Blogroll
7 unusual ways to use Claude Cowork that have nothing to do with coding
Claude users often fall into two camps: those who use it as a chatbot, and those who use it for coding. Claude Cowork can easily end up getting overlooked by both camps. There are plenty of ways you can use Claude Cowork that aren't for coding or typical chatbot conversations.
5 pioneering Linux distros that quietly faded into history
While some Linux distros have stood the test of time, others have fallen by the wayside, remembered only by their users.
These are the 7 most useful resources every Home Assistant user should know about
Home Assistant is powerful smart home software that's packed with a huge number of features. There's so much it can do, and so much that you can do with it, that sometimes you might need a little guidance, help, or inspiration. There are some great Home Assistant resources available that you can turn to.
Why I'm buying every DVD I can find (before they're all gone)
I'm happy to see that people are apparently getting back on the physical media wagon. By some miracle, DVDs and Blu-ray discs have remained in production and are still readily available, but for a while it seemed like the fervor for streaming might kill off physical media for good.
These 6 Linux tools make the classics feel ancient—I use them on every machine
The traditional Linux tools like nano, man, cat, cd, ls etc. are almost four decades old now. They come from a time when computers had black-and-white screens and less computing power than your phone.
House of the Dragon season 3 returns tonight—here's the most important thing to know
It's been almost two years since House of the Dragon season 2 ended on a cliffhanger. Tonight, we get answers in theHouse of the Dragon season 3 premiere, which airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and streams on HBO Max.
Fable 5 was too smart for its own good, so Anthropic had to kill it
Vibe coding—despite huge improvements over the last two years—has always been hit-and-miss, with emphasis on "miss" if you're not very careful about how you use it. Fable 5—for the brief time it was available—felt like it finally changed that.
How I avoid falling into the smart home subscription trap
A smart home doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, and it certainly doesn’t mean paying a monthly fee. Here are some things I do to ensure that the only money I spend on my smart home is for devices that I can use without a pricey premium plan.
T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim
TL;DR: The iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, or iPhone 17 Pro are available for free with T-Mobile. Here's everything you need to know to qualify for this promotion.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop NowHave you heard? Tim Cook says iPhone price increases are unavoidable due to an ongoing memory chip price crunch that won't end anytime soon.
That's bad news for iPhone aficionados, but fortunately, mobile carriers like T-Mobile are continuing to drop free deals for savvy shoppers.
Want to switch networks or finally upgrade? T-Mobile has dropped a fresh batch of deals to help you get a new iPhone for free:
Apple iPhone Air — free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.
Apple iPhone 17e — free when you port your number over from a competitor and activate a new line on almost any T-Mobile postpaid service plan.
Apple iPhone 17 — free when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.
It's important to note that T-Mobile isn't just handing over the latest iPhone lineup without some strings attached. The retail cost of your iPhone is offset by 24 consecutive monthly bill credits. Your monthly statement will show a charge for the financing of the phone, immediately followed by an equal credit balancing that charge to $0.
That means you are entering a 24-month commitment with the network. If you decide to bounce to another carrier or upgrade to the iPhone 18 before the end of your contract, the remaining unpaid balance on the phone will be due immediately.
You will need to pay taxes and a $35 activation charge, but that's a small price to pay for a new iPhone. And with warnings about incoming price increases, there really couldn't be a better time to lock in this free promo.
Score the latest iPhones for free with T-Mobile.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free
TL;DR: All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The world is coming together for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are welcoming the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition.
The first round of group-stage games is done. The best moment of the tournament so far? Cape Verde's stunning 0-0 draw with Spain is tough to beat. Messi's hattrick against Algeria was special. And England's 4-2 win over Croatia was arguably the most entertaining clash of the round. We're hoping for more of the same from the second round of fixtures.
If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
What is the FIFA World Cup?The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockout rounds.
The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for freeA number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Australia — SBS
France — M6
Ireland — RTÉ
Italy — RAI
Norway — NRK
Netherlands — NOS
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)
These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)
Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with this simple hack.
Every web developer needs to try these 3 open-source TUIs before starting their next project
As web developers, we deal with text all the time. Whether it's JSON, HTML, URLs, Markdown, or something else. Nobody talks about the utilities that boost your productivity when managing these, so I will. I have three tools that'll help you make faster remote API calls, build and learn jq more quickly, and transform strings from one format to many others.
How to watch New Zealand vs. Egypt online for free
TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule is stacked this weekend, with New Zealand vs. Egypt rounding out the action. Both teams drew their opening games, and looked pretty impressive in doing so. We're expecting a close contest between two talented sides.
If you want to watch New Zealand vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is New Zealand vs. Egypt?New Zealand vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 21. This fixture takes place at BC Place Vancouver.
How to watch New Zealand vs. Egypt for freeNew Zealand vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream New Zealand vs. Egypt for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch New Zealand vs. Egypt for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream New Zealand vs. Egypt (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream New Zealand vs. Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
How to watch Belgium vs. Iran online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Belgium vs. Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues this weekend with more vital group-stage games, including Belgium vs. Iran. Neither side was able to start this tournament with a win, but every team in the group is tied on a single point at this stage. That means a win for each side here could catapult them to the top of the standings.
If you want to watch Belgium vs. Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Belgium vs. Iran?Belgium vs. Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 21. This fixture takes place at the Los Angeles Stadium.
How to watch Belgium vs. Iran for freeBelgium vs. Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Belgium vs. Iran for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch Belgium vs. Iran for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Belgium vs. Iran (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream Belgium vs. Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for June 21
The 2026 World Cup continues with one of the of the biggest days of the tournament so far.
Today, June 21, sees action from Uruguay, Spain, and Belgium, with four group games in total. There are some intriguing matchups — not to mention world-class players — so we recommend catching as much of today's soccer as possible.
The action kicks off from 12 p.m. ET. We've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.
FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 21Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (Atlanta Stadium) — kickoff at 12 p.m. ET
Group G: Belgium vs. Iran (Los Angeles Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET
Group H: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde (Miami Stadium) — kickoff at 6 p.m. ET
Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt (BC Place Vancouver) — kickoff at 9 p.m. ET
Spain are European Champions and entered the World Cup as one of the favorites to win it. They came unstuck in their opening game against underdogs Cape Vedre, failing to score and having to settle for a draw — one of the biggest talking points of the tournament so far. Not even superstar player Yamal could make the difference. Fans would expect the Spanish to beat Saudi Arabia, but fans would have also expected the same thing against Cape Vedre. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch Belgium vs. IranBelgium have a solid squad of experienced players — including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Leandro Trossard — but they had a frustrating first-round game with Egypt that ended 1-1. Iran were also held to a draw in an unexpectedly exciting game against New Zealand. This next game is one to watch, with both teams looking to put three points on the board and advance to the knockout stage. Belgium are considered the stronger team but Iran have the capability to sting bigger opponents. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch Uruguay vs. Cape VerdeUruguay had a miserable opening game, drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia. Can the original World Cup winners improve in their second outing? Before the tournament started, the smart money would have been on Uruguay sailing past World Cup first-timers Cape Verde, but Cape Verde's performance against Spain was nothing short of incredible. They had a near-impenetrable defense, bolstered by a legend-making performance from their goalkeeper, Vozinha. Fans are excited to see if the underdogs can do it again. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch New Zealand vs. EgyptNew Zealand are also underdogs. Indeed, this is just the Kiwis' third World Cup appearance, but they showed grit in their opening 2-2 draw with Iran. And while Egypt have also played relatively few World Cups — this is just their fourth time in 90 years — they have potential right now following a semi-final finish at the African Cup of Nations and leadership from the one and only Mo Salah. Live coverage will be on ET, FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98$59.97 Save $19.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement
Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:
YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months
Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month
Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month
It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.
You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get DealHow to watch Uruguay vs. Cape Verde online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Uruguay vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Cape Verde shocked the world by snatching a 0-0 draw from Spain in the first round of 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Can they go again and secure another shocking result against Uruguay? It's going to be another tough test for the minnows.
If you want to watch Uruguay vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Uruguay vs. Cape Verde?Uruguay vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on June 21. This fixture takes place at the Miami Stadium.
How to watch Uruguay vs. Cape Verde for freeUruguay vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Uruguay vs. Cape Verde for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Uruguay vs. Cape Verde for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Uruguay vs. Cape Verde (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream Uruguay vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
How to watch Spain vs. Saudi Arabia online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The biggest story from the first round of 2026 FIFA World Cup fixtures was probably Spain's failure to beat Cape Verde. The Euro 2024 winners will be looking to make a statement in their next game against Saudi Arabia, a team that pulled off a surprise draw with Uruguay in their opening game.
If you want to watch Spain vs. Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Spain vs. Saudi Arabia?Spain vs. Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on June 21. This fixture takes place at the Atlanta Stadium.
How to watch Spain vs. Saudi Arabia for freeSpain vs. Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Spain vs. Saudi Arabia for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Spain vs. Saudi Arabia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream Spain vs. Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
Your language goals need this exclusive Babbel lifetime offer — available through June 22
TL;DR: Through June 22, new U.S. users can get a Babbel Language Learning Lifetime Subscription for $159 (reg. $299) with code LEARN and access all 14 languages for life.
Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159$299 Save $140 Get Deal
Learning a new language isn’t easy, but it also might not be as hard as some apps make it seem. If memorizing vocab lists isn’t working for you, check out Babbel. They take a more practical approach to teaching — and it was developed by 100 pro linguists - and includes an AI conversation partner who can help you practice your pronunciation.
Normally, a Babbel lifetime subscription would cost $299, but right now it’s on sale for $159 through tomorrow, June 22, during this Deal Days sales event when you use code LEARN. Check out what that gets you.
Babbel gives you lifetime access to courses in 14 different languages, and the format is designed to fit into real life. Each lesson takes around 10 to 15 minutes, so you can actually stick with it whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just squeezing in some study time between meetings.
Here are a few of the included languages:
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Swedish
And that’s just the beginning.
Unlike other apps that focus heavily on word games or repetitive matching drills, Babbel centers its content around practical conversation topics. You’ll get lessons on travel, shopping, business, culture, and more, all developed by those expert linguists and backed by academic research. Speech recognition helps fine-tune your pronunciation, while the new AI-powered conversation partner lets you practice speaking in real time.
Lessons sync across devices, so you can start on your computer and finish on your phone. There’s also an offline mode if you want to download lessons ahead of time. You can move at your own pace, revisit review sessions, and jump between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels based on your comfort.
Use code LEARN by June 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for only $159.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more — get the whole set for life for $89.97
TL;DR: Through June 28, you can get a Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business lifetime license on sale for $89.97 (reg. $249.99).
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $89.97$249.99 Save $160.02 Get Deal
Opening Word to write a quick document shouldn’t require a monthly subscription, but Microsoft 365 keeps the bills coming as long as you use it. Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business is a one-time alternative, a single purchase that stays yours indefinitely, and it’s on sale now for $89.97 (reg. $249.99).
This license comes with the core Microsoft productivity apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. It installs on one PC or Mac and runs as desktop software, which means it works fully offline and syncs your files once you reconnect. No more relying on an internet connection just to get some basic work done.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!One of the biggest reasons to go for this version of Office is that it comes with all the new AI features. Excel handles large datasets more efficiently, PowerPoint lets you record full presentations with audio and video, and Outlook includes enhanced accessibility tools and improved search. Word introduces Focus Mode and Smart Compose, giving you a writing space that feels distraction-free and intelligently supportive.
This is not Microsoft 365, so there’s no OneDrive cloud storage and no Copilot built into the apps. You’re buying the software outright, with feature updates included and nothing renewing.
Stop paying for the same apps every month. Get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business on sale for $89.97. Offer ends June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Is eharmony still the gold standard for daters over 40?
If you're dating in your 40s, some online dating sites and apps are a better bet than others, especially if you want to date within your age range. While most dating apps like Tinder and Hinge tend to be more popular with the 30-and-under crowd, dating websites attract a slightly older demographic, one more interested in substantive connection than fleeting attraction.
That's where eharmony comes in. The site has been around for over 25 years, and boasts somewhere between 38 and 45 million registered users (according to DatingAdvice), and unlike the fast-paced, dopamine-driven apps, eharmony encourages its users to take their time, emphasizing compatibility through a proprietary personality quiz that the site then uses to assign all of your potential matches with a "compatibility score" between 60 and 140, with a higher score indicating that you have more in common.
Curious if the site is right for you? Here are its pros and cons for daters over 40:
Opens in a new window Credit: eharmony eharmony Learn More eharmony benefitsFavorable user demographicsThe major benefit of a site like eharmony for older daters is its age breakdown of users. Fully 40 percent of its active users are between the ages of 30 and 39, making it the largest on-site demographic, closely followed by the 40+ crowd at 35 percent of the total user base, while the under-30 crowd makes up just 25 percent of the site's users.
But it gets even better. According to independent research by SwipeStats, the average age of an eharmony user is 34. Eharmony told Mashable that users are 51 percent women and 49 percent men.
SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt Compatibility-focused matchmakingOn most dating sites these days, the "matchmaking" process is little more than a game of "hot or not," where users are given a small handful of photos and a few seconds of time to make a decision. That's not how eharmony operates. All of its users, including paid subscribers and free accounts, complete a comprehensive personality questionnaire known on the site as the Compatibility Quiz.
Based on extensive psychological research and eharmony's own matchmaking experiences, this quiz aims to classify people around four basic questions:
What characterizes us?
What is our driving force?
How do we organize everyday life?
How do we communicate?
Once it has this information, it can more accurately guess who you will likely vibe with and who you might butt heads with, all based on these fundamental differences in character.
It might not be a perfect system, of course, but it does offer a needed counterweight to the "picture first" approach of more superficial dating sites. If you're in your 40s and eager for connection, it's nice to see, at a glance, who is likely to appreciate your communication style or life goals.
A commitment to dating transparencyOne glaring truth about most online dating sites is that they lack transparency. It keep its matchmaking algorithms hidden, for example, or they remain tight-lipped about its user demographics or success rates. Well, eharmony takes the opposite approach, and it's refreshing.
Head to its Data and Research section, for example, and you'll see it regularly releases reports about both online dating in general, always sourced from top-notch independent researchers like Pew, or about its own users in particular. Recent reports include subjects like "masculinity's impact on dating dynamics" or the topics Gen Z and millennial daters are most likely to lie about in their dating profiles.
These reports aren't just fun facts or curiosities you might be interested in; they're valuable insights into modern dating dynamics, and a helpful tool for those eager to improve their dating game.
eharmony drawbacksPaid membership requiredOne obvious drawback to eharmony is that, unlike Tinder or Hinge, for example, a paid membership is all but mandatory to actually use the website. With a free account, you can fill out your profile and take the eharmony personality quiz, but you can't view other daters' photos or send them substantive messages, so you're really required to pull out your credit card.
Membership costs vary by location, but if you're in the United States, expect to pay between $20 and $65 per month, depending on your subscription tier and duration. On the plus side, eharmony also regularly runs promotional sales events, often up to 40 percent off its usual price, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a good deal.
Inactive accountsThis could be construed as both a pro and a con, since it indicates a lot of eharmony users actually end up pairing off with someone, but the fact nonetheless remains that a lot of its registered accounts are inactive.
While its own on-site statistics show close to 45 million registered accounts, there are only about 10 million active users at any given moment, and those tend to be concentrated in large urban areas. Worse still, because it locks its geo-search functions to paid members, you won't be able to know, in advance, if there are a lot of active eharmony users in your area, which definitely won't be an issue if you happen to live near a large metropolitan area, but could be a serious problem if you live somewhere a bit more rural.
Best eharmony alternatives for daters over 40Facebook DatingIf you don't like the idea of paying for a dating site but still want the benefits of a massive dating pool, consider giving Facebook Dating a try. It boasts more than 20 million daily active users, and has become particularly popular with older Millennials suffering from dating app burnout.
Because it's separate from your regular Facebook account, Facebook Dating offers a discreet way to survey your local single scene, and if you're active on Facebook, you can even opt to find people who share your interests or with whom you have Facebook Groups in common.
SEE ALSO: Is AdultFriendFinder safe to use? What a cybersecurity expert says. HingeIf you can't bear to part with the app-based dating experience but still want a more mature, substantive option, Hinge is still a great choice. Its approach to matchmaking, through prompt responses, is similar to eharmony's personality-first ethos. Its newest feature, Signals, seeks to highlight users who have exhibited thoughtful dating behavior. , This will likely help to discourage the low-effort, ghosting culture that so many over-40 daters are running away from.
House of the Dragon Season 3 family tree: How the Targaryens, Velaryons, and Hightowers connect
House of the Dragon Season 3 is here, and you know what that means: It's time to take a climb into the very tangled branches of the Targaryen family tree.
Over the first two seasons of House of the Dragon, some of these branches have been pruned. (RIP to the many Targs who've perished in this bloody show.) However, Season 2 also added its fair share of new offshoots, further complicating the knotted web between Houses Targaryen, Velaryon, and Hightower. If you're looking for a refresher on that web as you head into Season 3, we've got you covered.
Below, you'll find the Targaryen family tree as it stands heading into House of the Dragon Season 3, as well as a rundown of the characters and how they connect.
Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Which Targaryens have died since Season 2?There were two key deaths in the Targaryen family in Season 2: one on the Greens' side and one on the Blacks'.
Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) camp lost Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best), also known as the Queen Who Never Was. Meanwhile, King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Queen Helaena (Phia Saban) lost their young son Jaehaerys when gold cloak Blood (Sam C. Wilson) and rat catcher Cheese (Mark Stobbart) assassinated him on Prince Daemon's (Matt Smith) orders.
There are still plenty of Targaryens left standing, though. Here's who to watch out for in Season 3.
The Targaryen family tree: Rhaenyra, Daemon, and their children Matt Smith, Phoebe Campbell, Emma D'Arcy, Harry Collett, and Bethany Antonia in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBORhaenyra heads up the Team Black branch of the Targaryen family tree, with her husband/uncle Daemon by her side. (It was touch and go for a minute in Season 2, but after a life-changing study abroad trip to Harrenhal, complete with witches and visions, Daemon is finally ready to accept Rhaenyra as his queen.)
Their two young sons, Aegon and Viserys, are on their way to Pentos for protection after a brief pit stop in the Vale. However, Rhaenyra and Daemon's children from their prior marriages are still in Westeros and locked in on Rhaenyra's fight for the throne.
Rhaenyra's son Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Daemon's daughter Baela (Bethany Antonia) are both dragonriders. Daemon's other daughter, Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), doesn't have a dragon, which is why she was sent off as Aegon and Viserys' guardian. However, when they went to Pentos, she remained behind in the Vale, hoping to tame its wild dragon Sheepstealer. Could Rhaenyra be welcoming a new dragonrider to her side soon?
The Targaryen family tree: Alicent Hightower and her children Tom Glynn-Carney, Olivia Cooke, Phia Saban, and Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBODowager Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) remains the matriarch of Team Green, although she's growing increasingly regretful about her role in the war for succession. (So regretful, in fact, that she's offered to surrender the Iron Throne to Rhaenyra.) She had four children with the late King Viserys (Paddy Considine).
The eldest, Aegon, remains King of Westeros. His younger brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) attempted to kill him in a dragon dogfight at the Battle of Rook's Rest, and once Aegon recovered from his worst injuries, he fled King's Landing with the help of Larys Strong (Matthew Needham). Now Aemond is Prince Regent, and Alicent is trying her best to get herself and her daughter Helaena out of harm's way.
Alicent's youngest son Daeron has yet to appear in House of the Dragon, as he's been a ward of House Hightower in Oldtown for the past few years. However, Season 2 offered up a glimpse of his dragon Tessarion wheeling over the Hightower army, so expect him to enter the fray soon.
The Hightower family tree: Otto, Gwayne, and Ormund James Norton, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and Freddie Fox in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBOIn addition to Alicent, the rest of House Hightower continues to be a major player in House of the Dragon. Her father, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), former hand of the King, has wound up in a jail cell — although we don't yet know where or why. Elsewhere, Alicent's brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox) has been traipsing around the Seven Kingdoms with Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), a nightmare we wouldn't wish on even our worst enemies.
House of the Dragon Season 3 also introduces a new member of the Hightower family: Lord Ormund (James Norton), head of House Hightower. His late father Hobert (Steffan Rhodri) was Otto's oldest brother, making Ormund Alicent and Gwayne's cousin. Daeron is his ward.
The Velaryon family tree: Corlys and his sons Alyn and Addam Steve Toussaint, Abubakar Salim, and Clinton Liberty in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBORhaenyra's Hand is Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), also known as the Sea Snake due to his naval prowess. Over the course of House of the Dragon, he's lost his wife Rhaenys, as well as their children Laena (Nanna Blondell) and Laenor (John Macmillan).
However, Season 2 revealed that Laena and Laenor weren't Corlys' only descendants. He also has two bastard sons, Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) and Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty). Their mother Marilda, unseen in the show, was a shipwright.
While Corlys didn't truly acknowledge Alyn and Addam prior to Season 2, the pair are now a much more prominent part of his life — and the show. Alyn is a notable sailor in Corlys' fleet, and Addam became a dragonrider. Thanks to his Valyrian blood, he now rides Seasmoke, Laenor's old dragon.
The dragonseeds: Addam, Ulf the White, and Hugh Hammer Kieran Bew, Tom Bennett, and Clinton Liberty in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBOAddam isn't the only new dragonrider to join Rhaenyra's ranks in Season 2. Smallfolk Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) and Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) also claimed dragons. Ulf rides Silverwing, the dragon of Rhaenyra's grandmother Alysanne, while Hugh rides Vermithor, the dragon of Rhaenyra's grandfather Jaehaerys. The pair, like Addam, are bastards of Valyrian blood, earning them the nickname of "dragonseeds." While they haven't been legitimized as Targaryens, they will certainly have a large role to play in the battles to come.


