IT General

Amazon deal of the day: Save $250 on the M3 MacBook Air

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 18:13
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Jan. 21: OUR TOP PICK Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,249 (save $250) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.86 (save $20.13) Get Deal BEST E-READER DEAL Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Roku Express 4K+ $24 (save $15.99) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 10 $94.99 (save $45) Get Deal

Retail therapy is a good way to battle the cold weather blues. And it's even better if you can save some money. Amazon always has an endless array of discounts on its daily deals page, but not everything is worth snagging. We've sorted through the noise for you and handpicked a few of the best deals we would actually grab ourselves.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Jan. 21. Be sure to check back later this week for even more of our top picks.

Our top pick: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,249.00 at Amazon
$1,499.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

The M3 MacBook Air packs a major punch. During testing, Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon was highly impressed with its performance — specifically its zippy M3 chip that's nearly 20 percent faster than the previous model. It offers dual-display support when you close the lid and WiFi 6E support, but otherwise features the same display, design, keyboard, ports, webcam, weight, and dimensions as its predecessor — and that's not a bad thing. It shines as our top MacBook pick for most people and as of Jan. 21, the 15-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is on sale for just $1,249 instead of $1,499. That's 17% off and just $15 away from its best price ever.

Read our full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3).

Kindle Colorsoft Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

In October, Amazon unveiled its first Kindle model with a color display after almost 17 years: the Kindle Colorsoft. It's a 7-inch waterproof e-reader with a glare-free display that supports a full spectrum of color. On top of that, it has an auto-adjusting front light, 32GB of storage, wireless charging, eight weeks of battery life, and no lockscreen ads. It's usually $279.99, but as of Jan. 21, you can grab it on sale for just $229.99. That's 18% in savings and the first price drop since its release.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.86 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.13 Get Deal

Our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a tiny powerhouse with a well-rounded sound profile. It can last up to 14 hours on a full charge, endure drops from up to five feet, and be submerged in water for up to half an hour. We wish it offered a companion app to customize the sound, but overall, it's a solid pick — especially while it's 20% off.

Roku Express 4K+ Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Expess 4K+ $24.00 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal

Our favorite budget-friendly streaming device, the Roku Express 4K+ delivers ultra-HD quality, multiple HDR standards, and a voice-enabled remote. It's meant to be an entry-level 4K device and it excels in that department. "It’s one of the cheapest streaming devices around but still has all the essential functionality and reliability of more expensive alternatives," our reviewer writes. It's only $39.99 at full price, but as of Jan. 21, it's down to just $24. That's a 40% discount.

Read our full review of the Roku Express 4K+.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $94.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is not the fanciest tablet on the market, but its no-frills design makes it a solid choice for casual users looking to browse the web, answer some emails, or read on the go. Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker says it's "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment." It typically costs $139.99, but as of Jan. 21, it's on sale for only $94.99. That's 32% in savings.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Crack open a new Macbook Air for 15% off

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 17:53

GET $250 OFF: Jan. 21, Amazon is offering the Apple Macbook Air M3 chip 24GB RAM 512GB SSD for $1,449.00, saving you 15%, or $250.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Air M3 chip 24GB RAM 512GB SSD $1,449.00 at Amazon
$1,699.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

The featherweight of computers, this laptop might be slim and portable but it still packs quite a computational punch. While its thin profile means that its lighter under the hood than a Macbook Pro, it's still got powerful specs, including an M3 chip, 24GB of RAM and more. We liked it so much we named the Macbook Air 2024 the best Macbook for most people.

Right now, the Macbook Air M3 is available for the rare sale price of $1,449.00 at Amazon. Get it now to save 15% or $250 off.

SEE ALSO: The best AI laptops we saw at CES 2025

The M3 chip is complex and includes both an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU for graphics. Apple sports the tagline "Built for Apple Intelligence," and sure that's a valid use for it, but this also a great creator's laptop. Whether you're using that chip to build models in 3D, game, design placards for the zoo, or power your live Ableton sets, this is a computer that's built to perform.

You might worry that the Macbook Air's half-inch-thin profile would mean you'd be sacrificing battery longevity, but that's not the case. The laptop's battery will go up to 18 hours on a charge, long enough to forget your charger at home before a weekend trip.

Right now, get the Apple Macbook Air M3 chip 24GB RAM 512GB SSD from Amazon to take advantage of this deal and get it for $1,449.00 for a savings of $250 or 15%.

Whether you're looking for a great productivity laptop, a school computer that can handle any new assignment your professor throws at you, or you're a creative looking to start a business, this 2024 Macbook Air has the juice you need to make it happen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag the Sennheiser 599 open-back headphones for 51% off at Amazon and relish in superior sound

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 17:44

SAVE 51%: The open-back Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are on sale for just $96.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $199.95. That's a savings of $102.96.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser HD 599 headphones $96.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $102.96 Get Deal

If you're serious about music quality, you know how important headphone specs are to the overall listening experience. Not all headphones are up to the task of giving listeners a high-quality sound that's matched with a comfortable fit. However, just like Cinderella found her glass slipper, there's one pair of headphones that's worthy of the investment, and it's over half off today.

As of Jan. 21, the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are just $96.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $199.95. That works out to a 51% discount and an overall savings of $102.96.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

When Sennheiser decided to focus on both sound quality and comfort with the HD 599 headphones, we (rightfully) got pretty stoked. And they showed up to both parties. On Mashable's roundup of the most comfortable headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 earn the spot as the best for sound quality.

Mashable's Lead Shopping Reporter Dylan Haas praised both the comfortable fit and the sound on the HD 599. "While the main draw here is that amazing sound quality, comfort is by no means an afterthought," explains Haas. "They feature a nice, wide frame that isn't too tight on your head, as well as soft and fluffy ear pads that feel like your favorite blanket."

It's worth mentioning that while the open back design of the HD 599 makes for a super comfortable experience and supreme sound quality, it also means they leak noise. This, combined with the wired design, means these aren't the perfect headphones for flying.

But the wires on the Sennheiser HD 599 are pretty great, actually. They come with both a 3.5mm and 6.3mm jack, giving you the versatility to use them with your phone, laptop, and your at-home stereo. The wired design also means you'll never have to worry about battery life or finding an ideal time to recharge.

For great sound with all-day comfort, it's hard to beat the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones. Perhaps one of the main drawbacks was the $199.95 price tag, but today's deal at Amazon slashes that by 51%, so you can snag a pair for just $96.99. Who said high-quality had to come with a high price tag? Not us.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the LG C3 Series OLED 4K TV for 20% off just in time for the Super Bowl

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 17:27

SAVE $303: The LG C3 Series 65-inch OLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,196.99 at Amazon, down from its regular price of $1,499.99. That saves you $303 for 20% off, bringing it down to its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG C3 Series 65-inch OLED 4K TV $1,196.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $303.00 Get Deal

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, you want to watch every minute in precise detail — especially if you're hosting this year's watch party. Make sure you have a TV that lets your guests see the action from every angle. Luckily, LG just dropped its price on the C3 Series, bringing the 65-inch TV down to its lowest price ever.

The LG C3 Series 65-inch OLED 4K TV delivers 4K OLED picture, designed with gamers in mind. It has a built-in gaming dashboard with customizable settings so you can have a personalized experience (like you would on a gaming laptop). But for non-gamers, or those just looking for a big upgrade on a TV, the C3 Series comes with Dolby Atmos sound and a built-in AI processor. With webOS, LG has built-in a smart TV, so no extraneous streaming device is needed. But above all, you'll get 4K resolution powered by OLED, delivering a sharp picture that won't get warped no matter what angle you're viewing from.

SEE ALSO: 4K streaming is just a click away with the Fire TV Stick 4K, down to $35

Right now, the LG C3 Series 65-inch model is down to $1,196.99. That saves you $303 for 20% off. This is the TV's lowest price ever, too, so you can rest assured that this is the best deal out there.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best fitness trackers in 2025

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 17:15

There’s never a bad time to start a new fitness routine or improve on an existing one. And while we can’t all afford a personal trainer to get us through the reps and work towards those goals, remember this is the 21st Century — there are other options. Most notably, enlisting the help of a fitness tracker.

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a tracker for the first time or upgrading your current model, the benefits of these little training buddies are wide-ranging. You might be looking to shift a couple of kilos or work towards a marathon. Either way, a fitness tracker can help. In fact, you don’t need to be training at all to see the benefits. They’re great for providing rolling data on all kinds of wellness and health metrics, such as sleep and body composition.

The tricky business is picking one that suits you. We all have different lives and schedules, and each fitness tracker is made for different lifestyle requirements. And with so many brands and models, you want to find one that suits you — not to mention your budget. Fortunately, we’ve done some research and put together this roundup of fitness tracker options, along with some helpful pointers.

Do you need a fitness tracker?

Actively monitoring your fitness progression isn't just for athletes or people training for their local parkrun. It's a factor of wellness that people are building into their daily groove. The best fitness trackers are the ones that will keep you in check throughout your workout as well as the rest of your day. The positive impact that these high-tech bracelets and other wearable fitness gadgetry can have on your lifestyle as a whole is pretty incredible.

What can fitness trackers do?

Fitness trackers have gone way beyond just step counting and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the spec, fitness trackers can monitor and feedback on your sleep, blood oxygen, energy levels, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycles, BMI, and more. In terms of actual fitness, they can give your workout plans, track calories burned and fitness progress and coach you towards smashing your personal best. Fitness trackers with GPS can also track runs and set routes for you. Oh, and you'll also get smartphone compatibility, including text and call notifications.

What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?

A fitness tracker is essentially a bracelet with sensors that send data to your phone to provide an expanded picture of the data it collects, and usually requires a phone for GPS and music, too. A smartwatch is essentially your phone, but on your wrist. It has GPS built-in and can download apps, from the likes of Spotify to Tinder. With something like an Apple Watch, you can send voice messages or take calls, or have a full conversation via iMessage.

But for people strictly focused on black and white fitness metrics or people who want a hands-off tracker that doesn't require a super-involved setup process or daily charging, we'd make the case that a fitness tracker without high-end connectivity is the smarter, more cost-effective choice.

We've included a selection of both fitness trackers and smartwatches on this list.

Are fitness trackers waterproof?

Any respectable tracker should be able to accompany you on a run in the rain without breaking down. At this point, almost every tracker goes past splash and sweat resistance to hit a 5 ATM rating, meaning the device can withstand pressure equivalent up to 50 metres (164 feet). These should be fine to wear in the shower, in the ocean, or in a hot tub.

Swimmers have a bit more to consider than the waterproof rating. Look for a tracker with built-in GPS that can not only follow you underwater, but accurately track your laps and pace. Dedicated modes for pool swims and open water swims are ideal. Even the most rugged, most swim-friendly watches and trackers probably aren't suitable for extreme water sports or activities that involve high-velocity, deep submersion.

What is the best fitness tracker?

There are a whole lot of models out there for you to consider, with something for everyone and every budget. We have taken stock of everything on the market to bring you a selection of the very best devices, including fitness trackers from top brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.

These are the best fitness trackers in 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 Common Home Theater Sound Problems and How to Fix Them

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 17:00

For all the work you might've put into your home theater, audio problems can always arise. Here are some of the most common issues and how you can go about fixing them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Your iPhone Display Keeps Dimming (and How to Stop It)

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 16:15

If your iPhone's display keeps dimming, it's likely because of features that automatically adjust the screen's colors or brightness based on light conditions or battery life. Here are five ways to potentially fix it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Keys vs. Svitolina online for free

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 16:09

TL;DR: Live stream Keys vs. Svitolina in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

In the blink of an eye, we're at the quarter-final stage of the 2025 Australian Open. At this point, every remaining player is dreaming winning the whole tournament.

Keys vs. Svitolina includes the highest-seeded player of the quarter finals. Svitolina might be seeded 28th, but she's only a couple of games away from an unlikely final.

If you want to watch Keys vs. Svitolina in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Keys vs. Svitolina for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Keys vs. Svitolina.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Keys vs. Svitolina without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Keys vs. Svitolina in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Navarro vs. Swiatek online for free

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 16:08

TL;DR: Live stream Navarro vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open quarter finals are here, with Navarro vs. Swiatek playing last in the women's singles tournament. This looks like a really close match between two top players.

If you want to watch Navarro vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Navarro vs. Swiatek for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Navarro vs. Swiatek.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Navarro vs. Swiatek without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Navarro vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Shelton vs. Sonego online for free

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 16:08

TL;DR: Live stream Shelton vs. Sonego in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open is moving towards a dramatic conclusion. The quarter-final stage showcases some really intriguing matchups, including Shelton vs. Sonego. Can the unseeded Italian advance to the semi finals? Or will the American triumph?

If you want to watch Shelton vs. Sonego in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Shelton vs. Sonego for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Shelton vs. Sonego.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Shelton vs. Sonego without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Shelton vs. Sonego in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A24s Opus trailer sees Ayo Edebiri uncover a literal cult of celebrity

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 16:00

What happened to Moretti (John Malkovich), an iconic, red-flared, groundbreaking music star who retreated from public life three decades ago? That's the task given to journalist Ariel (Ayo Edebiri) in A24's new film Opus.

Written and directed by Mark Anthony Green, Opus sees The Bear star invited to Moretti's luxe compound in Utah for "an exclusive listening experience" of what appears to be his first work released in 30 years. Only a small selection of press have been extended the invitation. But there's a sinister plan afoot, and Ariel might be the only one who sees it beyond the towering displays of reverence and blue-clad cult followers ambling about the grounds.

It's a killer cast, this one; Amber Midthunder (Prey), Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus), Stephanie Suganami (Power Book II: Ghost), Young Mazino (Beef), and Tony Hale (The Decameron) also star.

Opus is out in cinemas March 12.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Use Projects in ChatGPT

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 15:30

OpenAI has added a much-requested feature to ChatGPT that makes the AI chatbot even more useful. Projects in ChatGPT allow you to organize your chats, add project-specific custom instructions, and even upload files that project chats can access.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 Problems You'll Likely Run Into Gaming on Linux

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 15:00

Gaming has come a long way since the early days of Linux when it was far from easy. Still, you can expect to run into some issues, so it’s best to be prepared to you’re ready when you encounter them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Emerging mobile threats in 2025: How to stay ahead of the game

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:32

SAVE 50% ON ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: Avast Mobile Security is offering half off its annual paid plans for your first year so you can get better security for your devices at a lower price.

Save on Avast Mobile Security: Best for basics Avast Premium Security £42.50 (save 50%) Get Deal Best for advanced features Avast Gold One £69.99 (save 50%) Get Deal

When it comes to your phone's security, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. Viruses, ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and more float around just waiting to compromise your device, which is why it's so important to be equipped with reliable antivirus software to keep your Android device and all of the information safe.

Avast Mobile Security is a great choice to keep you protected, thanks to its free mobile antivirus app for Android devices.

In fact, we consider Avast one of the very best free antivirus and security solutions for Android. In our rundown of the best Android antivirus apps, we said Avast "is filled with features that guarantees your Android will stay safe and your information secure. After all, Avast offers both real-time and on-demand scanning and easily checks the security of whatever WiFi connection you’ve logged onto."

If you take your phone's security seriously, though, you may want to consider a more premium option. Avast is currently offering a deal on its paid annual plans so you can get maximum protection against mobile threats at a minimum price.

Right now, you can score some of Avast Mobile Security's paid annual plans for 50% off for the first year. This includes Premium Security and the Avast One Gold, which are available for £42.50 for the first year and £69.99 for the first year, respectively. After that, Premium Security will automatically renew at £84.99 per year and Avast One Gold will automatically renew at £139.99 per year unless cancelled.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

When it comes to combatting mobile security threats, Premium Security helps to block viruses, ransomware, and malware. It also monitors your apps for any suspicious activity, uses advanced firewall, stops webcam spies, helps you to avoid fake websites, and provides additional protection for your sensitive information. If you're looking for a little extra, Avast One Gold offers these benefits alongside an unlimited VPN (which masks your location for increased privacy). Avast One Gold plan also monitors your online accounts for any breaches, automatically updates your drivers, keeps an eye out for trackers from advertisers, and helps to clean up your devices.

Premium Security also offers coverage for 10 devices, compared to Avast One Gold which covers five. They're not the only plans currently on sale, though. Several Privacy products through Avast are also on sale, including the SecureLine VPN, Secure Browser PRO, AntiTrack, and BreachGuard, and a couple of Performance products are on sale: Cleanup Premium and Driver Updater. You can see each product currently on sale below and learn more about them on Avast:

  • SecureLine VPN — £39.99 for first year (automatically renews at £79.99 per year unless cancelled)

  • Secure Browser PRO — £17.50 for first year (automatically renews at £34.99 per year unless cancelled)

  • AntiTrack — £24.99 for first year (automatically renews at £49.99 per year unless cancelled)

  • BreachGuard — £19.99 for first year (automatically renews at £39.99 per year unless cancelled)

  • Cleanup Premium — £27.50 for first year (automatically renews at £54.99 per year unless cancelled)

  • Driver Updater — £19.50 for first year (automatically renews at £38.99 per year unless cancelled)

We even consider Avast's Premium Security to be one of the best antivirus software options, noting that "if you're keen to pay for an antivirus rather than rely on a freebie, this is a great option. And it covers a total of 10 devices." These plans from Avast Mobile Security are a great way to feel more secure on your devices while keeping some cash in your pocket in your first year.

Keep your Android device fully protected in 2025 and download Avast Mobile security for free today, and then consider one of Avast's premium plans for even more advanced security options.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Marvel Snap is back online in the U.S. amid TikTok ban

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:24

Marvel Snap is back online in the U.S. following a brief absence in association with the TikTok ban.

The popular card battle game created by California-based developer Second Dinner was temporarily pulled from American app stores on Jan. 18, as the game is published by ByteDance-owned Nuverse. It was one of several apps pulled by the TikTok owner hours before the ban was set to take effect, alongside CapCut and Lemon8.

On Monday night, Second Dinner posted an update on X, saying Marvel Snap had been reinstated online, and that the developer was looking for a new publisher beyond Nuverse.

SEE ALSO: TikTok ban: Marvel Snap and 5 other apps also banned

"To make sure this NEVER happens again, we’re working to bring more services in-house and partner with a new publisher. This is the start of a new era for MARVEL SNAP," the post reads. "We know this probably leaves you with even more questions than answers. We appreciate your patience, but in the meantime enjoy playing MARVEL SNAP."

Tweet may have been deleted

Though it's available on Steam, Marvel Snap still isn't available in Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store in the U.S. at the time of writing. However, as Second Dinner wrote on X, "We're working on it. It may take some time. We'll keep you updated."

ByteDance's problems aren't over though. On the day of his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a previously announced executive order to delay the U.S. TikTok ban for 75 days.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is Instagram blocking the #Democrat hashtag?

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:19

Is Instagram hiding the #Democrat hashtag from its users?

The answer, at least at the time of writing, appears to be yes — but the reasons why are still unclear.

SEE ALSO: 8 ways Mark Zuckerberg changed Meta ahead of Trump’s inauguration

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, reports began to spread online that the #Democrat hashtag was being blocked for users of Meta's Instagram app.

Mashable attempted to access the hashtag via both mobile and desktop, but we were greeted by a message saying the results had been hidden as they "may contain sensitive content." A "learn more" link took us to Instagram's generic sensitive content help page.

Credit: Instagram

A search for the #Republican hashtag, meanwhile, brought up a page of results as normal.

It's worth noting that as well as attending Trump's inauguration and donating $1 million to his fund, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has also made a number of changes to his platforms in the run-up to the new president being sworn in.

Mashable has reached out to Meta and we will update this story if we hear back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Switching From Windows Command Prompt to Linux Terminal: 7 Things to Know

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:00

Linux shells might appear similar to the Command Prompt, but if you're coming from the Windows command line, there's a lot to discover about them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers recaps the tech billionaire VIP-ness of Trumps inauguration

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:45

Like fellow late night hosts Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers recapped Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, especially pausing for a moment to stare directly into the lineup of tech billionaires in attendance.

Meyers showed an image of the Silicon Valley heavyweights on the guest list — Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet Inc and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos. Meyers then pointed out the fact that cold temperatures had moved Trump's ceremony indoors to the Capitol rotunda, where Trump supporters weren't able to physically attend — instead opting to stand in the freezing cold and trying for a spot at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.

"That's right, MAGA supporters were left out in the cold while Trump gave toasty indoor VIP seats to the wealthy tech oligarchs, which brings us to a segment called 'Do I Really Have to Explain the Metaphor Here?'" said Meyers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for January 21

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:07

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 21 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 21 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: You don't say...

These words were once cool to say.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are things your child might tell you not say anymore.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is DatedSlang.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 21
  • Radical

  • Fresh

  • Major

  • Phat

  • Boss

  • Tubular

  • Cherry

  • DatedSlang

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:06

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 21 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Insults

  • Green: Like G.I. Joe, Barbie, or Warhammer

  • Blue: Frozen precipitation alleviation instruments

  • Purple: They don't like apples

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Putdown

  • Green: Small likeness

  • Blue: Used to clear snow

  • Purple: Doctors in pop culture

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #590 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Putdown: BARB, CRACK, DIG, SLIGHT

  • Small likeness: DOLL, FIGURE, MINIATURE, MODEL

  • Used to clear snow: PLOW, SALT, SAND, SHOVEL

  • Doctors in pop culture: NO, OCTOPUS, PEPPER, WHO

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 21

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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