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SAVE $65: As of Dec. 11, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers are available for $1,234 for Prime members at Amazon—a $65 discount from their usual $1,299 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alpha IQ PSB Alpha iQ Speakers $1,234.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

If your audio setup is feeling a little tired, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming-powered speakers are here to shake things up. These wireless speakers, now $1,234 for Prime members on Amazon (a $65 saving), bring high-res sound and zero cable chaos to your home.

Let’s start with the basics: These aren’t just speakers but a full-on streaming system in disguise. Thanks to BluOS, the Alpha iQ connects you to over 20 music services, including high-resolution platforms like Tidal and Qobuz. Want to stream directly from your phone? These speakers play nice with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, so you can ditch the extra gadgets.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

But it’s not just about convenience, it’s about sound quality that can make even a so-so playlist feel savage. Alpha iQ boasts an audiophile-grade DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) with support for 24-bit/192kHz high-res audio and MQA decoding. You can hear every pluck, beat, and whisper like it’s happening live. The speakers pack a punch, too, with each woofer powered by a 60-watt amp and each tweeter rocking its own 30-watt amp. That’s 180 watts of system power delivering room-filling sound that doesn’t skimp on the details.

Need flexibility? These speakers have you covered. Beyond streaming features, the primary speaker has inputs, including an MM phono preamp and RCA jacks for vinyl lovers, an HDMI ARC port for hooking up to your TV, and an optical input for gamers or old-school CD enthusiasts. There’s even a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for analogue devices because PSB knows some of us still love a classic.

Alpha iQ speakers come in a range of finishes, including matte white, black, and midnight blue that look modern without trying. They’ll sit pretty in your living room or home office without screaming, “look at me!”

Sure, $1,234 isn’t precisely bargain-bin pricing, but you’re paying for quality and not having to fiddle with wires. If you’ve been craving a speaker upgrade that blends style, tech, and next-level audio performance, now’s your chance to snag the Alpha iQ at a discount. Just don’t sleep on it.

If you're ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it's time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has expanded fervently over the past few years, and I'm not saying BookTok is to blame, but I'm not not saying that's the case.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon's e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day or remote page-turners, so you don't need to hold your Kindle while reading. And I'm with these extolling users: a Kindle brings your reading experience to the next level. They're lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library. If you don't need much convincing, it's just a matter of picking which Kindle you want.

Plus, we're gearing up for the holidays. While the big shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday have already come to pass, Amazon is still running sales on a couple of our favorite Kindles. With deals out there for the taking, you can gift one to a family member without cashing in your 401(k), or get one for yourself as a little literary treat and spend the holidays cozied up on the sofa, crossing out those final titles to make your yearly reading goal happen.

SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2024, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I got my hands on Amazon's 2024 models to see what they offer.

Kindle's first color e-reader is here as of Oct. 30, 2024, however, it's been backordered for several weeks, and we've yet to get our hands on it. I'm eager to finally see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, as of Dec. 4, the redesigned Kindle Scribe is now out there for the annotators, and has four times the storage as the past model.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon When is the best time to buy a Kindle?

Because Kindles are one of Amazon's cornerstone products, you'll often see their prices drop during Amazon's annual sales, which usually take place in the summer and fall of each year. In 2024, Prime Day took place on July 16 and 17, and Prime Big Deal Days ran Oct. 8 and 9.

The next shopping holidays you should focus on are Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On these momentous occasions, we've seen Kindles marked down by up to 40%. We even saw the brand-new 2024 Kindle models drop in price during Cyber Week this year.

We're seeing a few Kindles continue to run sales up to 19% off into mid-December. So if you missed Black Friday, there's still a chance.

What is the right Kindle to buy?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. As of December 2024, there are six updated Kindle models to choose from, as well as older editions that might still be in stock. The Kindle Scribe was the latest to get a revamp in December and we'll update this guide when we get a chance to test the new model.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We analyzed all their differences. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You can consider many things when picking the right Kindle, but you need to ask one question first: Do you need it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other things to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: Kindles generally have outstanding battery life (depending on your usage). On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included pen. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via any Kindle's built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

There are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and of course, prices. These days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine" when it comes to the gadgets that you use for hours every day, then it's worth investing in the best headphones. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted through dozens of headphones to find the very best models.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite headphones brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and performance.

SEE ALSO: Review: Dyson's new headphones have awe-inspiring features and a clunky design

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and certifications, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut) to bring you the best for noise cancellation, music, budget shoppers, and wired connections. So, read on to find the best new pair of headphones or earbuds for you.

How to watch 'The People's Joker' at a glance: BEST LONG-TERM DEAL Mubi annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'The People's Joker' on digital starting at $3.99 at Prime Video Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Mubi for Students Free 30-day trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal BEST ADD-ON Mubi add-on for Prime Video Free 7-day trial, then $14.99/month Get Deal

It's hard to believe a DC Comics parody is even able to exist in the current superhero-dominated movie climate. But alas, The People's Joker is somewhat of a miracle. One of Mashable's top movies of 2024, the long-awaited, low-budget, supervillain narrative slash trans coming-of-age story is finally available to stream online.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Vera Drew's The People's Joker at home.

What is The People's Joker about?

In a DIY, campy version of Batman's Gotham City, Joker the Harlequin (Drew) hopes to make it in the comedy scene, which is corruptly ruled by a cartoony version of Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels of the United Clown Bureau (UCB). Opposed to the rigidly gendered UCB ways and grappling with her own gender identity, Joker forms a new anti-comedy troupe alongside a friend and ends up battling a devious caped crusader controlling the city. The story is laced with Batman references throughout, but ultimately uses the comic theme to relay Drew's own real-life story. It's both an autobiographically-inspired coming-of-age story and a superhero parody wrapped up into one "intriguing artifact of modern media," as Mashable's reviewer Siddhant Adlakha puts it.

Is The People's Joker worth watching?

"With her biting sense of humor and raw emotional revelations, Drew has constructed a supervillain tale that is as jarring as it is compelling, as peculiar as it is profound," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes. Breaking the top 20 on our list of the best movies of 2024, The People's Joker has certainly made an impression on us. It's almost intentionally a cult film and not for everyone, but its 95 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes shows its originality is a force to be reckoned with.

For those seeking a superhero movie that's not just another cog in the MCU or DC machine, The People's Joker is definitely worth a watch. "There's a deep love of all things DC, but without the suffocating reverence that has brought on superhero fatigue," Puchko adds.

Check out our full review of The People's Joker.

How can I watch The People's Joker at home? Credit: Altered Innocence

The People's Joker made its digital retail debut on July 30, meaning it's available for purchase at video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for as low as $12.99. The film is also available to rent at those same retailers for as low as $3.99. This is the most affordable way to watch the film aside from a free trial (more on that below). Just keep in mind that rentals give you 30 days to start watching, but just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

Here are some quick links to purchase the film on digital:

• Prime Video — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• Apple TV+ — $4.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• YouTube — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

Is The People's Joker streaming anywhere?

The sleeper hit of the summer finally made its streaming debut on Dec. 6 on Mubi. It's no surprise the low-budget indie isn't hitting the major streamers; Mubi, the streamer built for cinephiles, is actually the perfect home for The People's Joker. The Mubi library is brimming with the best of international cinema, showcasing an array of films from America and abroad, mainstream and independent, classics, new releases, award-winners, and Mubi's own originals — like recent hit The Substance. Subscriptions to Mubi start at $14.99 per month, but we've rounded up a couple of different ways to save money on the streamer below.

Best for newbies: Get a free 7-day trial Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi 7-day free trial Get Deal

If you've never signed up for Mubi before, you can take advantage of a free trial for a week. As long as you remember to cancel after watching the movie, you could theoretically watch The People's Joker and more for free this way. The free trial is available on Mubi directly or through Prime Video as an add-on.

Best long-term deal: Save 33% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi annual subscription 7-day free trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal

If you're looking to expand your movie education and want to stick around to enjoy more than just The People's Joker, you can save 33% by paying for an entire year of Mubi. An annual Mubi subscription costs $119.88 per year, which breaks down to just $9.99 per month instead of the usual $14.99 per month. You'll still get a seven-day free trial to kick off your subscription as well if you're a newbie.

Best for students: Save $5/month on Mubi student subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi for students 30-day free trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal

Students really get the winning deal here. If you can prove your student status, you can sign up for Mubi for free for 30 days, then get a discounted subscription for just $9.99 per month. That's $5 cheaper per month than regular monthly subscriptions. Plus, with 30 free days, you'll have plenty of time to watch The People's Joker and lots of other films before even paying a cent.

TL;DR: Instead of paying £116.84 for the 2024 edition of Microsoft Office, get lifetime access for only £94.08.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase £94.08
£116.84 Save £22.76 Get Deal

Did you hear? Microsoft has finally released the latest version of Microsoft Office — it's huge because it's been three years since the last version. The 2024 version has given your favorite apps a makeover, new productivity features, AI integration, and so much more to get you closer to your goals. 

You don't need to pay full price for Microsoft Office 2024 since this early Black Friday offer arrived just in time. Save an additional £22.76 on your Mac or PC download and grab lifelong access for only £116.84 while supplies last.

Your favorite Microsoft apps, but updated

With this lifetime license, you could drop the subscription you would usually pay for Microsoft 365, which is about £55 a year. Once you complete the one-time payment, you'll have these productivity apps on your Windows or Mac device forever.

There are a number of upgrades and additions, like a sleek, ribbon-based interface on each app for seamless navigation, so check out what's included in Microsoft Office 2024.

The most exciting feature of the newest version of this suite is its overall AI integration. Enjoy assistance from Microsoft's intelligent AI tools for text, formatting, and design suggestions across all apps. There's even AI in Excel to help you analyze data more effectively, and another one that can recommend audio descriptions and alternative text for images for greater accessibility.

Another feature that could boost your workflow is how easy collaboration is with Microsoft Office 2024. The built-in chat, commenting features, and version history could help you and your colleagues work more efficiently.

Grab your PC or Mac download of Microsoft Office 2024 while codes are still available for £116.84.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Handling multiple bosses can feel overwhelming—especially when they don’t communicate well with each other. But this tricky dual-reporting situation is also an opportunity to sharpen skills like communication and prioritization. Here’s how to navigate the challenges and get everyone on the same page. Spot the sneaky signs of disconnection. Notice subtle misalignments, like conflicting updates […]

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The best VPNs aren't necessarily the most expensive. Some leading VPNs are actually really affordable, which is great news for anyone looking to secure cheap online security, data protection, and increased streaming options.

You have come to the right place if you're looking for a premium VPN with advanced features, without the big price tag. We've lined up some great value options for absolutely everyone, and there is no need to compromise on security, connection speed, customer support, or anything else.

But first, there are a few things we need to cover.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide valuable protection for your data and identity when you're navigating the online world. How do they do this? VPNs offer online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address and makes all of your information unreadable.

All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. VPNs are primarily designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

VPNs can also be used to stream movies and shows from around the world, and the process is actually really simple. We've already mentioned how VPNs provide anonymity by hiding your real IP address. Well, this technique can also be used to manipulate the streaming market. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming sites into thinking that you are based in a different country. This provides access to all the extra content that would normally be restricted in your location.

Should you use free VPNs?

The question that everyone wants an answer to is whether you actually need to pay for a VPN. There are plenty of free VPNs out there, but do these offer the features you need to browse, shop, and stream securely? Unfortunately, there is often a catch with free versions (usually in the form of a limitation on your data usage or connection speed).

Occasional users will probably be satisfied with a free VPN, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on a regular basis, you should look elsewhere. The only exception to this rule is a free trial. These come without limitations, but obviously don't tend to last for a long time.

The conclusion is that the best option for securing your data and streaming more content from around the world is with a paid subscription. The sad fact is that you'll have to pay to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on your usage. It's not all bad news though, because there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

The process of actually selecting a VPN can be seriously tricky, especially if you don't know what to consider. Most of the best VPNs offer many of the same features with similar packages, so it's important to know what matters.

To make your life a little bit easier, we have shortlisted a few things to consider before making any sort of decision:

• Customer support — VPNs can be difficult to understand if you're not an experienced user, and even if you are, problems can occur. Whether you're a total beginner or not, customer support is key for dealing with any potential issues that might arise. You should also consider whether customer support is offered by phone, email, or web chat.

• Jurisdiction — It's a good idea to look for VPNs based in the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland, and other privacy-friendly countries. VPNs based in countries that fall under the jurisdiction of the intelligence-sharing alliances should be avoided: the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain. VPNs in these countries can be forced by authorities to collect and hand over user data.

• Network size and location — The best VPNs offer a large network of geographically diverse servers. The more servers (and server locations) offered by a VPN, the more likely you are to find a reliable and fast connection. This is also particularly important for streaming, as you should always be able to connect to a server in the country with the content you want to watch.

• Trustworthiness — We recommend finding an experienced provider with a strong track record and a clear privacy policy. It's important that your VPN of choice guarantees your data won't be logged or collected. If it isn't obvious what happens to your data, you should steer clear.

Make sure you carefully consider these features before deciding on the VPN that suits you and your lifestyle. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can begin the process of finding the best deals.

What is the best VPN?

We're sorry to burst your bubble, but there isn't one VPN that stands above all the rest. The best VPN for you really comes down to your own set of personal preferences. Once you find a few options that tick your boxes, you need to consider the best deals.

We have reached out to partners in order to provide you with market-leading prices on VPN subscriptions, with performance and security in mind. All of these VPN services have been handpicked not only because of the prices and deals on offer, but because they all offer the most important features to protect your online data and identity.

There are also plenty of services to consider on this list if your priority is unlocking streaming sites like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Online security should always be the priority, but we know that many subscribers use these services to unlock more content from around the world. We get it, and we're here to help.

These are the best deals on cheap VPNs in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on proper clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and commuting to the actual meetup spot can be tiring.

No matter what kind of encounter you plan, when it comes to dating, there'll always be some sort of physical effort required. The good news? There is a loophole: Sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people via text. Thanks to its recent rise in popularity, there are now apps for sexting and new sexting features in apps that are otherwise for dating in person.

What do you need to know about sexting?

Whether you're interested in giving sexting a try or you're a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new dating app to sext. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions when scoring a new sexting partner when compared to finding a long-term lover, but there are rules you should follow in order for all parties to feel at ease. Here are three big ones:

• Mutual respect — Assess the situation and know your audience. Usually, it doesn't take much more than a few pre-sext texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in doing the cyber-dirty with you. Take the time to figure that out before you lead with something raunchy and uncalled-for. AKA, don't just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they didn't ask.

• Mutual trust — Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the scary ability to make fleeting moments very permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. While sexting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you betray that trust, you're ruining it for everybody.

• Privacy — No app can completely protect your privacy for you — that's your job. Though there are apps that have certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don't rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn't need to take a screenshot to capture a picture you send. They could easily use another phone or device to snap or record your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure you trust the person who's receiving your messages.

Keep these points in mind when engaging in NSFW messaging.

Should you engage in sexting?

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long-term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may help you out in ways you didn't even think about.

• Convenience — Whether you plan to wine and dine on your date or just meet to hook up, it always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself out.

• Exploring trust and intimacy — Getting comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally for everyone — but opting for sexting gives way to a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t ever have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.

• Freedom — As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise explore in person.

• Fun — A little honesty, please. A night of sexting is always going to be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over. Having the option of opening an app on your phone and engaging in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.

• Safety — We've touched on the reasons why sexting might not be completely safe in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and with sexting, if it's not going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.

The benefits are clear for all to see, so not give it a try?

What makes an app good for sexting?

You'll want to look for certain features in an app if you're planning on sexting:

• Ease of use — You don’t want to find yourself in a hot and steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach an image or a voice note. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly the platform is, the better. You’ll want something that’s efficient and fast.

• Privacy features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; there are no guarantees that your conversations or selfies won’t wind up a screenshot on someone’s phone. That said, certain apps include instant self-destruction features that delete photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.

• Safety — If you’re looking for a night of no-strings-attached fun online, it doesn’t really matter if the person on the other end of your conversation has been verified — but if you do want to ensure you’re not being catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that links social media or verifies users.

• Subscription pricing versus free features — How much are you willing to pay for bells and whistles? There are several free apps out there, but if you're looking for something a little fancier, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.

With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start sexting. You've got this.

What is the best app for sexting?

Since sexting, by nature, comes with a lot of factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we've picked out the best sexting apps to get you off — to a good start, that is. We've tried to line up something for everyone, so check out these options, and pick your favourite.

These are the best sexting apps in 2024.

TL;DR: A wide range of AI courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

The conversation about the future of AI continues, but we're still not clear on whether or not this technology is going to take over the world. Artificial intelligence may eventually decide to take all our jobs, but before we get to that point, we could probably all benefit from learning a little more about this technology. After all, maybe it could make our lives easier before everything goes wrong.

The good news is that you can learn how to harness the power of AI without spending anything. A wide range of AI courses can be found on Udemy. And better yet, some of the best examples can be taken for free. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.

These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI Filmmaking

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Everyone

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• Canva AI: Master Canva AI Tools and Apps 2024

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Generative AI For Leaders

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT & DALL-E

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

These free online courses don't include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. That means you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free AI courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI and ChatGPT Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX. Find free lessons on AI, machine learning, investing, and more.

Not a lot of people know this, but edX hosts a massive bank of free online courses from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world. You can take lessons on everything from AI to Python programming without spending anything. And some of these online courses are delivered by MIT.

We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from the famous school. These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

• Becoming an Entrepreneur

• Cell Biology: Cell-Cell Interactions

• Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling

• Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis

• Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay

• Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications

• Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications

• Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modeling and Strategies

• Energy Economics and Policy

• Financial Accounting

• Financial Regulation: From the Global Financial Crisis to Fintech and the COVID Pandemic

• Foundations of Modern Finance

• Foundations of Modern Finance II

• Fundamentals of Manufacturing Processes

• Fundamentals of Statistics

• Genetics: Analysis and Applications

• Genetics: Population Genetics and Human Traits

• Genetics: The Fundamentals

• Introduction to Biology: The Secret of Life

• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

• Learning Time Series with Interventions

• Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning

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• Management in Engineering: Strategy and Leadership

• Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance

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These free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. You can start learning at a pace that suits you, so what's holding you back?

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

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

You might feel like you have complete access to the online world, but you're wrong. You naive fool! Your access to porn sites like XVideos is restricted in many locations around the world. There is a good reason for these restrictions, but there is also something to be said for retaining your online freedom.

Sometimes you'll want to spend some quality time with your favorite sites, and there's nothing wrong with that. In the moments when the time is right, you should be able to access your favorite sites without hassle.

Looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like XVideos for free from anywhere in the world? We have the information you need.

How to unblock XVideos for free

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging 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 temporarily away from home on an unsecured network.

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What is the best VPN for porn?

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Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 11 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: An ideal place

• Green: Requires physical force

• Blue: Words the combine terms

• Purple: Words the conclude with terms that mean companinon

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Utopia

• Green: Things You Shake

• Blue: Proper Noun Portmanteaux

• Purple: Ending in Synonyms for "Friend"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #549 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Utopia: PARADISE, SEVENTH HEAVEN, SHANGRI-LA, XANADU

• Things You Shake: HAIRSPRAY, MAGIC 8 BALL, SALAD DRESSING, SNOWGLOBE

• Proper Noun Portmanteaux: JAZZERCISE, PARALYMPICS, POKEMON, WIKIPEDIA

• Ending in Synonyms for "Friend": KETCHUM, PAYPAL, PRIMATE, ROSEBUD

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 10

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 11 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 11 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Straight down or up.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PLUMB.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 11

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 11 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Board certified

These words are things you might use to build something.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are essential for working with wooden boards.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Woodworking.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 11

• Plane

• Lathe

• Drill

• Vise

• Chisel

• Jigsaw

• Sander

• Woodworking

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 11 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Key stats on the ice

• Green: Sports to win gold in the summer

• Blue: Countries that have hosted a major sports event

• Purple: The rule of three's in sports

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Hockey statistics

• Green: Summer Olympic sports

• Blue: Last four Men's World Cup hosts

• Purple: Events or plays that involve three of something

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #79 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Hockey statistics - ASSISTS, GOALS, PLUS/MINUS, SAVES

• Summer Olympic sports - FENCING, GOLF, HANDBALL, ROWING

• Last four Men's World Cup hosts - BRAZIL, QATAR, RUSSIA, SOUTH AFRICA

• Events of plays that involve three of something - HAT TRICK, STRIKEOUT, TRIATHLON, TURKEY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Not all gender stereotypes about science, technology, engineering, and math are the same, according to a new study.

The research analyzed dozens of previous studies on the beliefs that children hold about gender and STEM. One common assumption is that kids view girls as bad at math, a perception that many educational initiatives try to counter.

But, surprisingly, the researchers found that math stereotypes are far less gendered than assumptions suggest.

In fact, children show far less male bias about math. Instead, kids tend to believe that girls are worse at engineering and computer science than boys, and develop such stereotypes as early as six.

SEE ALSO: 7 skills to teach your daughter by age 13

Dr. David I. Miller, the study's lead author, said the finding should affect the way experts and educators try to reduce gender stereotypes in STEM in and out of the classroom.

Miller, a senior researcher in STEM education at the American Institutes for Research, noted that negative stereotypes about what girls can accomplish in engineering and computer science can deter them from entering the fields at a time when technology, science, and culture are transforming the world.

"Programs that are focused in girls in STEM broadly might benefit from a really targeted focus on computing and engineering," Miller said, "given the importance of how that might shape girls' later trajectories, in terms of who goes into emerging tech fields, like artificial intelligence."

Miller said it was also important to better understand how children as young as six develop nuanced beliefs about gender stereotypes in different STEM fields.

For some children, that may happen by accident. Miller and his co-authors noted that in research conducted in English-speaking countries, some young children confuse the term engineer and engineering with the word engine, thus associating the latter professions with the male-dominated field of auto mechanics.

But Miller also said that children may absorb media coverage and popular culture representations of male tech billionaires, leaving them with the false impression that girls and women aren't interested in or competent in engineering and computer science.

Miller said correcting those stereotypes over time might require universal classroom exposure to computer science and engineering, rather than making them optional or accessible only through extracurricular programs.

Dr. Allison Master, an assistant professor at the University of Houston who studies gender stereotypes in STEM, said the new research paints a clearer picture of how children "see the world." Master was not involved in Miller's study.

She noted that it's important to recognize that not all six-year-olds have STEM stereotypes. Yet Master is aware of how damaging stereotypes can be; her own research focuses on how they can become "self-fulfilling prophecies" for kids.

Master said that parents and educators should evaluate their own stereotypes, mindful that their words or actions may send the message, unintentionally or not, that STEM isn't for girls.

She added that general language about boys and girls can reinforce stereotypes. Qualifying language by saying "some girls" or "lots of boys" can help children avoid overgeneralizing about their own abilities.

"Stereotypes can change the way girls see themselves," Master said in an email. "Stereotypes can make girls doubt their own ability and belonging, so they choose to avoid STEM opportunities."

Just like the continuous stream of new Kindles and Fire TV devices, Amazon has an ever-growing list of Echo devices — Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Auto, and now the Echo Spot alarm clock. Many of these devices also have multiple generations, and it's a lot to keep straight. So, we're here to help pull you out of that Echo chamber and find the best Echo devices for your smart home.

Keep in mind, you don't need to buy these devices at full price. They're guaranteed to go on sale during events like Prime Day and Black Friday. During Black Friday sales, we saw discounts of up to 58% on devices like the Echo Pop, Dot, and Spot. So if you are going to buy an Amazon smart home device, it's worth holding out until the next big event.

What can an Echo smart speaker do? Tring out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All Echo devices are designed to utilize Amazon Alexa's AI superpowers — it's just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The Echo and Echo Dot are smart speakers, which you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as tiny and more affordable tablets, essentially.

Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.

Read on for the 10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2024 so that you can make an informed, stress-free Echo purchase.

OpenAI Sora is limiting depictions of real people and taking other strict safety measures to prevent misuse.

The video generator, which was announced on Monday as part of its 12 Days of OpenAI event, has all sorts of editing capabilities for users to create and customize AI-generated videos. But there are certain things you aren't allowed to do with Sora, as users soon discovered.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to its system card, "the ability to upload images of people will be made available to a subset of users," meaning most users can't create videos of people based on an uploaded image. Those users are part of a "Likeness pilot" that OpenAI is testing with a select few. An OpenAI spokesperson said AI-generated videos of people is limited in order to "address concerns around misappropriation of likeness and deepfakes." OpenAI "will actively monitor patterns of misuse, and when we find it we will remove the content, take appropriate action with users, and use these early learnings to iterate on our approach to safety," the spokesperson continued.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

Limiting the depiction of people in Sora videos makes sense from a liability standpoint. There are all sorts of ways the tool could be misused: non-consensual deepfakes, the depiction of minors, scams, and misinformation to name a few. To combat this, Sora has been trained to reject certain requests from text prompts or image uploads.

It will reject prompts for NSFW (Not Safe For Work) and NCII (Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery) content and the generation of realistic children, although fictitious images are allowed. OpenAI has added C2PA metadata to all Sora videos and made a visible watermark the default, even though it can be removed, and implemented an internal reverse image search to assess the video's provenance.

Despite the fact that many guardrails have been put in place to prevent misuse, the question of how Sora will respond to mass stress-testing remains. Currently, access to Sora is unavailable due to high demand.

This week, we got an early look at the potential details of Bluesky+, the social media site's planned premium subscription offering.

Still, don't get ready to shell out your cash just yet. Bluesky seems to be relatively early in the process, but the company did reveal a mockup of its plans for the subscription service on its official Github page.

As Techcrunch noted, the mockup on the site indicated Bluesky listed paid features such as custom app icons, a Bluesky+ profile badge, inline post translations, profile customizations, better quality video uploads, post analytics, and bookmark folders. The mockup showed prices of $8 per month or $72 per year for the subscription offering.

The mockups were reportedly posted to Bluesky this week by the user @saeri.xyz, whose profile appears to have since been deactivated.

Bluesky subscriptions coming soon? 👀 These were spotted by @saeri.xyz on the official #Bluesky GitHub.

[image or embed]

— Ross McCulloch (@thirdsectorlab.co.uk) December 10, 2024 at 5:07 AM

Bluesky warned on its Github page that the mockup was just that — a mockup — and would likely not match the eventual list of features when it's released.

SEE ALSO: Bluesky is developing paid subscriptions — but will always be free to use, it says

Bluesky announced in October that it was working on a subscription service while assuring users that the site would always remain free to use.

While the work on Github may indicate that we could soon get a subscription service, we still don't know much about how it will look or when we'll get access to it.

In response to the mockups, bluesky software engineer Dan Abramov posted: "[Just] flagging that this is a UI mockup and the list of features doesn’t necessarily match what will be released. [We] need to get better at avoiding setting expectations via mockups since it’s open source so people poke at every branch"

Abramov also reiterated what Bluesky promised back in October, that subscribers would not get prioritization or special verification, aka some of what subscribers get on Elon Musk's X.

OpenAI has continued its marathon of announcements with full availability of its canvas tool.

A day after OpenAI dropped its AI video generator Sora, the company shared that Canvas has moved out of beta. Additionally, users can run python code inside a canvas document, and canvas is also available for custom GPTs.

Canvas was introduced in October as a editing tool for writing and coding. It's a notebook interface that sits beside the user's ChatGPT chatbot conversation, which allows users to edit responses and "collaborate" with ChatGPT. New to canvas is the ability to get feedback and edits in the form of comments. From here, users can make changes based on ChatGPT's suggestions.

Tweet may have been deleted

OpenAI has also made programming improvements. By copying and pasting code into ChatGPT, it can recognize the code and switch to code editor mode to help debug or find any errors. Users can also run the code directly within the interface and identify any problems.

Today's announcement was the fourth day of "12 Days of OpenAI" where every business day, the AI company shares something new. So far, we've seen the introduction of a ChatGPT Pro plan for $200 a month, reinforcement fine-tuning for developers, and of course, Sora.

The Sora release has been the biggest news so far, courting hype and controversy ever since its introduction last February. The AI video generator is capable of rendering photorealistic sequences from simple text prompts and has new features for editing AI-generated footage. OpenAI says it was trained on publicly available data, although critics argue data should have been obtained with credit and compensation of the original creators.

Sora's debut continues to attract lots of attention online, which has overshadowed some of the more minor releases like the Canvas announcement. What else OpenAI plans to share over the next eight days is unclear. But users are speculating about an AI agent preview, o1 with vision capabilities, and remain hopeful for GPT-5.

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