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Apple, Google, and Meta are being investigated by the EU under new Big Tech regulation

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 18:37

The EU is wasting absolutely no time in making sure Big Tech companies are complying with its new Digital Markets Act (DMA) law.

On Monday, the European Commission announced that it was opening non-compliance investigations into three companies defined as "gatekeepers" under the new regulations: Apple, Meta, and Google's parent company Alphabet.

SEE ALSO: 5 new iOS features you’re not getting because you’re outside the EU

"Today, the Commission has opened non-compliance investigations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) into Alphabet's rules on steering in Google Play and self-preferencing on Google Search, Apple's rules on steering in the App Store and the choice screen for Safari and Meta's 'pay or consent model'," said the European Commission in a statement. "The Commission suspects that the measures put in place by these gatekeepers fall short of effective compliance of their obligations under the DMA."

Here's why the EU is investigating Meta, Apple, and Alphabet

The main purpose of the DMA is to force these "gatekeeper" companies to open up its core platforms in order to spur competition from third parties so the investigations are all into Apple, Alphabet, and Meta potentially failing to comply in those areas. However, the EU's investigation into these three companies is multi-pronged. 

Meta's "pay or consent"

The investigation into Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, focuses on what's called the "pay or consent" model. Under the DMA, tech companies must get consent from users in the EU when they share user data between their core platforms. For example, Meta needs to get permission from a user to share their account data on Facebook in order to serve the user personalized ads via its advertising platform. 

Meta says that it complies with this by providing an option for EU users to subscribe to its paid subscription service on Facebook and Instagram, which provides the user with an entirely ad free experience. By not subscribing to this service, Meta argues that a user is consenting to their data being used.

"The Commission is concerned that the binary choice imposed by Meta's 'pay or consent' model may not provide a real alternative in case users do not consent, thereby not achieving the objective of preventing the accumulation of personal data by gatekeepers," the Commission says.

Alphabet's "self-preferencing"

This one is pretty straightforward and has long-been a concern among users. The Commission is investigating whether Google unfairly ranks its own products over third-party services. 

Examples provided by the EU Commission include Google "self-referencing" its Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels products over competitors searching for price comparisons or airline and hotel deals.

"The Commission is concerned that Alphabet's measures implemented to comply with the DMA may not ensure that third-party services featuring on Google's search results page are treated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner in comparison with Alphabet's own services," said the Commission in a statement.

There is one interesting note towards the end of the Commission's statement regarding self-preferencing and a fourth Big Tech company, ecommerce giant Amazon. The Commission said it is taking "investigatory" steps into looking at Amazon's own "self-preferencing" when it comes to its own brand of products and alleged unfair preferential placement for those items on Amazon's website.

Apple and user choice

Apple has received a lot of coverage for its policy changes over the past month and much of it was criticism from its peers for alleged "malicious compliance" with its fee structure changes related to the App Store and alternative iOS app distribution.

However, the Commission announced its looking into another aspect of iOS: user choice.

According to the Commission, it's investigating whether Apple has allowed users to uninstall any iOS apps, including Apple's own apps like Safari which currently cannot be removed from iPhone or iPad devices. The Commission will also look into whether Apple has made it easy to change default iOS settings. In addition, the investigation will include whether Apple has been providing adequate choice screens providing consumers with alternatives to the default web browser or search engine.

"The Commission is concerned that Apple's measures, including the design of the web browser choice screen, may be preventing users from truly exercising their choice of services within the Apple ecosystem," the Commission stated.

And, speaking of that controversial app fee structure, the EU Commission also announced that it started taking "investigatory" steps into whether these new Apple fees are contradictory to the DMA.

App store steering rules

The EU Commission is looking into both Apple and Alphabet for a possible DMA-compliance issue related to their respective mobile application stores.

App developers can sometimes pay hefty percentages of their revenue to Apple and Alphabet when a user makes a purchase or signs up for a subscription through their mobile app stores. Developers have sought to work around those fees by setting up cheaper alternatives for users to purchase from. However, both Apple's App Store and Google Play have greatly restricted developers' ability to "steer" users to those better offers as they seek to collect their fees.

Under the DMA, though, Apple and Google must allow developers to "steer" those users elsewhere. The EU Commission is going to investigate whether either company's rules impose "restrictions and limitations" that don't comply with regulation.

These investigations can take up to 12 months, according to the Commission. If the investigation discovers that a company did violate the DMA, the EU can impose a massive fine of 10 percent of the company's worldwide turnover. The fine can double for repeated infringement.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to reset your AirPods

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 18:28

If your AirPods are acting up, a simple reset may be just what the earbud doctor ordered. The entire process should take less than five minutes.

Total Time
  • 5 min.
What You Need
  • AirPod buds
  • AirPod charging case
  • Charging cord (optional)

Step 1: Put AirPods back in their charging case.

Gather your AirPods and their charging case, making sure to remove any decorative elements that might obstruct access to the big button on the back of the case. Pop your AirPods into the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.

Step 2: Open your device Settings and see if the AirPods are "Connected."

Navigate to Settings on any Apple device that is paired with your AirPods. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Search your list of connected devices for your AirPods (if they are not there, continue to the next step). Once you find your AirPods, tap the small blue "i" next to it, tap "Forget This Device," and then confirm your selection.

Step 3: Reconnect your AirPods.

Open the lid of your charging case. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light on the front of the case flashes orange, then white (about 15 seconds). With the lid still open, hold the charging case near your device. A screen should pop up on your device prompting you to "Connect" your AirPods. Follow the steps on screen to complete the process.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score discounted Blink home security cameras during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 18:23

Spring is here, which means it's the season of home improvement projects. If you've been meaning to rig up a new outdoor home security system, now is the perfect time to invest in the right equipment. Here are the best Blink home security camera deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale blink home secuirty camera deals Best video doorbell deal Blink Video Doorbell $41.99 at Amazon (save $8) Get Deal Best home security bundle deal Blink Whole Home Bundle $136.97 at Amazon (save $53) Get Deal Best floodlight camera deal Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 (save $51.99) Get Deal Best deal for large properties Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) 8 camera system $377.98 at Amazon (save $252.01) Get Deal

Whether you want to equip the whole backyard with cameras or you just want to keep an extra eye on the doorway and your front porch, you can find what you need in today's deals. Some products, like the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera, are at their new lowest prices. Today marks the last day of the Big Spring Sale, so you'll want to score these savings while you can.

Best video doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Video Doorbell $41.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While this isn't the lowest price we've ever seen the Blink Video Doorbell hit, today's sale does bring the two-way audio video doorbell camera down to under $50. If you're just starting to get into outdoor home security, the Blink Video Doorbell is a great place to start. It lets you check your door from your smartphone, no matter where you are, and works with Alexa to provide alerts and let you communicate with whoever's at the door. Whether you want to keep an extra eye on your packages or just be more in tune with the comings and goings of your household, the Blink Video Doorbell can help.

Best home security bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Whole Home Bundle $136.97 at Amazon
$189.97 Save $53.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're ready to go all in securing your home, check out the Blink Whole Home Bundle, which includes the Blink Video Doorbell, Outdoor 4, Mini, and Sync Module 2. Unified by the Blink App, these devices work together to provide you with video footage, motion detection, and person detection alerts. The bundle even comes with free 30-day access to the Blink Subscription Plan, which lets you save and share video clips in the cloud, and even get access to extended live footage.

Best floodlight camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $51.99 Get Deal Why we like it

At 700 lumens, the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is powerfully bright, fully illuminating your property when motion is detected. With HD live view, infrared night vision, and real-time alerts, you see exactly what's going on when motion is detected so you can have your peace of mind intact. We also love this floodlight security camera because it has an extensive two-year battery and doesn't require wiring or drilling to set up. Plus, it's at its lowest-ever price!

Best deal for large properties Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) 8 camera system $377.98 at Amazon
$629.99 Save $252.01 Get Deal Why we like it

While not everybody will need an extensive network of cameras, the Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) 8 camera system is a great value buy for those folks who do. Normally listed for over $600, the Big Spring Sale is taking the bundle's price down to $377.98, saving you over $250. It's a great option for keeping eyes on your kids and pets when they're out in the backyard, especially thanks to its two-way audio communication.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Check out the best deals under $25 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 18:00

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2024, 11:15 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with current pricing and availability.

Best deals under $25 from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best phone accessory deal under $25 PopSocket phone grips and kickstands Starting at $7.99 Get Deal Best tech deal under $25 JBL Endurance Run 2 $14.95 at Amazon (save $5) Get Deal Best kitchen deal under $25 Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer $14.49 at Amazon (save $15.50) Get Deal Best beauty deal under $25 Kitsch Flexi Rods heatless hair curlers (6-pack) $12.79 at Amazon (save $3.20) Get Deal Best smart home deal under $25 Amazon Echo Pop $22.99 at Amazon + free Sengled Smart Color Bulb (save $17) Get Deal

Amazon sale events aren't solely reserved for picking up big-ticket items at discounted prices. Sure, you can absolutely do that, but you can also load your cart up with super cheap, sub-$25 items to really get the most out of your shopping experience. Luckily, Amazon's Big Spring Sale has a lot of that kind of stuff, and we've put together a list of all the best deals under $25 to make it easier to parse through. Check out what we've found below. (Just note that some of these items are sold by third-party sellers, but are still shipped by Amazon.)

SEE ALSO: 300+ top deals from the final day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Phone accessory deals under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: PopSocket PopSocket phone grips and kickstands
Starting at $7.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Let's face it, we're all probably on our phones a bit too much, but sometimes it's more of a necessity than a choice. If your hand is cramping up from holding onto your device all day, adding on a PopSocket may be the answer to your woes. A bunch of PopSocket options are discounted during the Big Spring Sale, with some of them starting at just $7.99. Take a look at the offers and save up to 36%.

More phone accessory deals under $25

Phone cases

Car chargers and power adapters

Tech deals under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Endurance Run 2 $14.95 at Amazon
$19.95 Save $5.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Even high-end, trusted audio brands like JBL have affordable pairs of headphones. The Endurance Run 2 are great for working out thanks to their IPX5 rating, which keeps them resistant to sweat and other weather conditions. They'll fit securely in your ears during activities and can be worn in or behind your ears for maximum comfort. They've got magnets on the back, too, which makes cable management a breeze. Grab a pair for just $14.95 during the Amazon spring sale.

More tech deals under $25

Bluetooth trackers

Computer accessories

Headphones and earbuds

Speakers, streaming devices, and more miscellaneous tech deals

Home and kitchen deals under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Kitchen Gizmo Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer $14.49 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $15.50 Get Deal Why we like it

We all know the pain of accidentally missing the colander we had at the ready and ending up with a fresh batch of sink pasta. We don't want you to ever feel like that again, and the Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain pot strainer doesn't want you to, either. Next time you're cooking up some pasta, just attach this little helper to the side of the pot and tilt it to strain out all the excess water. Snag one for just $14.49 during the sale and save over 50%.

More home and kitchen deals under $25

Small appliances and kitchen accessories

Cleaning supplies, candles, and more home items

Beauty deals under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Kitsch Kitsch Flexi Rods heatless hair curlers (6-pack) $12.79 at Amazon
$15.99 Save $3.20 Get Deal Why we like it

Those who are heatless curl curious have little reason to not give the TikTok trend a try when Kitsch's heatless curlers are on sale for less than $13. This six-pack of satin Flexi Rods allows for smaller, more customized waves than Kitsch's viral one-piece heatless curling set with no heat damage. The rods don't require pins or clips and can be worn during the day or overnight.

More self-care and beauty deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart is coming for Amazon's semi-Prime-Day with a competing spring sale: See the best deals

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:51

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2024, 11:15 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest deals, pricing, and availability from Walmart's spring sale.

The best deals from Walmart's Super Spring Savings Week Best Apple deal USB-C AirPods Pro $199 at Walmart (Save $50) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim $499.99 at Walmart (Save $150) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Sense 2 $249.95 at Walmart (Save $50) Get Deal Best gaming deal PlayStation 5 "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" bundle $449.99 at Walmart (Save $50) Get Deal Best TV deal onn. 43-inch 4K Roku TV $178 at Walmart (Save $70) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Dyson Supersonic (refurbished) $219.99 at Walmart (Save $109.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid Deluxe Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (4.5-quart) $300 at Walmart (Save $99.99) Get Deal

Walmart isn't shy about hosting its own major sales events to directly compete with Amazon Prime Day. Though Amazon's Big Spring Sale isn't posing as a spring Prime Day, a week-long Walmart spring sale has conveniently kicked off on the same day — and with its own special new title.

Walmart's Super Spring Savings Event doesn't have a hard end date like Amazon's sale does (March 25), though the identical launch dates have us predicting a similar runtime through the weekend. No Walmart+ membership is needed to access these deals, just like Amazon isn't requiring a Prime membership to shop most of its savings. Walmart also dropped its spring deals without offering early access for Walmart+ members.

SEE ALSO: The 45+ best headphone and speaker deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Day One

Despite the more last-minute feel, Walmart's spring sale is actually pretty solid. The main product categories are reminiscent of Black Friday (vacuums, kitchen appliances, headphones, cheap TVs), only the retailer is swapping holiday decorations and winter weather gear for patio furniture, bikes, and grills. Already, we're seeing Walmart match or beat a lot of Amazon's pricing, including on best sellers like the Apple Watch Series 9, the Fitbit Sense 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

We're tracking the best deals at Walmart's spring sale below. We'll be updating this list as more deals drop over the coming days, while simultaneously keeping tabs on any new Amazon Big Spring deals.

Best Walmart spring sale Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $199.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro USB-C.

Walmart is offering a $50 discount on the USB-C AirPods Pro, which is close to the lowest price we've ever seen them at. In the latest upgrade, Apple kept all of the features people liked about the originals — namely the actually-good active noise cancellation and the fact that they actually stay in your ear — while ditching the Lightning port for a more universal USB-C port.

More Apple dealsBest Walmart spring sale vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute $499.99 at Walmart
$649.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We were already dubbing Dyson's V12 Detect Slim as Dyson's best bang for your buck when it was full price. Now that it's less than $500, this Mashable Choice Award winner should be a no-brainer for most households.

The V12 Detect Slim rocks Dyson's best feature on a compact body that's 24% lighter than its bigger sibling, the V15 Detect. That feature is a dust-detecting laser that sets the Detect series apart from all other stick vacuums. For plush carpeting, a motorized cleaning head is also included, and all debris collected is sent through a HEPA filter. Other attachments include the mini motorized hair screw tool (a must for keeping up with shedding on furniture), a crevice tool, and a combination tool.

More vacuum deals

Robot vacuums

Cordless vacuums

Corded vacuums and carpet cleaners

Best Walmart spring sale fitness tracker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense 2 $249.95 at Walmart
$299.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable dug the original Fitbit Sense when it came out in 2020. The second version, which arrived two years later, features upgrades like a better EDA sensor and a physical button over the old haptic one. These add to the original features that make the Sense such a solid budget Apple Watch alternative, including a heart monitor and built-in GPS.

While we didn't choose the Fitbit Sense 2 as the best fitness tracker deal at Amazon's sale, we are highlighting it at Walmart — because it'll save you some extra cash over buying at Amazon, depending on the color you choose.

Best Walmart spring sale gaming deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" bundle $449.99 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Walmart's MSRP on this Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 Slim bundle is inflated a bit, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the bundle is still a complete steal. Buying the PS5 Slim by itself would run you $499.99 either way. $499.99 is also the regular asking price for this bundle — hence the value of a bundle — so Walmart's $449.99 price tag is technically an extra $50 discount tacked onto the already-free game.

The PS5 Slim, which hasn't even celebrated its first half birthday yet, squeezes the disc drive and 1TB of storage of the clunkier PS5 into a more practical, compact body. One DualSense controller is also included.

More gaming deals

Gaming consoles

Gaming monitors

Games

Gaming peripherals

Best Walmart spring sale TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: onn. onn. 43-inch 4K Roku TV $178.00 at Walmart
$248.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Walmart's own onn. TVs are often the cheapest 4K TVs during big multi-retailer sale events, and these spring sales are no different, apparently. This 43-inch onn. 4K TV beats Amazon's cheapest 43-inch TV by $21.99, despite both being Roku TVs. It's not a huge price difference, but it is enough to cover a few months of one of your streaming services.

More TV dealsBest Walmart spring sale beauty tech deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic (refurbished) $219.99 at Walmart
$329.00 Save $109.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Dyson Supersonic.

Here's the thing: The Dyson Supersonic is an excellent hair dryer, but we have a hard time justifying the price. Usually, we'd say just go for a dupe instead, but this deal on a refurbished model puts this hair dryer in about the same price range. Typically, you'd still have to shell out $329 for a refurbished dryer (per Dyson's website, where the Supersonic is also currently on sale), so this saves you a good chunk of cash.

Along with the hair dryer, you'll receive five magnetic styling attachments: a diffuser, styling concentrator, gentle air attachment, flyaway attachment, and wide-tooth comb.

Best Walmart spring sale kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Deluxe Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (4.5-quart) $300.00 at Walmart
$399.99 Save $99.99 Get Deal Why we like it

KitchenAid stand mixers are perhaps the most iconic kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They basically last forever and can mix whatever. This 4.5-quart tilt-head version is a great option for anyone who may be buying their first ever KitchenAid, and doesn't tend to bake in extra large batches (KitchenAid claims the stainless steel bowl can still hold enough dough for up to eight dozen small cookies).

In addition to the bowl, you'll get a flat beater, dough hook, and wire metal whip. The mixer itself has up to 10 speeds, and it's compatible with at least 10 more attachments available for additional purchase.

More kitchen deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Zoom unveils all-in-one AI work platform for more than just video conferencing

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:43

Zoom is putting all of its AI tools in one place for the ultimate productivity super-platform.

On Monday, the video conferencing company announced Zoom Workplace, an "AI-powered collaborative platform," that houses its AI virtual assistant in addition to a bunch of new features designed to improve workflow within teams.

The video conferencing company, which became a mainstay in the era of remote and hybrid work environments, has been steadily building AI tools and features to automate tasks, summarize conversations, and draft messages for working within teams and their customers. Last March, during the flurry of generative AI product launches, Zoom released AI Companion, which acts as a personal assistant for taking notes and identifying to-dos during meetings.

Tweet may have been deleted

Zoom's practices came under scrutiny for the company's policy of using customer's data to train the technology. The issue of training data has been a controversial one, since the sophistication of generative AI tools relies on vast amounts of human-generated content, which is often obtained without prior consent or knowledge. Zoom quickly clarified its Terms of Service update by affirming it "never use[s] audio, video, or chat content for training our models without customer consent."

SEE ALSO: I spent a week using AI tools in my daily life. Here's how it went.

Zoom Workplace has recruited its existing AI Companion to do much of the heavy lifting for planning and summarizing meetings. The interface has an Ask AI Companion feature which helps workers prepare for upcoming meetings and recap ones that have occurred. It does this by gathering and synthesizing data from across Zoom's apps like Meetings, Mail, Team Chat, Notes, and Docs. This includes automatically scheduling and preparing for meetings based on Team Chat conversations. Zoom Workplace can also integrate data from enabled third-party apps, like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

Zoom Phone also got an AI upgrade so it can now provide post-call recaps and next steps, as well as prioritizing voicemails and pulling key information from voicemail and SMS messages.

The video conferencing capability, which Zoom is known for, also has some snazzy new upgrades like "AI portrait lighting" for low-light environments. Users can also now create their own backgrounds using generative AI, much like we've seen testing on the likes of Google Meet and Instagram.

The Zoom Workplace platform and its AI tools are of no additional cost to paying subscribers. Zoom Pro, which is the lowest tier of paid subscriptions and includes, Meetings, Mail and Calendar, and AI Companion access costs $15.99 per month or $13.33 annually.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score up to 61% off Echo devices on the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:39

UP TO 61% OFF: As of March 25, you can score up to 61% off select Echo devices at Amazon. It's the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $34.99 at Amazon (save $27.29) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle $99.99 at Amazon (save $62.99 ) Get Deal Best budget deal Our pick: Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle $22.99 at Amazon (save $36.99) Get Deal

There's no denying Amazon has some of the best deals on the internet. But today's the last day to score big during the Big Spring Sale, where you can save on everything from laptops to smartphones to kitchen appliances.

Amazon also has a ton of deals on Echo devices, with savings of up to 61%.

Here are our top picks:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $34.99 at Amazon
$62.98 Save $27.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle is the best deal in this sale. Not only will you get an Echo Dot (5th Gen), which is a compact and versatile smart speaker, but you will also receive an Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb.

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) is said to be one of Amazon's best-selling Echo devices. It delivers crisp vocals and dynamic bass, making it perfect for streaming music or listening to podcasts.

The Smart Bulb can help you automate and control your lighting with just your voice, adding convenience and simplicity to your daily routine. Plus, with the Group Control function, you turn on multiple bulbs at once for a personalized and synchronized lighting experience.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle $99.99 at Amazon
$162.98 Save $62.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb bundle is a great runner-up deal for anyone interested in hands-free video calling, streaming TV shows or movies, and controlling their smart home devices. Of course, you can listen to music on this device, too.

Unlike the Echo Dot, the Echo Show features an eight-inch touchscreen display, so you can do more. Call your friends, cook along with a recipe video, or watch your favorite shows or movies. And whenever you're not using it, you can turn it into a digital picture frame to showcase your favorite photos. With the Smart Bulb, this bundle is definitely worth considering.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle $22.99 at Amazon
$59.98 Save $36.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with the Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle. For just $22.99, you can get both!

This bundle is ideal for anyone who's never used an Echo device or is looking for a basic smart speaker experience. With the Echo Pop, you can access Alexa's voice controls and enjoy music, podcasts, weather updates, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Instagram is limiting political content. Here's how to get around it.

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:27

Instagram users will be seeing a lot less political content on their feeds — if that's what they want.

The Meta-owned social media company announced that political content will be automatically limited from people's suggested posts in Explore, Reels, Feed Recommendations, and Suggested Users. This won't affect the content from accounts that someone follows.

Meta has been moving away from news-related and political content for a while now, with concerns about the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and extremism on platforms like Instagram.

SEE ALSO: Instagram just limited the political content you see. You can change that.

The change is complicated. Election season is coming for the world's largest democracies, and this appears to be Meta's way of limiting rampant misinformation. Instagram is defining political content as "likely to mention governments, elections, or social topics that affect a group of people and/or society at large." As Mashable's Christianna Silva reports, "Social media sites have been rife with misinformation and disinformation during past elections. It seems Meta's response to these egregious mistakes is to make political content rarer on its platforms."

But as critics have pointed out, social media giants are also crucial for providing information, keeping communities engaged, and for letting users know what is actually affecting people globally. Instagram has been flagged for shadowbanning vital information about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, for example, and people are now expressing concern that posts about issues affecting marginalized groups will be eclipsed on the platform. And, as several outlets have noted, the language around what Instagram defines as "political" is also vague, which means these limits have the potential to affect content about women's rights, climate change, race, and LGBTQ issues.

Featured Video For You How to hide likes on Instagram

For many, the absence of politically-inclined content is a privilege: not having to engage with issues the world is facing is a choice in itself, and not available to all.

The choice is up to users, and you can head to Instagram settings to make the decision for yourself. Many users have found that their content preferences have been automatically set to limiting political content, furthering the idea that Instagram is trying to distance its users from accessing such content. Here's how to work around it.

How to work around Instagram's political content limit Total Time
  • 2 minutes.
What You Need
  • Instagram app

Step 1: Click on the three bars at the top right of your profile.

Step 2: Scroll down or search for "content preferences".

Step 3: Click on "Political content".

Credit: Instagram

Step 4: Select "Don't limit": the option that makes sure political content is still recommended.

Credit: Instagram
Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ deals still live after Best Buy's Member-Exclusive Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:24

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2024, 11:01 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with deals still live following the Best Buy Member Exclusive Sale.

The best live deals from the Best Buy Member Exclusive Sale at a glance: BEST APPLE DEAL 11-inch iPad Pro (WiFi, 128GB) $729 for paid My Best Buy members (save $70) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL Lenovo Flex 7 14IAU7 2-in-1 14-inch laptop (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) $820.99 for paid My Best Buy members (save $369) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL TCL 75-inch S4 LED TV $499.99 for paid My Best Buy members (save $50) Get Deal BEST GAMING DEAL Spend $100 or more in eligible gaming products Get a $20 Best Buy promotional certificate Get Deal

Surprise, surprise: Best Buy just tossed its hat in the ring to compete with Amazon's Prime Day-like Big Spring Sale. Walmart already joined in on the fun, so it was only a matter of time until Best Buy followed suit.

Best Buy's weekend sale officially ran from March 22 through March 24 at 12:59 a.m. ET. But unofficially, there are still plenty of deals available as of March 25. Where it differs from Amazon and Walmart is the savings event is exclusively for paid My Best Buy members. That includes both My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total subscribers — regular My Best Buy members with free accounts are not included.

Not yet a member? The deals in the Member Exclusive Sale might make you want to join — like a sub-$500 75-inch TV, a $369 discount on a solid 2-in-1 Lenovo laptop, and more.

The good news is you can participate in the member-exclusive savings event by joining My Best Buy. There are two tiers of paid memberships: My Best Buy Plus, which costs $49.99 per year, and My Best Buy Total, which costs $179.99 per year. My Best Buy Plus members get exclusive member pricing, exclusive access to members-only events (like this weekend), and free two-day shipping. My Best Buy Total membership includes all of those things, plus 24/7 Geek Squad tech support, discounted tech repairs, and up to two years of product protection on most new purchases (including AppleCare+).

Already a member? Amazing. Here are the best deals from Best Buy's Member Exclusive Sale that are still live.

Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: 11-inch iPad Pro (WiFi, 128GB) $729.00 at Best Buy
$799.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Packed with a ton of power for a compact device, the 11-inch iPad Pro holds an M2 chip and iPadOS 16. Despite the new processor and operating system, it's not a huge change from the previous model in terms of look and feel. "It’s a beautiful device with a stunning display, very powerful chip, and great battery life. It feels like the future – but it’s ultimately still not as practical as your computer for work tasks," said Mashable's reviewer of the larger 12.9-inch model. It usually goes for $799 for the cheapest model (WiFi, 128GB), but you can save $70 if you're a My Best Buy Pro or Total member. That knocks the price down to $729, which matches its lowest price to date.

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Computer and accessory deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Our pick: Lenovo Flex 7 14IAU7 2-in-1 14-inch laptop (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) $820.99 at Best Buy
$1,189.99 Save $369.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you can't decide between a new tablet or a new laptop, the Lenovo Flex 7 gives you the best of both worlds. Essentially a budget version of our favorite premium 2-in-1 laptop (the Yoga 9i), the Flex series is ideal for casual laptop users looking for a travel companion that's lightweight and durable. It won't wow you with its power or speed, but it'll handle your everyday needs. And at $820.99 for My Best Buy Plus and Total users, it's basically a steal. That's 31% in savings.

More computer and accessory dealsTV deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV $499.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been hunting for a massive TV on a budget, check out this deal on a TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV. It's not going to give you the most stunning image quality, but it does offer a 4K Ultra HD resolution, motion rate 120, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Not to mention, you're getting a 75-inch screen for under $500 — that's practically a steal. My Best Buy Plus and Total members can snag it for $50 off during the member-exclusive sale.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

X's new best friend is a GIF of a joint-smoking cartoon duck

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:14

X / Twitter users are getting all their ducks in a row, one duck to be specific.

In the past 48 hours, a GIF of a cartoon duck with half-lidded eyes holding a joint in its wing has become beloved on the platform. In the GIF, the duck chuckles to itself and shakes its head. Through repeated use, the clip came to mean something like, "exactly" or "isn't that true." As one user wrote, "is your entire timeline a duck smoking a blunt or do you have normal mutuals."

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According to Know Your Meme, the duck comes from a sticker pack made for WhatsApp by GIF artist LIVTORRESEC. The original joint-smoking duck had purple text reading, "HAHA CLASSIC" above it. A cropped version was reposted onto X in 2023, but it's only in the past couple of days that the duck caught on.

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

Users incessantly post it with resonant lyrics to popular songs or iconic lines from films. For example, someone captioned it with the lyrics to Phoebe Bridgers' 2017 hit "Motion Sickness" — "i hate you for what you did and i miss you like a little kid." Another used lines from Zedd's 2012 track "Clarity" — "if our love’s insanity why are you my clarity."

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The Hunger Games fans entered the chat and wrote, "how coriolanus felt after saying snow lands on top" and "haymitch in the audience after peeta said 'if it weren’t for the baby.""

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Other users likened the smoking duck to another X user favorite, the blunts and exposing the government girl — the duck was reposted to appear as such. One user posted a side-by-side GIF of the two captioned, "they’re smoking the idgaf blunt." Another created a fancam featuring the duck and the exposing the government girl soundtracked by "Smokin' Rollin'" by Juicy J.

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The smoking duck is so popular that users are digging into the GIF sticker pack and posting it doing other activities. In one, it sweeps. In another, it gives a thumbs up.

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It's only a matter of time before the timeline finds a new meme to play with.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Boeing's CEO will resign amid mountain of controversy and bad headlines

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:10

Things are going incredibly poorly for Boeing these days. The company's reputation is so bad people are going out of their way to not book flights on its planes.

It makes sense, then, that the CEO said Monday he would resign.

Boeing president and CEO Dave Calhoun wrote in a letter to employees that he plans to step down at the end of the year. The executive acknowledged mounting safety concerns, specifically citing the recent Alaska Airlines flight where an entire panel of the plane flew off mid-air.

"As you all know, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident was a watershed moment for Boeing. We must continue to respond to this accident with humility and complete transparency. We also must inculcate a total commitment to safety and quality at every level of our company," Calhoun opened the letter.

He added: "The eyes of the world are on us, and I know we will come through this moment a better company, building on all the learnings we accumulated as we worked together to rebuild Boeing over the last number of years."

SEE ALSO: What's going on with Boeing planes? Safety concerns prompt flyers to change their flights.

There will be a slew of other changes with Boeing's leadership, Calhoun's letter noted, including a new board director and a new CEO of Boeing's commercial airlines division. Calhoun told CNBC that stepping down was "100 percent" his own idea.

It's difficult to list the myriad issues at Boeing recently, but the serious safety concerns began with the two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. Ever since, there have been troubling reports on safety and quality procedures at the company.

Calhoun, a longtime Boeing board member, took over as CEO from Dennis Muilenburg in the wake of those accidents in 2020. It's unclear who will take the role with Calhoun stepping down. But what is clear is that they'll have their work cut out for them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 best scanner deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:07

If you're tired of running out to the nearest Office Depot or your local library whenever you have to sign and scan a document, this is your sign. Here are the best scanner deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024:

Best Amazon Spring Sale scanner deals Best high-speed scanner deal ScanSnap iX1600 $399.99 (save $154.01) Get Deal Best budget scanner deal Epson Perfection V39 II Flatbed Scanner $99.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best compact scanner deal Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner $99.99 (save $50) Get Deal

We've all dealt with the sheer panic of needing to sign an important document, but having no idea where to go to properly scan and send it. Stop taking awkward document pictures on your phone or making a mad dash to the nearest Office Depot, and buy a scanner on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The Spring Sale 2024 boasts a bunch of "seasonal" deals from March 20 to 25, but it actually includes a ton of great Prime Day-esque deals on tech including tablets, laptops, and headphones. And, of course, scanners.

Don't miss your chance to update your home office setup with the best scanner deals from the Amazon Spring Sale 2024. Plus, a few of these deals are featured on the list of best scanners for 2024 from Mashable's sister site, PCMag.

Check out our favorite scanner deals as of March 25:

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale scanner deal Opens in a new window Credit: ScanSnap ScanSnap iX1600 scanner $399.99 at Amazon
$554.00 Save $154.01 Get Deal Why we like it

If your line of work involves scanning things all day, every day, you need a speedy scanner that can handle all kinds of different documents. Mashable's sister site PCMag, called the ScanSnap iX1600 "a model desktop document scanner" that includes a color touch screen for easy use, a 50-page automatic document feeder, and a hefty 6,000-scan daily duty cycle. It can easily recognize and organize everything from paperwork to receipts to business cards, making your life and work that much easier. Note that it does not have Ethernet capabilities.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Portable SSDs are at steep discounts during the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 16:45

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2024, 9:40 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest pricing and availability of portable SSD deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best portable SSD deals from Amazon's Big Spring sale Best internal SSD deal WD_Black 2 TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 $199.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best external SSD deal WD_Black 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD $189.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal

Nobody likes doing the storage shuffle. You know what we mean — constantly having to delete stuff off of your gaming console or computer to make room for new stuff. It's not a big deal the first few times, but trust us, it becomes exhausting very quickly. That's why having a portable SSD (either internal or external) is pretty much a must-have.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple Watch deals from Amazon's spring sale are at Walmart

And thankfully, during Amazon's Prime-Day-style spring sale, there are plenty of portable SSDs on sale across a variety of brands. Whether you need one for your PC, laptop, PlayStation 5 or Xbox, you're covered.

Check out our favorite portable SSD deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below.

Best internal SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_Black 2 TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want an internal SSD expansion for your PlayStation 5, your best bet is going to be the WD_Black SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD. It's easy to install, and will get you an extra 2TB of space to download games, apps, and more. It also features a heatsink to keep things from getting too toasty inside your console, and you can play games straight from the SSD instead of having to swap things around all the time.

More internal SSD dealsBest external SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_Black 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD $189.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Compatible with both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the WD_Black P40 Game Drive is a fantastic external SSD to add to your gaming setup. It comes with 2TB of extra space, and you won't have to install it — it simply connects to your console via USB. You can even customize the drive's RGB lighting for extra style points.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag a discounted drone during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 16:45

It's all sunny skies from here on out, which means it's the perfect time to invest in a drone to document your spring travels. These are the best drone deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale drone deals Best overall drone deal Holy Stone HS720 GPS Drone with Camera $149.99 with on-page coupon (save $100) Get Deal Best drone deal for selfies X1 Self-Flying Camera $399 (save $80) Get Deal Best drone deal for kids Holy Stone Drone for Kids $26.63 with on-page coupon ($10.36) Get Deal

It's officially spring, which means it's time to start planning your spring and summer travels. And maybe this year you're ready to invest in a drone to capture captivating memories of the gorgeous locations you'll soon visit.

Now's a decent time to pull the trigger on a new drone, since there are a few on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which runs through March 25. You can find tons of Prime Day-like deals on tech, including headphones, phone accessories, MacBooks, and more. (And don't miss Best Buy and Walmart's competing spring sales as well.)

Here are the best drone deals during the Amazon Spring Sale 2024:

Best Amazon Spring Sale drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS720 GPS Drone with Camera $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.00 extra $50 discount with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

The Holy Stone HS720 is the best drone deal for most people, and with the on-page coupon, it's on sale for 40% off. It has a 4K camera with image stabilization so you can send it flying up to 3,000 feet in the air and know you'll get great footage. You'll score GPS-assisted flight, so you always know where it is, and it'll fly back to you automatically when the battery gets low. This drone comes with two batteries with 26 minutes of run time on each, and is controlled easily with the included FAA-compliant remote.

More of the best drone deals:
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best printers on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 16:31

Refresh your home or office space this spring and bring home a new, hassle-free printer, courtesy of the best printer deals found at Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale printer deals Best all-in-one printer deal HP Envy Inspire 7958e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer $109.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best budget printer deal Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer $59 at Amazon (save $70.99) Get Deal Best laser printer deal HP Color LaserJet Pro M182nw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer $329 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

We've all experienced the agony of fussing around with a printer that just won't work. Save yourself hours of frustration and invest in a new printer that can do everything you need, from printing to scanning to faxing. You deserve it, and thanks to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, it's the perfect time to grab one.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024 has "seasonal" deals on everything from Apple Airpods to laptops to Kindles — and printers are no exception. Check out our favorite picks from the sale below, and keep in mind Amazon's spring savings event only lasts through March 25. And you just might want to check out the competing deals at Walmart's spring sale, too.

Best all-in-one printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Envy Inspire 7958e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer $109.99
$189.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're springing for a printer at home (or at your makeshift office) you want to be able to print, copy, scan, and even fax with ease. The HP Envy Inspire 7958e lets you do it all. It's got mobile connectivity so you can easily print from your laptop or phone, two-sided printing so you waste less paper, and an advanced photo printer so you can print your favorite shots at home. It also comes with a free upgrade to HP+ that offers additional smart features and six months of HP Instant Ink (note that a monthly fee is charged if you don't cancel before the six-month trial period is up).

Best budget printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Our pick: Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer $59.00 at Amazon
$70.99 Save $11.99 Get Deal Why we like it

For just $59, you can snag a Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer with high-quality printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa so you can reorder ink and print hands-free with voice commands.

With a 200-sheet capacity and auto two-sided printing, this printer is perfect for personal and small office use. It's also energy efficient, with an Energy Star rating that'll save you money on your electricity bill.

Best laser printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Color LaserJet Pro M182nw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer $329.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M182nw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer is $100 off right now, making it a steal at $329. It features fast print speeds (up to 17 ppm) and vibrant color printing capabilities. There's a user-friendly control panel with a touchscreen display, making it easy to navigate and use. Plus, you can use the HP Smart app to print from anywhere and connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the printer.

With customizable shortcuts, you can print even faster while streamlining your workflow. This printer also features built-in security to protect sensitive data and ensure only authorized users can access print jobs.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple might finally let you freely customize Home Screen icons on iPhone

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 15:36

Apple has always been stingy when it comes to Home Screen customization on the iPhone. Yes, you can move the icons and folders around, but that's about it; it's far from the level of customization you get on Android phones, or even that same iPhone's Lock Screen.

This is probably about to change. According to MacRumors, which cites sources familiar with the matter, Apple is planning a big Home Screen overhaul with iOS 18, which is likely to be unveiled during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: 2 new rumored features coming to your iPhone

You won't get complete freedom; app and folder icons will remain locked to the invisible grid, just like they are now. But MacRumors claims that users will be able to arrange icons more freely, with the ability to create blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently mentioned that Apple is planning to introduce a "more customizable" Lock Screen, too, though he didn't share any additional details.

Apple's iOS 18 is shaping up to be a massive release; reports say that Apple plans to introduce new generative artificial intelligence features, new Live Speech options, the ability to launch accessibility settings with your voice, RCS support for Messages, and design changes, among others.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:49

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

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

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

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

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

"You kind of need to practice letting go."

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best mesh WiFi router for gamers

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:57

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

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

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

What is a mesh WiFi system?

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

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

How fast is mesh WiFi?

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

What is low latency?

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

What area can a mesh WiFi system cover?

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

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

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

What is WiFi 6?

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

What are the best mesh WiFi systems?

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN for China

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:41

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

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

Do you need a VPN in China?

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

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

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

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

What should you consider when using a VPN in China?

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

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

What is the best VPN for China?

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

These are the best VPNs for China in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPNs that maintain a strict no-logging policy

Mashable - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:39

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

What is a VPN?

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

Should you care about a VPN's logging policy?

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

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

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

Should you use free VPNs?

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

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

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

What is the best no-log VPN?

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

These are the best no-log VPNs in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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