Mashable
Get Microsoft Visual Studio Pro and learn to code for just $56
TL;DR: Learn to code, automate, and build apps with Microsoft Visual Studio Pro and a Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle — all for just $55.97.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $49.97$1,999.00 Save $1,949.03 Get Deal
If you’ve ever wanted to break into the world of coding, build your own apps, or take your development skills to the next level, this bundle is worth a closer look.
For a limited time, you can get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 with the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for just $55.97 — an absolute steal for anyone looking to code smarter, work faster, and launch their tech career.
With Visual Studio Professional 2022, you’re getting one of the most powerful, fully featured development environments available today. Whether you’re working on web applications, mobile apps, or software solutions, Visual Studio’s 64-bit architecture, AI-powered IntelliCode, and real-time collaboration tools make development smoother and more efficient than ever.
You’ll be able to build cross-platform applications, edit ASP.NET pages live, debug complex systems, and automate repetitive coding tasks.
But what’s a great dev tool without the knowledge to use it? That’s why Visual Studio is buddied-up with the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle. You’ll gain instant access to 15 in-depth courses covering Python, JavaScript, OpenAI, and more.
From mastering Python’s fundamentals to unlocking the full potential of ChatGPT and AI-driven development, these courses will give you the foundation to start coding, launch projects, and even step into a new career.
Whether you’re a complete beginner who wants to learn coding from scratch, an experienced developer looking to sharpen your skills, or a business owner who wants to develop custom applications, this bundle has you covered. With practical, hands-on lessons and a fully loaded IDE, you can start building websites, apps, AI-driven projects, and even your own automation tools.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to learn how to code, get hands-on with AI, and master a professional-grade development environment, that time is now.
Don’t miss your chance to own Visual Studio Professional 2022 and a 15-course coding bundle for just $55.97 through Feb. 23.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Charge 6 devices at once with this Anker Prime 200W charger — now under $60
SAVE OVER $20: As of Feb. 6, the Anker Prime 200W 6-Port GaN Charger is available at Amazon for $59.49 (regularly $85.99). That’s 31% off for a powerful USB-C and USB-A charging hub that can fuel up to six devices at once — including MacBooks, iPhones, Samsung phones, tablets, and more.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Prime 200W 6-Port GaN Charger $59.49 at Amazon$85.99 Save $26.50 Shop Now
You know the struggle: too many devices, not enough outlets. Something always needs a charge; you know I'm talking about your phone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, or earbuds. Anker Prime 200W GaN charger solves that problem instantly, and it's just $59.49 right now at Amazon (31% off).
This six-port beast can handle everything simultaneously, thanks to four USB-C and two USB-A ports. Need to power a MacBook? Two USB-C ports deliver blazing-fast 100W charging, meaning you can juice up a MacBook Pro to 50% in just 28 minutes. Even with multiple devices plugged in, this bad boy keeps up without breaking a sweat.
SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for lessBecause it's powered by GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, it runs cooler and more efficiently than traditional chargers. That means less heat, more power, and a compact design that doesn't take up your entire desk. It's perfect for home, office, or travel.
Safety is top-tier, too. Anker's MultiProtect and ActiveShield 3.0 systems monitor temperature and power distribution in real-time, so you don't have to worry about overheating or device damage. Charge with confidence.
For $59.49, this might be the last charger you'll ever need. That goes for multi-device power users, frequent travelers, or anyone tired of cluttered cables. Grab this six-port charging station before this Amazon deal disappears.
The Anker SOLIX C200 power bank is on sale for under $100 — a must-have for camping and emergencies
SAVE $70: As of Feb. 6, the Anker SOLIX C200 DC Portable Power Bank is available at Amazon for $99.99 (regularly $169.99). That’s 41% off for a massive 60,000mAh battery, 200W solar charging support, and fast 140W USB-C charging — perfect for camping, road trips, and emergency backup.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C200 DC Portable Power Bank $99.99 at Amazon$169.99 Save $70.00 Shop Now
If you like having backup power for road trips, camping, or unexpected blackouts, the Anker SOLIX C200 power bank is a no-brainer at just $99.99 (was $169.99). At 60,000mAh (192Wh), it packs more power than most portable chargers, and right now, it’s on sale at Amazon.
Despite being ridiculously compact (39% smaller than similar power stations), this mini powerhouse delivers up to 300W — enough to charge phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, and even small appliances. Five ports, including a 140W USB-C port, a 120W car socket, and multiple USB-A and USB-C outputs, allow you to charge multiple devices at once.
SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for lessFast charging? You bet. Using PD 3.1 technology, this thing charges up to 80% in just 1.3 hours via USB-C — so no waiting around for hours while your gear powers up. And if you’re out in the wild? Hook it up to a 100W solar panel (sold separately), and boom, you have unlimited off-grid power. You can even recharge it from your car on a long road trip.
And because Anker doesn’t mess around with durability, the LiFePO4 battery lasts for over 3,000 cycles, meaning it’ll still kick long after your phone’s battery gives up. Plus, a three-year warranty gives you extra peace of mind.
For just $99.99, this is one of the best portable power deals we’ve seen. Whether you need backup power for emergencies, off-grid charging, or just peace of mind, grab it now while it’s 41% off.
The Anker SOLIX C1000 power station is 57% off — get it for just $429 today
SAVE $570: As of Feb. 6, the Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station is available at Amazon for $429 (regularly $999). That’s a 57% discount on this high-capacity, fast-charging power station with solar compatibility and a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $429.00 at Amazon$999.00 Save $570.00 Shop Now
If you've ever had a power outage and thought, "Man, I really should get one of those backup battery things," now's the time. The Anker SOLIX C1000 is 57% off at Amazon, bringing it down to just $429 (from $999). That's a massive $570 discount for a beast of a power station.
This bad boy can power everything from your phone and laptop to a mini-fridge, power tools, and even a CPAP machine — anything that keeps life running smoothly when the grid fails you. It pumps out 1800W of power (2400W peak) and has 11 ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once like some off-grid wizard.
SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for lessThe best part? It charges stupidly fast. Plug it into an AC outlet, and it'll hit 80% in 43 minutes. By the time you finish making breakfast, it's ready to roll. Need something for camping or road trips? It fully recharges in under two hours with solar panels (sold separately, but still cool). And because it's built with a LiFePO4 battery, you're looking at 3,000+ charge cycles, meaning it'll last a solid decade before you need to consider replacing it.
It's also 15% smaller than other 1kWh power stations, making it actually portable, not just "portable" in that technically-you-can-lift-it-but-you'll-regret-it kind of way. Plus, the Anker app lets you monitor everything remotely because, of course, it does.
Bottom line? If you want a reliable, fast-charging, and actually useful power station without dropping a grand, this is the one. $429 is a steal — don't sleep on it.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia 2nd Test online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Australia secured a victory in the first Test match against Sri Lanka. It's only a two-Test tour, so this next matchup really matters. Sri Lanka need to win to level the series before the tour moves on to the ODIs.
If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test)?The 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and Australia takes place from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10. This Test match takes place at the Galle International Stadium.
The full schedule for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka is as follows:
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st Test) — Jan. 29 to Feb. 2
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) — Feb. 6-10
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) — Feb. 12
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) — Feb. 14
The good news for fans is that every ball of this tour is available to live stream for free.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia for freeSri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.
7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 7Plus
Stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 7Plus?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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.
Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.
The best DeepSeek courses you can take online for free
TL;DR: A number of DeepSeek courses are available to take for free on Udemy.
Udemy is the best place to find online courses on a wide range of topics, and that includes super fresh topics like DeepSeek. This new ChatGPT rival has been making headlines in recent weeks, but do you really know how to make the most of this hit AI app.
Do not fear, because you can gain a better understanding of DeepSeek with help from Udemy. And better yet, you can kickstart your learning journey without spending anything.
SEE ALSO: What DeepSeek knows about you — and why it mattersWe've checked out everything on offer from Udemy and lined up a selection of standout DeepSeek courses to get you started. These are the best online DeepSeek courses you can take for free this month on Udemy:
These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only catch. You still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can start learning at your own pace.
Find the best free DeepSeek courses on Udemy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy DeepSeek Courses Free at Udemy Learn MoreNYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 6, 2025
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, February 6, 2025:
AcrossChief Norse godThe answer is Odin.
The answer is Quota.
The answer is Unzip.
The answer is Ices.
The answer is Ten.
The answer is Ounce.
The answer is Dozen.
The answer is Itis.
The answer is Nap.
The answer is Quit.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.
Google scraps diverse hiring targets following Trumps crusade against DEI
Google has become the latest big tech company to scrap diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the wake of President Donald Trump's attacks against such programs.
As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, Google informed employees on Wednesday that it is abandoning hiring targets intended to increase recruitment of workers from underrepresented groups. In an internal email, Google's HR chief Fiona Cicconi stated that the company would no longer aim to improve diverse representation in its workforce, and will be reevaluating its DEI programs.
SEE ALSO: Google deletes policy against using AI for weapons or surveillance"[I]n 2020, we set aspirational hiring goals and focused on growing our offices outside California and New York to improve representation," Cicconi wrote, as shared by The Verge. "We’ll continue to invest in states across the U.S. — and in many countries globally — but in the future we will no longer have aspirational goals."
Cicconi did state that its Employee Resource Groups will remain. However, it seems that Google is otherwise eliminating any mention of diversity, equity, or inclusion.
Last week, Google's "Belonging" webpage explicitly stated that it was taking "targeted action" to address "disability inclusion," "gender equality," "LGBTQ+ inclusion," "racial equality," and "veteran inclusion." It also featured a quote from Chief Diversity Officer Melonie Parker, stating, "Building belonging for everyone means ensuring no one is left out and each person can thrive."
The page has now been updated to remove any mention of Google's previous "key issues," replacing them instead with generic, vague pledges to "better reflect the billions of people who use our products" and "[build] a Google for all of us to build helpful products for everyone."
"To build products that help billions of people reach their goals, we’re bringing together talented people from everywhere and empowering them to do their best work," reads the new quote from Parker. While Parker is still listed as Chief Diversity Officer on her LinkedIn profile, Google now calls her "VP, People Operations," and has removed her pronouns.
Google's Belonging page as of Jan. 31. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google Google's Belonging page as of writing. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google"I want to be clear: we’ve always been committed to creating a workplace where we hire the best people wherever we operate, create an environment where everyone can thrive, and treat everyone fairly," said Cicconi in her memo to Google employees.
"Every year, we review the programs designed to help us get there and make changes. And because we are a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes to our programs required to comply with recent court decisions and U.S. Executive Orders on this topic."
Trump has aggressively worked to dismantle DEI programs since taking office on Jan. 20, signing an executive order terminating all federal DEI programs in one of his first acts as president. Google technically isn't obligated to follow Trump's anti-DEI order, as it is not a U.S. government entity. Even so, it seems as though the tech giant hopes following along will earn it Trump's good graces — as well as help it retain its lucrative government contracts. Earlier this week it was reported that Google has deleted its pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance.
Google's parent company Alphabet also eliminated any mention of diversity, equity, or inclusion from its annual report to the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) on Tuesday. The Guardian reports that prior to this, Alphabet's annual SEC filings had regularly affirmed that it was "committed to making diversity, equity and inclusion part of everything we do and to growing a workforce that is representative of the users we serve" since 2021.
"We're committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities, and over the last year we’ve been reviewing our programs designed to help us get there," Google said in a statement to Mashable. "We’ve updated our [SEC report's] language to reflect this, and as a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders on this topic."
Google's decision follows similar measures at Meta and Amazon, with both cutting DEI programs in the lead up to Trump's inauguration.
Ditch your other cloud storage: Get 1TB for life for just £104
TL;DR: A Koofr 1TB Lifetime Cloud Storage Subscription is on sale for £103.96 (reg. £647.92) at the Mashable Shop when you use the discount code KOOFR.
Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) £103.96 at the Mashable Shop£647.92 Save £543.96 Use code 'KOOFR' Get Deal
So many cloud storage services come with annoying monthly fees. It may feel cheap at first, but those charges really add up over the months and years.
The cheaper alternative is to get cloud storage that lasts for life without needing to pay more than a one-time fee. Right now, you can get a Koofr 1TB Lifetime Cloud Storage Subscription on sale for £103.96 (reg. £647.92). Just be sure to use the code KOOFR.
Pay once for a lifetimeKoofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.
What really stands out about Koofr is how flexible and user-friendly it is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.
Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.
And for keeping your digital space in order, Koofr has some neat features. The Duplicate Finder helps you eliminate unnecessary duplicates, while advanced renaming options let you customise file links. This way, you can keep your files organised and your digital space clutter-free.
Your digital forever homeGive your files a home for life. Get a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription for £103.96 (reg. £647.92) with the code KOOFR.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Turn your telly into a window to the world with MagellanTV documentaries
TL;DR: MagellanTV's lifetime subscription — now £119.96 when you use the code SAVE30 — lets you stream thousands of documentaries forever.
Opens in a new window Credit: MagellanTV MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service: Lifetime Subscription £119.96 at the Mashable Shop£799.10 Save £679.14 Use code 'SAVE30' Get Deal
Forget endlessly scrolling through shows you’ll never watch. With MagellanTV, you get access to thousands of documentaries that inform, entertain, and inspire — and this lifetime subscription lets you enjoy it all for £119.96 (reg. £799.10).
From jaw-dropping true-crime series and deep dives into history to captivating explorations of science and nature, MagellanTV offers a curated selection of premium documentaries you won’t find on other streaming platforms. No filler, no fluff, no adverts — just content that expands your horizons.
Love high-quality visuals? MagellanTV delivers more than 3,000 titles in 4K Ultra HD, so you can immerse yourself in stunning detail while learning about the world’s mysteries, discoveries, and stories. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a history buff, or someone who just loves a good binge, there’s always something fascinating to stream.
Stream smarter, explore endlessly, and enjoy your favourite documentaries whenever you want. It’s a cost-effective way to replace hours of mindless browsing with thought-provoking, bingeworthy content.
For a one-time payment of £119.96 (reg. £799.10), you get lifetime access to MagellanTV’s growing library of documentaries. Just be sure to use the code SAVE30 when you checkout at the Mashable Shop through 23 February.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to watch Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup continues with an interesting first-round matchup between Cavalry FC and Pumas UNAM. The Canadians will be the underdogs in this fixture, but they will fancy their chances of pulling off a shock result in front of their fans.
If you want to watch Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM?Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Feb. 6. This fixture takes place at Starlight Stadium.
How to watch Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM for freeCavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.
Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Mexico
Visit Tubi
Live stream Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM for free
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 Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Tubi?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Mexico
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.
Live stream Cavalry FC vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup has kicked off with some really interesting first-round matchups, and next up is Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara. The Dominican team will need to be at their best to take something from Guadalajara, but anything is possible in tournament football.
If you want to watch Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara?Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Feb. 6. This fixture takes place at Estadio Cibao.
How to watch Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara for freeCibao FC vs. Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.
Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Mexico
Visit Tubi
Live stream Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara for free
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 Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Tubi?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Mexico
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.
Live stream Cibao FC vs. Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
Youre Cordially Invited stars Geraldine Viswanathan and Meredith Hagner get their wedding movie knowledge tested
Geraldine Viswanathan and Meredith Hagner go bride vs. bride in this You're Cordially Invited-themed version of Know Your Role.
New browser syncjacking cyberattack lets hackers take over your computer via Chrome
Hackers have discovered a new way to remotely take control of your computer — all through the Google Chrome web browser.
A report from cybersecurity company SquareX lays out the new multifaceted cyberattack, which the firm has dubbed "browser syncjacking."
Chrome profile takeoverAt the core of the attack is a social engineering element, as the malicious actor first must convince the user to download a Chrome extension. The Chrome extension is usually disguised as a helpful tool that can be downloaded via the official Chrome Store. It requires minimal permissions, further cementing its perceived legitimacy to the user. According to SquareX, the extension actually does usually work as advertised, in order to further disguise the source of the attack from the user.
Meanwhile, secretly in the background, the Chrome extension connects itself to a managed Google Workspace profile that the attacker has set up in advance. With the user now unknowingly signed into a managed profile, the attacker sends the user to a legitimate Google support page which is injected with modified content through the Chrome extension, telling the user they need to sync their profile.
When the user agrees to the sync, they unwittingly send all their local browser data, such as saved passwords, browsing history, and autofill information, to the hacker's managed profile. The hacker can then sign into this managed profile on their own device and access all that sensitive information.
Chrome browser takeoverThe attack up to this point already provides the hacker with enough material to commit fraud and other illicit activities. However, browser syncjacking provides the hacker with the capability to go even further.
Using the teleconferencing platform Zoom as an example, SquareX explains that using the malicious Chrome extension, the attacker can send the victim to an official yet modified Zoom webpage that urges the user to install an update. However, the Zoom download that's provided is actually an executable file that installs a Chrome browser enrollment token from the hacker's Google Workspace.
After this occurs, the hacker then has access to additional capabilities and can gain access to the user's Google Drive, clipboard, emails, and more.
Device takeoverThe browser syncjacking attack doesn't stop there. The hacker can take one further step in order to not just take over the victim's Chrome profile and Chrome browser, but also their entire device.
Through that same illicit download, such as the previously used Zoom update installer example, the attacker can inject a "registry entry to message native apps" by weaponizing Chrome’s Native Messaging protocol. By doing this, the attacker basically sets up a connection "between the malicious extension and the local binary." Basically, it creates a flow of information between the hacker's Chrome extension and your computer. Using this, the hacker can send commands to your device.
What can the hacker do from here? Pretty much anything they want. The attacker will have full access to the user's computer files and settings. They can create backdoors into the system. They can steal data such as passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, cookies, and more. In addition, they can track the user by controlling their webcam, take screenshots, record audio, and monitor everything input into the device.
As you can see, browser syncjacking is nearly completely unrecognizable as an attack to most users. For now, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from such a cyberattack is to be aware of what you download and only install trusted Chrome extensions.
ChatGPT search is now available to all users, even those without an account
OpenAI's ChatGPT web search feature is now available for everyone, even those without an account.
On Wednesday, OpenAI posted on social media platform X to announce that the ChatGPT search feature had officially been rolled out to all users without the need to sign up or log in.
Tweet may have been deletedThe ChatGPT web search feature launched in late October last year. It is integrated directly into OpenAI's ChatGPT AI chatbot at chatgpt.com.
Users simply click the search button to use the search function. ChatGPT then answers their query in a typical conversational AI chatbot fashion. However, ChatGPT also includes relevant information from the Internet, including photos and links citing where it sourced its information. The links are presented in a search engine-esque way.
SEE ALSO: OpenAI launches 'deep research' AI agent for ChatGPTWhen the search feature initially launched, it was only available to paying ChatGPT subscribers. In December of last year, OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT search to all users who were already logged into an account. Now, anyone can use ChatGPT search without an account.
A recent report from search engine optimization company Semrush found that while Google still has billions more search users than ChatGPT, OpenAI's chatbot product was starting to send more and more search traffic to third-party websites.
It will be interesting to observe how users change their online search habits as new options, such as ChatGPT search, become more widely available.
Google makes Gemini thinking model available on the app and launches Gemini 2.0 Pro
The Google Gemini app now includes a reasoning model that shows its "thought process."
On Wednesday, the tech giant announced the availability of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental on Gemini's desktop and mobile versions. In addition to making its reasoning model, 2.0 Flash Thinking, more accessible to users, Google shared other announcements related to the Gemini family: the launch of Gemini 2.0 Pro, expanded access to Gemini 2.0 Flash in AI Studio and Vertex AI, and a low-cost model called Flash-Lite.
SEE ALSO: Google deletes policy against using AI for weapons or surveillance Tweet may have been deletedOver at Google, it looks like business as usual, as the company stays on the course of advancing its AI strategy of incrementally adding more capabilities to its Gemini family. But the introduction of Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite is interesting timing given DeepSeek's disruption last week. DeepSeek spooked the AI industry with its R1 model that's just as capable as competitor models, but made for a fraction of the cost, upending beliefs that more money equals better models.
Google has previously released a cost-efficient model called 1.5 Flash, and CEO Sundar Pichai downplayed DeepSeek's impact on Google in its Q4 2024 earnings call on Tuesday, saying, "For us, it's always been obvious" that models could become more cost-efficient over time. That said, Google plans to spend $75 billion in capital expenditure, which is a huge uptick from $32.3 billion in 2023.
Google's announcements today seem to cover all the bases of AI development: reasoning models, advanced models, and low-cost models.
Announced in December, 2.0 Flash Thinking rivals OpenAI's o1 and o3-mini reasoning models in that it's capable of working through more complex problems and showing how it reasons through them. Previously, it debuted in AI Studio but now has broad availability in experimental mode as a dropdown option in the Gemini app.
Tweet may have been deletedThere's also a version that integrates with YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Search. With this version, the model might opt to search the web for answers, pull up relevant YouTube links, or query Google Maps instead of relying solely on its own training data.
For example, if you ask 2.0 Flash Thinking without app integration, "How long would it take to walk to China?" it would rely on its own knowledge base to reason through the vagueness and various factors involved. But in the version with the aforementioned apps, it immediately goes to Google Maps for answers (as laid out in its "thinking.")
The Gemini 2.0 Pro release is the most noteworthy announcement in terms of technical advancement. According to Google, 2.0 Pro is its most capable model, best for coding and handling complex tasks (not to be confused with 2.0 Flash Thinking, which can also handle complex problems but shows its work.) Gemini 2.0 Pro is available as an experimental version to Gemini Advanced subscribers and in AI Studio and Vertex AI.
Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite has a 1 million token context window and multimodal input and runs at the same speed and price as the earlier 1.5 Flash version, so it packs a punch for its size. Flash-Lite is available in preview mode on AI Studio and Vertex AI.
How to watch Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are number of really interesting first-round matchups in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, including Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL. The Nicaraguan side aren't expected to take anything from this opening leg, but you never know. They could upset the odds.
If you want to watch Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL?Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Independencia.
How to watch Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL for freeReal Estelí vs. Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.
Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Mexico
Visit Tubi
Live stream Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL for free
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 Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Tubi?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Mexico
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.
Live stream Real Estelí vs. Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Forge vs. Monterrey online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Forge vs. Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup showcases some really interesting matchups, including Forge vs. Monterrey. The Hamilton side is hosting this first-leg fixture, and they'll be hoping for an upset.
If you want to watch Forge vs. Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Forge vs. Monterrey?Forge vs. Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at Tim Hortons Field.
How to watch Forge vs. Monterrey for freeForge vs. Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.
Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Forge vs. Monterrey by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Mexico
Visit Tubi
Live stream Forge vs. Monterrey for free
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 Forge vs. Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Tubi?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Mexico
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.
Live stream Forge vs. Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
47 unique gift ideas for men who say they have everything
Whiskey stones, funny T-shirts, and cheap cologne — these might be classic man gifts, but unique gifts for men, they are not. The special guys in your life deserve better. While searching for the perfect gift, you may have learned the hard way that finding unique gifts for men isn’t always such a simple task, especially if they have more eclectic, off-the-beaten-path tastes. To find the perfect present for these types of guys — whether they’re your dad, brother, best friend, boyfriend , or husband — you’ll need to do some creative thinking and get something they would have never thought of buying for themselves. For Christmas, birthday gifts, Valentine's Day, and anniversary gifts, these are our picks for the most unique and interesting gift ideas for your favorite guy.
Take $250 off the Samsung Music Frame and get a fun speaker/photo display combo
SAVE $250: As of Feb. 5, get the Samsung Music Frame for $149.99, down from its usual price of $399.99. That's a discount of 63%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Samsung Music Frame $149.99$399.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal
You might not have heard of it before, but the Samsung Music Frame is a smart speaker that doubles as a photo frame that you can customize to your liking. And it's on sale today at Woot so you can grab one and add it to your home ASAP.
As of Feb. 5, get the Samsung Music Frame for $149.99, down from its usual price of $399.99, at Woot. That's $250 off and a discount of 63%.
SEE ALSO: The best smart speakers in 2025This smart speaker and frame has space for a photo that you can swap in and out like a regular photo frame, but you can change out its bezel color and play music from it. It holds photos that are 10" x 8" or 8" x 8" on the front panel, so you've got options to show off your favorite photo or piece of art.
It's compatible with Dolby Atmos, syncs up with your Samsung TV and speakers, and has the ability to stream music wirelessly with WiFi or Bluetooth-enabled devices. So if you want to use it to listen to a podcast or play your Spotify playlist, you can do that as well.
This is a fun little frame with a powerful speaker that's great for any living space. And at this price, it makes a great gift, too.