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NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 10

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 21:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for June 10'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.

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: The center of something

  • Green: Multifaceted situation

  • Blue: List making

  • Purple: Cross interpretations

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: Core

  • Green: Complicated

  • Blue: Symbols Used in Making Lists

  • Purple: What "Cross" Might Mean

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 Connections #365 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Core: CRUX, ESSENCE, HEART, SUBSTANCE

  • Complicated: BAROQUE, COMPLEX, ELABORATE, INVOLVED

  • Symbols Used in Making Lists: ARROW, BULLET, CHECKBOX, HYPHEN

  • What "Cross" Might Mean: ANGRY, BETRAY, CRUCIFIX, HYRBRID

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.

Biggest announcements from the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 15:40

The Xbox Games Showcase gives us a glimpse at future offerings from Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox partners. Here are the big announcements in games, release dates, and more:

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Tweet may have been deleted

The showcase kicked off with a first look at Call of Duty Black Ops 6. Set in the Gulf War era after the fall of the Soviet Union, the latest CoD installment will feature new maps and...zombies. The game releases October 25.

Following the showcase, the developers of the game went into a bit of detail about the story and development of the game. This look into Black Ops 6 starts at around 1 hour 48 minutes into the livestream.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Tweet may have been deleted

DOOM: The Dark Ages, out in 2025, is the third installment of the modern DOOM series and a prequel to 2016's DOOM and DOOM Eternal. The game will delve deeper into the origin story of the DOOM Slayer — with you playing as the warrior himself.

Starfield: Shattered Space

Last year, Mashable's Alex Perry wrote, "After 20 hours trying to find the excitement in Starfield, I’m not sure it actually exists." Given the less-than-stellar reviews, Bethesda's expansion of the game, Shattered Space, is intriguing. The RPG expansion will be out sometime this year.

METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER Tweet may have been deleted

This remake of the 2004 game METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER was announced a few months ago, but this is the first trailer. METAL GEAR SOLID DELTA will feature new graphics, 3D audio, and an updated control style.

Fallout 76

Off the heels of the Amazon Prime Fallout series, a new Fallout 76 expansion is coming — in three days. In the new expansion, you can explore the new region of Skyline Valley. In early 2025, you'll also be able to play as a ghoul.

Diablo IV:Vessel of Hatred

The next installment of Blizzard's action role-player game will be released October 8.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

The showcase featured a first look gameplay trailer of Assassin's Creed Shadows, out November 15. On June 10 — the day after the showcase — at 9 a.m. PT, Ubisoft Forward will stream 13 minutes of a gameplay walkthrough.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Heart of Chornobyl is the sequel to first-person shooter game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. It takes place at the site of the nuclear disaster, which is inside modern-day Ukraine. Considering the ongoing war in the region, the location for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is a notable choice. The game will be out September 5.

In total, Xbox introduced 30 new games, sequels, and expansions, including Fable and Age of Mythology, as well as three new Xbox series X|S consoles. Watch a replay of the livestream here.

Steve Carell introduces Minions 'Megaverse' in MCU parody

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 11:20
'Despicable Me 4' actor Steve Carell lays out 50 Minions movies over the next 100 years in this satirical commercial.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for June 9

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 07:04

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 9 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 9

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, June 9, 2024:

AcrossTerrier in "The Wizard of Oz"
  • The answer is Toto.

TV alternative to "live"
  • The answer is taped.

Turn topsy-turvy
  • The answer is upend.

Tangy
  • The answer is tart.

Team ___ (Olympians in red, white and blue)
  • The answer is USA.

DownTiny appetizers at a Spanish bar
  • The answer is tapas.

"Tosca" or "La Traviata"
  • The answer is opera.

Thing you might have a stake in?
  • The answer is tent.

Totally strange
  • The answer is odd.

Type of skirt for a ballerina
  • The answer is tutu.

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

Hey, Siri! Let’s Talk About How Apple Is Giving You an A.I. Makeover.

NYT Technology - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:04
Apple, a latecomer to artificial intelligence, has struck a deal with OpenAI and developed tools to improve its Siri voice assistant, which it is set to showcase on Monday.

Is Your Driving Being Secretly Scored?

NYT Technology - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00
The insurance industry, hungry for insights into how people drive, has turned to automakers and smartphone apps like Life360.

The best laptops for photo editing, according to expert editors and photographers

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

Shopping for a laptop is already hard enough due to the sheer number of options. But your task gets even more difficult when you need a laptop for a very specific purpose, like photo editing. This demands even more research and scrutiny on your part, which may sound like a tall order. Talk about analysis paralysis.

If you're in the market for a photo editing laptop and are having a hard time making the final decision, you're in luck, because we're here to help you choose something you'll love. In fact, not only have we tested all of the top powerhouse laptops, but we even brought in some backup — to give us some more insight into buying a laptop for photo editing, we reached out to Tommy Yonash, a Brooklyn-based documentary and portrait photographer, and Joseph Maldonado, a photographer for Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis.

What makes a good photo editing laptop?

"Honestly, it comes down to three things for me," Yonash told us. When shopping for the best laptops for photo editing, he recommends prioritizing something with fast processing speeds, a great battery life, and something that's lightweight and portable so you can take it on the go. Maldonado agrees that speed is vital to having a good photo editing experience. "It just has to be able to process the images quickly," he said. "I don’t enjoy a laptop that slows down while bouncing between different photos."

Yonash told us that he uses a MacBook Pro for photo editing, as it's a great marriage of all three of those important specs. "I work between the M1 Pro and the M1 Air, both of which have held up great over the years, but the Pro has usually been my go-to for its better battery life," he added. While the M1 line of MacBook laptops can still be found pretty cheap at various retailers, Apple has since released the MacBook Pro and Air with the latest and greatest M3 chips, which are much faster. For photo editing laptops specifically, we recommend going current-gen to get the best bang for your buck.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for video editing, according to an experienced editor

Yonash maintains that speed, portability, and battery are the most important specs when shopping for photo editing laptops, but out of those three, processing speeds will always win out. "Since I don't do too much editing on the go, I would have to say speed or processing power is the number one most important feature," he told us. "Nothing kills editing flow like a laggy computer." Maldonado concurred on this point, but also added that a great display and plenty of storage are also a necessity. He said that a minimum of 1TB of SSD storage will serve you well.

What are the best laptops for photo editing?

After all of our research, testing, and expert interviews, we found that the M3 MacBook Pro will be the best photo editing laptop for most people. We know that not everyone is an Apple die-hard, though, so we included laptops from beyond the Apple ecosystem as well. Below, our top picks for the most reliable photo editing laptops.

The best free VPN

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

In the realm of cybersecurity, "best VPN" and "paid VPN" are effectively synonyms. VPNs (aka virtual private networks) that are completely free to use do exist, but it's reasonable to assume that using one means maybe having your data logged and sold (or leaked) or downloading an app bundled with malware. They need to keep the lights on somehow.

A general rule of thumb is that paid, premium VPNs are the safest and most reliable VPN services out there (and we've got our own favorites). But there is a small loophole for cash-strapped users here, which is that some premium providers offer free tiers and trials. They're typically more limited than their paid counterparts, with usage restrictions and fewer server options, but they're at least protected by the same private practices (including no-logs policies). For users who are interested in trying a VPN for the first time or those who need one for infrequent, short-term use, they can be handy tools.

Read on for Mashable's guide to the best free VPNs that we've tried ourselves.

Learn American Sign Language in this $16 course, plus 5 more career-boosting tips

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Learning a new language can give you a whole new professional skill set, and you can get started with these online American Sign Language courses, now available in a bundle for just $15.97. Plus, learn five more strategies for boosting your career.

No matter how tough the job market has become, if you're employed, it might be a nice time to work on expanding in your current role. Whether you're hoping to score a promotion this year or want to expand your responsibilities and become indispensable to your employer, there are many ways to give yourself a boost. 

Learn a new language and expand your communication skills

Learning a new language can open up entirely new opportunities and responsibilities, and that's why learning American Sign Language is both challenging but rewarding. Right now, you can sign up for American Sign Language courses with 39 hours of instruction, all available in this online learning bundle priced at $15.97 for a limited time.

This bundle of 13 classes includes American Sign Language for Business: Beginner. It walks you through signing business- and office-related terms and vocabulary, as well as the basics like sentence structure, helping you interact with deaf co-workers and clients alike. 

Want to expose your company to a brand-new audience? Picking up American Sign Language is a great way to do it. For example, being skilled in American Sign Language can help you stand out to your employer by being able to communicate with deaf or hearing-impaired people. And if you're interested, you can score lifetime access to The All-in-One American Sign Language Bundle for just $15.97 (reg. $104) through June 9.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The All-in-One American Sign Language Bundle $15.97 at The Mashable Shop
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And if you're really looking to catch your boss's eye, we've rounded up five more career-boosting strategies to help you stand out among your colleagues.

1. Directly ask for feedback

This one might seem too simple, but a great way to improve in your current position is to simply ask coworkers and superiors how you're doing. There are lots of benefits — from increasing your confidence to providing concrete ways to reach your goals — and it's totally free. Another great result? It shows your maturity and willingness to grow. 

Before asking for the feedback, decide what type you're hoping to receive. You can provide specific questions or set up a survey, it all just depends on what you're after. And don't forget, this doesn't just apply to the people you're currently working with, you can also expand your net and ask former colleagues and mentors, too!

2. Hit the library

If you haven't stepped into a library since college, it may be time to get acquainted with your local wing. Books are a great way to level up your current expertise, as you can dive into relevant topics and make yourself an expert in your field. And you don't have to stop at the shelves — trade papers and magazines are also an excellent source for growth.

Don't feel like leaving home? These days, you don't have to. You can also brush up on the latest trends and learn more about your career path by finding relevant blogs and social media accounts and pages. 

3. Don't underestimate networking

Even if you absolutely hate networking events, you can still touch base with people in your field right from the comfort of your couch. Yep, social media is a great way to connect with those in similar gigs, via groups on social media. You can also center your own social media accounts on your career area and build your own following filled with those interested in your domain. 

For extroverts, good old fashioned face-to-face contact can also be helpful. Attending workshops in person or whipping up a business card to hand out at a moment's notice are also some good ideas that can help you in your profession. 

4. Turn your career into a project

One of the best ways to prove your worth at work is through a document filing system or an online portfolio. Unfortunately, no one is going to make these for you, so you'll have to put in the work. It's a great way to keep tabs on goals you've achieved, accolades you've earned, and more, and provides a great thing to point to during your next review. 

Getting your wins organized will also help you in the future, as you digitize important files and catalog notable correspondence. Having everything in one spot helps you build confidence, reminding you of all of your vast accomplishments. 

5. Learn from your mistakes

We can't always kill it at work. But there's a fresh perspective you can bring to negative experiences at the office: learn from them. If you look at mixups through the lens of problem-solving, they can not only be prevented in the future, it can teach you about your performance, and could be a productive exercise to boost your professional growth. 

Learning from failure isn't just beneficial on an individual level. If it catches on at a higher level, it can help future performance company-wide. Since it's impossible not to fail, don't worry about preventing it, just use it to everyone's advantage. 

Standing out in your current role doesn't have to be a daunting task or require a significant investment. By seeking feedback, networking effectively, learning new languages, and more, you can make yourself more valuable at work. These strategies are not only cost-effective but also practical and accessible, helping you enhance your skills and showcase your assets to your employer.

 StackSocial prices subject to change.

Transport your bikes with this trunk rack for $30 off

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Pack up for your next adventure with help from the Saris Bones EX 2-Bike Trunk Rack, now on sale for $199.99. You can also get the 3-bike model for only $30 more.

Headed on a camping trip or looking to hit some trails this summer? The Saris Bones EX Trunk Rack lets you easily transport two bikes to your favorite trails, parks, campgrounds, and scenic routes for just $199.99 (reg. $229).

This trunk bike rack is light at only 11 pounds, which makes it easier to work with and install. Its unique arched leg helps it avoid contact with many of the plastic spoilers found on today's sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. The design features injection-molded arms and legs, which means it should be sturdy and stable, lasting for many years.

Made in the USA, it has premium, easy-to-use bike hold-downs and a streamlined strap system with a spring-loaded ratchet. It's also made with rust-proof metal to last through days and nights in the elements. The load capacity is 35 pounds per bike, or 70 pounds in total. 

The Saris Bones EX 2 makes bike transportation the simplest part of your journey, so you can focus on enjoying your ride. It also comes in an EX 3 version, which can hold up to three bikes and has a total 105-pound capacity for only $30 more (the EX3 model is also on sale for 11% off).

Travel with your bikes thanks to the Saris Bones EX 2 Bike Trunk Rack while it's on sale for $199.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Last chance: Get lifetime license to Microsoft Visual Studio Pro for $40

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows is just $39.97 (reg. $499) through June 10 for Father's Day.

Life can get super busy. And if you haven't yet gotten your old man a gift for his big day, don't be too hard on yourself. Fortunately, you can find lots of thoughtful gifts online that don't require any shipping. If you want to give the tech-savvy dad in your life a gift that will supercharge his coding abilities, Microsoft Visual Studio Professional can help. A lifetime license is currently on sale for $39.97 and can be accessed almost immediately upon purchase. Fair warning: this offer ends on June 10.

Whether the father in your life is a professional coder, working to be, or someone who just loves to tinker around with all things tech, this could be a fun gift for him. It's an integrated development environment, which is a multi-tool space for programmers. 

In the fast-paced world of coding, instead of having a separate tool for writing code, another for testing it, and another for debugging, an IDE combines all these environments into a single program. It creates a more streamlined way for developers to do their thing.

This fully featured environment lets programmers create cross-platform apps using .NET MAUI and build responsive Web UIs in C# with Blazor. You can also write, debug, & test .NET and C++ apps in Linux, among many other things.

Visual Studio also features IntelliCode, which offers code context-aware suggestions to complete lines of code or even entire functions, code pattern recognition, and more tools for a hyper efficient coding experience. 

There's also a feature called CodeLens, which gives you insight into code, revealing important info such as tests, authors, any changes made, and more. This type of overview can help you make more informed decisions.

Give the techie dad in your life a gift that speaks to him, even if it happens to be purchased last minute.

Lifetime access to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows is just $39.97 until June 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT for Father's Day. Your license covers one device, and you'll never have to worry about auto-renewal or expiration.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows $39.97
$499.00 Save $459.03 Get Deal

Last chance: Microsoft Office for Mac is only $30 for Father's Day

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: In honor of Father's Day, a Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac lifetime license is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $229) through June 10.

It's almost Father's Day — the day when we let our love and affection for the dads in our lives shine brighter. That means if you haven't already gotten him something, you're running out of time. However, some Father's Day deals let you show your love with gifts that don't have to ship at all. This offer for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is one of them, and it's on sale for $29.97 (reg. $229) through June 10.

If your dad uses a Mac for work or personal projects, consider giving him the gift of enhanced productivity. Even though it’s a slightly older version of Office (the most recent version is the 2021 edition), it still packs a punch with reliable features and well-loved apps. 

Office 2019 for Mac includes essential applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These tools are designed to meet various needs, whether Dad is drafting important documents, managing work or home finances, creating presentations, or organizing his email and calendar.

It also includes other favorite apps, including OneNote, for amplified note-taking in one central place. It also comes with Teams Classic 2019. 

One of the best aspects of MS Office 2019 is that it’s a one-time purchase. For $29.97, you get lifetime access to the suite without the need for recurring subscription fees, like you would with Microsoft 365. The license covers one Mac device, and it lasts as long as your device does.

Give a thoughtful and practical gift to any dad you love this Father's Day with a price point that won't stress you out.

Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $229) until June 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $29.97 at The Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $199.03 Get Deal

How to get a VPN on your iPhone

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

Figuring out how to get a VPN on your iPhone? When it comes to keeping nasty cyber threats at bay, the iPhone often thought to be the best in the biz. However, that isn’t necessarily true. Even with the fortified Apple App Store, which stopped over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions, it’s far from being a safe haven from hackers or targeted ads. 

That’s where a VPN comes in. 

A virtual private network can hide your real IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, bypass geo-restricted content, provide access to country-specific streaming libraries, and more. Heck, it can also help you connect to a private network, like a place of work or school, which is especially handy if you get an iPhone from work (lucky you). 

Getting a VPN for your iPhone is a smart move — and this guide will help you get it all set up. 

SEE ALSO: The best VPN for iPhone: Which iOS VPN should you pick? How to get a VPN on your iPhone

Getting set up with a VPN on your iPhone is straightforward, as the VPN service you pick will do a lot of the legwork for you. It’s just a matter of heading to the App Store, downloading an app, creating an account, and getting connected. 

1. Choose a VPN service

There are plenty of options to choose from, but you’ll want to get yourself one of the best VPNs on the market. Once you have one in mind, open the App Store on your iPhone, tap the “Search” tab, type in your chosen VPN service, and select it. (We recommend NordVPN.)

2. Install the VPN iOS app

On the VPN’s App Store page, tap “Get” beside the app’s name. To confirm the app installation, you’ll need to either enter a passcode (use Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your iPhone model). The app will automatically download and install, so you can return to the Home Screen.

3. Create an account

Once the install is complete, tap on the newly installed VPN app. Unless you already have one, you’ll need to create an account. Select a subscription plan and follow the process.

4. Connect to a server

Using your new account, log in and you’ll be ready to use a VPN on your iPhone. Many VPNs have a “Quick Connect” feature that lets you connect to the fastest server available for you. Tap it and voilà! You’ll be ready to browse the web anonymously. 

How to configure VPN settings on iPhone

While a majority of your VPN needs can be done within the VPN’s iOS app, there’s also a way to configure the settings manually in Settings. This is mainly used to access a specific network, such as a private network for a business. Depending on your chosen VPN provider, you’ll also be able to pick a VPN protocol

Here’s how to get it done:

  1. Select the Settings app on your iPhone. 

  2. Tap “General.” 

  3. Select “VPN.” 

  4. Choose “Add VPN Configuration.”  

  5. Press “Type” and pick the type of VPN protocol you’re using. Depending on the service you use, it could be OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP.  

  6. Continue to type in a description, remote ID, and a server for the VPN.  

  7. Input your username and password.  

  8. Click “Manual” or “Auto” to enable your proxy server. 

  9. Press “Done.”

Upgrade your iPhone with a VPN

Along with the protection from trackers and hackers it brings, a VPN will give your iPhone a load of handy perks. From streaming shows without limits to finding bargain deals while shopping online, there are plenty of reasons why you should use a VPN.

NordVPN (for iPhone) 3 Months Free & Up to 74% Off 2-Year Plan at NordVPN
Shop Now

Score a near-mint refurbished iPad 6 and Beats Flex Headphones for 30% off

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Get a grade-A refurbished iPad 6 and renewed Beats Flex Headphones for only $174.99 (reg. $249.99) for a limited time.

If you could use a tech refresh, you don't have to spend a fortune on new gadgets. Refurbished electronics are a fantastic way to save money while still getting top quality products. For instance, you can get a refurbished Apple iPad 6 and renewed Beats Flex Headphones for just $174.99 (reg. $249.99), a 30% discount.

Besides saving you some money, refurbished or renewed electronics are a great way to support the planet by keeping e-waste out of landfills, according to the EPA. This bundle includes two top-name electronics that have been cleaned and tested to work like new at a price that's much less than if they were brand-new. The iPad has a grade-A refurbished rating, which means it arrives in near-mint condition.

From the model year 2018, the 6th-generation iPad has an Apple A10 chip for speedy performance whether you're shopping online, streaming shows, or catching up on work emails. It has a decent 32GB of storage, two cameras, and a 9.7-inch Retina display. It also comes with a case, stylus, and screen protector.

The renewed Beats Flex headphones feature a flex-form cable meant to provide all-day comfort. From model year 2020, these headphones feature an Apple W1 chip. They have a magnetic design, offer premium sound, and come with four different comfort tips. Beats headphones also work seamlessly with Apple products, so it will be easy to sync the headphones with your new tablet (and all your Apple devices).

Shopping for Father's Day? Get Dad something that sets him up for entertainment for years to come.

For a limited time, score this grade-A refurbished Apple iPad 6 and renewed Beats Flex Headphones bundle on sale for $174.99 (reg. $249.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Explicit deepfakes are traumatic. How to deal with the pain.

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

Therapist Francesca Rossi works with clients who've had real images of themselves turned into sexually explicit content, without their consent. All of her current clients identify as woman.

This type of image-based abuse, known as an explicit deepfake generated by artificial intelligence, is frequently perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner, or a known friend, coworker, or neighbor, as a form of harassment and stalking. Rossi, a licensed clinical social worker in New York, has seen her clients heal from this betrayal, but the journey is long, and rarely predictable.

In some states, creating and distributing an explicit deepfake might be against the law, but even so, local law enforcement may have few resources to investigate such cases.

The victim typically has to marshal her own response. Among her options are attempting to track down the imagery and issue takedown notices where it appears, but there's no guarantee she'll locate all of it. Rossi says explicit deepfakes are often traded between individuals, then downloaded, without the victim's knowledge.

SEE ALSO: What to do if someone makes a deepfake of you

Feeling successful one day doesn't mean the next day will be the same. The imagery may pop up on new platforms. The perpetrator may send it to the survivor's friends, family, and employer. Rossi says survivors naturally become hypervigilant. They often, impossibly, want to avoid the internet altogether. Sometimes they become fixated on monitoring imagery of themselves online, using the internet excessively to do so.

"Being victimized through deepfakes can erase your sense of reality," says Rossi, noting the dissonance survivors feel because the fake imagery looks real and convincing. "They distort your understanding of the world and everything you know to be true."

Why safety planning is critical for healing

Rossi says that people need to feel safe in order to restore their sense of reality. Creating that safety happens through measures big and small.

In the beginning, when the deepfakes are discovered, Rossi says that it's important to gather trusted loved ones who can offer emotional support, help locate where the deepfakes appear, and try to remove them, or develop a strategy for navigating this complex process, possibly in partnership with law enforcement or attorneys.

The U.S.-based Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has an image abuse helpline, along with a thorough guide for what to do once you've become a victim. In the United Kingdom, people can turn to the Revenge Porn Helpline, which aids survivors of intimate image abuse.

In addition, people may want to remove their personal information from databases maintained by data brokers, which can be done through paid services or by contacting the brokers directly. That data, including a person's home address and the names of their family members, can be used for doxxing, harassment, and stalking

Kate Keisel prioritizes physical and psychological safety planning in her work as cofounder of the New Jersey-headquartered Sanar Institute, which provides trauma-specific mental health services to survivors of interpersonal violence, including image-based sexual abuse.

Keisel says that survivors are often told by well-meaning supporters to stay off the internet when that's simply not an option for personal and professional reasons. That's why physical safety planning can include an understanding that even after initial successful takedown notices, there's no guarantee the imagery won't surface again.

Instead of hoping that the abuse will definitively end, Keisel recommends that survivors implement boundaries related to how they spend their time online, particularly if they find it distressing not to look for images. To increase their psychological safety, survivors may want to set a limit on the number of hours they devote to searching for images of themselves.

Keisel says it can be helpful for survivors to identify and stick to tasks that feel squarely within their control, like removing their personal information from the internet.

Getting and staying grounded

While practical steps, like issuing takedown notices, are key to safety planning, both Keisel and Rossi say survivors also benefit from grounding and mindfulness practices that decrease psychological distress and anxiety.

Survivors suffer particularly because their nervous system perceives a constant threat; deepfakes, after all, have the potential to re-emerge, or may still exist online or in someone else's possession.

A therapist can teach a survivor new techniques, but Keisel says activities that bring someone into the present moment, so they can fully inhabit their body, can also be powerfully calming. These can include trauma-sensitive yoga and Tai Chi.

Rossi also recommends calming strategies that stimulate the senses, such as lighting incense or a candle, and laughing, which can reduce the body's response to fear.

"We can't think our way out of trauma," says Keisel. That's why she believes "somatic," or body-based practices, help a survivor feel safe in the present moment, even if their life has been turned upside down.

Keisel says that there will be moments when a survivor's nervous system goes into panic mode because of a new development, but that it's possible to learn skills to better tolerate that distress.

The combination of safety planning, gaining more control, and self-soothing can put someone on the path to healing, Keisel says.

There is hope

Rossi and Keisel are among several therapists and professionals in the U.S. who specialize in treating survivors of image-based sexual abuse, but their expertise is uncommon. Rossi says she has more consultation requests than she can handle; they've increased markedly since AI software and apps capable of producing explicit deepfakes became more widespread late last year.

The abuse is accelerating at a pace that lawmakers and tech companies aren't matching, though the White House recently issued a call to action for digital platforms and services to tackle the problem.

The White House's recommendations included Congressional action to strengthen legal protections for survivors of image-base sexual abuse, and provide them with critical resources.

Keisel says that those who want to talk to a therapist should consider interviewing them about their treatment practices to see if they're a right fit. Survivors might avoid therapists who don't understand image-based sexual abuse, or who aren't trained to use a trauma-sensitive approach.

But Keisel doesn't want survivors to give up on the idea of healing, even if it sometimes feels unimaginable.

"There's this idea that those of us who've experienced this level of trauma are going to be stuck in place where we can't move forward," Keisel says. "When we have the right support in place, we move past these things in life."

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

How to watch Bangladesh vs. Nepal online for free

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch Bangladesh vs. Nepal in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the third last game of the first stage in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. The new Super 8s format will see the top two teams from each group advance to the next stage. It's still anyone's game, so you won't want to miss the next matchup between Bangladesh and Nepal.

If you want to watch Bangladesh vs. Nepal in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bangladesh vs. Nepal?

Bangladesh vs. Nepal in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on June 16 / 12:30 a.m. BST on June 17. This fixture takes place at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.

How to watch Bangladesh vs. Nepal for free

Smartphone users in India can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar.

While this free content is technically geo-restricted to India, anyone from across the world can access this free live stream with the help of a VPN. VPNs are tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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 India

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch Bangladesh vs. Nepal in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the Men's T20 World Cup (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

  • 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.

Watch Bangladesh vs. Nepal in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands online for free

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is more than halfway through and it's already been a great summer of cricket. Jointly hosted by the USA and the West Indies, this year's tournament debuts a new Super 8s format. The second stage of this new format will soon begin, with just three games left of the initial group stage, including the next fixture, Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands.

Want to tune in? You can watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, so keep reading because we have all the information you need.

When is Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands?

Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 16 / 1:30 a.m. BST on June 17. This fixture takes place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands for free

Cricket fans in India can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar.

However, this free content is geo-restricted to India, so cricket lovers from elsewhere in the world will need a VPN to access this free live stream. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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 India

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

  • 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.

Watch Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch South Africa vs. Nepal online for free

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch South Africa vs. Nepal in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're getting closer and closer to stage 2 of the new Super 8s format in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, with just a handful of games to go. It's the 31st match of the tournament which will see South Africa and Nepal go head-to-head. It's set to be a great game, with the lineup including captains Rohit Paudel and Aiden Markram.

Want to tune in? You can watch South Africa vs. Nepal in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, so keep reading because we have all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. Nepal?

South Africa vs. Nepal in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on June 14 / 12:30 a.m. BST on June 15. This fixture takes place at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.

How to watch South Africa vs. Nepal for free

Smartphone users in India can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar, including this next match between South Africa vs. Nepal.

This free content is geo-restricted to India, but anyone from around the world can access this free live stream with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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 India

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch South Africa vs. Nepal in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch South Africa vs. Nepal before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

  • 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.

Watch South Africa vs. Nepal in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch New Zealand vs. Uganda online for free

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch New Zealand vs. Uganda in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're halfway through the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and there's still plenty of time for things to kick off. The latest fixture sees Group C teams New Zealand vs. Uganda go head-to-head. There's only three Group C games left of the tournament before we progress to stage two of the new Super 8s format, so you don't want to miss a thing.

If you want to watch New Zealand vs. Uganda in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is New Zealand vs. Uganda?

New Zealand vs. Uganda in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 14 / 1:30 a.m. BST on June 15. This fixture will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

How to watch New Zealand vs. Uganda for free

Smartphone users in India can watch New Zealand vs. Uganda and the rest of the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar.

Cricket fans elsewhere in the world will need to use a VPN. This free content is geo-restricted to India, but with a VPN you can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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 India

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch New Zealand vs. Uganda in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select T20 games before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

  • 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.

Watch New Zealand vs. Uganda in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch United States vs. Ireland online for free

Mashable - Sun, 06/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch United States vs. Ireland in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Home team USA is up next in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup as the co-hosts are set to face Ireland in the 30th match of the tournament. It's been a thrilling summer of cricket, and we're now only four days away from the second stage of the new Super 8s format.

If you want to watch United States vs. Ireland in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world then keep scrolling for all the information you need.

When is the United States vs. Ireland?

United States vs. Ireland in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. BST on June 14. This fixture takes place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in East Meadow, New York.

How to watch United States vs. Ireland for free

T20 fans in India can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar app.

This free content is geo-restricted to India, but anyone from around the world can access this free live stream with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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 India

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch United States vs. Ireland in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 usually not free, but they do sometimes offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these to gain access to free live streams without committing any your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch United States vs. Ireland (and the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

  • 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.

Watch United States vs. Ireland in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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