hope that Crowley and company will cut their way through the messy plot device of time-skipping to hook into something unshakably profound. 

But in the end, We Live in Time is profoundly mediocre, lacking the verve, sexiness, and raw human emotion we’ve come to expect from Pugh and Garfield. 

We Live in Time was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie will open in theaters in the U.S. on Oct. 11. 

Parents have no clue how teens are using AI, survey finds

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 16:06

A new survey found that parents significantly underestimate their teen's use of generative artificial intelligence. The technology, popularized by the conversational platform ChatGPT, allows users to ask pretty much any question of an AI bot and receive a specific and detailed original response. 

The survey, conducted this spring by the nonprofit organization Common Sense Media, polled 1,045 U.S. adult parents and their teens. Overall, 70 percent of the teens said they used generative AI. 

Of the teens who said they'd used at least one platform, only 37 percent of their parents were aware of their use. Almost a quarter of parents whose child had used the technology didn't know it, and nearly 40 percent of the adult respondents whose teen had experimented with the tools weren't sure about their experience doing so. 

SEE ALSO: AI apps can automate your home life, and it's more cool than scary

Teens with generative AI experience said they most commonly used platforms for homework help, to avoid being bored, and to translate something from one language to another. Many of the teens admitted to using generative AI for school assignments without the teacher's permission. Some teens created new content using someone else's voice or image, sometimes as a joke or to tease another person. While participants were asked about their experience with using AI to make explicit nonconsensual imagery, those findings will be included in a future report.

Amanda Lenhart, head of research for Common Sense Media, said that parents should start discussing the complexities of generative AI with their children so that they're prepared for what they might encounter. 

"You've got to talk about it because your kids are already using it, even if you don't think they are," Lenhart said. 

What your teen should know about generative AI 

While the technology may benefit teens in numerous ways, Lenhart noted that young users may not be aware of its potential for reproducing bias and sharing incorrect or misleading information, often known as hallucinations

Teens also might not know when using generative AI tools is tantamount to cheating; or violates another person's privacy, when it's used to create imagery without their consent; or, understand that the large language models upon which generative AI platforms are built can have different training, tuning, and guardrails.

"These tools pull from the best and the worst of the internet and the best and worst of humanity, and that means that sometimes what they share with us is both wrong and awful," Lenhart said. 

Parents may not know any of this important information if they've not read about or used generative AI, which is why it's helpful for adults to familiarize themselves with the technology as they start discussing it with their child, Lenhart added. 

She recommends that parents test out platforms that use this technology. They may even already spend time on platforms or services that incorporate generative AI, without realizing it. 

Google's Gemini search product, for example, currently produces generative responses to user inquiries. Meta's Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp communication tools have generative AI capabilities as well. Basic Meta AI prompts include "give me a personality quiz" and "how do I speed read?" 

Teens on Snap likely know its generative chatbot My AI, which adults could experiment with and then discuss with their child, Lenhart said. 

When engaging with teens about generative AI, parents can play with the technology together with or alongside their child. Lenhart cited asking it to write a silly poem, make up Halloween costume ideas, or plan a week of meals as examples. A parent could also watch their teen test a chatbot's knowledge of a topic they're passionate about and then discuss how to know whether the AI was wrong or right. 

Whatever parents choose, Lenhart says to focus on finding ways to help teens identify how AI platforms do or don't work and have that conversation together.

Generative AI at school

The survey suggests those discussions aren't happening in the classroom, which Lenhart said is consequential. 

Common Sense research shows that teens who do participate in complex conversations and lessons about the topic at school have a more nuanced understanding of generative AI's pros and cons. But the survey found that this isn't happening for over half of the young respondents. 

Lenhart said it's important for teens to be told the rules for using generative AI when completing schoolwork, which may vary from teacher to teacher. 

"Most adolescents don't want to cheat." - Amanda Lenhart, head of research for Common Sense Media

"Most adolescents don't want to cheat," Lenhart said. "They want to use it in a way that is appropriate for learning, so tell them where that is so they can walk up to that line and not cross it."

And according to the survey, suspicion of cheating may disproportionately affect Black students. In the survey, Black teens were twice as likely as White and Latino teens to say that their teachers incorrectly flagged their schoolwork as the product of generative AI when it wasn't. Lenhart said this finding mimics historic inequities in school-based discipline for Black youth.

"AI tools are not exempt from the bias you probably already experience in your school," Lenhart said.

The issue illustrates why it's so important that adults, at school and home, are aware of the challenges that teens will face in the era of generative AI.

Save big on a powerful 12.9" iPad Pro that's built for serious multitasking — 53% off

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 15:18

TL;DR: Grab a refurbished iPad Pro 12.9" 4th-Gen for $599.99 (reg. $1,299) and experience high-end performance and versatility at more than half off the usual price.

Looking for high-end performance without the hefty price tag? The refurbished 4th-generation Apple iPad Pro offers all the power you need for both work and play — but priced at $599.99, a fraction of the cost of a new one. With its thin design and stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, everything from streaming to sketching feels like a premium experience.

And let’s not forget, this model is from 2020, so you’re still getting fairly recent tech without the sticker shock. It's also been given an "A" refurbished rating, which means it's in near-mint conditions with minimal to no signs of use.

Powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, this iPad Pro handles demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and running multiple apps with ease. The 128GB of storage gives you plenty of space to keep your projects, apps, and files, making it a useful tool for creatives and professionals alike. Whether you’re editing 4K videos or diving into advanced productivity apps, this iPad is built to keep up.

With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can stay productive all day without needing to recharge. Plus, because it’s refurbished, you get all these high-end features for a fraction of the cost of a new device — and without sacrificing quality. Rigorously tested, it works like new and offers unbeatable value.

If you’re after a tablet that’s powerful, versatile, and still relatively new, this refurbished 2020 iPad Pro 12.9" 4th-Gen is on sale for 53% off at $599.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 12.9" 4th Gen (2020) 128GB Wi-Fi Space Gray (Refurbished) $599.99
$1,299.00 Save $699.01 Get Deal

Upgrade game day and beyond with up to 37% off 4K TVs at Target

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 15:07
The best TV deals at Target as of Sept. 16: BEST OVERALL TCL 55-inch Q6 QLED 4K Google TV $319.99 at Target (save $130) Get Deal BEST BUDGET TV DEAL Westinghouse 50-inch 4K Roku TV $199.99 at Target (save $80) Get Deal BEST SPLURGE TV DEAL LG 65-inch C4 OLED evo 4K TV $1,696.99 at Target (save $1,003) Get Deal

Although we're already heading into week three of the NFL season, we're still seeing some pretty solid deals on TVs of all shapes, sizes, and brands. And we're certainly not complaining.

If you still haven't upgraded your non-smart TV into this century, it's beyond time to get with the times. It doesn't need to cost a fortune, either. With Target's best TV deals this week, you can save up to 37% on a new model and start seeing the actual details of each football game. Not to mention, you can finally watch all the best shows and movies of 2024 (so far) the way they're meant to be viewed.

We've pulled the best TV deals we think are worth adding to your cart the week of Sept. 16 at Target to help you make your choice.

Best TV deal at Target Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 55-inch Q6 QLED 4K Google TV $319.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

TCL's Q6 series is a middle of the road QLED TV that can level up your viewing experience — whether you want to enhance the football season or queue up the best movies of 2024. It gets brighter than the Q5, supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, optimizes each scene via the AIPQ processor, and supports 120Hz VRR in Game Accelerator mode. It's also loaded with Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology and three HDMI ports, making it a pretty solid TV for gamers on a budget. It's on sale for just $319.99 at Target as of Sept. 16. That's a savings of nearly 30%. For what it's worth, it's also sitting at a similar discount at both Best Buy and Amazon at the time of writing.

Best budget TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Westinghouse Our pick: Westinghouse 50-inch 4K Roku TV $199.99 at Target
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're just looking for a solid 4K TV to stream your favorite shows and movies, this Westinghouse 50-inch Roku TV should do the trick for under $200. It may lack the bells and whistles of a fancy QLED model, but it will still offer a more than acceptable 4K viewing experience. And for most people, that's all you really need. The real benefit with this model is the convenience of built-in Roku TV, which brings you over 350 live channels for free, plus organizes all of your streaming apps for easy viewing. It's also loaded with four HDMI ports for streamlined connectivity.

Best splurge TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG Our pick: LG 65-inch C4 OLED evo 4K TV $1,696.99 at Target
$2,699.99 Save $1,003.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For those looking to bring the magic of cinema home and enjoy the best possible viewing experience, you'll want to go for a higher end model like LG's C4 OLED evo 4K TV. A newer version of our favorite TV for gaming, the C4 features an updated processor, upgraded software, a 144Hz maximum refresh rate (vs. the previous model's 120Hz), and an even brighter and more dynamic screen. Plus, with an almost invisible bezel and the ability to display paintings, photos, and other content of your choosing, it can blend seamlessly into your space when you're not watching. Usually a splurge at $2,699.99, it's on sale for just $1,696.99 at Target as of Sept. 16, which will save you 37%. Currently, Amazon is the only retailer matching this low price.

More TV deals at Target

Pages