Mashable

SAVE UP TO $258.40: Buy two Kindle Scribe devices and get $40 off on top of already discounted prices. Get two Kindle Scribes (16GB) for $449.82, or $230.16 off the normal price of $679.98. Or, get two Kindle Scribes (32GB) for $521.58; that's $258.40 off the normal price of $779.98. Those are discounts of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Two Kindle Scribes (32GB) $521.58 at Amazon
$779.98 Save $258.40 Two 16GB devices also available for $230.16 off. Get Deal

Reading a good book is one of the many simple joys of life, but physical books can be hard to carry around and tough for doodlers and note-takers to resist writing in. If you're ready to upgrade to a digital reader and expand your home library options, Amazon has a great deal on the Kindle Scribe today.

As of May 1, you can get two Kindle Scribes (16GB or 32GB) for $40 off on top of already discounted prices. Get two Kindle Scribes (16GB) for $449.82, or $230.16 off the normal price of $679.98. Or, get two Kindle Scribes (32GB) for $521.58; that's $258.40 off the normal price of $779.98. Those are discounts of 33%.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles for every type of reader

Mashable's review of the best Kindles to buy in 2024 lists the Kindle Scribe as the best option for taking notes thanks to the included pen. With the Kindle Scribe, you're free to create a journal entry, sketch your latest inspiration, jot down a grocery shopping list, or take notes in the margin of a book. You can even convert your handwritten notes into text and send your notes to colleagues as an email.

The Kindle Scribe's 10.2-inch screen allows you to read two side-by-side pages of a book while in landscape orientation, which could be great if one of your issues with ebooks is the constant page turning. The screen is also designed to be glare-free so enjoying a book in the summer sun won't be an issue.

As for battery life, Amazon says you can get up to 12 weeks of use on one charge, but this varies based on your usage and the screen's brightness settings.

If you need a new e-reader and you happen to know someone else who does too, today's deal could be perfect for sharing the literary love. It could also be a great graduation gift for two kids who have summer reading goals or teens heading off to college in the fall.

Regardless of your intended readers, the Kindle Scribe is a multi-functional device that gives you the freedom to mark up and sketch on ebooks, texts, and PDFs. Thanks to today's deal, you'll save a total of $40 when you buy two Kindle Scribes at Amazon.

ChatGPT now saves your chat history, even if you've opted out of sharing your data to train the model.

On Tuesday, OpenAI posted on X, saying the update was available for ChatGPT Free and ChatGPT Plus users. If you had opted in to sharing your chat history with OpenAI, you can toggle this setting off, and your chat history will remain saved in the sidebar. On the flip side, if your sharing setting was toggled off, ChatGPT will save your conversations going forward. The update is available on desktop and coming to mobile soon.

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OpenAI also released a Temporary Chat option, a kind of incognito mode for ChatGPT, which doesn't show up in your chat history.

This is welcome news for the privacy-minded. Previously, your chat history was only saved if you allowed OpenAI to use your conversations to improve the model, which forced users to decide between keeping their data private and unrestricted functionality of the app. Initially, OpenAI didn't offer a way to opt out of sharing data with the model, but that put users at risk of sharing personal or confidential information that could leak out in ChatGPT responses. Samsung learned this the hard way last April when some of its workers inadvertently revealed trade secrets when using the model to check code and draft presentations.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic introduces Claude 3: Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus

Soon after that, OpenAI deployed the opt-out setting, and later released ChatGPT Enterprise, a closed-loop version for businesses that doesn't share data with the model.

OpenAI has been busy this week with ChatGPT upgrades. It also announced widespread rollout of a Memory feature for ChatGPT Plus users that was in testing earlier this year.

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With Memory turned on in settings, ChatGPT will remember specific characteristics it has picked up from your conversations, for example, the names and ages of your children. If this sounds a little terrifying, Memory can be toggled off. You can also delete specific "memories" that you don't want ChatGPT to keep tabs on.

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with the states in a case questioning the constitutionality of age verification requirements for adult entertainment sites.

On April 30, the court justices dismissed an emergency appeal that sought to block age verification mandates outlined in Texas House Bill 1181. The bill outlines fines and liability for site owners that allow minors to visit their pages, including a $10,000 minimum and $250,000 maximum fine per violation by a minor. The appeal was filed by the Free Speech Coalition, an adult entertainment industry advocacy group.

SEE ALSO: How to stop students from making deepfakes of each other

Age verification bills, also known as "porn passport" laws, require sites that host certain percentages of adult content to institute commercial age-verification systems (AVS's) to keep minors out. These gates require users to provide government-issued identification to prove that they are over 18. In the eyes of proponents, clicking "I am over 18-years-old" isn't enough.

The Texas bill applies to sites in which "one third" of its posted content contains "sexual material harmful to minors," but other states outline a variety of rules and regulations. A Utah bill mandates an AVS for sites with a "substantial amount" of pornographic content. Virginia's statute mandates the verification of government-issued IDs or biometric scans, or require users to age verification software for adult sites with "harmful" content. In the Texas case and others, states have also inserted requirements that adult sites post warnings to users, including that porn can be addictive.

Beyond the outcry from free speech groups and adult entertainment industry investors, which call such requirements a form of "intrusive government oversight," experts generally believe age verification bills won't work. "These statutes are difficult to enforce and easy to get around," Mashable's Anna Iovine reported last year, amid a wave of state bills. "These bills...can cascade into an online privacy and censorship nightmare that hurts sex workers and other internet users."

Experts worry such a cascade of state-level laws, all with sporadically decided requirements, would push young people onto more harmful and dangerous sites, open up users to threats of identify theft, and set a precedent for a less accessible internet. Others say its not the most effective way to protect children from explicit content online.

Beyond, age verification bills have been suggested by Big Tech leaders as a solution to a variety of digital concerns, including the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're entering into a very busy period for the best players in the world, with the French Open and Wimbledon looming on the horizon. Fortunately, tournaments like the Madrid Open present the perfect opportunity to build momentum and fine-tune all the skills players will need to succeed in the Grand Slams.

If you want to watch the 2024 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Madrid Open?

The Madrid Open is an annual professional tennis tournament held in Madrid, Spain. It is played on clay courts at the Caja Mágica in Manzanares Park, San Fermín.

The defending singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.

When is the 2024 Madrid Open?

The 2024 Madrid Open takes place from April 22 to May 5. 

How to watch the 2024 Madrid Open for free

The 2024 Madrid Open is available to stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Spain, so you can access RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Unblock RTVE by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Stream the 2024 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to RTVE without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream the 2024 Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the 2024 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Director Hannah Marks and author John Green discuss how they approached conveying what it is like living with OCD and anxiety in 'Turtles All the Way Down'.

Anne Hathaway is joined by Nicholas Galitzine, Michael Showalter, Robinne Lee and Cathy Schulman to discuss the stigmas in our society when it comes to older women dating younger men.

TL;DR: Stream Taylor Fritz vs. Francisco Cerundolo in the 2024 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Madrid Open is not a Grand Slam, but it's probably the next best thing. The clay tournament regularly attracts the best players in the world as everyone looks to prepare for the French Open, so a win means something. And at the quarter-final stage, every remaining player will believe that they can win the whole thing.

If you want to watch Taylor Fritz vs. Francisco Cerundolo in the 2024 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Fritz vs. Cerundolo?

Taylor Fritz vs. Francisco Cerundolo will meet in the 2024 Madrid Open at around 3:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. BST on May 1.

How to watch Fritz vs. Cerundolo in the 2024 Madrid Open for free

The 2024 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Spain, so you can access RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Unblock RTVE by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Stream Taylor Fritz vs. Francisco Cerundolo for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to RTVE without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream the 2024 Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Taylor Fritz vs. Francisco Cerundolo for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Andrey Rublev vs. Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The story of the Madrid Open was the emotional farewell of Rafael Nadal, but with his exit at the round of 16, the attention has turned to the remaining players in the quarter finals. There are plenty of interesting matchups, but the battle between Andrey Rublev and Carlos Alcaraz might be the best. Alcaraz is seen by many as the heir to Nadal's throne, after all.

If you want to watch Andrey Rublev vs. Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rublev vs. Alcaraz?

Andrey Rublev vs. Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the 2024 Madrid Open at around 10 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. BST on May 1.

How to watch Rublev vs. Alcaraz in the 2024 Madrid Open for free

The 2024 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Spain, so you can access RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Unblock RTVE by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Stream Andrey Rublev vs. Carlos Alcaraz for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to RTVE without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream what's left of the 2024 Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Andrey Rublev vs. Carlos Alcaraz for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Hookup culture is all about keeping things casual, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. We can all get stuck in a sexual rut from time to time, and trying to take strangers home from a bar or constantly texting your ex can be exhausting. If you're struggling to find a match in the real world, it might be time to put your faith in dating sites.

When we think about these sites, it's normal to go straight to the likes of Match, eharmony, EliteSingles, and other marriage-minded options, but not everyone is thinking about something so serious. Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and you best believe that there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world, because meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site. Why not give yourself the best chance of success?

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Lastly, using dating apps and sites is a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

When it comes to sex apps, you probably don't mind long questionnaires or in-depth profiles, but when you're just looking for a casual hookup, that all seems unnecessary. Sure, you want to gauge that you're at least a little compatible and not hooking up with a complete psychopath. The best hookup apps have quick and easy bios or prompts that give you an insight into who you'd be getting down and dirty with.

Photos are also a huge factor in good hookup apps. Some sex apps and dating sites gatekeep people's pics unless you have a paid subscription, and we don't really love that. Apps that show the full view of someone's profile are the way to go. You definitely want to make sure you're physically attracted to the person you're going to be having sex with.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

We have tracked down a strong selection of your best options for hooking up, with sites like AdultFriendFinder and iHookup making the cut. There should be something for everyone in this list, so what do you have to lose?

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2024.

VPNs are powerful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.

We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.

Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:

• Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

• Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.

• Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.

• Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, 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.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best VPNs in 2024.

FKA twigs delivered a powerful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on Tuesday, discussing the threat of artificial intelligence when it comes to the livelihoods of artists like herself.

Alongside Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl, twigs – whose real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett – testified about better regulating AI and deepfakes, but also revealed that she's developing her own deepfake and can see the benefits in leveraging the technology.

"My art is the canvas on which I paint my identity and the sustaining foundation of my livelihood. It is the essence of my being. Yet this is under threat. AI cannot replicate the depth of my life journey, yet those who control it hold the power to mimic the likeness of my art, to replicate it and falsely claim my identity and intellectual property," the singer-songwriter read from her written testimony.

The subcommittee is currently discussing the "Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act" – or "NO FAKES Act" – a bipartisan bill asking for stronger legal protection around AI for recording artists, particularly when it comes to non-consensual deepfakes that use the voice and visual likeness of an individual. The legislation would hold anyone producing a "unauthorized digital replica" liable.

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"This prospect threatens to rewrite and unravel the fabric of my very existence. We must enact regulation now to safeguard our authenticity and protect against misappropriation of our inalienable rights," twigs continued in her statement.

She then revealed that she has been developing her own deepfake for a year: one that is "trained" in her personality and can also use her "exact tone of voice to speak many languages." She says she plans to use "AI twigs" to extend and handle her social media interactions while she focuses on her art. She pointed out that the likes of deepfakes and AI technology can be "highly valuable tools both artistically and commercially when under the control of the artist."

SEE ALSO: 'AI poses enormous threats': Billie Eilish, J Balvin and more sign open letter denouncing AI in music.

The artist told the committee on Capitol Hill that "careers and livelihoods are in jeopardy, and so potentially are the wider image-related rights of others in society."

"Our creativity is the product of this lived experience overlaid with years of dedication to qualification, training, hard work and, dare I say it, significant financial investment and sacrifice," twigs said. "That the very essence of our being at its most human level can be violated by the unscrupulous use of AI to create a digital facsimile that purports to be us, and our work, is inherently wrong."

AI continues to be a subject of note for actors and artists, with many calling for stringent regulation and guardrails to better protect those in the industries. The music industry continues to spur conversations about the looming threat of AI, with more than 200 artists just recently signing an open letter denouncing the use of AI in music.

Online privacy is in short supply, but that doesn't make it any less important. Your data is seriously valuable stuff, and you should be doing everything you can to protect it when navigating the online world. And if you watch porn, you should be even more vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're visiting porn sites. If that is indeed the case, you should consider investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services also provide everything you need to unblock porn sites, circumvent geo-restrictions, and stream adult content anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide powerful protection for your data and identity when you're online. VPNs offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location), making all of your activity untraceable and secure. Incognito mode could never.

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder is a borderline-porn hookup site that's stuck in the past

This concept can be difficult to grasp, so it can be helpful to think of VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. It's all about anonymity and cybersecurity, and that's particularly important if you're watching porn.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to consider a VPN for porn: anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or someone totally random accessing your data, you could probably benefit from using a VPN. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. Even porn sites can track your activity if you're unprotected. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it has the potential to collect information about your site usage. But with a VPN, your IP address will always remain hidden.

Remaining private and anonymous is the key argument for using a VPN for porn, but there's another point to consider concerning access to your favorite sites. If you're in a location that has a firewall up to block access to porn sites, you'll need to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another location, meaning you can bypass firewalls to stream on your favorite sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of things to consider before selecting a VPN for porn. We have highlighted a selection of the most important VPN features to help you make a decision:

• Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. Make sure you opt for a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't stream porn without disruption.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and while it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

• Number of connections — Leading VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, while others limit you to just a single device. Prioritize services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You might stream pornography on a number of devices, so it's best to secure everything with the same account.

• Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your favorite VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would negate the whole anonymity thing.

• Server network — The top VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start with your selection process. Once you've picked a favorite option, you can consider the wide range of subscription plans on offer from leading services. There should be something that suits everyone.

Should you use free VPNs?

The big question when it comes to watching porn securely is whether you need to pay for a VPN. The bad news is that, just as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with these cybersecurity services.

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't really do any streaming or downloading. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but they obviously don't last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

Considering all of this, the best option for unblocking porn sites and streaming anonymously is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to cough up the cash.

What is the best VPN for porn?

Based on our in-depth tests of the top VPN services, we're here to recommend the best VPNs for porn in 2024.

Online privacy is in short supply, but that doesn't make it any less important. Your data is seriously valuable stuff, and you should be doing everything you can to protect it when navigating the online world. And if you watch porn, you should be even more vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're visiting porn sites. If that is indeed the case, you should consider investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services provide everything you need to unblock porn sites and stream anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide powerful protection for your data and identity when you're online. VPNs offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location), making all of your activity untraceable and secure.

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder is basically a porn hookup site that needs a refresh

This concept can be difficult to grasp, so it can be helpful to think of VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. It's all about anonymity and cybersecurity, and that's particularly important if you're watching porn.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to consider a VPN for porn: anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or someone totally random accessing your data, you could probably benefit from using a VPN. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. Even porn sites can track your activity if you're unprotected. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it has the potential to collect information about your site usage. But with a VPN, your IP address will always remain hidden.

Remaining private and anonymous is the key argument for using a VPN for porn, but there's another point to consider concerning access to your favourite sites. If you're in a location that has a firewall up to block access to porn sites, you'll need to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another location, meaning you can bypass firewalls to stream on your favourite sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of things you should consider before selecting a VPN for porn. We have highlighted a selection of the most important VPN features to help you make a decision:

• Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. Make sure you opt for a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can'tstream porn without disruption.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

• Number of connections — Leading VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, whilst others limit you to just a single device. Prioritise services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You might stream porn on a number of devices, so it's best to secure everything with the same account.

• Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your favourite VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would make the whole anonymity thing redundant.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start with your selection process. Once you've picked a favourite option, you can consider the wide range of subscription plans on offer from leading services. There should be something that suits everyone.

Should you use free VPNs?

The big question when it comes to watching porn securely is whether you need to pay for a VPN. The bad news is that, just as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with these cybersecurity services.

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't really do any streaming or downloading. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but they obviously don't last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

Considering all of this, the best option for unblocking porn sites and streaming anonymously is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to cough up the cash.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are a lot of services out there offering similar packages, making it difficult to find the best VPN for you. We have tried to make your life a little bit easier by tracking down everything on offer and lining up a selection of the very best VPNs for porn. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for porn in 2024.

"The Fall Guy": How the creators picked Taylor Swift’s "All Too Well" for Ryan Gosling to cry to.

Last year Google added emoji reacts to Google Meet, and it seems as though the company will be continuing the trend in 2024.

Next in line for an emoji-based reaction update? Google Phone. Only this time, we're getting them in audio form.

SEE ALSO: Google Meet now lets you discreetly switch from desktop to phone. Here's how.

Yep, per 9to5Google, the company has started rolling out "audio emoji" to Google Phone app users. Six emoji are available so far via the overflow menu: Clapping, Laughing, Party, Crying, Drum and, of course, the Poop emoji. The latter – you guessed it – plays a fart sound to all call participants. The Crying emoji gives a trombone noise, while the Drum gives the classic post-joke ba-dum ts.

Google hasn't yet announced the feature officially, but screenshots have already started doing the rounds on social media. According to reports there's a cooldown between each use of an audio emoji, so you can't just sit there hammering out incessant fart sounds.

Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, is taking place in a couple of weeks, so we may get more information then.

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 May 1 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 1

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, May 1, 2024:

AcrossSo-so, in modern slang

• The answer is mid.

Section of a window

• The answer is pane.

Ambiguous R.S.V.P.

• The answer is maybe.

"You're ___ and you didn't even know it!"

• The answer is apoet.

10 are needed for a first down

• The answer is yards.

DownCity hall V.I.P.

The answer is mayor.

Under the covers

• The answer is inbed.

Specifics, informally

• The answer is deets.

___ Johns (pizza chain)

• The answer is May.

It starts today, and it starts 1-Down and 5-Across

• The answer is papa.

Stephen Colbert has spoken about the student protests, and the police reaction, on "The Late Show".

In the words of an angry Gordon Ramsay, "It's raw!" The Rabbit R1 is like a severely undercooked slab of meat, still oozing blood on the plate, and the chef says, "No, I didn't cook it, but just fantasize about its potential for deliciousness while chewing it; come on, eat it!"

I bit into the Rabbit R1 — and it tastes like rushed innovation, disillusionment, and impetuousness.

The Rabbit R1 needs work. Credit: Mashable

On one hand, the Rabbit R1, billed as a pocket AI companion, has something here. From its impressive Vision features that rival ChatGPT Vision (i.e., GPT-4V) to the accurate Spanish-to-English translation, the Rabbit R1 gets it right.

However, these praise-worthy features are overshadowed by buggy performance, frustrating Spotify playback, hair-pulling experiences with a mid AI assistant, and other bothersome quirks.

So should indulge in the Rabbit R1? It depends on how you like your tech: rare or well cooked?

SEE ALSO: Rabbit R1 launch party was a foot-aching 1 hour and 12 minutes, but these 9 features are sick Rabbit R1: price and specs

The Rabbit R1 costs $199 and includes the following specs:

• MediaTek MT6765 processor

• 4GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• 2.88-inch touchscreen

• 8MP camera

Jesse Lyu, Rabbit's CEO, boasts that no subscription is required. However, there are a few things you should consider.

• The Rabbit R1 can connect to Wi-Fi, but the problem is, it has trouble connecting to public places that require a login page.

• The Rabbit R1 has a SIM card tray that supports 4G LTE, so you can snag a data-only plan for an always-connected experience.

• You can also connect the Rabbit R1 to your phone's hotspot.

In other words, technically, there isn't a subscription, but if you want to use it while you're on the go, you'll still have to shackle yourself to a monthly fee.

(It's worth noting that the Meta RayBan Smart Glasses boasts similar features as the Rabbit R1 — and doesn't require a fee whatsoever.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $299.00 at Amazon
Get Deal Rabbit R1: What I like about it

The Rabbit R1 has its strengths, which mainly come from Vision (a feature that uses the camera to identify objects).

Recommends recipes based on food it 'sees'

I have plenty of ingredients stocked in the kitchen, but I often get stumped on what to cook.

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In these moments, I open the UberEats app and drop $30 on a Sweetgreen salad. Ugh!

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With the Rabbit R1, however, I can point it to a group of ingredients and it will suggest some awesome recipe ideas that inspire me to get cooking.

Remarkable descriptions about objects, people

When I framed the viewfinder on Mashable's Senior Social Media Editor Lily Kartiganer, it perfectly described her from head to toe, from her striped vest and professional outfit to her brown hair and youthful appearance.

Credit: Mashable

It even pointed out things in the background, including computers and office chairs.

Be careful with using the Rabbit R1 with others, though. When I pointed the Rabbit R1 at my dad, it started off by saying, "I see an elderly man," which set my father off. (Don't tell my dad I said this, but the Rabbit R1 wasn't wrong.)

It's good with objects, too, as you can see in the video below.

Tweet may have been deleted Impressive menu translation

The most impressive Rabbit R1 feature, in my opinion, is the fact that it can translate a Spanish menu into English. As someone who travels often, this is a game changer.

Credit: Mashable

I pointed the Rabbit R1 to a Spanish menu, and to my surprise, it translated it in English with ease. My only gripe is that you need to request the R1 to complete this task in a specific way or it will not follow your command (more on that in the "What I don't like" section).

Summarizes text like 'CliffNotes'

Sometimes, I get too lazy to read an article in its entirety. This is where the Rabbit R1 swoops in to save the day.

Credit: Mashable

I can point it at a screen with a lengthy, verbose text — and it will give me the gist of the story. I've also done the same with emails, Discord conversations, and WhatsApp messages.

Featured Video For You Rabbit R1 hands-on review Nostalgic design

Millennials like myself get giddy over the Rabbit R1's design, despite its blindingly orange chassis, because it's reminiscent of every 90s pocket toy.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

With a bunny icon constantly bobbing up and down the screen, I can't help but remember by old Tamagotchi.

Although the Rabbit R1 looks plasticky, it's a sturdy, solid device. I treated the Rabbit R1 quite carelessly throughout my testing (e.g., haphazardly throwing it into my bag), but I don't see a single scratch — not even on the display. This hardware is definitely durable. (And as a bonus, the chassis doesn't attract fingerprints.)

Rabbit R1: What's 'eh' about it

While some Rabbit R1 testers despise the scroll wheel and turn their nose up at needing to shake the device to access the Settings menu, I don't mind it.

Bizarre functions make it fun — kind of

At first, I didn't love the scroll wheel either.

Credit: Mashable

It's the only way to hop from one Settings option to another. Plus, I found that the scroll wheel lacked sensitivity. In other words, you need to deploy a lot of "scroll rolls" to navigate the UI. However, there is something very fidgety about the scroll wheel I enjoy — it brings me back to a time when toys were more tactile.

I even dig that I need to shake the Rabbit R1 to access the Settings menu.

However, it does bother me that, if I'm on the very last Settings menu option (and I want to get back to the top), I need to scroll for dear life. Still, it's all a part of this device's charm.

A touchscreen that's not really touchscreen

Interestingly, the Rabbit R1 is touchscreen, but you can't actually touch the screen to make selections. Let me explain.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

You can turn the Rabbit R1 to the right to access the virtual keyboard, allowing you to make demands to the AI without using your voice. However, this is the only time you can utilize the touchscreen. This is by design, though. Lyu wants users to be reliant on the Rabbit R1's scroll wheel.

Hit-or-miss response times

The Rabbit R1 is typically pretty quick, answering my queries in less than two seconds. However, the response times with the Vision feature can be slower. At times, the Rabbit R1 appears to finish a complete thought, making me to think that it's done speaking.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

But after an awkward five-second pause, the Rabbit R1 would continue speaking. In these cases, it'd be helpful if the Rabbit team added a three-dot animation to inform users that the Rabbit R1 is still thinking or putting together a response.

On the plus side, it's definitely faster than the Humane Ai pin.

It's also worth noting that AI conversations, save for interactions with the Vision feature, do not get saved anywhere at any time.

OK conversational translation

I tested the Rabbit R1 with Spanish-to-English and French-to-English sessions with colleagues. It was accurate with its translations, but the problem is that you need to constantly use the push-to-talk side button so that the AI can "hear."

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Consequently, I found myself sometimes missing the first half of the other person's speech because I pushed the side button too late. I would have preferred if Rabbit R1 could be vocally invoked in the same way we use Google Assistant and Siri, but Lyu says that the upside of a push-to-talk button is that you don't have an AI that's "always listening."

Doubles as a sound recorder

You can also record audio with the "Start a recording session" command. Once you're done, it automatically sends your clip to the Rabbit Hole, a companion webpage you can access via any browser.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can find "notes" in the Rabbit Hole, too — little reminders you've told Rabbit R1 to store, allowing you to access them later.

However, I can't find myself to get excited about these features. They're not particularly noteworthy.

Rabbit R1: What I dislike about it

One of the biggest selling points of Rabbit R1 is tha, in addition to the LLM that underpins it (with Perplexity at the helm), it features something unique that ChatGPT and its ilk do not have: a large action model (LAM).

What is a LAM, you ask? Without getting too nerdy, it means that the Rabbit R1 is capable of stepping in and doing things for you on your behalf. With this orange device, this manifests in the form of Uber and DoorDash. The Rabbit R1 can supposedly hail a rideshare and order food for you, but in my experience, it falls short.

DoorDash and Uber errors

Rabbit R1 lets you connect your DoorDash and Uber accounts via the Rabbit Hole, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to order food nor hop into an Uber with the AI pocket companion.

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I was greeted with errors, preventing me from fully testing the Rabbit R1's LAM capabilities.

(Rabbit R1 also lets you connect a paid Midjourney account for generating AI images, but I haven't tested this out yet.)

Spotify playback is buggy

I linked a paid Spotify account to the Rabbit R1 and its performance has been inconsistent — sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. For example, one day, I can ask it to play Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" without issue, but other times, I wouldn't hear any audio at all.

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For some odd reason, although Taylor Swift is arguably one of the most popular artists of our time, it doesn't obey my command when I say, "Play Taylor Swift's 'Fortnight,'" even when I say it in several different ways.

The spreadsheet feature needs work

One of the most impressive features Lyu showcased at the Rabbit R1 launch party is the handwritten-chart-to-digital-spreadsheet perk.

I tested it for myself, writing a chart on a Post-it note before using the Vision feature to get Rabbit R1 to email me a digitalized format of my handwritten table.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, er, as you can see below, it didn't do a very good job.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

But hey, maybe I'm too blame. My handwriting does look like chickenscratch.

Fails to understand certain prompts

This is where ChatGPT excels over Rabbit R1. With ChatGPT Voice, for example, you can have a natural, free-flowing conversation in which the AI understands what you're saying, no matter how you're saying it (for the most part).

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Rabbit R1, on the other hand, needs you to say things in a certain way before it can execute your task. For example, you cannot say, "Play a game with me" because it will try to play a song, but "Let's play a game" works.

You cannot say, "Record me as I speak" because it will not understand your request. Instead, you must use the words "Start a recording session."

As such, it would be nice if the Rabbit R1 shipped with a list of specific prompts that launch certain tasks. Otherwise, you'll be doing a lot of guessing and checking before finding the correct prompt.

Alarm doesn't work

Lyu boasted that the Rabbit R1 can set an alarm, but the truth is, it can't.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

In response to, "Set an alarm at 5:00 p.m.," it said, "I cannot set alarms." Chances are high, though, that this will be addressed in a future update. But the question is, why wasn't this working when it hit the market?

No timer

It'd be useful for the Rabbit R1 to set timers, but that doesn't seem to be available on the device either. (This is another feature that will be reportedly rectified in a future update.)

It can't call nor text on your behalf

Keep in mind that the Rabbit R1 does not connect to your phone.

Consequently, it's not designed to text nor call for you ... yet. A Rabbit rep told me that while this feature is unavailable now, this is something they are working on (and there's no timeline on when this feature may arrive).

Not attachable

The Rabbit R1 is designed to live in your pocket, but what if your outfit doesn't have one? I wish the Rabbit R1 had some sort of design feature, like a clip or a lanyard loop, that allowed you to hook it to your bag.

Jesse Lyu shows off merch concepts at Rabbit R1 pick-up party. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

However, there are third-party cases out there that can help solve this minor issue. Plus, Lyu claimed that merch tailor-made for the Rabbit R1 is on the way.

Rabbit R1: Performance

Performance-wise, the fastest aspects of the Rabbit R1 include the translation feature, search queries, the handwritten-table-to-spreadsheet feature (it emailed me a chart in seconds), and most conversational interactions with the AI.

However, the Vision feature is slower than the other features, but not by much. Spotify, on the other hand, is nearly unusable at times. The DoorDash and Uber UI takes too long to appear (about 40 seconds, give or take).

Rabbit R1: Battery life

After the Rabbit team rolled out an update on Tuesday, April 30, I've seen significant improvement to the Rabbit R1's battery life, particularly while its idle. Previously, the Rabbit R1's battery life would drain pretty quickly, even with an inactive screen.

Now, the Rabbit R1 delivers about one day and several hours with heavy use, including lots of Spotify and Vision utilization. With light use (e.g., a couple of search queries and AI conversations), you could get away with two days.

Is the Rabbit R1 worth it?

Unless you're a tech fanboy who doesn't mind half-baked products with "potential," no, the Rabbit R1 isn't worth it.

There's an old adage that implores us to not date based on potential. Instead, you look at your partner's characteristics as they are now and then make a decision whether they're the best person for you.

In the same way, I can only judge Rabbit R1 based on what it's offering to me now: dysfunctional apps, poor Spotify experience, and decent Vision features.

Even based on its top-notch Vision features, I hesitate to recommend the Rabbit R1 because we have the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses that can match its Vision capabilities — and capture photo/video and play Spotify without driving me up a wall.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $299.00 at Amazon
Get Deal

Whether you’re rocking the latest iPhone or Android, one big question popping up is “Do I need a VPN for my phone?” Phones are our everyday companions, helping us communicate with friends and family, look information in a split second, and get lost down a rabbit hole of social media posts.

With Apple stopping over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions on the App Store and built-in security like Samsung Knox for Galaxy smartphones, surely our phones are safe and sound, right?

Not exactly.

From bugs allowing hackers to take over smartphones remotely to the ease of stealing private information over public Wi-Fi networks, people are becoming more aware of safety while using smartphones. 

That’s where the best VPNs can offer a helping hand, but is it worth using? Let’s go through the benefits and drawbacks of using a VPN on your phone. 

Do you need a VPN on your phone?

While it isn’t essential, it is highly recommended. A VPN’s main purpose is to protect your privacy online, stopping advertisers, threat actors, and internet service providers (ISPs) from tracking, collecting, and selling your data. Many use their phones to browse, shop, and scroll through social media, and this information can be used against you if used maliciously.

A VPN can mask your location and make you a complete nobody (in a good way). Even better, the best VPNs come with advanced security tools made for smartphones, which can keep trackers, ads, and malicious threats a bay. 

Like on any device, it’s worth investing in a VPN service to use on your phone. You’ll find many services have apps tailor-made for phones, too, making them easy to use. 

Benefits of using a VPN on your phone

Here are a few ways a VPN can improve the way you use your phone:

• Complete anonymity: A VPN encrypts your data and hides your real IP address. It makes it extremely difficult for anyone to snoop on your browsing activities – and that’s an important factor for those who use their phone as their go-to source for daily activities. 

• Safety in public: We’ve all used free public Wi-Fi to cut down on our data usage, but threat actors can take advantage of unsuspecting users on these networks. Personal data is up for grabs, but if that data is encrypted via a VPN, then all a hacker will see is complete gibberish. 

• Streaming without limits: Constantly on the move while binging your way through the latest TV show obsession? Smartphones have become an excellent way to stream content, especially when traveling. Well, VPNs can deliver even more content, as they can get past geo-restrictions on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, so you can catch the latest in the U.S., the U.K., Japan, and virtually anywhere around the globe. 
  

Drawbacks of using a VPN on your phone 

Be aware that VPNs on phones also come with a few disadvantages:

• Sluggish speeds: Since a VPN connects to a server in another location, your smartphone’s internet speeds can take a dip. Depending on the VPN service you use, especially free VPNs, this can lead to long load times and constant buffering when streaming. If you’re using one of the major VPN platforms, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, and connect to a server location that’s close to you, these slower speeds are barely noticeable. 

• Drains battery: As with most apps, a VPN can deplete your smartphone’s battery. While these VPN apps aren’t highly demanding, having a VPN switched on throughout the day can take a slight toll on battery life. 

Not foolproof

VPNs are a great way to enhance your phone’s privacy and security online, but they don’t offer risk-free protection. Online scams, malicious apps, and dodgy websites are still a problem, so it’s worth staying on your toes, even if you have a VPN connection.

With modern-day whodunnit shows like Only Murders in the Building and A Murder at the End of the World embracing the mystery-solving power of technology, sometimes it's nice to see a show go back to basics. And when I say "go back," I mean "travel back in time to Tudor England," which is where Hulu's Shardlake takes place.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV Preview: Every show you must see

Based on the novels by C.J. Sansom, Shardlake is a (literally) old-school whodunnit. There's nary a phone or a mention of DNA samples in sight, but there is still hardboiled case-cracking — with plenty of atmosphere and historical intrigue to boot. And while its conspiracies and perils can sometimes run overlong, the show truly excels when it embraces the unconventional pair of detectives at its center: Matthew Shardlake (Arthur Hughes) and Jack Barak (Anthony Boyle).

What is Shardlake about? Sean Bean in "Shardlake." Credit: Adrienn Szabo / Disney+

Shardlake embroils us in the religious reforms taking place in England in 1536. King Henry VIII has rejected the Roman Catholic Church and wishes to shutter the monasteries who continue to resist him. So when his emissary Robin Singleton turns up beheaded at the monastery of Saint Donatus, there can only be one explanation: An act of treason against the king.

Still, the law must carry out a thorough investigation of Singleton's death, complete with evidence against any murderers, before the crown can shut Saint Donatus down for good. Enter barrister Matthew Shardlake, Thomas Cromwell's (Sean Bean) detective of choice. Clever, and with a nose for the truth, Shardlake is ready to confront the supposedly corrupt monks of Saint Donatus. But once he arrives at the monastery (and once more bodies start piling up), he'll uncover a mystery-within-a-mystery — one that may just shake the foundations of his faith in crown and country.

SEE ALSO: 'Big Mood' review: A brilliant dramedy that captures friendship and mental health in all its messiness

As Shardlake gets to sleuthing, the series offers some wonderfully moody visuals. Saint Donatus becomes a foreboding maze of religious iconography, its surrounding marshes as perilous as the potential murderer lurking within its walls. Religion, too, remains a driving factor throughout, as Shardlake observes the different ways in which the monks engage with their faith and weather the disdain of members of the Church of England. But it's Shardlake's contentious relationship with Cromwell's rogue of a henchman Jack Barak that really makes Shardlake tick.

Arthur Hughes and Anthony Boyle make Shardlake a surprising buddy comedy. Arthur Hughes and Jack Barak in "Shardlake." Credit: Adrienn Szabo / Disney+

From the moment Barak walks onto the scene, it's clear Shardlake wants nothing to do with him. Barak is everything he's not: a conventionally attractive womanizer who's always wearing the most distracting codpieces. Shardlake, meanwhile, has a physical disability that is mocked, making him an outsider in Tudor society.

The two also butt heads on how to solve Singleton's murder. Barak views all papists as degenerates and would love to tear Saint Donatus down as soon as possible, but Shardlake follows the letter of the law. If he were to find out the monks were not responsible for Singleton's death, he would not twist the truth.

Thanks to Hughes' cool-headed, analytical performance and Boyle's hot-headed turn, Shardlake and Barak become the unlikeliest of collaborators — and the most fun. It's delightful to watch them poke fun at each other, or to get excited about a break in the case. Other aspects of their relationship fare less well, such as an underwritten love triangle with monastery maid Alice (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis), or most segments when they're separated. But that just speaks to the power of their dynamic.

At four episodes long, Shardlake never really drags — but it's certainly a more dynamic, more propulsive whodunnit when Shardlake and Barak share the screen.

Shardlake is now streaming on Hulu.