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'Game of Thrones' creators say ending response didn't change their approach to new show

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:49

Although one's fantasy and one's sci-fi, Game of Thrones and 3 Body Problem have plenty in common. Both shows are based on epic book series (George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past series, respectively), they both have large casts of characters, both have left us with plenty of burning questions, and they're both helmed by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (they've been joined by The Terror showrunner Alexander Woo for this new Netflix series).

In short, the comparisons are going to be inevitable. Plenty of people will likely tune into 3 Body Problem because they were fans of Game of Thrones. The elephant in the room, of course, is that although everyone loved Thrones, the reactions to the ending were a lot more mixed.

SEE ALSO: How should 'Game of Thrones' have ended?

So to what extent did those negative reactions influence how Benioff and Weiss approached this new show?

"I mean on the one hand it’s impossible to not hear that on some level," D.B. Weiss told Mashable in an interview with the 3 Body Problem showrunners. "We’re not particularly plugged in, by design we unplug from the hive mind reactions to things. But it doesn’t mean we didn’t know what that reaction was."

"You kind of need to practice letting go."

Weiss went on to explain, though, that every show is a new animal.

"There’s no way to do justice to the show that you’re working on, especially one on this scale, if your eyes are on the rearview mirror the whole time," he said. "You kind of need to practice letting go and focussing on the moment that you’re in, because the moment that you’re in is long – it took five years to make this show – and it just wouldn’t have served this show very well to be constantly seeing it through the lens of something else, if that makes any sense?

"I think that all your experiences affect you, and that was definitely an experience that affected us, but I also think that more importantly, we kept our eyes and attentions forward, and really wanted to push forward with the show that we were working on. All you can really do at the end of the day is tell the story you want to tell in the best way you know how, and then what happens is out of your hands at that point."

If you're here for 3 Body Problem, here's everything you need to know about the show.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best mesh WiFi router for gamers

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:57

Any online gamer knows how crucial it is to have a reliable, robust WiFi connection. In gaming terms, it could be the difference between death or glory. In real-world terms, it could be the difference between non-stop buffering, getting kicked out of your game mid-session, and not throwing your controller across the room in frustration.

The answer could be a mesh WiFi system, which uses satellite routers (or nodes) to cover all areas of your home. It’s the kind of WiFi that serious gamers and heavy internet users benefit from, due to blanket coverage and high speeds.

But shopping for specialist tech is a minefield of mind-bending jargon and spec. If you’re not already an expert, it’s near impossible to know what it all means and which WiFi system is right for your gaming needs. To help, we’ve tried to break it all down as simply as possible with this quick-and-handy guide.

What is a mesh WiFi system?

WiFi mesh will deliver reliable WiFi throughout your entire home, eliminating dead spots in corners that other routers can't reach and maintaining speeds on multiple devices — all without slowing your gaming system.

It works using a main router and satellite nodes which are placed strategically around your living space to reduce spotty service. The nodes, which use the same SSID and password as the main router (unlike range extenders), help to cover areas in the home that the main router doesn’t reach on its own, like the basement or behind signal-dampening walls and obstructions. The best systems are easily expandable by adding more nodes where needed. 

How fast is mesh WiFi?

It will depend on the system you buy. Some are faster (and more expensive) than others. The systems featured below mostly range between 30,000 and 10,000Mbps. WiFi systems that use WiFi 6 will fun faster (around 10Gbps) and systems on WiFi 6E will run faster still. The real benefit is that multiple devices maintain high speeds because they’re connected via different nodes around the home.

What is low latency?

The most important factor when it comes to gaming is avoiding latency. This means the delay between sender and receiver — the time it takes for the action onscreen to happen after you’ve pressed the button on the controller. Even just a small amount of latency — the kind that isn't detectable when browsing the internet or streaming a video — can heavily impact gameplay. That’s why gamers want the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh available. Look out for systems that promise low latency.

What area can a mesh WiFi system cover?

Mesh WiFi systems will generally cover around 2,000 square feet, though some of the systems below will cover way beyond that — 6,000 or even 7,000 square feet. Bear in mind that coverage of that scale is likely way beyond what the average gamer needs — but it will suit an office or commercial space.

Dual-band vs tri-band — which is best?

​​This jargon can prove especially tricky for everyday web users. A band is a wireless broadcast frequency on which you can send or receive data. A dual-band router has two frequency channels — 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band is meant for further distances, at a slower speed, while 5GHz is faster but has a shorter range. A tri-band router adds an extra 5GHz band, which allows all devices in the household to share the bandwidth evenly. In truth, tri-band is likely surplus for the average household.

What is WiFi 6?

In simple terms, WiFi 6 is the most recent, up-to-date version of WiFi tech. For average users, the differences between WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 — still widely in use — are marginal. But it’s actually a pretty major upgrade. The most serious gamers and tech heads will appreciate faster speeds, lower latency, and all-round stronger connections. WiFi 6E is yet another upgrade, which uses a 6GHz frequency, though there are fewer devices that support it. There's also a smattering of futuristic WiFi 7 devices on the market.

What are the best mesh WiFi systems?

We're so glad you asked. And rest assured, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. We've checked out everything on offer from the biggest and best brands, and lined up a selection of the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh routers for gamers.

These are the best mesh WiFi routers for gamers in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN for China

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:41

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

VPNs are useful for anyone around the world, but these powerful cybersecurity services are even more important when you're travelling to a country with tight restrictions on internet usage, like China. If you're planning a trip to China or you've made the country your home, you could benefit from using a VPN.

Do you need a VPN in China?

You've probably heard and read quite a bit about China's internet censorship, but what does it actually mean for the average internet user in the country? What is understood is that the Chinese government block access to foreign websites and slows down cross-border internet traffic. The government censors content for mainly political reasons, but also to maintain its control over the population.

This system of censorship is named the 'Great Firewall' and is the largest system of its type in the world. If you’re travelling to the vast country, then your internet privileges will be severly restricted. Fortunately it's not an experience most people will be familar, but it has become the norm for Chinese citizens.

If you’re visiting the country, you can circumvent this system by using a virtual private network, or VPN. Take it from us: You don't have to get blocked in China. While using a VPN in China is technically legal, providers play a game of cat-and-mouse with the authorities, which periodically crack down and try to block servers and throttle bandwidth, much to the annoyance of internet users.

Users in China may have to swap VPNs if theirs becomes blocked, but having one is a necessity for anyone wanting unfettered access to foreign websites, from news sites to social media and Google. If you’re on holiday in China you'll need a VPN for posting snaps to Instagram and keeping in touch with friends using Whatsapp. This is because VPNs assign a virtual IP address to obscure your real location from others, enabling you to circumnavigate geo-blocking and censorship measures as if you are based somewhere without them. VPNs also encrypt data, leaving your computer or device to make it impossible for others to see what you’re downloading, which is useful in a country where surveillance is a top priority for the authorities.

What should you consider when using a VPN in China?

The first thing to consider when using a VPN in China is that while it's perfectly legal, it will be frowned on by the authorities. It's not something to be taken lightly and you should think carefully about your priorities before you take any decision. The second thing to know about VPNs in China is that it’s easier to install one before you arrive.

Server number and location (in China if possible), high speeds, and extra layers of security are all important things to look for in a VPN. Reliable customer service is also an important consideration, because if you experience technical difficulties while you’re there, the fastest service available isn’t much use to you if you can’t troubleshoot.

What is the best VPN for China?

To help you make your decision, we have lined up a selection of the best VPNs for China, including popular services like PureVPN and NordVPN. All you need to do is pick a favourite option from this list.

These are the best VPNs for China in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPNs that maintain a strict no-logging policy

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:39

A good VPN provides you with extra security when browsing online, watching Netflix, torrenting, or shopping. We've talked extensively about VPNs, giving recommendations on the fastest and cheapest services, but what about the most secure?

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are security tools that provide protection for your identity and data by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. The best way to visualise a VPN is to think of it like an encrypted tunnel through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

Should you care about a VPN's logging policy?

Connecting to the internet by way of a VPN means that your ISP can't see what you're doing and neither can the authorities. That only works if your VPN doesn't keep logs, though. Otherwise, those logs can help trace your online activities. 

This is a particular problem if your VPN service is located in one of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance countries whereby surveillance agencies are more likely to be legally allowed to access your browsing history. Understandably, this can all be an issue for some privacy conscious users, especially if you're trying to use a VPN to get around a country's restrictive censorship laws.

While many VPN clients promise that they don't keep any logs of your activities, the idea of a "no-logs policy" can mean a number of different things. Some companies can still keep more information than you feel comfortable about providing. A strict no-logs policy is what's needed most of all if you want your data to be kept away from roving eyes.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs out there, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. Alternatively, you can pay for a VPN. So which option is best for you and your lifestyle?

You get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

Something to consider is that free VPNs don't require you to input any payment details, which adds another layer of anonymity.

What is the best no-log VPN?

Whatever your reason for staying secure online, it's important to pick out the right no-logging VPN for you. We've lined up your best options, including leading services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

These are the best no-log VPNs in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spotify is dabbling in online learning

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:33

Spotify is testing the waters of online learning, with video-based courses launched on the audio streaming platform today.

Available only in the UK for now, Spotify's video courses are the result of partnerships with educational platforms including Skillshare, BBC Maestro, PLAYvirtuoso, and Thinkific. The courses cover four areas of learning, described by Spotify as "make music, get creative, learn business, and healthy living."

A large chunk of Spotify's offered courses are fittingly music-related, with tutorials for music recording and production, songwriting, DJing, radio broadcasting, and specific genre courses including rap, grime, garage, drum and bass, house, and techno. But there are also courses geared toward a larger range of topics including startups and business, cooking, money, dancing, fitness, mindfulness, video production, and art techniques from watercolour painting to photography and graphic design.

The majority of Spotify's courses are geared toward music. Credit: Spotify / Mashable screenshot

Both premium subscribers and free Spotify users will get two lessons per course for free, but will have to buy the rest — a similar move to Spotify's audiobook offering, which gives premium users 15 free listening hours per month, after which you can buy additional credit. Spotify's video courses will sit in the app's home and browse tabs, or you can find them on the platform's dedicated page.

SEE ALSO: Uh, YouTube? Spotify just added full music videos

It's a bold but not so surprising move for Spotify, following the company's fierce investment in podcasts and audiobooks (though Spotify gutted its podcast workforce last year). In a blog post announcing the feature, Spotify claims that "about half of Spotify Premium subscribers have engaged in education or self-help-themed podcasts." However, Spotify will have its work cut out here, as the online learning space is long established and heavily crowded — from edX to FutureLearn, Coursera to Khan Academy, online courses are big business.

Genre-specific courses are on offer. Credit: Spotify / Mashable screenshot

“Testing video courses in the UK allows us to explore an exciting opportunity to better serve the needs of our users who have an active interest in learning,” said Babar Zafar, Spotify's VP product development said in a press statement.

“Many of our users engage with podcasts and audiobooks on a daily basis for their learning needs, and we believe this highly engaged community will be interested in accessing and purchasing quality content from video course creators. At Spotify, we’re constantly striving to create new offerings for our creators and users, and having built best-in-class personalized music and podcast offerings, we look forward to exploring the potential of video-based learning on Spotify.”

It's the latest feature Spotify's testing in the UK, with the company aiming to take a sweet chunk out of YouTube by adding full music videos. This feature is only available in 11 countries including the UK, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, the Netherlands, Colombia, Poland, Philippines, and Sweden, with no plans yet for additional markets including the U.S.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 25

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:24

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 25 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 25

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 25, 2024:

AcrossWhat "rizz," Oxford's 2023 Word of the Year, means
  • The answer is Charm.

Vowel group
  • The answer is AEIOU.

Kings, queens and jokers
  • The answer is Cards.

Providers of oxygen to earth's atmosphere
  • The answer is Trees.

"___ all good"
  • The answer is It's (without the ').

DownDesert flora

The answer is Cacti.

Tin Man's wish in The Wizard of Oz
  • The answer is Heart.

Buenos ___, Argentina
  • The answer is Aires.

Went on, as a roller coaster
  • The answer is Rode.

Tousle, as hair
  • The answer is Muss.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'3 Body Problem' finale: 8 burning questions we have for Season 2

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:02

After eight mind-bending episodes, Netflix's 3 Body Problem has come to a close for Season 1. While the finale answered many of the complex questions fuelling the series, showrunners David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo left plenty unsolved for Season 2.

What plan to save the world will Saul Durand (Jovan Adepo) come up with as a newly minted wallfacer? What will happen to Will Downing's (Alex Sharp) brain, floating through space? We saw Tatiana Haas (Marlo Kelly) putting that alien VR headset on, but what exactly did the San-Ti want to show her? Will Auggie Salazar (Eiza González) remain atoning for her weaponised nanotechnology or will she return to her bestie Jin Cheng (Jess Hong) to help save the world?

SEE ALSO: '3 Body Problem' ending: What does Dr Ye Wenjie's 'joke' about God really mean?

Let's dig into the burning questions we have for 3 Body Problem Season 2, in no particular order, because everything is chaos. While you will find spoilers for the ending of Season 1, importantly, you won't find spoilers in here from Liu Cixin's books, on which the series is based on. So you're safe to read on if you haven't read them!

1. What is the San-Ti's actual plan? Sea Shimooka as the San-Ti AI warrior in "3 Body Problem." Credit: Netflix

OK, so we know the technologically advanced alien race known as the San-Ti hail from an unstable three-body star system four light years from Earth, where, according to the San-Ti AI warrior (Sea Shimooka), "There will eventually be a cataclysm from which we cannot recover. Our planet will be ripped in half. Or pulled into one of the suns. Or expelled into space forever." They responded to Dr Ye Wenjie's (Rosalind Chao) transmission in the '70s, decided Earth sounded like the perfectly stable new home, built a 1000-ship-strong fleet and hit the intergalactic road — leaving some of the San-Ti behind, which is where the "if one of us survives, we all survive'" mantra comes from.

Working with the Earth-Trisolaris Organization (ETO), the San-Ti then became afraid of humanity through their discovery of deception while discussing Little Red Riding Hood with oil magnate Mike Evans (Jonathan Pryce). They then threatened to kill humanity's scientific progress dead, scaring the shit out of everyone with their sophon sentient supercomputer and worldwide surveillance. But what's their actual plan when they finally get to Earth in 400 years? Will they enslave the human race, destroy it entirely, or come to the negotiating table?

Featured Video For You How Did We Get Here: Into the Unknown

In episode 4, Wenjie tells the ETO she genuinely believes the San-Ti are coming to teach humanity "how to survive and thrive". But the aliens are perplexed by humanity, claiming they have "ceased to be afraid" as a species. "You contacted another planet. Is this the act of a timid species?" the San-Ti asks Evans in episode 3. "A lack of fear leads to extinction. If your ancestors had followed the fearless, you would not exist. Humanity must learn to fear again."

This all connects with questions about the San-Ti and their control of technology on Earth. Why don't they take over Earth's technology 24/7? This powerful alien race took over every screen and device on the planet for a threatening message and skyward demonstration of might, yet then allow our TV broadcasts, internet feeds, and personal devices to function as normal — they could send us right back to the Dark Ages with a thought. Also, the San-Ti let the all-important Earthly defence strategy, the launch of Will's brain into space, continue. Are the San-Ti not quite sure what they could get out of this, or are they indifferent? The answer to this one may lie in the book, which has a slightly more detailed explanation of what the sophons are capable of.

2. Will the San-Ti find Will's brain and will they rebuild him? Where there's a Will... Credit: Netflix

In the major sacrifice of the season, Will signed his brain over to Jin's sadly failed Project Staircase (but refused to pledge allegiance to humanity itself). Unfortunately, during the mission, one of the cables keeping the space sail in place detached and the probe, with Will's brain inside it, was sent off course, now doomed to drift through space. But will the capsule eventually reach its destination, intercepting the San-Ti? And will they do exactly as the scientists expect them to do with their advanced technology: rebuild him in some form? Only time and space will tell.

3. What will Saul come up with to save the world? Any ideas? Credit: Netflix

In what might be the most "no pressure!" job ever, Saul was made a wallfacer in the finale of Season 1, putting a target on his back and the fate of the world in his hands with no restrictions. But the thing is, he's not allowed to speak about his plans, write them down, or use any form of technology to realise a strategy to save humanity — everything must happen within the recesses of his mind. If you want to know why Saul is chosen, it's all hidden in this scene. But what will he come up with? We're given a clue as to how Saul could approach his planning in the finale, when Detective Da Shi (Benedict Wong) takes Saul and Jin to see the insect population booming — maybe "bugs", as the San-Ti call Earthlings, have more power and resilience than they're given credit for. And remember, there are two other wallfacers: distinguished veteran Professor Leyla Ariç (Salem Hadeed) and military historian General Hou Boulin (Clem Cheung). What will they come up with in their mind palaces?

4. What did Tatiana see in the game? Tatiana finally got her own VR headset. Credit: Netflix

In the finale, we see Earth-Trisolaris Organization member Tatiana in hiding, living relatively off-grid in the woods, following the raid on the alien-worshipping group in London. In episode 7, Tatiana is contacted by the San-Ti through her TV set, and told she's not done yet. In the finale, returning from her Tesco grocery shop, she finds her door open and a VR headset with her name branded on it awaiting her inside, with a card reading, "If one of us survives, we all survive." It's the first time we've seen Tatiana put the headset on herself, though she knows very well what to expect for players. But what exactly do the San-Ti want to show Tatiana? Is she being asked to rehydrate the masses like other players, or is there something more the alien race wants to brief her on?

5. Will Auggie return or will she stay atoning for Panama? Auggie was devastated by the Judgment Day attack. Credit: Netflix

Following the Panama Canal nanofibre ship massacre in episode 5, Auggie hasn't been doing great. The first time her own groundbreaking technology was deployed at scale, it was used as a slicing weapon against a literal boatload of people, including children, caught up in the attack on Evans' ship Judgment Day. Auggie did stick around long enough to care for Will during his final weeks and joined Wade's project to help her best friend Jin create a space sail for the probe to soar through the universe, but when Will's brain is signed over for the project, she packs up and leaves. In the finale, we see her helping a community beset by dysentery to filter water using her nanotechnology. It's clear she's on a mission to atone for Judgment Day, but will she stay there? Or will she eventually return to help Saul and Jin come up with a way to protect the planet?

6. Who is Wade, really, and what will he do after the San-Ti threat? Wade had a rather unpleasant chat with the San-Ti. Credit: Netflix

Leading the military response to the San-Ti, Thomas Wade (Liam Cunningham) is quite the mysterious one, with separate plans to develop hibernation technology to be present when the San-Ti arrive in 400 years. It's not really made clear who Wade reports to — in episode 1, Da Shi explains Wade's managers as "governments...most of them" but in episode 5, Auggie points out that no one really knows who Wade works for. All we do know is he runs the Black Palace, the headquarters of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (SIA) in London — an agency that doesn't exist beyond the story, but seems like a play on the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In the finale, Wade is directly threatened by the San-Ti during his flight, when the aliens cut the technology of his plane and speak through the plane's screens. "We hope to meet you if your hibernation technology works," the San-Ti tells Wade, praising him as a strong leader. “We want you to know there will be a place for you when we arrive. You are part of our plan." But Wade’s conversation with the San-Ti turns dark when he suddenly sees his own countdown and the warrior appears in his own space and terrifies him with a vision of Wade with gouged-out eyes. What do the San-Ti want from their incessant enemy?

7. What happened to the moon base plans? Raj might be off to the moon. Credit: Netflix

Remember in episode 6, when Wade made reference to the fact that Earth was building a base on the moon? We're keen to see what happened to that, and whether we'll see a moon base in Season 2. Wade tells Raj Varma (Saamer Usmani) the plan is to build a base on the lava plain Mare Imbrium in a giant crater, where larger ships will be assembled, ready for the San-Ti's 1000-strong fleet.

8. What do the aliens actually look like?

Mashable's Sam Haysom dug into this one.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'3 Body Problem' ending: What does Dr Ye Wenjie's 'joke' about God really mean?

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:02

The issue with a show as mysterious as Netflix's 3 Body Problem is you want to know the answers now — and that feeling gets amplified with the knowledge we may have to wait another year to get them.

One of the biggest cliffhangers David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo's sci-fi epic leaves us on is actually a two-parter: What was the real meaning behind the "joke" told by Dr Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao) to Saul Durand (Jovan Adepo) on the park bench in episode 7? And in what way could it help with Saul being made a "wallfacer" in the finale, one of three people tasked with plotting their own secret, internal scheme to best the approaching aliens?

SEE ALSO: '3 Body Problem' finale: 8 burning questions we have for Season 2

We've poured over the clues to try and work it out. The first part of this article analyses the show itself, while the final part contains spoilers from Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past novel trilogy, on which the show is based (we'll mark it with a spoiler warning in case you want to bow out then).

What's the "joke" that Dr Ye Wenjie tells Saul?

In episode 7, Wenjie is released from custody, exposed as the spiritual leader of the alien-worshipping Earth-Trisolaris Organization (ETO). Now that she knows the aliens she initially contacted all those years ago aren't coming to play nice, Wenjie contacts Saul and tells him a long, strange joke about Albert Einstein and God. Here's the joke, in full:

"So Einstein dies. He finds himself in heaven, and he has his violin. He's overjoyed. He loves his violin more than physics. Even more than women. He's excited to find out how well he can play in heaven. He imagines he'll be pretty damn good. So he starts tuning up, and the angels rush at him.

'What are you doing?' they say.

'I'm getting ready to play.'

'Don't do that. God won't like it. He's a saxophonist.'

So Einstein stops. He doesn't play. But it's difficult. He loves music. And there's actually not much to do in heaven. And sure enough, from high above, he hears the saxophone. He's playing 'Take the 'A' Train', do you know that one? Einstein knows it too. And he thinks, I'm going to do it. I'm going to play with him. We're going to sound great together. So he starts playing 'Take the 'A' Train'. The saxophone stops, and God appears. He marches over to Einstein and kicks him in the balls, which hurts, even in heaven. Then he smashes Einstein's beloved violin to bits. Eternity without music. Heaven has become hell for Einstein. And as he writhes on the ground, holding his smashed balls, an angel comes over and says: 'We warned you: Never play with God.'"

Not exactly a rib-tickler, is it? But the point of the joke clearly isn't to make Saul laugh. There's a hidden meaning in there. The question is, what?

What does Wenjie's joke mean? Credit: Netflix

Once Wenjie realises the aliens are now afraid of humanity and want to wipe us out, she clearly makes a plan.

"I'm an old woman, whose old beliefs have led us down this terrible path," she says in episode 6, addressing the aliens directly. "But I still have an idea or two left in me. And centuries from now there may well be a fair fight — or no fight at all."

The next time we see Wenjie in episode 7, shortly before she calls Saul to meet, she looks at two books (both of which are actual, real books): K.H. Erickson's Game Theory: A Simple Introduction, and Michael Bodin's Fermi's Paradox: Cosmology and Life. Aside from the joke itself, these books are the biggest clues we have as to what Wenjie might be trying to communicate to Saul. The first book on Game Theory is essentially a social science book about strategy, while the second book addresses the question of life in the universe. In short, Fermi's Paradox poses a simple question: If there are other species in the universe, why haven't we encountered them yet?

Hidden somewhere in Wenjie's joke, it would seem, is a strategy for either fighting the aliens, or avoiding a fight with them altogether. Could the God in Wenjie's joke be a metaphor for the aliens travelling across the universe to destroy us? If that's the case, maybe Einstein represents humanity. By playing music, he alerts God to his presence. Is the joke a warning for humans not to draw attention to themselves? But if that's the case, isn't it a bit too late for that?

Warning: The following section contains spoilers from Liu Cixin's novel trilogy. We've tried to keep them light, but they will likely spoil some elements of the show's future seasons.

What do Liu Cixin's books tell us?

For anyone who can't wait, the answer to the joke lies in Liu Cixin's second novel in the trilogy, titled The Dark Forest. The title itself actually forms part of the answer. "The Dark Forest" is essentially a possible solution to Fermi's Paradox, suggesting that the reason we haven't encountered other alien races is because the universe is like a forest at night — everyone stays silent in order to remain unnoticed. Alien races don't broadcast their locations because they don't want other races to detect them — and potentially attack them.

With this in mind, Wenjie's "joke" suddenly makes a lot more sense. Einstein playing the trumpet and incurring the wrath of God isn't a warning — it's the dark forest analogy in code. A social strategy answer to Fermi's Paradox, and possibly something Saul could use in his role as wall-facer.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless earbuds for just $99.99

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, these new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are on sale for just $99.99 (reg. $169).

There are a lot of listening devices on the market. However, they weren't all created equal. If you'd like a more elevated audio experience, going with a trusted name is probably a good idea. Beats was co-created by none other than Dr. Dre to offer consumers a superb, premium way to listen to music.

These Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Earbuds are considered a new, open-box item. New, open-box products are generally extra stock from stores and might have some extra handling shown on the packaging. But the beauty of this category of products is that, even though new, they come at a reduced price of $99.99.

These Beats earbuds feature active noise cancellation. That means you can put them in and play your tunes while tuning the world out. The one-touch pairing makes connecting your devices seamless.

These Beats are designed with a custom acoustic platform and can provide up to 36 hours of sound when used with the included charging case. The case is small enough to keep in your pocket, making commuting and traveling with your gear much easier.

The days will be even more efficient with Dual-beam microphones that target your voice and filter external noise for incredible call performance. The on-ear control even allows you to manage calls and skip songs.

Don't settle for a sub-par listening experience.

Get these new, open-box Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds on sale for just $99.99 (reg. $169).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Save an extra $20 on this stock screener

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, get Tykr Stock Screener for life for an extra $20 off with code GET20, making it just $99.97.

Investing in the stock market might feel like gambling, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. If you do your research, you can make more informed investments and have a better idea of where your money will go. Nothing can guarantee an investment will pay off, but educational tools like Tykr Stock Screener could help you find the least risky places to invest. A lifetime Premium Plan is an extra $20 off through April 2.

Your first in a long line of wise investments

Tykr is an educational investment tool that you could use to research potential investments. Instead of going in blind, you can use Tykr to get a summary of 30,000+ US and international stocks that includes helpful information like potential risks, rewards, and pricing history. It's up to you to make the final call on whether you should invest or not, but measurements for a stock's margin of safety could help you get a good sense of whether or not buying a few shares is worth the risk for the reward. 

The stock market is dynamic, and so is Tykr. That's why it doesn't stop at traditional markets. Tykr also covers 1,600 ETFs and over 1,800 cryptocurrencies. And it does all of this with completely open-source calculations. There's no magic or behind-the-scenes trickery. You can check the formulae for yourself, but Tykr might save you a whole lot of time. 

Investment research for 30,000+ stocks

Make informed investments without needing to do all the legwork researching each stock yourself. 

If you use code GET20 by April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a Tykr Stock Screener Premium Lifetime Subscription for $99.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Tykr Tykr Stock Screener: Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.97 at the Mashable Shop
$900.00 Save $800.03 with code GET20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $25 password manager remembers and fills in your passwords

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, get a lifetime subscription to Sticky Password Premium, which is compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, for $24.97 (reg. $199).

Even if you only use the internet for absolutely essential accounts and some light browsing, you may still accrue more passwords than you can reasonably remember. Between your email accounts, social media, utilities, streaming accounts, and any shopping you've done online, you might have dozens of passwords. That's a lot to remember, so it's natural to start re-using passwords or opting for things that are easier to remember. A more secure solution may be to try a low-cost password manager. 

Sticky Password is a comprehensive password management and form-fill tool compatible with a wide range of devices. If you're sick of memorizing all your passwords, here's a chance to give your memory a break. A lifetime subscription to Sticky Password is only $24.97.

Remember one password

Instead of remembering a different password for each account, how about you just remember one? This simple password manager is compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices, so you can access all your accounts whether you're on your tablet, phone, or laptop. 

Sticky Password lets you save unlimited encrypted passwords, and it even fills them in for you. Log into your counts automatically, and if you're buying something, take advantage of Sticky Password's secure digital wallet. It even works with two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and more. 

Save on a simple cybersecurity solution 

Improve your password security without needing to improve your memory.  

Until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a Sticky Password Premium Lifetime Subscription for $24.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Sticky Password Sticky Password Premium: Lifetime Subscription $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $175.02 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

PC users, get Windows 11 Pro for only $24.97

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:00

TL;DR: Through April 2, if you're looking for a low-cost way to improve your digital security, try upgrading your operating system to Windows 11 Pro for $24.97 (reg. $199).

Cybersecurity may seem like an abstract concept, but there are very real and simple things you can do to help keep your data and devices safer. Something as simple as modernizing your apps and operating systems could give you access to more recent, automatic security tools, and it might not cost as much as you think. 

PC users have a chance to upgrade a compatible device to Windows 11 Pro for a limited-time low price. Through April 2, you can get Windows 11 Pro for only $24.97, with no coupon needed. 

Whether you're a remote worker, a business owner, or just looking for an upgrade, Windows 11 Pro may be able to help. This OS comes with advanced security measures, such as support for biometrics login (for compatible devices), TPM 2.0, and Smart App Control.

Security isn't the only thing going on with 11 Pro, though. Gamers might enjoy DirectX 12 Ultimate for boosted gaming graphics, and casual users could even notice the difference from quality-of-life improvements like snap layouts, desktops, and improved voice typing. 

Just keep in mind that not all computers are compatible with 11 Pro. If your Windows device is running Windows 10 and can't upgrade to Windows 11 for free, 11 Pro won't work either. 

The easiest way to improve your cybersecurity might not be yet another app. 

Instead, take advantage of this limited-time deal and get Windows 11 Pro for $24.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $169.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Tesla Model 3 'Ludicrous' will be more than just a speedier M3, new leaks show

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 09:39

The rumored, super-quick version of Tesla's Model 3 will reportedly come with a number of improvements that make it very different from previous 'Performance' variants.

A slew of new leaked photos, shared on social media (via Teslarati), show parts of the new car's exterior and interior, and a short video even shows some of the menu items in the car's main user interface.

Leaker and Tesla enthusiast Nic Cruz Patane summed up the new features in a tweet. A short video, making the rounds on social media, contains a (very) quick run through the car's menus.

First, it appears that the new Tesla M3 will have three drive modes: Chill, Sport, and Insane. Despite previous rumors, there's no 'Ludicrous' mode, begging the question whether the car's official name will end up being 'Ludicrous' at all.

Tweet may have been deleted

Other new features include Active Suspension (with two modes: Standard and Sport), automatic shift between forward and reverse (as seen in pricier Teslas, such as Model X), and minor cosmetic changes such as the ‘Ludicrous’ badge in the software menu (the name and visuals come from the 1987 comedy Spaceballs).

Interior changes include sportier seats, and a carbon fibre dash inlay, while the exterior has a redesigned, more aggressive styling on the front, and a carbon fibre spoiler on the back.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Autopark is getting a new name, and it's very LOTR

There's no word on the price, but if the new reports are accurate, the 'Ludicrous' Tesla M3 will be a very different beast than the M3 Performance variants which were available prior to the Highland redesign. The M3 Performance of old was faster than the other M3s, and it came with a carbon fibre spoiler, better brakes, and a few other, fairly minor upgrades. The rumored new 'Ludicrous' model seems to be a proper upgrade over Tesla's regular M3 and Long Range M3, and if the price is reasonable, it'll probably be a hit.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 2019 MS Office lifetime deal for Windows or Mac is on sale for under £25

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac or Windows for only £23.45 — that's 86% off.

Whether you’re a creative or an accountant, Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows can offer you plenty of resources. MS Office 2019 has been redesigned with more exciting features and improved cloud connectivity, allowing you to deliver higher-quality documents in a fraction of the time. Spruce up your CV, create a stunning slideshow, and produce better-assembled spreadsheets.

With no annoying recurring fees, this deal on an MS Office 2019 lifetime license for Mac or Windows is going for £23.45 for a limited time.

This Microsoft Office 2019 license includes: 

  • Word 2019 

  • Excel 2019 

  • PowerPoint 2019 

  • Outlook 2019 

  • OneNote2019 

  • Publisher 2019 (Windows Only)

  • Access 2019 (Windows Only)

  • Teams Classic 2019 (Mac Only)

With a one-time purchase, the suite can be installed on 1 Windows PC or Mac for use at home or work. You’ll get instant delivery and download where you can access the software license keys and get started immediately. Take advantage of the free customer service and support should you ever need assistance. Microsoft Office is known as one of the most popular business suites across the globe and is great for professionals and at-home users alike. 

For a limited time, take advantage of this price:

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans online for free

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Chennai Super Kings won the IPL last season, but that has all been forgotten about now. The new season is up and running, and everyone is looking to take the crown from the Super Kings.

If you're interested in watching Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans?

Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans starts at 2 p.m. GMT on March 26. This fixture takes place at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India.

How to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans for free

JioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can unblock and stream on JioCinema from anywhere in the world.

Access JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 India

  4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to sign up)

  5. Stream Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing JioCinema, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

  • 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

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Resisting Imposter Syndrome When You Weren’t the First Choice

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 05:01

It’s not uncommon to experience imposter syndrome in a new job. When you know you weren’t the first choice for the role, your feelings of self-doubt may be amplified. Here’s how to rebuild your confidence. Start by clarifying the gaps with your manager. Have a candid conversation about what was missing that didn’t make you […]

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Categories: Management

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 25

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 03:00

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 March 25's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Best Actress winner for her role in Norma Rae.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter L appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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 Wordle #1010 is...

SALLY.

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.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 25

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 02:00

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 March 25's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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: The rate at which something is able to move

  • Green: Picking up the pace

  • Blue: Basketball teams

  • Purple: Things relating to TV

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: How Fast Something is Going

  • Green: "Step on It!"

  • Blue: NBA Team Player

  • Purple: Tele___

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 Connections #288 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • How Fast Something is Going: CLIP, PACE, RATE, SPEED

  • "Step on It!": FASTER, GO, HURRY, MOVE

  • NBA Team Player: CLIPPER, PACER, ROCKET, SPUR

  • Tele___: COMMUTE, MEDICINE, PROMPTER, VISION

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

March Madness and Caitlin Clark have already given us some great memes

Mashable - Sun, 03/24/2024 - 19:20

For some sports fans, it's the most wonderful time of the year: March Madness. The marquee men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments are underway and already producing memorable moments.

Lots of folks have been glued to their televisions over the last few days, watching game after game. In years past March Madness has produced great memes. Remember the sad flute girl and crying Northwestern kid? This year is no exception.

Here are some of the memes and jokes thus far from March Madness, which has been characteristically full of upsets, huge plays, and big emotions.

Caitlin Clark and her dad

Caitlin Clark, the uber-popular superstar leading No. 1-seed Iowa in the women's tournament, is a famously heated player. Her Hawkeyes easily dispatched 16-seed Holy Cross, 91-65, in their opening game. Even still, Clark was still getting into it with the referees. To be fair, she did take a nasty elbow to the face during the game.

But Clark's father was frustrated with her antics from the stands. He seemed to exasperatedly tell his daughter to stop complaining, and lots of folks found it funny. It seemed like an interaction lots of people had with their dads in youth sports.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Oakland's upset and Jack Gohlke

The biggest upset of March Madness thus far was 14-seed Oakland's stunning defeat of 3-seed Kentucky. Led by sharpshooter Jack Gohlke, Oakland squeaked by a Kentucky team full of future NBA stars. Folks online loved joking about Gohlke, who maybe didn't look like a typical basketball star, but sure played like it.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Kentucky sadness

Speaking of Gohlke, lots of folks got jokes off at Kentucky's expense after they were ousted by underdog Oakland. When you've had as much success as Kentucky has historically, it makes sense opposing fans would take pleasure in your demise.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Yale takes down Auburn

Auburn, a 3-seed, got upset by Yale, a 14-seed much better known for its academics than its hoops. There were, of course, some jokes about that.

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Despite all the wild stories thus far, we're still in the very beginning stages of March Madness, with Round 2 games underway. There will certainly be more memes and jokes to come.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Oh boy, 'Joker 2' might be a 'jukebox musical'

Mashable - Sun, 03/24/2024 - 16:12

Sometimes a sentence comes along that makes you do a double take. For me, this sentence, in a tweet from Variety, most definitely qualifies.

Variety wrote on X: "EXCLUSIVE: Insiders privy to filming and early versions of Todd Phillips' 'Joker: Folie à Deux' tell Variety the movie leans heavily towards being 'mostly a jukebox musical,' as it integrates at last 15 reinterpretations of 'very well-known' songs."

The next Joker movie — a film that took itself very seriously even if it didn't say much — is...going...to be a jukebox musical? The character that ended up being super popular with the far right is going to be singing and dancing around. The movie is set to star Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Having Gaga sing is never a bad idea, but um, still this whole idea leaves you wondering WTF.

Tweet may have been deleted

A ton of people online agreed with my sentiment. Folks also wondered what songs would be involved. There is lots to figure out because it's a truly strange idea to turn the Joker into Mamma Mia.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

So, yes, Joker 2 — which will apparently be titled Joker: Folie à Deux — will reportedly be a musical. Interesting. Strange. It's scheduled to be released in October, so we've got plenty of time to get jokes off until it comes out.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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