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Scottie Scheffler's arrest: The internet reacts with shock...and memes

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 18:39

The PGA Championship — one of golf's four major tournaments — got off to a tragic, then quite strange, start.

There was a fatal pedestrian accident in the early hours near Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, the site of this year's tournament. It caused a delay in the golf activities and lots of traffic outside the club. Thus there was a bit of confusion as Scottie Scheffler — the best golfer in the world and the recent Masters champion — attempted to get into Valhalla to play his second round at the PGA. That confusion, and traffic changes, and, apparently, some kind of misunderstanding led to a Louisville cop arresting Scheffler.

Yes, the world No. 1 was arrested and charged with, via ESPN, "second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic." This all seemingly stemmed from Scheffler not understanding where he was supposed to go, a cop trying to stop him, then, as an ESPN reporter who witnessed the event put it, an "officer [attaching] himself" to the car.

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It's all bizarre. Scheffler might also be the last person you'd expect to have a run-in with law enforcement — he is well-known as a super nice, if a bit milquetoast, person.

The internet reacted with a mix of shock, memes, and, frankly, confusion with the police.

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It has certainly been an odd day for the typically staid world of golf. Scheffler was able to make it back to the course in time to play on Friday. Clearly there will be a long legal process moving forward.

But fans at the club were clearly in support of Scheffler. He was greeted with massive cheers and chants of "Free Scottie."

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Babes' Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau on showing the reality and hilarity of pregnancy

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 18:32
Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau get real about pregnancy in this 'Babes' interview.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV just hit an all-time low price

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 18:21

GET $100 OFF: As of May 17, you can snag a 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV for just $149.99, down from $249.99. That's a 40% discount or $100 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Looking for a new TV that won’t put you into financial ruin? Amazon’s running a limited-time deal on the 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV, and it’s the lowest price we’ve seen yet. Like, it beats Cyber Monday prices.

As of May 17, you can score a 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV for just $149.99, down from $249.99 at Amazon. That’s a 40% discount and $100 off the original price.

SEE ALSO: All the Amazon Fire TV Sticks are back down to their Big Spring Sale prices

The 2-Series features 1080p resolution and comes with built-in Amazon Fire TV capabilities. You can watch your favorite shows and movies and stream free content with apps like Freevee and Pluto TV. Plus, with this deal, you can get six months of MGM+ streaming service on the house.

With smart capabilities and Alexa integration, this 40-inch TV is ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade their entertainment center without breaking the bank.

We’d like to note just one thing: This version does not support 4K resolution. So, if you’re looking for something a little flashier and with higher resolution capabilities, you may want to consider other options available on the market, like the 4-Series or Omni QLED Series.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Grab the powerhouse M3 MacBook Air for its lowest price yet

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 18:02
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK 13-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949.99 at Amazon (save $149.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST SAMSUNG DEAL Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book3 Pro (Intel Core i7-1360P, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $851.63 at Amazon (save $598.36) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Edition $799.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal BEST HYDRATION DEAL Hydro Flask wide mouth water bottle $26.57 at Amazon (save $23.38) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV $149.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

You've officially made it to the weekend. Celebrate with some impressive deals we found at Amazon on May 17, including all-time lows on fancy laptops, a high-tech smartwatch, a 40-inch Fire TV, and double-wall insulated water bottles to keep your water cold all summer long.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our deals from May 15 and May 16, as most of those deals are still going strong. Happy weekend!

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Amazon deal of the day: 13-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $149.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

A new record-low price on a new MacBook is cause for celebration. The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air, which was just released back in March, is on sale for just $949.99 at Amazon as of May 17 when you clip the on-page coupon. That's its biggest discount to date. The new Air features a zippy M3 chip that's reportedly 60 percent faster than the M1 chip from the 2020 Air models and 15 percent faster than the M2. But that's not its only upgrade; it also features WiFi 6E (a step up from last generation), supports up to two 5K, 60Hz external displays while closed, and comes in a brand-new midnight black shade. We reviewed its 15-inch sibling and were highly impressed, to say the least. "The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air continues to blur the line of the Air and Pro models, providing ample “oomph” for creatives, professionals, and students who need robust performance that can handle their multifaceted workflows," our reviewer wrote.

Read our full review of the M3 MacBook Air.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book3 Pro (Intel Core i7-1360P, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $851.63 at Amazon
$1,449.99 Save $598.36 Get Deal

If you're not a Mac person, perhaps this deal on the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro will spark your interest. This particular model boasts a 14-inch 3K AMOLED display, a 13th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB of storage, and an upgraded port assortment from its predecessor (two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB type-A port, HDMI port, and microSD slot). An early 2023 release, it's no longer the latest and greatest in the Galaxy Book lineup (that honor would go to the Galaxy Book4 Pro), but it's still a powerful laptop that can handle everything from work to play. And at just $851.63 (reg. $1,449.99), it's quite the steal. That's 41% off its usual cost and a new all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Edition $799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

A watch that caters to data-driven athletes and adventurers, the Garmin Fēnix 7X Pro Solar is back down to its all-time low Black Friday price at Amazon as of May 17. The 51mm version is down to $799.99, while the 47mm version is down to $699.99 — that's $200 in savings on either option. While we haven't reviewed the 7X Pro, we did try out its predecessor and found it to be quite the powerhouse. The new edition features a lighter case (one of our biggest pet peeves of the 6X Pro), better battery life, more accurate GPS, and even more in-depth data and apps. Plus, it packs an impressive solar-charging feature that extends battery life up to nine days (in smartwatch mode).

Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask stainless steel wide mouth water bottle $26.57 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $23.38 Get Deal

Up your hydration this summer with a Hydro Flask bottle that keeps your water ice cold for 24 hours. As of May 17, a ton of Hydro Flask bottles and accessories are on sale at Amazon. One of our top picks, however, is this stainless steel wide mouth water bottle, which fits 40 ounces of H2O in its leakproof, double-wall vacuum insulated container. It's usually $49.95, but it's on sale for just $26.57 — that's 47% in savings and its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

While it's not the fanciest TV in Amazon's lineup, the 2-Series has one thing that outshines the others: an insanely low price tag. The budget-friendly, no-frills smart TV may not support 4K resolution (you'll want to check out the 4-Series for that), but it still offers the basic smart capabilities of the Fire TV experience, hands-free control through on-board Alexa, and support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. If you're looking to add HD entertainment to any room, it's going to be pretty hard to beat this price. Regularly only $249.99, you can grab the 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV for only $149.99 as of May 17 — that's 40% in savings and the lowest price to date.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Amazon Book Sale is packed with great deals on Kindles and books for all readers

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 17:49

UPDATE: May. 17, 2024, 10:28 a.m. EDT The Amazon Book Sale is officially underway with hundreds of deals. We're updating this page with the best deals throughout the inaugural sale which run through Monday, May 20.

Best Amazon Book Sale Deals Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) with Premium Pen $279.99 at Amazon (Save $110) Get Deal Best subscription deal Kindle Unlimited $0 for three months at Amazon (Save $35.97) Get Deal Best book deal Up to 60% off physical books From $6 at Amazon (Save up to 60% on books) Get Deal Best e-book deal Save up to 90% on e-books From $0.99 at Amazon (Save up to 90%) Get Deal

The flights are booked and the itinerary is planned. Summer vacation is right around the corner, and we can't wait to kick back in the sun with a great read. Whether you need in-flight entertainment or a beachside book, the Amazon Book Sale has got you covered.

The Amazon Book Sale is currently live and runs through Monday, May 20, offering deals across physical books, Kindles, e-books, and audiobooks. No matter what format you prefer to read in, the savings are abundant. Physical books are up to 60% off while e-books are as low as 99 cents.

The Kindle Scribe (32GB) is down to its lowest price ever at $279.99, saving you $110. If you already have an e-reader you love, sign up for Kindle Unlimited during the sale and enjoy three months free, where you'll gain access to Kindle's collection of four million books.

Explore all the deals here or read on for our favorites.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (32 GB) with Premium Pen $279.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If you've been known to annotate every margin of your physical books but want the convenience of an e-reader, the Kindle Scribe is the answer. And during the Amazon Book Sale, you can find it for just $279.99, its lowest price ever. You'll save $110, scoring 29% off.

The Kindle Scribe has 32GB of storage and comes with its premium pen to get you writing. In addition to writing in your e-books, the Scribe includes a notebook feature for journaling. Plus, it converts handwritten notes to text and allows you to mark up PDFs too. The anti-glare screen is perfect for reading in the sun and the weeks of battery life means you can leave the charger at home while on vacation.

Of the Kindle family, the Paperwhite Signature is our favorite pick overall thanks to its features and reasonable price. While the Paperwhite Signature isn't on sale during the Amazon Book Sale, we still think it's worth the price if it fits your reading desires.

Best subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited at Amazon
Subscribe to Kindle Unlimited and get your first three months free Get Deal

Voracious readers need Kindle Unlimited. The subscription service includes millions of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines for just $11.99 per month. But thanks to the Amazon Book Sale, you can get your first three months free. That saves you $35.97 while giving you access to millions of reads.

There's no commitment with the Kindle Unlimited subscription — cancel at any time. If you're not into it after your three-month trial, go ahead and cancel for no charge.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Books up to 60% off during the Amazon Book Sale Get Deal

For loyal readers of physical books, the Amazon Book Sale is for you too. Limited-time deals are available across all genres from cookbooks to romance. Find major savings on classics like Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye to new releases like Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle.

More book deals Featured Video For You How to make Amazon returns and contact customer service Best e-book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon E-books up to 90% off Find e-books during the Amazon Book Sale for as low as $0.99 Get Deal

If you're picky about the books you want to read, then maybe Kindle Unlimited isn't for you. The good news is, during the Amazon Book Sale, e-books are available at jaw-dropping prices. Seriously, you can save up to 90% on buzzy books like Babel by R.F. Kuang.

More e-book deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Memorial Day sales are already kicking off — here's what you need to know

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 17:41
Best Memorial Day deals 2024 Best mattress deal Avocado Eco Organic Mattress $699 at Avocado Green Mattress (save $78) Get Deal Best furniture and home appliance deal Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 $229.99 at Solo Stove (save $70) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Refurbished KitchenAid 6-quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $209.99 at KitchenAid (save $120) Get Deal Best tech deal Insignia 65-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Best Buy (save $100) Get Deal

We're only in the middle of May, but when has that ever stopped retailers from starting their Memorial Day sales early? This year is no different, so it's time to prepare for those summer savings. Here's everything you need to know about this year's big Memorial Day sales, plus some early offers for you to start shopping right now.

When is Memorial Day, and when do the sales start?

This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27. But Memorial Day weekend — the time when most of the big sales will be taking place — starts on Friday, May 24. We expect to see lots of discounts on offer during the three-day weekend, especially from mattress, appliance, and outdoor goods brands. No matter what you're shopping for, you should be able to find plenty of cost-cutting deals, many of which have already begun.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 8 products to cover all your bases Are Memorial Day sales starting early?

Some Memorial Day sales are already getting started as we speak, with some brands holding "early access" events leading up to a bigger sale during Memorial Day weekend (more on those below). Others aren't necessarily labeled as early Memorial Day sales, but you can already find a lot of savings on outdoor items, home appliances, and select electronics at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. We do think the deals will be much better as we get closer to Memorial Day, so it may be best to just wait it out.

Though Memorial Day weekend doesn't officially begin until May 24, keep an eye out for sales starting earlier that week on May 20. (Update: Amazon's Memorial Day sale has officially begun, and features savings of up to 40% off on Amazon devices, other select electronics, outdoor goods, and more. The sale runs until May 27.)

What to buy during Memorial Day sales

Memorial Day is always a huge time for doorbuster mattress sales, but we also expect to see big discounts on outdoor items and appliances for the summer, as well as other select home appliances and electronics. Look out for items like grills, lawn care equipment, gardening supplies, and outdoor furniture.

We also foresee popular kitchen items going on sale, as well as big-ticket items like TVs, headphones, laptops, and fitness equipment.

What are the best Memorial Day sales?

The worthwhile Memorial Day sales aren't all that plentiful just yet, but more will be on the way shortly. Here are some of the best Memorial Day sales and deals that we could find so far.

Best Memorial Day deals 2024Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avocado Green Mattress Avocado Eco Organic Mattress $699.00 at Avocado Green Mattress
$777.00 Save $78.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It's no secret that a good mattress is going to cost you quite a big chunk of change, but thankfully during Avocado's Memorial Day sale, their budget-friendly Eco Organic Mattress is extremely affordable (starting at just $699 for a twin size). Made from certified organic latex, cotton, and wool, the Eco Organic Mattress strikes a great balance between comfort and support with its medium-firm feel, making it a great choice for all types of sleepers. The mattress also features natural cooling, and absorbs motion transfer.

More mattress deals
  • Amerisleep: Save $450 on select mattresses

  • Avocado: Save up to 20% on mattresses and more

  • Bear: 35% off sitewide, plus free sleep accessories

  • Beautyrest: Save up to $1,200 on select mattresses and base sets

  • Birch: 25% off sitewide, plus two free pillows

  • Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off sitewide

  • Casper: 30% off all mattresses and 10% off everything else

  • Cocoon by Sealy: Save 35% on all mattresses + free Sealy sleep bundle ($199 value)

  • Cozy Earth: Save up to 30% on bedding

  • DreamCloud: Up to 50% off mattresses

  • Emma: Up to 55% off mattresses plus two free pillows

  • Helix: Up to 30% off sitewide, plus two free pillows

  • Layla: Up to $200 off mattresses, plus two free pillows

  • Leesa: 25% off mattresses, plus two free pillows

  • Nectar: Up to 40% off mattresses

  • Nolah: 35% off mattresses, plus free pillows

  • Plank: Up to 25% off sitewide

  • Purple: Up to $800 off mattresses + base

  • Saatva: Up to $600 off select mattresses

  • Serta: Save up to $900 on select mattresses and adjustable bases

  • Siena: Save up to $500 off mattresses

  • Sleep Number: Up to 50% off smart beds

  • TempurPedic: Save up to $500 on select adjustable mattresses

  • Vaya: Save up to $300 off any mattress

  • WinkBeds: Save up to $300 on mattresses

  • Zoma: Save $150 on all mattresses

Best furniture and home appliance deal Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 $229.99 at Solo Stove
$299.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Looking to upgrade your hangouts this summer? A Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 certainly won't hurt, and you can save $70 on one during the Memorial Day sale. The totally smokeless, portable stove will become one of your outdoor get-together essentials, whether you're just looking to sit around the fire telling stories or fire up some grub.

More furniture and home appliance deals
  • Dyson: Up to 70% off cordless stick vacuums

  • Home Depot: Up to 50% off home decor and furniture

  • LG: Bundle select items and save up to $200

  • Lowe's: Up to 35% off home appliances

  • Samsung: Save up to $1,200 on refrigerators and laundry machines

  • Shark: Up to 30% off select products

  • Solo Stove: Up to 30% off sitewide

  • Wayfair: Way Day sale starting on May 4

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid Refurbished KitchenAid 6-quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $209.99 at KitchenAid
$329.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Picking up a refurbished device has its benefits — namely, savings. This certified refurb Stand Mixer from KitchenAid is over $100 off, and features a bowl-lift design that drastically improves stability and control while you work. It has 11 different speeds (including a half-speed option), as well as a 6-quart bowl that'll work well for small and large batches. Plus, you get to finally say you have a KitchenAid mixer.

More kitchen deals
  • KitchenAid: Up to $150 off select Stand Mixers

  • Our Place: Up to 40% off cookware and kitchen gear

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 65-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A 65-inch 4K TV for just $349.99? We're so in. This Insignia TV features support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR, Apple Air Play, and Amazon Alexa. It's also a Fire TV, so that means you'll have access to Amazon's easy-to-use interface to boot up all your favorite streaming apps and more. It's wall-mountable, too, if you want to save some space. Not bad for a budget TV, huh?

More tech deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft risks billions in fines as EU investigates its generative AI disclosures

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 17:21

Microsoft may face a harsh scolding from the European Union (EU) after failing to provide information on risks posed by generative AI tools.

The tech company has until May 27 to present the commission with appropriate documents that outline potential harm arising from Bing’s generative AI features specifically, like its AI assistant Copilot and image generator Image Creator by Designer. As TechCrunch reported, the EU worries that such tools could pose a threat to "civic discourse and electoral processes."

The fines would be processed under requirements for Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) within the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), and levy up to one percent of Microsoft's global annual turnover against the company.

"The request for information is based on the suspicion that Bing may have breached the DSA for risks linked to generative AI, such as so-called 'hallucinations', the viral dissemination of deepfakes, as well as the automated manipulation of services that can mislead voters," the commission wrote. "Generative AI is one of the risks identified by the Commission in its guidelines on the integrity of electoral processes, in particular for the upcoming elections to the European Parliament in June."

SEE ALSO: Reddit's deal with OpenAI is confirmed. Here's what it means for your posts and comments.

Should Microsoft still fail to provide the requested information, the commission can impose penalties of up to 5 percent of its average daily income or worldwide annual turnover.

In March, the European Union approved what many called a landmark AI regulation, known simply as the AI Act, which establishes oversight and enforcement procedures for AI technology deemed "high risk." The law additionally bans certain risky AI applications, including "emotion recognition, predictive policing, and AI that manipulates human behavior or exploits people’s vulnerabilities."

Meanwhile, the bloc is also utilizing the DSA to probe social media companies, as leaders open several investigations into child safety and emotional wellbeing across apps like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Run, don't walk: The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is $150 off at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 17:07

GET $149.01 OFF: As of May 17, the 13.6-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $949.99, the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13.6-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $149.01 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing the 13.6-inch Apple MacBook Air, now’s the time to get your wallet out. This powerful laptop has hit another all-time low, beating last month’s discount by an additional $39.

As of May 17, the 13.6-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is now $949.99 at Amazon. That’s even lower than it was last month when it was on sale for $989. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen for this particular MacBook Air model. (Click the on-screen coupon to get the full discounted price.)

SEE ALSO: Best Apple deals May 2024: MacBook Airs and Apple Watches are worth buying this week

The M3 chip makes this laptop a must for anyone who needs something fast, efficient, and able to handle multiple tasks at once. It’s also lightweight and less than one-half-inch thin, making it ideal for students and hybrid workers who are always on the go.

It has an 18-hour battery life, a 13.6-inch liquid retina display, and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. There are three mics, and four speakers are built-in, so you can video chat with coworkers, friends, and family with crystal clear audio.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score up to 49% off Beats earbuds at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 16:46

UP TO 49% OFF: As of May 17, Amazon is offering up to 49% off Beats earbuds and headphones.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Beats Studio Buds true wireless noise-canceling earbuds $79.99 at Amazon (save $69.96) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds $159.99 at Amazon (save $89.96) Get Deal Best on-ear headphone deal Beats Solo3 wireless headphones $149.99 at Amazon (save $78.96) Get Deal

If you've been caught humming America's unofficial song of the summer ("That's that me, espresso!"), it might be time for some new headphones. Starting today, May 17, get up to 49% off Beats earbuds and headphones at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The best headphones for 2024 (and why they made our list)

Whether you’re looking for an over-ear option or a compact pair of earbuds, Amazon's sale on Beats headphones has you covered. Here are some of our favorite deals from the sale:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Our pick: Beats Studio Buds true wireless noise-canceling earbuds $79.99 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $69.96 Get Deal Why we like it

The Beats Studio Buds true wireless noise-canceling earbuds feature two listening modes: active noise canceling (ANC) and transparency mode, so you can tune in and out of your surroundings as needed.

These earbuds come with three soft ear tip sizes and offer a comfortable, secure fit, making them perfect for long commutes, workouts, or just jamming out at home. With up to eight hours of listening time (or up to 24 hours combined with the included pocket-sized charging case), you can enjoy uninterrupted music all day long.

They also feature a built-in microphone and are IPX4-rated sweat- and water-resistant, so you can take a call or hit the gym without worrying about damaging your earbuds. Plus, they come in multiple color options, including sunset pink and ocean blue.

If you need extra security, you can get these same buds with two years of Apple Care+ for $99.99 (down from $178.95).

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Our pick: Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds $159.99 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $89.96 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want the quality of Studio Buds but are afraid they’ll fall out, the Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds are a solid alternative. Although these buds aren’t noise-canceling, they do feature an over-the-ear hook design to help keep them in place.

With these buds, you can get up to nine hours of listening time (24 with the charging case). They also have a fast-charge feature that’ll give you one-and-one-half hours of playback with a quick five-minute charge.

Best on-ear headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Our pick: Beats Solo3 wireless headphones + 2 years of Apple Care+ $149.99 at Amazon
$228.95 Save $78.96 Get Deal Why we like it

The Beats Solo3 wireless headphones aren’t noise-canceling, but they come with two years of Apple Care+ and have more than 78,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars.

These headphones feature the Apple W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity. With up to 40 hours of battery life, you can take them anywhere without worrying about running out of power.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Reddit's deal with OpenAI is confirmed. Here's what it means for your posts and comments.

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 16:05

A few months back, reports emerged that Reddit had signed a $60 million deal with OpenAI to allow the ChatGPT creator to train its LLM using Reddit content. On Thursday, the deal was confirmed.

In a blog post shared by Reddit and OpenAI the companies unveiled the details of the agreement, which essentially sees the "front page of the internet" trading its content for access to AI tools and an advertising partnership.

"Keeping the internet open is crucial, and part of being open means Reddit content needs to be accessible to those fostering human learning and researching ways to build community, belonging, and empowerment online," reads the blog post. "Reddit is a uniquely large and vibrant community that has long been an important space for conversation on the internet."

SEE ALSO: The women getting guys to rate their nudes on Reddit

But what exactly does this mean for Reddit's users? How will your posts, comments, and images be affected by this new partnership?

What does the OpenAI deal mean for your Reddit posts and comments?

In a nutshell, it means your content is being used to train ChatGPT.

"OpenAI will bring Reddit content to ChatGPT and new products, helping users discover and engage with Reddit communities," reads the core deal point outlined in the blog. "To do so, OpenAI will access Reddit’s Data API, which provides real-time, structured, and unique content from Reddit. This will enable OpenAI’s AI tools to better understand and showcase Reddit content, especially on recent topics."

The part about Reddit's Data API is key. This means that along with everything you've posted on Reddit in the past, you can safely assume that anything you post going forwards will immediately become AI training material.

Featured Video For You How to delete your Reddit account Can Reddit users opt out?

If the thought of training an AI doesn't sit well with you, you can obviously decide not to post or comment on Reddit anymore. But what about all your old posts? Well, the honest answer lies in Reddit's User Agreement, which makes it clear exactly what rights you're giving up when you use the platform:

"When Your Content is created with or submitted to the Services, you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, transferable, and sublicensable license to use, copy, modify, adapt, prepare derivative works of, distribute, store, perform, and display Your Content and any name, username, voice, or likeness provided in connection with Your Content in all media formats and channels now known or later developed anywhere in the world. This license includes the right for us to make Your Content available for syndication, broadcast, distribution, or publication by other companies, organizations, or individuals who partner with Reddit. You also agree that we may remove metadata associated with Your Content, and you irrevocably waive any claims and assertions of moral rights or attribution with respect to Your Content."

Basically, when you post on Reddit, they can pretty much do what they want with it — including making your content "available for syndication, broadcast, distribution, or publication by other companies, organizations, or individuals who partner with Reddit."

And if you decide to delete your content at some point down the line? Mashable has reached out to Reddit to ask if deleted content can still be used to train OpenAI, and we will update this article when we receive a response.

UPDATE: May. 17, 2024, 3:02 p.m. GMT Reddit confirmed to Mashable that it doesn't license deleted posts and comments — so it's possible that content deleted prior to the deal's completion may not be included. But given that OpenAI now has access to Reddit's API, it's probably safe to assume that anything newly posted is immediately being used to train its AI.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GPT-4o, Bumble Fumbles, and Subtle Asian news

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 13:48
From OpenAI's GPT-4o to Bumble's anti-celibacy ads, host Josh Burstein takes us on a comedic journey through the week's top stories.
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 Tour de France online for free

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 13:29

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Tour de France for free on SBS on Demand, RTBF, France TV, RaiPlay, or ITVX. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It really doesn't get any tougher than the Tour de France. The conclusion you quickly reach when watching this famous event is that it's much better to be sat at home, watching these incredible athletes put their bodies through hell. This is where we can help.

If you're interested in watching the Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is an annual men's multi-stage bicycle race held in France (and occasionally passing through nearby countries). This prestigious race is the oldest of the Grand Tours, and consists of 21 stages taking place over the course of 23 or 24 days.

The reigning champion is Jonas Vingegaard.

When is the 2024 Tour de France?

The 2024 Tour de France is the 111th edition of the race. This year's event takes place from June 29 to July 21, starting in Florence and finishing in Nice. For the first time, the race will not finish in (or near) Paris due to preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

How to watch the 2024 Tour de France for free

The good news is that cycling fans from around the world can watch the 2024 Tour de France for free. That's because free streaming of the famous race is being offered by these countries:

Anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from around the world. That might sound complicated, but the process is actually really simple.

Live stream the 2024 Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that is offering free streaming of the 2024 Tour de France

  4. Connect to your preferred streaming platform from the list above

  5. Watch the 2024 Tour de France 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 unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can watch the 2024 Tour de France without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but you have plenty of time to watch the Tour de France without actually spending anything.

What is the best VPN for the Tour de France?

Multiple VPNs can reliably unblock streaming sites from around the world, but ExpressVPN is the top choice. ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This discounted plan includes an extra three months of coverage and a year of unlimited cloud backup for free. Subscribers also get a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can watch the Tour de France and then recover your investment after the race has concluded.

Watch the 2024 Tour de France for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia online for free

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 13:18

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free on SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It really doesn't get much tougher than cycling. We'll be honest and say that we don't fully understand the appeal of setting out in the morning to punish yourself over long climbs through potentially miserable conditions, but this sort of thing clearly works for a lot of people, because we see plenty of enthusiasts out there on the roads every day.

What we can see the appeal of is watching the very best cyclists in the world going wheel to wheel in one of the most prestigious cycling events on the calendar. We're talking about the Giro d'Italia, and we've got all the information you need to watch this year's event.

What is the Giro d’Italia?

The Giro d'Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy. The Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's most prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours, and is arguably the world's second most important stage race after the Tour de France.

When is the 2024 Giro d’Italia?

The 2024 Giro d'Italia is the 107th edition of the famous race. This year's event takes place from May 4 to May 26.

How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free

It's possible to live stream the 2024 Giro d'Italia for free on these streaming platforms:

These free streaming services are geo-restricted to their country of origin, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from anywhere else in the world. That is unless you're using a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free streaming platforms from any location.

Stream the 2024 Giro d'Italia for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia, Belgium, or Italy

  4. Visit SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay

  5. Watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia 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

Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these guarantees, you can watch Giro d’Italia live streams without committing with your cash. This is a sneaky trick, but it works.

What is the best VPN for Giro d’Italia?

There are a lot of streaming-friendly VPNs out there for you to consider, but ExpressVPN is probably the best service for live streaming top sporting events. ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming the Giro d’Italia, for a number of reasons:

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

  • 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 heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to watch 2024 Giro d’Italia and then recover your investment with the money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You can watch 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 9 premiere for free. Here's how.

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 13:02

The cheek, the nerve, the gall, the audacity, and the gumption! RuPaul's Drag Race is back with another All Stars, with Season 9 premiering on Friday, and you can watch it on Paramount+'s YouTube for free — just hit play on the link above.

Who's returning to slay another day? Drag Race royalty Angeria Paris VanMichaels (Season 14), Gottmik (Season 13), Jorgeous (Season 14), Nina West (Season 11), Plastique Tiara (Season 11), Roxxxy Andrew (Season 5, All Stars Season 2), Shannel (Season 1, All Stars Season 1) and Vanessa Vanjie (Season 10, 11) return for All Stars this time around — and seriously, what a damn lineup.

With the library open from the very first episode, the shade is primo this season. Plus, the premiere saw extra special guest judge Keke Palmer join RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and Ross Matthews on the judges' panel. Go!

Categories: IT General, Technology

David Letterman gets deep answering Stephen Colbert's quickfire questions

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 12:40
David Letterman appeared on "The Late Show" and answered Stephen Colbert's "questionert".
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch F1 live streams online for free

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 12:22

TL;DR: Watch 2024 F1 live streams for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Do you love watching incredibly talented drivers in unbelievably fast cars? Of course you do.

F1 brings together the best of the best to battle it out on the track. Sure, Max Verstappen has dominated the field in recent years, and that doesn't look like it's changing anytime soon. But we remain hopeful. This could be the year when things become a lot more competitive. It doesn't look particularly likely at this early stage, but things could change.

If you are interested in watching F1 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

2024 F1 calendar

The 2024 F1 season features 24 races held all over the world between March and December:

  1. Bahrain GP (Sakhir) — March 2

  2. Saudi Arabian GP (Jeddah) — March 9

  3. Australian GP (Melbourne) — March 24

  4. Japan GP (Suzuka) — April 7

  5. China GP (Shanghai) — April 21

  6. Miami GP (Miami) — May 5

  7. Emilia Romagna GP (Imola) — May 19

  8. Monaco GP (Monaco) — May 26

  9. Canada GP (Montreal) — June 9

  10. Spain GP (Barcelona) — June 23

  11. Austria GP (Spielberg) — June 30

  12. United Kingdom GP (Silverstone) — July 7

  13. Hungary GP (Budapest) — July 21

  14. Belgium GP (Spa) — July 28

  15. Netherlands GP (Zandvoort) — Aug. 25

  16. Italy GP (Monza) — Sept. 1

  17. Azerbaijan GP (Baku) — Sept. 15

  18. Singapore GP (Singapore) — Sept. 22

  19. USA GP (Austin) — Oct. 20

  20. Mexico GP (Mexico City) — Oct. 27

  21. Brazil GP (Sao Paulo) — Nov. 3

  22. Las Vegas GP (Las Vegas) — Nov. 23

  23. Qatar GP (Lusail) — Dec. 1

  24. Abu Dhabi GP (Yas Marina) — Dec. 8

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. China, Miami, Austria, USA, Brazil, and Qatar will each host a sprint weekend this season.

How to watch F1 for free

The good news is that it is possible to stream F1 for free in 2024. The following platforms are offering free coverage of this season:

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from outside the country of origin. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock these free streaming services by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria, Belgium, or Luxembourg

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

  5. Watch F1 races from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races for free.

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

What is the best VPN for F1?

There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs out there, but ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming F1 for a number of reasons:

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

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to five simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. By using the guarantee, you can watch F1 races for free. This is sneaky, but it works because ExpressVPN returns your investment without hassle.

Watch the 2024 F1 season for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unmatch on Tinder

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 12:06

You're swiping on Tinder, match with someone, then realize: you've made a mistake. Maybe you meant to left swipe, or maybe over the course of the conversation you realize this isn't the person for you. For whatever reason, you want to know how to unmatch with someone on Tinder. Here's how.

Total Time
  • 1 minute
What You Need
  • Phone
  • Tinder app

Step 1: Open the chat of the person you'd like to unmatch.

Step 2: Tap the blue shield icon at the top right corner of the chat.

Step 3: Select "Unmatch" in the dropdown menu.

From here, you can also report the user if they're acting inappropriately.

Step 4: Confirm you want to unmatch.

Tinder will ask if you're sure you want to unmatch. You can cancel if you did this in error, or go ahead and unmatch.

SEE ALSO: Find your match: The best dating apps of 2024
Categories: IT General, Technology

Elon Musk's Twitter now officially has a new URL

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:59

Twitter became X months ago, but now Twitter.com is also officially X.com.

The URL change cements Elon Musk's rebranding of the social media app since his takeover. In July of last year, Twitter officially shed its iconic bird logo and its name, with X replacing it all.

Now, anyone typing the original Twitter URL will be redirected to X.com. The platform announced the change with a pop-up on its browser today.

Credit: Screenshot: X

A message on the login page read, "We are letting you know that we are changing our URL, but your privacy and data protection settings remain the same."

SEE ALSO: I’ve been forcibly blue-checked on Elon Musk's X. Here’s what it’s like.

Musk also announced the change on his own X account, writing, "All core systems are now on X.com."

Tweet may have been deleted

This is just the latest change in a fleet of updates with Musk at the helm: subscription fees have been implemented (at times, randomly), blue ticks were replaced and given back, the shift to "X" has resulted in broken URLs and arguably, there's just a general sense of chaos on the app.

Categories: IT General, Technology

TikTok is testing hour-long video uploads

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:21

In a move that may terrify YouTube, TikTok is testing hour-long video uploads.

First spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra, the app is testing the feature with a limited group of people in select markets. The feature won't be widely available anytime soon, TikTok told TechCrunch.

Post by @mattnavarra View on Threads

These 60-minute videos step into YouTube territory, with the expansion of long-form content giving TikTok an even bigger slice of social media users. TikTok told the publisher this option can give creators more scope to delve into content such as longer demos, lifestyle tutorials, and storytelling.

SEE ALSO: TikTok might launch ChatGPT-generated search results

TikTok has been slowly increasing its video limits, going from an initial 15-second maximum at its launch to 15 minutes back in October 2023. In January of this year, the app was spotted testing 30 minute-long uploads.

The platform also revealed a new creator rewards program in March, announcing that high-quality videos over a minute-long will result in cash rewards.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Threads is testing new multi-column feature that will make it so much better

Mashable - Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:12

Threads is nice and all, but wouldn't it be cool if we could, you know, organize the posts in some meaningful way?

Worry not, a better way to tread through Threads (sorry) may be coming. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared an upcoming feature, currently in testing: multi-column view.

Those of you who remember TweetDeck, one of the best third-party Twitter (now X) clients that was acquired by Twitter and hidden behind a paywall, know just how powerful a short-form social media site can be when you have an option to view multiple topics/lists as columns, especially on a big display.

Post by @zuck View on Threads

Now, Threads is doing something similar on the web. Zuckerberg didn't give a lot of details, but the screenshot he shared shows a TweetDeck-like multi-column view with one column displaying the default, For You posts, and the other three showing posts related to certain topics such as "pickleball," "workout," or "surfing."

SEE ALSO: You came back to Threads. Here's how it can keep you.

There's no word on how widely accessible the test is, or when the feature may launch properly, but it's nice to see given how empty Threads looks when viewed on a large-resolution display, which is most home monitors these days.

Also, given that Threads currently has no paid tier, it's likely that the multi-column view on Threads will be free. This certainly beats Twitter, which is asking for $8 a month in order to access the multi-column view feature

Categories: IT General, Technology
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