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Take-Two CEO Gives an Update on GTA 6 Release Date

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:31

Even though there isn’t a specific release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, confirmed that the game is still on track to meet the release window of Fall 2025. This is great news, as some players were expecting a delay.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ace Valentines Day with 15% off at ProFlowers

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:28

GET 15% OFF: Feb. 7th, ProFlowers is offering 15% off on bouquet delivery ahead of Valentine's Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: ProFlowers ProFlowers Get 15% off of bouquet delivery at ProFlowers Shop Now

When Valentine's Day is coming up, finding that perfect bouquet can be stressful (mentally and financially). ProFlowers is making it easy this year by offering two savings options on bouquet delivery.

Right now you can get 15% off flower bouquet delivery on the ProFlowers website. Alternatively, you can choose an option to get $10 off, however this provides less savings since it's only valid on items from $49 and up. We recommend taking advantage of the 15% off coupon while the sale is still live.

SEE ALSO: These Lego Botanicals deals keep blooming, even after Valentine's

Valentine's bouquets include dozens of roses and mixed bouquets with lilies and carnations. If you want to swerve the normal pink and red, the site also features alternative bouquets with delphiniums and eucalyptus.

While Valentine's Day delivery is very much on the table, the savings won't be as deep. ProFlowers charges fees for delivery on Valentine's Day and the day before. Day-of delivery will cost an extra $4.99, while day-before delivery will charge an extra $2.99.

Right now, get 15% off on flower bouquet delivery at ProFlowers.

Whether you're after traditional Valentine's roses, or an ornamental bouquet with with surprising additions, shop ProFlowers now to get 15% off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Work on your fitness goals with 25% off a Fitbit Versa 4 at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:25

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 7, get a Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.95. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

We're several weeks into 2025 already, so if you already broke your New Year's resolutions, it's totally fine. But that doesn't mean you can't start them back up again. If part of your resolution is getting in shape, now's a great time to grab a fitness tracker that can help you reach your goals now that it's on sale.

As of Feb. 7, get a Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.95. That's $50 off and a discount of 25%.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is an excellent pick if you're looking to get more steps in per day, lower your stress, or monitor the quality of sleep you're getting. It has 40 exercise modes, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, and blood oxygen sensor. It can also track your sleep and sleep stages to see if you're actually getting quality shut-eye at night.

Additionally, the Fitbit Versa 4's stress management score is useful for figuring out how you can tackle the day and if there are small ways you can make helpful changes. If you're not exactly into all that, well, you can still use it as a smartwatch and take calls and texts.

If you want to try and make lifestyle changes and see where you're going in terms of fitness, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a no-brainer at this price. And with its help, you can go back and retry your resolutions as many times as you like. No one's judging here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Search AI Mode has started internal testing, report says

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:25

Google is reportedly testing its "AI Mode" for Search internally, which means it might be released soon.

According to 9to5Google, which saw an internal company email, Google employees have been invited to test out AI Mode for Search. A screenshot published by the outlet shows the tool appearing like a supercharged version of AI Overviews combined with the Gemini chatbot interface, all geared toward asking more open-ended questions.

SEE ALSO: Google makes Gemini 'thinking' model available on the app and launches Gemini 2.0 Pro

It seems Google is continuing its effort to put Gemini and AI-powered features absolutely everywhere. Gemini is now embedded in TVs, Androids, Search, Google Workspace apps, as a standalone app, and more. Just this week, Google announced expanded access to its reasoning model Gemini 2.0 Thinking, and a new Gemini 2.0 Pro model for advanced coding.

Based on 9to5Google's screenshot, AI Mode would be a tab that sits next to the News, Images, Shopping, etc. filters. The early look shows a long answer to the question "How many boxes of spaghetti should I buy to feed 6 adults and 10 children, and have enough for seconds?" that showcases its reasoning capabilities, like calculating amount of spaghetti needed based on portion size for kids and adults, etc.

Tweet may have been deleted

Notably, AI Mode takes up the entire page on Google Search. Since it's a screenshot, we don't know if links appear below it, but either way it covers a lot of real estate that sites normally fight tooth and nail to stake their claim on. Instead, in a module on the right, there are links to three sites, presumably where AI Mode sourced its information.

The advent of AI Overviews similarly irked publishers who feared the aggregated AI-generated summaries would whittle down traffic to their own sites. Even more space taken up by AI Mode might ramp up concerns.

That said, AI Mode is reportedly designed with more exploratory questions in mind that can't be easily answered by a quick Google Search. Examples given to employees invited to test AI Mode include, "Compare wool, down, and synthetic jackets in terms of insulation, water resistance, and durability" and "What do I need to get started with aquascaping?"

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stock up with two PS5 accessories and get 20% off purchases of $100 at PlayStation Direct

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:11

BUY TWO ACCESSORIES, SAVE 20% OFF $100+: As of Feb. 7, buy two PS5 accessories at PlayStation Direct and get 20% off your order of $100+.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation Direct Buy two PS5 accessories, get 20% off your order of $100+ Get Deal

Looking to buy some goodies to kit out your PS5? They don't come cheap. Whether you want a new controller or a faceplate for your console, you'll need to part with a little bit of cash. But PlayStation Direct is going to sweeten the deal somewhat for you, especially since Valentine's Day is on the way. This deal might make it a bit more worth your while.

As of Feb. 7, buy two PlayStation 5 accessories and get 20% off your purchase of $100+ at PlayStation Direct. This offer is only available for PS Plus members, and it runs through Feb. 19. You must choose the PS5 accessories only marked with the "deal" badge on them on the PlayStation Direct deal page.

You can choose from a wide variety of goodies, including PS5 Console Covers to switch out the way your console looks, a DualSense Wireless Controller, or even a PlayStation Portal Remote Player. There's plenty that goes toward building the total for your deal, including the DualSense Charging Station.

All you have to do is add qualifying items to your cart and check out, where your discount will automatically be applied. You'll have to sign in via your PlayStation account wit a valid PS Plus subscription. This is a great time to share the love and get your Player 2 outfitted with everything they want this time of year, and it's not a bad option to save some money, either.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The E3 Gaming Convention Is Getting a Reboot

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:08

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which used to organize the E3 event, is starting a new summit called IICON 2026. This event will focus on how interactive entertainment connects with different industries.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Readers rejoice: The Kindle Colorsoft is $50 off at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 18:06

SAVE $50 + GET 3 MONTHS OF FREE KINDLE UNLIMITED: The new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) is on sale for $229.99, down from the typical price of $279.99. This 18% discount matches the lowest price we've seen at Amazon. This deal also includes three months of free access to Kindle Unlimited.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $229.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $50.00 with 3 months of free Kindle Unlimited Get Deal

It's no secret the Amazon Kindle is one of the most popular e-readers on the market, and for good reason. Amazon packs in the features of these lightweight digital readers and the display is impressively similar to reading an actual physical page. But if you prefer your pages with a pop of color, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 7, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) is on sale for $229.99, marked down from the list price of $279.99. That means you'll save $50 with this 18% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen at Amazon. This deal also includes free access to Kindle Unlimited for three months, which typically costs $11.99 per month, saving you a total of $35.97 over the three months. Bundled together, the deal takes $85.97 off the Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Unlimited subscription.

SEE ALSO: The latest Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for the first time this year

The Kindle Colorsoft's 7-inch display brings full colors to your reading experience. Of course, this makes book covers look great, but it also gives a huge benefit when enjoying graphic novels, comics, and magazines.

The Kindle Colorsoft also allows you to highlight text in pink, orange, yellow, or blue. That makes this Kindle an awesome option for book club meetings since you can easily flag and then highlight specific passages.

Amazon also mentions the Colorsoft has pretty impressive battery life, lasting for up to eight weeks before you'll need to charge up with a USB-C cable. Recharging takes under 2.5 hours. Plus, this model is waterproof, which makes it spring-break worthy for poolside reading.

Kindle Unlimited gives you untethered access to over four million digital titles, including bestsellers. Since the Colorsoft Signature Edition has 32GB of storage space, you'll have plenty of room to hold thousands of books.

Gift yourself or your sweetheart the Kindle Colorsoft this Valentine's Day and opt for a gift that lasts longer than chocolates or flowers. With today's deal at Amazon, you'll save $50 off the normal price while also getting three months of access to Kindle Unlimited to kickstart your new reading obsession.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These Lego Botanicals deals keep blooming, even after Valentines

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:50

TLDR: Feb. 7th, Amazon is cutting prices on Lego Botanicals flowers by 20% just in time for Valentine's, including Lego Botanicals Roses, Lego Sunflowers, and Lego Orchids.

The best Lego Botanicals deals at Amazon Best Lego Botanicals Valentines deal overall Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses $47.99 (Save $12) Get Deal Best small Lego Botanicals deal Lego Sunflowers $11.99 (Save $3) Get Deal Best Lego Botanical deal with flower pot Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.99 (Save $10) Get Deal

Lego flowers don't wilt. Valentine's Day is coming up in one week, on Feb. 14th. Flowers are an enduring symbol of care — but some flowers are even more enduring.

Right now, Amazon is providing a stand-out Valentine's gifting opportunity, with select Lego Botanicals sets on sale for 20% off. If you're looking for a bouquet that's eternal, use this deal to get a Bouquet of Roses or one of the other Lego sets that's currently on sale.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away a Valentine's Day Heart for free. Here’s how to get yours. Best Lego Botanicals Valentine's deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There's little that says Valentine's Day more than a rose, so this Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses deal comes right on time. With 12 roses at different stages of blooming, the set can be collected in a vase or scattered around the home.

Right now the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.99 for a savings of $12, or 20%.

Best small Lego Botanicals deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Sunflowers $11.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $3.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Sunflowers are emblems of summer — what better way to bring sunlight to an apartment in February? This small Lego Botanicals set includes two sunflowers. With 191 pieces, it's a simple set to build and makes a good gift for the Lego fan who likes a shorter building session.

Currently, these Lego Sunflowers are on sale for $11.99, saving you 20%, or $3.

Best Lego Botanical deal with flower pot Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Orchids thrive in humid climates, but elsewhere these plants are difficult to grow — February in the Midwest for example? No, that's probably not going to work. The Lego Botanicals Orchid set on the other hand will bloom anywhere.

This Lego Botanical set comes with a flower pot, so you won't need a separate vase to display this orchid. Currently the Lego Botanicals Orchid set is on sale for $39.99 saving you $10.

Other Lego Botanicals sets we like
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Slash $50 off the first-ever Kindle with a color display

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:48
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Feb. 7: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349 (save $80) Get Deal BEST GAMING DEAL Amazon Luna controller $49.99 (save $20) Get Deal ANOTHER E-READER DEAL Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $54.99 (save $85) Get Deal

You've made it through the first week of February. You deserve a little treat, and we've rounded up the best discounts at Amazon today to help you find the perfect one. From Kindle to Bose, some of our favorite gadgets are down to their best prices ever (or at least pretty close).

Here are our picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Feb. 7. If these aren't sparking your interest, take a look at our picks from Feb. 5 and Feb. 6. Many of those discounts are still live, including a 13-inch iPad Air at its lowest price ever and $50 off Fitbit's fanciest smartwatch.

Our top pick: Kindle Colorsoft Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

A few months ago, Amazon revealed its first ever Kindle with a color display after nearly two decades, dubbed the Colorsoft. It's a seven-inch waterproof e-reader with a glare-free display that also supports a full spectrum of color. It also packs an auto-adjusting front light, eight weeks of battery life, 32GB of storage, and wireless charging. And did we mention there's no lockscreen ads? As of Feb. 7, it's got only its second-ever discount at Amazon. Snag it for just $229.99 instead of its usual $279.99. That's 18% in savings.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones top our list of the most comfortable headphones we've tested — and we've tested a lot. They also happen to deliver excellent battery life, rich sound, and "perfectly good ANC," according to our reviewer Sam Mangino. They usually cost $429, but as of Feb. 7, you can slash 19% off and pick up a pair for $349 at Amazon.

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

Amazon Luna controller Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Luna controller $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Luna controller is a gamepad designed specifically for use with Amazon Luna. Although it's technically optional for the Luna gaming experience, our friends over at PCMag (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) consider it a "must-have." It has a separate WiFi connection that reduces input lag as you play and streamlines the whole cloud gaming experience. It's usually $69.99, but is down to $49.99 as of Feb. 7. It also comes with a free month of Luna+ for newbies.

Kindle Paperwhite Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Mashable's resident Kindle expert Sam Mangino considers the latest Kindle Paperwhite not only the best Kindle, but "the best e-reader overall." It dropped in October alongside the new Colorsoft with some long-awaited upgrades. It's compact and lightweight, waterproof, features a responsive interface with adjustable warmth that's good for your eyes, and is the fastest Kindle yet. It's on sale for only $134.99, down 16% from $159.99, as of Feb. 7. That's just $5 shy of its best price ever.

Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite (2024).

Amazon Echo Buds with ANC Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $54.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal

When the third-generation Echo Buds dropped in 2023, the 2021 Echo Buds became the "Echo Buds with ANC." While they're a handful of years old, they still hold up with a comfortable build, effective noise cancellation, and solid sound quality. The battery life is just average, but if you're looking for budget earbuds that can quiet the noise around you, they're basically a no-brainer. "It's not unusual for Amazon's self-made products to come in at cheaper prices than the competition, but in this case, the product's quality is high enough to bring serious value," Mashable's Alex Perry writes in his review. Usually $139.99, the buds are on sale for only $54.99 at Amazon as of Feb. 7. That's 61% in savings.

Read our full review of the Echo Buds with ANC.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to scale a business without a big budget

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:43

Growing a business without the cushion of a big budget might seem challenging, but numerous entrepreneurs have proven it’s possible. By leveraging their creativity, grassroots marketing, and low-cost tools, they’ve been able to scale their businesses organically without relying on heavy investment in marketing. Their journeys offer practical advice on how small businesses can expand effectively while keeping costs low.

Shaun Merritt, Co-Founder and COO of Ruck Delivery, embraced grassroots marketing to grow his businesses. He started by building relationships on construction sites, busting out a griddle and cooking up Costco hot dogs to introduce his services to potential customers. 

“It started out just rolling up to friends or family who needed things moved,” he says. “Then expanded to showing up at job sites." 

This hands-on approach built trust and rapport, allowing him to grow his customer base without spending on traditional marketing.

SEE ALSO: When to hire a bookkeeper, according to experts

Similarly, Stefanie Ricchio, Founder of SRBC, relied on her expertise and thought leadership to connect with her audience. Rather than paying for ads, she focused on public speaking, webinars, and content creation. 

“I recognized that what I really loved was being able to take 25 years of experience and guide and help. So I started to lean into thought leadership. I know we cringe now when we hear that word, but I love public speaking. I love webinars. I love working brands. The last couple of years has really been about honing in on that expertise and building content, and now working towards building an app.”

By sharing her knowledge, she was able to grow her business and establish credibility in her industry without significant financial outlay.

Both Merritt and Ricchio used low-cost tools and social media platforms to get the word out about their businesses. For Merritt, Facebook proved to be a powerful tool for engaging with his blue-collar audience.  

“A lot of these older builders and pros, they're still hanging out on Facebook and they have their Facebook networking that they've done,” says Merritt. “So it's a good opportunity to dive into Facebook groups and be an active contributor, whether you're liking something, commenting on what other people post, or if we're trying to figure out a pro that we could refer to somebody who's looking for a specific service. That's been a strategy that's helped our growth.”

In addition, Merritt’s business model showcases the power of leveraging local resources to scale without major investment. By creating a multi-sided marketplace that connects suppliers, drivers, and customers, he was able to grow his delivery service without the expense of owning a fleet or large storage facilities. Instead, he hires local contractors with trucks who might otherwise have idle equipment. 

"We're able to onboard them really quickly, and then take advantage of local delivery routes that can be set up really easily and affordably," says Merritt.

Ricchio, on the other hand, used free or low-cost digital tools to build a brand presence and showcase her expertise while connecting with potential clients.

“I started to realize pretty quickly that I could leverage social media like Instagram and LinkedIn for that thought leadership piece to get my ideas out there,” says Ricchio. “Then the website for me became the tool with the details. On the website there was a little bit more. If you want to talk to me about your business and building it, that's where you could make that happen. That grew into adding resources, but it was all relatively inexpensive or free.”

By building trust through thought leadership and providing valuable insights to her audience, Ricchio was able to attract new clients without spending a lot on marketing. 

Recognizing your value and charging appropriately is key to sustainable growth, as Ricchio discovered during her journey. Initially, she accepted lower rates, but once she understood the value her expertise brought to her clients, she increased her rates by 150-175%. This not only boosted her revenue but also allowed her to work fewer hours. 

“I wasn’t working 40 to 50 hours because I wanted to hit these magic target numbers,” she says. “I can work 30 hours and my business has grown 20 to 30% in revenue year over year, every single year.”  Scaling doesn’t always mean working harder – it can mean working smarter.

Both Merritt and Ricchio emphasize the importance of using technology, but in a way that’s aligned with the needs of their businesses and audiences. Merritt’s blue-collar clientele might not be as tech-savvy, so he focuses on accessible platforms like Facebook and Craigslist, avoiding overly complex digital tools. 

“A lot of the people that we're wanting to cater to are blue collar people, and that doesn't mean that they don't embrace technology all the time, but it does mean that there is a little bit of resistance to changes that occur, or even using the most up-to-date version of an app,” he says. “So right now, we're still going to stick with what's working.”

For Ricchio, low-cost digital tools were crucial in the early days. By starting with simple systems and platforms, she was able to keep costs low while still building her online presence. For small businesses, the key is to embrace technology that fits the business and customer base, without feeling pressured to adopt every new trend.

Adaptability is a vital lesson both Merritt and Ricchio spoke of, saying that staying flexible and open to learning is crucial for small business owners navigating growth without a big budget.

Ricchio advises entrepreneurs to really focus on understanding their business before scaling. "The best will happen when you actually have a strong understanding of what your business is.”

Finally, having the right business partner can provide complementary skills, support, and shared vision, making it easier to overcome challenges and achieve success together in business. Merritt says he couldn’t have grown Ruck to where it is without his co-founder, Lee Chang. 

“I couldn’t have done anything without him.”

Categories: IT General, Technology

When to hire a bookkeeper, according to experts

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:38

One of the best parts of running a small business is the pride of getting everything off the ground yourself. Not everyone has the vision and drive required to successfully take a concept and bring it to life. And the thought of hiring external staff, like a bookkeeper, can feel a bit daunting.

“Early on, when you’re just starting out, it’s manageable to track everything yourself or use basic software. But as your business grows, you might find that managing all those invoices, payments, and expenses becomes overwhelming,” explains Steven Kibbel, certified financial planner and founder of Kibbel Financial. “I’ve seen small business owners who wait too long to address this and end up with errors in their books, missing payments to vendors, or even misreporting revenue.”

SEE ALSO: The 20 best tools for starting your own business

Sure, you might pride yourself on running a lean business, but a good bookkeeper should be seen as an investment, one that helps you track and retain more of your hard-earned money and frees up your time to focus on what you’re best at.

If you’ve been wondering whether or not you need outside help to track and manage your small business expenses and income, you’ll want to read on. Here are the tell-tale signs that it might be time to hire a bookkeeper, according to a certified financial planner and a small business tax advisor.


1. When you’re unable to keep track of the inflow and outflow of cash

“As your business grows, managing your own books can quickly become overwhelming. You might lose track of who owes you money, miss vendor invoice deadlines, and struggle to accurately track cash flow,” says Alex Cook, VP of Small Business Tax at Block Advisor. “Reliable cash flow management is crucial for making informed business decisions that ensure long-term success. However, if bookkeeping isn't your strength, it can hinder your progress.” 

According to Cook, untangling financial messes on your own can consume valuable time that could be better spent on sales and revenue generation. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to outsource your accounting to a trusted provider.

2. When bookkeeping starts eating into your time

Another big trigger is when bookkeeping starts eating into the time you should be spending on running and growing your business. “I worked with a client who owned a small retail shop, and she told me she was staying up until midnight every night trying to reconcile her accounts. That’s time she could have spent sourcing new inventory or marketing her business,” explains Kibbel. “Hiring a bookkeeper freed her up to focus on the creative side of her business, knowing her finances were in good hands.”

3. When you go international

Financial complexity is another issue. Think about it like this: If you start hiring employees or expanding into new markets, you’ll start dealing with payroll taxes, inventory tracking, or even multi-state sales tax compliance, which you might not be entirely proficient in. This is where a bookkeeper becomes invaluable because they can handle those details while keeping your records clean and accurate. “One of my clients who runs a small e-commerce business hit this point when she started selling internationally. The tax and currency issues got complicated fast, and she realized it wasn’t something she could keep doing on her own,” says Kibbel.

4. When tax season becomes a headache

“Tax season is a huge pain point for a lot of small business owners,” says Kibbel. “If you find yourself scrambling to pull together receipts and records, or worse, missing out on deductions because your books aren’t organized, it’s probably time to hire someone.”

“I’ve seen business owners save thousands in taxes because a bookkeeper ensures everything is categorized properly and ready for the CPA to review,” adds Kibbel. “And if you’ve ever been hit with a penalty for missing a tax deadline, you know how costly that can be.”

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Ultrawide Monitors of 2025

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:30

An ultrawide monitor can be a real boon for work and play, offering premium real estate for all your endeavors with state-of-the-art visuals. But unless you know exactly what you're looking for, pinpointing the right ultrawide monitor can be a time sink.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Manchester United vs. Leicester City online for free

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:23

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup fourth round includes some really interesting matchups, including Manchester United vs. Leicester City. Neither side is looking particularly strong right now in the Premier League, so this competition can provide a welcome distraction.

If you want to watch Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester United vs. Leicester City?

Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7. This fixture takes place at Old Trafford.

How to watch Manchester United vs. Leicester City for free

Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup 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 handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Manchester United vs. Leicester City 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 Manchester United vs. Leicester City 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 Manchester United vs. Leicester City without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game 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 Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop by Starbucks on Monday and score a free hot or iced brewed coffee

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:21

CELEBRATE STARBUCKS MONDAY: After the big game on Sunday, take advantage of Starbucks Monday on Feb. 10, which offers a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee to all Starbucks Rewards members. Signing up for the membership is free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Starbucks Free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee Starbucks Rewards membership required Learn More

You might be feeling a bit extra slugging this coming Monday morning. Your plans might involve celebrating well into the night if your team wins Sunday's big game, or maybe you're up late enjoying the accompanying snacks. Whatever the reason, Starbucks has us all covered come Monday morning.

On Monday, Feb. 10, all Starbucks Rewards members are welcome to stop into Starbuck and cash in on a free 12-ounce (tall) hot or iced brewed coffee. To grab your free coffee on Starbucks Monday, you'll need to be a member of the Starbucks Rewards program by 11:59 pm PT on Feb. 9, which is free to join.

There's no better way to start off a Monday morning that with free coffee, and that's exact what we're being treated to during the upcoming Starbucks Monday. At any time on Monday, Feb. 10, stop by your local Starbucks to get yourself a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee.

The one catch here is that you'll need to be a member of the Starbucks Rewards program, which is free to join. You'll need to sign up for the membership before the clocks strikes 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday Feb. 9. After that, here's how to cash in on your free coffee:

If you're ordering via the Starbucks app for pickup, apply the Starbucks Monday coupon when placing your order. If you'll be ordering in store or in the drive-thru, let your barista know you'll be using your free Starbucks Monday coupon.

Keep in mind this deal only allows for one free 12-ounce (tall) brewed coffee per Starbucks Rewards member. You won't be able to snag a Nitro Cold Brew or Cold Brew, either. And additions like syrup will come at a charge. The deal is also not valid on delivery orders.

After the big game on Sunday, treat yourself to a free Starbucks brewed coffee on Monday. It'll be a great way to start your week regardless of how you feel about the game's outcome.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime members: Get game time wings delivered for 10% off from Grubhub

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:19

SAVE 10%: Through Feb. 17, Amazon Prime members get 10% off orders of $30 or more at Grubhub. Use code GET10 at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grubhub Amazon Prime members get 10% off at Grubhub Runs Feb 7-17. Use code GET10 at checkout on orders of $30+. Get Deal

When the Big Game comes on, you won't want to peel your eyes away from the screen. Not only do you not want to miss a single play, but even the commercials provide endless entertainment. Luckily, dinner is just a few clicks away on your phone. While you stay on the couch, dinner shows up straight to your dinner. And right now, Grubhub is offering extra savings for Amazon Prime members.

Starting in May 2024, Grubhub+ officially became a full-time perk to Amazon Prime members. Grubhub+ plus gets you $0 delivery in addition to lower service fees. But right now, the savings for Amazon Prime members are even bigger. Through Feb. 17, Amazon Prime members receive 10% off orders of $30 or more. To get these savings, make sure to add code GET10 at checkout.

SEE ALSO: The Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker just dropped to under $80 at Amazon

To take full advantage of your Amazon Prime membership and get GrubHub+, make sure your Prime and Grubhub accounts are linked. Once linked, visit the Grubhub+ landing page and start your order. It's the perfect opportunity to save 10% off food orders for the Big Game.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Draft With Copilot Is Invading Your Word Document

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:15

Microsoft has announced a significant change to Copilot's visibility in Word for the web. It forces the Copilot icon to sit permanently in the margin next to the line where your cursor is placed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Heart Eyes Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt reveal which slasher villains they would Fix or Dump

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 17:00

Heart Eyes stars Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt go back-and-forth debating which iconic movie slashers they would either dump or try to fix.

Heart Eyes is now in theaters.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 8 Best Google Keep Note Features You Must Try

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 16:30

At first glance, Google Keep might seem like a basic app—just a place to jot things down. But once you start exploring its features, you'll realize it's packed with tools designed to make your life easier. Here are some of the best Google Keep features that will elevate your productivity game.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats new to streaming this week? (Feb. 7, 2025)

Mashable - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 16:27

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for animated adventures, health scammer drama, or a truly ambitious biopic, we've got something just for you.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

7. Kinda Pregnant

Trainwreck's Amy Schumer is back, and using her brash and bawdy brand of humor to tackle the sacred cow of pregnancy. In this rom-com, she stars as Lainy Newton, a middle-aged grade school teacher who's struggling to settle down because she hasn't met the right guy. Meanwhile, her bestie since childhood (Jillian Bell) is married and expecting, as is the Gen Z TikTok influencer (Lizzie Broadway) who drives Lainy bonkers on the daily. So, what's a girl to do except pretend to be pregnant around strangers to score some compliments and kindness when she's desperately in need of both? 

Featured Video For You Amy Schumer and the 'Kinda Pregnant' cast allow a Paper Magic 8 Ball to interview them

However, this cringe-worthy coping mechanism becomes a real problem when Lainy meets a charming Zamboni driver (Will Forte, who should be in more rom-coms immediately) and his cool sister (Brianne Howey) — while wearing a foam belly. A screwball comedy about love, sex, jealousy, and yoga farts, Kinda Pregnant is true to Schumer's form, but only fitfully funny. Too many bits feel tired or tawdry. However, the romance subplot was enough to keep pulling us back in. Maybe not suited for a Netflix and Chill night, but a chill girls night, or a movie to throw on while folding laundry? — K.P.

Starring: Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Lizzie Broadway, Brianne Howey, Urzila Carlson, and Will Forte

How to watch: Kinda Pregnant debuts on Netflix on Feb. 6.

6. The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl 

Last May, Disney celebrated 30 years of The Lion King with a special concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which honored not only the Oscar-winning 1994 animated movie, but also the Broadway musical adaptation, the 2019 live-action remake, and its prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King. This meant that gathered together were members of the original cast, like Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Jason Weaver, and Ernie Sabella, as well as members of the remake's ensemble, like Billie Eichner, as well as Broadway luminaries Heather Headley and Bradley Gibson, composer Lebo M, and EGOT-achiever Jennifer Hudson. Now, Disney+ is bringing all of this and more into your home in a one-hour-and-seven-minute presentation. 

Behind-the-scenes clips of the makings of these movies and this event are interspersed with the recorded live performances of all of those above, intercut with the elated reactions of the fans and celebrities present. (Keep an eye out for Craig Robinson, Mark Ruffalo, and the Kardashian clan, as they stand up and cheer in different sections of the show.) As teased in the trailer, the incredible costumes from the Broadway show are combined with projections and sheer star power to bring fresh life to long-beloved songs. Props to Lane and Sabella, who are as silly and seemingly spontaneous as Timon and Pumbaa were at their best. Personally, my favorite moment is Irons, dressed in boho business attire, singing "Be Prepared" as dancers dressed as hyenas swarm the stage and trek out into the audience. But I've always loved a biting villain song. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring:  Lebo M, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Jason Weaver, Ernie Sabella, Billy Eichner, Heather Headley, Bradley Gibson, North West, and Jennifer Hudson

How to watch: The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl debuts on Disney Plus on Feb. 7.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Netflix brings the true story of Australian influencer and scammer Belle Gibson (Booksmart's Kaitlyn Dever) to life in Apple Cider Vinegar. Belle built a wellness empire — complete with an app and cookbook — after she claimed she was treating her brain cancer with a healthy diet. But in reality, she never had cancer. The limited series intertwines her monstrous lie with the story of rival influencer Milla Blake (Alycia Debnam-Carey, It's What's Inside), who actually has cancer and is opting for a bogus all-natural treatment plan.

But while the highly stylized Apple Cider Vinegar tries to make points about how wellness grifters thrive off of the rise of social media, it ultimately lacks the depth to tackle this topic fully. As I wrote in my review, "Apple Cider Vinegar co-opts the aesthetics of aspirational social media posts in order to highlight just how big a role these platforms played in Belle's rise. But in making use of this visual language, is it really commenting on how shallow and artificial influencers' posts can be? Or is it falling prey to that very same artificiality?" — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Mark Coles Smith, Ashley Zukerman, Susie Porter, Matt Nable, Phoenix Raei, Chai Hansen, Richard Davies, Essie Davis, Kieran Darcy-Smith, Catherine McClements

How to watch: Apple Cider Vinegar debuts on Netflix on Feb 6.

4. We Live in Time

The heart-wrenching romance drama starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield hits Max this week, and if you didn't weep in cinemas through We Live in Time, now's your chance in the privacy of your own home. Pugh and Garfield play Almut and Tobias, two people who meet, fall head over heels, and start their life together — the film bounces between past and present, through tender snapshots of their relationship. But life throws deeply unfair turns at us, as they figure out how to manage the cruelest of mistresses, time.

SEE ALSO: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield on how food is used as a form of intimacy in 'We Live in Time'

Despite the amount we cried over the film (who couldn't?), we didn't fall as hard for it as we'd hoped. Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "On paper, We Live in Time seems thoughtfully formulated to be the perfect tearjerker for today. John Crowley, the celebrated helmer of the stunning Saoirse Ronan romance Brooklyn, teams with heralded actors/internet darlings Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in a weepy romance of wooing and tragic loss. And yet, while peppered with sex scenes and adoring close-ups, this is not a hot or even sweaty embrace of lust and love, but a soggy handshake of a film that underwhelms despite its star power." — S.C.

Starring: Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield, Lee Braithwaite, Grace Delaney, Aoife Hinds, Adam James, Douglas Hodge, Niamh Cusack, Amy Morgan, Lucy Briers

How to watch: We Live in Time is streaming on Max Feb. 7.

3. Piece By Piece

One of the most ambitious ways to do a biopic, Pharrell Williams' Piece By Piece is coming to Peacock. The music icon's life and career is traced using Lego mini figures, recreating both his childhood, emergence into music, his work with N.E.R.D., production as The Neptunes, and meteoric rise to superstardom. There's plenty of appearances from the epic collaborators among Williams' career, with cameos from Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, Daft Punk, Gwen Stefani, and more.

SEE ALSO: Why Pharrell Williams made his biopic ‘Piece by Piece’ a Lego movie

As Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "Piece By Piece is a winsome reinvention of the music biopic. Animation is enthusiastically employed to bring the audience into the experience of being Pharrell Williams. The colorful blocks not only allow the construction of musical beats to become a physical act rather than an abstract idea, but also give a Ratatouille-like understanding of how this art form affects its hero."

Starring: Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani, Morgan Neville, Timbaland, Tyler, the Creator, Pusha T, Daft Punk, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake

How to watch: Piece by Piece is streaming on Peacock Feb. 7.

2. Invincible Season 3

Truly embodying its title, Invincible is back! Season 3 of the animated adaptation of Robert Kirkman's comics sees the return of Mark Grayson aka Invincible (voiced by Beef's Steven Yeun) and all the carnage that usually accompanies him. We meet Mark being put through his paces by the Global Defense Agency's Cecil Stedman (Walton Goggins) in an attempt to power up in preparation for another Viltrumite face-off. And things just get more chaotic from there (as is the Invincible way). — S.C.

Starring: Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Walton Goggins, Simu Liu, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Aaron Paul, Kate Mara, Xolo Maridueña, John DiMaggio, Tzi Ma, Christian Convery, Andrew Rannells, Sterling K. Brown, Zazie Beetz, Chris Diamantopoulos, Zachary Quinto, Melise, Grey Griffin, Ross Marquand, Seth Rogen

How to watch: Invincible is now streaming the first three episodes of Season 3 on Prime Video, with new episodes weekly.

1. Clean Slate 

What happens when legendary TV producer Norman Lear (All in the Family) teams up with four-time Emmy-nominated Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox? You get Clean Slate, a terrifically funny and heart-warming sitcom about a Black family in Alabama reconnecting across cultural collisions.

Cox stars as Desiree Slate, who after crashing and burning as a New York City gallerist comes home to her widowed father, a caring but recklessly big-mouthed carwash owner named Harry (George Wallace). Her arrival is a surprise on two fronts: 1) they've been estranged for 23 years and 2) she's since come out as a trans woman. In this endearing series, the two learn to communicate across the generation gap, tackling everything from the confounding nature of chia seed pudding to how to deal with a transphobic pastor. Bouncy and smart, Clean Slate is a sitcom true to Lear's vision of America, as a melting pot of ideas, identities, and families who are family — even when they frustrate the hell out of each other. — K.P.

SEE ALSO: 'Clean Slate' review: Norman Lear and Laverne Cox team up for a fresh twist on a classic sitcom formula

Starring: Laverne Cox, George Wallace, Telma Hopkins, D.K. Uzoukwu, Jay Wilkison, and Norah Murphy

How to watch: Clean Slate debuts on Prime Video on Feb. 6.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Extract Images from PDF Files

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/07/2025 - 16:15

Portable Document Format (PDF) files can contain images, but extracting those images for use in other applications is an annoying process. Here are a few ways to do it across Windows, Mac, and desktop Linux.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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