Technology

Mac Slowing Down? 10 Tweaks to Make It Faster

How-To Geek - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 21:00

Apple's modern Mac lineup is one of the market's most power-efficient and powerful range of computers, but it's normal for older models to show signs of aging by slowing down. Like old age, it comes to us all eventually.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Trumps new tariff plan spares some smartphones, laptops

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 20:16

The specifics of President Donald Trump's tariffs have changed quite a bit over the past few days. Now, it looks like a whole host of electronics, including most smartphones, will be excluded from the new tariffs.

According to guidelines released Friday from Customs and Border Protection, there are 20 products that are exempt from the 125 percent tariff imposed on Chinese imports and also the updated 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from other countries. The updated guidance had nothing to say about the current 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods. The exempt products include smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and flat-panel display modules. China, meanwhile, raised tariffs on U.S. imports by 125%.

SEE ALSO: Updating: All the tariff price increases in the tech world so far

White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai told CNBC that "President Trump has made it clear America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies such as semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops."

"At the direction of the President, these companies are hustling to onshore their manufacturing in the United States as soon as possible," Desai said in the statement.

CNBC reported earlier this week that people panic-bought iPhones in response to the proposed 125 percent tariffs earlier this month, fearing they would be priced out of the tech once tariffs were put in place. Apple was anticipating major difficulties in response. This new tariff drop might be good news for Apple — at least for now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Docker vs. Virtual Machines What’s Best for Your Homelab?

How-To Geek - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 20:00

When it comes to your homelab, there are two main technologies at play when it comes to running your services: virtual machines and Docker containers. Here's a breakdown of what makes them different, and which you should use in your homelab.

Categories: IT General, Technology

TikTok wants me to host a dinner party. Is that an actual recession indicator?

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 19:14

TikTok wants me to have a dinner party, but the year is 2025, and I'm not a billionaire.

It could be that it's spring, the ultimate dinner party season, but being fed constant streams of dinner party content on TikTok during the economic thrill that is April 2025 seems — at the minimum — worth consideration. Even the term "dinner party" eludes a sort of quiet luxury; no one is encouraging us to have potlucks or reinventing picnics a la, the cottage core trend of 2018, despite its enduring presence.

SEE ALSO: Recession indicators are everywhere online — even if we’re not actually in one

Instead, I open the app and am bombarded with overflowing tablescapes, monumental floral arrangements, beautiful ceramic plates adorned with scalloped edges, and so many tapered candles.

Is this the clinking of glasses at your favorite influencer's Lower East Side dinner party — the sound of a true recession indicator —or just that of a new hot status symbol entering the villa?

Let them eat cake

Food has always been, and likely always will be a status symbol. In the 18th century, for instance, pineapples were a sign of wealth because they were so difficult for people to get their hands on. And in the 19th century, only the wealthiest of folks had celery in their homes. Rich people cornered the market of dinner parties during the Victorian era, not only because food was so expensive but also because it provided the crucial ability for people to maintain social connections and depended upon people having all day to prepare to host such an event — an ability sequestered to the elite who didn't have to go to work or do manual labor.

Food is an indicator of wealth in 2025, as well.

Fresh food has become a status symbol and the ultimate indicator of wealth as groceries become increasingly expensive. Vogue Business pointed out that "hotspots" like viral TikTok bakeries or Erewhon's $19 strawberry "have evolved into cultural status symbols much like streetwear."

Hailey Bieber cradled an armful of colorful carrots, bananas, and tomatoes tumbling out of a brown bag in a new ad (Read: "Who cares if the carrots fall to the pavement! I'm rich!") Tradwifes are offering up a dystopian-level look at their unattainable lifestyle through making food from scratch, ingredients and time abound. Lori Harvey hosted a dinner party for her birthday. Loewe, Rachel Antonoff, Lisa Says Gah and other designers are putting pasta or cocktail shrimp or tomatoes on every other shirt, skirt, and bag they sell.

Ultimately, as Bon Appetit writer Megan Wahn wrote, "Food and clothing used to be essentials for survival — now they’ve come together as things to enjoy. They're objects of spectacle."

"[Groceries-as-luxury] is definitely a post-2020 sentiment, and as we’re halfway in the decade, it’s no surprise to see it permeate into the mainstream,” Andrea Hernández, the author of the food and beverage trends newsletter Snaxshot, told Fast Company. "Food scarcity and grocery prices skyrocketing is real, and our generation made fancy smoothies a form of affordable affluence. It’s Gen Z’s 'avocado toast trope.'"

So, is it a recession indicator that instead of bragging about expensive homes and clothes, we're zoning in on our grocery hauls? And, to take that a step further, is it an indicator of further economic downturn that the most palatable way to show off your wads of cash is by feeding your friends, filling the middle of your table with tall candles and a bunch of greenery, and posting it to TikTok?

The rise of dinner parties likely isn't a true recession indicator in the same way that a decrease in real GDP or high unemployment would be, but cultural cues aren't to be ignored. After all, in 2025, the difference between the wealthy and the poor could be the ability to buy eggs. So what better way to show off your money than to flaunt your food?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple News+ Food Made Love Cooking Again (and Turned Me Into a Subscriber)

How-To Geek - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 19:00

Apple's new Food section, available to News+ subscribers in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 or later, has won me over with its approachable, superbly designed interface. Recipes from renowned food publishers are presented in a clear and concise manner.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Popular Linux Distributions and Who They're Meant For

How-To Geek - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 18:00

Are you tired of everyone recommending a new Linux distro claiming it's the best? Are you wondering which one of these best distros is actually aligned with your needs and requirements? Well, let me spotlight five popular Linux distros and what they do, so you can finally make your choice!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Here’s Why Safari Is Missing Your Favorite Extensions

How-To Geek - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 17:30

One of the standout features of web browsers we’ve come to rely on is extensions. If you use Safari on your Mac, you may have noticed the extension landscape on Apple's browser looks a little sparse compared to its rivals, and there are some pretty specific reasons for that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Toyota’s Future Tech: AI, Hydrogen Fuel Cells & Next-Gen Mobility Innovations

How-To Geek - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 17:15

Toyota is one of the biggest automotive companies in the world, and they are a massive force in shaping the industry. From artificial intelligence to hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous systems, the Japanese automaker is signaling that it’s not just keeping pace with innovation, it’s helping lead it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta continues its submission to Trump with new advisor on its board

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 16:40

In a move unsurprising to those following Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's political affiliations, the tech billionaire has added former Trump advisor Dina Powell McCormick to its board, further cementing Zuckerberg's alliance with the Republican president.

According to Axios, which first reported McCormick's placement, the move serves two purposes: Meta's board's expansion into more global business experts and its attempts to win political favor with the current administration. According to a Meta press release, McCormick spent 16 years in leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and is now the vice chair, president, and head of global client services at BDT & MSD Partners.

SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on Meta's submission to Trump

She was President Donald Trump's deputy national security adviser in 2017 and the assistant secretary of state for State Secretary Condoleezza Rice under President George W. Bush. McCormick's husband is a Republican senator from Pennsylvania.

"I'm excited to bring my experience in finance, government, and economic development to support the people and entrepreneurs who use Meta's services," McCormick said in a press release.

In the same press release, Meta also announced that Patrick Collison, the co-founder and CEO of Stripe who used to be part of Meta's Advisory Group, will join the board.

"Patrick and Dina bring a lot of experience supporting businesses and entrepreneurs to our board. Patrick is deeply committed to expanding economic opportunity, and Dina has a long career advocating for economic development and supporting entrepreneurs. Their perspective will be extremely valuable to businesses that rely on our services to grow," Zuckerberg said in the press release.

This is part of ongoing moves that align Meta and Zuckerberg with the Trump administration, particularly as an ongoing antitrust fight heats up. Over the past few months, Meta added UFC CEO and Trump ally Dana White, lifted prohibitions against some hate speech on its platforms, got rid of fact-checkers in favor of community notes, ended its DEI efforts, and more.

Zuckerberg and other tech executives attended Trump's inauguration, dined at Mar-a-Lago on Thanksgiving Eve, and pledged $1 million to the event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 12, 2025

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 15:18

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, April 12, 2025:

AcrossDo, re, mi, fa, ___, la ...
  • The answer is Sol.

Still up in the air, for short
  • The answer is TBD.

With 14-Across, "?????"
  • The answer is That's.

___ Grande
  • The answer is Rio.

Bone connecting the elbow and wrist
  • The answer is Ulna.

Things issued by the D.M.V.
  • The answer is IDs.

Elaborate hairstyle
  • The answer is Coif.

Part of the eye that contains the iris
  • The answer is Uvea.

See 7-Across
  • The answer is Confusing

"Sure, whatever you say ..."
  • The answer is Okay.

24 cans of beer
  • The answer is Case.

DownPlaster wall coating
  • The answer is Stucco.

"Hey, check it out!"
  • The answer is Oh look.

Weather phenomenon that translates to "the girl"
  • The answer is La nina.

It's full of questions
  • The answer is Trivia.

White House family during the 2020s
  • The answer is Bidens.

Medicinal amount
  • The answer is Dosage.

Chewy candy
  • The answer is Taffy.

Sch. that plays home football games at the L.A. Coliseum
  • The answer is USC.

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

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

As tariffs invade the apparel market, selling your clothes online is the move — heres how

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 12:00

They're watching you from inside your closet.

The dress you bought for one singular wedding two years ago. The blazer you bought for an interview at a company that's apparently no longer hiring. They taunt you silently every time you push them aside for a monochrome sweatsuit.

This is your sign. Start selling your clothes online.

The side hustle that doesn't require much time, or a special skill

The pandemic closet purge to underconsumption-core pipeline has put a spotlight on the art of effectively getting rid of old stuff.

Chances are, you already have a trash bag in your closet where perfectly nice castoffs go to die — and it's easy to let that bag become a permanent fixture on your to-do list. Whether your items are lightly worn or were never touched after the initial try-on, knowing how to sell them effectively is a slept-on skill.

Being secondhand seller savvy, you'll have a go-to way to earn extra cash for years to come. It'll become a particularly clutch financial cushion as the effects of tariffs loom at both the budget-friendly and luxury ends of the apparel spectrum. People will quickly realize that there's one way to skirt around spiking clothing costs without frantically Googling which clothing brands have factories where: Just buy clothing that's already in circulation.

Not sure where to start? I didn't at first, either. After almost a decade of listing my own stuff and doing a majority of my own shopping from other people's closets, I've poured everything I've learned into a running guide on selling your clothes on the different resale apps, from photo and description tips to shipping hacks to the ins and outs of selling fees.

SEE ALSO: Trump tariff news: iPhones getting snapped up, laptop sales disrupted – what we know

From the seller's perspective, the obvious perk of an online shop is having a go-to way to earn extra cash to cushion against costlier everyday items. Even a profit of $10 here and there could make a weekly grocery bill feel less daunting — a recurring win in this economic hellscape. The best part is that clothes-selling apps are a side hustle that doesn't really require you to clock in. Sure, a few minutes are required at the beginning to post the items, plus a pit stop at the post office when a sold item needs to be mailed. But between that, you're just waiting for the right buyer to scroll past your stuff.

But the buyer's POV says a lot, too: People will be looking for ways to save money where they can, and buying used or refurbished is one way to do that without stopping shopping completely. If an item is already in circulation (i.e., sitting in some person's Mercari shop), it's inherently invulnerable to the tariffs that surge the costs of imported goods.

Will tariffs make clothes more expensive?

If you were a betting person, would you guess that the tags on your current outfit say "Made in the USA" or "Made literally anywhere else"?

Anyone whose gut feeling said the latter is, of course, correct. A 2024 report from the American Apparel & Footwear Association estimated that the U.S. gets 97 percent of its apparel and shoes from other countries, which means that 97 percent of clothes and shoes in the U.S. are going to cost more money to bring in. So yes, it's nearly inevitable that most clothes will be affected by tariffs. For how long, we don't know, and the hike in price will be dependent on the tariff rate tied to the country each garment is coming from.

A big chunk of that 97 percent comes from Asia, including China, whose imports have been saddled with a more than 100 percent tariff rate as of April 9. JSYK, Shein and Temu items ship from China. Trump also moved to close a loophole that previously allowed shipments of low-cost items (like clothes from Shein) to fly under the radar and evade other trade taxes.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 tariff impacts: What we know so far

TL;DR: Retailers whose entire success model is built on the ability to be super cheap are now facing roadblocks that'll make staying cheap much harder. In turn, many shoppers might be forced to wean off of fast fashion and clothing haul mentality.

But we needed to shift away from that whole mess regardless. Fast fashion brands are only able to sell clothing at such low costs because the people making them aren't being paid fairly, with the supply chain often banking on child labor. The constant churning out of low-quality polyester crap also wreaks havoc on the environment. The fast fashion industry is a notorious contributor to landfills and is responsible for nearly 10 percent of global carbon emissions — that's the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes being burned or dumped every second. In 2023, Shein alone emitted more carbon dioxide than what four coal power plants combined could emit in a year.

SEE ALSO: 15+ eco-friendly gifts that someone would actually use The thrifting boom proves that people are down to buy used clothes

I've recommended resale apps to friends, and much of their hesitation stemmed from the same place: "No one wants my stuff." But that's not necessarily true. You'd be surprised at what buyers are actively hunting down, especially when prices are cheaper than buying the same exact thing brand new.

The surging popularity of thrifting over the past few years is all the reassurance you should need that people are totally open to wearing previously worn clothes. For those of us who weren't blessed with the time or motivation to scan Goodwill with a fine-tooth comb for hidden gems, online resale platforms are the move. There's a market for the stuff that Plato's Closet or Buffalo Exchange turned down for whatever arbitrary reason.

And contrary to popular belief, you can still have a ton of success selling clothes online even if you have no cool vintage pieces to list. Think of how enticing a gently worn pair of Lululemon leggings listed at 50% off will be now that brand new Lululemon leggings, which already weren't anyone's idea of affordable, will probably get more expensive due to tariffs. A wedding invitee who feels financially burnt out after buying a shower and wedding gift would probably love to buy someone's Princess Polly dress that was also only worn for a single occasion and is now $50 cheaper than market price.

I'll never forget the rush I felt after finding a pair of platform SK8-Hi Vans in my size on Depop after months of seeing "Out of stock" everywhere else. I could not have cared less about the light scuffs. That seller doesn't know it, but her not wanting those random shoes made my life. That's secondhand savviness for you: If it's sold out on the website, it might be quietly floating around on a selling app.

Don't let snobby thrift stores who accept nothing bully you into thinking your wardrobe sucks.

It's easy to rely on Amazon or Asos when a shirt is $10 and shipping is fast and free, but remember that much of what's being sold secondhand is just as affordable. The difference: Buying secondhand takes something that's already in circulation off the market. And let's be real — that weirdly cheap shirt definitely isn't better quality than a shirt that's been worn a few times.

Which is best: Depop, Poshmark, or Mercari?

Each member of the holy trinity gets the job done. In fact, many sellers post on all three to reach a wider audience. But certain types of clothes may perform better on one app or the other, based on the demographics of the user bases keeping each platform afloat.

Poshmark, the OG, has 130 million users versus Depop's 35 million and Mercari's 23 million. The biggest difference between the apps is probably their user bases: Anything popular on TikTok or Instagram will likely do well with Depop's audience (90 percent of users are Gen Z), whereas items targeted toward ages 40 and up might fare better on one of the other two. There are gender differences, too: 70 percent of Poshmark's users identify as women, for example, while 38 percent of Depop's users identify as men.

Depop can be intimidating. Of the big three, it's the app that feels most like social media, and with that comes pressure to curate an aesthetic theme, post consistently, and upkeep the vibe of the shop as a whole. The crowd is simultaneously eclectic yet specific: millennials and Gen Zers who resonate with niche stylistic pockets of internet culture (insert word here-core), follow influencers closely, and appreciate vintage pieces and full outfit styling.

SEE ALSO: The 'boom boom' aesthetic fetishizes wealth in an era of chaos

If you're getting into thrifting or looking to sell from a niche brand, head to Depop first. You'll have better luck selling a recognizable sweater from Todd Snyder or Lisa Says Gah than a generic turtleneck from Zara. (Be sure to use hashtags, including the brand name and phrases people might search, like #plaidpants or #NWT — "new with tags.")

Luckily, Depop's interface is super approachable. The app looks a lot like Instagram — you'll scroll through a feed showing one item at a time from shops you follow. (You can also search by category or switch to the Explore page for a grid of fresh items, which Depop curates as "the best items from our community.")

Poshmark and Mercari are a bit more chaotic. Your feed will be full of updates about new listings, but some will only be *vaguely* similar to things you've looked at before. Their search features get cluttered, too: Poshmark's search bar tends to pull up items that don't quite fit the search terms, and Mercari frequently turns up items that have already sold. You had one job, filters.

The Poshmark community's standards also tend to be a bit looser. Many users are still young and hungry for vintage and designer pieces, but older millennials and members of Gen X might feel more at home here than on Depop. (My mom sometimes gives me items of hers to sell; in those cases, Poshmark is my go-to.) Poshmark also lacks a way to message other users directly. Personally, I don't love having a convo in the comment section, but other users don't seem to mind.

SEE ALSO: I tried 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are actually worth the hype

Mercari, for its part, is the place to sell home goods like electronics and decor, new and used. Items from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls that go viral and sell out quickly often end up listed on Mercari — the Rae Dunn and Hello Kitty merch lore runs deep on these virtual shelves. If you have unwanted skincare that you're too lazy to return or unwanted perfume or cologne with just a few sprays used, Mercari also has a big market for stuff like that.

In response to a question about Mercari's target audience on the Mercari subreddit, Reddit user chibidesigns writes: "I’ve had a lot of success selling random things on Mercari. Sold automatic toothbrush heads within 10min of posting, and sold a lot of old electronics wires I had laying around. Clothing moves, but at a slower pace than what I move on Poshmark."

Mercari is still great for fashion resale, though, especially for things like sneakers (think sneakerhead culture), children's clothing, or outerwear. My brother has given me several pairs of his old Air Jordans to sell for him, and most sold quickly on Mercari after gaining little traction on Depop.

Making your listings pop is less work than you think

Starting a successful shop will require some legwork, but follow a few key principles and you'll be good to go. Here's what to focus on.

Start with the background. Consider what you, as a buyer, would need to see to feel comfortable buying clothing from someone. Blindingly artificial lighting or a carpet covered in pet hair don’t exactly prove that the seller takes care of their clothes. A half-assed photo could send the message that you’ll be half-assed with shipping or communication, too.

Assembling a makeshift studio is a good move. It doesn't have to be fancy — think cohesive and presentable, like a nicely decorated corner of your room or a plain wall outside your apartment complex. A uniform look is great, but what really matters is showing that you take pride in the reselling process.

SEE ALSO: How 4 creators use CapCut to edit their TikTok videos

Modeling clothes isn’t a requirement, especially when you're selling something because it doesn't fit. But since returns aren’t very common on resale apps, buyers do appreciate seeing what an item looks like on a person. However, there's no need to drag a friend out for a shoot. The self-timer on your phone can work surprisingly well, but if that makes you feel rushed, a cheap wireless shutter remote and mini tripod will give you more control.

Don't feel like being in front of the camera? There are other ways to take eye-catching photos. Putting an item on a hanger is a stylish alternative, as long as the background is relatively neutral. (Bonus points if all of your photos have a uniform backdrop or theme.) An artsy prop, like a plant in the corner, can add a bit of flare.

Here are some examples of photos I've taken to sell clothes Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I'm not Depop famous by any stretch, but I have made almost 300 sales. I've settled on posing each garment on a white rug on the same chunk of floor, with my roommate's huge gold floor mirror as a little accent in the corner. For items that are too big or awkward for a floor picture, I hang them on the closet door nearby to keep the vibe as match-y as possible. (On Depop, photos have to be square, so keep that in mind when taking photos. Mercari and Poshmark allow photos to expand to full rectangular size.)

Many users use an actual backdrop (could be a sheet, could be a $17 cloud backdrop with fairy string lights). Others remove the backgrounds on their photos and edit the item onto a fun digital backdrop using a service like Photoshop or Canva Pro.

Such intricate photoshoots aren't absolutely necessary, though, especially on platforms that aren't Depop. Mercari and Poshmark shoppers appreciate practicality, likely just looking for photos that very clearly accentuate the item's color and condition. A blank chunk of hardwood floor was my background for all of those sneakers I was selling. Whatever you do, post more than one photo. The front and back of an article of clothing, close-ups on zippers, necklines, or other small details, the bottoms of shoes — just like you'd probably examine an item by hand in a store before buying, taking shots from multiple angles shows the buyer exactly what they'd be purchasing.

Hit allll the angles. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Here are some other quick tips on creating a successful selling app post:

Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural sunlight captures colors and textures as they appear IRL and can highlight stains or snags that you may have missed. But if natural light isn't available, a setup that mimics natural light will be a godsend. (A 5000K light bulb is a good starting point.) Try a Lume Cube or an adjustable daylight lamp.

In some cases, especially with shoes, turning on flash is a surefire way to highlight any discoloration, scuffs, stains, or creasing.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: ShiftCam's tiny portable drive is a content creator's dream

Be as descriptive as possible in the description. Though "Black hoodie sz large good condition" is quicker for you to type, it's not exactly helpful for the buyer. Say as much about the item as you can, including how it fits or the feel of the fabric — bullet points are fine if it feels like you're rambling. Past selecting "good" or "excellent" condition in the settings of the listing, I like to tell buyers approximately how many times the item was worn (if I have a general idea). Know the year it came out? Add that. Know the exact name and/or color of the item that a buyer might type into the search bar (i.e., Reformation Gloria dress in "Honeyglow")? Add that.

Be candid about flaws or other quirks, like whether the item fits like a small even if it's tagged as a medium. Duping someone is just a recipe for a bad review, and that'll just hinder your likelihood of making more sales in the future.

Launder your items before selling. Take the time to hang-dry items that can’t go in the dryer, and hand wash delicates that say to do so. (A few drops of Woolite Delicates in the sink will do just fine.) This will help with fading, shrinking, and fabric durability, and could be the difference between “excellent” or “fair” condition.

Be mindful of wrinkles. Even the cutest little photo arrangement can't make ridiculously wrinkly clothes look enticing to buyers, and often makes it impossible to actually see how the garment would lay normally. If one of your items' previous storage situation was being crumpled in a ball for a year, just grow up and iron it, or send it through a dryer's wrinkle release setting.

Basic sewing skills go a long way. SNL fans might remember the skit where Larry-David-as-Bernie-Sanders recommends keeping the little button in the baggie that comes with pants. He's right: An item with a missing button will likely fetch a much lower price. (When you list the item, note that the extra button will be included with the sale. It shows the buyer you're responsible.)

As long as you have a needle and some matching thread, you can replace a button or mend a hole. Taking the burden of repair off the buyer can increase the value (perceived and actual) of what you're selling.

A measuring tape is another staple. Buyers will almost definitely ask for measurements on pants, especially if they're denim. And knowing your own measurements is helpful when hunting for your holy grail vintage Levi's.

SEE ALSO: 4 clever finance tips from online creators

If you’re feeling ambitious, you may want to invest in a sewing machine. This is a must for thrift flip TikTok enthusiasts, but it's also nice to have one on hand for more involved repairs, like replacing a zipper. (It's easy, I swear. Buy a zipper of the same color on Amazon and find a DIY video.) You should still tell buyers about the patch job, but it’s better than dropping the "broken zipper" bomb.

Saving your boxes and mailers will save your ass

Do a lot of online shopping yourself? Reuse that Amazon packaging instead of paying for new mailers. I've received orders in old Sephora boxes and Target mailers and have never minded, and I do the same myself (within reason — skip the tattered ones). Many buyers purchase secondhand because they value sustainability, so they'll appreciate a shop that doesn't let packaging go to waste.

Get familiar with shipping

As TechCrunch writer Ingrid Lunden noted in a 2019 piece about Depop, "buyers generally do not seem to expect the same kind of shipping, tracking, or delivery professionals appearing at their doors" as they would for big-box purchases. They understand that you, a fellow average human, are handling shipping, and are more likely to be chill about it — as long as you reach out and explain any delays.

Almost every resale app works with USPS to create printable shipping labels, which are paid for by the buyer unless toggled otherwise. Poshmark uses a flat shipping fee, while Depop and Mercari offer multiple options based on weight. UPS and FedEx are also options on Mercari and are sometimes slightly cheaper than USPS, depending on the item's weight.

It's smart to use a kitchen scale to weigh packages and choose a label accordingly. Otherwise, you risk the post office sending your package back if it's too heavy.

Selling fees explained

Though listing an item is technically free, each platform typically takes a percentage of your sale to cover other fees.

Note that these numbers aren't set in stone. Both Mercari and Depop have recently gone through phases where they ditched the selling fee altogether, just to replace it with an alternate type of charge. Sometimes, they return to the old model, sometimes they don't.

Here's the selling fee situation for the big apps as of April 2025:

  • Depop no longer charges its previous 10% selling fee and instead charges sellers a payment processing fee (3.3% of the transaction amount plus $0.45, and buyers a U.S. marketplace fee of up to 5% of the purchase price). Allegedly, this allows sellers to keep slightly more of their profit.

  • Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee and charges buyers a flat 3.6% buyer protection fee.

  • Poshmark charges sellers $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales of $15 or more. It's pretty steep, IMO.

  • eBay selling fees range from 10% to 15.55%, depending on the product category and final item price. Clothing, shoes, and accessories come with a 13.25% selling fee, while sneakers specifically are at 8%.

  • Vinted also no longer charges a straight up selling fee, instead charging buyers a 5% buyer protection fee plus $0.70.

Possibly the hardest pill to swallow in the online selling game is that you probably won't make the amount back that you paid. An item could be new with tags and buyers will still probably need to see a lower price to be convinced to buy from a random person instead of the brand's official website. See how other sellers are pricing similar items and keep wear in mind.

Dealing with lowballing

At some point, you're bound to encounter a prospective buyer who offers an amount so low, it feels offensive. A $10 top is already reasonable, but someone will inevitably try to get it for $7 (knowing damn well that, after shipping, you'll make about $2).

Making offers can be a useful tactic when done respectfully. Some users do make fair suggestions that won't halve your profit, and acquiescing could inspire an extra-sweet review. If you absolutely aren't down to haggle, note in the description that your asking price is firm.

The offer feature on the big selling apps makes it easy to send lower prices to users showing interest in your item. Buyers and sellers can negotiate by sending counteroffers, and sellers can also nudge buyers first by sending offers to people who have liked the item.

Remember: Good reviews matter more than follower count

Getting eyeballs on your profile depends less on follower count and more on quality photos, quick shipping, and responsiveness to buyers' questions. Cover those, and stacked positive reviews are likely in your future. Whether your goal is to build a following or simply get rid of stuff you're no longer feeling, the tips above can help get your items sold quickly — and get that cash into your bank account.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Nickel Boys: One of our top films of 2024 is coming to Prime Video

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 12:00

UPDATE: Apr. 12, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the Prime Video streaming release details, as well as the latest pricing to rent or purchase "Nickel Boys" online.

How to watch 'Nickel Boys' at a glance: WATCH FOR FREE MGM+ trial Free for 7 days Get Deal WATCH FOR FREE Amazon Prime trial free for 30 days (save $14.99) Get Deal WATCH FOR FREE MGM+ add-on via Prime Video Free 7-day trial Get Deal BEST THIRD-PARTY MGM+ DEAL MGM+ via Sling $5 per month (save $1.99 per month) Get Deal BEST LONG-TERM MGM+ DEAL MGM+ annual subscription $58.99 per year (save $24.89) Get Deal BEST LONG-TERM PRIME VIDEO DEAL Amazon Prime annual membership free 30-day trial, then $139/year (save 22%) Get Deal BEST PRIME VIDEO DEAL Prime Video only $8.99 per month (save $6 per month) Get Deal BEST DEAL FOR YOUNG ADULTS & STUDENTS Prime for young adults free 6-month trial, then $7.49/month (save $7.50/month) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'Nickel Boys' on demand $5.99 or $19.99 Get Deal

Gracing the top three on our list of the best films of 2024, Nickel Boys is truly transformative. An adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, it relies heavily on first-person POV shots to tell the story of a violent reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida from the perspective of its protagonists. Mashable's reviewer called it "exquisite and powerful" and we're unsurprised that it nabbed nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars.

Nickel Boys officially made its streaming debut on Feb. 28 on MGM+, but now the film is expanding its streaming horizons, giving you another way to tune in. Here's everything you need to know in order to watch.

What is Nickel Boys about?

Adapted from the 2019 novel by Colson Whitehead — which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction — Nickel Boys follows 16-year-old Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) and his friend Turner (Brandon Wilson). A promising advanced high schooler, Elwood finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to false charges and imprisonment at a juvenile reform home called the Nickel Academy.

"A young adherent of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood's idealism quickly clashes with Nickel's harsh reality of segregation and corporal punishment. However, he also finds guidance and companionship in Turner, a fellow student hailing from Houston whose more upbeat demeanor and slick survival tips exist in close proximity to his own fears of the school's ruthless staff," Mashable's reviewer summarizes.

Get a closer look at the much-lauded film in the official trailer:

Is Nickel Boys worth watching?

"Stunning" doesn't even begin to cover it," writes Mashable reviewer Siddhant Adlakha, "but RaMell Ross' Nickel Boys is one of those rare Hollywood productions that feels aesthetically transformative." From the powerfully adapted story to the uniquely filmed first-person perspective shots, RaMell Ross' film is one of our favorite movies of 2024. And we're not alone in the sentiment — it was also nominated for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars. It's garnered a 91 percent critic rating and 75 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes as well, making it certified fresh.

"Few narrative feature debuts have felt so poignant and so richly formed that they practically speak their own language, as Nickel Boys does, while also managing to articulate its drama clearly and instinctively. The result is a dynamic work of resilience and self-actualization," Adlkaha concludes.

Read our full review of Nickel Boys.

How to watch Nickel Boys at home Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Two months after its theatrical debut, Nickel Boys officially made its video-on-demand debut on sites like Prime Video and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can purchase it for your digital collection or rent the film at any of the retailers below. With rentals, you'll have 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish watching once you begin.

If you prefer to stream the film instead, keep reading to learn more.

You can rent or buy Nickel Boys at the following retailers:

Is Nickel Boys streaming?

Nickel Boys appears to be following the same streaming schedule as fellow Amazon MGM Studios films Challengers and Blink Twice. It made its streaming debut on MGM+ on Feb. 28, 2025, and is set to expand its streaming release to Prime Video on April 29, 2025. Since MGM's own streaming service (formerly EPIX) is owned by Amazon, it'll likely remain on both streamers. That gives you two different streaming options to tune in — and two ways you can potentially watch for free.

MGM+ subscriptions start at $6.99 per month, while Prime Video costs $8.99 per month on its own or $14.99 per month as part of Prime. We've rounded up the best ways to save money on either subscription below.

Can I get MGM+ for free?

New to MGM+? You can enjoy a week of streaming for free with a trial through MGM+ directly or as an add-on via Prime Video. The add-on option is great for Prime members looking to condense their streaming services (and payments) into one central location. If you'd rather keep things separate, you're better off signing up through MGM+ directly. Either way, you'll be able to stream Nickel Boys for free during your trial. Just remember to cancel before the week is up.

Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ Free 7-day trial, then $6.99 per month Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ / Prime Video MGM+ add-on via Prime Video Free 7-day trial, then $6.99 per month Get Deal The best MGM+ streaming dealsSave 30%: MGM+ annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ annual subscription $58.99 per year (save $24.89) Get Deal

As a smaller streamer compared to, say, Prime Video or Netflix, MGM+ isn't brimming with great deal options. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost. If you want to save some cash, your best option is to sign up for the annual subscription versus the monthly subscription. You'll save 30% by paying for a year upfront, which is a pretty big savings compared to annual subscriptions from other streamers. At $58.99 per year, you're paying less than $5 per month (as opposed to $6.99 per month).

Save $1.99/month: Sign up for MGM+ via Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling MGM+ via Sling TV $5 per month (save $1.99 per month) Get Deal

If you'd rather just sign up for a single month and call it quits, subscribing to MGM+ through Sling TV can save you $1.99. No need to pay for the base plan of Sling. Just head over to the MGM landing page on Sling's website and you'll be able to sign up for only $5 per month. If you do want to sign up for a base package through Sling (Orange or Blue), you'll unlock a free month of MGM+.

Can I get Prime Video for free?

If you're not currently a Prime Video or Prime subscriber, then you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to Amazon Prime and stream Nickel Boys for free. That goes for brand new subscribers and those returning to Prime after some time away.

During your trial, you'll have full access to Prime perks, including Prime Video. Once your trial period ends, you'll be charged the full price for a Prime membership, which is currently $14.99 per month. Be sure to cancel before the month is up if you want to avoid those charges.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime monthly subscription free 30-day trial, then $14.99 per month Get Deal The best Prime Video streaming dealsSave $6/month: Prime Video only Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Prime Video $8.99 per month Get Deal

If you don't want or need all of the extra perks of being a Prime member, it is possible to subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service for just $8.99 per month. That's $6 per month cheaper than getting a full Prime membership.

Of course, Amazon makes it unnecessarily complicated to sign up for Prime Video on its own. When you go to sign up for a subscription, be sure to select the option to "see more plans" or "change plans." Then, navigate to the option for Prime Video on its own. You can still cancel whenever you want, just as you would a full Prime membership.

Save 22%: Amazon Prime annual membership Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime annual membership Free 30-day trial, then $139/year Get Deal

Another way to save a little cash is by paying for an annual Prime membership instead of monthly. You'll enjoy the perks of being a Prime member, including access to Prime Video, for a full year. You'll have to pay $139 upfront, but that ultimately breaks down to just $11.59 per month instead of the usual $14.99. That's about 22% or $40 in savings.

Save 50%: Prime for Young Adults Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime for young adults and students free 6-month trial, then $7.49 per month Get Deal

Hey, young people. You can score a free six-month trial to Prime and a half-priced subscription if you're between the ages of 18 and 24 or you're a college student. Just verify your age or student status and it will unlock the world of Prime, including Prime Video. Following your six-month trial, you'll pay just $7.49 per month instead of the usual $14.99, or you can cancel at any time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Sony WF-C710N earbuds beat the AirPods 4 on ANC, sound, and price

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:30

Sony’s presence in the wireless audio space grows stronger and wider with every new release. The class-leading WF-1000XM5 are considered some of the best wireless earbuds among critics and consumers, edging out the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for true wireless supremacy. Less-popular entries such as the WF-C700N also helped establish Sony’s footing in the mid-range wireless earbuds market.

The WF-C710N is the latest model to join the pack, and it’s a doozy. High-end features combined with Sony’s critically acclaimed sound technologies give these inexpensive in-ears a sonic edge over many similarly priced rivals.

Comparing these buds to the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony sibling WF-1000XM5 isn’t an exaggeration, since they boast many of the same features. Notable omissions include hi-res streaming through Bluetooth and wireless charging. They might fall short of these category titans, but they outperform both versions of the AirPods 4 in the areas that matter most: active noise cancellation, battery life, and — you guessed it — sound. That makes them the superior mid-range option.

Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds specs

Pairing the buds to compatible media devices is an effortless task. Hold down the button on the back of the charging case with the lid open and buds in their charging slots to enable pairing mode. Select your unit from the available devices list in the Bluetooth setting on your device. Android users can take advantage of Google Fast Pair for one-tap pairing. There’s even multipoint technology to pair these buds to two devices simultaneously, no matter the platform. Connectivity remains stable within a 40-foot range.

Setting up the earbuds is incredibly easy. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The WF-C710N’s spec sheet is solid:

  • Speaker Driver Unit: 5mm

  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

  • Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

  • Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE)

  • IPX4 water resistance

  • 8.5 hours of battery with ANC on / 12 hours with ANC off

  • Up to 30 hours of additional playtime with charging case

  • 5-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of ANC listening

  • Earpiece sizes: S, M, L

  • Colors: black, glass blue, pink, and white

The Sony Sound Connect app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play for free. It is streamlined to easily adjust or toggle features. There are many sound settings to play with, which I break down further in this review. The same goes for the WF-C710N’s favorable touch and voice controls.

Balanced sound with beneficial ANC

The WF-C710N sound identical to their predecessor, which is great since the WF-C700N produce punchy, well-balanced sonics that complement most music genres.

Alternative tracks like Hozier’s “Too Sweet” level you with impactful lows, which are spearheaded by an infectious bass line that slaps hard right out of the gate. You can almost feel the pluck of every guitar strum. The singer’s lo-fi vocals also sound crisp. I attribute this to Sony’s DSEE technology, which boosts fidelity on all music files, and does so flawlessly. Be sure to enable it in the app (more on that later).

These buds handle live performances incredibly well. The resolution on Daft Punk’s rendition of “One More Time/Aerodynamic” is superb. You’ll be able to distinguish between individual voices and instruments. The transition into “Aerodynamic” raises bass during the electrifying guitar riff intro and doesn’t distort the soundstage. 

The Sony WF-C710N earbuds outperform Apple AirPods 4 in sound quality. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Hearing this level of depth and layering through 5mm drivers is a testament to Sony’s impeccable sound engineering. Lows are the most expressive frequency, but mids and highs are given enough attention to create warm, stable sound.

There’s a slight bump in bass when turning on ANC. You’ll hear and feel the difference on bangers like Travis Scott’s “Butterfly Effect.” The booming effects and synths create hair-raising reverberation.

ANC performs mostly well. The buds eliminate up to 85 percent of unwanted noise, with certain high-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) creeping onto the soundstage. Luckily, these noises sound more like background effects on songs. Noise cancellation performed similarly on calls — the only interruptions came from high-frequency sounds.

The feature always came in handy when working on my balcony. It neutralized the construction and landscaping noises near the pool area. Stepping inside the apartment was just as peaceful. Household appliances and loud TVs never caught my attention, nor did my cat’s meows.

Where Sony’s ANC technology always shows out is ambient listening. The 20-level Ambient Sound mode is remarkable and vastly increases awareness in all surroundings. You’ll hear ambulance sirens from three blocks away, while having clear-sounding conversations in proximity without removing the buds.

Comparing the WF-C710N to other earbuds

I have over eight years of experience testing headphones and earbuds, which I’ve done for numerous credible tech publications (e.g., Tom’s Guide, Laptop Magazine, CNN Underscored). My benchmark products are the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds for ANC and the WF-1000XM5 for sound.

Audio on the WF-C710N isn’t luxury level like the previously mentioned models. Comfort and spatial audio are also better on these high-priced competitors. However, the WF-C710N sound superior to most buds under $200 (*cough* AirPods 4 cough).

Even without the *best* ANC, these buds do a great job blocking out sound. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The WF-C710N won’t be considered some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds, but they do a fantastic job of silencing your surroundings. ANC holds up well in both indoor and outdoor settings. Most low- and mid-frequency sounds will go unnoticed. High-frequency sounds are audible, but they aren’t distracting. Transparency mode might be the WF-C710N’s unsung feature. Sony’s mic array demonstrates terrific vocal capture to easily communicate with others or eavesdrop on conversations.

Prime operation translates to flawless usability

Responsiveness and touch accuracy are marvelous on the WF-C710N. The touch controls not only execute multi-tap commands quickly, but rarely do they misinterpret triple taps for double taps. Voice assistance is dependable — you’ll be able to initiate Siri and Google Assistant commands with ease. Shortcut lovers will appreciate the option to access Amazon Music or Spotify directly on the buds; this can be assigned in the Quick Access setting via the app.

The Sound Connect app expands functionality across the board. Aside from control customization, this is where you’ll enable the ANC mode, sound technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, DSEE), and other popular features like multi-point connectivity and wear detection. Business users should turn on the former since it creates a seamless connection between two media devices at the same time, allowing you to switch audio sources without unpairing.

Sony’s customizable EQ with well-engineered presets steals the show. Each preset is fine-tuned for its assigned category. The Find Your Equalizer feature is the best way to enjoy personalized sound. It automatically creates a sound profile tailored to your hearing. My profile delivered sharper mids than the WF-C710N’s standard EQ.

The Sony Sound Connect app allows for customization and easy access to switching between modes. Credit: Screenshot: Sony Sound Connect Credit: Screenshot: Sony Sound Connect Sony WF-C710N battery life

Battery life is another area where the WF-C710N satisfy. A full charge generates between 8.5 and 12 hours, depending how you use the buds. Features like multipoint and spatial audio trim off 1.5 hours, though the lasting playtimes are still sufficient and rank higher than most noise-cancelling earbuds. I’ve worn the buds for full work shifts and had enough juice to take phone calls after clocking out. The charging case holds an additional 30 hours (fully charged) to ensure next-day usage.

Are the Sony WF-C710N earbuds worth it?

Can you buy quality noise-cancelling earbuds for less than the Sony WF-C710N? Sure. Will they come with the same amount of sound personalization? No. That alone justifies the purchase.

Shortcomings are apparent. It would have been nice if Sony added wireless charging and LDAC support for hi-res streaming over Bluetooth. The bigger issue for some listeners might be discomfort. Luckily, these aren’t dealbreakers.

It’s worth picking up the WF-C710Ns if you have a penchant for Sony’s bass-forward sound signature or want affordable ANC buds with better audio and noise cancellation than the AirPods 4.

The Sony WF-C710N are priced at $119.99 and are available on Sony’s website, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds $119.99 at Amazon
Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

To Paperwhite or not to Paperwhite, these are the best Kindles in Amazons lineup

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:30

We talk about the magic of reading, opening up a book and being transported to a new world, whether it be the spice fields of Arrakis or the Bennets' English estate, but what about the magic of how you're reading? E-readers are quite spectacular in that sense, stuffing an entire library of books into a pocket-sized device.

And having tested a lot of them, it's clear that Amazon is closest to perfecting the e-reader with its Kindles. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Kindles. You'll find fans shouting from the rooftops about their hacks for finding discounted Kindle books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day, plus a bounty of tips on how to upgrade your Kindle. Now you can even buy remote page-turners, so you don't even need to hold your Kindle while reading.

And listen, I get it. Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library (and get free books, of course). And if you want a pro tip, shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times to buy a Kindle. Historically, we've seen great deals on Kindles pop up during these events, so if you don't need a Kindle urgently, wait for the next Amazon sale.

But if you can't wait for the next sale and are eager to get your hands on a Kindle, here are our favorites.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. The new generation of Kindle e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models all got upgrades.

Kindle's first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and is the only model I've not tested. I'm eager to see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon What's the best Kindle to buy in 2025?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

  • Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

  • Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

  • Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

  • Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

Featured Video For You How to get the most out of your Kindle
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch The Monkey: When is the Stephen King adaptation streaming?

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:15
The best streaming deals to watch 'The Monkey' at a glance: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Prime Video $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Apple TV $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Fandango at Home $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on YouTube $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Google Play $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) bundle $10.99/month (save $8.99/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu Student $1.99/month (save $8/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu (with ads) for T-Mobile customers Free for select T-Mobile customers (save $9.99/month) Learn More

The beginning of 2025 has already brought us a collection of excellent horror films in every shape and size — from the savage and silly Companion to the genre-transcending vampire flick Sinners to the delightfully gory The Monkey. Based on a Stephen King short story of the same name, The Monkey was originally published in Galley magazine in 1980. Now it's been adapted into a feature film full of "gonzo and gory displays of ultra-violent death," as Mashable's film editor put it. King himself called it "batshit insane," and that's saying something.

If you missed the cymbal-banging monkey murderer in theaters, now's your chance to catch the gruesome horror comedy on the small screen. Here's everything you need to know to watch The Monkey at home.

What is The Monkey about?

Written and directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), The Monkey follows twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn (both played by The White Lotus's Theo James, who find their father's old monkey toy in the attic. It's not just a quirky toy; it's a cursed drum-playing monkey that kills without mercy anytime his crank is turned.

The horror comedy also stars Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood, and others.

Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek:

Is The Monkey worth watching?

The Monkey brought home an impressive $68.4 million at the worldwide box office when it launched in theaters in February. Critics love the sick sense of humor and stomach-churning gore, including Mashable's own film editor, Kristy Puchko. "All in all, it’s a vicious and hysterical spectacle of blood and brain matter that’ll make you laugh, gasp, gag, and even think," she writes in her review of the film. She adds that it feels "like a challenge, as if the monkey — be it his unblinking gaze or the truly outrageous gore he unfurls — dares you to look away."

Audiences are a bit more torn, with only a 57 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as opposed to the 79 percent critics rating. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide.

Check out our full review of The Monkey.

How to watch The Monkey at home Credit: NEON

The Monkey hit theaters in late February, but is now officially available to watch at home as of April 4. You can purchase it for your digital collection through on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV or rent it for 30 days. Fair warning: With rentals, once you start watching, you'll only have 48 hours to finish.

If you'd rather stream The Monkey at home, keep scrolling for more information.

Here are some of the platforms where you can purchase or rent the film online:

When and where is The Monkey streaming?

Since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, we can all but guarantee The Monkey will make its streaming debut on the service. The question is when. Based on the streaming trajectory of previous Neon films like Anora and Cuckoo, we can make an educated guess that The Monkey will join the Hulu library sometime in July.

Hulu is surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. We suggest waiting until the release date is announced to sign up and watch for free. Otherwise, subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. We've also rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.

The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

Opting for an annual Hulu plan instead of paying monthly can save you 16%. Paid upfront, it'll cost you just $99.99, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month rather than $9.99 per month. It's the best way to keep more money in your pocket in the long term.

Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 37% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Duo Basic bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $10.99 per month (save 45%) Get Deal

If you want to get more bang for your buck, sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle. You'll get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for just $10.99 per month. That's only $1 more than paying for Hulu on its own — a savings of 45%. You could even throw ESPN+ or Max into the mix for just $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on three different streamers.

Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save 80%) Get Deal

Students can tune into Neon hits like The Monkey, Anora, and Longlegs with a Hulu Student subscription for just $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the typical cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.

Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

One of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan get Hulu with ads for free (as well as Netflix and Apple TV+). Already on the Go5G Next plan? Just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. You'll need to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.

Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a lifetime subscription to the App of the Year runner-up PDF editor for just $140

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Produce better PDFs and access high-tech editing tools with a lifetime subscription to PDF Expert for $139.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: PDF Expert PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $139.99
Get Deal

Turn to an expert to make your PDFs professional-quality: PDF Expert, the runner-up App of the Year with over 30 million users. A lifetime subscription is now available for just $139.99 to grant you perpetual access to editing tools that shape high-quality files.

Get all the classic PDF tools for work-based editing. Edit PDFs to fix typos or insert new text. Insert images and links in an existing file.

Organize PDFs by combining multiple files or separating one file into several. You can add, delete, rearrange, or rotate pages to create a new version.

Work on different versions of your PDF draft with annotation functions. Highlight content and add comments in pop-up notes or margins. Use stamps to make customizable guides to direct your workflow process within the document.

Advanced tools in PDF Expert

It's not just regular PDF editing tools, either. PDF Expert comes with some of the advanced tools professionals need, like conversions, form filling, and text recognition.

PDF Expert is the all-in-one tool to convert PDFs to Microsoft Office formats like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, image formats like JPG or PNG, or text files.

With just a few clicks, turn PDFs into fillable forms, an essential business feature. Add signatures or have clients sign contracts directly in PDF Expert. Redact confidential information before sending legal documents onward.

Text recognition tools can turn scanned image PDFs into searchable text so that you can find information, highlight it, or even copy it out. Improve scanned images by removing shadows or blurs. You can even turn double-scanned pages into two separate ones or remove margins.

See why PDF Expert was a runner-up to the App of the Year when you get a lifetime subscription for $139.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Own Microsoft Office Pro for just $30

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Own Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with this lifetime Microsoft Office 2019 license, now only $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03 Get Deal

It seems as though subscription fees are king in today's day and age. While they're annoying to pay each month, you probably don't want to say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime or cancel Netflix and never see the new season of Black Mirror. Want to get rid of one of your recurring fees? Swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime license.

Instead of paying nearly $100 a year (Microsoft just announced they're raising the price of 365 from $69.99 a year to $99.99), pay only once to own your favorite productivity apps for life. Grab the Windows-compatible Microsoft Office 2019 suite for only $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27.

Microsoft 365 vs. Microsoft Office 2019

This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.

You might actually like this license more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.

Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.

The price drop on this Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon, so get your download for just $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ultra-slim AirTag alternative: Get a 3-pack for $89.99

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: KeySmart Smart Cards are the credit card-sized, slim Bluetooth trackers you need to protect your wallet, ID lanyard, and more with Apple Find My for just $89.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard (3-Pack) $89.99
$119.97 Save $29.98 Works with Apple Find My Get Deal

Bluetooth tracker too bulky to protect your slimmer belongings? Get the slim AirTag alternative that better protects your wallet or ID lanyard when you snap up this deal for a 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards at just $89.99 (reg. $119.97).

The last lost wallet

When you swap to KeySmart SmartCards to protect your wallet and personal belongings, you can feel confident that you've lost your last wallet. SmartCards have a durable design and long battery life meant to help you find your stuff wherever it may be. Keyed to work with the Apple Find My app, you can locate belongings within range of the network. Put it in Lost Mode to make it discoverable with a message and contact info for other users and increase your chances of being reunited.

Lost your wallet nearby? If you're within 200 feet of your lost item, activate an alarm to track by sound. Don't want to forget your luggage while traveling? Turn on a "left behind" notification on the slim tracker in your bag so you get a phone alert if you're mistakenly separated from your baggage.

SmartCard, smarter design

The stand-out feature of KeySmart's SmartCard is how slim the tracker is. Similar to the size of a credit card and about 2mm thick, the SmartCard fits discretely in wallets, behind IDs on lanyards, in purse pockets, pet carriers, or even larger luggage bags.

And wherever you stash it, the SmartCard is designed to keep working despite less than favorable circumstances. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it can survive submersion in water around three feet for up to an hour. The rechargeable battery can last up to five months on a single charge. When it's time to recharge, just pop it on a Qi-enabled charger — no need to buy batteries.

Buy yourself some peace of mind when you protect your wallet, purse, and luggage with a three-pack of the KeySmart SmartCards for just $89.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Deeper Connect Air Decentralized VPN for life for $169

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: There aren't many of these portable VPN Routers left, but you can still get one on sale for $169 (reg. $219).

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Network Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router $169
$219 Save $50 Get Deal

It seems like everything is a subscription lately. Your apps, your movies, and even your privacy has a monthly fee. That's why some have started switching from subscription-based VPNs over to a full VPN router. Instead of paying monthly forever, you can get one a lifelong privacy solution for $169 (reg. $219) — but we don't have many left. 

What do VPN routers do?

Setting up the Deeper Connect Air is pretty straightforward. Just connect the router to your USB-C enabled computer for power. Once it's powered up, it connects to an existing WiFi network. Then just pick a VPN server and you're good to go. There's a whole network of over 150,000 options, so the world is your oyster.

You can connect up to five devices at a time, meaning you can protect the whole family or just lock all your own devices down.

Deeper Connect uses military-grade encryption to scramble all the data that travels through it. This means your browsing, downloads, and other online activity become unreadable to anyone who shouldn't be seeing it, which helps stop tracking and keeps your data safe.

This little gadget can also get around those annoying location blocks on streaming services. If a show or movie you want to watch is only available in another country, just connect to a server there. Then, when you open up Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, it'll be like you're browsing from that location, unlocking the content you want.

There's one more thing that makes this such a good device to have on hand: Deeper Connect Air blocks ads, even on streaming services.

Get a Deeper Connect Air while they're on sale for $169. Supply is limited. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

No need to browse mindlessly on Netflix — this $15 streaming alternative is here to help

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 27, you can get BitMar, a content finder that helps you find free content to stream, for only $14.99 (reg. $150) with code BITMAR5.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.99
$150 Save $135.01 with code BITMAR5 Get Deal

Here's an unfortunate truth about your streaming services: whether you're using Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, MAX, or any other platform, you're likely paying a fortune in subscription fees and struggling to figure out what you want to watch. 

Consider those days over once you move to BitMar, a streaming service alternative that scours the web for your favorite free movies and TV shows — lifetime access is only $14.99 (reg. $150) with code BITMAR5.

Check out what BitMar's all about:

  • No subscription: Once you pay the one-time fee, this Netflix alternative is yours for life, and you might never have to pay recurring fees for your streaming again.

  • Powerful search engine: BitMar is fueled by Bing and solely focuses on finding you the best and free streaming content. Its user-friendly interface lets you input a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind. From there, this content aggregator can try and find it for you.

  • Never see ads while streaming content found by BitMar, whether you're on YouTube, MAX, etc.

  • Fully compliant: This streaming alternative is fully compliant with copyright laws like the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act). How? It only locates content that's available online.

  • Simple streaming: No need to struggle to find something entertaining to watch with BitMar.

Ditch your streaming subscriptions for this BitMar lifetime subscription, now just $14.99 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150). This coupon code expires on April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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