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Looking for a way to turn off your VPN? We’ve got you covered.
A virtual private network (VPN) will boost your privacy while you surf the web, and ideally, you’d want to keep it on at all times. However, VPNs aren’t perfect. At times, you may need to turn it off when your device is running low on battery or experiencing network issues. You may also need to disable it when you stumble upon a website with an anti-VPN detector and blocker.
Sure, there are many reasons why you should use a VPN, but sometimes, it needs a little respite. The good news is disabling a VPN is easy, as you can turn it off in either your device settings or in the VPN app. Let’s dive in.
Note: Many of the best VPNs have a feature known as split tunneling, giving you control over which apps have data traffic go through a VPN connection and which keep regular internet access. Make use of this tool if you only need to stop a VPN connection in a particular app.
How to disable a VPN on iPhone Credit: Primakov / Shutterstock.comOpen the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Tap on "General".
Look for "VPN & Device Management" and tap on it.
Tap "VPN".
If your VPN is currently active, you'll see its status as "Connected". To turn it off, simply toggle the switch next to the VPN's status.
Once you toggle the switch, the status will change to "Not Connected", indicating that the VPN is disabled.
Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
Navigate to "Network and Internet" or similar wording (it might vary slightly depending on your device's model).
Tap on "VPN".
You'll see a list of VPN connections. If you have a built-in VPN or use an app that integrates with system settings, it will be listed here.
Locate the VPN you want to turn off. If it's connected, it will likely say "Connected" next to its name.
Tap to disconnect. There might be a "Disconnect" button or a toggle switch you can turn off depending on your device.
Click on the "Start" menu and select "Settings".
Choose "Network & Internet" from the Settings options.
On the left-hand menu, select "VPN".
You'll see a list of VPN connections. Find the one you want to disconnect and click on it.
Click the "Disconnect" button.
Click on the Apple icon located at the top left corner of your Mac screen.
Select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
Click on "VPN".
Choose the VPN you wish to disconnect.
Toggle the switch to disconnect the VPN.
Look for the VPN icon in the top right corner of your screen. It might differ slightly depending on your Linux distribution.
Click on the icon to open the network menu.
You'll see a list of available VPN connections. Find the one you're currently connected to (it might say "Connected" next to it).
Click on the active VPN connection to disconnect.
No matter what device you use, the easiest way to disable a VPN is through its application. Generally, when you open a VPN app, you’ll see a noticeably big “On” or “Connect” button. Tapping it will simply turn off your VPN connection.
Lets use ExpressVPN as an example:
Open the ExpressVPN app on your device.
You’ll see a big button with the power icon. If the VPN is turned on, it will say “Connected” underneath. Simply tap or click on the button to turn it off, and it will then say “Not connected.”
There you have it. Many VPNs offer a similar feature, allowing you to disable your VPN connection with ease.
NordVPN $3.09 Per Month + 3-Months Free (Up to 74% Off 2-Year Plan) at NordVPNSolid low-stakes earbuds are an underrated item to have at the ready.
Even if you have your nice noise-cancelling ones to rely on for the gym, long flights, or other chaotic environments, there are plenty of situations where an expensive or bulky pair like that are overkill. Between Amazon and the checkout line at Target, there's no shortage of cheap wireless earbuds that sound decent. But before you just pick some and go, there's a new $40 pair from Skullcandy that deserves consideration for being low-stakes in more ways than price.
SEE ALSO: The 5 best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2024Released right before Earth Day in 2024, the Skullcandy EcoBuds are composed of 65 percent post-consumer recycled plastics and are built with approximately 57 percent less heavy metals than competitors. Skullcandy says these materials-conscious changes cut the EcoBuds' carbon footprint in half (compared to similar headphones on the market). As the resident sucker for eco-friendly swaps in my family and friend group, I had to see what was up with these.
How does the EcoBuds design lower their carbon footprint?Skullcandy downsizes the environmental impact of the EcoBuds in two main ways. The majority of the plastic used to build the case and earbuds is recycled post-consumer plastic that likely would have otherwise ended up in a landfill or the ocean, and the EcoBuds omit a battery in the storage case to cut back on the use of heavy metals like lithium.
Allegedly, this approach cuts the carbon footprint of the EcoBuds by 50 percent compared to similar headphones on the market. It may not feel super impactful when isolated in the palm of your hand, but no electronics brand's attention to e-waste should be downplayed. A UN report released in March 2024 states that, in 2022, people across the planet dumped a 137 billion pounds of e-waste, and less than 25 percent of that 137 billion pounds was recycled. The recycling rate of plastic in the U.S. is similarly abysmal.
SEE ALSO: Rare POV footage captures polar bears in their melting habitatIf you're reading a review on eco-friendly headphones, you're probably already relatively well-versed in the environmental impacts of both manufacturing plastic and mining the metal that makes batteries, or the havoc they wreak on the earth once they're tossed. The ultimate turnaround solution is a far more corporate one than an individual person one, but reducing our own personal impact is a step in the right direction nonetheless.
Anyway, most of the EcoBuds' eco-conscious changes take place in the case. One difference compared to other earbuds is physically noticeable: The earbuds aren't enclosed. They do snap in with magnets, but it doesn't take much bumping around for one to pop out. As you could assume, these buds certainly don't have any type of device-finding app support if one falls out and gets lost.
Though you should be safe against rain or sweat droplets with the EcoBuds' IPX4 water resistance rating, the lack of a lid means virtually no protection against dirt or sand or other outside grime.
I'll try to not think about the airport germs swarming my earbuds. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableBut the main alteration to the case is that it doesn't charge the earbuds. Skullcandy was able to reduce its use of metal in the EcoBuds by completely ditching a battery in the case, so the case really is merely for storage. That'll be a dealbreaker for some, but I will say that the battery in the EcoBuds themselves does stretch for an impressively long time.
Skullcandy EcoBuds comfort and controlsThe wireless stemmed earbud design itself is pretty standard, complete with three sizes of rubber ear tips in the box to customize a snug fit. I'm pretty neutral on the "rubber tips versus the plastic tips of non-Pro AirPods" debate for the amount of time I typically wear headphones, but did notice the EcoBuds' rubber tips creating a pressurized plugging sensation when left in for too long.
SEE ALSO: How to recycle Amazon packaging (yes, all of it)Each EcoBuds stem features a tiny version of Skullcandy's skull logo and a tiny light bulb that serve as your main controls for the buds, because there's no companion app. In a rare turn of events, I actually found myself reading the paper instructions, because there are quite a few gestures and light flash combinations to memorize: Tap twice on both earbuds to skip forward, thrice on both to backtrack, four times quickly on the right bud to switch between EQ modes, and so on. The list of gestures is basically low-level Morse code. The EcoBuds were also a little too responsive to taps, constantly pausing my song when I was just readjusting a falling earbud.
Case qualms aside, can I hear a little commotion for the blue and white swirls? My best friend, who was sitting beside me at the airport when I got the EcoBuds out to use for the first time, immediately said, "Dude, what are those? Those are so cute."
Battery life: The case doesn't charge them, but they last for daysSo yeah, the elephant in the room is that the EcoBuds case doesn't charge the EcoBuds. However, this won't be the biggest inconvenience in the world unless you're wearing them literally all day every day.
Officially, Skullcandy says that the EcoBuds have a battery life of eight hours. In my experience, that tracks. During a normal work week, I'd use the EcoBuds on and off throughout the day (averaging one to three hours per day), and I was typically able to go almost the entire week before the voice assistant gave me a low battery warning. On my trip to Vegas, which consisted of a five hour flight there and back, I used the EcoBuds for about half of each flight (switching to my Beats Studio Pro when I wanted to try to sleep), as well as in the airport and during packing beforehand. I didn't need to charge them until my first day back to work.
An amber light indicates low battery while a solid white light indicates a full charge. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable That's one less cord I have to worry about tying itself in a knot. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableCharging the EcoBuds is the most straightforward possible system. The built-in cable is maybe an inch long, doesn't pull out any farther, and folds back into the back of the charging case when not in use. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the port is USB-C, not micro USB — meaning you can reverse charge the EcoBuds directly from your phone if your phone has a USB-C charging port.
Charging the EcoBuds on my laptop felt like it took forever, but only takes around an hour with a regular wall brick. In a hurry, just 10 minutes of wall charging gets you about two hours of battery.
Skullcandy EcoBuds sound qualityBetween minimal materials used and the super low price point, you'd be valid to expect the EcoBuds to sound like glorified radio static. But when the '80s-reminiscent synth and reverb guitar waves hit in the first song I played — "The Other Side" by Drab Majesty — I was genuinely impressed by the immersive sound these little buds were able to produce.
Raw, emotional vocals, like those in "Rainbow" by Kacey Musgraves and Alice In Chain's performance of "Down in a Hole" on MTV Unplugged were particularly pronounced and crispy, and it didn't seem that any of the harmonies or individual guitar twangs got lost. Some Slipknot songs did get a little muddied, but weren't nearly as cacophonous as you'd expect from $40 headphones.
SEE ALSO: Spotify recognises Nature as an artistAs a palate cleanser after those tear jerkers, I tested out some lighter options. The EcoBuds were hit or miss with picking up on crucial background echos that make or break a song with a lot going on: I didn't get goosebumps from "I Am Moana" like I do when listening on my Beats, but they did grab Chappell Roan going off in the polyphonic ending of "Red Wine Supernova."
My third-gen AirPods honestly don't sound much better than the $40 EcoBuds. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableWhile the bass in regular music mode is already pretty punchy, anyone who likes a beat that feels like it vibrates will appreciate that these budget earbuds actually offer a hearty bass boost mode. "Ps and Qs" by Lil Uzi Vert and "Ocean of Tears" by Caroline Polachek sounded awesome.
SEE ALSO: Our review of Sony's bass-heavy ULT Wear headphonesI was pretty indifferent about podcast mode, as I felt like voices in the episodes I listened to were fine in music mode. Likewise, voices on the other end of any phone calls I took sounded fine indoors, and I didn't get any complaints about my microphone. I definitely couldn't have a productive conversation on the EcoBuds while walking around outside, though.
Downsides: Not ideal for long days and loud environmentsI already know the whole "no charging case" thing probably had several readers X-ing out of the review way earlier than this section. And for anyone who really is shopping for their sole pair of go-to headphones — and really is listening to something or using headphones on calls all day — it's valid to only be considering pairs whose cases can provide backup juice. It's definitely a bummer that skipping a battery in the case is so inherent to the eco-friendliness that sets the EcoBuds apart, too.
The case's lack of a lid is a misstep that'll be annoying to any user, and one that I think could have been remedied while still remaining conscious of the materials used. I see the vision of keeping the EcoBuds as minimalist as possible, but the earbuds being so exposed feels dirty and risky, especially when traveling. Also, couldn't a larger case with a lid just also be composed of recycled plastic and do more diverting from a landfill?
SEE ALSO: Our 8 favorite noise-cancelling headphones that actually workThe last "downside," no active noise cancellation, is pretty expected in this price range. (Apple charges way more for its regular AirPods that still don't have ANC.) However, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the lack of ANC did make me intentionally not reach for my EcoBuds for a gym session or during work when there was construction happening at my apartment.
As with any headphones without ANC, the EcoBuds rely on a seal and sheer volume to drown out those distracting sounds. That's just not comfortable for longer than like, 20 minutes, and I know my audiologist friends would roast me for blaring that directly into my eardrums.
The competitionAdmittedly, the EcoBuds are going to have a hard time competing with pairs like the Anker Soundcore Life P3i. As Mashable's current pick for the best budget wireless earbuds, these packed earbuds have a charging case and ANC for just $10 more than the EcoBuds.
The EcoBuds stand a much better chance against Apple. Consider that the cheapest AirPods with ANC go for $189.99 on sale — the other AirPods, all of which are way more expensive than the EcoBuds, also don't have ANC. Though AirPods do come with a charging case, the battery life of the headphones themselves maxes out at about five or six hours, so you'd still be charging relatively often either way.
If I had to close my eyes and pick a pair of earbuds at random to be stuck with for a walk or a short flight, I wouldn't be mad if I grabbed the EcoBuds over my AirPods. The only reason I'd opt for the AirPods is if the duration in this hypothetical life or death situation was several hours, just for comfort purposes. (And in that case, I'd want my Beats Studio Pro over either of them.)
Are the Skullcandy EcoBuds worth it?For $40, the EcoBuds are a seriously impressive pair of cheap earbuds. Despite paring back on plastic and metal to lower the impact their manufacturing has on the environment, Skullcandy still managed to arm the EcoBuds with high-impact sound and bumping bass that does justice to a ton of songs.
Opting for these will ask you to sacrifice some features that a few similarly-priced pairs offer, like active noise cancellation and a charging case. If you need a pair of gym headphones or all-day work headphones, these won't be it. But if you need a pair of easy-to-grab earbuds to supplement your heavy duty over-ear pair or a cute, low-stakes first pair of headphones for kids, there's little reason to not prioritize the environment and consider the EcoBuds.
And if you're getting rid of an old pair of headphones, recycle them at Best Buy instead of trashing them.
Skullcandy EcoBuds $39.99 at AmazonTL;DR: As of June 3, if you’re looking to better understand the world of AI, the ChatGPT and Gemini AI Advanced E-Degree is on sale for $29.99 (reg. $790).
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This is a safe space — it’s okay to admit that your screen time (especially for TikTok) is a little high. We’re here to help you stop scrolling to no end, even though we know it’s addicting to watch mukbangs, animal videos, and shopping hauls.
Instead of scrolling endlessly, you might be interested in playing some games with this iPlay subscription, featuring 4,400+ computer and mobile titles. Right now, you can get one year of ad-free play for $29.99, a subscription that's typically $15 per month.
Discover games for every taste and cravingThere’s an iPlay game for just about anyone, whether you like a classic game of solitaire, pixel art coloring, exploration, word puzzles, Match 3, Mahjong, or arcade games. And that’s us cutting the list short.
If you’ve seen TikTok gamers play Fortnite or Genshin Impact, you’ll want to check out iPlay’s adventure games. Solve mysteries, take on dangerous enemies, and explore exciting worlds.
For those obsessed with mukbangs, don’t miss iPlay’s cooking games like Burger Shop and Cooking Mania that’ll have you cooking and serving food under a time crunch.
New games are added each week, so there’s always something new to try out.
Why scroll when you can game?Odds are, you’ll find one or two games that’ll have you addicted, but you’ll only have a year to play. You could opt to purchase another 1-year subscription, or you could take advantage of your members-only discounts on purchasing the game outright.
Stop doomscrolling and start gaming with an iPlay 1-year subscription for $29.99, compared to $15 a month on their website.
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Perhaps the best thing about the ubiquity of the remote working setup is that you can roll out of bed one minute and then hop onto a meeting the next (don't worry, we won't tell your boss). But of course, you wouldn't want to face your colleagues with disheveled hair and pillow marks all over your face. For maximum presentability on calls and recorded videos, consider snagging a FineCam subscription.
FineCam is an app designed to give you a digital glow-up whenever you face your webcam. Whether you're pitching a presentation or just attending those weekly stand-up sessions, it allows you to look your best every time. Now, you can grab a lifetime subscription on sale for $49.99 for a limited time. This membership can be used on two devices, and your access will last as long as your devices do.
Built to work seamlessly with your desktop's webcam, FineCam AI software can capture a single shot from multiple angles, change video resolutions in a snap, enhance your look with the help of AI, and more. Even with a single camera, it can create the illusion of a full-blown multi-camera setup.
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Check it out:
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Showcase your best self every time with a lifetime subscription to FineCam Pro. It normally retails for $84.99, but you can grab it on sale for only $49.99.
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Opens in a new window Credit: FineShare FineCam Pro: Lifetime Subscription $49.99 at the Mashable ShopCurious about how one uses Discord on PS5? One of the joys of modern online gaming is that you can (usually) play games alongside people on different platforms. This does create a bit of a voice chat headache, but thanks to Discord, it doesn't have to.
Yes, you can actually join a Discord voice call from your PS5. Here's how it works.
SEE ALSO: PS5 vs PS5 Slim: What are the differences? How to use Discord on PS5The good news is that hopping into a Discord call with your PS5 isn't difficult. The bad news, however, according to official instructions from both PlayStation and Discord, is that the process is a little strange.
By that, I mean you'll need a phone or a computer with the Discord app installed on it. Make sure you install Discord on your personal device and log into your Discord account there. From there, here's what you gotta do:
Navigate to the settings menu in Discord and click "Connections."
You'll be given the option to connect your PlayStation Network account to Discord. Log into your PSN account here.
Once that's done, start or join a voice call in the Discord app.
In the voice call, you should see an option to "Join on PlayStation." Click on it.
Choose the PS5 console you want to join from (and, uh, make sure the PS5 is actually on).
Assuming everything is working properly, you should then be in the Discord call on the PlayStation 5 itself. This is a strange process in that it doesn't seem like you can directly join a Discord call from the PS5 menu, but it should only take a few seconds regardless.
Instagram and TikTok are go-to social media platforms for mental health advice, some of it dispensed by influencers who call themselves coaches.
Through pricey courses or one-on-one meetings, the influencers often promise clarity, motivation, and healing that leads to a new lifestyle — the one you've always chased after. But whether or not they have any formal training, in mental health care or coaching, is another matter. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists, and other licensed mental health professionals, anyone can call themselves a mental health coach.
Experts say the mental health coaching trend is relatively new, and that consumers should beware of empty guarantees made by people with few or no credentials aspiring to build a business or social media following. But what influencers aren't wrong about is the difficulty of accessing mental health help, or even the support of a trained professional with expertise in coping, habit formation, and behavior change.
Sometimes you don't need a therapist; you just need a skilled guide who can help you better manage conflict or your sleep habits and hold you accountable.
SEE ALSO: Tracking your stress may be more stressful than you imaginedThe fields of mental health and behavioral coaching have taken notice of the trend and the problem it claims to solve. That's why Headspace, which got its start as a meditation app more than a decade ago, launched direct-to-consumer, text-based mental health coaching in April, after providing the service through employer and health plan partnerships.
Lyra Health, a digital mental health company, also offers mental health coaching, but only to employees of companies that pay for it. Some companies, like BetterUp, provide career, communications, and life coaching that could improve mental health, but they don't specify that area of focus.
Headspace's service is a compelling example of what mental health coaching can look like when practiced by trained professionals. For $99 per month, members get three text-based, 30-minute coaching sessions per month.
Before a member begins coaching, Headspace screens to identify whether the person might be in crisis or need urgent mental health treatment, in which case coaching on its own may be ineffective. An onboarding process attempts to set a clear expectation that coaching isn't therapy. Coaches work with members to set defined and achievable goals, like going to bed 30 minutes earlier or adding more movement to their daily routine.
The company employs the majority of its coaches as staff, and all coaches receive regular training and oversight. Coaches have daily access to a licensed on-call clinician, who they can consult when a member needs more than what's offered. In these cases, the coach transfers the member to a referral team that provides resources for finding an outside therapist or psychiatrist.
Dr. Vaile Wright, a psychologist and senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association, says that high-quality mental health coaching could be exactly what some people need to move through lower-level challenges and ultimately thrive.
"It's a great place to start when you know you need some help, but you might not have an official diagnosis of, say, depression or anxiety," she says.
How mental health coaches get credentialsJennifer Lundman, a licensed clinical social worker and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness coach, doesn't agree with the mental health coaching trends she sees on social media — specifically when they involve influencers with questionable credentials and aggressive sales pitches. And, instead of partnering with a client to help them understand what behavior changes work best for them, some coaches hawk exercise plans and supplements, which is not something certified professionals do.
Lundman believes that so-called coaching that's popular on TikTok and Instagram "does jeopardize this really, really important work that can be done to support people's health and wellness."
The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), where Lundman works as director of program approval and continuing education, is trying to professionalize the unregulated industry.
Since 2016, NBHWC has collaborated with the National Board of Medical Examiners, a nonprofit that provides assessment of many health professions, to provide a rigorous exam that aspiring health and wellness coaches can take to achieve board certification. More than 11,000 people have since received it since the first exam took place in 2017.
The exam was developed in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners, a nonprofit that assesses health professionals. Another professional organization, the International Federation of Coaching, also offers certification; Lyra Health requires that its coaches go through that program.
Passing the NBHWC exam requires learning about behavioral change, and how to facilitate it as a coach, as well as motivational strategies and basic health and wellness. Exam applicants must first complete a training program approved by NBHWC, which could be offered in an academic, private sector, or healthcare organization setting.
Headspace offers one of those approved programs. Its six-month certificate course, which costs $5,995, awards successful participants with a certificate in mental health coaching, after they complete 20 weekly live and synchronous education and training sessions, among other requirements. Most of Headspace's staff coaches have completed this program, and it can be used outside of the company.
Dr. Jenna Glover, chief clinical officer of Headspace, says the company's coaching style incorporates motivational interviewing. The technique, which licensed mental health professionals may also use, is a cornerstone of behavior change. It's meant to help people identify both stubborn challenges to their well-being and the skills they need to overcome those roadblocks.
In coaching, however, there is no deep discussion about the family dynamics or relationship troubles that may have contributed to unhealthy habits. Importantly, for Headspace coaches, Glover says there is also an awareness that members face immovable or unchangeable obstacles that interfere with their well-being, like experiencing racism at work, needing to work multiple jobs, or living with student debt.
Headspace coaches, according to Glover, are trained to validate such stressors and guide members toward factors within their control, like putting their phone away well before bedtime to get better rest, or spending higher quality time with their child when they're not at work.
"A coach can really help guide [a client] and say, 'What are you able to work on right now?'" Glover notes.
What else to know about mental health coachingUnderstanding whether mental health coaching improves people's well-being, compared to therapy, for example, will take a lot more research, says Vaile. Currently, there's little robust research indicating that it leads to desired behavior change and mental health improvement.
Wright says there are advantages to working with mental health coaches employed by a well-known digital health company, such as Headspace or Lyra. Coaches are typically trained, if not certified. They also receive supervision and feedback on their performance. The platforms themselves can provide referrals for therapy to members who might need them. Should a coach act inappropriately, their client can report it to the company.
Consumers should be aware, however, of how companies use their personal data, including for marketing or research purposes, Wright says.
She adds that companies should make clear whether artificial intelligence is part of their coaching product. Wright says that while AI may be able to improve coaching experiences, perhaps by matching clients and coaches or identifying trends in a client's performance, it needs to be incorporated ethically and responsibly. Currently, Headspace doesn't use AI in its direct-to-customer coaching program.
Though Wright practices healthy skepticism about new digital mental health products, she is optimistic about the potential of high-quality coaching to make an important difference in people's lives.
"We clearly have an extensive mental health crisis in this country, and we need to be thinking about how we can get people the support that they need in innovative and responsible ways," Wright says. "I do think that certified health and wellness coaches can be part of that solution."
They're not after you. And they don't "parachute" from the sky.
Periodically, people and headlines on the internet have expressed concern about the spread of the invasive Joro spider, a big, striking arachnid that almost certainly hitched a ride to the U.S. aboard a shipping container, as many invasive species do. Since 2013, the palm-sized animals have colonized northern Georgia, and several research teams have found compelling evidence that the species will inevitably expand around the Southeast and along the Eastern Seaboard.
Crucially, these spiders may look imposing, but they aren't a dangerous menace to people. Their potential impact on the environment remains unknown. (They might even have ecological benefits.) And the sizable mature adults definitely aren't going to "fly" or "parachute" down from the sky en mass (as numerous popular headlines or social media posts have claimed), like something out of a low-budget horror film.
Instead, the ways Joros will often expand to new regions in the U.S. are rather mundane.
"It's more likely one of the spiders will hitch a ride on someone's car," Andy Davis, an ecologist at the University of Georgia who researches the Joro spider, told Mashable.
"It's more likely one of the spiders will hitch a ride on someone's car."The spider will colonize more areas. "It's definitely expanding its range," explained Davis. He suspects the Joros will occupy pockets of the Eastern Seaboard in the coming years, and that they'll occupy most of the Southeast in five to 10 years.
SEE ALSO: Don't buy the 'murder hornet' hypeBeyond cars, the Joros will likely hitch rides on cargo incessantly moving around the U.S. "It got here hiding in cargo," said Robert Furey, a spider expert at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
"Cargo moves," Furey, who had no role in recent Joro research, added. "There's nothing to stop it."
Tweet may have been deleted Why the spiders won't "parachute" downThe claim that Joro spiders will parachute down from the sky is "super ridiculous," explained David Coyle, an assistant professor of forest health and invasive species at Clemson University.
Here's what's actually happening: Some little spiders, like a young Joro spider, may choose to "balloon." This means they release a strand of silk from their abdomen and are able to ride through the air. It's a common way for some spiders to disperse.
But it's not something all spiders do. And it's not something big spiders can do, because they're too heavy. "It's why you don't see a battalion of spiders flying at you," said Coyle. So, no, three-inch spiders won't be "parachuting" across the Eastern U.S. and landing on you.
A mature female Joro spider can be the size of a small plate. Credit: Benjamin FrickWhat's more, ballooning is simply a risky choice for an animal. That's likely why some spiders don't balloon. "You can end up in a lake — or on the hood of a truck," noted Coyle. "Your fate is not in your control anymore."
As the Joros expand their reach in the U.S., you shouldn't expect to see any tiny baby spiders ballooning through the woods. When little spiders ride puffs of wind, it's extremely difficult to see. "It happens all the time," said Furey. "When's the last time you noticed it?"
Furey has never seen a ballooning spider land. "And I spend a lot of time with spiders," he said.
Are Joro spiders venomous or threatening?No. Joro spiders have much better things to do than seek out, or try to harm, humans.
"With very few exceptions, insects and arthropods want nothing to do with you," said Coyle, noting the spiders' need to build webs, eat, and mate. "They're just doing their thing. People just need to chill out. This thing isn't there to get you."
They are not venomous like a black widow or brown recluse. Their fangs are tiny, so it's not easy for them to bite a person (maybe if you pick one up you'll get an insignificant pinch, noted Davis). And if you disturb them, they're likely to scurry away. In fact, research has found that these spiders are shy or docile.
"It turns out these spiders are real wimps," said Davis.
"People just need to chill out. This thing isn't there to get you."But as the Joros spread in the U.S., more people will see their big, conspicuous webs in the summer, when they mature. "Their webs are huge," Davis marveled. "They're all over my backyard." And they'll almost certainly become a nuisance. Some people will inevitably run into these big webs, perhaps out on a walk or hike. That will be unpleasant, or startling, because their silk is exceptionally strong.
"It's stopped me in my tracks," said Furey.
A cluster of big spiderwebs from the Joro spider. Credit: Benjamin Frick Where will the Joros spread?A close relative of the Joro, the golden silk spider, can't tolerate the cold. That's why it hasn't spread beyond the Southeast.
But how will the Joro fair? To test their vulnerability to cooler climes, researchers exposed Joros to brief freezes in the laboratory, the type that often kill golden silk spiders. The Joros survived deep freezes considerably better (74 percent survived, versus 50 percent of golden silk spiders). Their faster metabolisms and bodies worked well in colder environments, too. What's more, in their native Japan, the Joros inhabit cooler, northern climes, similar to those on the Eastern Seaboard.
"They're going to expand.""The Joro seems more cold tolerant," said Davis, an author of the research. "It will probably be able to exist much farther than the Southeast."
How far, exactly, is uncertain. People have already spotted them in the likes of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
"They're going to expand," said Furey.
What risks do invasive Joros pose to the environment?It's still unknown whether Joros will have a positive, neutral, or negative impact on the environment. Some invasive species wreak havoc on native habitats or agriculture. Take, for example, the colorful spotted lanternfly, which relentlessly destroys trees and crops in parts of the U.S. ("Squash it, smash it ... just get rid of it," urges the state of Pennsylvania.)
But in the early stages of the Joro expansion, ecologists and biologists simply don't have adequate proof of how the arachnids might affect the natural world. "It's guessing at this point," said Davis.
Their multiplying numbers could potentially be a boon to the environment. Hanging out in the open, Joros could become prey to the likes of lizards, birds, and wasps, Davis said. Already, there's some evidence Joros devour another problematic invasive species, the brown marmorated stink bug.
Americans will see more Joros. They won't endanger us. But will they become an environmental curse, blessing, or just (at times) a nuisance?
"Only time will tell," said Furey.
This story has been updated.
Moving to a new city or working at a new job where you don't know anybody can seriously be depressing, especially if you're already introverted as it is. What are you supposed to do? Sit at the bar by yourself? And talk to strangers?
Then comes the lightbulb idea: You can make friends online! If online dating is so popular and successful, there's no way there aren't a few legit sites where you can make adult friends in your area with similar interests. Hmm, AdultFriendFinder.com sounds like the right ballpark.
So you're on your lunch break at work, type in the URL, and the next thing you know, you're frantically closing the tab and hoping nobody walked behind you for that split second.
Our point: AdultFriendFinder is not what it sounds like.
Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder What is AdultFriendFinder?AdultFriendFinder is one of the most well-known sites for finding quick sexual encounters, regular hookups, and literally anything else even remotely related to sex. The rowdy feed of matches, jumble of explicit photos, and stimulating calls-to-action offering all types of sex makes it heaven for anyone looking for a good time with no filter — and hell for someone who wouldn't be caught dead clicking on a "There are hot singles in your area" ad.
SEE ALSO: Celebrate Masturbation May with deals from Lovers, Lovehoney, Fun Factory, moreEven if you're not using it for real sex, it's always nice to have spank bank material in your back pocket. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, sexting, nudes, and Pornhub searches all saw a spike thanks to the vast number of people who started social distancing at home. Those who didn't want to risk quarantine sex or weren't finding people on their level of horniness on Tinder were pretty much guaranteed to get their rocks off somehow via AdultFriendFinder.
On AFF, you can find someone to sext via messaging or video chat (and plan to get it on IRL, if that's what you're looking for), watch live streams, or join niche group chat rooms. Is it worth $20-something per month? Depends on how much fishy content you're willing to overlook for a juicy sexting session.
We reached out to Kalyn Sanders, a business development executive at Friend Finder Networks, for updated AFF demographics. Right up there with Tinder's monthly flock, AdultFriendFinder snags the attention of over 55 million visits around the world per month, on average. (To whet your appetite upon signup, the main landing page flashes a few statistics, including "98,897,765 hot photos" and "3,495,277 connections," but we're not exactly sure what that means.) Most traffic originates from the United States, followed by visitors from the United Kingdom and Canada. Visits to AdultFriendFinder have dropped in recent months — it used to be the 25th most-visited adult site in the U.S. according to SimilarWeb, but as of May 2024, it's ranked 33rd.
SEE ALSO: Is Tinder Platinum worth it? I tried it for 3 months to find out.Specifics on the demographic that most people care about — the gender ratio — can be hard to track down. Sanders told us that "there's a two to one ratio of single men versus categories like single women, couples, and groups." The split between men and women is an expected one for a lot of hookup-centric sites. At the end of the day, it's a paradise for straight men, hit-or-miss for straight women and LGBTQ men, and likely an actual hellscape for LGBTQ women.
AFF lets you identify as and search for a man, woman, a couple, or trans. Despite trying to be a sex-positive site with blog posts, groups, a sex academy, and more, its language for the LGBTQ community has historically been anything but inclusive or positive. Previously, the AFF sign-up page listed "TG/TV/TS" as the "trans" gender selection — we'll let you infer what those stand for. Though, we will admit, this language has improved recently with more gender options that are appropriately labeled.
SEE ALSO: How to unblock Xnxx porn for free Should you sign up for AdultFriendFinder?If you're 100 percent over being grilled with relationship questions and the slow-and-steady pace on traditional dating sites like eharmony or Match, AdultFriendFinder is your golden ticket to instant communication. Registering takes about 30 seconds — it requires nothing from you aside from an email address, a username, a password, and an introduction. Your notifications will start pouring in even without adding any juicy info (because people see nothing wrong with hitting up a profile with a gray silhouette as a profile photo, apparently), but it's probably best to add a few photos and a detailed description — both to up your chances of flirtation or finding someone who shares a super-specific fantasy, and also to signal to other users that you're not a bot.
AdultFriendFinder features a personality questionnaire to personalize your profile and up your chances of finding a compatible match. Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinderAfter registering, there are a ton of ways to personalize your account (way more than you'd expect for a hookup site, honestly). The more you fill out, the more attractive your profile will be to new viewers. There are the basic physical appearance questions about eye and hair color, and since I identified as a woman, cup size was an option. (If you identify as a man, I'm sure you can guess what question they ask.)
Many self-proclaimed hookup seekers can probably admit that they'd still like to hook up with someone they'd also like to grab a beer with, especially if they plan to see that person multiple times. Those people will appreciate that AFF gives a compatibility score with each user you come across: a metric that rates how well you might mesh with someone in the bedroom based on how you answered questions about what turns you on, whether you're dominant or submissive, and so on.
The site also features a personality test and a "My Kinks" form where you can select whether or not you're "curious about, into, or can't live without" a certain kink (e.g., anal, bondage, role play, etc.). It also lets you choose whether you're a voyeur, the giver, or the receiver.
One weird thing about the Personality Type test is that it asks several questions about whether or not you enjoy shopping at discount stores — not really sure what that's about. It also asks whether or not "a quiet time for prayer should be allowed in school." You can choose "strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree, or strongly agree."
Once you finish the personality test (20 questions), you can opt to have your Personality Type show up on your profile or have it hidden. It will also show you which personality types complement yours.
Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder Finding a match on AdultFriendFinderLike a traditional dating site, AdultFriendFinder gives you a collage of potential matches and will let you know who's online or close distance-wise. These will be random right after you sign up, but you can opt to update your preferences to refine your results: Choose your preferred gender(s), age range, location and mile radius, race, sexual orientation, body type, and marital status.
You barely have to scroll before noticing that there's no shortage of nudity. Depending on whether you set your preferences to men, women, or both, you'll see all of that stuff up close, personal, swinging around, in action. You name it, it'll pop up.
AdultFriendFinder is basically like a PornHub that you can interact with. We probably don't have to say this, but AdultFriendFinder is NSFW and not safe to be on while kids are in the room. If you'd rather not see the site's raunchier side, it offers a "no nudity" option, but I still wouldn't trust this filter enough to be online in a family setting or at work. Some videos will be blurred out and read "Naughty video" until you upgrade to a Gold Membership, but trust me — you'll get to see a lot, even with the free version.
The message section is set up similarly to a Gmail account, and you can mark things as read or important just as you would on a real email. You'll receive some crude messages instantly (creeps on Tinder do the same thing), but some will be genuinely friendly.
SEE ALSO: Tinder releases yet another feature to stop inappropriate messages AFF is not all badOnce you get past the in-your-face sexplosion of naked profile pictures, horny AIM-era profile names, and explicit videos, there are actually an impressive number of resources to help make your experience as satisfying as possible. Some will cost money even outside of the paid subscription, which is kind of dumb.
Aside from the NSFW content, the website is relatively straightforward (albeit ugly). Every feature is advertised in big letters, notifications are displayed clearly with labels, and you don't really have to click around to find anything. This makes it super accessible for users of all ages, even those who aren't tech-savvy and can't even figure out Facebook. Buttons are all over the place, but you figure it out after messing around for a few minutes.
Activities range from direct messaging, sending virtual gifts and tips, watching live videos of people in your feed, joining adult chat rooms that can get very niche, or entering photo contests.
AdultFriendFinder is like a PornHub that you can interact with.Think of AdultFriendFinder as the dating site version of New York City — it never sleeps. You'll find people who work the regular 9 to 5, people who work the night shift, and people in other time zones, so it's nearly impossible to log on and not have people to talk to. You know, like that booty call who's always awake when you text them.
Or at least that used to be the case... 10 years ago. What was once a hot site that a few Reddit users were quick to hype up is now one of the dating sites that Reddit users can't help but diss — in the few instances that AFF is even being discussed at all. It's notable that, on a site where online dating is such a mammoth topic of discussion, AdultFriendFinder has rarely been mentioned in a positive light since the early 2010s. The Reddit community is diverse and open-minded; if a dating site exists, someone on Reddit has used it and has an opinion. When an innocent soul does ask if it's legit, AFF usually gets dragged for sketchy pricing and being riddled with bots.
However, some Reddit members have praised AFF as a site for men meeting men. Even so, the site's still buggy and isn't exactly great for meeting real people who aren't, as one Reddit user so eloquently put it, "busted and unstable."
SEE ALSO: Is Bumble Premium worth it? I tried it for 2 months to find out. Paid memberships are where things get... interestingYou can do a decent amount of exploring without paying a cent: Limited messaging and emailing, visit and like most profiles, and enter some chat rooms. But just a few clicks on AdultFriendFinder can send you deep down the rabbit hole, and a lot of that juicier hidden content can only be unlocked with a paid membership (called the Gold membership) or by earning points.
Points are AdultFriendFinder's non-monetary currency. If you're a free member, you'll have to earn points through on-site activity to unlock stuff that's exclusive to paying members. It's kind of like a game, with points acting like dollar bills at the strip club.
A Gold membership is pretty much the standard if you're a guy looking for girls. While researching on Reddit, we found a few women who said they wouldn't meet a guy unless he's a Gold member. A Gold membership puts a little bit more credibility behind someone's profile and makes the whole encounter feel a bit safer. It's easier to believe that someone's a real person if they're a paying, active member of the site, and it's nice to know that they're taking it slightly seriously. Plus, if you see a picture or profile that looks like it's 10 years old, it really might be — there are a ton of non-active, non-paying profiles from old members and escorts still lingering.
AdultFriendFinder also gives members the option to confirm their identity with ConfirmID. If you do this, the site promises to give you two weeks of Gold for free. The ConfirmID works by entering your legal first and last name, home address, gender, and date of birth and uploading a copy of your driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
If you spend more quality time on the site than expected, becoming a paid member is definitely something to consider. Once you're paying, you basically become royalty on the site: Your profile will appear way higher in searches, you can use the most advanced searches, unlock profiles with private photo albums, check out video profiles, and message to your heart's content. A general rule is that increased involvement and payment on your end generally equals more success on the website, as your constant activity and heightened searchability make it easier for others to find you.
AdultFriendFinder pricingPrices for a Gold membership fluctuate but generally get cheaper the longer your subscription is: Get one month for $27.95, three months for $20.95 per month ($62.82 total), or 12 months for $14.95 per month ($179.40 total). The three-month membership is billed quarterly, while the 12-month membership is billed annually. With a Gold membership, free members cannot contact you, but they can still see your profile.
In addition to the Gold membership, AdultFriendFinder also offers Voyeur (enhanced profile gallery and hi-res member videos viewing) at $14.99 per month, Interaction (enhanced member-to-member interaction) at $14.99 per month, Chat Plus (enhanced direct member-to-member communication) at $9.99 per month, and Advanced Search and Highlight at $4.99 per month.
This is the pricing at the time of publishing, but according to AdultFriendFinder, pricing is subject to change.
Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder Good for: Very open-minded people looking to blow off steamStating the obvious, AdultFriendFinder is a space for people who want to bang with no strings attached, people who are in a sexual rut, people who are tired of porn, and people who find sites like eharmony boring. Getting to know someone for weeks before meeting up can be exhausting, and sometimes, you want to skip the small talk and do the dirty with a random. It's gonna get kinky out there, and that's great for those who are dying to blow off steam and want someone who will respond well to a brusque, sexy message.
People are so active on this site that it's impossible not to feel desired. You'll probably get a flood of message notifications, and once you come across your first legit suitor, you'll start to loosen up. Even if you're left on read a few times, you'll learn which opening lines and flirty comments work and which don't. But since the site is aimed toward casual sex and encounters and not serious relationships, the whole rejection thing isn't nearly as prevalent.
As with all dating sites, catfishing is a big buzzkill. Your chances of being pursued are way higher if you have a lot of pictures of the same person (AKA you), videos, and a genuine profile that lets people know they're not dealing with something sketchy. Even if you've had bad luck with online dating in the past, AdultFriendFinder is the place to be honest.
SEE ALSO: What is consensual non-monogamy? Bad for: People looking for a real relationship and the entire socially-conscious communityYou know those warnings that thrill rides at amusement parks are required to put up that tell people who get dizzy easily or have heart problems to not get on the ride? AdultFriendFinder could use something like that. This site is not for the faint of heart — if you're a cynic, conservative by any means, get sketched out easily, or aren't a fan of dick pics, you'll probably hate it. Similarly, if you appreciate a well-crafted, aesthetically-pleasing website that feels safe — no matter how badly you want to have sex — one glance at the landing page likely signals that it's not for you.
AdultFriendFinder is not the place to be if you're trying to make friends unless "with benefits" is tacked onto the end. Every inch of the site screams "this website is used to have sex," and you should really listen to that.
As illustrated by the recent flood of artsy activism guides on Instagram, it's clear what content appeals to young people on the internet: Something aesthetically-pleasing, sharable, and digestible. The "sharable" part doesn't totally apply to online dating, but apps like Hinge and OkCupid closely follow this design trend by limiting the number of words (and ads) in each tab, steering clear of endless scrolling, and ensuring that important info isn't cluttered with flashing clickbait.
For instance, Pure is a modern, no-strings-attached hookup app that appeals to your horny side with a single, witty statement about sex rather than bombarding you with boobs and "Have sex in NYC now!" claims. Anyone older than a millennial may be totally used to this pop-up-ridden layout, which seemed to be popular in the early 2000s — but for younger folks, AFF's chaotic approach is way too reminiscent of Omegle.
AFF could do so much more to make people take it seriouslyThe entire website looks like an ad about hot MILFs that pops up when you're illegally streaming a movie. Seriously, it's bad. Even though the AFF website is technically legit, the pictures, word choice, and exclamation points everywhere scream "scam." No, AdultFriendFinder, "98,897,765 Hot Photos" is not the way to make potential new users trust you.
We're not knocking a quick hookup or no-strings-attached relations. This isn't about morals. Genitals are quite literally in your face from the moment you make an account, and that's just not cute. There are chiller ways to go about insinuating that this is a hookup website without feeling like you're trapped in a sex dungeon with strangers.
I could not get past the fact that the entire site looks like it's about to invite five viruses to your computer. We're talking terrible graphics that look like they were made on Microsoft Paint and pictures of women who look like they're from Pornhub in 2007. (That's when AdultFriendFinder was officially sold and rebranded from its original parent company.) Reddit user Snoo53279 summed it up in a comment from July 2020: "The people on AFF are definitely real, but there is a huge smattering of bots that also get in the way so it can be a bit of a PITA to use." If they're not bots, they could be men posing as a couple to seem less threatening.
The parade of women on the landing page is questionable for two reasons. This shouldn't even need to be clarified, but not everyone is looking for a woman. At the least, the advertising isn't inclusive — but this crosses into fetishization territory. The cherry on top is that the women in the photos (unsurprisingly) probably aren't even members of the site, according to a disclaimer at the bottom of the landing page.
SEE ALSO: What is cockfishing? Why some men lie about their size on dating apps.AdultFriendFinder's overall outdated vibe goes past an aesthetic annoyance — it's downright problematic at times. The lack of inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community is nearly unforgivable, and we'd be scared to see some of the related rhetoric that AFF users feel comfortable spewing. Without even a dash of social awareness, it's hard to see how anyone who's not an out-of-touch straight cis man would feel comfortable on this site.
Attempting to navigate the shoddy design might be enough to smother your horniness. Three main issues can make the site borderline unusable: It looks shady as hell, an alarming portion of the user base is made up of bots and spam accounts, and the user interface itself is outdated and rife with bugs.
Other Reddit users mention that the desktop web version won't even load for them at random times — an especially frustrating roadblock for people who want to end their membership and stop monthly charges. A solution to the laggy web version might be to clear your cache or use the smartphone app, but your experience probably won't improve. AFF's mobile page doesn't even mention an Android app, and the link to the iPhone app brings up a "not available" pop-up in the App Store. For a site that claims to have over 50 million visitors each month, the lack of accessibility to a smartphone app is just plain odd — especially in 2023.
Adding to the sketchiness, a network hack in 2016 exposed around 412 million accounts, including "deleted" accounts that weren't actually deleted from the database. If this is enough reason for you to fall back on Tinder for finding a friend with benefits, we don't blame you. Signing up with a burner email and avoiding using your real name as a username are wise moves (pick a naughty word and add 69 to the end, IDK), though keeping your personal information private is hard when credit cards are involved.
In 2007, AFF was involved in a lawsuit with the FTC over allegations that the site used malware to send explicit pop-up ads to computers owned by people who hadn't signed up for the service. Though we haven't seen reports like this recently, so we're hoping those ridiculous ads you see are at least confined to people who actually use the site.
The alternatives to AdultFriendFinderSurprisingly, AdultFriendFinder feels much more legit than its competitors. While other hookup sites have names like FreeSnapMilfs.com, Fuckswipe.com, and Instabang.com, AdultFriendFinder will be the one you'd hate showing up in your Google search history the least. Most have the same general idea: to find sexual partners, have cybersex, etc., but with names like those, the authenticity is way too questionable. AdultFriendFinder boasts a much larger audience and has built credibility in a Tinder-saturated market where these blunt, friskier competitors may have trouble gaining trust.
SEE ALSO: Best hookup apps and dating sites to find casual sex with no strings attachedNo matter how in the mood you are, your hungry eyes may not be able to look past AFF's heinous interface. We mentioned Pure earlier. The aesthetically pleasing, hella-millennial UX design is simply more palatable than AFF and the blueprint of what a modern hookup app should be. Kind of like a Snapchat for sex; your uploaded selfies, personal info, and conversations will self-destruct every 60 minutes. The app will send the hookup version of an Uber request to anyone close and ready to rumble, and you can choose what information to disclose from there.
Remember when we said AdultFriendFinder would be a nightmare for gay and bi women? Feeld was our favorite alternative app dedicated to singles and couples looking for threesomes, foursomes, or however many people you want — minus the unicorn hunting and rampant fetishization that many non-hetero, non-monogamous people face on traditional hookup sites and apps. However, as of Dec. 7, we are in the process of reevaluating Feeld's place among our recommendations after the app's recent update arrived with bugs and location-related safety concerns. Feeld has since told Mashable that locations shared were not users' current exact locations, rather the name of the city, town, or borough.
The final verdict: Is AdultFriendFinder worth it?AdultFriendFinder is a low-pressure way to find a friends-with-benefits situation without insulting anyone. Everyone is pretty much there for the same reason — and though it'll feel pretty unorthodox if you've only ever used Tinder to scope this type of thing out, AFF's blunt advertising at least means you won't have to explain that you're not looking for a relationship. It's niche-friendly, well-populated, and has a ton of interactive outlets to indulge your primal urges.
But that freedom comes with a price — the price is feeling like one of those people who fall for the ads that pop up before a free Pornhub video. It's not that a site dedicated to sex and sexting is inherently scammy — it's that AdultFriendFinder drowns you with explicit photos on profiles that might not even be real people while asking you to pay for a subscription with every click.
Unfortunately, no matter how in the mood you are, some people aren't cut out for the nothing-left-to-the-imagination approach with grammar mistakes all over the place. It wants to be sex-positive so badly, but the language the site has used in reference to the trans community is the furthest thing from that.
The functionality and safety of the site and the mobile app aren't where they need to be in 2023. If security measures were tightened, graphics and photos were cleaned up to feel more relevant, and decision-makers behind the scenes were given a lesson in inclusivity and pronouns/identities, AdultFriendFinder could be a handy tool to find attachment-free hookups and connect with a community that's down for anything.
This isn't a dating or hookup site we would personally use, but if you're feeling brave, you can register for AdultFriendFinder here. Just don't try this at work.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn MoreTL;DR: Live stream Jasmine Paolini vs. Mirra Andreeva in the 2024 French Open for free on 9Now, France TV, RTBF, ORF, or Servus TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
This Roland-Garros semi-final is one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament — Jasmine Paolini vs. Mirra Andreeva. While the other semi-final in the women's singles features the top seeds, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, this semi-final guarantees than a lower ranked player will make the final.
Italian 12th seed Paolini has already caused an upset, after knocking out Elena Rybakina. Unseeded 17-year-old Andreeva, meanwhile — one of two Russian sisters to enter the contest — eliminated Aryna Sabalenka, who was favorite to reach the final.
What a story it's going to be for either of these players to challenge for the title in this Saturday's women's singles final. And you can watch the action for free — no matter where you are around the world.
If you want to watch Jasmine Paolini vs. Mirra Andreeva in the 2024 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Paolini vs. Andreeva?Jasmine Paolini vs. Mirra Andreeva will meet in the 2024 French Open from 10:15 a.m. ET on June 6.
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TL;DR: Live stream Iga Swiatek vs. Coca Gauff in the 2024 French Open for free on 9Now, France TV, RTBF, ORF, or Servus TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Roland-Garros semi-finals are underway, and this first semi-final fixture is the biggest contest in the women's singles so far – No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek versus No. 3 seed and sentimental favorite Coca Gauff.
It's been an exciting and unpredictable few days at the 2024 French Open. In the women's singles, top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina both took early exits at the hands of lower ranked opponents.
But what we do know is that either Swiatek or Gauff will have a place in the Roland-Garros women's singles final on Saturday June 8. The great news is that you can watch the action no matter where you are around the globe.
If you want to watch Iga Swiatek vs. Coca Gauff in the 2024 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, here's some handy information.
When is Swiatek vs. Gauff?Iga Swiatek vs. Coco Gauff will meet in the 2024 French Open from 9 a.m. ET on June 6.
How to watch Swiatek vs. Gauff in the 2024 French Open for freeThe 2024 French Open is available to live stream for free on the following platforms:
All of these platforms are geo-blocked outside their respective countries, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN — no matter where you're based in the world. For anyone who's new to VPNs, these tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries. This simple process allows you to sidestep geo-restrictions and enjoy free streaming platforms from around in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2024 French Open by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia, Austria, Belgium, or France
Stream Iga Swiatek vs. Coca Gauff for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming aren't technically free to use — they require a subscription fee or upfront cost — but the top VPN suppliers offer sweetener deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Simply sign up for limited time access at zero cost overall. This will give you time to watch the remainder of the 2024 French Open, not to mention other global sports events happening in that trial period. Just cancel in time to recover any upfront cost. You may even decide you like the service and decide to keep it long-term.
What is the best VPN for the French Open?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams of the 2024 French Open, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN has a great deal to help you enjoy the 2024 French Open. A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $99.95 — but for a limited time only. This package also boasts three extra months of use for no additional cost, plus a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Swiatek vs. Gauff for free with ExpressVPN.
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 6 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 6Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, June 6, 2024:
AcrossGood way to get in shape … in more than one wayThe answer is yoga.
The answer is baron.
The answer is OhGod.
The answer is loaf.
The answer is Don.
The answer is Yahoo.
The answer is organ.
The answer is goof.
The answer is and.
The answer is bold.
YouTube is age restricting some gun content, as well as banning videos which demonstrate how to remove safety features from firearms. It'll be nowhere near as impactful as finally getting U.S. politicians to implement proper gun control, but at least it's something.
As spotted by Engadget, YouTube has quietly updated its firearms policy to restrict automatic and homemade gun content to viewers aged 18 and up. It is also forbidding demonstrations on how to disable some gun safety devices for everyone, such as features that limit a magazine's release.
SEE ALSO: YouTube is cracking down further on adblockers"Starting June 18, 2024, certain content showing how to remove safety devices will be prohibited," reads a notice at the top of YouTube's firearms policy. "Content showing the use of homemade firearms, automatic firearms, and certain firearm accessories will be age restricted."
It isn't clear exactly when YouTube made these changes, but they were not present in its firearms policy at the end of February. Mashable has reached out to YouTube for comment.
In a new section added to YouTube's firearms policy, the platform states that videos which show the use of either automatic or homemade guns (including 3D printed ones) will be restricted to viewers who are over 18 years old. Videos which show the use of high capacity magazines, homemade silencers, or accessories which simulate or convert guns to automatic fire will be age restricted as well.
"Sometimes content doesn't violate our policies, but it may not be appropriate for viewers under 18," reads YouTube's updated policy.
"These guidelines apply to real use of firearms and may not apply, for example, to use of firearms in artistic content such as a film. We may also make exceptions for public interest content such as military or police footage, news footage, or footage from warzones."
If you're over 18, you can largely continue to watch people on YouTube fire deadly automatic weapons to your heart's content. However, creators can no longer post instructions on how to remove certain gun safety devices (which I sincerely hope nobody was doing anyway). This prohibition doesn't include videos showing the removal of safety devices intended to temporarily disable firearms, such as gun locks.
YouTube's firearms policy also previously stated that users can link to websites which discuss guns, provided they don't directly sell firearms or any accessories banned from being shown. The policy has now been updated to note that linked websites also cannot give away said paraphernalia, which is a good loophole to close and also how I learned the horrific fact that gun giveaways exist.
Humane's AI Pin may go down in history as one of the worst launches of a tech product ever.
While the AI Pin itself is an interesting and novel take on a mobile "computer," the company launched to scathing reviews that listed numerous issues with the Pin's most basic features, including the on-palm projection and the gestures used to control the device. This was followed by a report that Humane is already looking to sell the company, just weeks after it launched the AI Pin, its first and only product.
But the real nail in the coffin for the AI Pin might be the company's most recent email to customers (via Engadget), in which it warns them not to use the product's charging case as it may pose a "fire safety risk."
"Out of an abundance of caution, we are reaching out today to ask that you immediately stop using and charging your Charge Case Accessory due to an issue with certain battery cells for the Charge Case Accessory," the email said. In the email, Humane said that it received a "single report of a charging issue while using a third-party USB-C cable and third-party power source," and that it then identified a "quality issue with the battery cell supplied by a third-party vendor used in your Charge Case Accessory."
Humane said that "certain battery cells supplied by this vendor may pose a fire safety risk," and that it immediately disqualified this battery vendor and is currently working to identify a new vendor.
SEE ALSO: Ai Pin maker Humane is reportedly looking to sellBut what does it mean for anyone who already bought the Humane AI Pin? That part is a little unclear. While Humane says that the issue "is isolated only to certain battery cells used in the Charge Case Accessory," and that while the AI Pin itself, its Battery Boosters and Charge Pad aren't affected, it still means that every owner of the AI Pin should stop using its Charge Case right now. It's unclear whether the company plans to replace faulty charge cases with new ones once it finds a new battery vendor. (We've reached out to Humane about this and will update this article when we hear back.)
While the $149 Charge Case is technically an accessory, it is a very important part of the package as it allows you to charge the AI Pin, which is by definition a mobile device, on the go.
Right now, the Charge Case is listed as out of stock on the company website, and if you order the AI Pin, which normally includes a Charge Case, you won't get one (Humane says it will ship separately when available).
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