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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.
Updated: 1 day 14 hours ago

How to watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:30

TL;DR: Live stream Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League doesn't have the jeopardy of other international tournaments. There isn't really a whole lot at stake, but that doesn't mean fans aren't going to be treated to some massive games. The pick of the bunch this time around is Netherlands vs. Germany. It's a rivarly that goes way back, and even though this isn't a major tournament, both sides will be desperate to win.

If you want to watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Netherlands vs. Germany?

Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

How to watch Netherlands vs. Germany for free

Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can access free live streams on RTL+ from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Netherlands vs. Germany 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 Germany

  4. Visit RTL+

  5. Live stream Netherlands vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTL+?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Germany

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

Stream Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's new AirPods 4 and updated AirPods Max are available for preorder

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:25

UPDATE: Sep. 10, 2024, 9:50 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional links to preorder listings at Amazon and Best Buy.

Everywhere you can pre-order the new Apple AirPods: Out Sept. 20 Apple AirPods 4 $129 at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy Pre-order Now Out Sept. 20 Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $179 at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy Pre-order Now Out Sept. 20 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $549 at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy Pre-order Now

How about some new AirPods to go with your new iPhone 16?

Apple unveiled three new models of varying degrees of freshness at its "Glowtime" event on Monday, Sept. 9, including the all-new AirPods 4 (available with or without Active Noise Cancellation) and some updated USB-C AirPods Max in five new colors.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

The AirPods 4 cost $179 with ANC and $129 without, while the AirPods Max are priced at $549. Preorders are now live at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy ahead of their official release on Friday, Sept. 20.

While Apple did not announce a new version of the AirPods Pro during Monday's event, it did showcase some new health features coming to the earbuds later this fall — including clinical-grade hearing aid functionality. There's not much else differentiating them from the standard (non-Pro) AirPods anymore, though.

What's new about the AirPods 4 AirPods, take four... and four-and-a-half? Credit: Apple

The AirPods series' new standard-bearers have an updated open-ear design that supposedly makes them "the most comfortable AirPods ever." They're powered by an H2 chip, the same processor found in the current AirPods Pro 2, which adds support for features like Voice Isolation and Siri Interactions (a former Pro exclusive); you'll be able to control them with head movements or by pressing a new force sensor on their stem. Apple is also promising "a massive improvement in sound quality."

The AirPods 4 have the same battery life as their predecessors — up to 30 hours with their included charging case — though that case is 10 percent smaller and newly equipped with a USB-C port.

Starting at $129 without ANC, the AirPods 4 cost the same as the now-discontinued AirPods 2 did after their 2021 price cut. (They originally went for $159 when they launched in 2019.)

SEE ALSO: The lightning cable is dead: Every product at the Apple event uses USB-C

For $50 more, you can upgrade the AirPods 4 with ANC — a first for a non-Pro AirPods model. They come with a Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio that intermingles it with ANC based on your surroundings, and a Conversation Awareness feature that turns their audio down when you talk to someone. (These used to be AirPods Pro 2 exclusives, too.) Their USB-C case has a speaker to aid Apple's Find My tool, and it can be charged wirelessly or using an Apple Watch charger.

The AirPods 4 with ANC cost the same as the now-defunct AirPods 3 from 2021.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $129.00 at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy
Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $179.00 at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy
Pre-Order Here What's new about the AirPods Max Same design, new rainbow of color options. Credit: Apple

Monday's AirPods Max refresh was a last-minute surprise, but it wound up being decidedly less dramatic than the AirPods 4 reveal: Apple's over-ear headphones now have a USB-C charging port and come in five new colors, including midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple. (They retain the same design, fit, H1 chip, and 20-hour battery life that they've had since 2020.) What will Tim Cook think of next?

Price-wise, the AirPods Max will still retail for a too-expensive $549.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $549.00 at the Apple Store
Pre-Order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

New Apple AirPods are coming, so current models are on sale now

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:23

SAVE UP TO $90: New Apple AirPods are on their way, but you can find deals on current models now. Shop a variety of models, including AirPods Max down to $459, saving you $90 for 16% off.

Best Apple AirPod deal Best AirPod (2nd gen) deal Apple AirPods (2nd gen) $89.99 at Amazon (Save $40) Get Deal Best AirPod (3rd gen) deal Apple AirPods (3rd gen) Save $149 at B&H Video (Save $20) Get Deal Best AirPod Max deal Apple AirPod Max From $399 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best AirPod Pro deal Apple AirPod Pro (2nd gen) $189.99 at Amazon (Save $59.01) Get Deal

Apple's September 9 "It's Glowtime" event announced the arrival of new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. Now that it's officially confirmed, we know that AirPods 4 are coming, bringing two new versions including a pair with active noise cancellation. Plus, AirPods Max are getting a new color and USB-C charger and AirPod Pros are getting a hearing test and hearing aid feature. But new products mean discounts on existing models that, let's be clear, are still full of fantastic tech.

We were watching the deals come in yesterday, and they were perfectly fine, but today, things are really starting to pop-off. Both AirPod Pro and AirPod Max headphones are just short of their lowest price ever, for up to 27% savings. With the new AirPods coming, things are in flux and there's no guarantee that discounts will remain. If you're anxious to get a pair of AirPods and don't want to pay full price, here are the best Apple AirPod deals to shop now.

Best AirPod (2nd gen) deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPod (2nd gen) $89.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple AirPods (2nd gen) are the ideal starter headphones. With a delightfully compact case, they can be tucked into pockets and bags so you always have access on the go. The biggest perk is their seamless connection to iPhones. Unlike other headphones, there's no button you have to press to get a Bluetooth connection. All you have to do is open the case, and they magically connect within seconds. These don't feature noise cancellation, but they're nonetheless fantastic.

Currently, you can find Apple AirPods (2nd gen) on sale at Amazon for $89, saving a sweet $40. It's about $20 more than their lowest price ever, but the current 31% savings isn't bad.

Best Apple AirPod (3rd generation) deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods (3rd gen) $149.00 at B&H Photo
$169.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want a little more from your AirPods, look to the 3rd generation model. While these still don't feature active noise cancellation, the audio quality they offer is a significant upgrade from the 2nd gen model. In the AirPods (3rd gen), you'll receive spatial audio that tracks sound and is even compatible with Dolby Atmos.

You can find them at B&H Photo for $149, knocking $20 off the price for 12% off. This is a rare deal, considering even Amazon is currently selling the AirPods (3rd gen) for full price.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The vast market of over-the-ear headphones includes stellar options when it comes to comfort and audio quality, but it's hard to deny the popularity of Apple's AirPod Max headphones. Their futuristic and colorful design makes them fun to wear, and like all AirPods, their ease of connectivity is exceptional. But one thing about these headphones — we've never loved their $549 price tag.

So if you're going to buy Apple AirPods Max, buy them on sale. Currently, you can find them from $399 at Amazon, which saves you $159 for 27%. AirPods Max prices are always in flux, and if you don't mind buying this older generation that uses a lightning charger (the latest update will have a USB-C charger), we highly recommend grabbing a pair now when they're below $400.

Best AirPod Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPod Pro (2nd gen) $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why we like it

While basic AirPods can certainly get the job done, AirPod Pros kick it up a notch. Before the announcement at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event, AirPod Pros were the only earbuds from the brand to have active noise cancellation (now AirPods 4 will also have it). However, AirPod Pros also provide resistance against dust, sweat, and water, especially important for commuters or outdoor athletes.

While AirPod Pros aren't getting a massive upgrade, they are about to receive an update that includes a hearing aid feature, emphasizing Apple's commitment to accessibility. However, that means current AirPods are getting a discount. Find Pros for just $189.99, saving $59.01 for 24% off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Watch Sebastian Stan become Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice' trailer

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:20
Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong star as Donald Trump and Roy Cohn in Ali Abbasi's Trump biopic "The Apprentice."
Categories: IT General, Technology

Huawei Mate XT: The tri-folding phone that truly turns into a tablet

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:12

On Monday, in the shadow of Apple's iPhone event, Huawei unveiled a new smartphone, and it's probably the most interesting phone we've seen in years.

Called the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition, it's a tri-folding phone (the world's first, Huawei claims), which effortlessly turns from a very normal-looking smartphone to a decently-sized tablet.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What are the differences?

More precisely, the 6.4-inch OLED display can turn into a 7.9-inch OLED display if you unfold it once, and if you unfold it fully, it becomes a 10.2-inch tablet with a 2,232 x 3,184 pixel resolution.

Tweet may have been deleted

There's really no obvious caveat here. The bezels on this thing are very thin, the display looks crisp, with barely visible folding creases, and even the thickness of the device when fully folded isn't that bad, with the Mate XT being only 12.8 millimeters thick. For comparison, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25 millimeters thick, which is obviously better, but the difference is not that vast as to immediately dismiss the Huawei phone as too fat for real-life use.

This will get people talking. Credit: Huawei

The rest of the specs are pretty impressive, too. The phone is powered by a Kirin 9 chipset and has a triple, 50/12/12-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel selfie camera, 16GB of RAM, 256/512/1,024GB of storage, and a massive, 5,600mAh battery.

We would never stop folding and unfolding this thing. Credit: Huawei

Obviously, the phone won't be very attractive to most customers outside of China, as it comes without Google services due to the Huawei trade ban in the U.S. It doesn't really matter as it's extremely unlikely that the phone will ever reach the U.S.

The starting price is 19,999 CNY ($2,810), which isn't cheap, but to be fair, there aren't any other options if you want a tri-folding phone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why you need a VPN

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:25
From keeping your browsing activities on the down-low to streaming content from another country, using a VPN comes with plenty of perks.
Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What are the differences?

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:30

This iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off will help you get a better understanding of how Apple's newest release compares to its predecessor.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a swanky new ultrawide camera, a fancy new Camera Control button, and a gigantic display, but is it really all that different from the iPhone 15 Pro Max? Let's do a deep-dive comparative analysis to find out.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max price

On Apple's official website, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a starting price of $1,199 and it comes with the following:

  • A18 Pro processor

  • 8GB of RAM

  • 256GB of storage

  • 6.9-inch display

When the iPhone 15 Pro Max debuted last year, it, too, had a starting price of $1,199 with the following specs:

  • A17 Pro processor

  • 8GB of RAM

  • 256GB of storage

  • 6.7-inch display

If you want to bump up your storage, it'll cost you extra for both models.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max $1,199.00 at Apple.com
Get Deal Apple - iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB - Blue Titanium (AT&T) $1,199.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max display and design

If you thought the iPhone 15 Pro Max was too big at 6.7 inches, wait 'til you get your hands on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This thing is a phablet (an amalgamation of the words "phone" and "tablet.")

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The new iPhone 16 Pro Max now has a 6.9-inch, 2,868 x 1,320-pixel panel, up from last year's 6.7-inch, 2,796 x 1,290-pixel display.

It's also worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has ultra-thin bezels, so you're getting a higher screen-to-body ratio on the new-gen model. In other words, you're getting more display real estate on the Phone 16 Pro Max.

Other than that, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro Max have the following in common:

  • 1,000-nit panel

  • 2,000 nits peak brightness

  • Ceramic Shield display

  • Always-on display

  • ProMotion (variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz)

  • Dynamic Island

If you prefer a gigantic display, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is your best bet.

It's also worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a new "Camera Control" button, too, that can be found on the right side of the chassis.

Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max offer the following colorways:

  • White Titanium

  • Black Titanium

  • Natural Titanium

However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a Blue Titanium color.

Desert Titanium Credit: Mashable

But that got swapped in favor of Desert Titanium on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras

In regards to cameras, here are where the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max match:

  • 48MP wide camera

  • 12MP telephoto with 5X optical zoom

  • 12MP selfie camera

However, where they differ is the ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Pro Max now has a 48MP utlrawide lens, up from the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 12MP ultrawide lens. As such, your wide-angle pictures and landscape shots should look even more detailed and perform better in low-light environments.

Video recording on an iPhone 16 model Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Also, when it comes to video recording, the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 4K at 120Hz capture, up from 4K at 60Hz on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life

Apple claims that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life ever on an iPhone. I'm talking about 33 hours of video playback.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated for 29 hours of video playback.

Credit: iPhone 15 Pro Max models

However, we'll have to bring it in for in-house testing to really see how long the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts on a charge. We ran a TikTok rundown with the iPhone 15 Pro Max's display at 50% of brightness, and it lasted 14 hours and 53 minutes on a charge — nearly 15 hours.

We can't help but wonder whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max will beat the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which lasted an incredible 18 hours and 50 minutes on a charge.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Audio

According to Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has better "true to life" sound quality, thanks to its improved studio-quality mics.

And unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will let you layer audio on top of another in the Voice Memos app.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Winner

Let's be honest. Battery life is important to a lot of us. If Apple's 33-hour battery life claim is accurate, it's definitely worth the upgrade.

Plus, I got a chance to play around with the new Camera Control button, and it's definitely another big selling point. Add the bigger 6.9-inch display, and I'm sold.

iPhone 16 Pro Max $1,199.00 at Apple.com
Pre-Order Here

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on: The perfect case and band combo if you want to look 'old money'

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:00

The Apple Watch Series 10 dropped and was announced at the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event on Monday — and I got a chance to explore the new wearable in all of its titanium glory.

The Apple Watch, quiet as its kept, has become more of a fashion statement for some consumers who couldn't care less about heart-rate monitoring and "closing their rings." From the case finish to the band type, the stylish Apple Watch combos are endless.

However, I'm convinced that, after having a hands-on experience with the Apple Watch Series 10 in person, I've discovered the nirvana of band-and-case combos, particularly for those who want to look more opulent and sophisticated.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on

Taking a page out of the iPhone 15 series' playbook, the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted in three new Titanium finishes:

  • Natural Titanium

  • Gold Titanium

  • Slate Titanium

You can also grab three colors in a less-expensive aluminum finish that comes in Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black, but why be Adam Sandler when you can be Victoria Beckham?

Gold Titanium finish with Link Bracelet Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

When I saw that Gold Titanium case, man, I was salivating. It's arguably the most stunning finish on an Apple Watch Series 10.

However, I didn't love the Link Bracelet it was paired with. It was unintuitive to unclasp and clip together. (If I purchased this, I'd likely have to ask my partner to help me remove it or put it on.) Plus, it didn't appear to have any micro-adjustment capabilities, so it didn't fit very well.

Apple Watch Series 10 with Link Bracelet Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

But then I saw the Milanese Loop on another Apple Watch Series 10. It captures some of that sophisticated feel of the Link Bracelet, but it's still easy to put on and take off. It's the best of both worlds.

Look at that Milanese Loop. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, Gold Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 + Milanese Loop is the winning combo. I'm telling you.

New speakers

I didn't get to test this unfortunately, but I'm most excited about the Apple Watch Series 10 featuring speakers. In other words, you'll have the ability to listen to podcasts and jam out to tunes directly from your wrist.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It was as if Apple was listening to me complain about my Apple Watch Series 9. I can't tell you how often I wished that my Apple Watch Series 9 could play some of my favorite jams while going for a jog.

Chances are high that the speakers will likely sound tinny, but I'm OK with that. The trade-off is worth it for the convenience of playing audio on a wrist-bound wearable.

Is Apple Watch Series 10 worth it?

The Apple Watch Series 10 also reportedly features fast charging (80% in 30 minutes), brighter display from more angles, and a new sleep apnea monitor. Interestingly, the new sleep apnea sensor will also be available on the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 9 and the current-gen Apple Watch Ultra 2.

But the one thing I didn't hear from Apple is longer battery life. Similar to the Watch Series 9, the Watch Series 10 will have an 18-hour runtime. As such, I wasn't prompted to upgrade. (One thing I don't love about my Watch Series 9 is the fact that I need to charge it too often.)

However, that new speaker feature is calling my name. And if you're fashion-focused, I'm telling you that the Gold Titanium-and-Milanese-Loop combo screams old money.

But if none of these are particularly compelling to you, feel free to wait until Apple Watch Series 11.

Apple Watch Series 10 $399.00 at Apple.com
Pre-Order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the fancy AI stuff, you'll want the iPhone 16 Pro for these 2 key features

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:16

Now that Apple's big iPhone 16 and 16 Pro reveal has come and gone, what are your key takeaways?

Yes, we know: A lot of stuff was introduced. Some gadgets that we expected to come, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, did not happen. There was a lot of talk about Apple Intelligence features, which won't be available at launch. And Apple's top phones, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, were shown at the very end (the iPhone 16 was unveiled earlier), with focus on advanced videography features that most buyers, I reckon, will rarely use.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Here are the biggest differences

It was, in a nutshell, easy to get lost in this event. But after meticulously going through the specs sheets of the new phones, I can see two very big reasons to upgrade to the new iPhone 16 Pro and the 16 Pro Max.

More display, more pixels, less bezel

One is display size. The displays on the new Pro models have gone up 0.2 inches each, while their bezels have shrunk. Now, the iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is truly "max" with a 6.9-inch display.

The bezels are visibly thinner than before, and we're here for it. Credit: Apple

The smaller bezels do make a difference visually, and the added screen real estate is always welcome. Even the resolution on these displays has gone up a little; the iPhone 16 Pro has a 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution (up from 2,556 x 1,179 pixels) while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 2,868 x 1,320 pixel resolution (up from 2,796 x 1,290 pixels).

It is worth mentioning that the new models are slightly bigger and just a tad heavier than before, but the difference is small enough that most people won't notice.

Big battery boost

The other key feature is still, in part, an unknown, but the numbers on paper are looking good.

Streaming lots of videos on your phone? The new iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery lasts up to 29 hours of video streaming. Credit: Apple

Yes, I'm talking about battery life, which got a huge boost on these new models.

Here are Apple's exact figures:

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Up to 27 hours of video playback, up to 22 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 85 hours of audio playback

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Up to 23 hours of video playback, Up to 20 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 75 hours of audio playback

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours of video playback, up to 29 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 105 hours of audio playback

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 29 hours of video playback, up to 25 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 95 hours of audio playback

This is, roughly, a 15 percent increase across the board, which is huge given that the new models have larger displays.

Featured Video For You Apple Event 2024 Recap

Apple says it achieved this with an optimized internal design, which fits bigger batteries, working in tandem with the A18 Pro chip which isn't as power-hungry as its predecessor.

Of course, official specs are one thing, and actual, real-life usage is another. But if these numbers are close to accurate, then this is a battery boost worthy of the "Pro" moniker.

What else?

The new Pro models come with a number of other improvements, such as the new A18 Pro chip, the new, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 4K,120fps, Dolby Vision video recording (also in slow-motion), new Desert Titanium color, and a bunch of Apple Intelligence features which will be slowly rolled out over the next months (unless you're in Europe, where they're delayed until an unspecified time in 2025).

But I reckon that most buyers, when deciding whether they need a new phone, focus on just a couple of big upgrades to justify their purchase. Call me old-fashioned, but for me, it's all about the larger display and the bigger battery.

For everything Apple announced at its Sept. 9 event, Mashable's got a full guide.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Girls Will Be Girls' trailer teases a tale of teen awakening

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:53
Director Shuchi Talati's Sundance hit "Girls Will Be Girls" is finally coming to cinemas. Watch the trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

'The Daily Show' breaks down how Trump and Harris are preparing for the big debate

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:53
"The Daily Show"s Jordan Klepper broke down how Trump and Harris are preparing for the big debate on Tuesday.
Categories: IT General, Technology

'Hold Your Breath' trailer sees Sarah Paulson in terrifying Dust Bowl horror

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:10
Sarah Paulson stars in this psychological horror set in the Dust Bowl period of 1930s Oklahoma. Trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Colbert and Kimmel respond to Trump wanting to make their shows illegal

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:08

Donald Trump has a long list of enemies, and you'd better believe he hasn't forgotten about one of his oldest foes: all the late night show hosts who regularly draw attention to his nonsense.

In a recent Rolling Stone piece about what might happen if Trump wins the upcoming election, it was reported that the former president is looking for ways to go after the likes of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, for all the mean jokes they've been making about him.

SEE ALSO: How porn performers feel about Trump, Harris, and Project 2025

"During his 2024 campaign, according to a source with direct knowledge, Trump has raised this topic again, venting about the need to punish late-night comedians for giving 'illegal' campaign contributions to the Democratic Party — in the form of jokes and on-air satire," reads the report.

Unsurprisingly, Colbert and Kimmel — who along with Saturday Night Live are named directly in the article — had something to say about it.

"Finally, I made an enemies list! Obviously there's no guarantee I'll be arrested, but it's an honour just to be nominated. No doubt it'll all be decided this weekend in Los Angeles, when whoever wins the Emmy for best talk show will be sent to a camp," Colbert said during his Monday night monologue. "So to my old colleague Jon Stewart, I just want you to know I voted for you. Of course if Jon wins he's only incarcerated on Mondays."

Kimmel, meanwhile, made a very similar joke about the Daily Show host, who only presents on Monday nights.

"I'm glad it's funny to you! He wants to lock up the late night hosts?" said an outraged Kimmel as his audience laughed at the news on Monday. "How would this work for Jon Stewart, would he only go to jail on Mondays? There's a lot to figure out."

In the meantime it's debate night on Tuesday, so we can't image the jokes are going to be stopping anytime soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I got to use the iPhone 16 'Camera Control' button: Why video capture could be better

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:12

The iPhone 16 "Camera Control" got announced today — and I got a chance to play around with it in Steve Jobs Theater.

I am elated that the new Camera Control can be found across all the iPhone 16 models. (Typically, Apple tends to reserve all the cool new features for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max).

As such, this hands-on is all about the Camera Control feature on the entry-level iPhone 16.

iPhone 16: Hands-on with Camera Control

OK, so the new Camera Control can be found on the lower edge of the right side of the iPhone 16.

So here's how it works.

First, you can do a hard press on the Camera Control button, which will pull up the Camera app.

Do a hard press on Camera Control to open Camera app. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can press once to take a photo. But to capture a video, you must press and hold the Camera Control button. My only disappointment is that letting go of the Control Button stops the recording. In other words, I'd love it if I could press and hold, let go, and it'll continue recording until I press and hold it again. (Perhaps it will be a new feature for iPhone 17.)

Video capture with Camera Control Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can also cycle through a menu of different options by lightly doing a double tap:

  1. Styles

Photographic Styles on Camera Control Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
  1. Tone

  2. Cameras (access ultrawide and other lenses)

  3. Zoom

Zoom on Camera Control Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
  1. Depth

Depth on Camera Control Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
  1. Exposure

For example, with Styles (basically Photographic Styles), you can cycle through filters (e.g., Standard, Vibrant, etc.) by moving your finger across the Camera Control button.

The Camera Control button is very intuitive. I got the hang of it in less than three minutes. I also love that you can access so many features on the Camera Control button with only a few gestures.

Keep in mind that the Camera Control button also doubles as a "Visual Intelligence" tool. As a part of iOS 18, Visual Intelligence, via the Camera Control button, lets you quickly learn about anything you see by pointing your camera at it.

For example, you can point your camera at a restaurant and Visual Intelligence will tell you about the establishment's open hours. You can also point it at a cute dog to figure out its breed. It's basically like Apple's own built-in version of Google Lens.

There's no exact date, but Visual Intelligence is coming to Camera Control later this year.

iPhone 16 in Ultramarine $799.00 at Apple.com
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Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: All the new upgrades

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:03
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 Pre-order at Apple Pre-Order Here

The Apple Watch Series 10 made its debut on Monday, with the tech giant unveiling the Series 9's successor at its event in California

This year's Apple Watch is powered by the company's new S10 System in Package (SiP), which certainly sounds like a step up compared to the Series 9's S9 SiP. Even so, most of the differences between the Apple Watch Series 10 and 9 appear relatively incremental.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Here's a comprehensive comparison between the Apple Watch Series 10 and 9 to help you decide whether to upgrade.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9: Price

When investing in a new piece of tech, one of the biggest considerations is the price. The new Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399, which will snag you the 42-millimetre aluminium option with just GPS. The price jumps up to $699 if you switch to titanium, which comes with both GPS and cellular connectivity, topping out at $749 if you also choose the larger 46-millimetre size.

In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 9 also started at $399 at launch, however its price has dropped in the year since. The smallest 41-millimetre Series 9 in aluminium with only GPS is currently available for $274.77, while the 45-millimetre stainless steel option with both GPS and cellular can be picked up for $649.

Featured Video For You Apple Event 2024 Recap

That's a difference of approximately $100 between last year's Apple Watch and this year's equivalent models. Whether it's worth it will depend on your priorities.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9: Display On the left, the Apple Watch Series 9. On the right, the Series 10. Credit: Apple

Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and 9 boast a brightness range from one to 2000 nits, so there aren't any changes there. However, the Series 10's one-millimetre increase across its two size options isn't the only difference to its display. 

The Series 10 upgrades the Series 9's low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display to LTPO3, the latest version of this technology. This should mean an increase to the Series 10's variable refresh rate and power efficiency, offering a smoother display that's less draining on the battery. Even so, exactly how much of a practical, noticeable difference this will make isn't clear, especially as the Series 10 doesn't claim any increase in battery life (more on that below).

Another change is the Series 10's new wide-angle organic light-emitting diode (OLED), making it the first Apple Watch with this feature. This wide-angle OLED enables pixels to emit more light at a wider angle, with Apple claiming the Series 10 offers a 40 percent increase in brightness when viewed from an angle over the Series 9.

The company further states that the OLED's improved power efficiency has allowed the Series 10's refresh rate in always-on mode to increase to once per second, a notable jump from the Series 9's rate of once per minute. As such, some Watch faces will allow wearers to see a ticking seconds hand without having to raise their wrist.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9: Design On the top are some of the Apple Watch Series 10's colour options, while below are some from Series 9. Credit: Apple

Straight off the bat, the Apple Watch Series 10 is slightly larger than the Series 9, offering 46 and 42-millimetre models as compared to last year's 45- and 41-millimetre models. However, it has shaved off some bulk in other areas. 

One of the most prominently spruiked changes to the Apple Watch Series 10's design is that it's slimmer. Apple claims that the Series 10 is almost 10 percent thinner than the Series 9, shaving one millimetre off to take it from 10.7 to 9.7 millimetres thick. That may not seem like much, but every little bit counts when you're measuring in millimetres.

The Series 10 is also lighter, though the difference here will depend on which models you're comparing. Apple states that the Series 10's aluminium models are up to 10 percent lighter than those in Series 9, while the titanium models are almost 20 percent lighter than last year's stainless steel.

Judging from the specifications shared by Apple, this seems about right. The lightest Series 10 Watch is the 42-millimetre aluminium model with GPS and cellular, which Apple states weighs 29.3 grams. In comparison, the lightest Series 9 Watch is the 41-millimetre aluminium with GPS only, which comes in at 31.9 grams — 2.6 grams heavier. The Series 10's titanium also comes out lighter when compared to the Series 9's stainless steel. Its heaviest option is the 46-millimetre titanium model weighing 41.7 grams, which is almost 10 whole grams lighter than the heaviest stainless steel Series 9 at 51.5 grams.

In addition to these changes, the Series 10's corners are more rounded and it has a wider aspect ratio than Series 9. Apple states that these tweaks to the Watch's form factor enable a notably larger display.

On the left, the Apple Watch Series 9. On the right, the Series 10. Credit: Apple

Finally, there's the Apple Watch Series 10's colour options to go through. The colour of a new Apple Watch is arguably even more important than that of a new iPhone, since you're much more likely to cover the latter with a phone case anyway.

At launch, the Series 10 comes in six different colours equally distributed between its aluminium and titanium models. The aluminium Series 10 is available in jet black, rose gold, and silver, while the titanium version comes in slate, gold, and natural. 

In comparison, the Series 9 has five colours for its aluminium model alone — midnight, starlight, silver, pink, and (PRODUCT)RED). Its stainless steel model has three with graphite, silver, and gold, or four if you include the Apple Watch Hermès collaboration's space black.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9: Health and fitness features The Apple Watch's new sleep apnea detecting feature seen on two iPhones. Credit: Apple

Apple announced a new sleep apnea feature with the Series 10, which uses the Watch's accelerometer to monitor your sleep and notify you if it detects signs of the sleep disorder. However, this feature doesn't separate the Apple Watch Series 10 from the 9, as this Breathing Disturbances metric will be coming to both models and the Ultra 2 this month.

A better way to distinguish the two is via their oceanic capabilities. The Series 10 is more equipped for aquatic adventures than the Series 9, featuring both a water temperature sensor and a depth gauge capable of tracking up to 20 feet (six metres) down. Information gathered by these features is displayed via Apple's Depth app, which comes preloaded on the Series 10. The latest Apple Watch is compatible with the Oceanic+ snorkelling app as well, though unlike the Depth app you'll have to head to the Apple App Store to download it. 

The Series 9 doesn't have such functionality, so it's a factor to consider if you're an avid snorkeler and iPhone user who doesn't already have an Ultra.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9: Audio

Audio is far from the first feature people think of when they think about Apple Watches. Even so, the new Apple Watch Series 10 is improving its audio capabilities by allowing music to be played through its inbuilt speaker.

While the Series 9 also has a speaker, it's restricted to utilitarian uses such as phone calls, the Walkie-Talkie function, and Voice Feedback during your workouts. In contrast, the Series 10 will let you play media such as music, podcasts, and audiobooks, enabling you to irritate everyone around you by blasting tunes directly from your wrist. This will work with Apple apps such as Apple Music, Podcasts, and Books, as well as third-party apps.

The Apple Watch Series 10 also upgrades its microphone's capabilities by adding voice isolation, using a neural network to reduce background noise during calls. 

Most people aren't searching for audio capability when buying a watch. You'll probably still prefer to use your iPhone or a pair of AirPods for your calls and music, only turning to the Apple Watch when they aren't at hand or if you're in an emergency. Still, it is technically an improvement over the Series 9.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9: Battery life

Apple doesn't claim any difference in battery life between the Watch Series 10 and 9. Both run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which the tech giant says offers up to 18 hours of juice (or 36 in low power mode). Both are fast charge capable as well.

However, Apple does state that the Series 10's charging coil is larger and more efficient, allowing you to charge up your Watch's battery from zero to 80 percent full in 30 minutes. That's an improvement over the Series 9, which Apple has said needs 45 minutes to get to 80 percent. Fifteen minutes doesn't seem like a terribly significant difference though.

Mashable will be testing Apple's new Watch and provide an update with the results, but for now it looks as though battery life isn't a major factor to agonise over if you're deliberating between the Series 10 and 9.

Preorders for the new Apple Watch Series 10 open Sept. 20.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best vacuum cleaners of 2024: 4 best stick and robot vacuums

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:00

The best vacuum cleaner setup is subjective, heavily hinging on how badly (or not) you want to do the vacuuming yourself, or if you'd rather a robot do it for you.

But there's one universal factor that can make or break any type of vacuum's usefulness in your home, and that's how likely you are to use it. Hear me out.

Actual cleaning performance plays a huge role in how clean your floors will be, of course. But if that vacuum's a pain to use, you won't feel like using it — whether that's an upright vacuum that's too clunky to get out of the closet or a robot vacuum that gets stuck more often than not.

SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2024: Consider these 5 features before buying

I've tested a ton of automatic vacuums and upright cordless vacuums, assessing from all of those angles along the way. And I have a handful of recommendations for both. But first, let's unpack which kind overall might work better in your living arrangement.

Should I get an upright or robot vacuum?

I could argue for both sides, considering I think the true dream setup is to have both on hand for different situations. While there are definitely ways to shop strategically and split your budget between one of each, that won't be the most practical choice for every household. If you're only choosing one type of vacuum, consider your main priority when it comes to vacuuming. Is your ideal vacuum cleaner one that automates the most steps to give you as little work as possible, or is it one that does the absolute most meticulous job, even if you still have to do the work?

SEE ALSO: 6 best robot vacuums and mops of 2024, tested hands-on at home

Drawbacks of each also have to be considered. Trusting a robot vacuum to do this chore comes with the fine print that the robot vacuum is probably going to piss you off sometimes. While I absolutely can't knock the strides that have been made with smart mapping, AI small obstacle avoidance, automatic floor type recognition, and debris level sensors over the past few years, even the latest and greatest robot vacuums are still inanimate objects, not perceptive humans.

The downside of an upright vacuum is that you have to have free time, and spend some of that free time off the couch. Granted, the better the cordless vacuum, the less you'll have to get it out, and the less of a pain it'll be to whip around.

Do corded vacuums have better suction?

Typically, corded vacuums have better suction than cordless vacs, but at this point in the game, it's not a noteworthy enough increase to cover the headache of digging that monstrosity out of the closet and wrestling with the cord. if you detest getting your vacuum out, you probably won't vacuum too often — and that defeats the purpose of doing your research/spending your money on a nice, new vacuum in the first place.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

With that in mind, no corded stick vacuums or corded canister vacuums will be recommended in this list.

Below, I've pulled my favorite cordless stick vacuums and robotic vacuums to create Mashable's ultimate mashup of all of the best vacuum cleaners as of September 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Plane snaps rare footage of a spacecraft reentering Earth from space

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:00

Nearly a quarter century ago, four identical spacecraft launched into space. Now, they're coming home.

The European Space Agency sent a plane to capture footage of the first of four Cluster mission satellites reentering Earth's atmosphere on Sept. 8.

"The first recorded observation of a satellite reentry from a high-speed orbit, taken from a plane in bright daylight!" the agency wrote.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The goal was to capture rare information on how, and when, such a spacecraft breaks up in Earth's atmosphere as it encounters intense friction and heat. "Throughout history, so far about 10,000 intact satellites and rocket bodies have reentered the atmosphere," the agency explained. "Yet we still lack a clear view on what actually happens during a reentry."

The reentry of the craft named "Salsa," shown below as the bright dot above the sea surface, intentionally happened over the remote south Pacific Ocean — a region where the already low-likelihood of creating damage was vastly reduced.

The Salsa spacecraft, seen as a white dot, breaking apart as it reenters Earth's atmosphere. Credit: ESA / ROSIE / University of Southern Queensland Tweet may have been deleted

The Cluster mission, undertaken by NASA and ESA, deployed four identical spacecraft to investigate how our planet's magnetosphere (a bubble around Earth protecting us from solar and cosmic radiation) interacts with a constant stream of particles from the sun, called the solar wind. "It even discovered the origin of 'killer electrons,' energetic particles in the outer belt of radiation surrounding Earth, that can cause havoc for satellites," ESA said.

Before the aging satellites became derelict objects in Earth's orbit, ESA made maneuvers to ensure the spacecraft came down in a "targeted area." "Without intervention, the four Cluster satellites would have reentered Earth’s atmosphere naturally – but with less control over when or where this would happen," the agency wrote.

It's an early endeavor to limit the amount of space junk amassing near our planet, and to control where it eventually comes down. There's a lot up there, zooming around in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

"LEO is an orbital space junk yard," NASA explains. "There are millions of pieces of space junk flying in LEO. Most orbital debris comprises human-generated objects, such as pieces of spacecraft, tiny flecks of paint from a spacecraft, parts of rockets, satellites that are no longer working, or explosions of objects in orbit flying around in space at high speeds."

Categories: IT General, Technology

How porn performers feel about Trump, Harris, and Project 2025

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:00

Adult film actress Richelle Ryan is a conservative, and she's not apologizing for it. She wears clothing bearing former President Donald Trump's face and name across her social media platforms. 

She is among a handful of adult performers that remain outspoken about their conservative identity in an industry that's on edge amid the growing concerns about Project 2025 — a 900+ page far-right policy wishlist for Trump if he wins in November. One of the measures calls for an outright ban of pornography. 

SEE ALSO: Top 5 digital security tips from sex workers

The document was authored by Trump loyalists, some of whom worked for his first administration, stoking fears that if Trump gets elected this wishlist will become the law of the land. Some conservative performers aren't buying that idea, but others to their left see Project 2025 as an existential threat to their industry.  

This comes at a time when Vice President Kamala Harris is Trump's opponent. As senator, Harris supported the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act and Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (FOSTA/SESTA), legislation that was anti-sex trafficking in theory but in practice made it harder for online sex workers to do their jobs safely. Because the stakes are so high for the business, performers haven't been shy about sharing their point of view. 

Project 2025: Scare tactic or actual threat?

As early as the fifth page, Project 2025 calls for the imprisonment of porn performers as well as distributors, and says that telecommunications companies that allow porn to be accessed should be closed:

Pornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders. And telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate its spread should be shuttered.

Conservatives like Ryan suggest it's representative of the fringe of the party — not the majority — and has no chance of becoming actual policy. That's why, in her view, Project 2025 is less of a Republican master plan, and more of a tool that Democrats are using to campaign.

"I think it's a scare tactic that Democrats are trying to use," Ryan told Mashable. 

The Trump campaign clearly sees the political implications of embracing such far-right talking points. That's in part why the former president has distanced himself from it in the past few weeks. To Ryan, that's one of the reasons not to worry. 

"I've been in the adult film industry for 18 years. Scare tactics are something that we fight every single day," Ryan added. 

A slew of policy decisions have put immense pressure on the industry in recent years, ranging from propositions about condom use to state-level laws that would force phonemakers to automatically censor sexual content

FOSTA/SESTA, however, which Trump signed into law in 2018, has had tangible effects on online sex workers and their income. According to a paper published in the Fordham Law Review, the wording of the legislation actually does more to harm sex workers than protect victims of sex trafficking. That's echoed by research published in the Anti-Trafficking Review that shows that the closure of classified site Backpage.com and the subsequent laws actually put sex workers in dangerous positions by removing an online space where workers can vet those soliciting their services. 

The research shows ways that the laws have limited workers' ability to share harm reduction resources, like lists of people known to solicit sex workers who have a history of assault.

Not everyone sees Project 2025 as merely a scare tactic. In fact, most of the performers Mashable spoke to see Trump distancing himself from Project 2025 as a farce. Trump lied more than 30,000 times during his presidential term alone according to The Washington Post.

"I think that we need to look at Project 2025 and recognize that this is a clear and present danger for the sex worker community. We have to call it out. We have to take it very seriously and educate people," performer Allie Awesome told Mashable. 

Regardless of Trump's disavowals of Project 2025, he's still mentioned by name hundreds of times in it. A recent analysis from CBS News found that 270 of the 700 policy proposals include past Trump policies and current campaign promises, while 28 of the 38 authors of the document previously worked for the Trump administration. Paul Dans, a former Trump advisor, served as the director of Project 2025 until late July. 

Trump's running mate JD Vance is a clear supporter. He wrote the foreword to an upcoming book called Dawn's Early Light written by Project 2025 creator and president of far-right think tank the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts. 

The Heritage Foundation, which published Project 2025, helped shape Trump's Supreme Court nominee list while he was president. Amid vacancies on the court, Trump appointed Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Neil Gorsuch.

The current state of the porn industry

Many in the adult industry consider Project 2025 an obvious threat, as it calls for those who make porn to be imprisoned among other measures.

A number of Republican-led states including Texas, Indiana, and Nebraska have established age-verification laws in recent months — many of which require porn sites to verify someone's age using government IDs — a move which free speech activists largely see as a trojan horse for broader privacy violations. 

One of Project 2025's co-authors, Russell Vought, who also served as a director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump, admitted in secret recording that the laws (which the Heritage Foundation lobbied for) work to ban porn through the "back door."

In the same recorded conversation, Vought claimed that Trump "blessed" Project 2025 and added that the former president is "very supportive of what we do."

This isn't the first time Trump took a hardline stance against porn. Ahead of the 2016 race, he signed onto a pledge that called on him to ban adult entertainment. 

The appointment of JD Vance, who told Catholic publication Crisis Magazine in 2021 that he wanted to outright ban porn as well, does not quell fears.

The perceived imminent threat has created a divide among performers. "I do not have solidarity with Trump-supporting sex workers. I've really personally drawn a line in the sand," Awesome said.

SEE ALSO: Most adult creators use AI in their work, new data says

That leaves performers like Mia Isabella in a hard place. Isabella is fiscally conservative and was not a fan of Biden's tax plan. However, Isabella said, "Trying to tell people what to do in their homes, in their personal time, is weird shit."

"I agree fiscally with Trump, but I can't agree with making anyone feel dehumanized or using any minority to politicize the situation and make a rallying cry," Isabella added.

What about Kamala Harris?

With that said, people in the porn industry aren't exactly excited about Kamala Harris just yet because of her anti-sex work history.

Historically, Harris supported stiff anti-sex worker policies. As California attorney general, she helped take down Backpage, which was accused of promoting sex trafficking and faced a multi-year investigation led by her office. That led to federal bills FOSTA/SESTA (the latter of which Harris co-sponsored as senator). In addition to making sex workers' jobs less safe, FOSTA/SESTA also impacted their incomes and access to bank accounts, loans, and lines of credit. Sex workers also said the shutdown of Backpage made them less safe

"I've always been uncomfortable with her being the VP in that sense. And it's a little bit of a hard pill to swallow," performer Jessica Ryan, who identifies as a centrist politically, told Mashable. 

This comes amid concerns that Harris' anti-sex work stance may continue if she becomes president. XBIZ, an industry trade publication, pointed out that during this election cycle Democrats dropped language explicitly recognizing sex workers that was included in 2020.

While ads for escort services and pornographic film production are not necessarily one and the same, performers and their advocates believe that that the overarching language and impact of the laws on sex workers is indicative of a perceived ignorance to the needs of those who work in various sex-related professions.

For Jessica Ryan, the election provides two distinct choices: one that hasn't historically been an ally to sex workers, and another whose closest confidants would like to see porn cease to exist entirely and put its creators in jail.

"It's just fucking wild that we have people that are okay with [the] government telling us what we can watch [and] how we can watch it," Ryan added. 

All the performers Mashable spoke to shared one common perspective: politics should stay off the set. But the question if Project 2025's authors get their way is: in a few years, will there even be sets? 

Categories: IT General, Technology

PDFs are easy with this app

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:00

TL;DR: PDFs are easy with a lifetime subscription to PDF Extra Ultimate, now $99.99. 

When you’re constantly juggling PDFs—whether it's editing contracts, filling out forms, or pulling together reports—having the right tools can make all the difference. Basic PDF readers just don’t cut it when you need to do more than just view files. That's why something like PDF Extra Ultimate comes in handy, offering a one-stop solution that covers all the bases, from editing and signing to converting and organizing your PDFs, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $99.99 (reg. $239). 

What can PDF Extra Ultimate do?

PDF Extra makes working with PDFs feel effortless. Need to tweak some text or adjust images? You can do that directly in the file, no more back-and-forth with other software. You can also create new PDFs from scratch, split large files, merge different documents, or even convert scanned images into editable text with OCR.

Plus, if you need to sign or secure documents, the software has built-in tools for digital signatures and encryption, so your sensitive info stays protected. Beyond just editing, PDF Extra also helps you keep your documents organized and easy to navigate. You can annotate with comments, highlight key sections, or add stamps to mark up your files in a way that makes sense to you.

Rearranging pages, pulling content from other files, and getting rid of unnecessary pages is as simple as drag-and-drop. It’s all about making your PDF management as smooth and intuitive as possible.

And with support for both mobile and desktop, you can keep everything in sync whether you’re working on your computer, tablet, or phone. The package even includes 100GB of MobiDrive cloud storage, so you’ve got plenty of space to keep everything organized. 

Make PDFs your new favorite file. 

Get a Lifetime Subscription to PDF Extra Ultimate for $99.99 (reg. $239). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: MobiSystems PDF Extra Ultimate: Lifetime Subscription $99.99
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Categories: IT General, Technology

Adventure right with a pair of night vision binoculars, only $104.97

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:00

TL;DR: See in the dark with a pair of Double Barrel Digital Night Vision Binoculars on sale for $104.97 (reg. $297). 

If you’re planning a night hike, a camping trip, or a late-night fishing expedition, you’ll need gear that can keep up with the darkness. Visibility can be a challenge when the sun goes down, but having the right equipment makes all the difference.

Before you go out on your next nocturnal adventure, grab a pair of Double Barrel Digital Night Vision Binoculars. These night vision binoculars are an awesome find for activities like nocturnal wildlife tracking, late-night camping, or even stargazing, and they offer exceptional performance when visibility is low. Plus, they're marked down to $104.97 (reg. $297). 

Open up the night

These binoculars feature a powerful 3W infrared LED that gives you crystal clear visibility up to 300 meters in complete darkness. That means you can effortlessly spot distant subjects or navigate through the night without missing a thing. The TFT widescreen display enhances your viewing experience with its customizable focus, allowing you to adjust for the sharpest, most detailed images. The 4x zoom capability ensures that even far-off objects come into clear view, making it easier to identify and observe them closely.

Beyond just viewing, these night vision binoculars are equipped with multimedia functions to capture your observations. You can take high-resolution photos and record videos, which is great for documenting your findings or sharing your experiences. The included 32GB TF card provides ample storage for all your media, and data transfer is a breeze with the micro USB connectivity.

Durability is another strong point of the Double Barrel Digital Night Vision Binoculars. With an IP56 waterproof rating, they are built to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring reliability during rainy or damp nights. Their lightweight design and ergonomic build add to the comfort of extended use. Additionally, the automatic shutdown feature helps conserve battery life, so you won’t run out of power in the middle of your adventure.

Get a pair of Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars for $104.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars $104.97
$297.99 Save $193.02 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

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