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TL;DR: This CISSP exam prep bundle — for $29.97 through September 3 — covers key security and risk management domain courses you can use to study.
Imagine stepping into a room full of industry experts, knowing you can hold your own when it comes to the most critical aspects of cybersecurity. That's the kind of confidence you could potentially gain with the CISSP Security and Risk Management training bundle, available for $29.97.
This bundle isn’t only for prepping for an exam; it can also give you the tools you need to become a true cybersecurity leader.
You’ll kick things off by diving deep into Security and Risk Management, learning how to assess and manage risks to keep your organization’s assets safe. Asset Security goes further, teaching you how to protect vital data with effective security controls that leave no stone unturned.
When it comes to designing secure systems, the Security Engineering portion of the bundle will equip you with the knowledge to build infrastructures that can withstand even the most determined attackers. In the Communication and Network Security section, you'll explore how to secure data in transit, ensuring that sensitive information remains out of the wrong hands.
Understanding who gets access to what is a key part of cybersecurity, and with a course on Identity and Access Management, you’ll master the art of managing user identities and establishing strong access controls. Meanwhile, Security Assessment and Testing instruction will have you evaluating your security posture and pinpointing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
On the operational side, the Security Operations topic focuses on the day-to-day management of security measures, while Security in the Software Development Lifecycle ensures that every piece of code you write or oversee is built with security in mind from the start.
This bundle could be your ticket to not only passing the CISSP exam, but also stepping into a high-impact role in the cybersecurity world.
Through September 3, get the CISSP Security and Risk Management training bundle on sale for $29.97.
Interested in other privacy and security products? Shop here.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Intellezy Learning The CISSP Security & Risk Management Training Bundle $29.97TL;DR: Zoom in and get a high-definition monocular telescope for just $39.97 (reg. $54.99) through September 3 — perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay High Definition Monocular Telescope $39.97Getting a closer look at the world around you has never been easier, thanks to this high-definition monocular telescope. This compact yet powerful device — on sale for $39.97 through September 3 — is the ideal companion for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors. With its high-quality construction, it delivers crystal-clear images, bringing those distant landscapes and hard-to-spot wildlife into sharp focus.
Designed with the adventurer in mind, this monocular is both lightweight and easy to use, making it easy to toss into your backpack and take on any journey. The straightforward design means you’ll spend less time fiddling with settings and more time enjoying the view. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a weekend hiker, this telescope offers a practical way to enhance your outdoor experiences.
What really sets this telescope apart is its ability to capture the beauty of far-off scenes without carrying around traditional bulky telescopes. It’s a versatile tool that can easily adapt to various activities, from spotting distant landmarks to observing the night sky.
Don’t let those distant moments pass you by. Score this high-definition monocular telescope for $39.97 through September 3 and experience the world in vivid detail, no matter how far away it may seem.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get a two-pack of app-enabled RGB LED floor lamps for just $99.97 through September 3 — bring vibrant lighting to your home.
Lighting can make or break the vibe of a room, and if you’re looking to add a bit of flair, these 55" RGB LED floor lamps are just the ticket. Set a relaxing mood for movie night or pump up the energy for a party — these lamps have you covered for any occasion.
With customizable colors controlled through an app or the included remote, you can instantly change the atmosphere with a tap of your finger. Until September 3, get a two-pack of LED lamps for $99.97 (reg. $199).
These lamps are not only functional but also a fun way to express your style. Great for when you're playing music during your next bash, these lights can sync with the beat to create an unforgettable experience. And for those who love smart home gadgets, these lamps seamlessly integrate into your routine, letting you adjust lighting from anywhere in the house.
The slim, modern design fits into any room without taking up too much space, making them a great addition to living rooms, bedrooms, or even home offices.
If you’re ready to upgrade your lighting game, these RGB LED floor lamps are the perfect way to do it. Brighten up your space, match your mood, and enjoy the convenience of app-controlled lighting.
Grab two app-enabled RGB LED floor lamps for 50% off of $199 — only $99.97 until September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 56" RGB LED App-Enabled Remote Floor Lamp (2-Pack) $99.97Have you heard the one about how aliens have infiltrated human society in order to take over Earth without us noticing? How they’ve slipped beneath the skin of all sorts of folks, from new mothers to famous politicians, and they are heck-bent on… uncovering the recipe for marmalade? OK, so Secret Invasion this ain’t. The Becomers, a sci-fi rom-com from Little Sister writer/director Zach Clark, feels like what Jim Jarmusch’s deadpan touch could do with a Body Snatchers remake.
Low-key, lovely, and determinedly lo-fi, these aliens’ antics comment on the world they find themselves stumbling through, which just so happens to be the weird and wacky one modern-day Americans inhabit. Along the way, the film buries its sweet and tender romance under a good dollop of gross-out Cronenbergian body horror. There’s something here for everybody!
What's "The Becomers" about? Credit: Yellow Veil PicturesBasically, it's Body Snatchers told from the point of view of the Snatchers themselves. The Becomers has that 1980s fish-out-of-water vibe in which comedies like Cocoon and Splash traded. These slimy assimilators, once under the skin of their fresh human vessels, have some wacky catching up to do. And we watch them fail and flail as they keep getting it wrong, immersed in situations they weren’t quite expecting.
Putting the fluid in “gender fluid,” the routine goes like this: The aliens drop down from the skies via their little pink whirligig spacecraft, and they liquefy whatever unlucky person they cross paths with, quickly adopting their visage through, you know, science or whatever. The movie really doesn’t get too hung up on the particulars, and neither should you. Some very brief backstory lays out the dying planet that they’ve come from, but The Becomers is more concerned with the directly here and right now — with the weirdness of these weirdos continually finding themselves to be the least weird ones in the room.
So, after landing their spacecraft in the woods just off the highway, our primary alien (names aren’t really a thing in this story) first slips into the road worker who saw their ship land. But he’s no good; the alien needs a vehicle to be mobile. And what luck, there’s a young woman pulled over on the side of the road just ahead. The fact that she’s pulled over because she’s actively giving birth is only a brief distraction the alien doesn’t seem too concerned with. They’ve got places to be, and babies can be dispatched easily enough.
The problem is that every human being that the alien takes over also had places to be. They had lives they were in the middle of leading when they were so rudely interrupted by all this extraterrestrial chicanery. And aye, that’ll be the rub, as our alien steps into each person’s shoes for however long they’re in there, trying to pass as human. Clark mines great tension and even greater humor from each too-close-for-comfort encounter, as the alien is forced to find out what kind of person they’re inhabiting, and what kind of terrible skeletons they've got in their closets... or basements.
There's a dark but giddy humor as the alien tries on fresh bodies like the shopping spree scene from Pretty Woman. The Becomers becomes episodic as its space invaders strive to find that perfect fit, skin by skin. We never realized how lucky Julia Roberts was that she didn’t have to vomit acid onto every Louboutin that was too big or small in order to dissolve its carcass. Not until now, anyway! That would’ve been a very different movie. It would have been this one, in fact.
Acid baths aside, every night, no matter how outrageous the circumstances they find themselves in, the alien goes outdoors and calls out a strange sound into the darkness. A sort of music, which we eventually find out is the alien’s version of Daniel Day-Lewis' “I will find you!” speech from The Last of the Mohicans. Because it turns out that the alien’s life partner is also out there somewhere among humanity, in some random human form as well — also wandering, also looking for their partner in return.
Separated by unimaginable distances and events beyond our pea-brained comprehension, it turns out that all these interstellar lifeforms are looking for is their one true love. Everybody together now: Awww!
The extraterrestrials of "The Becomers" are so extra.But this is hardly a re-do of the heteronormative Earth Girls Are Easy. Not when gender is utterly meaningless to the members of this species, who insists on retaining a moist, leaking side-hole on their human-seeming exteriors. One where all sorts of gunky sexual shenanigans will go down, eventually gifting us with what might be the weirdest sex scene on-screen since Team America.
Once our literally star-crossed lovers finally do get reunited, the longest passage of the film finds our lead alien taking on the form of Little Sister actress Molly Plunk (a singular delight who profoundly gets the assignment), while her lover is first played by Jacquelyn Haas and then by Mike Lopez (All Jacked Up and Full of Worms) as their bodies betray them through a series of mishaps. But even as the bodies and actors and side-holes keep changing, we keep track of who’s who because one alien’s eyes glow pink while the other’s glow blue — no doubt another sly nod toward the deconstruction of gender constructs always scribbling in the film’s margins.
But as queer as the body snatchers and their acid-barfing escapades are, nothing quite prepares them for the queerness of humanity itself. As the aliens find and lose and find one another over and over again, we become witness to how truly outlandish our own proclivities would seem when viewed from slightly askance.
Across the last act, as politics and cults and Facebook-radicalized suburbanite Satanists start inching into the frame, it becomes clear that this is a satire of our truly absurd moment as much as the 1956 Body Snatchers movie was a lacerating takedown of McCarthyism. Each generation gets the Body Snatchers it deserves, and 2023 deserves chaos. The Becomers brings it in buckets.
The Becomers will open in select theaters starting on Aug. 23 and will be available via VOD on Sept. 24.
UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2024, 2:48 p.m. EDT "The Becomers" was reviewed out of Fantasia International Film Festival 2023 in this article, originally published on Aug. 2, 2023. This article has been updated to reflect the movie's theatrical and VOD releases.
Change is in the air in Pachinko Season 2.
SEE ALSO: 'Pachinko' Season 2 review: Decades-spanning family drama makes a triumphant returnCreated by Soo Hugh, the decades-spanning adaptation of Min Jin Lee's novel of the same name continues to tell the intertwining stories of Sunja Baek (Minha Kim and Yuh-Jung Youn) and her grandson Solomon (Jin Ha). But there are some substantial differences at play. This season heads to new locations, elevates characters like Sunja's sons Noa (Kang Hoon Kim) and Mozasu (Eunseong Kwon) to higher prominence, and reunites Sunja with her former lover Koh Hansu (Lee Minho) after 14 years apart. There's even a new title sequence to usher us into Pachinko's next chapters.
Mashable spoke with Hugh about some of the biggest changes Pachinko viewers can expect in Season 2, including trips to the countryside, Noa and Mozasu's new roles, and what comes next for Sunja and Hansu.
The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Mashable: One big change coming into Pachinko Season 2 is we get a new title sequence with new actors, more pachinko parlors, and a new song, "Wait a Million Years" by The Grass Roots. What was the thought process behind changing up the sequence?
Soo Hugh, showrunner, writer, and producer of Pachinko: It's always the most fun part of the show, filming those title sequences. And we love Season 1's version, but half those actors aren't in the show anymore. We could have recut it, but I think it would have really hurt the flow of the title sequence. Redoing it also gave us an opportunity to bring more of our actors into the piece.
The song we chose, when you listen to its lyrics, you realize it's a love song. They say, "I would wait a million years." And so many of the storylines in Season 2 are about, what does it mean to find someone that really understands and sees you? That just became a bigger part of Season 2.
SEE ALSO: Apple TV+'s 'Pachinko' has an opening title sequence you'll want to watch more than onceIn Season 1, you expanded on elements of the original novel, including an episode focused on Koh Hansu's experience in the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923. What was something from the novel you were most excited to expand upon or explore in Season 2?
We really bring up the second generation more in Season 2, so it becomes so much more Noa and Mozasu's story. Pachinko is this generational saga, so it's been nice to start building out their stories and adding their points of view. It makes it a challenge in some ways: There's so many more storylines to balance in Season 2 than we had in Season 1. We had to figure out how to deftly weave in all these stories without making it feel like all of a sudden we have too many things to follow.
Eunseong Kwon and Kang Hoon Kim in "Pachinko." Credit: AppleTV+With the emphasis on Noa and Mozasu, we get a coming-of-age story in this season, with schoolboy angst and struggles to make friends. I'd love to hear more about that.
We want to try and create this portrait of what it is to be these characters in this time period. Even though we've never seen Solomon in school when he's a kid, when you see what happens to Noa, you understand something similar probably happened to Solomon as well. So there's this doubling — these are shared experiences between the generations.
SEE ALSO: 'Dìdi' review: Don't miss the coming-of-age comedy that's among the year's very best moviesAt the end of episode 1, we see Sunja and Hansu reunite after being separate for most of Season 1. Tell me about crafting that reunion, and what it was like to bring these two characters back together.
We knew there was so much expectation riding on that scene. Season 1 ends with Hansu first seeing Sunja, and now episode 1 of Season 2 ends with them finally confronting each other. They haven't seen each other in 14 years. If you were in that situation, what would you say to that person? For Sunja, it's such a shock. So it was important to give it that dramatic weight, that emotional weight, and at the same time, making sure that we're not betraying who Sunja is. She's not just going to run into his arms!
Lee Minho and Minha Kim in "Pachinko." Credit: AppleTV+Exactly. I know there are a lot of people who want to see these characters together, and a lot of people who don't. As Sunja and Hansu's relationship comes to the forefront this season, what is something you hope viewers take away or learn from this aspect of the story?
Something that I think is really important and that we want to emphasize in Season 2 is that these people don't even know each other that well. In Season 1, they were together only a few times before she got pregnant and had to decide that she couldn't live the life that he wanted her to live as a mistress. So Season 2 is actually the season where they get to know each other as people.
What I'm interested in, more than a romance, is we actually see a friendship start to develop between these two people. That's even bigger than a romantic angle: How do these two people understand each other? Because now they're both parents, and their shared love for Noa really brings them together in a stronger way than just lust or romantic love.
We know from the Season 2 trailer that Hansu, Sunja, and Sunja's family end up in the countryside, meaning so much of their chance to reconnect happens in the country as opposed to the city. How will that new setting impact their burgeoning connection?
I love that question, because they fell in love in the Korean countryside when Sunja was a teenager, right? So there's something about the countryside that takes them back to being home, and there's a comfort in that. Hansu always says, in some ways, he's always looking for where home is. He lives in this big mansion with his Japanese father-in-law, and yet the place he feels most comfortable is with Sunja.
Pachinko Season 2 premieres Aug. 23 on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Friday.
TL;DR: Wave goodbye to recurring streaming fees with lifetime access to Curiosity Stream on sale for £122.05 (reg. £305.17) through Sept. 3.
Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription £122.05 at the Mashable ShopWhen every show you want to watch is available on a different streaming platform, you end up shelling out way more money than you want to. But if you're someone who's into documentaries, there's a place where all of them live — and the best part is, you only have to pay once to watch them all.
Curiosity Stream was built for docu-buffs who need a break from those pesky subscription costs and want to pay just once for a lifetime of science, history, art, and so much more. Act fast and grab this lifetime deal for just £122.05 (reg. £305.17) through Sept. 3.
Created by the founder of Discovery Communications, John Hendricks, this all-encompassing documentary streaming service provides unlimited access to over 3,000 documentaries and nonfiction titles on a vast array of topics, including science, history, technology, and nature. With content from award-winning filmmakers and leading experts, Curiosity Stream is perfect for lifelong learners and those with a thirst for knowledge.
Enjoy high-definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) streaming with new content added regularly, ensuring you always have fresh material to explore. Curiosity Stream offers exclusive series and in-depth explorations that you won't find anywhere else.
The lifetime subscription guarantees uninterrupted access to this ever-growing library on multiple devices — smart TVs, iPhone, Apple TV, Android and Android TV, Xbox One, and more — making it a valuable investment for curious minds of all ages. Delve into the wonders of the universe, uncover ancient civilisations, and stay up-to-date with the latest scientific breakthroughs, all from the comfort of your home.
Only pay once for this lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream, available until Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. for £122.05.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2024 WNBA season is well underway and it's Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream next on the court. Players including Kahleah Copper and Rhyne Howard are expected to feature, so it's not a game you'll want to miss.
If you want to watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream?Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This fixture takes place at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.
How to watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta DreamWNBA fans can live stream the 2024 WNBA season from anywhere in the world with the WNBA League Pass.
It's important to note, however, that the WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. However, you can bypass this by using a VPN. These helpful tools work by hiding your real IP address so you can connect to secure servers in other locations. This means you can bypass blackouts 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:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
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 Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx are next on the court as the WNBA season continues. Las Vegas Aces have had a strong season thus far, and are among the top three teams shooting for the playoffs. The Minnesota Lynx will be fighting for a playoff spot after an improved performance over recent games.
If you want to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need. Don't miss out.
When is Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx?Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This fixture takes place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota LynxWNBA fans can live stream Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx and the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season from anywhere in the world by using the WNBA League Pass.
However, the WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But not to worry, there's a way around this. You can beat these geo-restrictions by using a VPN, a useful tool that works by hiding your real IP address to help you connect to secure servers in other locations. So, you'll be able to bypass any blackouts and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.
You can access every WNBA League Pass game by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (barring games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
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. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Fans have been patiently waiting for competitive F1 racing for years, and after a disappointingly routine start to the season, it looks like things are heating up. Recent races have been thrilling battles between a number of drivers, and we're hoping for more of the same at the Dutch Grand Prix.
If you're interested in watching the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix?The 2024 Dutch Grand Prix takes place over 72 laps of the 4,259-kilometre Circuit Zandvoor. The full schedule can be found here:
Practice 1 — 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 23
Practice 1 — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET on Aug. 23
Practice 1 — 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 24
Qualifying — 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Aug. 24
Race — 9 a.m. ET on Aug. 25
The good news is that it's possible to stream the Dutch Grand Prix without spending anything.
How to watch the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix for freeYou can find free F1 live streams 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:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria or Belgium
Watch the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams for free. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix without actually spending anything.
What is the best VPN for F1?ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Austria and Belgium
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
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 Dutch Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders for free on DAZN. You can watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 49ers' Quest for Six — to win their sixth Super Bowl — enters its 30th year, though the franchise has come close in recent NFL seasons. The 49ers lost to the Chiefs in overtime earlier this year at Super Bowl LVIII — an emotional sucker-punch of a loss. But experts are predicting big things for the 49ers this season. They're amongst the favorites, alongside the Chiefs, to win Super Bowl LVIIIX.
The Las Vegas Raiders meanwhile are battling to earn a spot in the playoffs, having failed to reach the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. But a preseason win over the 49ers might give the Raiders a boost heading into the 2024 season. Their Super Bowl drought extends back further than the 49ers' Quest for the Six, having last won a Super Bowl in 1983.
If you want to watch the NFL preseason for free, no matter where you are around the world, here's all the information you need.
When is 49ers vs. Raiders?San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders takes place at 10 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This fixture will be played at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How to watch 49ers vs. Raiders for freeTo watch the NFL preseason for free, simply sign up with sports platform DAZN. This service is streaming the NFL preseason live and on-demand for free, though it's restricted to viewers outside the U.S., Canada, and China.
However, anyone can bypass these geo-restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you to secure servers in other countries, allowing you to unblock geo-restricted content from around the globe.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL preseason
Visit DAZN
Watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world.
The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free to use, but the leading VPN providers usually have incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these deals, you will be able to access free live streams of the NFL preseason — all without spending anything. Sure, it's a short-term fix, but this gives you enough time to watch the NFL preseason before you claim back any upfront investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% for a limited time only. With this plan you get a bonus three months at no extra cost, plus a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers for free on DAZN. Watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
With just two weeks until the NFL season kicks off for real, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Miami Dolphins — a second Florida showdown following the Buccaneers' preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Dolphins are 2-0 in the preseason and want to head into the real competition with some momentum, following a patchy 2023 campaign and a 24-year losing streak in the playoffs. Will the Dolphins wrap up this preseason by showing fans they can do better in 2024?
If you want to watch the NFL preseason for free, no matter where you are around the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Dolphins vs. Buccaneers?Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes place at 7.30 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This fixture will be played at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
How to watch Dolphins vs. Buccaneers for freeTo watch the NFL preseason for free, you can sign up with streaming platform DAZN. This service is showing the NFL preseason live and on-demand for free, but only to viewers outside the U.S., Canada, and China.
That's frustrating, but anyone can bypass these geo-restrictions by using a VPN. If you haven't used them before, VPNs are brilliant tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you to secure servers in other countries, which allows you to unblock geo-restricted content from around the globe.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL preseason
Visit DAZN
Watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world.
The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free to use, but leading VPN providers tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can gain access to NFL preseason live streams — all without spending anything in the long run. Sure, it's a short-term fix, but it gives you enough time to watch the NFL preseason before claiming back any upfront investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $99.95, giving you an overall saving of 49%. The plan is available for a limited time and also includes a bonus three months at no extra cost, plus a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons for free on DAZN. Watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
After a difficult 2023 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking good in preseason action. They've notched up wins against the Kansas City Chief and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Particularly impressive was the fact that the Jaguars fielded mostly secondary players but still dominated against the Buccaneers. Preseason is always a chance for reserves to show their stuff.
Conversely, the Atlanta Falcons are 0-2 in preseason games, following a tricky season that saw them fire their head coach. This is only preseason, of course, so it makes no major impact other than seeing how the roster will likely shape up. But Falcons fans will be hoping to see rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. get some game time against the Jaguars. Can Penix be a difference maker for Atlanta in 2024?
If you want to watch NFL preseason games for free, no matter where you are around the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Jaguars vs. Falcons?Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This fixture will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
How to watch Jaguars vs. Falcons for freeTo watch the NFL preseason for free, you can simply register with DAZN.
This platform is showing the NFL preseason for free — both live or on-demand — but only to viewers outside the U.S., Canada, and China. However, anyone can bypass these geo-restrictions by using a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you with secure servers in other countries, which allows you to unblock geo-restricted content from around the globe.
Access free live streams of the NFL preseason by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL preseason
Visit DAZN
Watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world.
The best VPNs for streaming are not free to use, but the leading VPN providers tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can gain access to NFL preseason live streams — all without spending a dime. This is a short-term fix, but you'll have time to watch the NFL preseason before recovering any upfront investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $99.95, which is an overall saving of 49%. The plan is available for a limited time and also includes a bonus three months at no additional cost, along with a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 22's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
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 August 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Aquatic parasite.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter E appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.
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...
LEECH.
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.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 23 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 23If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The nose knows.These words are intoxicating.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are aromas.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is CommonScents.
NYT Strands word list for August 23Cedar
CommonScents
Sandalwood
Lavender
Rose
Lemon
Musk
Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
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 August 23's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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 deletedPlayers 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 August 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: UI/UX
Green: Burlesque outfit
Blue: Generic whiteish colors
Purple: Sounds like a language
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Visual Interface
Green: Burlesque Wear
Blue: Beige Shades
Purple: Language 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 #439 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayVisual Interface: DISPLAY, MONITOR, SCREEN, TERMINAL
Burlesque Wear: BOA, CORSET, FAN, GLOVES
Beige Shades: BUFF, CREAM, FAWN, TAN
Language Homophones: BASK, CHECK, FINISH, TIE
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.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Donald Trump has put his name on a cryptocurrency platform.
The former United States president and current U.S. presidential hopeful announced in a post on Truth Social that he has launched a crypto business called The DeFiant Ones, as reported by The Verge. The Truth Social posts acknowledges that "the average American has been squeezed by the big banks and financial elites," but offers zero other details on what The DeFiant Ones is, how it works, and how it will help average Americans.
SEE ALSO: The Trump campaign's take on Tim Walz's coaching days proves they don't know footballIt could be anything from a full-on cryptocurrency to a trading market or even just a website about crypto. It's impossible to say at this point, but as The Verge noted, Trump's son Eric recently told the New York Post that DeFiant could exist to help those who are "unbanked," or lacking any kind of savings or checking account at a bank or credit union. According to the FDIC, 5.9 million Americans were unbanked as of 2021.
While that could be a noble purpose for DeFiant, there's a long and sordid history of Donald Trump not being especially honest or responsible with money. Those who choose to invest in DeFiant, if that is indeed something you can do, might be taking a risk.
It doesn't matter how low your expectations are for Rupert Sanders' The Crow, because this callous and clumsy remake will still fail to exceed them. But this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
Director Alex Proyas' 1994 The Crow was a hit at the box office, but its fandom truly exploded in the following years; this was due, in part, to the electrifying performance of its late leading man Brandon Lee, who was fatally injured in the movie's making. Three sequels followed, boasting stars like Kirsten Dunst, Iggy Pop, and Edward Furlong, but none could recapture the magic of Proyas and Lee's collaboration. That didn't stop folks from trying. A relaunch of The Crow has been threatened for over a decade. Now, 30 years after the first adaptation of James O'Barr's dark and deeply personal comic books arrived on the big screen — with a game-changing soundtrack to match — The Crow returns, like the revenant at its center. But unlike poor Eric Draven, there's no heart at the center of this grim and gruesome reboot.
SEE ALSO: 'The Crow' soundtrack turns 30: Looking back on the album that defined an era The Crow's plot has been changed for the worse and the WTF. Credit: Larry Horricks / LionsgateIt's Bill Skarsgård and British singer/songwriter FKA twigs star as doomed lovers Eric Draven and Shelly Webster. This time around, however, they won't be swiftly slaughtered in the first act by a vicious gang led by a nefarious and chicly goth kingpin. Instead, screenwriters Zach Baylin and William Josef Schneider construct a convoluted and yet ambiguous urban hellscape run by Roeg (a smarmy Danny Huston). This villain may look like your average wealthy and powerful white man who treats everyone like pawns in his twisted game, but also, he's an actual demon, collecting souls to extend his life on Earth.
This change from the 1994 movie means Eric isn't just unleashing violence on a Detroit drug ring in the name of love and vengeance. It means he's looking to save Shelly's soul from the grips of hell itself. And this time he is not the cackling dark clown, swaggering shirt-off and bare hips out, swinging from broken window frames and relishing the kill. A grim and pretentious opening sequence involving a hurt horse and a mucky rural landscape establishes this Eric as a country boy with vague but damning childhood trauma. Shelly can relate. She's got a hard history too, which is briefly alluded to when the two of them meet in rehab.
FKA twigs and Bill Skarsgård can't save The Crow. Credit: Larry Horricks / LionsgateWhere the first film began with the lovers as an established couple on the brink of marriage, this Crow chucks Eric and Shelly into a whirlwind romance that plays as if the screenwriters saw the trailer for American Honey. Once.
Drug-loving free spirits with wounded souls, they bond over cafeteria trays before escaping rehab to a series of inexplicable montages. The self-proclaimed "degenerates" wander into the swanky apartment of an unknown friend, allowing for a fashion show in designer clothes and lovemaking on silk sheets. Then they tumble into a day out with friends (whose are unclear) — which is odd as Shelly is on the run from Roeg.
SEE ALSO: As 'The Crow' flies — the bumpy road to 2024's rebootWhile Proyas' The Crow established a cast of supporting characters who showed Eric and Shelly as a part of a community, this version takes such associations for granted. Across The Crow, characters aren't even introduced as much as they shuffle on-screen to provide a plot point, then either disappear or die. Likewise, Shelly and Eric's lives beyond their days-old romance are illustrated via flimsy quick cuts to flashbacks. These two are less characters and more a Pinterest board for a grungy, romantic aesthetic. Thought they have a certain chemistry, Skarsgård and twigs can't elevate the cringeworthy dialogue. The love story — which takes up the first 40 minutes of the film — is a tedious trudge to its inevitable tragedy.
Rupert Sanders' The Crow is a familiar husk stuffed with grisly, greasy nothing. Credit: Larry Horricks / LionsgateSanders, the director behind the largely forgotten fantasy-actioner Snow White and the Huntsman and the actively underwhelming live-action remake of The Ghost in the Shell, brings a sickly green/gray palette that recalls DCEU drudgery. Gone is the high-contrast face paint of Lee's sad clown, replaced with Skarsgård smearing tattoo ink across his eyes and high cheekbones for a look that reads more Jared Leto's Joker than The Crow. (That's in no small part to the barrage of trashy tattoos that litter Skarsgård's pale skin.)
To Sanders' credit, this palette does make the hard reds and blacks of blood and bile all the more putrid on-screen. The director seemingly relishes in the movie's R-rating, creating an ultra-violent spectacle that is at times hard to stomach, much less watch. Eric spends the first two-thirds of the film not only horrified by the violence inflicted on his own body — which is shot, stabbed, and run over — but also mortified to cause violence, gawping in shock when he takes a life with a gunshot through the chest. But he'll conveniently get over this in time for a finale that is overflowing with nameless goons who are ripped to pieces with a ruthless abandon.
Credit: Larry Horricks / LionsgateI consider myself to have a pretty high tolerance for gore and violence on-screen, as I am an avid horror-lover. But frankly, I was aghast at the graphic violence of this Crow. Part of it is that the villains — outside of Roeg — are barely established. There's little individual flare, much less the evocative nicknames like Tin Tin, Funboy, and Skank, so these malicious minions become a row of blood-gushing dominoes to be knocked down on the way to the big bad. This kind of move might work in a sequel, where you trust in the hero and so follow him into moral gray areas readily. (See John Wick 2 through 4.) But this is not the Eric Draven that Crow fans know and love. He's an inferior imitation that lacks the haunting charm of Lee. Despite his efforts, Skarsgård's is more a pose than a protagonist.
In the end, 2024's The Crow is only an echo of an echo of the original, sometimes literally repeating the 1994 film's best lines, but in a new context that makes them more cringe than compelling. Sanders didn't even manage to create a soundtrack that scratches at the distinctiveness or greatness of the original. Ugly, incoherent, and ultimately cynical, The Crow evokes the words of wisdom from another horror movie about resurrected corpses on a rampage: Sometimes dead is better.
Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Get a MacBook.
We don't blame them. The best MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, that's not something everyone will care about. Most of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.
SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals this week, from MacBooks, to Chromebooks, and everything in betweenAlthough MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with some reaching into truly frightening territory — they justify the price with Apple's signature design, user-friendly OS, and zippy M-series processors. Plus, you can often find MacBook Air and Pro models on sale (with the cheapest ones priced around $850 to $999).
After testing out Apple's lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams. So, let's start shopping.
Your first big decision: MacBook Pro vs AirWith today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?
If you're a creative who regularly pushes their laptop to the limit with demanding video and photo editing applications, you'll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iteration is the speediest and most performance-driven yet.
Testing the M1 MacBook Air after its 2020 release. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the super-powered M3 MacBook Pro. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air will be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you'll be be lugging it around wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M3 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.
Which generation MacBook is the best?This will come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But, whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, the 2022 model M2 MacBook Air won't come with the latest chip, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for just $849.99. That's compared to the $1,249 price tag of the most recent Air, and the $1,599 asking price of the latest Pro.
A photo from Mashable's test of the M1 MacBook Air. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the M2 MacBook Air. Credit: Molly Flores / MashableSo, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.
SEE ALSO: If you're waiting for a touchscreen MacBook, we've got bad news What are the best MacBooks?After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2024. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, as well as who we think would like each model best.
The Rabbit R1 has been collecting dust on my shelf since I grew disappointed with the device not meeting my initial expectations. It's been two months since I used it. Jesse Lyu, the CEO behind Rabbit R1, overpromised and underdelivered with the Rabbit R1.
Admittedly, some features like Vision, which shows off how the Rabbit R1 can identify objects by “looking" at them before explaining what it "sees," aren’t half bad. I also loved that it could identify foreign languages, like on a menu for example, and spit it back out in English. (These features are already available on my phone via apps like ChatGPT Plus, however.)
Rabbit R1 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
Plus, some of the marquee features, like ordering Uber and DoorDash via Rabbit R1, or invoking the AI to launch a Spotify song, did not work well.
And not to mention that Rabbit R1 has been suffering from a critical security flaw, according to the The Verge, that further threatened its viability in the market.
Rabbit R1 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo be fair, this isn't just a Rabbit R1 issue. This whole "we'll promise stuff now, but deliver after you give us money" tactic has been running rampant across the tech world. But the likes of the Rabbit R1 and the Humane Ai Pin, which is reportedly suffering from more returns than it can can sell, shows how this strategy can backfire.
But Rabbit hasn't given up yet. In a press email to Mashable, Rabbit said that it has issued extensive updates to the R1 device, goading me to give it a try. The team warned that these new features, dubbed "beta rabbit mode," are still rough around the edges, but that I should experiment with them. So I did.
'Beta rabbit mode' on Rabbit R1: What is it?According to Rabbit, beta mode enhances R1's capabilities with more thoughtful, comprehensive responses to complex questions that require deep reasoning and multi-step research. It can also be used with Vision. In other words, based on what Rabbit R1 is looking at via the camera, it should be able to deliver advanced responses to questions.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableBeta rabbit supposedly makes Rabbit R1 more conversational and intelligent.
I put 'beta rabbit mode' to the testTo access beta rabbit mode, all I needed to do was say, "beta rabbit." Just as I was about to give this beta rabbit mode a bash, an update suddenly occurred, preventing me from using the device for about three minutes.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableAnd it must be connected to a USB-C charging cable to successfully complete the update. It took about 30 long minutes from start to finish due to Wi-Fi connectivity issues (that weren't on my end).
Rabbit gave me the following commands for testing beta rabbit mode:
"Beta rabbit, can you suggest three books similar to The Power of Now? Include page length, year of release, and ratings. And save that as a note titled 'Reading list.' Also, include pictures of the authors." To show contextual capability, Rabbit suggested following up with, "Beta Rabbit, can you also get me summaries for those three books?"
"Beta Rabbit, can you give me a two-day itinerary for San Francisco? I want to go to one historical site, a museum, eat Japanese food, and try a cocktail bar. Can you also give me photos of each location?
Beta Rabbit, can you find me the best deals for the Dyson V8 vacuum? I want to get the cheapest price and the purchase links.
Point at the nutrition chart of a Japanese snack, or any snack in a foreign language, and ask, "Beta Rabbit, what are the nutritional facts for this snack? Is it healthy?"
I tweaked these a bit so that it suited my personal life. For example, for number one, I asked for film recommendations in lieu of book suggestions. (Plus, I don't want to follow a Rabbit-curated list; I want to challenge it.)
For number two, I swapped San Francisco for Greece because I'm headed there in two months. For three, I'm in the market for the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer, so I plugged that in. And lastly, I don't have a Japanese snack, but I do have a cup of Ramen Noodles, so i'll ask "beta rabbit" how healthy it is.
1. Film and book recommendationsInitially, when I tested beta rabbit mode on Aug. 8, it worked well.
Rabbit R1 populates film recommendations for similar movies to "The Wolf of Wall Street." Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI asked, "Beta Rabbit, can you suggest three films similar to The Wolf of Wall Street? Include movie length, year of release, and ratings. Also, include pictures of the directors." It suggested The Big Short, American Hustle, and The Social Network, alongside the requested information. Since my two-month break from the Rabbit R1, one thing that caught my eye is that the device finally supports pictures in its response, delivering photos of each director as requested.
I also followed Rabbit's suggestion to ask for book recommendations. I said, " Beta Rabbit, can you suggest three books similar to Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Include page length, year of release, and ratings. Include pictures of the authors, too." Again, it surfaced exactly what I asked for, including The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, with pictures in tow.
Rabbit R1 showing book recommendations Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHowever, a week later, I retested these queries and discovered that the photo-filled responses have been replaced with a rough, rudimentary, raw reply, with some backend coding exposed. I no longer saw photos.
As of Aug. 22, however, the Rabbit R1 is back in working order after a final retest. (In Rabbit's defense, it's a beta mode.)
2. Travel itineraryI plan on visiting Greece later this year, so I asked the Rabbit R1 to curate a travel plan for me: "Beta Rabbit, can you give me a two-day itinerary for Athens? I want to go to the nearest beach, a historical site, eat greek food from a highly rated restaurant, and go to the best rooftop bar. Also, can you give me photos of each location?"'
A Rabbit R1-curated travel itinerary for greece Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo my surprise, the Rabbit R1 actually put together a useful Athens-based itinerary. Now, I'll have to actually check out Rabbit R1's suggested places to determine if the AI device can double as a beneficial travel assistant. But based on what Rabbit R1 has produced, I could see myself using it for moments when I just don't have the time to do the research to put together a fleshed out itinerary.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe only downside is that there doesn't seem to be a way to retrieve a history of responses on the actual Rabbit R1 device, so you'd have to be careful not to accidentally press a button that makes the two-day itinerary disappear from the screen.
3. Deals huntingAs mentioned, I'm in the market for a new air fryer (i.e., the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer).
Rabbit R1 goes hunting for the best air fryer deal Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableAs such, I asked the Rabbit R1 to surface the best deals for it. The Rabbit R1 pointed to a $131 Amazon "deal." However, I did a little research myself and discovered at it was not the cheapest online offering at the time. The best discount for the air fryer was via Williams Sonoma, which had the same fryer for about $99.
(Interestingly, two weeks later after testing, that $131 Amazon deal has dropped down to $99 as of this writing.)
4. Nutrition label analysisI pulled out a cup of Ramen Noodles. Using the Rabbit R1's "Vision" feature, I pointed the camera at the back of the Ramen Noodles, which sports the nutrition facts label. I asked, "Beta Rabbit, what are the nutritional facts for this cup of Ramen? Is it healthy?"
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWhen I mentioned "cup of Ramen," the Rabbit R1 gaslit me and told me that I was not holding a cup of Ramen. I re-asked the question, but this time, I simply said, "Beta Rabbit, what are the nutritional facts for this food? Is it healthy?"
In response, it told me that the Ramen Noodles are too high in salt and saturated fats, which may impact cardiovascular health. Rabbit R1 continued to say that the product "lacks essential vitamins and minerals."
Rabbit R1 concluded that Ramen Noodles are not healthy and suggested that I avoid eating them.
5. Timers and alarmsSurprisingly, at launch, users couldn't set timers nor alarms with the Rabbit R1. Now, you can use the cute little orange gadget to wake you up or remind you that your cookies are almost done.
Does the Rabbit R1 has a chance for revival?Unfortunately, the Rabbit R1's chance to captivate the masses has come and gone. I believe Rabbit would have had a glimmer of hope if it were transparent about the device's half-baked feature set from the start. To be fair, there were some utilities that did operate smoothly day one. For example, the translation and Vision features worked better than expected, as well as the sound recording capabilities and the relatively fast, Perplexity-based AI assistant (though its contextual abilities are limited). On the other hand, the team promised a slew of other perks, including UberEats and DoorDash ordering, seamless integration with Spotify, and more. But these features struggled to operate properly.
Plus, people kept wondering the one question Rabbit likely hates hearing, "Why can't this just be an app? Why do I have to spend $200 on a device that already does things my daily driver phone can do?" (This investigation led to a number of explosive reports, including the revelation that the term "RabbitOS" is a bit disingenuous because it's really just an app running on a cheap Android handset.)
And in Rabbit's defense, would people really give a monkey's behind about the R1 if it rolled out to the Google Play Store as a $20-a-month app?
The Rabbit R1, despite offering the same features that are available on your phone, could have gotten away with being a success just from being a bright-orange, nostalgia-inducing device with funky, fidgety controls that taps into one's inner child. But again, the Rabbit R1 is simply too disgraced to experience a revival. However, the Rabbit R1 was such a hyped piece of tech in recent pop culture, I wouldn't be surprised if the Rabbit R2, if Lyu dared to give it a second shot, landed in the spotlight again. Its popularity would likely stem from people wondering if the R2 will be another unfinished gadget.
I suspect that consumers are at their wits end with overpromise-and-underdeliver tech. At the very least, consumers want something as close to perfection as possible (as opposed to the deliberate and exploitative launch of half-baked product releases to secure a return on investment). One can only hope that the wave of negative reviews that the Rabbit R1 and Humane Ai pin have suffered lights a fire under the tech industry's butt to quit the sloppy practices.
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