Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
URL: https://mashable.com
Updated: 22 hours 16 min ago

How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder online

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 10:41

TL;DR: Live stream Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the Emirates NBA Cup with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

It's the second annual Emirates NBA Cup, previously known as the In-Season Tournament. The Milwaukee Bucks head to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship.

The Bucks have won three of their last five games, specifically their last three games, sending the team to the NBA Cup Championship. Milwaukee is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Thunder is riding a five-game win streak into the championship game, which makes sense considering they sit at the top of the Western Conference.

When is Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 17. This game takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The game will air on ABC.

How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Bucks vs. Thunder basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Bucks vs. Thunder from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder for free 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 the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This mesh WiFi setup is seriously impressive — and its over $100 off

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 10:32

SAVE $105: As of Dec. 17, the Amazon eero 6+ WiFi router is on sale for $194.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi Router $194.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

If your patchy, unreliable WiFi makes you want to throw your router out of the window, let's talk about an upgrade. You shouldn't have to suffer with laggy video calls, buffering shows, or devices that just won't connect. And you don't need to spend a fortune to get away from this either.

As of Dec. 17, you can find incredible deals on mesh router systems at Amazon. This includes a great deal on the Amazon eero 6+ router system. Currently, this product is reduced to $194.99, saving you 35% on list price. This discount is specific to the three-pack option, but you can find deals across all bundles.

SEE ALSO: Is this router better than a VPN? You decide.

A mesh WiFi system includes a main router and two nodes (satellites) placed around your home. They work together to eliminate dead zones, providing reliable WiFi coverage all over your home.

The eero 6+ is a great option for a mesh router system that offers gigabit wifi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups. It boasts WiFi 6 technology and an extra boost from the 160 MHz radio channel, so the eero 6+ ensures fast and reliable connectivity for the entire household. The TrueMesh technology reduces dead spots and dropped signals, keeping your smart home running smoothly even when you’re away.

The setup doesn't require any overly complicated instructions either. It can be done in minutes by using the eero app.

Move fast, however, this is a limited-time deal at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $50 off this incredible portable speaker from Beats

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 10:26

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 17, the Beats Pill is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 33% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Christmas is fast approaching and if you didn't stock up on all your gifts during the recent Black Friday madness, Amazon's Daily Deals are about to become your best friend. With great discounts across anything from coffee machines to headphones, you'll find something for everyone. And for the audiophile in your life, you can't go wrong with this great deal on the Beats Pill portable speaker.

Recently upgraded, the Beats Pill is the same speaker we've loved for years, but better. It may appear petite and dainty, but it's robust. It packs a serious audio punch, with the new, bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer displacing 90% more air volume, meaning you get a much deeper, fuller bass. Not to mention, it even has IP67 water resistance so it's safe from accidental splashes.

SEE ALSO: Drumroll... Beats drop major last minute audio deals at Amazon

For portable listening, the new 24-hour battery life will keep you going all day long, and can even be used to charge your phone or other devices through a USC cable.

As of Dec. 17, the Beats Pill is reduced to $99.95 (down from $149.95), saving you almost $50 on list price. It has also never been priced lower than this, so you know it's a great deal. This price is available in all the colors offered by Amazon: matte black, champagne gold, and statement red, but without the power adapter or AppleCare+.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best laptop deals for December: Shop Apple, Asus, Microsoft, and more

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 10:00

UPDATE: Dec. 17, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with new laptop deals, plus current pricing and availability.

The very best laptop deals at a glance: Best laptop deal under $500o Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $499.99 at Best Buy (save $300) Get Deal Best laptop deal under $1,000 Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best laptop deal over $1,000 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499 at Amazon (save $500.99) Get Deal

Buying a new laptop is one of the biggest splurges a person will make every several years, so keeping watch for good deals is imperative. Whether you're looking for an everyday workhorse, a cheap Chromebook for homework, a 2-in-1 Windows PC for drawing, or a powerful premium gaming laptop, a decent discount can make it easier to take the leap on an upgrade.

As a Senior Shopping Reporter here at Mashable, I've been scouting and vetting the best laptop deals across major tech retailers for nearly two years. Read on for my top picks as of Dec. 17, including a sub-$500 OLED laptop, a budget-friendly MacBook, and a record-low price on the best laptop our team tried in 2024.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of 2024, tested and approved by Mashable's experts

If you don't see any models that check all the boxes on your spec wish list, bookmark this page and come back soon: I add new picks every other week.

Note: Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart occasionally list incorrect MSRPs for laptops, making deals appear better or worse than they really are. If an MSRP you see below differs from the one shown on the laptop's product page, it's because I cross-checked it with the machine's manufacturer and corrected it.

Best laptop deal under $500 Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $499.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Svelte at 2.8 pounds and 0.6 inches thin, this 14-inch Asus Zenbook features a pretty and bright touchscreen OLED display — a rare sighting at this price point. Its backlit keyboard is also a nice touch. The configuration with a mid-range Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, 8GB of memory, and a healthy 512GB of storage is currently just $499.99 at Best Buy, or 37% off.

An upgraded model with a better Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and twice as much RAM and storage is also on sale at Best Buy. It'll run you $699.99 (normally $1,049.99), which works out to 33% off.

More laptop deals under $500Windows laptops2-in-1 laptopsChromebooksBest laptop deal under $1,000 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799.00 at Amazon and Best Buy
$999.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

The previous-generation MacBook Air is a Mashable Choice Award winner and our current favorite budget MacBook: It has an awesome keyboard, it lasts all day, and its M2 chip has "enough horsepower to handle everyday tasks with ease," to quote our review. As an added bonus, Apple also recently bumped its base configuration to 16GB of memory (without a price hike). It's on sale for $799 at Amazon and Best Buy, or 20% off; it was $50 cheaper on Black Friday, but that's still a solid deal.

More laptop deals under $1,000MacBooksWindows laptops2-in-1 laptopsGaming laptopsBest laptop deal over $1,000 Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499.00 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store
$1,999.99 Save $500.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

Combining a 23-hour battery life with M3 MacBook-beating performance, a sophisticated design, and some entertaining AI features, we think Microsoft's Copilot+ PC is the best laptop that launched this year. (It's another Mashable Choice Award winner, obviously). The higher-end model we tested came with a Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, and Amazon and the Microsoft Store still have it on sale at its record-low Black Friday price of $1,499 — a 25% discount. Other variants with lesser specs start at $899.99 (or $300 off).

Best Buy was matching that price at the time of writing, but only for paid My Best Buy members.

More laptop deals over $1,000MacBooksWindows laptops2-in-1 laptopsGaming laptops
Categories: IT General, Technology

WordPress.orgs login page demands you pledge loyalty to pineapple pizza

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 08:31

WordPress.org now requires users to affirm that pineapple is delicious on pizza before they can log in. It's the latest move in an increasingly antagonistic dispute between WordPress co-founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and web hosting service WP Engine.

As reported by 404 Media and confirmed by Mashable, WordPress.org's login page features a new check box next to the phrase, "Pineapple is delicious on pizza." Users are currently unable to log in or create a new account unless they tick the box, which was first spotted on Sunday. (WordPress.com remains unaffected.)

SEE ALSO: Hong Kong Pizza Hut offers free pineapple after Italy objects to Olympic win

The merits of pineapple on pizza has long been the subject of frequently lighthearted internet debate. However, this particular invocation is less jovial. WordPress.org's pineapple pizza mandate comes in response to a California District Court decision last Tuesday, which granted WP Engine a preliminary injunction preventing Automattic from blocking its access to WordPress.org.

The injunction also ordered Automattic to remove a check box on WordPress.org's login page, which required users to pledge that they were "not affiliated with WP Engine in any way, financially or otherwise." Users were unable to log in unless this box was ticked.

Yet instead of completely removing the box, it appears Automattic amended it to refer to pineapple on pizza instead.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: WordPress.org What's the WordPress drama?

The ongoing WordPress drama is primarily about alleged trademark infringement, with WP Engine and Automattic having been at loggerheads for months now.

1. Blog post from Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg disparages WP Engine

The dispute publicly kicked off when Mullenweg denounced WP Engine as a "cancer to WordPress" in a blog post on Sept. 21. WP Engine is a third-party web hosting service that specifically caters to websites built using WordPress' open-source content management system, which is hosted and available via WordPress.org. 

Mullenweg has since been loudly critical of WP Engine, deriding the company for disabling tracked changes, using branding that allegedly infringes on WordPress' trademark, and contributing little to develop the open-source software.

"[WP Engine] do about half a billion in revenue on top of WordPress and contribute back 40 hours a week, Automattic is a similar size and contributes back 3,915 hours a week," Mullenweg claimed in his post.

2. WP Engine sends cease-and-desist letter to Automattic

Of course, WP Engine wasn't pleased with this. The company responded with a cease-and-desist letter on Sept. 23, demanding Automattic and Mullenweg stop making "false factual statements." 

WP Engine also accused Mullenweg of threatening to take a "scorched earth nuclear approach" toward the company if it refused to pay Automattic to license WordPress' trademarks. Court documents indicate Automattic demanded eight percent of WP Engine's revenue to be paid on an ongoing monthly basis.

According to WP Engine, such licensing is unnecessary as its use of WordPress' trademarks to describe its services are permitted under fair use.

"Mr. Mullenweg’s covert demand that WP Engine hand over tens of millions to his for-profit company Automattic, while publicly masquerading as an altruistic protector of the WordPress community, is disgraceful," read WP Engine's letter.

"WP Engine’s uses of those marks to describe its services – as all companies in this space do – are fair uses under settled trademark law and consistent with WordPress’ own guidelines."

3. Automattic sends cease-and-desist letter to WP Engine, bans it from WordPress

Automattic responded to that with its own cease-and-desist letter also dated Sept. 23, demanding WP Engine "immediately stop all unauthorized use of [WordPress and WordPress-based ecommerce platform WooCommerce] trademarks." 

Acknowledging that it had contacted WP Engine about licensing the trademarks, Automattic stated that no agreement had been reached, and accused the company of misleading consumers into thinking it is affiliated with WordPress.

The WordPress Foundation's trademark policy was also amended to specifically call out WP Engine, acknowledging that "WP" is not covered by trademarks but asking that it not be used "in a way that confuses people."

"For example, many people think WP Engine is 'WordPress Engine' and officially associated with WordPress, which it’s not," the policy reads. "They have never once even donated to the WordPress Foundation, despite making billions of revenue on top of WordPress."

Mullenweg subsequently announced that WP Engine had been banned from WordPress.org on Sept. 25, breaking numerous websites and preventing updates from being implemented. While it was temporarily lifted two days later, the ban significantly disrupted WP Engine's ability to do business. 

"[P]ending their legal claims and litigation against WordPress.org, WP Engine no longer has free access to WordPress.org’s resources," Mullenweg wrote in said announcement.

Expanding further on his personal blog, Mullenweg claimed Automattic's demand that WP Engine pay up "isn’t a money grab: it’s an expectation that any business making hundreds of millions of dollars off of an open source project ought to give back, and if they don’t, then they can’t use its trademarks," 

4. WP Engine files lawsuit against Automattic

It was all downhill from there. On Oct. 2, WP Engine filed a lawsuit against Automattic and Mullenweg with a slew of allegations, including libel, slander, attempted extortion, and unfair competition. 

WP Engine also amended its plan names to remove the word "WordPress," and updated its website to make clear it is "not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with" the WordPress Foundation or WooCommerce.

"Automattic’s suggestion that WPE needs a license to do that is simply wrong, and reflects a misunderstanding of trademark law," a WP Engine spokesperson told TechCrunch. "To moot its claimed concerns, we have eliminated the few examples Automattic gave in its September 23rd letter to us."

In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, Automattic maintains that "WP Engine has never lost the ability to access the WordPress code and plugins on the Website."

"WP Engine is asking that the court force Matt and Automattic to allow WP Engine to host and distribute their plugins on the WordPress.org website for free in the absence of any obligation requiring them to do so," Automattic stated.

What does pineapple pizza have to do with the WordPress lawsuit?

All of this brings us back to WordPress.org's pineapple pizza pledge.

In early October, Mullenweg amended the WordPress.org login page to add a mandatory check box pledging that users have no affiliation with WP Engine. In a Slack post at the time, Mullenweg stated that this checkbox was part of the ban on WP Engine.

Following the court's injunction last Tuesday, that box now demands loyalty to the pineapple on pizza agenda instead.

What connection this culinary debate has to the larger legal matter at hand is unclear, assuming it has any at all. Automattic has not made any public statement on the matter, while Mullenweg merely shared a post on X which highlighted the change.

It's likely that Mullenweg simply took the opportunity to make a joke, regardless of the more serious circumstances surrounding it. Even if it didn't have bigger fish to fry, it seems improbable that Automattic would follow up with users on their pizza preferences.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Memphis vs. West Virginia without cable

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 07:00
Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 25 Memphis Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers will face off in the first bowl game of the season this week at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The match will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The Tigers earned the No. 25 ranking after winning four of their last five regular season games. Memphis finished the season fourth in the American Athletic Conference with a 10-2 record overall and 6-2 in conference. West Virginia did not earn a College Football Ranking after coming in ninth in the Big 12 conference, but they were 6-6 overall.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Memphis vs. West Virginia football kickoff time and network

The Memphis vs. West Virginia football game is scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Best streaming services for Memphis vs. West Virginia football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Memphis vs. West Virginia football game on ESPN. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Koofr Cloud Storage is easy enough for grandma to use. Get 1TB for life for £95.

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: Help them preserve cherished photos, videos, and important files with 1TB of Koofr cloud storage for life for just £94.60, with no recurring fees.

Who isn't on the hunt for a thoughtful gift that’s both practical and unique? That's why this offer has come at the perfect time.

Give your loved ones the gift of secure, lifetime cloud storage with Koofr’s 1TB plan — just £94.60 through 22 December. Because it's made to be user-friendly, it's ideal for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to keep photos, videos, and important files safe — even if they're not all that comfortable with digital files.

Koofr makes digital organisation simple and worry-free. Unlike other storage services, Koofr’s one-time payment model means no monthly fees, ever. Once you’re in, you’re set for life.

More than just a place to park files, it’s a thoughtful solution built to make digital storage easy, accessible, and secure. With 1TB of space, you can store up to 250,000 photos, 500 hours of HD video, or millions of documents. And if you’re already using services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, Koofr lets you connect them all in one place for simplified access to all your files.

One of the more thoughtful features is the Koofr Duplicate Finder. Say goodbye to duplicate files taking up unnecessary space. Koofr makes it easy to keep storage neat and organised. And it's good to know that Koofr takes privacy seriously. It doesn’t track your activity, and all files are encrypted during transfer and at rest, so you can rest assured your data is private.

Koofr is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their digital files safe and accessible, especially those who might not be very tech-savvy. It’s a useful gift for backing up photos, archiving family memories, or securing important work documents.

Grab lifetime access to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage while it's on sale for just £94.60 (reg. £638.70) through 22 December.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) £94.60
£638.70 Save £544.10 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

That viral black plastic kitchen utensil study was overblown thanks to a simple math mistake.

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 23:03

If TikTok had you rushing to throw away your black plastic kitchen utensils, rest assured that those tools weren't as bad as they seemed.

A study went viral in November — as much as any study can go viral — that suggested black plastic kitchen utensils were shed lots of poison into our food thanks to a flame retardant carried over from recycled electronics that helped make the plastic tools. However, there was a big problem in the study that came down to simple math, as Canada's National Post reported.

In short, the study looked to measure the median amount a flame retardant toxin might get out of black plastic spatulas during cooking. The study found that figure was 34,700 nanograms per day, which, the study noted, was close to the EPA limit of 42,000. That, in part sparked lots of panic all over TikTok and in major publications about how black plastic cooking utensils were slowly poisoning everyone. I cannot tell you how many posts I saw online of folks throwing away their utensils or telling others to do so.

However, the study made a really simple math error, one that may have made its findings sound more severe than they should. The National Post reported that the study calculated that EPA limit by multiplying 7,000 — the amount of nanograms of the toxin per kilogram of bodyweight — by 60, to get the limit for a 60-kilogram (132 pound) person per day. That's how they got 42,000. But 60 multiplied by 7,000 is, in fact, 420,000 — meaning the exposure is actually less than one-tenth the limit.

Now that's not to say folks want any of that toxin leeching into their food. Zero would be a great figure. But as YouTube's favorite science nerd, Hank Green, pointed out on Bluesky "that paper on black plastic was a bit blown out of proportion by a simple math error."

Hey, so it turns out that paper on black plastic was a bit blown out of proportion by a simple math error. nationalpost.com/news/canada/...

[image or embed]

— Hank Green (@hankgreen.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 12:09 AM

Toxic-Free Future, an advocacy group that carried out the study, has said that while there was a mistake it does not affect the overall findings.

"As noted in the published correction, this comparison was not a major point of the study and the findings, conclusions, and recommendations are unaffected by this correction," the group wrote on Bluesky.

So you might want to still be wary of black plastic — but all those headlines and TikToks might've been a bit misleading.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft confirms critical Windows Defender vulnerability. What you need to do right now.

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 20:27

There is (or was) a vulnerability in Windows Defender, but you don't have to worry about it. That's the short version.

The longer version, for those who are interested, is that Microsoft detected a fault in its homegrown antivirus software and admitted as much in an official security note, per Forbes. Microsoft's security note included an executive summary that explained the problem in something resembling layman's terms:

"Improper authorization of an index that contains sensitive information from a Global Files search in Windows Defender allows an authorized attacker to disclose information over a network," the summary read.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft wants you to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a new computer

In other words, it was theoretically possible for someone to use this exploit to send private files over a network to people who aren't meant to see them. There are apparently no known instances of anyone actually using this exploit, but it did exist. Emphasis on did.

That's because Microsoft has closed the loop on the exploit, confirming that users don't need to take any action to fix it themselves. Just don't do anything, according to Microsoft. That's easy enough.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buys Last Minute Savings event is bringing deals on everything from Bose headphones to KitchenAid stand mixers

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 20:27
Our top picks from Best Buy's Last-Minute Savings event Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 (Save $200) Get Deal Best Bluetooth speaker deal JBL Charge 5 $139.99 (Save $40) Get Deal Best gaming deal Sony PlayStation 5 Slim (Digital Edition) Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle $374.99 (Save $75) Get Deal Best home deal KitchenAid Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer (5.5-quart) $279.99 (Save $170) Get Deal

The holiday season doesn't really arrive until you find yourself panicking over finishing your gift shopping on time. Luckily, Best Buy kicked off a sale for exactly this situation, aptly named the Last-Minute Savings event.

The sale started on Dec. 16 and runs through Dec. 24 at 11:59 p.m. CT, bringing with it savings on top brands like Apple, Therabody, PlayStation, JBL, KitchenAid, and LEGO. Options like curbside pickup, as well as same and next-day delivery make sure that you can get discounted items into your hands ASAP.

In addition to this sale, Best Buy will also be releasing its seventh and final round of doorbusters on Dec. 20. If you want a sneak peak at what will be available, you can preview the list now, which includes an LG OLED TV, Beats headphones, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

If you're ready to start shopping, below, you'll find some of the best picks available now from the Last-Minute Savings event:

Best Apple dealsBest headphones and speaker deals Best gaming deals

PlayStation

Xbox

Nintendo

Best TV deals More deals from Best Buy
Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Maps will now let you search your saved locations

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 20:14

You can now search your saved lists and locations in Google Maps, which might be just the tool you need to find that one cool spot you bookmarked weeks ago.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google's handy "Saved" feature now lets you search, which means you can parse through webpages you bookmarked, Discover tabs, and locations you saved in Maps. So if you've saved lots of cool cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, bookstores, hobby shops — whatever you're into — they're now searchable. Funny it took this long for the search tech company to introduce this feature.

The search functionality is obvious and easy to use. You simply navigate to your "Saved" section and use the magnifying glass search tool.

Tweet may have been deleted

Now, if you're not using the "Saved" section of your Google account — perhaps like the person writing this article — now could be the time to start. How To Geek wrote a helpful piece explaining why the feature is great but in short, saving locations is a way to create a virtual Rolodex of places you like, things you want to visit, and lots more. You can also create custom lists — things like "Taco Spots I Love" — and forever have them saved, even if you can't remember names or locations offhand.

With the ability to search, those lists will prove even more helpful.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Drumroll... Beats drop major last minute audio deals at Amazon

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 20:01

As of Dec. 16th, you can get up to 51% off on Beats audio gear including Beats Studio Pro headphones, Beats Studio Buds, and the Beats Pill speaker.

The best Beats deals The best beats deal Beats Studio Pro $169.99 (Save $180) Get Deal The best Beats earbud deal Beats Studio Buds $79.00 ($70.95) Get Deal The best Beats speaker deal Beats Pill $99.95 ($50) Get Deal

Modern life is noise. Whether you want to tune out the hustle with a calming ambient dream-scape or dive face-first into the buzz of endless four-on-the-floor, a good set of headphones is crucial. Right now Beats deals at Amazon are offering some of the best prices we've seen.

We like Beats. Beats Studio Buds outclass entry AirPods in our testing and we love the versatility of Beats Studio Pros. The Pill is Apple's take on a portable JBL-style Bluetooth speaker. With deals up to 51% off. Now is a fantastic time to invest in a new set of Beats headphones.

The best beats deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Why we like it

These over-ear headphones offer impeccable sound in an Apple package that will work with non-Apple devices. Beats is an Apple subsidiary, however, Beats gets to go to parties that Apple might not be seen at — namely Android parties. Simple to pair and equipped with a battery that goes and goes, these headphones are a wonderful pick for anyone that wants to bring high-fidelity sound with them on the go.

Right now Beats Studio Pro are available for 51% off ahead of the holidays. Gift these active noise cancelling headphones, or restock your own audio war chest.

SEE ALSO: My all-time favorite earbuds are back to their lowest-ever price at Amazon The best Beats earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $79.00 at Beats
$149.95 Save $70.95 Get Deal Why we like it

Beats Studio Buds compress great sound into tiny earbuds. Though Beats is an Apple brand, Beats Studio Buds upstage Apple's own entry AirPods. With hard hitting bass, good battery life, and cross-OS support, these versatile earbuds are a great pick for Apple or Android.

On sale for 47% off ahead of the holidays, now is a perfect time to invest.

The best Beats speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether by the campfire or at the beach, group hangs go better with music. The Beats Pill is Beats' approach to the modern classic Bluetooth speaker. With the sound quality you expect from an Apple product and solid battery life, this speaker sounds great and is certifiably down for the outdoors. A little rain or river mud aren't a problem, it's weather resistant and equipped with an IP67 ingress protection rating.

The Beats Pill is currently on sale for 33% off at Amazon. Gift it to a car-camper you know, or buy it for yourself and bring better sound with you on next year's canoe excursions.

More Beats Deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup?

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 19:39

I was getting ready for a night out when I spotted a "hey girlie" text from an unknown number flash across my screen.

"I'm Danny's girlfriend and I saw some messages from you on his phone. I was wondering if you could help me?"

My eyes widened as I read the word "girlfriend." I've never opened a message faster.

SEE ALSO: Why social media algorithms hurt after a breakup

Danny (not his real name) and I had been embroiled in a sexting situationship after matching on Hinge. It was just a bit of fun during a particularly busy work period that hadn't left much time for in-person dates. But thinking about the nature of our chats, I feared what messages this poor woman had stumbled across.

I tapped the unfamiliar number and hit call, a wave of nervousness coming over me.

"I am so sorry, I had no idea he had a girlfriend," I blurted out seconds into the call.

"Don't worry, I know. You're actually one of many," his girlfriend responded in a kind tone. She told me that she and Danny were living together, about to get a mortgage together, and that she'd just discovered he'd been texting (and sexting) a web of other women, none of whom were any the wiser about the existence of his girlfriend.

When Danny accidentally synced his iPhone to his girlfriend's laptop, she unearthed scores of screenshots of my messages. I dreaded to think what his girlfriend might have seen in those screenshots.

When she texted me saying she'd confronted him about her conversation with me and that he'd reacted very badly, I decided I didn't want to give this man another opportunity to contact me. I didn't need to say anything to him. Just block and move on with my day. It was a blissful feeling.

Until then, I hadn't been much of a blocker. I'd previously considered blocking a bit harsh, but that was likely due to my inability to set boundaries (which I've thankfully overcome since then). Certain situations in life call for hard boundaries.

So, what exactly are the rules of engagement around blocking people? Are there scenarios when blocking literally is too harsh?

When their behaviour is terrible: block ✅

When someone behaves in an unacceptable or disrespectful way towards you, blocking is always OK. If you fear for your safety, block them. Abuse, harassment, and non-consensual sexual messages or images are all reasonable grounds for blocking. Trust your instincts too: If a person has exhibited behaviours that make you feel uneasy about your safety, you shouldn't feel guilty about blocking them.

SEE ALSO: How to break up with someone in the digital age No contact after a breakup: block ✅

Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney, says blocking someone is simply a digital version of setting boundaries for yourself and that it's pretty common to hit the block button when you're getting over a breakup.

In the immediate aftermath of a breakup, some people find it helpful to go "no contact." This means no phone calls, texts, social media, emails, letters — literally no forms of contact. It means no in-person meet-ups and can also involve not contacting their friends or family, perhaps unfollowing these individuals on social media.

SEE ALSO: Social media dos and don'ts after a breakup

"While [blocking] can be seen as an extreme decision, it can help if you feel that urge to initiate contact or take a peek at their profile to see what they're up to — both of which may only prolong the healing or result in emotional hurt," says Knight. "You can block your ex for many reasons: maybe you want to close any direct lines of communication, you don't want to see their content, or you don't want them to see your content. Although many people see it as intense in a digital world, it's really no different to avoiding your ex in person," she adds.

Trying to get a reaction from them: don't block and unblock 🚫

If you feel the urge to unblock someone after blocking them, ask yourself why. Do you want attention? Did you block them to punish them and now you're rethinking it? Perhaps you want them to get in touch with you? Examine the feelings at the root of this desire and whether it's worth breaking this boundary with yourself.

Relationship counsellor Sophie Personne advises against yo-yo-ing between blocking and unblocking individuals, particularly if it's being used as a manipulation tactic. "I have known clients to keep blocking and unblocking each other every time they had an argument," says Personne. "It's counterintuitive and destructive. It is restricting communication and is manipulative and controlling as you are controlling the level of communication."

Avoiding being honest about your feelings: don't block 🚫

Having difficult conversations can be nerve-wracking, and sometimes our urge to avoid conflict can make us bury our heads in the sand. For example, if you're dating someone and want to reject them, it's not cool to block them because you're too afraid to be honest. Similarly, if you make plans to meet up and then change your mind: don't just block them and stand them up (this is a behaviour I call cloaking). Afford the person the courtesy of cancelling the plans and spare them the hassle of showing up for a date that isn't happening.

Using blocking as an ultimatum: don't block 🚫

It's not a good idea to use blocking as a threat. "Blocking also becomes the wrong route to take if you decide to use it as a way to leverage or manipulate your ex; it should never be used as an ultimatum or a threat," says Knight. "Making the decision to block someone should be made on your feelings and your own terms, rather than involving them."

In relationships, healthy communication strategies can be used to bring about positive changes. Ultimatums and threats should be avoided at all costs.

A temporary pause for healing: block ✅

If you've ended on good terms with someone but need a break to protect your peace and move on, blocking is totally fine. If you're worried that the other person will be offended or it'll come as a surprise, you could consider dropping them a line beforehand to explain your decision to (temporarily) block. "If you do decide that a block is what you need to heal, a simple conversation with your ex about this change in terms will help; you can still take time and space apart before reconnecting as friends," says Knight.

When it comes to blocking, it can be an important boundary for protecting your physical and emotional safety. It can be an essential part of moving on from someone after a breakup. But it's not a get-out-of-jail-free card to avoid awkward conversations or to manipulate people's feelings. Use with caution.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is having a huge sale on Echo devices and theyll even arrive before Christmas.

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 19:21

SAVE UP TO 77%: Shop deals on Amazon Echos ahead of the holidays. Get majors savings on devices like the Amazon Echo Auto. When bundled with one month of Amazon Music Unlimited, receive the device and subscription for just $14.98, saving you $50 for 77% off.

Best Amazon Echo device deals Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best Echo bundle deal Amazon Echo Auto with one month of Amazon Music Unlimited $14.98 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo Kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids $22.99 at Amazon (Save $27) Get Deal

How is that last-minute holiday shopping going? Have you broken a sweat yet, racing around to stores, trying to find just the right thing for everyone on your list? With a week left to get your holiday shopping done, finding online deals is crucial, since we know time is running out. Plus, if you are online shopping, you want to make sure that your gifts will arrive in time for Christmas.

Sneaking in right under the wire, Amazon is coming in hot with deals on deals on Echo devices. Everything — the Pop, Dot, Spot, and Show — are all on sale ahead of the holidays, swinging back down to their lowest prices we've ever seen.

So if you have someone on your list (including yourself) looking for a smart home upgrade, you can't go wrong with these Amazon Echo deals that are guaranteed to arrive for the holidays.

Best Amazon Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Pop is the smallest of Amazon's smart speakers, but that doesn't mean it isn't powerful. This small but mighty speaker is budget-friendly and responds to voices commands, whether you're asking it to play the latest episode of The Daily or set a timer for whatever you're cooking.

While its list price is already a great value at $39.99, it's back down to its lowest price ever of $17.99. That gives you a great smart speaker for under $20, saving you $22 for $55 off.

Best Amazon Echo bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Auto with one month of Amazon Music Unlimited $14.98 at Amazon
$64.98 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Going hands-free in the car is crucial for your safety and the Amazon Echo Auto helps you keep your hands off your phone and on the wheel. With built-in speakers, the Auto plays musics, takes calls, and sends texts at your command.

Ahead of the holidays, Amazon is offering the ultimate savings on the Echo. Right now, when you bundle it with one month free of Amazon Music Unlimited, the device is just $14.98, saving you $50 for 77% off. If you don't need another music subscription we get it, just remember to cancel after your one month free before it renews at $9.99 per month.

More echo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buy is gifting everyone a free month of YouTube Premium and 50% off two months

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 19:17

SAVE $27.98: Get one month of free access to YouTube Premium and 50% off a two-month membership with this Best Buy offer. YouTube Premium typically costs $13.99 per month which means you'll get three months of access for the price of one month.

Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube One free month of YouTube Premium and 50% two months $13.99 at Best Buy
$41.97 Save $27.98 eligible for new subscribers Get Deal

Love streaming videos and music but can't stand wasting time with ads? Life is too short wait around looking at the countdown timer before we can skip ads. Thankfully, Best Buy agrees and has a nice holiday offer in store for everyone.

As of Dec. 16, Best Buy is offering one month of YouTube Premium for free, followed by two months at 50% off. Since YouTube Premium typically costs $13.99 per month, the deal equals a savings of $27.98 over the three months, essentially giving us three months of YouTube Premium for the price of one. You can also opt to cash in on just the one month of free access.

After checking out with the free one-month offer, Best Buy will email additional redemption info. To grab this deal, you'll need to have a Best Buy account, which is free. You'll also need to be a new subscriber to YouTube Premium.

YouTube Premium is a great program if you often tune into your favorite channels. From gamers to travelers, YouTube is a wealth of information that offers never-ending content options. A Premium account means you'll never have to watch an ad while streaming on both YouTube and YouTube Music.

YouTube Premium also gives you ability to keep a video steaming in the background, while you navigate to other apps on your phone. That same function also allows you to continue streaming from YouTube Music while your screen is off. Plus, you have the ability to download content to watch later. This could be especially useful if you have upcoming holiday travel plans and will be chilling in airplane mode or won't have access to Wi-Fi.

Instead of paying $13.99 per month, take advantage of this Best Buy offer that gives new subscribers three months of YouTube Premium for the price of one. Not only will you go ad free on YouTube with the membership, you'll be able to download content to watch while traveling over the holidays.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI makes ChatGPT Search available to everyone starting now

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 19:16

OpenAI is making ChatGPT Search available to all users and search in Voice Mode.

Two months ago, ChatGPT Search was launched for ChatGPT Plus users. As of today, it's rolling out to all free users who are logged in. Search with Advanced Voice Mode also now works with ChatGPT Search.

Just an hour before OpenAI's announcement, Google unveiled Veo 2, its next-gen text-to-video model. The two companies haven't been shy about their cutthroat rivalry, often shipping similar products within a day (or in this case hours) of each other. Last week, OpenAI launched its AI video generator Sora, vision for Advanced Voice Mode, and a slew of other minor features. Not to be outdone, Google unveiled its latest model Gemini 2.0, which is touted as an "agentic era" model for handling tasks on the user's behalf.

Tweet may have been deleted

By typing a query into the ChatGPT search bar, it will automatically decided whether or not to use the search engine. Search results include previews with images with links, just like you would with traditional search. Within ChatGPT, videos are embedded, so you can watch movie trailers or anything else in the app. Just like Google Search, you can click into search results for more information, without leaving the app.

If you're ready to complete your conversion from Google Search to ChatGPT Search, you can also make make ChatGPT Search your default search engine.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Drones over New Jersey: Latest updates on what we know, what we don’t

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 18:57

There are some mysterious flying objects hovering over New Jersey and, days after the first drones were spotted, we still don't know much about what they are, where they're from, and what they're doing up there.

Folks with eyes on New Jersey have been reporting mysterious drone sightings — over houses, military installations, and Trump's Bedminster golf club, to name a few — since mid-November. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Aviation Administration have all investigated the origins but don't yet have any answers for us. The Pentagon says the mystery drones are not military and are probably not foreign. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have gone on their own drone hunts, too, but have come back empty-handed.

Despite this, Murphy and law enforcement officials say the drones aren't likely a threat to public safety, according to the Associated Press.

"Tonight I met with @NJSP officials and radar technicians at the Regional Operations & Intelligence Center who are surveying the area for unmanned aircraft systems," Murphy posted on X Sunday night. "The public deserves clear answers — we will keep pushing the federal government for more information and resources."

The drones have become such a spectacle that the president-elect weighed in.

"Let the public know, and now," Trump said. "Otherwise, shoot them down!"

It's leading lawmakers to consider stricter rules about flying unmanned aircrafts, the AP reported. But many of the sightings aren't unmanned aircrafts at all — they're stars, planes, or other flying objects like aircrafts coming and going from New Jersey airports.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Just look at the Friday X post from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who says he "personally witnessed" what he believed were "dozens of large drones in the sky above my residence in Davidsonville, Maryland." The video that accompanied the post clearly shows the constellation Orion and the stars Sirius and Procyon.

No matter who — or what — is behind the drones, Harry Direen, an electronic and software engineering expert at DireenTech, told USA Today that the culprits are "clearly ... not being very stealthy."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Attention Amazon shoppers: You might be able to snag an Amazon Smart Plug for just $1.99

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 18:52

SAVE $23: Select Amazon accounts are eligible to buy an Amazon Smart Plug for just $1.99 with code PLUG, down from the list price of $24.99. That's a 92% discount. Check the product page to see if your account is eligible.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Plug $1.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $23.00 eligible for select Amazon accounts only with checkout code PLUG Get Deal

A smart plug is one of the simplest, yet most convenient additions if you prefer smart home devices. For some lucky Amazon accounts, you can grab a smart plug for an epically low price through the end of the month.

Until Dec. 31, the Amazon Smart Plug is just $1.99 for select Amazon accounts with discount code PLUG, down from the list price of $24.99. That's a 92% discount or a savings of $23.99. To check if you're eligible, head to the product page and look for the exclusive pricing offer.

Perfect for your Christmas tree or holiday lights, the Amazon Smart Plug allows you to turn the plug on or off through the Alexa app on your smartphone. That means you'll no longer have to maneuver behind the Christmas tree to unplug the lights.

The Amazon Smart Plug is also simple to set up, only requiring you to plug it in and open the Alexa app to get going. Amazon recommends using it with lamps, fans, coffee makers, and more.

Through the Alexa app, you can also set schedules for the Smart Plug, programming the Christmas tree lights to turn on at 5 p.m. and off at midnight, for example. Keep in mind it's only for use indoors and it'll need to connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.

The Amazon Smart Plug can also be a great addition if you'll be going away for the holidays. With the plug, control a living room lamp to turn on and off whenever you feel like it, giving the impression someone is home. Kevin really could have used a smart plug when he got left behind at home.

Not all Amazon accounts are eligible for the deal, so you'll need to check the Smart Plug product page to see if it shows up for you. It's also non-transferrable so you won't be able to share the promo code with others. But if you're one of the lucky ones, be sure to jump on this great deal to get an Amazon Smart Plug for only $1.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: The Beats Studio Buds are nearly half price

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 18:52
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 16: OUR TOP PICK Beats Studio Buds $79 (save $70.95)) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Whole Home Bundle $109.97 (save $90) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Sonos Ray $169 (save $110) Get Deal BEST SMART GADGET DEAL Amazon Echo Frames $169.99 (save $160) Get Deal BEST OUTDOOR DEAL Yeti Roadie 60 wheeled cooler $337.50 (save $112.50) Get Deal

There's only a little over a week until the big day, or in other words, it's crunch time for holiday shopping. Luckily, there's still plenty of deals at Amazon to help you save on your last-minute gifts. Brands like Beats, Yeti, Sonos, and more are offering discounts up to 48% off as of Dec. 16 — and we've rounded up the best ones.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check back tomorrow for a brand-new list of deals.

Our top pick: Beats Studio Buds Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $79.00 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $70.95 Get Deal

Searching for a solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that won't break the bank? The Beats Studio Buds are on sale for just $79 as of Dec. 16 at Amazon. That's 47% in savings and 99 cents cheaper than their Prime Day and Black Friday price. Mashable's Alex Perry called them "Apple's new go-to entry-level earbuds" when they first came out in 2021, boldly stating they "put entry-level AirPods to shame." Some standout perks are powerful bass, 24-hour battery life (with the charging case), transparency mode, spatial audio, and decent ANC. While they're no longer the latest or greatest Beats buds on the market, they still hold up in 2024.

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Buds.

Blink Whole Home Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Whole Home Bundle $109.97 at Amazon
$199.97 Save $90.00 Get Deal

While you can't put a price tag on peace of mind, you can get pretty close with this $109.97 deal on the Blink Whole Home Bundle. It includes the Blink Outdoor 4, Mini 2, and Video Doorbell system, so you can keep an eye on every part of your home. Using the Blink app, you can see who shows up at your door (even at night) and enjoy live two-way communication with the Video Doorbell. Then, with the Outdoor 4, you can expand your field of view around your home and be alerted to anything out of the ordinary. The Blink Mini 2 handles the inside of your home, day or night, while the Sync Module 2 (included) lets you track all of the action in one place. Slash 45% off as of Dec. 16.

Sonos Ray Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray $169.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal

According to Mashable reviewer Han Schneider, the Sonos Ray "delivers on the bottom line requirement of any speaker: true, quality sound." It's a budget-friendly, low-profile soundbar that happens to be one of our favorites — particularly as a starter soundbar. It doesn't have a ton of fancy features (no Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI hookup, or smart home compatibility), but the price tag and impressive sound quality more than make up for it. It's usually $279, but as of Dec. 16, it's on sale for only $169 at Amazon. That's 39% in savings and just $20 away from its best-ever price from Black Friday.

Read our full review of the Sonos Ray.

Amazon Echo Frames Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Frames $169.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

Need a unique gift option that will make it to your door before Christmas? The Amazon Echo Frames check both of those boxes. They're Alexa-equipped sunglasses that allow you to control your smart home devices, ask questions, play music, stream podcasts, and take hands-free calls. No need to whip out a phone or pop in earbuds with these babies on. They last for up to 14 hours on a single charge and come in five unique styles. Plus, they're prescription compatible. Usually $329.99, you can grab a pair on sale for only $169.99 as of Dec. 16. That's 48% in savings and matches their best-ever price.

Yeti Roadie 60 wheeled cooler Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Roadie 60 $337.50 at Amazon
$450.00 Save $112.50 Get Deal

Yeti coolers are hard to beat; not only can they keep eyes for days (weeks, even!), but they're also virtually indestructible. I own a Yeti Roadie 24 and my only complaint is that it's pretty dang heavy when it's filled up. The Roadie 60 fixes that problem by adding two puncture-resistant wheels and a periscope handle. It can fit 98 cans, 68 pounds of just ice, or 19 wine bottles — in other words, this thing is massive — making it a great option for camping trips, beach days, weekend getaways, and everything in between. It's usually $450, but you can get the lilac option on sale for $337.50 at Amazon as of Dec. 16. That's a rare 25% in savings.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Deepmind is rolling out AI video generator Veo 2. How it works and how to try it.

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 18:51

Google Deepmind has unveiled its next-generation AI tools, Veo 2 and Imagen 3, along with a playful new experiment, Whisk, aimed at remixing visuals in creative ways.

Veo 2 is the newest version of the company's flagship video-generation tool, which according to Google will be capable of higher realism and an improved understanding of movement, physics, and cinematic techniques. In its press release, Google Deepmind states that Veo 2 can generate 4K videos and handle complex prompts — like specific camera lenses or cinematic shots.

SEE ALSO: Veo, Google's Sora competitor, is hyped by Donald Glover

"Veo 2 understands the unique language of cinematography," the press release states, emphasizing its ability to deliver stylistic choices like "low-angle tracking shots" or "shallow depth of field." Further, the company says that, unlike earlier models that often “hallucinate” strange visuals (like extra limbs), Veo 2 reduces these quirks, making results more natural.

Imagen 3, released in August, has gotten some improvements with richer textures, brighter colors, and diverse art styles — from photorealistic landscapes to anime. The upgrade will also stick more faithfully to user prompts.

The most intriguing addition might be Whisk, a tool that allows users to remix images with creative flair. By combining Google’s Imagen 3 and Gemini models, Whisk can turn rough image ideas into digital artworks like "plushies or enamel pins," all while automatically generating descriptive captions.

Veo 2 is rolling out in Google’s VideoFX, Imagen 3 hits ImageFX in over 100 countries, and Whisk is live for U.S. users. You can sign up for the Google Labs waitlist now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker