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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.
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How to watch Buccaneers vs. Commanders online for free in the UK

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

There are some really interesting matchups in the first round of NFL fixtures, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders.

This first-round fixture sees an intriguing battle between QBs Baker Mayfield and Jayden Daniels. We're not clear on which starting quarterback will come out on top, but we're keen to see how things unfold.

If you're interested in watching Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Buccaneers vs. Commanders?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders starts at 9:25 p.m. BST on Sep 8. This fixture takes place at the Raymond James Stadium.

How to watch Buccaneers vs. Commanders for free

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone in the UK 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 bypass geo-restrictions to access 7plus from the UK.

Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders in the UK by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit 7plus

  5. Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free in the UK

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 top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is obviously a quick fix, but it gives you enough time to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders (plus more NFL fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes an extra three months of coverage, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Giants vs. Vikings online for free in the UK

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

The New York Giants are taking on the Minnesota Vikings in round one of the NFL. There are a lot of interesting matchups in the opening round of the season, and this is no exception. There are plenty of intriguing storylines to keep tabs on, but at the end of the day, the result is what matters most.

If you're interested in watching New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Giants vs. Vikings?

New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings starts at 6 p.m. BST on Sep 8. This fixture takes place at MetLife Stadium.

How to watch Giants vs. Vikings for free in the UK

New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone in the UK 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 bypass geo-restrictions to access RTL+ from the UK.

Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit RTL+

  5. Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free in the UK

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 top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream a number of NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport for free, 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 always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes an extra three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Bears vs. Titans online for free in the UK

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

It is possible to live stream the NFL without spending anything, including the upcoming fixture between the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans. There's a quick and easy hack that provides fans with free access to select NFL fixtures in the UK, and we're here to tell you all about it.

If you're interested in watching Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Bears vs. Titans?

Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans starts at 6 p.m. BST on Sep 8. This fixture takes place at Soldier Field.

How to watch Bears vs. Titans for free

Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but fans in the UK 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 bypass geo-restrictions to access 7plus from the UK.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit 7plus

  5. Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free in the UK

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 top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to watch top NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes an extra three months of coverage for free, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League has thrown together some really interesting matchups, including Portugal vs. Scotland. Portugal will be heavy favorites in this clash, but don't count out the Scots. They were disappointing at Euro 2024, but that's behind them now. They will be keen for a fresh start, and a win over Portugal would certainly lift spirits.

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

When is Portugal vs. Scotland?

Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Estádio da Luz.

How to watch Portugal vs. Scotland for free

Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Portugal vs. Scotland by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Live stream Portugal vs. Scotland 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 Portugal vs. Scotland 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 ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After all the excitement of Euro 2024, the UEFA Nations League feels a little silly. But football fans should quickly get over this feeling when they see the interesting matchups in store, including Switzerland vs. Spain. Everyone will be looking to beat the European champions, but that might be a tough ask.

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

When is Switzerland vs. Spain?

Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Stade de Genève.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Spain for free

Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, 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 Spain, meaning you can access free live streams on RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Switzerland vs. Spain 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Live stream Switzerland vs. Spain 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 Switzerland vs. Spain 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 RTVE?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

  • 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 Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What to expect from Apple event: Phone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 02:57

Wondering what you should expect from Apple's big event? It's fast approaching, bringing us all the latest gadget goodies from the multi-trillion dollar tech giant

Set to kick off on Sept. 9 with the tagline "It's Glowtime," the Apple event is expected to introduce the next generation of several popular devices. Anticipated announcements include the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple AirPods 4.

It also wouldn't be surprising if we got an update on Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI features, particularly with artificial intelligence being the hot trending topic in tech.

We're also hearing scuttlebutt about the unveiling of the iPad mini 7 and the AirPods Pro 3, but these rumors are less convincing.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 16: Every single rumor we know so far What is being announced at the Apple event?

If you're curious about what Apple will unveil soon, here's what the rumor mill is saying.

iPhone 16

Unsurprisingly, the main attraction of Apple's event will be the launch of the new iPhone 16 series.

Credit: Mashable composite; Shutterstock / SkyArtist01, Champiofoto

We've already heard a slew of rumours about the iPhone's next iteration, with reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be the same size as their predecessors. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max's displays will apparently grow by 0.2 inches, measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. The next generation of iPhones will also reportedly have slimmed down bezels.

Another reported change is the implementation of the Action Button across the entire iPhone 16 line. A customisable shortcut button on the side of the phone, the Action Button was previously only seen on Apple's higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 15 line's camera-focused Capture Button will reportedly make its way into the iPhone 16 series as well.

There's also some talk about the iPhone 16 Pro getting solid-state buttons, which offer haptic feedback instead of physically moving. It's unclear whether the Action Button will be one such solid-state button, but it wouldn't be surprising.

Rumours are circulating about the iPhone 16's camera as well. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 series will move to a stacked design for its rear camera, which should improve its performance. Apple may also tackle lens flare and ghosting with an anti-reflective coating on its camera lenses.

The iPhone 16 Pro series will apparently have 5X telephoto zoom, a feature previously only on the 15 Pro Max, while its ultrawide camera will reportedly get a significant resolution bump from the 15 Pro's 12MP to 48MP.

Leaks further suggest that the 16 Pro series will be available with up to 2TB of storage, offering plenty of room for you to keep your 48MP photos. It may also come in a bronzed gold colour option called "Desert Titanium."

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple is also expected to announce its new Apple Watch series. Rumours from multiple sources claim that the Apple Watch Series 10 will get a screen size bump with 45mm and 49mm versions, making its larger size comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For comparison, the Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

There's also a chance that the Apple Watch 10 might be thinner than its predecessor. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working to make its devices notably thinner, with May's iPad Pro just the first of many slimmed down products.

While we aren't expecting to see the iPhone impacted until next year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the Watch 10 will feature a thinner form factor. 

We may also see a new magnetic system for attaching Apple Watch bands, though Gurman notes it's unclear whether it will be ready for the Series 10 or arrive in a future generation.

Featured Video For You A brief history of the iPhone Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be announced, but isn't expected to get a major design change, still rocking the same look from 2022.

Credit: Apple / Mashable Composite

Rumors suggest it may get more case colour options, as well as a new chip alongside the Series 10, but otherwise the next Apple Watch Ultra doesn't seem to be getting much of an upgrade.

Apple has reportedly been working on introducing new health tools to both the Watch and Watch Ultra, including a blood pressure monitor, sleep apnea sensor, and glucose monitor. However, the rumor mill claims that Apple is facing some issues with these sensors delivering accurate readings. As such, there's a lot of uncertainty regarding whether a new heath tool will be featured on the next-gen Apple Watches.

Apple Watch SE 3

According to a new report from Mark Gurman, a new-generation SE is reportedly on the menu for the Sept. 9 Glowtime Apple event.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If you take a look at our Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 face-off, the difference between the two models aren't as stark as you might think.

That said, if you're in the market for a new Apple Watch, and you're not bothered by some missing health features, the Apple Watch SE 3 may be your best bet if you're looking to save some money.

Apple AirPods 4 

The fourth generation of Apple AirPods is expected to arrive in September as well. Apple may replace the AirPods 3 and 2 with new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 options this September.

Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

Both these new AirPods will have updated designs, potentially new colours, and make the switch to USB-C charging. Apple's mid-range AirPods 4 will reportedly have active noise cancellation as well, a feature which the tech giant previously only offered on the AirPods Pro.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

According to a new rumor, the next-generation of the AirPods Pro "is coming."

Tweet may have been deleted

Leaker @Kosutami_Ito on X claims that the AirPods Pro is poised to come with improved active noise cancellation. We don't know for sure how soon the AirPods Pro 3 will get a debut, but the Sept. 9 Apple event may be its reveal date.

We're a little bit iffy about this rumor, however, because a Bloomberg report claims that an AirPods Pro refresh is unlikely to happen until 2024.

iPad mini 7

In addition to the iPhones, Apple Watch models, and AirPods, Gurman claims that Apple may be planning on releasing the iPad mini 7 later this year.

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

How does he figure? Well, in a new tweet, the Apple analyst said the following:

"Many Apple stores are low on stock of the iPad mini in several configs, while the device is considered 'constrained' internally within Apple, I’m told. That could be a sign a new one is coming."

Gurman goes on to say that this could be a sign that a new iPad mini 7 is in the works for 2024. After all, it hasn't been updated since 2021. Gurman also added that it may get an AI-based update, too. However, it's unclear whether it could get revealed at the Apple September 2024 event.

How to watch Apple's September 2024 event

Apple's event will kick off Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT. Fortunately for those of us unable to make it to Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, the keynote will be livestreamed. You'll be able to watch the event on Apple's official website, via the Apple TV app, and on YouTube (video embedded below):

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Watch 10: Did Apple just accidentally leak it in iOS 18?

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 02:11

Want more iPhone 16 news? Check out our oft-updated live blog; we’ll be on the ground in Cupertino covering all things Apple before, after, and during the event.

Want to know what the new Apple Watch Series 10 looks like? You might be able to find out right now using your own iPhone.

A prolific leaker known online as Majin Bu tweeted that Apple may have accidentally leaked a sneak peek of the Apple Watch Series 10 on iOS 18.1.

Apparently, if you try to pair an Apple Watch with a fully updated iPhone, an image that doesn't look like any currently available Apple Watch pops up.

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple September event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more Tweet may have been deleted

I don't have an Apple Watch on hand to test this out, but Majin Bu said the Apple Watch that appears on screen is bigger and has much thinner bezels around the display than anything Apple sells at the moment.

Rumors leading up to the big Apple event on Sept. 9 (where the next Watch is presumed to be announced) have suggested that the next-generation device will have two new sizes: 45mm and 49mm. For reference, the sizes for the current-gen Apple Watch are 41mm and 45mm.

It's a minor leak, but with just a few days to go before Apple lifts the veil off everything, we'll take what we can get.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone 16 rumored colors — every expected shade from 'Pink' to 'Desert Titanium'

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:53

The iPhone 16's colors reportedly span from pink to blue for the entry-level models and Desert Titanium to gray on the Pro variants.

Of course, it's too early to know for sure which shades the iPhone 16 models will come in. However, there are plenty of credible leaks and rumors we can chew on while we wait for the official announcement from Apple at the Sept. 9 Glowtime event.

SEE ALSO: New iPhone 16 Pro color will reportedly be Desert Titanium iPhone 16 colors

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple analyst and leaker, Apple is "shaking up the colors" this year.

Tweet may have been deleted

However, from our perspective, we feel that the phrase "shaking up the colors" is a bit of a stretch. The Cupertino-based tech giant is only swapping one color for another.

The entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are rumored to come in the following colors:

  • Green

  • Pink

  • White

  • Blue

For reference, the colorways for the current-gen, non-Pro models are Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Black. Gurman says that the new White colorway will replace the Yellow one. Interestingly, the Apple leaker didn't mention anything about a Black shade.

iPhone 16 Pro colors

According to Gurman, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models sport the following colorways:

  • Gold Titanium (also known as "Desert Titanium")

  • Black Titanium

  • White Titanium

  • Natural Titanium

The current-gen iPhone 15 Pro models come in Blue Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Natural Titanium. So the "Desert Titanium" colorway is replacing Blue Titanium.

Tweet may have been deleted

As we recently reported, leakers have described Desert Titanium as different shades (i.e., from "dark gold" to "bronze"), so it's difficult to nail down its exact hue. However, Gurman called the color "impressive."

Want more iPhone 16 news? Check out our oft-updated live blog; we’ll be on the ground in Cupertino covering all things Apple before, after, and during the event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Brazilian users flock to Bluesky after Elon Musk's X banned

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 22:38

Elon Musk's X is still banned in Brazil. 

In addition, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has said that any user who attempts to access the former Twitter via VPN faces thousands of dollars per day in fines.

So, Brazilian posters need a new place to, well, post. And it appears many Brazilian X users have found a new online social media platform in the form of X competitor Bluesky.

Last week, just 5 days after Brazil banned Musk's X in the country for failing to appoint a legal representative, Bluesky announced that it had 2.6 million new users join the platform over the previous few days alone.

Bluesky shared that 85 percent of those millions of new user signups were Brazilian.

What a week! In the last few days, Bluesky has grown by more than 2.6 million users, over 85% of which are Brazilian. Welcome, we are so excited to have you here! Here are answers to some common questions about Bluesky:

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) Sep 4, 2024 at 1:26 PM

On Friday, Bluesky announced they hit 3 million new users that morning.

That brings Bluesky's total user base to 9 million, with 50 percent of those users joining the platform just in the past week.

this morning we crossed THREE MILLION new users! that brings our total size to over 9 million people. welcome everyone! we're so glad you're here 🫶 (and yes, video is coming soon)

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) Sep 6, 2024 at 6:14 PM Bluesky's user base grows after Brazil's X ban

Bluesky is an X rival that received a $13 million investment from then-Twitter before Elon Musk acquired the company. However, Bluesky is much smaller than X and its main competitor, the Meta-owned Threads. 

But, even without massive backing from a company that owns both Facebook and Instagram, Bluesky has stayed competitive and is often viewed as the third most popular micro-blogging platform behind X and Threads. Bluesky has become the main platform for certain niches of users like artists and more progressive users who were turned off by Musk's right-wing politics.

Then an invite-only platform, Bluesky amassed 2 million users by November 2023 as some social media users fled X due to Musk's leadership. Bluesky opened to the public and dropped the invite requirement in February of this year.

In May, Bluesky shared that it was approaching 6 million users — having appeared to hit that number in July

It took roughly 8 months for Bluesky to gain 4 million new users, which took them from 2 million users to 6 million. Thanks to Elon Musk and the company's feud with Moraes, Bluesky was able to add 3 million new users in just one week.

So, what's next for Bluesky? In its post sharing its new 9 million user base numbers, Bluesky promised that a long-request feature – video uploads – would soon be coming to the platform.

Plus, it seems like there's no end in sight regarding Musk's feud with Brazil, so it's likely that Bluesky will continue to benefit from X's ban in the country.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New online scam claims to have proof your spouse is cheating on you

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 21:43

You've likely come across the online sextortion scam before.

An email pops up in your inbox with the sender claiming to have obtained your indiscreet photos or videos, such as nudes or sex tapes. For a price, they offer to keep the content private. But, if you don't give in to their blackmail, they threaten to release the photos publicly and send them to your friends and loved ones.

SEE ALSO: Scammers are using pictures of your home to amplify sextortion threats

Despite being well known, scammers continue to utilize this model across the web, which means they are still finding success. But perhaps the scheme's effectiveness is starting to wane as new updated sextortion scams are starting to roll out. 

The latest version of this sextortion scheme has a brand new hook: proof that your spouse is cheating on you. They even use their real name in the scam.

The cheating spouse sextortion scam

One of the earliest public mentions of this new sextortion scam occurred on Reddit just last month.

Reddit user Extension-Bunch9277 posted a screenshot of an email that they received in the r/Scams subreddit. In the email (addressed to Extension-Bunch9277's partner) the scammer uses the Reddit user's real name in the email introduction, and then proceeds to use their spouse's real name. The Reddit user explained that the scammer even included a second last name that they "barely used."

The email claims to have proof that the receiver's spouse is cheating on them and offers to give the user full access to this supposed proof at a linked website. The Reddit user did not click the link, though a replying user posted a couple days later they they had. The sender's email appears to be spoofing an email address attached to 3Bigs, a legitimate healthcare data company. 

Reddit

In the comments on the Reddit post, other Reddit users report recently receiving these emails too. Some share that they received them after only recently getting married. Users also shared that the scammer had access to not only the names they used publicly, but their maiden names too.

The Reddit post was first noticed by cybersecurity news outlet Bleeping Computer.

This is obviously a scam, an updated version of the aforementioned classic sextsextortion scheme. However, it's not clear exactly how this particular version of the scam plays out when a user falls for it. The Reddit user who said they clicked the link reported being taken to a website's login page. They did not continue from there. It's possible that the scam involves a request for payment in order to receive the supposed data. It's also possible that the links lead to a download for the target, which inevitably installs malware on their computer.

Multiple Reddit users on the thread shared that they had recently used the wedding planning platform The Knot. However, it's unclear if there's any connection between the service and the scam. It's also possible that the scammers are utilizing public background check websites for this information. Just last month, Mashable reported on a massive data breach at background check company National Public Data, which leaked sensitive data for 2.9 billion people.

Just earlier this week, Mashable reported on another new sextortion scam first reported by 404 Media. This version of the scam weaponizes images of the target's home address, likely taken off of services like Google Maps, to threaten people into paying a monetary ransom.

Mashable readers who receive these scam emails should not click on any links included in the message.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Disney data breach: Disneyland, Disney Cruise guests and employees personal info leaked

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 20:19

Over the summer, Disney's internal communications channels suffered a data breach. We now know that as a result of this breach, guests and employees were affected, with personal information being stolen by hackers.

Earlier this summer, a hacker group called "NullBulge" gained access to over 1TB of sensitive data from Disney after infiltrating the company's internal Slack channels. Now, a new report by the Wall Street Journal, which viewed the leaked files, has uncovered more about exactly what was in the stolen files.

SEE ALSO: [UPDATE: Disney responds] A death at Disney World leads to legal battle over Disney+ terms of service

The leak consists of more than 44 million messages found in Disney's Slack workplace channels. This also includes around 18,800 spreadsheet files and 13,000 PDFs. The data leaked by the hackers was limited to files Disney employees posted in a Disney Slack channel, with both private and public channels affected. Private direct messages between Disney employees in Slack are also not found in the leak.

While some of Disney's internal company information and financials were part of the trove of stolen data, the most concerning details involve the private data belonging to Disney's theme park and Disney Cruise Line customers and employees.

Disney crew and guests doxxed

The Disney data leaked by hackers includes private information for Disney Cruise Line staff and guests, as well as theme park attendees.

Physical addresses, birthdates, passport numbers, visa information, and even current assignments belonging to Disney Cruise Line crew members were found amongst the data stolen by hackers.

Another file contained names, addresses, and phone numbers tied to passengers on the Disney Cruise Line.

Information on guests at Disneyland was also discovered in the leaked data. It appears a "cluster" of Disneyland guests who had dining reservations at the park had their names and contact information revealed.

It's unclear exactly how many Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line guests and staff have been affected.

Internal Disney streaming, theme park financials

The leak includes new financial information for Disney's streaming service, Disney+.

According to internal spreadsheets found in the leaked data, Disney+ made more than $2.4 billion in revenue in the second quarter of 2024. 

While Disney does publicly report its streaming financial information to investors, as the Wall Street Journal points out, Disney does not disclose exactly how much each of its individual streaming services – Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ – contributes to that overall total. The leaked revenue data reveals that Disney+ contributes 43 percent of revenue for Disney's direct-to-consumer entertainment business, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The leak also includes some very interesting financial details for Disney theme parks. Between October 2021 and June 2024, Disney's add-on theme park service Genie+ brought in more than $724 million in revenue at Disney's Orlando, Florida resort complex, Disney World. Genie+ was a paid service that allowed Disney World guests to skip to the front of the line for the theme park's attractions. Disney replaced Genie+ in July with a similar paid add-on service called Lightning Lane.

Mashable has reached out to Disney for comment, and will update this post if we hear back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube to add tools to detect AI-generated faces and voices

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 18:10

YouTube is building tools to detect AI-generated likenesses of artists like actors and musicians, the company's vice president of creator products Amjad Hanif wrote in a blog post this week. Hanif also repeatedly expressed that YouTube is "committed" to the responsible development of AI tools.

The first of the new tools is "synthetic singing" identification within Content ID, a system of identifying copyrighted music that launched in 2007. Mashable reported back in 2016 that YouTube has paid billions of dollars to rights holders through Content ID, and Hanif reiterated that in this post.

The new technology will apparently be able to detect AI-generated voices of musicians' likenesses. A pilot program is set to start next year.

SEE ALSO: YouTube extends limits to body weight and fitness videos for teens in Europe and UK

YouTube is also developing technology to detect AI-generated content showing the faces of actors, creators, athletes, and the like.

In addition to this announcement, Hanif addressed YouTube and Google (which owns YouTube) using uploaded content to "improve the content experience" through machine learning and the development of AI tools. The company is "committed" to this being "done responsibly," though specifics aren't given. The post also states that the site has implemented safeguards for the use of YouTube's own generative AI tools like Dream Screen, such as preventing certain prompts that violate its policies (though it doesn't explicitly say which prompts).

YouTube is also (once again) committed to assuring that third-party apps respect YouTube's Terms of Service, which prevent certain uses of creator content like scraping.

"We're committed to working with our partners to ensure future advancements amplify their voices, and we'll continue to develop guardrails to address concerns and achieve our common goals," Hanif wrote.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Scan, share, and even fax with this app — £36.54 for life

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 16:41

TL;DR: If you need high-quality scans anywhere, anytime, get SwiftScan VIP. A lifetime subscription to this iOS and Android-compatible OCR scanner is only £36.54 with the discount code SAVENOW

It's time to go back to school, but there's still plenty of time to prepare. If you're still cleaning the papers out of your desk, help this year go differently by getting a scanner that makes short work of digitising your notes, documents, and even books. 

SwiftScan is a simple scanner for iOS or Android devices that produces high-quality scans in seconds. Normally, a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP would be £152.29, but you can get one on sale for £36.54. 

How is SwiftScan different from other scanners?

In the grand colosseum of scanners and scanner apps, SwiftScan may come out on top for a few reasons. First, if you're comparing SwiftScan to a desktop scanner, the app is a great find on price alone. Sure, it can't print your scans like a physical scanner could, but it also doesn't take any desk space and doesn't require expensive ink to access half its functions. 

When it comes to scanning capabilities, the app captures premium quality scans starting at 200 dpi, and it even automatically enhances scan quality with colour filters and auto-optimisation. Trembly hands? There's blur reduction. Once you've scanned your documents, you can save them as a PDF or JPEG. The app also lets you do multi-page scans. Combine that with the OCR capabilities, and you can turn a few pages of your textbook into a digital document you can search. You can even annotate your documents, add signatures, redact text, or reorder pages. 

Don't worry. All those documents don't need to take up your phone's limited memory. SwiftScan integrates with cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox, so you can save or scare your scans seamlessly. Kicking it old school? This scanner can even send a fax. 

Save 70% for a limited time

Get a scanner that doesn't take up any extra room in your office or flat. 

Get a Lifetime Subscription to SwiftScan VIP for £36.54 (reg. £152.29). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription £36.54 at the Mashable Shop
£152.29 Save £115.75 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Mukbang YouTuber Nikocado Avocado returns with new viral video

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 16:20
Nikocado Avocado, a YouTuber known for over-the-top mukbangs, revealed 250 pound weight loss.
Categories: IT General, Technology

How Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara and Justin Theroux prepared for the 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' lipsync scene

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 14:00
Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara and Justin Theroux walk us through the shenanigans they went through to create the incredible lipsync scene in 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice'
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch New Zealand vs. South Africa in the 2024 Rugby Championship online for free

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 11:47

TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. South Africa in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

South Africa came from behind to steal the win over New Zealand in their first Rugby Championship matchup, in what was probably the game of the tournament so far. Can the All Blacks secure the first win over South Africa in this year's competition? It's a tough task, especially on South African soil.

If you want to watch New Zealand vs. South Africa in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is New Zealand vs. South Africa?

The second game between South Africa and New Zealand in the 2024 Rugby Championship kicks off at 11 a.m. ET on Sept 7. This fixture takes place at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.

How to watch New Zealand vs. South Africa for free

You can live stream the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+, including New Zealand vs. South Africa.

The catch is that this free live stream is only available to fans in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine.

If you do not live in one of these countries, you can use a VPN to change your digital location and stream for free. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Rugby Championship on NZR+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 Rugby Championship 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 one of the countries listed above

  4. Visit NZR+

  5. Live stream New Zealand vs. South Africa for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to a free live stream of New Zealand vs. South Africa without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the 2024 Rugby Championship before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Rugby Championship?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live rugby on NZR+ for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream New Zealand vs. South Africa in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 11:47

TL;DR: Live stream Germany vs. Hungary in the UEFA Nations League for free on L'Equipe. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League could present an opportunity for international sides like Germany to take small steps towards recovery. Germany were not poor at Euro 2024, but they have seriously high standards. And any tournament in which they don't fight for the title is seen as a failure.

Hungary lost to Germany in Euro 2024, so they'll be looking for revenge in this UEFA Nations League fixture.

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

When is Germany vs. Hungary?

Germany vs. Hungary in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 7. This fixture takes place at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.

How to watch Germany vs. Hungary for free

Germany vs. Hungary in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on L'Equipe.

L'Equipe is geo-restricted to France, 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 France, meaning you can access free live streams on L'Equipe from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Germany vs. Hungary 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 France

  4. Visit L'Equipe

  5. Live stream Germany vs. Hungary 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 Germany vs. Hungary 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 L'Equipe?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including France

  • 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 Germany vs. Hungary in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Republic of Ireland vs. England in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 11:47

TL;DR: Live stream Republic of Ireland vs. England in the UEFA Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League is back, and it marks the beginning of a new era for England. Lee Carsley has brought in a number of new faces in his role as interim manager, as England look to bounce back after losing in the final of Euro 2024.

If you want to watch Republic of Ireland vs. England in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Republic of Ireland vs. England?

Republic of Ireland vs. England in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 5 p.m. BST on Sept. 7. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

How to watch Republic of Ireland vs. England for free

Republic of Ireland vs. England in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can stream for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Republic of Ireland vs. England by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Republic of Ireland vs. England 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 Republic of Ireland vs. England 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 ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 Republic of Ireland vs. England in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix online for free

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 11:46

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 MotoGP season is going down to the wire, with not much separating Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. And Marc Márquez is still not far behind the leaders, fresh from an impressive victory in Aragon.

All eyes will be on the next race in San Marino. If you're interested in watching the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix?

The MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix takes place at the Misano Circuit. The 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix race starts at 8 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. BST on Sept. 8.

How to watch the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix for free

Every MotoGP 2024 race is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, 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 Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

  4. Connect to ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming 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 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

TikTok is in love with the Ninja Creami, but am I?

Sat, 09/07/2024 - 10:05

The moment even the essence of warm weather hits my skin, it becomes ice cream season. After a sweltering day when the temperature finally breaks, there's nothing like the ritual of getting ice cream as a cold, sweet treat. However, like all little treats, they add up, even when buying pints at the corner store.

So what are you to do? Get a time-extensive ice cream machine that requires long churning? Maybe. But the internet's favorite option offers a more accessible shortcut.

I can't tell you exactly the first time I saw the Ninja Creami on my TikTok feed, but all I know is that my feed is inundated with recipes for this sort of instant ice cream maker. It's unsurprising that it coincides with social media's current obsession with protein, as users are making high-protein ice cream concoctions. The hours I've spent watching people make cottage cheese ice cream are more than I'd like to admit.

So, in the thick of ice cream season, I wanted to get my hands on the Ninja Creami. Not because I'm ready to get my protein ice cream on, but because who doesn't like ice cream on demand?

What is the Ninja Creami?

The Ninja Creami is a 7-in-1 or, in the case of the Ninja Creami Deluxe, 11-in-1 ice cream maker. It makes ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and smoothie bowls with just the press of a button. It even includes the option to add mix-ins. In the case of the Ninja Creami Deluxe, there are also a variety of options to make frozen drinks, a perk if you can't get your hands on the perpetually sold-out Ninja Slushi.

How does the Ninja Creami work?

With each Ninja Creami, you receive at least two 16-ounce pints that you fill and freeze. The Ninja Creami comes with a recipe book to get started; however, a simple search of Ninja Creami recipes will provide you with endless inspiration.

Once you've prepped your bases, which can be crafted from fruit, yogurt, dairy, or alternative milk bases, put them in the freezer to get solid. Ninja recommends freezing your mixes for at least 24 hours, which is more flexible than they imply. I tried pints frozen for eight and 24 hours, and both worked well. The pint frozen for less time was closer to a Frosty texture than classic hard ice cream.

After freezing, the pints are put into a machine, where a blade comes down and spins through the mixture to churn or whip it into the classic ice cream texture. That process takes anywhere from three to six minutes. Once spun, the ice cream should be scoopable, ready to eat, or add mix-ins.

Texture and taste: Some recipes work better than others I sort of felt like the owner of my own ice cream shop. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

When starting with the Ninja Creami, I nearly had decision paralysis because there were so many recipes to try. Having received the Ninja Creami Deluxe, I could make ice cream and a bounty of frozen drink options. However, I focused on the ice cream choices that apply to both the standard and deluxe versions for testing purposes.

The three pints I whipped up included frozen yogurt, Ninja's recipe for a perfect ice cream base, and then just a simple base of Fairlife chocolate milk, the latter of which is protein TikTok's favorite base.

Since I was so eager to try out the Ninja Creami, I started with what I had in my house: a base of Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla extract and a little salt. I only let it freeze for about eight hours and had decent results. I used the frozen yogurt setting, which takes the longest out of any of the others I tried at around six minutes. Flavor-wise, it was what I expected, reminding me of my teenage years during the frozen yogurt boom. I mixed in some cookies for a little high protein cookies and cream situation, and the end result was taste and texturally like a tart McFlurry.

The Fairlife chocolate milk in the Creami is giving Wendy's Frosty vibes. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I was more by the book with the Ninja ice cream base and chocolate milk, letting them freeze for over 24 hours. At my partner's request, I made a salted caramel base to add cookie dough as a mix-in. After giving it one spin, I pulled it out, and it had a weird, almost pebbly texture — think Dippin' Dots type of look. I could smooth it out with a spatula to make it more creamy, but I gave it another spin after noticing that the bottom half of the pint didn't really get spun. To finish it, I added the cookie dough and used the mix-in setting. The cookie dough didn't leave chunks as I had hoped. Instead, it was fully blended into the ice cream, but only the top half. It was still delicious and scooped beautifully. However, texturally, I felt it was a little icy and not as creamy as classic ice cream.

The chocolate milk, on the other hand, was fabulous texturally. It also needed two spins, and the texture turned out like a homemade soft serve, creamy and smooth. However, in terms of flavor, the freezing made the mix lose some flavor, similar to what fellow Mashable reporter Leah Stodart experienced when putting a White Claw into the Ninja Slushi.

Each mix had its ups and downs, none of which were perfect, but all were tasty and good enough.

There are plenty of possibilities — accompanied by some limitations

After making three batches of ice cream, there are endless ways to use the Ninja Creami. However, with as many options as possible, Ninja also cautions against using specific ingredients.

According to Ninja, the number one no-go is using non-fat dairy products. It's not that they won't mix — they will, as evidenced by plenty of Creami users who use non-fat products with success. However, they will be harder once frozen, take longer to spin, and ultimately be less creamy and more icy than full-fat mixes.

Additionally, unlike pints of your favorite Ben and Jerry's, you can't create ripples of peanut butter, caramel, or fudge sauce throughout. Because of the blending mechanic used by the Creami, it would just get blended throughout. This is the same with soft mix-ins, which I found to be true. Things like sandwich cookies and cookie dough just get mixed into the ice creams or frozen yogurts rather than leaving chunks.

It's loud and tedious After mixing once, I refroze the pints and they were rock hard and in need of another spin. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The main thing to consider with the Ninja Creami is its loudness. It's so loud. I'd heard so many people say this about the Creami, so I was prepared, but it was still a bit of a shock when I turned it on for the first time. It's better on shorter cycles, but longer cycles, like frozen yogurt, felt extensive. My cat freaked out as if we'd just turned on the vacuum, and I almost expected a text from my upstairs neighbor asking me to keep it down.

The volume of the Ninja Creami is definitely a huge drawback, especially if you're trying to mix up a late-night batch. However, in addition to being loud, it's pretty inconsistent. I had a different experience with each batch, some mixing easily, others only mixing in the top half. Due to those inconsistencies, I always had to re-spin, making the process (and sound) go on for longer.

Plus, you're not done once you spin your pint and get it to the texture you want. If you don't finish the pint and instead put it back in the freezer, you need to re-spin it every time you want a scoop. Don't be like me and try to scoop a refrozen pint—you'll nearly bend a spoon in half.

It's the ice cream makers for meal preppers

The Ninja Creami is a dream for meal preppers who want to cook for the week ahead to avoid takeout or convenience foods. This is because the Ninja Creami requires a bit of prep work. Don't expect to want ice cream and have it ready within the hour (just go to the corner store in that case).

To use the Ninja Creami, you need at least eight hours of freezing time, so you need to think ahead. For the average person, this might be fine. For the meal preppers, this won't be an issue at all; instead, it's just another thing to add to your routine: prepping your points for the week. The spontaneous among us? Maybe not the best fit.

Is the Ninja Creami worth it? Look at that gorgeous scoop! Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Ninja Creami is fun to use; I get the hype. Rather than going on a trip to get ice cream, you're having a little adventure in your kitchen. If you're a planner and/or an ice cream fanatic, the Creami will be a delightful addition as you plan your pints of the week.

On the other hand, the ice cream from the Ninja Creami will not deliver the rich results you get from classic ice cream. The texture could be a lot better, and you can't get the fun chunky mix-ins or fudge ripples you may expect. It's loud and takes up counter space, and since it is so heavy, it's hard to store.

The Ninja Creami starts at $199.95, the cost of approximately 29 pints of Ben & Jerry's, so it will take quite a while to offset its cost, especially when you consider all the ingredients you need to go into it. However, if you're making several pints a week and you're keen to create pints catered to your diet's needs, it will become worth it far sooner.

For me? I just think it's a fun time.

Ninja Creami $199.99 at Amazon
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Categories: IT General, Technology

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