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The roborock Q5 Pro+ just got its biggest-ever discount at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:03

SAVE $400: As of Feb. 5, the roborock Q5 Pro+ is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a 57% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q5 Pro+ $299.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum is on your wishlist, you'll love this latest deal on the roborock Q5 Pro+. As of Feb. 5, you can grab a 57% discount on this impressive model. Previously priced at $699.99, it is now down to just $299.99.

And for $299.99, you're getting a great device. Equipped with a DuoRoller system, this vacuum picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair easily, whether it's on carpet or hard floors. It also boasts a powerful 5500 Pa HyperForce suction power, meaning it can pick up nearly all kinds of dirt.

SEE ALSO: For America's lonely seniors, robot pets are more than a novelty

The best thing of this robot vacuum is how low-maintenance it is — not only does it self-empty, but the dustbin has a 2.5-liter storage, so you'll only need to empty it around every seven weeks. The voice controls are also a big plus: Whether you use Alexa, Google Home, or Siri, it'll work for them all.

It even uses PreciSense LiDAR Navigation to map out paths in your home. The clever 3D mapping allows the vacuum to navigate its way around your home with no help, avoiding obstacles and convenient cleaning routes.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Pachuca vs. León online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: Live stream Pachuca vs. León in Liga MX for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

León have a perfect record in the Clausura stage of Liga MX. They've won four from four so far, but next they face unbeaten Pachuca. Both sides have made impressive starts to the campaign, but something has got to give in this hotly-anticipated encounter.

If you want to watch Pachuca vs. León in Liga MX for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pachuca vs. León?

Pachuca vs. León in Liga MX kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Hidalgo.

How to watch Pachuca vs. León for free

Pachuca vs. León in Liga MX is available to live stream for free on Tubi.

Tubi is offering coverage of select Liga MX fixtures for free in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of Liga MX from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Pachuca vs. León 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 Mexico

  4. Visit Tubi

  5. Live stream Pachuca vs. León for free

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 Pachuca vs. León in Liga MX without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Liga MX fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tubi?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Mexico

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Pachuca vs. León in Liga MX for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

For Americas lonely seniors, robot pets are more than a novelty

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

Technology is often viewed as a contributor to our culture's epidemic of loneliness and isolation, but one company is trying to prove the opposite. Ageless Innovation's meowing "cats," wagging "dogs," and chirping "birds" have lifted the spirits of many seniors, with numerous state-sponsored programs funding the interactive, animatronic pets for veterans and those in hospice care. Three Washington, D.C. wards recently began distributing the Joy for All Companion Pets to residents 60 and older.

Ted Fischer, CEO and co-founder of Ageless Innovation, tells Mashable that the comfort and contentment seniors receive from the robots is not just anecdotal.

"Multiple clinical studies from AARP, UnitedHealthcare, and other trusted sources have shown that the introduction of [robotic] companion pets helps to improve the quality of life for older adults as it relates to depression and social isolation," Fischer says. "In a study conducted in late 2024 on behalf of New York State Office for the Aging, 93 percent of [robotic] pet recipients reported increased feelings of joy and companionship as the result of receiving the pet."

The idea for furry 'bots that can respond to their owners with purrs, barks, songs, and heartbeats — and don't require walking, feeding, or emptying litter boxes — came a decade ago from employees at toy giant Hasbro. In 2018, the team behind the Joy for All line spun out from Hasbro to form Ageless Innovation, eventually distributing over 700,000 pets in 30 countries.

The two companies still collaborate closely, with Ageless Innovation holding the exclusive license for reimagining Hasbro's games for older adults. But it's the Joy for All pets, with there three different varieties of cats, two breeds of pups, and a Blue Bird and Cardinal to choose from, that have resonated the most with their target audience.

It isn't only the pet owners benefiting, Fischer says, but also younger relatives and home care nurses.

"Ultimately, caregivers are happier when their loved ones are happy," says Fischer.

SEE ALSO: Unlearning loneliness: How TikTok is rewriting the rules of connection

While many have been introduced to the pets via programs like the New York Office for Aging, they can be purchased by anyone at JoyforAll.com and on Amazon. Fischer notes that individual bonding with the pets is a personal matter, with some taking to them at first sight.

"We have seen that many recipients immediately take to their new pet, giving him or her a name and telling stories about a pet they loved in the past," Fischer says. "The simplicity of the technology allows for immediate bonding with most recipients."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Kinda Pregnant proves that Will Forte deserves his own rom-com

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

How has it taken this long to have Will Forte as the male lead in a romantic comedy?

Yes, on its surface, Netflix's Kinda Pregnant is a raunchy comedy about female bonding. Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Brianne Howey, and Lizze Broadway co-star as moms-to-be building community as they get ready to give birth. There's just one problem. Lainy Newton (Schumer) is a single woman who's faking her pregnancy for wacky reasons all her own. And while faking it, she meets a real charmer in Will Forte's Zamboni-driver. (That's not an innuendo. He drives a Zamboni on an ice rink like he got the gig from a game of MASH.) 

This comedy from The Wrong Missy director Tyler Spindel is hit or miss when it comes to laughs, as the script by Schumer and Julie Paiva attempts to cruise on fart jokes and tired punchlines. However, Forte is utterly crush-worthy as the Mr. Right for Lainey, who's in the middle of getting it all wrong.

They'll meet-cute at a coffee shop, share an inside joke right away, reconnect in a kismet manner, then go on a date that feels adorably old-school. As in, going to an ice rink with a guy was romantic in adolescence and still is in middle age. But it's not so much the B-plotting of their romance that sells Forte as a romantic lead. It's the goofy wholesomeness he's brought to comedy for years. 

Charting the crush-worthiness of Will Forte

His time on Saturday Night Live led to a barrage of wacky characters, but none had us crushing. (Sorry, MacGruber!) Still, the sheer gameness of Forte's brand of comedy is enchanting. He'll chuck himself into a pratfall or throw on a silly voice or a costume made purely for buffoonery. While shooting his gone-too-soon comedy series The Last Man on Earth, he shaved half of his head and face, and still attended the Fox All-Star party, where the look earned headlines.

You could certainly argue that within its post-apocalyptic setting, The Last Man on Earth was a romantic comedy, as Tandy and his motley team of survivors fought for love and life in spite of all the end-of-civilization-ness. Another sci-fi spin on romance, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, cast Forte in the voice-acting role of a spurned lover. His uniquely unhinged brand of panicked whining played well within both roles — as they have in MacGruber. He brought this hilarious whinging to his voice work on Bob's Burgers as the skeevy sea-plane pilot Upskirt Kurt and Rick and Morty as the vile villain Piss Master. And while he's popped up in comedies with a hint of romance, like Baby Mama and A Good Old Fashioned Orgy, it was always as a quirky side-character, never as the romantic hero. 

Was it not until The Great North that audiences could hear the winsome sweetness of this comedian? In this Bob's Burgers' adjacent animated sitcom, Forte voices Wolf Tobin, who loves nothing more than his wife Honeybee (Dulcé Sloan). This couple is crazy about each other, relishing every moment and opportunity to reference their favorite movies, from Shrek to Titanic. Far from the rom-com rogues who refuse to settle down, pitching their partners into a desperate search for a more emotionally available partner, Wolf is a blank calendar, ready to be filled with whatever his lover needs. (And she's equally game, following him down a kinky romp that involves a food-shaped vehicle.) Yet the bigger clue that it's damn time Forte gets a rom-com is his skill at building chemistry, no matter the obstacles. 

Will Forte tackles love scenes and sex scenes with appreciated humor. 

The boyish charms of Will Forte are not only a silliness, but an openness that makes him a stellar scene partner. In Kinda Pregnant, he and Schumer banter and hook up in a memorable love scene that involves a bit of accidental exhibitionism. But before the garage door opens (not an innuendo), Forte brings an endearing believability to Josh's acceptance of Lainey's terms.

They agree they want to have sex with each other. But she claims she's self-conscious about her baby body (when in reality she wants to bang him without revealing her belly is made of foam, not fetus). So, she lays down rules for him: No looking, no touching. As she attempts to sit on his face, there's a thrill at just how enthusiastically Josh consents to these unusual boundaries. He's so into her that it's intoxicating. It's like the Bridget Jones' Diary speech, but thanks to Forte having none of that British inclination to hold back, it's coming at the movie's half-way point instead of the climax. He is into her and isn't afraid to show it. (Even if showing it to the neighbors' wasn't part of his plan!)

Yet, there's a moment previous to Kinda Pregnant that also proves his ability to spark with a co-star. 

In "Will Forte and Seth Meyers Go Day Drinking and Share Their Thoughts on the Day," these SNL icons re-team for fun and drunken games. There are a lot of hilarious moments as these two old friends let us into their relationship as they strive to crack each other up — sometimes so much that they seem almost unaware of the at-home audience. But the bit that belongs in fan edits for Forte comes when he tries to get Meyers to "break" — meaning lose his calm exterior and laugh. 

Abruptly, Forte flings his face (and body) across the table between them, coming close to Meyer's nose. "You don't have to kiss me," he whispers, as the pair are a pog-width away from each other's mouths. Deeper into the bit, Forte is so close that their noses are not only touching, they are smooshed against each other. And while Meyers fights to maintain a neutral face, Forte looks him in his eyes and commends him on being a great dad, "I'm so proud of you." Rather than simply offering a silly voice or a bit, Forte goes for open-hearted emotion, then goes harder by continuing the praise through a kiss, talking even as their lips touch. At this Meyers gives way to giggles, and so do we. 

This same joyful openness is what Forte brings to Kinda Pregnant. So, when his Zamboni rolls up in a big romantic gesture, we smile big and broad, like Meyers after getting a chatty kiss from a prince of comedy. 

Kinda Pregnant is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When to watch the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show if you only care about Kendrick Lamar

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

Not everyone loves football, and that's OK. However, this Sunday, Super Bowl LIX game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles might be hard to avoid, even for those who aren’t into sports.

Still, non-sports fans might want to tune into the Big Game for another reason: the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Let’s be honest: It’s a big year for the halftime show. Lamar is arguably one of the biggest stars of the past year, as his ongoing beef with Drake spawned a chart-topping diss track that recently won five Grammys. With all eyes on him, fans can’t help but wonder: Will he use the biggest stage of the year to perform his scathing diss tracks?

SEE ALSO: Will Kendrick Lamar diss Drake during the Super Bowl halftime show? Why and why not.

If you want to skip the football and only watch the halftime show, it's a tricky prospect, but we've laid out how and when to tune in for just Lamar's anticipated performance.

When to watch Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show

First, there is no guaranteed time to tune in for Lamar's performance. Football games are not a uniform length. The game-clock stops frequently, there are commercial timeouts, and lots of other factors that affect how long a game goes. But we can give you a decent estimate.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox. You can also livestream the game.

A typical Super Bowl broadcast lasts around 3 hours and 44 minutes. Typically speaking, that means halftime should begin about 90 minutes after kickoff. So you can expect Lamar to take the stage around 8 p.m. ET.

However, don't count on that completely. Again, football games don’t run on a strict schedule. Despite being structured around four 15-minute quarters, the actual game time varies. To be safe, you should plan on tuning in around 7:30 p.m. ET to ensure you don't miss the halftime show. That way, you can see how far along the game is and whether halftime is approaching.

So, to all the non-football folks out there, good luck avoiding the game and enjoying Lamar's performance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This giant planet formed in a strange way, scientists find

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

The distant world WASP-121b is so hot that it hosts metallic clouds and rains gems.

Astronomers discovered the gas giant planet — dubbed a "hot Jupiter" — in 2016, but have continued to investigate this intriguing exoplanet, which is a world beyond our solar system.

Using a powerful telescope equipped with an instrument (called a spectrometer) that can detect the composition of far-off objects, researchers found WASP-121b contains an unusual amount of rocky material, indicating the massive planet formed quite close to its star. If a world has a higher proportion of rocky material (like iron and silicon) compared to ices, this means it formed in a zone of the developing solar system, called a "protoplanetary disk," where it was too hot for many ices to form.

But this observation contradicts what planetary scientists thought about how gaseous giants like WASP-121b spawned in their expansive, donut-shaped protoplanetary disk. The leading theory was these giant worlds were created in the outer part of these disks, where it's frigid, but there are copious amounts of gas available to amass onto a developing world.

"Our measurement means that perhaps this typical view needs to be reconsidered and our planet formation models revisited," Peter Smith, an astrophysicist at Arizona State University’s School Of Earth and Space Exploration and coauthor of the research, said in a statement. The research was recently published in The Astronomical Journal.

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

The graphic below shows how different materials solidify and vaporize based upon the proximity to their star. In the mid-region, beyond where everything vaporizes, rock materials solidify, but it's too hot for gases, like water vapor or CO2, to turn to ice.

A visualization of how rocky and icy materials form in a solar system's protoplanetary disk. Credit: NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / P. Marenfeld The Gemini South telescope, located atop Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes. Credit: International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / M. Paredes

The researchers used the powerful Gemini South telescope, located at 8,980 feet in the Chilean mountains, to peer into the atmosphere of distant WASP-121b, located some 880 light-years away in the Milky Way galaxy. Attached to the telescope was an instrument called the Immersion GRating INfrared Spectrometer, or IGRINS, which separates out the light observed from distant space objects, like a prism. The different light spectrums reveal the atmospheric composition of these distant worlds.

Peering into WASP-121b also revealed more about the intensity of this alien realm. "The climate of this planet is extreme, and nothing like that of Earth,” Smith explained.

"The climate of this planet is extreme, and nothing like that of Earth."

The planet is tidally locked to its star — like the moon is locked to Earth — meaning that one side of WASP-121b is incessantly seared by its star, while the other is dark and (relatively) cooler. On the dayside, elements like calcium are vaporized into the air. But on the nightside, these materials can condense and produce rain. The astronomers, for example, spotted "calcium rain" on WASP-121b.

There are no "hot Jupiters" like WASP-121b in our solar system. Nor are there any rocky super-Earth worlds. Yet exoplanet researchers have found both these planet types are common in our galaxy. Although there are some strange-sounding worlds out there, it may be that it's our cosmic neighborhood that's actually quite unusual. And not just that. Our solar system may host an extraordinarily rare galactic phenomena: an intelligent, communicating civilization.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save more on everyday essentials with a $25 year-long Sam’s Club membership

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: Join Sam’s Club for a full year and enjoy wholesale pricing, exclusive discounts, and extra perks — now $25 with auto-renewal.

  • Stock up and save on groceries, household essentials, and big-ticket items with members-only pricing

  • Shop less often with bulk sizes on everything from pantry staples to cleaning supplies

  • Fuel up for less with members-only discounts at select Sam’s Club gas stations

  • Get exclusive perks like discounts on travel, car rentals, event tickets, and dining

  • Skip the checkout line with the Scan & Go app for quick and easy in-store shopping

  • Enjoy flexible shopping with online ordering, curbside pickup, and in-store deals

  • New members only — must redeem by February 28, 2025, with auto-renewal included

Spend less and get more with a 1-year Sam’s Club membership on sale for just $25 (reg. $50).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew! $25.00
$50.00 Save $25.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The tax deadline is coming — maximize your refund with help from H&R Block

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: The tax deadline is approaching — file your federal and state taxes with H&R Block Deluxe and State 2024 for $39.99. Maximize deductions and get expert-backed audit support.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2024 for Windows/Mac [Online Code] $39.99
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Tax season is officially here, and the deadline will be here before you know it. Instead of scrambling at the last minute, H&R Block Deluxe + State 2024 helps you file quickly, maximize deductions, and stay confident in your return.

If you’re a homeowner, investor, or just want to make sure you’re getting the biggest refund possible, now’s the time to get started — get H&R software for Mac or Windows on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59).

This software guides you through over 350 deductions and credits, making sure you don’t leave money on the table. You can also import W-2s, 1099s, and past returns from TurboTax and Quicken, so you can skip the tedious data entry. Have income from investments, stock options, home sales, or retirement? The software simplifies everything, ensuring accuracy without the headache.

Mistakes can be costly, but H&R Block has your back with in-person audit support. If you ever need help, you’ll have access to tax professionals who can represent you. Plus, the real-time refund tracker updates as you go, so you always know where you stand.

With five free federal e-files and one included state program, this software gives you everything you need to file with confidence.

Tax season won’t wait — get H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe and State 2024 for Windows or Mac now for $39.99 and file before the deadline.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 10TB of cloud storage for life for just $245

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: You can get an Internxt 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription for $244.99 (reg. $2,999) with code STORAGE30 at checkout for a limited time. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $244.99
$2,999.00 Save $2,754.01 with code STORAGE30 Get Deal

Are you doing a ‘low-buy year,’ like half the internet? Even if you're not, you’re probably looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Many people are canceling subscriptions, and the first one to go could be Dropbox or Google Drive. Instead, store your files with this lifetime cloud storage deal.

You’ll no longer be chained to $10+ monthly payments — just pay once and be set for life. Get 10TB of storage with Internxt for $244.99 with code STORAGE30 at checkout. That's 92% off. If you don’t need that much space, 2TB and 5TB plans are also available.

Cloud storage without fees

With Internxt, you may be paying more upfront, but your cloud storage plan will pay for itself in time, saving you money in the long run.

You also won’t have to worry about running out of storage space on your phone, computer, or tablet ever again with 10TB to go around. Here’s about how much that space can fit:

  • 2 million photos

  • 250 hours of 4K video

  • 6.5 million documents

Another thing you won’t have to worry about is security. All of your Internxt files are end-to-end encrypted for your peace of mind.

Imagine never worrying about cloud storage again. That’s Internxt. Use code STORAGE30 at checkout to get this affordable cloud storage plan for $244.99 (reg. $2,999) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The internet feels broken, but this bundle fixes it

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: For $49.99, you can get an AdGuard VPN 5-year subscription and a lifetime ad blocker — and you won’t find a better deal anywhere else (reg. $439.99).

The internet is a mess these days. It seems like we’re more and more restricted on what kinds of content (or apps) we can access; everyone’s after our data, and there are more ads than videos. Looking to restore some order? We have a double-dose remedy: AdGuard’s VPN and ad blocker bundle.

The VPN helps you bypass content restrictions while the ad blocker helps you dodge annoyances, and both tools get your privacy back. Get five years of the VPN and the ad blocker forever for $49.99 and save 88%.

AdGuard VPN — 5-year subscription 

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to hide your online activity from trackers by rerouting it through private servers. Think of your regular browsing as sending a message on a postcard and using a VPN like sending it in a sealed envelope — it’s more private and secure.

These VPN servers also allow you to change your location to unlock geo-blocked content on your streaming services (or try to access banned apps and websites). AdGuard has servers in over 60 worldwide locations and allows you to connect to them on ten devices at once.

AdGuard ad blocker — lifetime subscription

Now, let’s talk about those pesky ads. AdGuard works as a mobile and desktop ad blocker, clearing banners, pop-ups, and video ads so you’ll no longer be interrupted when reading articles or streaming YouTube.

This also means you won’t get those creepy advertisements that know what you were just looking at on Amazon. They know this information because they’re tracking your activity, but AdGuard makes them stop.

Get both of these online privacy tools for $49.99 with our unbeatable offer (reg. $439.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software Limited AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite $49.98
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Categories: IT General, Technology

A mindfulness-themed browser is (calmly) shaking up search

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:00

An internet browser with built-in mindfulness and meditation tools? Sounds a little like buzzword fodder to me. However, I'm a tired, jaded journalist who'll try anything to feel more alive, so I tested the early access release, mindfulness-focused Opera Air and found its features straightforward and genuinely beneficial in the short period I played around with it.

Built by Norwegian browser maker Opera, Opera Air claims to be "the first browser built around the concept of mindfulness." Opera has released thematic versions of its own browsers in the past, including a gaming-focused browser with a “Panic Button,” and a crypto browser. The latest, Air, is designed as a browser that both functions like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari but also "helps its users manage stress, enhance their focus, and maintain emotional clarity throughout their day."

SEE ALSO: How to choose a meditation app that's right for you

Tech platforms, apps, and wearables aimed at boosting mindfulness have made companies and startups a mint for years, so it's understandable why eyebrows disappear into hairlines when a shiny new one comes along. However, the internet is a truly shitty place of late, a veritable tidal wave of misinformation and tech bros getting rich off unbridled abuse and harassment. We're all on it, day after day, so a browser pinging me to "Take a Break" on the regular doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world. So I tried it out.

Opera Air is instantly recognizable as a modern mindfulness offering

When you first install Opera Air, you'll meet the requisite verdant landscape of rolling hills and a lone hiker, overlaid with an inspirational Jon Kabat-Zinn quote: "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Drenched in that overt earnestness, let's take a look around. You can choose a different wallpaper from mountaintop clouds, a meditation rock in a forest, or the company’s signature bubble overlaid on some naturescapes.

Mountains, check. Inspirational quote, check. Credit: Opera Air / Mashable screenshot

You can connect Opera Air with your Chrome or Firefox account, which will bring in all your bookmarks, or you can start fresh. On the homepage, Opera Air features default buttons for leading mindfulness apps including Headspace and Calm, professional creative database Behance, social publishing platforms Medium and Penzu, and mindfulness publisher Mindful.

Mashable asked Opera about whether these buttons were sponsored placements, and the company said they were not: "Currently, we do not have any partnerships or affiliations with other apps or sites. This is a selection of inspiring apps and websites that our users can find helpful. Of course they have full control to remove these sites if they don’t want them and wish to have a more minimalist experience."

Testing the "Take a Break" and "Boosts" features

Probably the most overt mindfulness plug-in here is the "Take a Break" button on the left hand menu. Pressing the icon that looks like three horizontal dashes will bring up a menu of options: breathing and neck exercises (3D-camera enabled or not), and guided meditations including a full body scan. You can actively seek the feature out or set your timer to enable break reminders for as regularly as you'd like (60 minutes seems to be a good ballpark number).

The "Take a Break" menu. Credit: Opera Air / Mashable screenshot

Opera told Mashable the company produced the exercises in-house and the sounds through an agency, all using licensed lo-fi music tracks and ambient sounds — you can change up the ambient sound if you prefer "vinyl record crackling" to "walking in mid shallow water" (I do). You can choose between voice guides (Emma or Alex, both voice actors) and Opera told Mashable they're available in English for now, with Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, and German planned to roll out soon.

These types of meditation are available on many mindfulness and meditation apps, some of which cost money and some which don’t, so this is nothing new. But it's free (for now, and remember the cardinal rule of apps and software: if it’s free, you're probably the product). Conveniently, however, it’s right there in your browser, so if you’re like me, doing a small meditation before heading into a video call meeting might be more likely for you than pulling out your phone. 

Featured Video For You Let's talk about meditation. For starters, what is it, actually?

I tried a seven-minute mindfulness meditation to “increase focus, ground the mind, and reduce stress." The meditation uses techniques like controlled breathing, identifying thoughts and emotions and letting them pass by without judgment, checking in with your posture, noticing the space around you, and other long-used hallmarks of the practice. And yeah, I felt focused afterward, and could potentially use this every day to make a real effort to make meditation a habit.

The "Boosts" are binaural beats. Credit: Opera Air / Mashable screenshot

The other mindfulness tool Open Air features is “Boosts," sitting above the “Take a Break” option in the left menu. It’s a menu of binaural beats, a long prevalent auditory technique that generates a unique frequency in the brain when you listen to two different frequencies at once — Opera told Mashable the platform uses pure sine waves and carrier frequencies of 120hz and 240hz to deliver a range of binaural beats between 1hz and 40hz. There are different frequency states, several of which help with focus and attention, some which are associated more with relaxation; Opera Air’s binaural beats offerings are titled Creativity Boost, Energized Focus, Deep Relaxation and more.

Other bits in Opera Air that aren't mindfulness-related

Like its standard Opera browsers, Opera Air also features the company’s ad blocker and Opera’s own free VPN, which you can switch on and off in the Settings. Here, you can also take control of your privacy and data settings.

On the sidebar, there’s also an inbuilt AI chatbot called Aria that’s been built using a combination of AI models GPT-4o, Gemini 1.5, and Imagen 3. Meta platforms WhatsApp and Messenger are also built into this menu, which feels weird to see underneath the mindfulness tools, but hey, this is a browser after all. Plus, you can switch these on or off in the Settings.

As I said, in 2025, with everything simmering online, an internet browser with an in-built mindfulness reminder seems like a pretty good idea. There's plenty of online spaces to get free meditation and mindfulness guidance right now, and this is one of them, one that's close at hand during your work day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Studio Display is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:58

SAVE $200: As of Feb. 5, the Apple Studio Display is on sale for $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a 13% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,299.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If your work setup needs a refresh and you're a MacBook user, you'll love this latest deal on the Apple Studio Display. As of Feb. 5, this impressive monitor is reduced by $200 at Amazon, now priced at $1,999.99. The Apple product has never been priced lower than this, and this is its first discount in 2025.

The screen boasts a 27-inch 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for a billion colors — so everything looks really high quality and vibrant. It’s got a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, meaning your video calls stay focused on you, even if you move around.

SEE ALSO: Score $70 off the 10th Gen Apple iPad at Best Buy

The three-mic system is seriously impressive, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear, and the six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio delivers an immersive listening experience. Perfect for long calls or meetings, or watching movies and TV.

Connectivity-wise, you get one Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, plus 96W of power delivery to keep your MacBook charged. And for added comfort, there’s an optional stand that lets you adjust both tilt and height.

This is a limited-time deal, so head to Amazon if you want to add the Apple Studio Display to your setup for less.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock Redtube for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:55

TL;DR: Unblock Redtube from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Online restrictions and blockades can be a pain. We totally understand that are usually good reasons for these rules, but sometimes, your access to your favorite sites will be restricted and it will feel unfair.

Fortunately, it is possible to bypass online restrictions with a quick and easy hack. And this method even works for unblocking porn sites.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like Redtube for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Redtube for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like Redtube from anywhere in the world. This might sound complicated, but you can unblock your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps:

  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 a location that supports access to Redtube

  4. Visit Redtube

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling or temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like Redtube, 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

  • 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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Redtube for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Beats Flex wireless earbuds are just $39 at Amazon — a 44% discount

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:55

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 5, Beats Flex wireless earbuds are available at Amazon for $39 (regularly $69.95). That’s a 44% discount on Bluetooth earbuds featuring Apple’s W1 chip, 12-hour battery life, and tangle-free magnetic design.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $39.00 at Amazon
$69.95 Save $30.95 Shop Now

Finding reliable wireless earbuds that don’t break the bank can be challenging, but today’s deal makes it easy. Right now, Beats Flex wireless earbuds are just $39 at Amazon ($30 off their regular $69.95 price). Fancy solid audio, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and all-day comfort without spending a fortune? These are the best budget-friendly earbuds you can buy.

The Beats Flex is powered by Apple’s W1 chip. This means fewer dropouts, more extended range, and easy pairing across any device that supports Bluetooth. They also support audio sharing, so you can stream music or movies with a friend using AirPods or Beats.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

Battery life is another highlight. Beats Flex offers up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge, making them perfect for commutes, workouts, or long study sessions. When you need a quick boost, Fast Fuel charging delivers 1.5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge via USB-C.

Comfort and convenience set the Beats Flex apart. The flexible neckband design is lightweight and tangle-free. At the same time, the magnetic earbuds automatically pause your music when clipped together and resume playback when separated. This simple but smart feature prevents unnecessary battery drain. It makes them easy to wear around your neck when not in use.

Call quality is another win. The built-in microphone features wind noise reduction, ensuring clear conversations even in noisy environments. On-device controls let you adjust volume, take calls, and activate voice assistants without reaching for your phone.

At just $39, the Beats Flex wireless earbuds are an unbeatable deal for casual listeners, students, and anyone looking for affordable wireless audio. With this 44% discount, a better time to grab a pair is never better.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:52

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 5, Beats Studio Buds+ are available at Amazon for $119.99 (regularly $169.95). That’s a $50 discount on these true wireless earbuds that feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, spatial audio, and up to 36 hours of battery life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $119.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $50.00 Shop Now

Beats Studio Buds+ is shedding the brand tax, so now’s the time to grab them. Right now, Amazon is offering these premium wireless noise-canceling earbuds for just $119.99 — $50 off their usual price of $169.95. Whether you’re an Apple or Android user, these earbuds are designed for seamless connectivity and powerful sound performance.

Beats Studio Buds+ are built to deliver deep, immersive audio with a custom acoustic platform that ensures a rich, balanced sound profile. They also feature spatial audio support, making them ideal for movies, music, and gaming. If you want complete focus, switch on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out background distractions. Need to hear your surroundings? Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound, keeping you aware of what’s happening around you.

SEE ALSO: The Beats Pill is now only $99.99 — save 33% on this powerful Bluetooth speaker

Battery life is another standout feature. The Beats Studio Buds+ offer up to 36 hours of total listening time with the charging case, meaning fewer interruptions for charging. The USB-C fast charging capability ensures that even a short charge gives you hours of playback.

Comfort is key with any earbuds, and the Beats Studio Buds+ come with four sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. This creates an optimal acoustic seal, reducing sound leakage and enhancing audio quality.

Beats upgraded the phone call microphones with 3x larger voice-targeting mics, improving clarity and reducing background noise. Your calls will sound crisp and clear even on the windiest walks or the noisiest offices.

With one-touch pairing and native compatibility for Apple and Android devices, these earbuds seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem. They’re IPX4-rated, making them sweat- and water-resistant, perfect for workouts and outdoor adventures.

At $119.99, the Beats Studio Buds+ offers high-end features at a mid-range price. With this limited-time Amazon deal, now is the perfect chance to upgrade your audio experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sonos big comeback is a streaming box

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:44

2024 was a tough year for Sonos. The company completely revamped its mobile app, but instead of making it better, Sonos messed it up in a myriad of ways. Now it's scrambling to earn the trust of its user base once again.

The way to do that, it appears, is through a new product category. According to The Verge, Sonos is planning to launch a streaming box, with a price tag between $200 and $400.

The product, codenamed Pinewood, is going to be Android-based. It's going to look like most such devices — The Verge, who has seen images of the product, says it's a "flattened black square and slightly thicker than a deck of trading cards."

SEE ALSO: Sonos Ace headphones review: Hands-on with the first headphones from the audio giant

The Pinewood streamer will reportedly offer content from various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Max, and Disney+, with a unified user experience and universal search to find content across various accounts. It will come with a physical remote control unit with integrated voice control. This is tough to achieve — accessing all these various streaming platforms under one UI — but if Sonos could pull it off, it could be a big incentive to buy the product.

But the Pinewood streamer will come with other interesting options. Thanks to HDMI passthrough functionality, you'll be able to plug other devices, including gaming consoles and 4K Blu-ray players into it. And of course, the streamer will be able to send TV audio, lag-free, to its soundbars and speakers. User should also be able to configure surround sound by using the Sonos speakers they have in their household.

Featured Video For You In Memoriam: The tech that died in 2024

It won't be easy to pull this off. Part of the controversy surrounding Sonos' new app is the fact that it broke integration between various Sonos products, which has always been one of the company's strengths. The new Pinewood streamer sounds like something that aims to become a core component of a user's home audio and video ecosystem, and this will require everything to go extremely smoothly.

There's also some strong competition in the streaming box arena, including devices such as Apple TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku's Streaming Stick, Google's TV Streamer, and Amazon's Fire TV stick (all of which cost way less than $200). Sonos reportedly doesn't plan any other new hardware soon, so the Pinewood streamer might turn out to be its most important product of 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $300 off this Samsung 85-inch 4K TV and score a free 40-inch bonus TV

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:43

FREE 40-INCH TV: As of Feb. 5, the Samsung 85-inch DU7200 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is on sale for $799.99 at Best Buy (regularly $1,099.99). Not only do you save $300, but you’ll also get a Samsung 40-inch 5 Series Full HD Smart TV ($249.99 value) and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription ($50 value) for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 85-inch DU7200 $799.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $300.00 Shop Now

If you’re looking for a massive 85-inch 4K TV, this impressive Best Buy deal will help you kit out the rest of your home. Right now, you can get Samsung 85-inch DU7200 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV for just $799.99, which is $300 off its usual price. But here’s the epic bit: you’ll also get a free Samsung 40-inch TV and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription included.

Samsung’s DU7200 Series packs stunning 4K visuals, an ultra-fast Crystal Processor, and HDR support, ensuring everything from movies to sports to gaming looks its best. This 85-inch display delivers an immersive home theater experience at a budget-friendly price. It even smashes gaming.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Tizen OS powers this Smart TV, giving you access to your favorite streaming apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Prime Video. With Samsung’s Universal Guide, you can easily browse content across apps, making it even easier to find something to watch.

The included Samsung 40-inch 5 Series Full HD Smart TV is the perfect bonus addition for a bedroom, guest room, or office. It features full HD resolution, smart streaming apps, and Samsung’s reliable picture quality. It's a solid secondary TV that's completely free with your purchase.

On top of that, you’ll also score a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, worth $50. This means you’ll have access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and the cloud, including AAA blockbusters and day-one releases. If you’re a gamer, this adds even more value to an already fantastic deal.

Considering the 85-inch DU7200 alone usually retails for $1,099.99, getting it for $799.99 with two extra bonuses is an absolute steal. If you’ve been waiting for a big-screen upgrade, this is the perfect time to pull the trigger.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best gift ideas for people in long-distance relationships

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:00

Long-distance relationships can be rough, but they are create an opportunity for some clever and thoughtful gift giving. Until teleportation is a thing, fill the void with these nifty gifts that can make you feel more connected, keep that spark alive, or simply help your S.O. feel less alone. With Valentine's Day coming up, this is an especially opportune time to let your long-distance loved ones know you're thinking of them with a gift. While some of these gifts are clearly for couples, others aren't limited to a romantic long-distance relationship. Living far away from family members or friends and not seeing them often can be just as hard. Many of these gifts would make just as sweet a gift for your BFF or your family.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 5, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:42

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, February 5, 2025:

AcrossFacebook's parent company
  • The answer is Meta.

Full-length skirts ... and a morning hour read backward
  • The answer is Maxis.

Written with pen
  • The answer is InInk.

N.B.A. team that nearly renamed itself the Swamp Dragons in the 1990s
  • The answer is Nets.

"___ a Wonderful Life"
  • The answer is Its.

DownFrench modernist painter … and a morning hour read backward
  • The answer is Manet.

What lighted signs mark in theaters
  • The answer is Exits.

Altoids containers
  • The answer is Tins.

Pose a question
  • The answer is Ask.

Short skirt
  • The answer is Mini.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google deletes policy against using AI for weapons or surveillance

Mashable - Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:57

Google has quietly deleted its pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance, a promise that had been in place since 2018.

First spotted by Bloomberg, Google has updated its AI Principles to remove an entire section on artificial intelligence applications it pledged not to pursue. Significantly, Google's policy had previously stated that it would not design nor deploy AI technology for use in weapons, or in surveillance technology which violates "internationally accepted norms."

Now it seems that such use cases might not be entirely off the table.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps will rename Gulf of Mexico to America following Trump's order

"There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape," read Google's blog post on Tuesday. "We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights. And we believe that companies, governments, and organizations sharing these values should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security."

While Google's post did concern its AI Principles update, it did not explicitly mention the deletion of its prohibition on AI weapons or surveillance. 

When reached for comment, a Google spokesperson directed Mashable back to the blog post.

"[W]e're updating the principles for a number of reasons, including the massive changes in AI technology over the years and the ubiquity of the technology, the development of AI principles and frameworks by global governing bodies, and the evolving geopolitical landscape," said the spokesperson.

Google's AI Principles listing the "Applications we will not pursue" as of Jan. 30. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Google first published its AI Principles in 2018, following significant employee protests against its work with the U.S. Department of Defense. (The company had already infamously removed "don't be evil" from its Code of Conduct that same year.) Project Maven aimed to use AI to improve weapon targeting systems, interpreting video information to increase military drones' accuracy. 

In an open letter that April, thousands of employees expressed a belief that "Google should not be in the business of war," and requested that the company "draft, publicize and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology."

The company's AI Principles were the result, with Google ultimately not renewing its contract with the Pentagon in 2019. However, it looks as though the tech giant's attitude toward AI weapons technology may now be changing.

Google's new attitude toward AI weapons could be an effort to keep up with competitors. Last January, OpenAI amended its own policy to remove a ban on "activity that has high risk of physical harm," including "weapons development" and "military and warfare." In a statement to Mashable at the time, an OpenAI spokesperson clarified that this change was to provide clarity concerning "national security use cases."

"It was not clear whether these beneficial use cases would have been allowed under 'military' in our previous policies," said the spokesperson.

Opening up the possibility of weaponised AI isn't the only change Google made to its AI Principles. As of Jan. 30, Google's policy listed seven core objectives for AI applications: "be socially beneficial," "avoid creating or reinforcing unfair bias," "be built and tested for safety," "be accountable to people," "incorporate privacy design principles," "uphold high standards of scientific excellence," and "be made available for uses that accord with these principles."

Now Google's revised policy has consolidated this list to just three principles, merely stating that its approach to AI is grounded in "bold innovation," "responsible development and deployment," and "collaborative process, together." The company does specify that this includes adhering to "widely accepted principles of international law and human rights." Still, any mention of weapons or surveillance is now conspicuously absent.

Featured Video For You DeepSeek's privacy policy isn't so private
Categories: IT General, Technology
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