Technology

How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder?

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:48

Despite many new additions to the dating app landscape, Bumble continues to be one of the most popular apps with 58 million users in 2023, according to Business of Apps. The app remains in close competition with Tinder as a "top" dating app. But what is Bumble — and is it better than Tinder?

What is Bumble?

Bumble is a dating app created in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd. Wolfe Herd was CEO of Bumble until the start of 2024, when she stepped down (though remains as executive chair) and Lidiane Jones became CEO.

SEE ALSO: Bumble revamps the 'first move' and other features

Since its start, Bumble has been known for "women making the first move." For users seeking heterosexual connections, only women users could message male matches first. These users had 24 hours from the time they matched to send a message, and the match then had another 24 hours to reply — or else the match disappeared. For same-sex connections, anyone could message first. In the case of nonbinary users, Bumble allowed them to message first since 2022.

In a March 2024 interview with Fortune, new Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones hinted that Bumble was rethinking "women making the first move" due to dating app fatigue. By the end of April, Bumble announced changes to its app including the "first move."

A new Bumble feature is "Opening Moves," a prompt question women (and users seeking same-sex connections) can set so a match can technically message them first. Other additions Bumble recently made include expanding Dating Intentions and the amount of photos users must have on their profile (four as opposed to two).

Creating a Bumble account

To create an account on Bumble, sign up with your Facebook account, Apple ID, or your phone number. From there, the app will prompt you to create your profile. You'll type in your name, add your birthday and your gender, and what gender matches you're looking for: men, women, nonbinary people, or some combination of the three.

Bumble will then ask for your Dating Intentions. Since the recent update, the options are:

  • A long-term relationship

  • A life partner

  • Fun, casual dates

  • Intimacy, without commitment

  • Ethical non-monogamy

  • Marriage

You can select up to two, or skip this.

From there, add your interests — hobbies and activities you enjoy. You can also add qualities and traits you value (i.e. ambition and empathy) and causes you care about (i.e. feminism and trans rights).

Bumble has also updated prompts to engender conversation, like "I'm known for..." and "I'm a real nerd about..."

Bumble now mandates users upload four photos of themselves on the app. Afterwards, users must accept a "kindness pledge," promising to be respectful. Over the years, Bumble has cracked down on "bad behavior" like cyberbullying and flaking. The app has also added an AI-powered tool to weed out scam profiles.

Bumble's new Dating Intentions and Opening Moves features. Credit: Bumble Bumble Premium and Bumble Boost

You can use Bumble for free, but the app also has two paid options: Bumble Premium and Bumble Boost.

Here are the prices listed for Bumble Premium subscriptions as of 2024:

  • 1 week at $27.99

  • 1 month at $54.99

  • 3 months at $109.99

Alternatively, there's Bumble Boost, which is cheaper. Prices are:

  • 1 week at $14.99

  • 1 month at $29.99

  • 3 months at $49.99

With Bumble Boost, users can backtrack (reverse a left swipe); extend time on matches for an additional 24 hours; receive unlimited swipes, one Spotlight per week (putting your profile at the top of the swiping "stack"), and five SuperSwipes a week (letting a potential match know beforehand that you want to match).

Premium members receive all those perks, plus unlimited Advanced Filters; the ability to rematch with expired matches; Travel Mode (swipe anywhere you want to); and seeing everyone who's already liked you (aka your Beeline); and Incognito Mode.

How many likes do you get on Bumble?

After completing your profile and preferences, it's time to swipe. Bumble is similar to Tinder: swipe left to dislike, right to like. Scroll down to view more of a viewer's profile. Bumble doesn't give a specific number of swipes free accounts have per day, but if the app notices you're on a frenzy, they'll limit your swipes.

When do you get more likes on Bumble?

Once Bumble restricts your swipes, you'll be able to swipe again after 24 hours.

How does Bumble work?

If you're a woman, you have 24 hours to respond to a match, or else it disappears — barring your one extension per day on a free account or your match replying to your Opening Move. Once you message, it's in your match's hands. If they don't message back within 24 hours, the match expires too. Should both of you message, the match won't go away unless you manually report or unmatch the other person.

If you're a man looking for other men, you can set an Opening Move.

You don't have to use Bumble to date ("Bumble Date"), however. There's Bumble BFF, for those looking for platonic relationships, and Bumble Bizz, a networking offshoot. The UX is similar, where you swipe to match with users. Users can only choose one setting at a time, though.

Is Bumble better than Tinder?

Given Tinder's less than stellar reputation, one may ask whether Bumble is the better option. Their interface is similar, so if you don't like swiping, neither Tinder nor Bumble is the dating app for you.

If you don't mind swiping, and you're into Bumble's "first move" or Opening Move ethos, give it a shot. The app's 24-hour rule on both sides, however, can be daunting. Sometimes you may not be in the mood to chat right away, or you may be swiping during a work break and forget to check back in. Tinder doesn't have time restraints.

Tinder also doesn't have alternative services like Bumble BFF or Bizz. If you're already in a relationship but looking for a different kind of connection, Bumble is your best bet.

There's also chatter about the "types" of people you'd find Tinder versus Bumble, like that users on the latter are more serious than those on the former. Given that Tinder has resulted in long-term relationships and marriages — and so has Bumble — I don't take stock in those assumptions. These days, people are on all types of dating apps for all different reasons; the specific app may not matter.

Users on Bumble may be looking for marriage — or something less serious. Credit: Vicky Leta / Mashable What are the pros and cons to Bumble?

Pros:

  • Bumble is free to use (but some features — like seeing who already liked you — are only available for Premium users)

  • Women message first or set an Opening Move

  • Matches must match each other within 24 hours — a pro if you want to avoid flakes

  • Bumble has fun prompts to answer to get to know your match better

  • Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz make it possible to either make friends or add to your professional network

Cons:

  • Some features, like Incognito Mode and Advanced Filters, are for paid users only

  • Matches disappear if both people don't message within 24 hours, unless free members use their one extension/day or members have Boost or Premium accounts

  • Some users may not like the new Opening Moves feature, as men can now message first

  • You can only use one mode of Bumble (Date, BFF, or Bizz) at a time

SEE ALSO: Swipe, chat, get laid: The best hookup apps for casual encounters How does Bumble work for guys? What about LGBTQ people?

For straight people, women message first unless they set an Opening Move. In that case, men can message first.

If you're looking for same-sex connections, either match can set an Opening Move or message first. If you're nonbinary, you can message first on Bumble.

Bumble is a popular dating app that, like any, has its advantages and disadvantages. The only way to see if the "buzz" is worth it is to try it out for yourself.

This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: What are the differences?

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:42

This iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro deep-dive comparative analysis will give you clarity on what, exactly, are the differences between the two phones. Don't worry; we'll explore how the cameras differ, too, a popular request among prospective iPhone 15 buyers.

The iPhone 15 costs $800, but the iPhone 15 Pro is more expensive at $1,000. That being said, I know what you're wondering. Does the iPhone 15 Pro really have features that are worth the extra $200?

No, I won't tell you which phone to get. Instead, I'm going to tell you the differences between the two and let you decide which device is best for your lifestyle. Let's dive into this iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro face-off, shall we?

(Note: Check out our iPhone 16 rumor hub. If may find that neither model in the iPhone 15 series does it for you, you can always wait for the next iteration.)

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 rumors: Release date, price, specs, features, and more iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: price

The iPhone 15 has a starting price of $800 via Apple's official website and it comes with the following specs:

  • 128GB of storage

  • 6GB of RAM

  • A16 Bionic chipset

  • 6.1-inch display

Keep in mind that you can get more storage, but it'll cost you. If you want 256GB of storage, the iPhone 15 will set you back $900. Speaking from experience, I'd recommend getting the 256GB variant, particularly if you love hoarding photos and videos. Otherwise, the 128GB model will haunt you with a "storage full" error, forcing you to delete your treasured media content within a year (or less) of use.

The base iPhone 15 model comes with 128GB of storage. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

If you're a big spender, you can get the iPhone 15 with 512GB of storage, which costs $1,100. But if you have enough money to spend on that, you'd be better off upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro with 256GB of storage, which is exactly the same price.

Speaking of the iPhone 15 Pro, it has a starting price of $1,000 via Apple's official website and comes with the following specs:

  • 128GB of storage

  • 8GB of RAM

  • A17 Pro

  • 6.1-inch display

The most expensive iPhone 15 Pro, packed with 1TB of storage, will set you back $1,500. But again, if you have that kind of money to blow, you might as well upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 512GB of storage, which costs $100 less at $1,400.

Again, I'd recommend upgrading to at least 256GB of storage if you have a treasure trove of media you'd like to store. However, if you don't mind deleting a few stuff along the way, or you have cloud storage, the 128GB variant should be fine.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Get Deal Featured Video For You A brief history of the iPhone iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: design

Cue Sia singing "Titanium" at the top of her lungs! The iPhone 15 Pro's biggest selling point is that it consists of a titanium frame, making it lighter and more durable than its predecessor's stainless-steel chassis.

The iPhone 15, wrapped in an aluminum enclosure, doesn't have a hint of titanium. Womp, womp! It is, however, a little lighter than its Pro sibling (6.03 ounces vs. 6.6 ounces).

As far as colors are concerned, I'd argue that the iPhone 15's colors are more fun.

The iPhone 15 comes in five fun colors. Credit: Apple

It comes in five colors:

  • Pink

  • Yellow

  • Green

  • Blue

  • Black

The iPhone 15 Pro is a little bit more bougie — more mature and sophisticated.

The iPhone 15 Pro's colors are a lot more neutral. Credit: Apple

Its colors are more urbane, subtle, and minimalist:

  • Natural Titanium

  • Blue Titanium

  • White Titanium

  • Black Titanium

One subtle difference between the two phones is the iPhone 15 Pro's Action Button feature located on the left side of the chassis. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, still has a very boring mute switch instead. What's so great about the Action Button? You can customize it to launch any app or task you want.

For example, with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I've set the Action Button to launch the Notes app since I use it so frequently, but the possibilities are endless. You can set up the Action Button to launch whatever app you want.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: display

The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro actually share the same display size: 6.1 inches. If you want something bigger (e.g., 6.7 inches), consider getting the iPhone 15 Plus or the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Dynamic Island is here to stay. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

They also have the same resolution: 2,256 x 1,179 pixels

Although the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max share the same screen size, they do not have the same display tech. The iPhone 15 does not have ProMotion technology nor does it have an Always-On display — but the Pro model has both of these perks.

What's ProMotion? It's just a fancy term for, "This phone has a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz." In other words, the iPhone 15 Pro has a zippier display that adapts to your workflow. If you're simply scrolling through an article, the refresh rate will slowdown. However, if you fire up a fast-paced mobile game, the refresh rate will pick up.

Conversely, the iPhone 15 has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which will feel slower only if you've ever owned a phone with a refresh rate of 90Hz or higher. And for the uninitiated, an Aways-On display lets you get information like time, widgets, and more at a glance because — well — the screen is always on. I can't say the same for the iPhone 15.

Both have the snazzy Dynamic Island featured at the top of the display, and plus, the duo can climb to a peak brightness of 2,000, according to Apple.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: cameras

Cameras are one of the biggest selling points smartphones, and as you might have guessed, the iPhone 15 Pro has an edge over the iPhone 15. Here's a break down of the camera specs:

iPhone 15
  • Wide camera - 48MP

  • Ultrawide camera - 12MP

  • Selfie camera - 12MP

  • No telephoto

iPhone 15 Pro
  • Wide camera - 48MP

  • Ultrawide camera - 12MP

  • Selfie camera - 12MP

  • Telephoto (3X optical zoom)

Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 does not have a telephoto lens, which means that zoomed-in shots will have a dip in quality. It's also worth nothing that the iPhone 15 Pro's ultrawide lens has a slightly wider aperture, which means low-light shots should be better.

If you're a telephoto lens stan, you're going to want to go Pro. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 15, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, does not support macro photography, Apple ProRAW, nor Night Mode portraits. (This isn't to be confused with Night Mode, which the iPhone 15 does have.)

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: performance

The iPhone 15 Pro, without a doubt, is zippier and beastlier than the iPhone 15, thanks to its new A17 Pro Bionic chip. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 sports the chipset featured inside the iPhone 14 Pro models: the A16 Bionic.

The iPhone 15 Pro is more of a powerhouse. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Truth be told, the A16 Bionic is still a stellar, breakneck chip that is actually overpowered for what's needed for mobile tasks, so imagine the herculean power behind the A17 Pro.

Without getting into the weeds of things, just know that the A17 Pro is capable of cutting-edge AI computations and graphics. So much so that high-fidelity games like Resident Evil Village, Death Stranding, and Assassin's Creed Mirage will be headed to the iPhone 15 Pro soon.

It's also worth noting that the iPhone 15 has 6GB of RAM while the iPhone 15 Pro has 8GB of RAM. This means that latter will do a better job at juggling multiple tasks simultaneously (e.g., switching between a bunch of apps should be faster).

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: battery life

Apple ran a video playback test on the iPhone 15 and it lasted 20 hours on a single charge. Compare that to the iPhone 15 Pro, which lasted 23 hours on the same test.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Which should you buy?

To sum it all up, the iPhone 15 Pro has an Action Button that I believe is totally underrated — the iPhone 15 doesn't have one. Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro has a better camera system. If taking better zoomed-in shots are important to you, it'd be worth it to shell out an extra $200.

If you enjoy mobile gaming, with the iPhone 15 Pro getting a GPU boost from its A17 Pro chipset, the upper-tier model is a better choice for you.

However, if neither of those bells and whistles tickle your fancy, you'll be fine with the entry-level iPhone 15.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $15 when you spend $100 on a Lyft gift card at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:40

Save $15: As of May 6, you can save $15 (15%) when you spend $100 on a virtual Lyft gift card at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lyft Spend $100, save $15 on Lyft gift cards Get Deal


With your singular chance at a first ride promo being but a distant memory, the elusive treat that is a ride share promo is one that we've learned to treasure. As of May 6, Lyft users have a chance to save $15 when they buy a $100 Lyft gift card at Amazon.

$15 off of $100 is technically only 15% off, but we all know that $15 is major when you're debating $40 one way. A 15% discount trumps the typical 10% off Lyft randomly hands out to current users, anyway, as well as the $10 off $100 discount currently being offered on Uber gift cards at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Lyft is killing surge pricing to siphon off Uber customers

Be sure to click "Apply promotion" before choosing a gift card design and adding it to your cart. The offer should automatically apply at checkout, bringing your total to as low as $85 — or more, if you decide to bump the denomination to more than $100. The gift card will be sent to the email address of your choice for the recipient to add to their Lyft app.

A Lyft gift card would make a great graduation gift or birthday gift that anyone will use, though we'd also back just sending it to yourself.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube launches new AI 'Jump Ahead' feature. Here's how to use it.

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:35

YouTube is officially launching its AI-powered "Jump Ahead" feature for Premium users.

Back in March, YouTube began testing a way for users to skip ahead to the most interesting parts of a video, determined by user watching data and AI predictions. Now, the experiment is out of beta. It's rolling out to YouTube Premium users — but only on Android for now.

SEE ALSO: YouTube is excited about pause screen ads — and they're coming for your TV first

For viewers who are just trying to get to the good stuff, this could be a useful way to skip the filler content in bloated videos. It might also be a powerful incentive to sign up for YouTube Premium, which the streaming giant has been pushing hard for in other ways, like potentially adding pause screen ads and cracking down on ad-blockers for free accounts. Our attention spans are already minuscule, but there's also the unsettling feeling that YouTube is using AI to shave them down even further.

How to use 'Jump Ahead'

Per 9to5Google, when you double tap to skip ahead 10 seconds, you'll see a "Jump Ahead" button on the bottom righthand corner of the screen. If you tap this, text over the video says, "Skipping over commonly skipped section." So instead of jumping ahead by 10 seconds, it's taking to you what has been deemed "the next best point a viewer typically skips ahead to." Again, this feature is trained by granular watch data, as well as your own watching habits, so YouTube is leveraging AI to take you to specific points in the video that you likely want to see.

In addition to the "Jump ahead" button, YouTube has also been testing an AI-powered "Ask" button, which lets Premium users ask specific questions about a video or find related content through a chatbot interface, without interrupting playback.

Premium users can test out both features on youtube.com/new. "Jump ahead" is available until June 1 and "Ask" is available until May 21. After that, YouTube might extend the deadlines or move it out of the testing phase and deploy them as official features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurry, save $120 on the KitchenAid artisan mixer just in time for Mother's Day

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:33

SAVE $120.04: As of May 6, the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer is on sale at Amazon for $329.95. This saves shoppers 27% on the regular list price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer $329.95 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $120.04 Get Deal

For the moms who know how to make magic in the kitchen, having timeless, culinary-quality equipment matters. With a KitchenAid mixer, she can take baking to the next level.

As of May 6, the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer is on sale for 27% off, taking the price down from $449.99 to $329.95. This saves shoppers $120.04. We recommend acting quickly on this deal in order to be ready for Mother's Day.

A hefty 22 pounds, this stainless steel 5-quart mixer is a beautiful piece of equipment that quickly becomes a staple of the kitchen. It can make nine dozen cookies in a single batch, making it the perfect prep tool for holidays and large family gatherings. This KitchenAid is more than just a mixer, too: You can continue to buy attachments for it that turn it into a pasta maker or even a meat grinder.

Take advantage of this deal while it lasts, and score the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer at Amazon for just $329.95.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Give mom the gift of memories with a digital picture frame this Mother's Day 

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:29

GET UP TO 30% OFF: As of May 6, you can get up to 30% off digital picture frames at Amazon—shop brands like Skylight, Aura, and more.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Aura Carver 10.1-inch wireless digital picture frame $148.99 at Amazon (save $30.01) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Nixplay 10.1-inch wireless digital picture frame $139.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best bedget pick Skylight 10-inch digital picture frame $119.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

If your mom’s always on your case about sending her more pictures, a digital picture frame is the perfect Mother's Day gift to keep her updated on your latest adventures. Not only is it a thoughtful and personalized gift, but it also gives her the opportunity to display and cherish her favorite memories in a modern and convenient way.

SEE ALSO: Hurry to grab these last-minute Mother's Day deals any mom is sure to love

And, as of May 6, you can get up to 30% off these nifty gadgets at Amazon. Shop brands like Skylight, Aura, and Nixplay to find the frame that fits your mom’s style and decor. With a quick setup and easy-to-use controls, she can see her favorite snaps with the click of a button.

Here are the best deals we could find on digital picture frames for Mother's Day:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Aura Our pick: Aura Carver 10.1-inch wireless digital picture frame $148.99 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $30.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Aura Carver 10.1-inch wireless digital picture frame is our top pick for the best deal overall. This chic digital frame comes in multiple color options to match your mom's taste.

What’s even more unique about this frame is that you can send photos and videos from your phone straight to it, making it easy for your mom to always have the latest memories on display without manually uploading anything herself. Invite as many friends and family members as you’d like to contribute photos to the frame; there’s no restriction on the number of people who can share their moments with your mom. Plus, there’s unlimited storage.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nixplay Our pick: Nixplay 10.1-inch wireless digital picture frame $139.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nixplay 10.1-inch wireless digital picture frame is our runner-up pick for the best deal. It features a touchscreen display, so your mom can easily navigate through her photos and customize settings with just a tap.

With this frame, you can share photos to a single frame or connect multiple digital picture frames to create a synchronized slideshow across different rooms or locations. And, with the drag-and-drop photo upload feature, mom can choose photos from Apple Photos, Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms to create a curated display of her favorite memories.

The Nixplay app also allows users to control the frame remotely, so even if you're far away, you can still easily update it with new pictures for your mom to enjoy.

Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Skylight Our pick: Skylight 10-inch digital picture frame $119.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Skylight 10-inch digital picture frame is your best pick if you're on a budget. It has over 500 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, so it’s a reliable and affordable option.

Like the other options on our list, it's plug-and-play. Just connect it to WiFi, and you’re ready to start adding photos; no apps or subscriptions are required. You can also preload the frame before giving it to your mom so you can surprise her with a collection of cherished memories right from the start.

Categories: IT General, Technology

May 6 is the last day to shop Way Day, Wayfair's biggest sale of the year

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:18

SAVE UP TO 80%: May 6 is the last day to shop Wayfair's Way Day sale, where you can save between 50% and 80% in categories like outdoor furniture, patio heating, living room seating, area rugs, mattresses, grills, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wayfair Way Day sale Shop Now

You don't need spring cleaning or a change in season to justify refreshing your space. The only excuse you need to replace old furniture or switch color schemes is that you're simply not vibing with the old stuff anymore — though a huge annual sale like Wayfair's Way Day sale definitely provides some extra convincing power.

Way Day is Wayfair's biggest sale of the year and usually coincides with May Day at the beginning of May. The 2024 sale kicked off on May 4 and is live through May 6 at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you're stumped on a Mother's Day gift that mom will actually use, this timing is perfect to find a last-minute gem.

SEE ALSO: Memorial Day sales are already kicking off — here's what you need to know

As with any sale at Wayfair, categories enjoying discounts span from just about every room inside (and any space outside) the home that you can think of, though Way Day 2024 does have some favorites. The biggest general discounts can be found on area rugs (up to 80% off), curtains (up to 70% off), and mattresses, living room seating, and outdoor furniture (all up to 60% off). Regardless of your purchase total, everything ships free.

We're highlighting a few favorite deals below to give an idea of Way Day's impressive range, though we'd advise plopping down on your current couch to peruse all of these categories.

Best patio furniture deal Opens in a new window Credit: Three Posts Three Posts Hartington plastic folding Adirondack chair $158.99 at Wayfair
$248.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The internet seems to be on a quest to find the best cheap Adirondack chair every summer, and naturally, Way Day has several contenders. Coming in nearly 20 colors, you can score Three Posts' Hartington chair for between 35% and 40% off (depending on the color), with all options charting below $200. The premium plastic design is made from Tanglewood, a durable material made with recycled plastic that's designed to stay outside year round without cracking, peeling, or warping.

Shop all outdoor furniture deals.

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sealy Sealy Cool 12-inch medium hybrid mattress $469.99
$1,099.00 Save $629.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Hot sleepers, this is the year that you finally upgrade to a nice cooling mattress. This luxe hybrid bed in a box from Sealy sits right in the middle of plush and firm due to a balance of traditional support memory foam and gel memory foam infused with Sealy's CopperChill technology to promote moisture wicking and air flow. All sizes are at least 50% off, with even the king size coming in below $600.

Shop all mattress and bedding deals.

Best fire pit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Red Barrel Studios Red Barrel Studio outdoor fire pit table $196.99 at Wayfair
$391.97 Save $194.98 Get Deal Why we like it

This iron outdoor fire pit table crosses a patio heater and a conversation table off of your list in a single sub-$200 purchase. The iron build and glass casing enclosing the flame are a surefire way to elevate any space once held back by one with a rusty screen, measuring 25 inches tall and 43 inches wide. Propane fuels its smoke-free 50,000 BTU heat output.

Shop all fire pit and outdoor heating deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurry to grab these last-minute Mother's Day deals any mom is sure to love

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:08

Mother's Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12, which means it's about time to find to find the perfect gift. Whether your mom loves to cook, listen to podcasts, or head to the pickleball courts, plenty of great deals are around, offering you a deep discount while giving mom the thanks she deserves.

Best Mother's day deals to shop today Best deal for the active mom Theragun mini $169 at Therabody (save $30) Get Deal Best headphones deal for mom Bose QuietComfort $249 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best deal for the coffee-loving mom Breville Bambino Plus $399.95 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best home deal for mom Coway Airmega air purifier $159.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best bedding deal Brooklinen Classic Percale Core sheet set (queen) $134.25 at Brooklinen (save $44.75) Get Deal Best tech deal for mom Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $114.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal

Searching for a present that's worthy of gifting for Mother's Day is a tall order. With everything moms do for us, it's hard to find a physical gift that stands up to the task. But shopping for something thoughtful that she'll use everyday is a pretty good option.

Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for Mother's Day 2024 that she's not only sure to love, but she may even use everyday.

Best deal for the active mom Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody Our pick: Theragun mini $169.00 at Therabody
$199.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your mom wakes up and takes the dog out for a walk and then heads off to play countess pickleball games, the Theragun mini could be perfect for relaxing sore muscles. Its portable size means it'll easily fit into a gym bag or tote bag, being Therabody's smallerst and lightest Theragun. The massage device has three speeds and three attachments to customize muscle relief wherever it's needed. The Theragun mini also comes with an included soft carrying case, adding to the portability.

More health and fitness deals:Best headphones deal for mom Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose QuietComfort headphones $249.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Getting up to 24 hours of battery life, the Bose QuietComfort headphones could be the perfect gift for any mom who enjoys listening to her favorite playlist, audiobook, or podcast without being interrupted. The noise-cancelling headphones are an over-the-ear model that focus on comfort with a cushioned earcup and padded band.

The Bose QuietComfort work via Bluetooth or through the included microphone cord, should your mom prefer to plug the headphones and listen without a Bluetooth connection.

More headphones and speaker deals to shop:Best deal for the coffee-loving mom Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Our pick: Breville Bambino Plus $399.95 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Any coffee-lover knows how vital it is to be able to make a great cup of coffee at home. If your mom enjoys great espresso, lattes, or mochas, the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine could be the perfect addition to her kitchen. With the intelligence to pull espresso shots at the optimal water pressure, the Bambino helps ensure great tasting coffee every time. It's designed to heat to the ideal temp in just three seconds, and the included portafilter allows for either a single or double shot. This model also includes a steam wand, so mom can become her own barista and make cafe-style drinks just the way she likes them.

More kitchen deals to shop:Best home deal for mom Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega air purifier $159.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mom deserves the best and because of that, she could likely use the Coway Airmega air purifier. Unseen by the naked eye, even sparkly clean homes have dust, pollen, and other pollutants that can be less than ideal to breath in. The Coway Airmega is designed to rid the air of unwanted particles thanks to a four-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter. The Coway air purifier also has three fan settings and a timer feature so she can set the purifier to automatically power off after a certain run time.

More home deals to shop:Best bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Our pick: Brooklinen Classic Percale Core sheet set (queen) $134.25 at Brooklinen
$179.00 Save $44.75 Get Deal Why we like it

If your mom deserves some luxury and pampering, getting her a high-quality set of sheets is a perfect gift. Thanks to Brooklinen's 25% off sale, the Classic Percale Core sheet set is just $134.25 in a queen size. The set comes in nine colorway options and several seasonal patterns, too. Brooklinen uses long-staple cotton with a 270 thread count in the percale sheets that can be perfect for hot sleepers or those who want that crisp hotel-like-bedding feel at home. The core sheet set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.

More bedding and mattress deals:Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Paperwhite (16 GB) $114.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If mom is always going on about her latest read, give her the gift of a portable library. The Kindle Paperwhite is one of our favorite e-readers. Its displays look just like paper, no glare in sight, even when the sun is shining. The Paperwhite also has the advantage of being waterproof, so mom can bring it along to the beach without fear of the surf. Right now, the Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $114.99, a 23% savings just in time for Mother's Day.

More tech deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $30 on the Bird Buddy smart birdfeeder ahead of Mother's Day

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 18:01

SAVE $30: As of today, May 6, you can shop the original Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder for 10% off at Amazon. Today's limited-time deal brings the list price down from $299.99 to $269.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bird Buddy Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder $269.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

As Mother's Day clocks in less than a week away, we're feeling the pressure to find that unique gift for the mothers in our lives. Whether mom is an avid gardener, nature lover, or birder, the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder is sure to bring her joy all spring and summer long.

Today at Amazon, the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder is on sale for 10% off, saving you $30. This brings the price down to $269.99 from $299.99.

While this may seem like a hefty price for a bird feeder, there's a reason why the Bird Buddy is expensive. The solar-powered bird feeder has a smart camera that connects to your phone, letting you know when any winged friends are visiting. Not only do you get notifications so you can go out an observe the birds for yourself, but the smart camera takes their pictures and uses AI to organize photos into a collection and even identify which species are pictured.

The app gives you plenty of opportunities to learn and grow your new hobby, giving you tips on how to attract specific species of birds to your feeder.

Scoop up the Bird Buddy in time for Mother's Day when you shop the sale today at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: The rarely discounted Kindle Paperwhite is 23% off

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 17:41
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Paperwhite $114.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Beats Studio Buds $79.95 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal BEST GIFT DEAL Select gift cards (DoorDash, Bath and Body Works, Gap, etc.) up to 20% off Get Deal BEST SMART HOME DEAL Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

It's no secret that we love deal hunting at Mashable. On any given day, we're scouring the web for the best discounts around — and Amazon regularly outshines the other mega retailers in the oversaturated shopping market with its highly competitive pricing.

If deal hunting isn't your cup of tea, but you still love a good discount, we've got you covered. Here are the best Amazon deals of the day on May 6 to kick off your week with savings.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon deal of the day: Kindle Paperwhite $114.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

It's not every day the Kindle Paperwhite goes on sale. In fact, at $114.99 as of May 6, this is the biggest discount the device has seen since Black Friday. Although it's not the lowest discount to date, it's likely the best price you'll see until Prime Day in July. The Paperwhite is a "nearly perfect" device, according to Mashable's Alex Perry. This 16GB model was released in late 2022 and doubled the capacity of the original model. In other words, it can fit thousands more books in its virtual library. Otherwise, the features are largely the same as the previous iteration: a 6.8-inch display that glows under any lighting, a waterproof design, an adjustable warm light, a 10-week battery life, and a flawless form factor fit for one-handed readers. Overall, our reviewer dubbed it an "elegant e-reader that is enjoyable to use."

Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $79.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're searching for a solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that won't break the bank, the Beats Studio Buds will make a great summer travel companion. Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry called them "Apple's new go-to entry-level earbuds" when they first came out in 2021, claiming they "put entry-level AirPods to shame." They're equipped with decent ANC, transparency mode, spatial audio, a 24-hour battery life (thanks to the included charging case), comfortable eartips in a variety of sizes, and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. They're no longer the latest or greatest Beats earbuds, but they still have a lot to offer. And at just $79.95, they're back at their lowest price to date. That's 47% in savings.

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Buds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bath & Body Works / Yankee Candle / DoorDash Up to 20% off select gift cards Get Deal

Mother's Day is less than a week away and these gift card deals offer the perfect last-minute gifts for the lady who deserves it all. You can save up to 20% on select gift cards from one of mom's favorite brands — that way she can get exactly what she wants this holiday. Gift card brands include Bath and Body Works, Yankee Candle, Victoria's Secret, DoorDash, Google Play, Gap, TopGolf, Hopper, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Echo Echo Show 8 $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Released in Oct. of 2023, the third-gen Echo Show 8 serves as a central smart hub for your home. Use it to control your lights and security cameras, make video calls, stream movies, jam out to your favorite tunes, or follow along with recipes while you cook. The third-gen device does everything better than the previous iteration, which we were also big fans of. It features a centered 13MP front camera for clearer calls, a dynamic interface that adjusts what's on the screen based on how near or far you are to it, and spatial audio for more immersive listening. As of May 6, it's on sale for just $99.99 — that's 33% off its usual cost and just $10 shy of its all-time low.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score Black Friday-level deals on Amazon devices for Mother's Day

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 17:13

UP TO 50% OFF: As of May 6, you can get up to 50% off select Amazon devices, including the Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) and Kindle Scribe (16 GB).

Our top picks: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $114.99 at Amazon (save $35 ) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Dot (latest release) $27.99 at Amazon (save $49.99) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire TV deal 55-inch Amazon Fire TV omni QLED series $449.99 at Amazon (save $150 ) Get Deal

Mother’s Day is this coming weekend, and if you’re still empty-handed on the gift front, it’s not too late to find something that’ll make your mom's day extra special.

As of May 6, you can score up to 50% off select Amazon devices for Mother's Day. (While this sale isn’t specifically marketed as a Mother’s Day sale, the timing is perfect for those looking to get a great deal on Amazon devices.) It’s also National Small Business Month, so maybe that’s why so many of these smart gadgets are on sale right now. Either way, a deal’s a deal, and these Amazon device discounts are worth checking out.

Here are some of our top picks from the sale:

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $114.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) is one of the most popular Kindle models on the market, and we rarely see it go on sale (even on Black Friday). So, if your mom’s a reader, you might want to jump on this deal ASAP.

The Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) has a 6.8-inch display, thinner borders than previous models, and an adjustable warm light that makes reading easier on the eyes. With up to 10 weeks of battery life and 20% faster page turns, the Kindle Paperwhite is a top-notch e-reader.

Thanks to its anti-glare display (300 ppi glare-free display), you can even read it in the glaring sunlight without missing a beat. It’s also waterproof, making it the ultimate beach companion for the summer months.

More Kindle deals:Best Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Dot (latest release) $27.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Dot (latest release) is a staple in any smart home setup. Once you have one, you’ll be saying, “Hey, Alexa,” all the time. (I’ll admit that I miss my Echo whenever I travel.) And with this deal, you can get one for just $27.99.

The Amazon Echo Dot does everything from playing music and answering questions to controlling smart home devices and setting reminders. You can start your vacuum, change the temperature on the thermostat, and play your favorite song without lifting a finger.

More Echo deals:Best Amazon Fire TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 55-inch Amazon Fire TV omni QLED series $449.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 55-inch Amazon Fire TV omni QLED series offers a 4K Quantum Dot Display that’ll take your mom’s viewing experience to the next level, whether she’s watching Gordon Ramsey roast his competition or catching up on her favorite rom-com. The adaptive brightness also keeps your eyes comfortable in any lighting condition.

Plus, with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, she can display her favorite artwork or personal photos on the screen whenever she’s not using it. (Think: photos of the grandkids, family vacations, or beautiful landscapes.)

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save on the Kindle Paperwhite and more e-readers

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:45

Save up to 28%: Amazon Kindles are marked down to some of their lowest prices. The Kindle Paperwhite is down to $114.99, a 23% savings, while the Kindle Scribe is back down to its lowest price of $279.99.

Overview Our top pick Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $114.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal Best for note taking Kindle Scribe (32 GB) $279.99 at Amazon (Save $110) Get Deal Best budget pick Amazon Kindle 2022 (16 GB) $79.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

Just in time for summer vacation, Amazon has discounts on its popular Kindle e-readers. These compact devices are some of our favorites, offering a lightweight design that makes them good on the go.

The Kindle Paperwhite is our top pick among the e-readers, but between the Kindle 2022 and the Kindle Scribe, there's something for everyone.

Don't miss out on this deal that comes just in time for Mother's Day. If mom is a voracious reader, a Kindle makes a great gift, so she doesn't have to lug around her favorite hardcovers.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $114.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) is 23% off, down to $114.99. All around, it's the best e-reader for most people. It's paper-like display allows you to read around the clock, even in the blaring midday sun. It can come on vacation with you, it's waterproof design makes it perfect for poolside lounging. You don't have to worry about the Paperwhite's battery life on your long-haul flight as it lasts for weeks at a time. Take advantage of this markdown on the Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon, and save $35.

Best for note taking Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (32 GB) $279.99 at Amazon
$389.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Annotaters rejoice — there's a Kindle for you too. The Kindle Scribe allows you to take notes on its large display. The included pen glides across the screen, so you can write notes in the margins of your e-book or in the notebook feature. Normally $389.99, the Kindle Scribe is currently priced at $279.99, saving you $110 on this dual e-reader and notebook. This is its lowest price since Black Friday — don't sleep on this deal.

Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle 2022 (16 GB) $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Among Kindles, the 2022 release is the best option for those on a budget. And now, it's even more affordable, down to $79.99, saving you 20% off. The screen has an adjustable light so you can read day and night without any eye strain. Just like opening a physical book, the Kindle is a distraction-free reading experience without the bother of social media and texts on the device. The Kindle 2022 is an already budget-friendly pick, and it's even more affordable at $20 off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save up to 20% on gift cards for mom this Mother's Day

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:31

Mother's Day is only six days away. But what do you get the mom who has everything?

Today's best gift card deals for Mother's Day as of May 6: Best self-care gift card Bath and Body Works gift card $40 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal Best style gift card Gap gift card $40 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal Best beauty gift card Victoria's Secret gift card $40 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal

Today at Amazon, you can save up to 20% on gift cards from brands including Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Gap, and more. Scoring a gift card for one of mom's favorite brands is a thoughtful way to celebrate her — while making sure she gets exactly what she wants.

This promotion is limited to one gift card per brand, per customer. There's a limited supply, so we recommend jumping on these savings while you can!

Best self-care gift card Opens in a new window Credit: Bath and Body Works Bath and Body Works gift card $40.00 at Amazon
$50.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Known for its soothing body care products, relaxing candles, and refreshing fragrances, Bath and Body Works is a one-stop shop for self-care. With a $50 gift card, mom can pick out her favorite lotions, scrubs, and perfumes - while you save $10 when you shop today's promotion.

Best style gift card Opens in a new window Credit: Gap Gap gift card $40.00 at Amazon
$50.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Not only is this $50 Gap gift card $10 off today at Amazon, but it lets mom shop the whole family of Gap brands. Whether she's drawn to the latest in athleisure from Athleta, hot deals from Old Navy, or a timeless piece from Banana Republic, a Gap gift card is a thoughtful gift for fashion lovers.

Best beauty gift card Opens in a new window Credit: Victoria's Secret Victoria's Secret gift card $40.00 at Amazon
$50.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For women who love to indulge in the world of beauty, a $50 Victoria's Secret gift card can be a perfect Mother's Day gift. Plus, when you shop today's deal, you can save $10 off the gift card's list price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jack Dorsey has left Bluesky

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 15:55

Twitter/X co-founder Jack Dorsey is no longer on Bluesky's board of directors. He also just poured millions of dollars into a competing project. It isn't clear exactly why he left or when, but it doesn't look entirely drama-free from the outside.

Dorsey made his departure from Bluesky public on Saturday via a post on his Twitter/X account. Replying to a query about whether he was still on the Twitter/X competitor's board, Dorsey responded with a blunt "no," offering no further elaboration. Bluesky confirmed Dorsey's exit on its own platform later that day.

SEE ALSO: Bluesky is letting users customize how content is moderated

The official Bluesky account wrote, "We sincerely thank Jack for his help funding and initiating the bluesky project."

Bluesky further announced that it is currently searching for a new board member to replace Dorsey, stating that it's after someone "who shares our commitment to building a social network that puts people in control of their experience."

When reached for comment, Bluesky directed Mashable back to the posts on its official account.

Though neither Dorsey nor Bluesky seems inclined to get into details of his departure, the former's social media movements certainly paint an interesting picture. Dorsey appears to have deleted his personal Bluesky account last September yet continues to use Nostr, another decentralised social media network protocol.

In fact, questions regarding Dorsey's status with Bluesky initially arose in response to an announcement that his philanthropic fund #startsmall donated $5 million to support Nostr's development. This was part of a larger $21 million donation to OpenStats, a charity that funds open-source projects that relate to Bitcoin

Tweet may have been deleted

Dorsey is also still active on Twitter/X, despite having left the company much less recently than he did Bluesky. Dorsey stepped down from Twitter/X's board of directors two years ago in May 2022, just a few months before the social media platform was acquired by billionaire Elon Musk. This departure completed a planned exit which began when Dorsey relinquished the title of CEO in November 2021.

However, Dorsey did go on an unfollowing spree this weekend, reducing his following list on Twitter/X from over 2000 people to just Musk, Edward Snowden, and Stella Assange.

"don’t depend on corporations to grant you rights," Dorsey posted to Twitter/X hours after revealing his exit from its competitor. "defend them yourself using freedom technology. (you’re on one)"

The Bluesky social media platform was developed by a Twitter/X spinoff company also called Bluesky. Unveiled by Dorsey while he was Twitter/X's CEO in 2019, it began as a project to create a decentralised social media protocol before it became incorporated in 2021.

Judging by Dorsey's latest moves, it seems as though his hopes for such a protocol now lie elsewhere.

UPDATE: May. 7, 2024, 10:23 a.m. AEST This article has been updated with Bluesky's comment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'The Fall Guy' stunt team break down their favorite stunts from the film

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 15:47
The stunt team from 'The Fall Guy' on which stunts were the most exciting for them on set of the new Ryan Gosling film.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wild Apple rumors for 2025 and beyond: Foldable devices, new 'Slim' iPhone

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 15:35

Apple's got big plans for the (fairly) near future — if you trust a new report that may be just a tad too optimistic for reality.

No, we're not talking about the upcoming iPad event, scheduled for May 7. We're not talking about Apple's WWDC, scheduled for June 10, nor are we talking about the iPhone 16 launch, likely to happen in September.

iPhone 17 Slim

A new report by Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu (via 9to5Mac) claims significant changes will happen to Apple's iPhone lineup in 2025. According to the report, Apple will replace its "Plus" model with a new "Slim" variant, meaning the 2025 lineup would consist of iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Slim. There are no details about the Slimphone (we're totally calling it that, if it happens to be real), except that it'll be (doh) slimmer than the regular iPhones.

According to Pu, the iPhone 17 lineup of devices will have a "more complex" aluminum design (whatever that means), while the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the sole exception as it will once again be made of titanium. The Pro Max will also have a smaller Dynamic Island, made possible by the new "metalens" technology which will enable Apple to dramatically reduce the size of the Face ID sensor, which sits in the Dynamic Island cutout alongside the front camera.

SEE ALSO: 2024 iPad Air: 4 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet

Finally, Pu also claims that the iPhone 17 and 17 Slim (we're warming up to the name) will have 8GB of RAM, and either an A18 or A19 chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will come with 12GB of RAM and Apple's A19 Pro chip. All four new models will have a 24-megapixel selfie camera, a huge upgrade to the 12-megapixel cameras on the current lineup of phones.

New foldable

Pu's predictions for other Apple devices, due to come next year, are even wilder. He claims that Apple plans to ramp up mass production of a 20.3-inch foldable hybrid device in late 2025 (it's unclear whether it'll be labeled as an iPad, MacBook, or something entirely new). The company also plans to launch a foldable iPhone in late 2026.

Tweet may have been deleted

We've heard reports of foldable Apple gadgets many, many times before, but what's notable here is the timing. For example, a February report from The Information said that Apple was working on several foldable devices, but it didn't sound like any of these are anywhere near ready for mass production.

Likewise, a March report from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a 20.3-inch foldable MacBook is coming much later, in 2027. He also added that he doesn't believe Apple has a clear development schedule for a foldable iPhone, indicating that such a device won't be coming for quite some time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to spot financial scammers on on peer-to-peer apps

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 15:13
Opens in a new window Credit: Cash App Cash App How to protect yourself against P2P scams Learn More

Today, thanks to peer-to-peer (P2P) services like Cash App, our money is more accessible than ever. That means fewer obstacles between us and the things we want in our lives. 

Unfortunately, the P2P nature of these platforms also means that scammers are likely to take advantage of those who aren’t aware. By keeping some essential rules in mind, you can protect yourself, family, friends, and most importantly — your money.

While there are many different types of scams online, a few overall rules can majorly help:

1. Only send payments to accounts you trust

While Cash App does hold giveaways, these will only come from official social media accounts, and not third parties who may not be affiliated. Be sure to double-check all info.

Here is a list of Cash App’s verified social accounts:

  • Instagram: @CashApp

  • Instagram: @CashByCashapp

  • Twitter: @CashApp

  • Twitter: @CashSupport

  • Twitter:@CashAppStudios

  • Tiktok: @CashApp

  • Twitch: twitch.tv/CashApp

  • Reddit: u/CashAppAndi

  • Facebook: SquareCash

2. Never send money on a promise of getting more in return

This trick even predates the Internet: If a message claims to have untold riches for you if you’ll just send a small token amount first, report it immediately. If it sounds too good to be true...

3. Don't give your sign-in code or PIN to anyone

Cash App representatives may contact you for info, but they will never ask for your sign-in details or sensitive information like your bank account number. Don’t send this info to anyone — just report it and official reps will handle it.

If you think you have been scammed, the best way to contact Cash App Support is directly through your app. On the Cash App home screen, first tap the profile icon, and then select Support. You can proceed there to address your issue.

You can reach Cash App's support team at 1 (800) 969-1940 or Contact Support Services for your bank, credit card, or whichever financial institution or platform through which you suspect you made a fraudulent payment.

Cash App makes moving your money simple, and that simplicity may let us forget how easy it is to be scammed. There’s no shame in being tricked out of your money — it can happen to anyone. Learn more preventative steps you can take here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Doctor Who' Season 14 review: Disney+'s relaunch doesn't skimp on the madcap fun

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 15:00

Previously on Doctor Who: A mysterious alien time-traveler landed in a junkyard in 1963. With a little help from human friends, monstrous enemies, and fellow Time Lord frenemies, he reinvented himself. Sometimes he went so far as to change face, and eventually gender.

Now, nearly 61 years and more than 15 Doctors later, the show has completely reinvented itself for the Gen Z age — and yet in some ways finds itself closer to those 1963 roots than ever.

Season 14 centers on the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his mysterious foundling friend, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). It's been three years since the last full season of Doctor Who; that was "Flux," a season-long arc from then-showrunner Chris Chibnall that remains baffling and underwhelming, even at this distance. Since then, we've had seven specials starring three Doctors (Jodie Whittaker, David Tennant returning for the show's three 60th anniversary specials, and Gatwa literally bursting out of Tennant's body in the last of them, "The Giggle"). Now, to make up for those long waits between specials, we're getting two episodes at once.

SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who' is about to change forever. You're not ready. Russell T Davies returns with Season 14. Credit: Disney+

"Space Babies" and "The Devil's Chord" are both written by returning showrunner triumphant, Russell T Davies. If you are familiar with his work the Christopher Eccleston and Tennant eras of the revived show (2005 to 2010), then you already know what to expect from the tone. Strong emotional beats are set to the bold orchestral music of Murray Gold, who returns alongside Davies. There are accessible sci-fi ideas and homages (Baby farms run by babies! Stepping on a butterfly and changing history — a literal butterfly effect!). The focus is on family, fun, and plots that move at a brisk clip before your brain has a chance to unpick them. The season-arc mystery of Ruby's parentage feels fresh, and yet it hews closely to the template set by the "Bad Wolf" arc of that first season starring Eccleston in 2005. Davies seems keen to make a political statement for the post-Roe age in "Space Babies," but renders it subtle enough for dinnertime viewing.

While old-school fans will find familiar tropes from the classic show — "Space Babies" sees a monster chasing the Doctor and his companion down a dimly lit corridor for approximately the billionth time in Doctor Who — other more controversial moments are sure to make some Whovians seethe. If you hated the Goblin song in the Christmas special "The Church on Ruby Road, you may want to steel yourself for "The Devil's Chord." But if you fondly remember the 2007 Tennant episode "Gridlock," which features an entire world full of characters communing over a heartstring-tugging melody at their lowest ebb in the middle of the story, then you will hear its echo here too.

Davies is hyper-aware that this is, and has always been, a franchise that is both fun and scary for kids. The main story of "Space Babies," which kicks in after about ten compelling minutes of time travel and exposition, feels like Davies' proving his bona fides to a Pixar-loving audience by mashing up the end of WALL-E with the "toddlers can talk" trope seen in movies like Baby Geniuses. Your mileage may vary, but the moving baby mouths seem natural and did not fall into uncanny valley territory for this reviewer; director Julie Anne Robinson has wisely chosen not to linger on those shots. Still, the whole concept might not have worked but for Gatwa and Gibson embracing it with exuberant energy. Gatwa in particular is GIF-ready here — expect to see him looped everywhere on social media this summer, arms raised, crying "Space babies!" or "Push the button!"

Starting with the holiday special "The Church on Ruby Road," Gatwa is astonishingly confident in the role right out of the gate. Other actors took a few episodes to find their Doctor. Gatwa has a lock on him immediately. This is a Doctor who looks fabulously fashionable on the outside, changing outfits a couple of times per episode, but has not neglected to do the work on the inside. He still has the wisdom of a being who's lived for many thousands of years, but in this incarnation there is also a sense of righteousness and a devotion to feeling everything he can feel. His trauma is immense, as is his loneliness. In both of the premiere episodes, he digs deep into it, coming up with cathartic tears and tunes direct from his two hearts.

SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who' Christmas specials ranked, and where to watch them

The campy glee of these two stories show Davies making the kind of Doctor Who he always wanted to make, full of music and laughter, almost tipping it over the edge into full-blown comedy. What might surprise fans and newcomers alike is the scale of his ambition — more than enough to match the Disney money now being thrown at him in this joint production. (BBC viewers, relax; there are still plenty of references that only Brits will get.)

For example, Davies is keen to play with the fourth wall in a way that feels both cheeky and chilling. "The Church on Ruby Road" ended with a character named Mrs. Flood (Anita Dobson) looking directly at camera and winking. Davies literally doubles down on that here, as two characters wink at the camera. The notion that some characters are powerful enough to see us, the audience, can send a delicious tingle down the spine when used sparingly.

Jinkx Monsoon vs. The Beatles. Jinkx Monsoon as The Maestro in "Doctor Who." Credit: Disney+

Davies' ambition comes across most clearly in "The Devil's Chord." The episode is reaching for something profound about the human soul and its need for music. It is ridiculously rewatchable, thanks largely to two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon. She offers a star turn as the all-powerful music-stealing Maestro, leaving bits of chewed scenery everywhere. Monsoon radiates menace like Cruella de Vil turned to 11, making it easy to believe the Maestro is a member of a mysterious "Pantheon" of god-like creatures. Unintentionally, the Maestro manages to outshine the not-very-lookalike actors playing the Beatles, who enter the story when Ruby wants to visit the making of their first album in 1963.

Yes, 1963. This choice of setting, which harkens back to the beginning of Doctor Who's run, seems deliberate. Ncuti's Doctor mentions that his earlier self (the First Doctor, played by William Hartnell) is living across London at this time, casually namedropping his granddaughter Susan. This naturally blows Ruby's mind, and also brings up the question of whether Susan survived the genocide of the Time Lords seen in the Chibnall era.

That's not the only reference sure to make longterm fans gape. In the same episode, Davies pays homage to a beloved 1975 story for Tom Baker's Doctor, "Pyramids of Mars," by lifting a key scene and doing it better, with 21st century effects. It might look like pandering to those fans if it didn't serve the story. Ruby needs to understand the long-term disastrous effects of a world without music, the Maestro needs to explain their evil plot, and it all works so well that the lifted scene simply looks like a great artist stealing.

Everything old is new again. The monster of "Space Babies" lurks in the shadows. Credit: Disney+

That seems to be emblematic of the new season. Davies is using the best bits of the show, building to something knotty and fascinating involving babies, families, and the Doctor and Ruby's foundling statuses. A seasoned storyteller, he is constructing this arc slowly and confidently. Same goes for the introduction of the Pantheon, which ties back to a mention of creatures let into our universe by the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris) in "The Giggle."

We'll get to what that means in later stories. For now, here's what you need to know: Doctor Who is new again. It feels fresh and invigorated with a song in its heart(s), literally and metaphorically. It's speaking to a new generation of fans without forgetting the old ones. The time has come for you to decide. Are you on the TARDIS, or are you off the TARDIS?

How to watch: Doctor Who streams Friday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. ET on Disney+, where available, and simultaneously on May 11 at midnight on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything you need to remember before 'Bridgerton' Season 3

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 11:07

Dearest gentle reader, it's almost time to return to the Ton for another simmering season of courting, crushes, and conniving in Netflix's Bridgerton.

Having spent the last two seasons pursuing the romantic, deeply horny long-games of the Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton, then Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton, and a spinoff season on Queen Charlotte and her beloved King George, Season 3 shifts attention to another leading pair.

This time, based on the fourth book in Julia Quinn's novel series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Shondaland and new showrunner Jess Brownell focus on the covert heart of the series, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), and her longtime crush Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

SEE ALSO: All your 'Bridgerton' Season 2 crushes, ranked

But before we get there, what happened again last season and where did everyone end up? We've done a quick rundown of everything you need to remember from Season 2 of Bridgerton before you watch Season 3, from the enemies-to-lovers tale of the Viscount and Viscountess to the worst friendship fallout in the Ton, all of which culminated in the gilded Featherington Ball.

Penelope and Eloise's friendship sits in ruins BFFs no more. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

At the end of Season 1, Penelope Featherington was revealed as the secret identity of the Ton's prolific scandal sheet publisher, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). But while we're allowed in on it as viewers, there's only a few people within the series who know, and by the end of Season 2, unfortunately one is now her best friend Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie).

Eloise has been hunting Lady Whistledown's identity for two seasons, but in Season 2 her enthusiasm made her a target of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) as her number one suspect. If you remember, the Queen despises the author's influence and recruited Eloise to find out who they really were in Season 1. In Season 2, Eloise followed the trail to the printing shop used by Whistledown, where she met young printer and covert women's rights campaigner Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch), and their romance blossomed. Unfortunately for Eloise, her visits (along with her outspokenness on society) drew the Queen's suspicions. Eloise swore her innocence to the monarch, but it was no use, as the Queen threatened Eloise and her family with social ruin unless she confessed to being Lady Whistledown.

SEE ALSO: It's time for 'Bridgerton' to say gay

With Eloise about to falsely confess with a counterfeit society paper, Penelope took matters into her own hands, writing a scathing blast about her best friend's visits with Theo — "unchaperoned, with improper company, political radicals in fact" — to disprove Eloise's guilt. The pamphlet diverted the Queen's wrath but socially ruined Eloise. Suffice to say her romance with Theo crumbled too.

Following this, Penelope rested her pen after being "done ruining the lives of others" through gossip. However, in the Season 2 finale, Eloise figured out her friend's secret identity when Penelope flexed her keen powers of observation at the Featherington Ball. While Pen danced with Colin, Eloise stole into her friend's room and discovered her secret stash of money hidden beneath the floorboards (the profits made from her publications) and confronted Penelope, running through the juicy details only Pen would have known about. It's a horrible fight, with Eloise feeling deeply betrayed, and the two parted on non-speaking terms.

However, Penelope's fight with Eloise did not obliterate her penchant for writing, as we saw her return to her writing desk at the end of Season 2.

Colin scorned Penelope romantically in public Pen heard what you said, Colin! Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

It's one of the biggest moments in Bridgerton Season 2 that will be important for Season 3, and honestly, we're still reeling from it. Penelope has long yearned for the affections of her friend Colin, though has remained firmly in the Regency friend zone — including through Colin's engagement to Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker) in Season 1. But things seemed slightly flirty in Season 2.

Channelling big "I've just returned from my gap year" energy after returning from Greece, Colin strolled around Season 2 with suddenly mature pep in his step. Though he danced often with Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), he sent Penelope mixed signals, praising her "constant and loyal" personality throughout the season. Penelope's hopes were high at the Featherington Ball, and when Colin asked Pen to dance, he dropped some big words: "I will always look after you, Penelope. You are special to me." 

However, after her fight with Eloise, Penelope stumbled upon Colin speaking about his dance to a group of young men on the terrace. When they questioned him on his intentions with Pen, he scoffed, "Are you mad? I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest dreams."

NO! NOOOOO. NO. We were all crushed right there with Pen in this scene, and this is where Season 3 will pick up. Perhaps, if there's forgiveness elsewhere on the horizon, we can still hope for a Peneloise romance?

Kate and Anthony are happily married These two. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

After the steamy enemies-to-lovers romance between Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the pair were finally married at the end of Season 2. Remember the Viscount was engaged to Kate's sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran), but she absconded from the altar the minute she realised her sister and Anthony were very obviously in love. This pissed off Queen Charlotte for a moment, as she does not like to be wrong about things, and she'd chosen Edwina as her "diamond" of the season.

The Bridgertons and Sharmas were publicly ruined by the scandal, but not for long — and MVP Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) never abandoned them, despite being socially ostracised by association.

At the end of the season, after Anthony and Kate had sex in the garden, Kate galloped off into a storm, fell off her horse, and was badly injured. Anthony was riddled with guilt. However, his mother Viola, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), helped him embrace his true feelings, speaking to their shared unprocessed grief over Lord Bridgerton's sudden death years earlier. Anthony proposed at Kate's bedside, a move she assumed was a "misguided obligation of duty". Deciding to return to India, she sent him away. 

"Be the sister I know that you are" 😭 Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Edwina and Kate's sisterly relationship was rattled after the wedding fail, however Edwina's wisdom and forgiveness helped them through Kate's guilt. After Edwina gave her sister the major "be the sister I know that you are" pep talk at the Featherington Ball, Anthony and Kate danced together in full view to a string version of "Wrecking Ball", despite the judgmental stares of the Ton. But Queen Charlotte stepped in to quiet the haters, with Edwina giving her blessing. Both the Bridgertons and the Sharmas are saved from ruin, hurrah!

In the garden, Anthony declared his love for Kate, and she the same, and we left them in newlywed bliss playing croquet on the lawn with the rest of the Bridgertons.

The Featheringtons almost lost it all — again Lord Jack Featherington almost got away with passing off glass as gemstones. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

While the Bridgertons and the Sharmas spent much of the end of Season 2 in social ruin, the Featheringtons had clawed their way back from financial destitution after Lord Featherington's gambling debts saw him murdered in Season 1. Their troubles seemed solved with the arrival of the family's smarmy cousin Jack (Rupert Young), whose engagement to Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter) proved one of the ickier pairings in the Ton. The season crescendoed with the family's opulent Featherington Ball, a grand show of stability and wealth. With the Queen herself in attendance, the Featheringtons were back in the game.

In the season finale, however, at the Featherington Ball, Colin Bridgerton exposed Jack as a charlatan selling fake glass jewels as gemstones. Having previously been interested in investing in the gems, Colin demonstrated the scam by smashing Cressida's "ruby" necklace into smithereens in front of Penelope, Lady Featherington (Polly Walker), and Jack himself. Out of respect for the Featheringtons, Colin did this dramatic exposé in private, telling Jack to return the money he'd spent on this crooked scheme and to leave town — a move that made Pen fall even harder for her crush.

J'accuse! Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Jack tried to convince Lady Featherington to leave town with him for America, suggesting a romantic future for the two of them despite his engagement to her daughter (the two had kind of been in cahoots the whole season). But if there's one thing you shouldn't come between, it's Portia and her daughters. Lady Featherington sent Jack packing without a penny and the forged signature promise that once one of her daughters has a son the Featherington estate will transfer to him. Byeeee.

Will had a tough start opening his gentlemen's club Colin had to eat some humble pie after Will told him so about Jack. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

What of Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe), the best mate of the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page)? In Season 2, Jack Featherington had also blackmailed his way into holding court in Will's new bar, after convincing the boxer to throw a match to split the winnings — Will wanted to provide for his wife Alice (Emma Naomi) and their children. Will had opened a gentlemen's club that aimed to be a more inclusive alternative to the posh White's club (IRL it's the oldest gentlemen's club in London, founded in 1693). But business was slow and he was indebted to Jack, who wielded it over him.

When Colin got wrapped up in Jack's dealings, taking a meeting at the bar, Mondrich tried to warn him of Jack's shady side, but Colin defended him as the head of the Featheringtons. So, at the end of the season, after Jack's corruption was exposed, Colin ate humble pie with Mondrich and brought all his mates back to his bar, apologising. But as you've already read, it's not all Colin needs to apologise for.

How to watch: Bridgerton Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix. Season 3 will drop in two halves, with Part 1 streaming on May 16 and Part 2 on June 13.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NASA Starliner launch livestream: Watch the human test flight

Mashable - Mon, 05/06/2024 - 11:00

Two astronauts are getting ready to fly a new spaceship built by Boeing, making this only the sixth time in history that NASA has flown a new passenger-grade spacecraft.

The pair, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, are seasoned Navy test pilots who have each spent six months in space. They are expected to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, sending the new Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station. 

Barring any bad weather or other last-minute hiccups, the test flight could lift off as early as 10:34 p.m. ET on May 6

"When we lay back on our backs on Monday evening, it's going to be real stuff, and the countdown is gonna be real, and it's gonna be a really thrilling time," said Wilmore, the crew commander.  

SEE ALSO: Here are the 2024 space moments you won't want to miss Tweet may have been deleted

Here's how to watch this historic event.

Beginning two days before the planned liftoff time, NASA will host a live video feed of the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center. The official pre-launch broadcast will begin at about 6:30 p.m. ET on May 6, about four hours prior to launch. 

Boeing's Starliner has faced years of delays after NASA hired the company in 2014 to build a spaceship, along with SpaceX. The spacecraft has flown two times previously without any astronauts inside. During the first uncrewed test in 2019, the ship got on the wrong orbit due to software problems and didn't make it to the space station. The company did a redo of the test in 2022, which NASA largely viewed as successful. 

But getting to its first flight with humans on board has been a struggle. Boeing wanted to do the crewed test flight last year, but flammable interior tape and parachute lines that didn't meet safety standards stymied the launch, putting it off to 2024. 

Despite the setbacks, NASA says Starliner is ready to fly humans. If it launches on schedule, the ship will dock at the station just before 1 a.m. ET on May 8.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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