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TL;DR: Score two 4K drones with dual cameras and smart features for just $159.97 (reg. $299.99) through September 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Onetify Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K with Blade K Drone Bundle $159.97
$299.99 Save $140.02 Get Deal

Why settle for one drone when you can have two? This bundle of the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro 4K and Blade K drones gives you two high-tech drones for the price of one, and it’s packed with features that make every flight a thrill.

Whether you’re capturing beautiful aerial footage or just enjoying some sky-high fun, these drones are ready to impress, and are on sale for $159.97 until September 3.

Each drone in this bundle comes equipped with stunning 4K dual cameras, so you can capture crisp, high-quality video from every angle. If you need more airtime, the modular battery system allows you to swap out batteries for extended flight sessions without missing a beat. And with smart features like obstacle avoidance and a one-key return function, you don’t have to worry about tricky maneuvers or losing track of your drone — it’s all smooth sailing from here.

Both drones feature anti-collision features and draw flight paths, allowing you to sketch out custom routes and watch as your drone follows them perfectly. Plus, with a six-axis gyroscope, you’ll enjoy stable, precise control, making even complex maneuvers feel effortless.

This bundle is perfect for drone enthusiasts who want advanced features without the steep price tag.

Normally $299, you can bundle the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro 4K and Blade K drones together for 46% off at $159.97 until September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for just $19.97 through September 3 and streamline your workflow with powerful tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Project 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $19.97
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal

Managing projects can be a juggling act, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Microsoft Project Professional 2021 is here to help you turn chaos into clarity. From managing massive projects to handling smaller tasks, this software is equipped with features that ensure everything runs smoothly.

Microsoft Project helps you stay on top of your game, assisting with task management, resource allocation, in-depth project reporting, and more. Through September 3, you can get lifetime access for $19.97.

If you’re a project manager, business owner, or part of a team responsible for getting things done, this tool is a game-changer. The automated scheduling and reporting features save you time and headaches, so you can focus on what really matters: delivering results. Plus, with its flexibility, Microsoft Project handles projects of any size or complexity, making it perfect for growing businesses looking to scale their operations.

Whether you’re managing a small team or a multi-department project, this software adapts to your needs and can help you drive efficiency across the board. Equip yourself with Microsoft Project Professional 2021 and take control of your workflow.

Until September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Project Professional 2021 on sale for just $19.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your car with a modern wireless display for $94.97 through September 3. It's compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smart home devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 9-inch Wireless Car Display $94.97
$179.99 Save $85.02 with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring Get Deal

Car tech has changed a lot in the past few years. Whether you’re cruising in an older vehicle or just want a smarter ride, a solid car display can make all the difference.

This 9-inch wireless car display could be a game-changer; it brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility right to your dashboard. Through September 3, get a smart wireless car display on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179). This simple device can transform your driving experience, making your car feel like an extension of your digital life.

With electric vehicles becoming more popular, this display is perfect for keeping tabs on your battery range, finding the nearest charging station, and even monitoring energy consumption in real-time. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s always got your back, whether you’re planning a long trip or just running errands around town.

But the perks don’t stop there. With built-in phone mirroring, you can access all your favorite apps and content directly from the display. Plus, if you’re a smart home enthusiast, this car display takes convenience to the next level. Imagine pulling up to your house and turning on the lights, adjusting the thermostat, or even checking your security cameras — all without leaving the driver’s seat.

This could be an extremely useful gadget for anyone who wants to make their car smarter and their life easier. 

Regularly $179, you can get this 9-inch wireless car display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and phone mirroring for $94.97 until September 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Meeting people in real life is ideal, but waiting for a meet-cute to happen organically isn't always realistic. That's especially true when your life involves working late into the evening, launching a startup, juggling multiple clients and side hustles as a busy freelancer, and just generally trying to have it all.

So, how do you find time to meet people when you're too busy for happy hour? Fortunately, the philosophy of "work smarter, not harder" can be applied to your love life, too. 

Enter the world of online dating, but not the kind you're used to. We're talking about elite dating sites for professionals, curated for singles who understand the challenges and rewards of a demanding career.

SEE ALSO: How to balance your side hustle with a full-time job

Yes, we know you're online all day for work, and the last thing you want to do is spend more time on your computer or phone trying to find a partner. But the best dating apps and sites for professionals let you connect with potential partners on your own time and terms.

This means you can forego the awkward, almost-maybe-not relationships and immature time-wasters to create a dating experience that fits your lifestyle.

We have to talk about Tinder

When you think of dating apps, two things probably come to mind: hookup apps like Tinder (or worse, Facebook Dating) and the question of how you'll ever find someone who understands that your busy lifestyle is just who you are.

First, let's deal with the Tinder problem. Yes, it's super popular, and for a good reason: people are getting laid! But if you're looking for something more than a casual fling, endless swiping is not the answer. Many dating apps have features designed for single professionals interested in making meaningful connections. You don't even need to download Tinder (unless you want a hookup app on standby).

SEE ALSO: TikTok is obsessed with the 'power struggle stage' of relationships. But what is it?

Now, let's talk about finding someone who understands and respects your busy lifestyle. You're hardly the only single person with an excess of ambition and a shortage of time, and the right dating app will connect you to like-minded professionals. You deserve someone who can lift you up and support you, not someone to settle for.

How can you find this person? Through the very peculiar power of niche dating sites.

What's the best dating app for professionals?

If you want to cut right to the chase: Based on our testing, we think Match is the best dating app for professionals, but runner-ups Raya, Bumble, and The League are also worth downloading.

Whether you're looking for the top dating sites for professionals over 50 or dating apps for people earning six figures (or more), you have options. To get your search for a partner started, we've created this guide to the best dating apps for professionals. Keep in mind that paid dating apps will be your best bet, as they act as an automatic filter on time-wasters.

TL;DR: Live stream F1 for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming services from the U.S. with ExpressVPN.

F1 brings together the very best drivers in the world, competing in unbelievably fast cars in front of passionate fans. What's not to love? Everyone wants to witness wheel-to-wheel racing from the best of the best, and that's exactly what F1 delivers.

The problem is that it's not easy to watch F1 for free. It's not easy, but it's not impossible. If you are interested in watching F1 for free from the U.S., we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

When is F1 in 2024?

The 2024 F1 season features 24 races held all over the world between March and December. China, Miami, Austria, USA, Brazil, and Qatar will each host a sprint weekend this season.

How to watch F1 for free in the U.S.

Fans can live stream F1 for free on the following platforms:

• Austria — ORF or ServusTV (12 races each)

• Belgium — RTBF (every race)

• Luxembourg — RTL ZWEE (every race)

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from the U.S. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions 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 the U.S.

Follow these simple steps to unblock these free streaming services from the U.S.:

1. Sign up for 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 Austria, Belgium, or Luxembourg

4. Connect to ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE

5. Watch F1 for free from the U.S.

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races for free.

If you want to retain access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need to subscribe. But do not fear, because the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs that can reliably unblock free streaming sites from around the world, including the likes of NordVPN and ProtonVPN. Those are both solid options, but ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 in the U.S., for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg

• 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. By using the guarantee, you can watch F1 races for free.

Watch F1 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals for free on DAZN. Watch NFL preseason games for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The last week of the NFL begins with the Indianapolis Colts at the Cincinnati Bengals. It's a game that should see some interesting dynamics. The Colts will play their starters, while the Bengals are likely to rest starters and give game time to rookies and backups, who are vying for a spot in the roster.

The Bengals have lost both preseason fixtures so far, but there have been positives for the team as they shape up for the 2024 season. The Colts have looked solid, with pundits crediting the potential in their offense.

We're pleased to report that you can watch all the NFL preseason without spending anything. If you want to watch these preseason fixtures for free, wherever you are around the globe, here's some useful information.

When is Colts vs. Bengals?

Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 22. This fixture will be played at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

How to watch Colts vs. Bengals for free

To watch the NFL preseason for free, simply register with DAZN.

DAZN is showing the NFL preseason for free — live and on-demand — but games are only accessible to viewers outside the U.S., Canada, and China. However, anyone can access these free live streams by signing up for a VPN. A VPN can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers in other countries, which will allow you to sidestep geo-restrictions and access content from streaming sites around the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL preseason 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 a location with free coverage of the NFL preseason

4. Register with DAZN

5. Watch the NFL preseason 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, though top-rated VPN services tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can use these deals to access the free streams of the NFL preseason — without having to spend anything. It's a short-term solution, but the free-trial period will give you enough time to watch all the NFL preseason action before you reclaim 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 available for $99.95 for a limited time. Included in this deal are an extra three months of usage and a year of unlimited cloud backup at no additional cost, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the NFL preseason for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Tesla issuing a recall for just over 9,000 cars is hardly a surprise these days, given that the company has recalled millions of cars over the years, including a recall for 1.8 million cars just weeks ago.

However, while most of Tesla recalls are for issues that can be fixed with software updates, this new one is notable as it requires a visit to the service center.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report (via Reuters), Tesla has issued a recall for 9,136 Model X SUVs over a trim on the roof that could separate and increase the risk of a crash.

"The Model X is equipped with a cosmetic applique at the front of the roof just behind the windshield, known as the front applique, as well as an applique at the center of the roof in between the upper falcon door roof glass, known as the spine applique. Both appliques are adhered to the vehicle using urethane. If the applique-to-urethane interface lacks primer, then, over time, the adhesion may weaken, causing the applique to separate from the vehicle," the report said.

Owners of affected Teslas, which are all of the 2016 model year Model X vehicles, will have to go to a Tesla service center where the roof trim adhesion will be tested and trim pieces reattached to make sure the cars are safe to drive, at no cost to the owners.

Also notable is that this is the second time these Model X vehicles have been recalled for the same issue. The first time it happened was in 2020, but now Tesla says that fix was not sufficient to truly remedy the issue.

SEE ALSO: Tesla recalls 1.8 million cars over hood issue

According to the company, there have been about 170 reports and claims due to this issue. Tesla said it wasn't aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.

Lionsgate pulled the new trailer for Megalopolis within hours of its release on Wednesday, after it was found to include fake quotes from real film critics. The company has since apologised to both the critics and director Francis Ford Coppola, saying that it "screwed up."

Megalopolis' latest trailer intended to depict Coppola's previous work as divisive, opening with a voiceover stating that "true genius is often misunderstood." The trailer then proceeded to display quotes purportedly from well-known film critics panning past Coppola films which are now highly regarded.

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

According to Megalopolis' trailer, Andrew Sarris allegedly called The Godfather "a sloppy self-indulgent movie" that "doesn't know what it wants to be," while Pauline Kael considered it "diminished by its artsiness." Apocalypse Now was ostensibly labelled "hollow at the core" by Vincent Canby and "an epic piece of trash" by Rex Reed. Roger Ebert seemingly called Bram Stoker's Dracula "a triumph of style over substance" while Owen Gleiberman considered it "a beautiful mess."

However, as spotted by Vulture reporter Bilge Ebiri, almost all of the quotes in the trailer are demonstrably false. These critics did not write about Coppola's films using the words Megalopolis' trailer falsely attributed to them, and some didn't even hold the same opinions the trailer presented them as having. For example, while Kael gave The Godfather a positive review, her fake quote in the Megalopolis trailer incorrectly indicated that she derided it.

Tweet may have been deleted

Within hours of Ebiri's report, Megalopolis' distributor Lionsgate apologised and announced the new trailer would be taken down immediately. Of course, because the internet is forever, the Megalopolis misinformation trailer is still available to view on multiple other YouTube channels.

"Lionsgate is immediately recalling our trailer for Megalopolis," Lionsgate wrote in a statement shared with multiple publications. "We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and [Megalopolis' production company] American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry."

Exactly how these fake quotes made it into Megalopolis' trailer is unclear. Many on social media have theorised that the quotes were created using a generative AI tool such as ChatGPT, though Lionsgate has not confirmed this. 

It would not be surprising if AI was involved. There have already been numerous instances of generative AI being inappropriately applied despite people not fully understanding what it actually does, producing similar results.

Last year two lawyers were fined after their legal filing cited six non-existent cases generated by OpenAI's ChatGPT. Another lawyer was subsequently caught citing fake cases that their client, disbarred former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, had generated using Google Bard. In both cases they claimed to be unaware that the generative AI tools actually generate content, or that such content could be false.

Megalopolis' misinformation trailer tried to spin a tale of an unjustly vilified visionary

While most of the other critics misquoted in Megalopolis' trailer are dead, Variety's Gleiberman has responded to the incident. Gleiberman did review Bram Stoker's Dracula for Entertainment Weekly in 1992, however neither the word "beautiful" nor "mess" appeared in his article. It's an assessment he says "now sounds kind."

"Even if you're one of those people who don’t like critics, we hardly deserve to have words put in our mouths," Gleiberman told Variety. "Then again, the trivial scandal of all this is that the whole Megalopolis trailer is built on a false narrative. Critics loved The Godfather. And though Apocalypse Now was divisive, it received a lot of crucial critical support."

It's understandable why Megalopolis' marketing team tried to present Coppola as a misunderstood genius. Early screenings of Megalopolis have garnered mixed reactions, with Coppola's $120 million passion project leaving audiences baffled and bewildered. 

Megalopolis follows Cesar (Adam Driver), an architect who has the power to stop time and wants to build a utopia called New Rome. He's also in love with the corrupt mayor's (Giancarlo Esposito) daughter (Nathalie Emmanuel). The film is currently sitting at 53 percent on Rotten Tomatoes based on 68 reviews, while its Metacritic score is 59 based on 28 reviews.

Coppola stubbornly dismissed negative reactions to Megalopolis earlier this year, incorrectly claiming that "if you look at each and every mixed or negative notice it’s always something heard from an unknown source." Every review used to calculate Megalopolis' Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores is attributable to a named film critic and publication, and is easily accessible online.

"I really feel it’s unpardonable to attack a movie because it doesn’t play by Hollywood’s current rules, by quoting unnamed sources who probably weren’t at the screening and may not exist," Coppola told Air Mail (via Independent).

It's unlikely Coppola had anything to do with the creation of Megalopolis' latest trailer. Even so, his complaints feel rather ironic now that the film he was defending has just tried to promote itself with false quotes from named critics.

Megalopolis arrives in theatres Sept. 27.

TL;DR: Pay only £17.54 for a lifetime device license for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro through Sept. 3 — that's a savings of 88%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License £17.54 at the Mashable Shop
£151.92 Save £134.38 Get Deal

You don't necessarily have to buy a new computer to upgrade your tech arsenal. Sometimes, all it takes is installing a brand-new operating system to boost your productivity and enhance your computer's security. If you happen to have a Windows PC that meets the necessary requirements, consider breathing new life into it by upgrading to Microsoft 11 Pro.

Through Sept. 3, a coveted Microsoft 11 Pro lifetime license is on sale for £17.54. With this one-time purchase, you can use this Windows OS for the rest of your device's life, no subscription fees required. This OS boasts a bunch of nifty features, including a new-and-improved interface, advanced security, and an elevated gaming experience.

Microsoft 11 Pro is great for modern professionals, especially those working in a remote or hybrid setup. For instance, if you're a stickler for security, the OS packs BitLocker device encryption, meaning you can lock your device remotely so no one else can access its contents. Windows Information Protection is included too, allowing you to remotely manage your system to prevent data leaks. Plus, you can also take advantage of biometrics login, Smart App control, advanced antivirus defenses, and more. 

In terms of usability, enjoy the new Windows 11 Pro interface, which includes snap layouts, seamless redocking, better voice-typing, and a more powerful search experience. It's also primed for gameplay thanks to DirectX12 Ultimate, which bolsters the quality of your computer's graphics, resulting in more immersive gaming. 

You'll have all these features and more with a one-time purchase of the license. You can install it on up to two devices, provided that they have 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space.

Until Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can grab a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro for only £17.54.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024-25 Premier League for free on Fubo. Sign up for a free trial of Fubo from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

A lot of domestic football leagues claim to be the best. La Liga probably offers the best example of attacking play and skillful individuals. Serie A has a reputation for tactical excellence and impressive defensive systems. But for pure entertainment? The Premier League is tough to beat.

The pace of the game in the Premier League is relentless, which breeds an entertaining form of the game that leaves fans breathless. The catch? It's incredibly difficult to follow the Premier League without spending a lot. It's difficult, but not impossible.

If you want to watch the 2024-25 Premier League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Premier League?

The Premier League is the highest level of the English football league system. The league is contested by 20 clubs, with each team playing 38 matches: two against each other, one home and one away.

The defending champions are Manchester City.

When is the 2024-25 Premier League?

The Premier League season usually runs from August to May.

How to watch the 2024-25 Premier League for free

Fans can live stream the Premier League on Fubo, which offers all 380 matches of the 2024-25 season. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial so you can watch select Premier League fixtures for free.

Fubo's Premier League coverage is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Premier League from anywhere in the world. This might sound complicated, but the process is actually really straightforward.

Access free live streams of the 2024-25 Premier League 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 Canada

4. Sign up for a seven-day free trial of Fubo

5. Watch Premier League fixtures 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 gain access to free live streams of the 2024-25 Premier League season without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

And if you do choose to continue using a VPN, you can secure permanent access to Fubo. This popular streaming platform also broadcasts Ligue 1, Serie A, and Coppa Italia fixtures, so it might be something to consider.

What is the best VPN for Fubo?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Canada

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Premier League fixtures for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Dallas Wings and New York Liberty are up next in the latest WNBA fixture on the schedule. Both teams have performed well this season, as New York Liberty have positioned themselves well for a place in the playoffs. Competition will be strong from the Dallas Wings, with players like Teaira McCowan on the team.

If you want to watch Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty?

Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 22. This fixture takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

How to watch Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty for free

Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to watch this latest fixture, as anyone can watch the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.

For fans not in the U.S., hope is not lost. To watch the WNBA, you can use a VPN to stream for free on Prime Video. The process couldn't be more simple, just follow the below steps:

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 U.S.

5. Watch Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty 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

Unfortunately, the best VPNs for streaming are often not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This, of course, isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select WNBA games 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 U.S.

• 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 Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs for free on DAZN. Watch NFL preseason games for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

OK, it's only preseason, but the Kansas City Chiefs — the 2024 Super Bowl winners — are currently 0-2 following losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs showed moments of flair in last week's game against the Lions — Patrick Mahomes' behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce was an immediate viral hit — and they held the lead until the Lions scored a field goal in the final play.

The Bears meanwhile are 3-0 in preseason action after wins against the Texans, Bills, and Bengals. Still, the Chiefs soundly defeated the Bears in their last meeting at the start of last season, which makes this an interesting preseason clash. Which team will gain momentum going into the proper football season?

The good news is that you can watch the NFL preseason without spending anything. If you want to watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Bears vs. Chiefs?

Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs takes place at 8.20 p.m. ET on Aug. 22. This fixture will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

How to watch Bears vs. Chiefs for free

To watch the NFL preseason for free, simply register with DAZN.

The popular platform is showing the NFL preseason for free — live or on-demand — to viewers outside the U.S., Canada, and China. But anyone can access these free fixtures with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, allowing you to unblock streaming services from around the globe.

Access free live streams of the NFL preseason 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 a location with free coverage of the NFL preseason

4. Register with DAZN

5. Watch the NFL preseason 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 actually free to use, but leading VPN services usually offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can take advantage of these deals to gain access to live streams of the NFL preseason without committing with your cash. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch NFL preseason games 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

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, which includes a bonus three months at no extra cost. This plan also includes 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.

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 22 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 22

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: One for the ages

These words mix your breakfast.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are the words used to label the levels of intensity on a kitchen blender control panel.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is BlenderSetting.

NYT Strands word list for August 22

• Liquefy

• BlenderSetting

• Whip

• Grind

• Puree

• Chop 

• Pulse

• Stir

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.

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.

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

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:

Very violent person.

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...

BRUTE.

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.

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 22'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 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 August 22 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: Projectionist equipment

• Green: Layer

• Blue: Generic newspaper

• Purple: Prank'd

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: Classic Movie Theater Equipment

• Green: Tier

• Blue: Newspaper Names

• Purple: Prank Verbs

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 #438 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Classic Movie Theater Equipment: PROJECTOR, REEL, SCREEN, SPEAKER

• Tier: DECK, FLOOR, LEVEL, STORY

• Newspaper Names: GLOBE, MIRROR, POST, SUN

• Prank Verbs: EGG, MOON, STREAK, TOILET PAPER

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

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

So, you want your PC to perform at its best? Outside of just buying the most expensive hardware, one of the keys to achieving this is ensuring top-notch security. A secure PC isn't just safer, it's also faster. By following these tips to optimise your system, you'll transform your computer into a sleek, efficient powerhouse. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: security and performance. Let's dive in.

First steps

Clear up disk space: Running your PC when it's bogged down with junk is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. If your PC is feeling sluggish, the first thing you should check is the amount of available space on your drives. Removing unnecessary files and unwanted programs should quickly provide a speed boost, with plenty more you can do from there.

Restart your PC: Sometimes, things are as simple as turning it off and on again. Rebooting your PC can help close unnecessary background processes, clear the memory (RAM), and provides an opportunity to apply updates. This of course leads to the next tip..

Update your operating system: Make sure that your Operating System (OS) and all your drivers are up to date. These updates often include performance improvements and security patches that can help your PC run more smoothly and safely.

Run an antivirus scan: You could have some viruses or malware infecting your system. These malicious programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and slowing down your computer. By running a scan using a reputable antivirus, you can detect these threats and eliminate them. Then you’ll not only be safer, but have a faster, more responsive computer.

Choosing an antivirus

Everybody should be using some form of basic antivirus on their computer. Something that only becomes more important if you a) share your devices, or b) use that device for banking or online shopping.

Outside of just scanning for viruses, antivirus software also enhances your PC’s performance by removing and blocking malware, cleaning up unnecessary files, optimising system settings, and providing ongoing protection against new threats. So it’s kind of like having a housekeeper or a robot vacuum cleaner for your PC. Plugging away in the background, sucking up all the digital dirt and keeping your PC squeaky clean. Leading to a smoother, faster, and more reliable computing experience.

Even if you really, really don’t want to pay for additional security on your devices, it’s still recommended you install a lightweight, free version of a reputable antivirus. Avast One Basic was the 2024 Editor's Choice pick for free antivirus by the experts at our sister site PCMag. It provides free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and scored near-perfect scores in our lab testing for both antivirus and phishing protection. However, if you want the best protection for the most devices, we recommend upgrading your plan to one of the paid options. In this instance:

Avast One Gold

While a free tool such as Avast One Basic is a great place to start, the best features and security tools are always going to be tied to a premium antivirus plan. For Avast One, the golden standard is quite simply: Avast One Gold.

Upgrading to Gold provides:

• Antivirus and malware protection for up to 30 devices (PCs, Macs, tablets or smartphones)

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network) with unlimited data for all devices on the plan to help you browse privately and securely

• Performance optimisation features, automatic PC driver updates, and storage cleaning tools

• Anti-tracking technology to prevent bad actors or advertisers from tracking you and learning about your online behaviour

• Email Guardian, which helps flag scams and suspicious emails before they even reach your inbox

• Technology that helps automatically block fake and malicious websites

So if you want to both secure your devices and speed them up, Avast One Gold is an easy recommendation. It provides advanced protection, performance optimisation, privacy, priority support, and multi-device coverage. If you’re interested, you can read more about Avast One here.

The most controversial new Windows feature in years is making its grand re-entrance in a couple of months.

After a previous, open-ended delay announced in mid-June, Microsoft announced via an update to an old blog post that its new "Recall" feature will be available for Windows Insiders testing in October.

"As previously shared on June 13, we have adjusted our release approach to leverage the valuable expertise of our Windows Insider community prior to making Recall available for all Copilot+ PCs," Microsoft's blog update said. "Security continues to be our top priority and when Recall is available for Windows Insiders in October we will publish a blog with more details."

SEE ALSO: Microsoft's three new Xbox consoles are up for preorder ahead of their October launch Windows Recall release date window

In October, Windows Insiders will gain access to Recall, though the exact date remains unspecified. At least, we think so. Recall was announced in May as a potentially life-changing AI feature that constantly takes screenshots of everything you do on a compatible Windows PC, then studies those screenshots to build a database of all your actions that you can search through if needed.

The only problem is that Recall was immediately flagged as a massive cybersecurity problem, considering the fact that it actively and purposely compiles a history of everything a user does on a PC. Microsoft tried to put a band-aid on the situation by making Recall opt-in, but by then, the damage was done — and at least one government agency was investigating Microsoft over Recall.

We'll have to wait for Microsoft's blog post to find out how (if at all) the company has addressed the security concerns with Recall. But at least it won't be a long wait.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the newest addition to the Pixel family. Before the reveal of the Google Pixel 9 series, the lineup only had two phones: a base model (e.g., last year’s Google Pixel 8) and a Pro variant (e.g., 2023’s Google Pixel 8 Pro).

Now, Google has changed things up with a triple-device lineup: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Interestingly, despite its name, the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t that much larger from last year’s biggest model (i.e., Google Pixel 8 Pro). The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display while the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch panel.

What really makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL comparatively larger to the Pixel 9 Pro is that Google actually shrunk the Pro model to 6.3 inches, down from 6.7 inches. So yes, the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro. Weird, I know, given that phones typically become larger than their predecessors, not smaller.

Now that you’ve got a good understanding of the Pixel 9 Pro XL (and its new family), let’s dive into my experience with it.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review: I zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away and saw the color of their clothes Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price and specs

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a starting price of $1,099 via the Google Store. It comes with the following specs:

• Google Tensor G4 chip

• 16GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• 6.8-inch, 1344 x 2992-pixel display

If you want, you can get more storage by upgrading to the 256GB model, which will set you back $1,119. If you want a 512GB model or a 1TB variant, you’ll have to shell out $1,319 and $1,549, respectively. (I highly suggest getting the 256GB model. In my personal experience, 128GB of storage lasts about a little over a year before your storage gets full.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at Google Store
Shop Now Google Pixel 9 Pro XL design

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, unlike its lesser successors (e.g., Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro), actually looks and feels premium — thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 matte back. With a shiny polished metal frame that wraps around the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it could really compete with the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also highly resistant to fingerprints, so feel free to get handsy with it without any guilt.

The particular unit I tested for this review sports the Hazel chassis. There are three other colors you can choose from, including Obsidian (black), Rose Quartz (pink), and Porcelain (off-white).

I've seen them all in person. The Obsidian may be the most popular of the four colorways. You can never go wrong with a rich, onyx device that looks like it'd be on Batman's desk. The Rose Quartz delivers a pink-ish hue to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Emphasis on the word ish because it's more of a pastel, barely there, "baby shower pink," if you will. If you want a pink that's actually not afraid to be pink, check out the "Peony" color on the Pixel 9.

Although Google made a subtle gen-over-gen change with the camera bar, it elevates the visual appeal of the Pixel 9 series. The funky Geordi La Forge-esque visor no longer goes from edge to edge. It now has an island-style design with a body that color matches the chassis.

On the right side of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you'll find the volume and power buttons. On the bottom, you'll discover the USB-C port and a SIM card slot (the Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports eSIM).

Compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just a smidge larger (6.41 inches long versus 6.40). However, it's slightly thinner (0.33 inches vs. 0.35 inches). The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels quite nice in the hands; the curved edges are forgiving as my fingers wrap around them. As someone who never liked the Pixel series' design, I'm finally warming up to it.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL display

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch, 1344 x 2992-pixel resolution display. It has a screen-to-body ratio of about 88%, a slight jump from the Pixel 8 Pro's 87% screen-to-body ratio. This means that the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a better immersive viewing experience with thinner bezels, allowing more of the display to be dedicated to your content.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I fired up a few videos on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, including platforms like YouTube and Netflix. One thing I noticed is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL was a highly saturated panel, particularly compared to my iPhone 15 Pro Max. For example, while watching Love is Blind UK, the electric green top on one contestant appeared to be more vibrant — as if it was popping out of the screen — compared to its Apple counterpart.

However, my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, is even more vivid than the Pixel 9 Pro XL — perhaps too vivid. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is "just right."

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cameras

The megapixel count of the Pixel 9 Pro XL hasn't changed from the Pixel 8 family. It still has a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto sensor.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, this time around, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's ultrawide camera got a slight update, an improved aperture, that means that you should get better ultrawide photos in low-light conditions.

In other words, your vacation photos where you grab ultrawide shots of stunning landscapes should have improved detail on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

I tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL against my beloved iPhone 15 Pro Max, and to my surprise, the former bested it. And I have proof.

Wide camera

I captured a picture of some antique cars inside a museum and was taken aback by the Pixel 9 Pro XL's capture:

^This is the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s pic. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Here is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's capture of the scene:

^This is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's pic Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The first thing that caught my eye is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL deals better with challenging lighting, delivering a shot with little to no lens flare (unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max). The Apple device offered a more true-to-life interpretation of the two antique cars while its Google rival captured a richer, more saturated shot.

Ultrawide camera

I also took some pictures of Northport Harbor in Long Island, New York. Flanked by verdant trees, here is an ultrawide shot taken by the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's photo of the Northport Harbor. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Here is the same scenery taken with the iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro Max's photo of the Northport Harbor. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro XL's interpretation of the scene appears to be more vibrant and colorful. The grass emanates greener hues, and most conspicuously, the sky and harbor look bluer. The ripples and waves in the water appear more detailed, too.

Telephoto

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max's telephoto sensor maxes out at 5X optical zoom before the digital zoom (i.e., software) kicks in. I snapped a photo of a neighbor's yellow flowers, and here's how it turned out (at 5X zoom).

Look at the shot taken by the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and you'll notice a more robust and detailed capture of the eye-catching flower compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max:

^This is the Pixel 9 Pro XL's pic. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable ^This is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's pic Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro XL may have an edge over the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to cameras, but as you'll find out, the Google phone is weaker when it comes to performance.

If you're curious about how far the Pixel 9 Pro XL can zoom with its Super Res Zoom perk, check out my hands-on that featured me zooming in 5,280 feet and getting incredible detail.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance

We ran Geekbench 6 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which sports the new Google Tensor G4 chip, and it delivered a multi-core score of 4,569.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This is quite low compared to the scores we've recorded for other phones we've reviewed:

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - 4,569

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 - 6,069

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 - 6,300

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - 7,078

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 7,359

I know the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 7,359 score may look astronomical — and that's because it is. It's way too overpowered for a smartphone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't need to match this score to be considered as beastly as the priciest iPhone, but its Geekbench 6 score is surprisingly low. And when you consider that the Pixel 8 Pro actually delivered a higher score (e.g., 4,639), the G4 chip feels even more underpowered.

Even so, I didn't experience any slowdowns whatsoever while juggling multiple apps simultaneously. It is worth nothing, however, that the Pixel 9 Pro XL got a little too hot at times, particularly while using the cameras during a warm day. This phone may be a nightmare to use on the beach.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL AI features

Apple Intelligence is in trouble! Google packed a cornucopia of AI features into the Pixel 9 family. Check out our hands-on experiences with a good chunk of them:

• Add Me

• Reimagine

• AI-powered weather app

• Pixel Screenshot

• Pixel Studio

I also recommend that you check out the new Gemini Live, the big update to Google's ChatGPT rival.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life

In-freakin'-credible! The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL drained at a rate of just five percent hour on our test.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

We ran a TikTok rundown on the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 50% brightness. Now, imagine our surprise when we saw it lasted a whopping 18 hours and 41 minutes on a single charge. This beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which lasted 14 hours and 53 minutes on the same test.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Is it worth it?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is totally worth it based on the battery life alone. You can comfortably leave the house with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and not suffer from battery drainage anxiety. You can get away with being lazy for a bit and not charging the phone for a night or two.

Plus, when it comes to its shooters, it can compete with arguably the best smartphone on the market: the iPhone 15 Pro Max. That being said, the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max in at least three categories: camera, display, and battery life.

On top of that, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Google AI features are a blast to use (though they have their quirks), making the Pixel 9 Pro XL one of the best phones of 2024.

In what may be the most bonkers news to happen this year, billions of Americans had their most personal, sensitive info swiped by hackers late last year — and this massive breach wasn't announced until just last week. The devastating data leak at the hands of National Public Data is a nightmare, exposing three decades’ worth of Social Security numbers on the online black market. Yep, it’s as bad as it sounds.

SEE ALSO: What does the future of social security look like for millennials?

So, what now? Well, don’t hold your breath for financial compensation just yet. But if you want to know if you’re one of the unlucky millions, and how to shield yourself from the fallout, we’ve got you.

Social Security breach check

Pentester, a cybersecurity firm, launched a tool that lets you check if your data was caught up in a recent breach. To find out, visit npd.pentester.com, enter your first and last name, along with your birth year, and you’ll get a list of any breached accounts associated with you.

The tool even shows the last four digits of the compromised Social Security numbers, making it easier to confirm if your information is at risk.

How to protect yourself if you're breached

If you’ve checked Pentester’s website and discovered that you’re one of the billions affected by the breach, here’s what the NPD recommends to protect your identity:

1. Financial monitoring - NPD advises taking a closer look at your bank accounts, ensuring everything is in order. While this might seem like a no-brainer, the reality is that many Americans don’t scrutinize every line item on their credit and debit card statements, which leaves room for fraudulent charges to slip through unnoticed.

2. Credit monitoring - Set up credit monitoring with one or all of the major credit bureaus, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This way, you’ll get alerts for any suspicious activity, like new or existing accounts being opened in your name.

3. Consider a credit freeze - Instituting a credit freeze is like hitting a big red button. It stops new credit from being opened in your name without your explicit permission.

Of course, none of these steps will erase the fact that your Social Security number is now floating around in the cybercrime underworld. But they’re practical measures you can take to safeguard your finances and protect yourself from future headaches.

SAVE $179.99: As of Aug. 21, Best Buy is giving away free Surface Pro Keyboards with pen storage with the purchase of select Microsoft Surface Pro 11 configurations (starting at $1,499.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11 $1,499.99 at Best Buy
Free Surface Pro Keyboard Get Deal

Microsoft markets its Surface Pro as a "2-in-1 laptop," but that designation should come with an asterisk: The device functions as a hybrid laptop if you buy its sold-separately keyboard. Otherwise, it's just a tablet.

For a limited time, Best Buy is remedying the situation: Select configurations of the new Surface Pro 11 come with a free Surface Pro Keyboard with pen storage (a $179.99 value) through Sunday, Aug. 25 as part of the retailer's Tech Fest sale. This marks the first-ever deal we've seen on the newest Surface Pro, which hasn't seen a formal markdown since launching in June.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review: 23 hours of battery life? MacBooks are in trouble

The Surface Pro 11 is a lightweight convertible Copilot+ PC with a built-in kickstand and four color options. Like the excellent new Surface Laptop 7, Microsoft's more traditional clamshell-style offering, it's powered by a fresh Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset that makes it AI-ready and plenty power-efficient. (We haven't tested it ourselves, but Microsoft claims the Surface Pro 11 is 90 percent faster than its predecessor and capable of lasting up to 14 hours per charge.)

The configurations that Best Buy's picked for this bundle deal feature an upgraded Snapdragon X Elite CPU with 16 to 32GB of RAM and 512GB to 1TB of storage (priced at $1,499.99 to $2,099.99). If you're doing some last-minute back-to-school shopping for laptop deals, then this is a great opportunity to buy a Windows device that will last you for a long time to come.

As for that free Surface Pro Keyboard you're getting: It has a dedicated Copilot key, a glass touchpad, and a built-in storage tray for the second-generation Surface Slim Pen. Annoyingly, you still have to buy that stylus separately. (Psst: My Best Buy members can get it on sale for 10% off through Aug. 21.)