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Iowa vs. LSU delivered memes, jokes, and a great game from Caitlin Clark

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 19:39

Iowa bested LSU on Monday night in perhaps the most highly anticipated women's basketball game in a long time. The Elite Eight matchup was a rematch of last year's championship game — and this time the results were in favor of the Hawkeyes' superstar Caitlin Clark.

Clark put on an absolute show Monday night, draining 41 points while commanding the Iowa offense.

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While the game — final score 94-87 — was amazing, so was the response online. It was a great moment for women's basketball because the trash talk, memes, and jokes were about as prominent as any game you could imagine. You know a sport is seriously popular when people are getting too worked up about it online.

There were lots of posts about Clark, and that makes sense considering the game she played.

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There were also some jokes about LSU and, in particular, Hailey Van Lith — a star in her own right — who, despite being much shorter than Clark, was tasked with guarding Iowa's best player.

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Iowa moved on to the Final Four with the big win, where yet another formidable opponent awaits. Clark and the Hawkeyes will take on UConn, led by former Player of the Year Paige Bueckers, perhaps the only other player in the tournament as decorated as Clark. People are freaking excited for the matchup and have been posting about it online.

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The Final Four game is scheduled for Friday night. Get your popcorn ready and stretch your Twitter fingers — it's going to be a great time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ChatGPT no longer requires an account to use it. Here's how OpenAI plans to handle the mass adoption.

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 19:23

ChatGPT no longer requires creating an account, although there are a few stipulations.

On Monday, OpenAI announced users can hop on ChatGPT without signing up. Previously, users were required to make a free account, but now, you can start using ChatGPT right away simply by navigating to the site.

SEE ALSO: I tried using ChatGPT to help me move across the country

Per OpenAI's announcement, "It's core to our mission to make tools like ChatGPT broadly available so that people can experience the benefits of AI." Lowering the barrier to entry for ChatGPT will definitely do that, but using ChatGPT without an account comes with a few restrictions. You won't be able to save or review your chat history or share responses. Plus, without an account, you can't use custom instructions and voice conversations.

However, you can still prevent your conversations from being used to train the model. Users without an account can do this by turning off an option in their Settings menu — which for those who aren't logged in is a tiny button in the bottom right corner that looks like a question mark. A toggle with an option that reads "Improve the model for everyone" will be on by default, meaning OpenAI is using your activity to train its model. If you're using ChatGPT for work, you should probably switch it off.

Losing out on all that free data from users who don't know about turning off chat history, or willingly allow it, is a curious decision on OpenAI's part. But since its GPT models have already scraped the entire internet for its training data, maybe it doesn't need any more. As the advancement of rival models like Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and even Microsoft's Copilot, which uses OpenAI's GPT-4 model, ratchets up the competition, it seems like a play for locking in mass adoption. This is especially evident as Google's SGE (AI-powered search results) looms in its testing phase, poised to upend traditional search.

But with mass adoption comes great responsibility, which is why the ChatGPT version without an account has additional safeguards in place. OpenAI says the AI chatbot will block "prompts and generations in a wider range of categories." In a statement to TechCrunch, OpenAI says, "We considered the potential ways in which a logged out service could be used in inappropriate ways," and also how they can "detect and stop misuse of the signed out experience," but exactly how the ChatGPT maker plans to pinpoint misuse by users who are not logged in is unclear.

Now that ChatGPT is more accessible than ever, we're sure to find out whether OpenAI's safeguards are enough.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A ton of Samsung monitors are on sale at Amazon, from options under $100 to the gorgeous curved ViewFinity S9

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 18:59

SAVE UP TO 45%: As of April 2, several Samsung monitors are on sale at Amazon, with several premium models from 2023 in the 30% off or more range.

A quick look at our favorite Samsung monitor deals Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 24-inch Odyssey G32A FHD gaming monitor $129.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best smart monitor deal Samsung 27-inch M80C HDR smart monitor and streaming TV $449.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best business monitor deal Samsung ViewFinity S9 49-inch curved ultrawide QHD monitor $799.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal

We don't know the official statistics, but we do know that the time spent putting off work to look longingly out the window spikes once sunny spring days become the norm.

Perhaps a monitor that doesn't suck to look at could help keep your productivity levels from completely derailing during Summer Fridays season. Conveniently, you have a ton of awesome options up to 45% off at Amazon: From basic options under $100 to premium ultrawide curved models or zippy gaming models, there's a Samsung monitor on sale wherever you are on the upgrade spectrum. Barring a few cheap options maxing out at 15% off, most models (including the high-end ones) are chilling in the 30% to 40% off range.

SEE ALSO: The best time of year to buy a Mac, whether you want a MacBook or iMac

We're highlighting the best deals from a few categories below:

Best gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 24-inch Odyssey G32A FHD gaming monitor $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 24-inch Odyssey G32A isn't the most advanced gaming monitor in this Samsung sale, but because of its huge 35% discount, it is the cheapest. This iteration of the Odyssey G3 series has a 165 Hz refresh rate versus the 144 Hz that you'd see on a typical cheap gaming monitor, plus QLED-boosted colors.

More gaming monitor dealsBest smart monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 27-inch M80C HDR smart monitor and streaming TV $449.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's line of M series smart monitors double as gorgeous mini TVs. The M8 is a slightly more elevated version of the M7 that we tested and loved, featuring a brighter screen, enhanced text clarity, and a removable webcam. As a TV, the M8 comes with all of the go-to streaming apps already built in.

Best business monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung ViewFinity S9 49-inch curved ultrawide QHD monitor $799.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Basically a mini IMAX screen on your desk, this 49-inch beast is the curved ultrawide model in Samsung's popular ViewFinity S9 series (not to be confused with the flat 27-inch 5K ViewFinity S9, which is still its full price of $1,599.99). The LS49C features a panoramic dual QHD display that can replace your current double-screen rig and declutter your space, plus a 120 Hz refresh rate.

More business monitor deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

3 iPads are reportedly not getting iPadOS 18 — and we're confused

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 18:48

Every year, Apple releases a brand new version of its mobile operating systems: iOS for the iPhone and iPadOS for the iPad. But due to hardware limitations with older models and advancing technology, Apple's operating systems drop some of the most senior devices.

2024 will be no different. However, there is something interesting about which iPad models will reportedly not be receiving the upcoming iPadOS 18 update, according to numerous Apple insider websites such as MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

iPadOS 18 will not be compatible with the following iPads:

  • iPad - 6th generation

  • iPad Pro (12.9-inch) - 2nd generation 

  • iPad Pro (10.5-inch) - 2nd generation 

iPadOS 18 will be compatible with:

  • iPad: 2019 and later 

  • iPad Air: 2019 and later 

  • iPad mini: 2019 and later 

  • iPad Pro 2018 and later

Here's what's odd

If these reports are accurate, the interesting thing here is that Apple is giving an iPad model with an older chipset a longer shelf life than the iPad Pro configurations with a newer chipset.

By not supporting the second-generation iPad Pro models, iPadOS 18 seemingly will drop support for the A10X Fusion chip, a more powerful version of the A10 Fusion processor that was used to power the base iPad model (and the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus).

However, the seventh-generation iPad released in 2019, will be supported by iPadOS 18. And that iPad is powered by the A10 Fusion chip. The situation becomes even more confusing given that the second-generation iPad Pro models were released in 2017, despite being equipped with the newer and more powerful chip.

Again, it should be noted that these are unconfirmed reports from an Apple insider, but one that has a "strong track record" per 9to5Mac. 

It's likely that Apple will confirm which iPad models will receive the iPadOS 18 update at WWDC, which Apple just announced for June 10. So, we'll just have to wait and see until then.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sleep cooler thanks to this deal on the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 18:36

SAVE $50: The Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover (queen) is on sale for $2,145, marked down from the normal price of $2,195. That's a savings of $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eight Sleep Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover (queen) $2,145.00 at Eight Sleep
$2,195.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Waking up feeling overheated is one of the most unpleasant experiences. If you've ever wandered around a new city while jet lagged or missed out on sleep on account of waking up at night to feed a child, you're familiar with the brain haze that can come from a lack of good sleep. If sleeping too hot is your number one sleep disruptor, today's deal is here to save the day (and night).

As of April 2, the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover (queen) is on sale for $2,145, marked down from the normal price of $2,195. That's a savings of $50.

Whether you live in a hot climate or you tend to sleep warm, waking up feeling sweaty is never ideal. The highly technical Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover aims to prevent sleepers from ever feeling overheated. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover is a system that includes a mattress cover, a central hub, and a power cable. Once set up and plugged in, the cover helps keep sleepers at a regulated temperature, sensing whether they need heating or cooling to get the best rest. Since the Pod 3 cover is capable of both, partners who prefer different temperatures can set their side to a desired temp through the Eight Sleep app.

SEE ALSO: I slept on Nectar's cooling mattress for a month and still got sweaty

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover also tracks sleep metrics like how long you spent asleep overall and how long you spent in each stage of sleep throughout the night. For those who don't like the idea of wearable a sleep tracking device, having a mattress cover that does it for you could be ideal.

Mashable's RJ Andersen reviewed the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover with mixed feelings, mentioning it could be perfect for some sleepers but not all. Andersen mentioned that set-up wasn't a smooth process, but did find a few features to be excellent. "The quality of the product itself was stellar, surprisingly so, and it actually felt worth the hefty price tag," Andersen wrote. "I also loved the GentleRise Alarm feature which gradually increases the temperature on your side of the bed while vibrating softly to wake you up."

If you struggle to get good sleep on account of temperature, the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover promises to provide relief. While it comes with a fairly hefty price, today's deal will save you $50. The benefits of getting great sleep night after night could be well worth the investment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

An Xbox AI chatbot is in the works. Here's what it can do.

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 18:17

An Xbox AI chatbot is in the works at Microsoft for its gaming consoles, according to sources who spoke to The Verge.

The goal of this Xbox AI is unrelated to Microsoft's work with ChatGPT, instead being a AI avatar meant to take on support queries for Xbox customers. It's part of the company's larger plans to incorporate AI within the Xbox and it's related services.

SEE ALSO: Unfortunately, eBay resellers got their hands on the SpongeBob Xbox What will the Xbox AI chatbot do?

The Xbox AI chatbot, internally called the Xbox Support Virtual Agent, has access to Microsoft's support materials related to the Xbox network and its surrounding environment, enabling it to answer inquiries and even handle game refund requests through Microsoft's support site.

Microsoft confirmed the existence of the chatbot to The Verge, stating that the AI will be an animated character that can search Xbox Support topics using either voice or text. Additionally, the prototype simplifies and accelerates players' process of finding assistance with support issues by employing "natural language" and drawing from the "information available on existing Xbox Support pages."

Starting with “How can I help you today?”, the Xbox chatbot can quickly respond to support queries ranging from troubleshooting console issues to resolving problems with paid subscriptions.

While the Xbox AI is still being tested and far from a wide release to players, this is just the start of Microsoft's plans to incorporate AI in its premier gaming console. The goal, according to the sources who spoke with the Verge, is to use AI for game creation, including AI-generated assets, environments, and NPCs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Get $300 off an unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 5 with today's deal

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 18:06
Amazon deals of the day: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (unlocked, 512GB) $899.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST ANKER DEAL Anker Reserve 60,000 Power Bank $104.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal BEST HATCH DEAL Hatch Restore 2 $179.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST ECOVACS DEAL Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo $599.99 at Amazon (save $600) Get Deal

It may be the off-season for deals in the grand scheme of retail holidays, but that doesn't mean there's a lack of savings. We've been keeping an eye on Amazon daily and selecting the most eye-catching deals of the day for you to shop. You can thank us later.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day for April 2. And don't miss our picks from April 1 — most of those discounts are still active.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Amazon deal of the day: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (unlocked, 512GB) $899.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

In need of a new phone? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a "perfectly competent foldable phone that’s competitively priced with traditional flagships," according to Mashable reviewer Alex Perry. It's not quite as futuristic as its Z Fold relative, but it's also not nearly as expensive — especially with this $300 discount. It's reminiscent of the flip phones of yesteryear with just enough edginess and innovation to make it enticing. Snag an unlocked 512GB model on sale for $899.99, 20% off its usual price and a new all-time low.

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank $104.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

This Anker power bank packs 60,000mAh of power reserves, which is enough to charge an iPhone 14 Pro seven times or a MacBook Air three times. Plus, it comes with a retractable light and an SOS button in the event of an emergency. Not only is it an excellent companion for camping or road trips, but it's also a solid addition to a home emergency kit. It's more than your average power bank and it's on sale for only $104.99. That's 30% in savings and matches its all-time low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Restore 2 $179.99
$199.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Our favorite sunrise clock, the Hatch Restore 2 elevates your wake-up experience to start the day with mood-setting features. It slowly fills your room with natural light that simulates the sunrise and surrounds you with nature sounds to gently nudge you awake. Translation: no more jarring alarm sounds. At $179.99, it's not quite its lowest price to date — that honor goes to the $159.99 Christmas deal from last year — but it is a very rare price drop for this bedside companion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal

The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni recently dropped to $629.99 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Who would've thought it would drop even further to a new all-time low of $599.99 weeks later? The T10 Omni is a self-emptying robot vacuum and mop combo, giving you a true hands-off floor cleaning experience. Even the maintenance is practically hands-off, thanks to a 3L disposable dust bag that holds up to 60 days of debris, auto-clean mop pad washing with a 4L clean water tank, auto drying, and a one-tap self-cleaning button. It's not the fanciest model in the Ecovacs Deebot lineup, but it's certainly a force.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Boy Kills World' red-band trailer features Bill Skarsgård indeed killing world

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 18:02

The red-band trailer for post-apocalyptic action film Boy Kills World is here, and it's giving Deadpool only much less talkative.

Boy Kills World follows the titular Boy (Bill Skarsgård), who is left deaf, unable to vocalize, and orphaned after his entire family is murdered by Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen), the leader of a powerful corrupt dynasty. Like countless white boys before him, Boy subsequently trains under a mysterious Asian man (Yayan Ruhian) to become extraordinarily skilled at martial arts.

This eventually leads to him falling in with a resistance group after he unleashes his skills on the eve of the annual culling of dissidents, which is apparently a thing in this particular dystopia. All the while, Boy is accompanied by the apparent ghost of his little sister Mina (Quinn Copeland), and an internal voice adopted from his favourite video game (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin).

The film also features Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Andrew Koji, and Sharlto Copley.

Boy Kills World arrives in theatres Apr. 26.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Heat, cool, and purify with the Shark 3-in-1 Max that just dropped to under $200

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 17:36

SAVE $250: The Shark 3-in-1 Max air purifier, heater, and fan is just $199.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the normal price of $449.99. That's a 56% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark 3-in-1 Max air purifier, heater, and fan $199.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

These days, the weather feels pretty unpredictable. From super chilled winter to broiling summer, we ask a lot of our indoor ventilation system to keep us at a moderate temperature. We want warmth in the winter, cool air in the summer, and filtered air during spring's allergy season. But if you'd rather not have separate machines for all of those needs, today's deal at Best Buy offers a great solution.

As of April 2, the Shark 3-in-1 Max air purifier with HEPA filter, heater, and fan is just $199.99 at Best Buy, down from the normal price of $449.99. That's a 56% discount or a savings of $250. It's also worth noting this model is sold out at Shark's official web store.

Storage space is always a premium, regardless of if you live in a studio apartment or a three-bedroom home with your family. Cut down on the number of home appliances you need by investing in just a few that serve multiple purposes. When winter won't relent, the Shark 3-in-1 Max can serve as a heater to warm rooms up to 1,000 square feet. During summer's heat wave, turn on the powerful fan to provide some much needed relief. Best of all, the Shark's NanoSeal HEPA filter emits purified air, removing allergens like pollen, dander, and dust.

To give you even more comfort, the Shark 3-in-1 Max uses the brand's Clean Sense IQ, which monitors the indoor air quality in real time and gives a percentage reading. In auto mode, the Shark 3-in-1 Max will adjust the fan speed to maintain optimal air quality.

Instead of stashing away the space heater or tower fan in a closet to collect dust, grab the multi-use Shark 3-in-1 Max and enjoy filtered hot or cool air throughout the entire year. No storage necessary.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for its lowest price yet

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 17:08

SAVE $220: As of April 2, get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for $899.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 20% off its normal price and the best price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 $899.99 at Amazon
$1,119.99 Save $220.00 Shop Now

Folding phones may have mostly gone the way of the dinosaur, but their newest iterations are fun, unique smartphones that get tons of compliments. Case in point: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, a foldable phone that boasts a range of fun features in a sleek, attractive package. It's the type of phone that'll get plenty of stares when you take it out of your pocket. And if you've been wondering what it might be like to go back to a foldable after all these years, now's your chance.

As of April 2, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for just $899.99. That's $220 off its normal price of $1,119.99 or a discount of 20%. It's also the lowest price we've seen on this model.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's $699.99 Galaxy Book4 just dropped and comes with a free 2TB portable SSD

This phone nets you a 6.7-inch AMOLED inner display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 3.4-inch cover display with 60Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 256 or 512GB of storage, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a 3,700 mAH battery.

Mashable reviewer Alex Perry praised the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for its "excellent performance" as well as its Flex Window, the display on the outside of the phone before it unfolds, which improves upon the previous iteration in important ways. Now it's large and vibrant enough to answer text messages; track the weather, steps, and other info with widgets; and more.

If you're looking for a good reason to try a folding phone or it's time to go ahead and upgrade your phone to a newer model, this is a great pick. It's a nice riff on your traditional smartphone, and if you want to make some new friends while explaining how your foldable works for the millionth time, this is your chance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The deluxe version of Bissell's viral Little Green carpet cleaner is under $100 for the first time

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 16:52

Save $41.89: As of April 2, the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe portable upholstery cleaner is on sale at Amazon for $98.10 at Amazon. This is the first time the Pet Deluxe version has dropped below $100, thanks to this 30% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe $98.10 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $41.89 Get Deal

One non-negotiable bullet point on your spring cleaning checklist should be confronting that one couch or carpet stain that refuses to respond to cleaning sprays. You know, the one that keeps you up at night.

This exact struggle is what made the Bissell Little Green portable carpet cleaner go viral on cleaning TikTok (or, as some say, CleanTok,) a few years ago. If you don't have one yet, let Amazon's current deal be your sign: The Pet Deluxe version is on sale for less than $100 for the first time according to Amazon price tracker Camelcamelcamel. At $98.10 (after a 30% discount), this more premium version is currently cheaper than the OG Little Green.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

Rather than just dabbing at stains with the bristles and foam of OxiClean furniture cleaner, the Bissell Little Green attacks stains with a hose of targeted water spray and powerful suction. This vigorous combo digs into furniture, carpet, or car seat fibers to lift stubborn stains and send them into the dirty water tank. This pet-specific model comes with trial sizes of a pet spot and stain formula as well as Pet Oxy Boost, which can be added directly into the water flow of the Little Green to remove odors while removing stains.

The true versatility of Bissell's Little Green machines is marked by the fact that they weigh less than 10 pounds. These portable upholstery cleaners and their 15-foot cords can be easily carried to any point in the house that needs attention, including staircases, or even outside the house to detail car interiors.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime members: Get two free Kindle books to kick off April, including a short story by Margaret Atwood

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 16:49

GRAB TWO FREE KINDLE BOOKS: Amazon Prime members can snag one free Kindle book and one free short read through Amazon First Reads in April. Non-Prime members are eligible for one book and one bonus short read for $1.99 each.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon One Kindle book + one short read Free for Prime members; only $1.99 each for non-members Get Deal

Bookworms take note: Amazon has free and ultra-affordable books for you to dive into this month.

This month, Prime members are eligible for one free Kindle book they can choose from an editor-picked selection. They're also eligible for one free short read, including a short story by Margaret Atwood. Non-Prime members can also get a free Kindle book and short story for just $1.99 each. A Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 for a year-long membership.

SEE ALSO: Kindle users: Don't sleep on the free credits you could earn through Kindle Rewards

If reading is one of your favorite hobbies, Amazon's First Reads program could be a good friend to you. Amazon offers deals on Kindle books every month, and this April Prime members can grab two new reads for free.

This month, Margaret Atwood's Cut & Thirst is the bonus short read. Choose your Kindle book from a selection of genres including romance, thriller, historical fiction, or mystery.

To enjoy these Kindle books, you'll need to read on any compatible Kindle device, and if you're an avid reader, you'll want to look into the Kindle Rewards, where you can earn credits for buying books.

Start spring reading with completely free books for Prime members or ultra-affordable options for non-Prime members.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Kindle users: Don't sleep on the free credits you could earn through Kindle Rewards

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 15:05

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest information about the Kindle Rewards point system. As of June 1, 2023, members will get three points per dollar spent on Kindle books, and those points will expire after three months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Rewards Learn More

Avid Kindle readers should go check their Kindle Rewards balance right now. They might just have some free money waiting to be put toward a new book on their 2024 reading list.

If you haven't heard yet, Amazon rewards Kindle users for doing the exact thing that made them want a Kindle in the first place: reading. The Kindle Rewards Beta point system dishes out three Kindle points for each dollar spent on Kindle books and one Kindle point for each dollar spent on print books (excluding textbooks, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, and digital subscriptions). Every 300 points is turned into $3 in Kindle book credits.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review: The upgrade is worth the money

300 points sounds steep until you realize that most individual Kindle book purchases are an easy 40 to 50 points. (If you go the print route, you're still looking at 20 to 30 points, plus a new coffee table decoration.) The 300-point milestone could be reached every six or seven books, which may not take forever depending on how much you read. Be on the lookout for bonus offerers as well as the occasional double or triple points days.

How to start using Kindle Rewards

Kindle Rewards doesn't require sign-up, and technically doesn't even require a Kindle. (You can read the books you buy on Amazon on your phone or tablet if you want.) All Amazon users are eligible, regardless of their status as a Kindle Unlimited member, which is unrelated. Buying your first Kindle Book or eligible print book automatically kicks off the points-earning process.

You can find your Kindle Rewards points on the rewards page on the web version of Amazon, as you can't buy a Kindle book directly from the Kindle app or Amazon app.

To find potential points that would be earned on a book you're eyeing, simply check out the Amazon listing for that book. As long as you're logged into your Amazon account, Kindle Rewards points values should show up by the prices for each book. For instance, Britney Spears' memoir would earn 51 points if purchased as a Kindle book or 21 points if you opted for the hardcover version.

The fine print is that once points are earned, you have three months to redeem them. This wasn't always the case, but a June 2023 change to the Kindle Rewards program put a three-month expiration date on Kindle points. However, that means that points from a book you bought last season may still be around — we'd go check if we were you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use Spotify Audiobooks

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 14:05

Want to level-up from podcasts and listen to books on Spotify? Now you can.

In Sept. 2022, Spotify launched Spotify Audiobooks to all users in the U.S., the UK, and Australia, adding the feature for Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand in April 2024. The feature allows you to purchase audiobooks and listen to them on Spotify, consolidating all your listening needs to one platform.

Each audiobook is individually priced, and Premium subscribers get 15 hours of listening per month — the catalogue for Premium users sits at 250,000 titles. To purchase an audiobook on Spotify you'll be redirected to the web browser and then brought back to the app. If you want to explore titles, all you need to do is navigate to the Audiobooks section on Spotify. You can find it under "Browse all" of the "Search" page. There, you'll see all of the audiobooks that Spotify recommends.

SEE ALSO: How much is Spotify Premium in the US?

You can also search for titles the same way you would search for an album or a podcast. If you haven't yet purchased an audiobook a lock will appear next to the play button, informing you that you need to the buy the book before you can listen.

If you want to unlock all of these new features on Spotify, just follow this guide.

How to purchase an audiobook on Spotify:1. Select the title you want to purchase2. Tap the green play arrow Tap the play button. Credit: Screenshot: Spotify 3. Select "Get email" Tap "Get email." Credit: Screenshot: Spotify 4. Open your email

You'll receive an email from Spotify with the link to buy the audiobook.

5. Select "Buy Audiobook" Tap "Buy Audiobook." Credit: Screenshot: Spotify 6. Select "Buy"

Then you'll enter in your payment method and complete your purchase. Once you've completed your purchase the audiobook will be unlocked in your Spotify library, and you're able to dive right in.

Happy listening!

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best gaming chair for dedicated players

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:22

It might have a reputation as the couch potato's favourite pastime, but gaming is far from inactive. While manoeuvring your mouse or controller, watching out for enemies, and focusing for hours, you're always in fight-or-flight mode. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it in comfort, or with the right support. Whether you play for leisure or stream full-time, a gaming chair is essential for lengthy sessions.

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to gaming chairs, though. There are ergonomic-style chairs and chairs with additional cozy fixings, such as foot rests. Regardless, it can be hard to find the best gaming chair for your needs. This is where we can help.

We understand all too well how important it is to have proper support when putting in a shift at the console or PC — bad posture can cause all kinds of problems over the years. So we’ve put some time into researching the best available gaming chairs for all the dedicated players out there. But first, here's some helpful information.

Do you need a gaming chair?

You've probably invested heavily in your gaming setup, so it makes absolutely no sense to be uncomfortable when you're playing. It doesn't matter how stylish and powerful your PC is if your squatting awkwardly on the edge of a regular desk chair. Comfort is key, so a proper gaming chair is a vital purchase.

The other reason to consider investing in a gaming chair is performance. No, a gaming chair isn't going to immediately turn you into a dominant force, but it will make a difference in the long run. Gaming success can often come down to small margins, so a gaming chair that is comfortable and ergonomic could be the difference between winning and losing.

What makes a good gaming chair?

Before you drop major cash on a gaming chair, there are a few things to consider.

  • Comfort — This might seem obvious, but having a comfy seat is important. You want to have good posture and be comfortable during your gaming sessions, especially if you’re participating in an online tournament. A gaming chair should provide support without discomfort.

  • Features — Some gaming chairs come with cool features, including plush neck rests, sections to place your feet, and cup holders for beverages. Consider what a model can do for your digital entertainment needs before making a purchasing decision. 

  • Height and weight — Factor your height and weight when you’re looking for a gaming chair. You don’t want to buy a chair that’s too big or too small for your body proportions. Some chairs even come in alternative sizes, so you can game hard without worrying about breakage or wear-and-tear. 

  • Purpose — How will you use your gaming chair? If you’re only buying a chair for gaming and streaming, look for a chair that offers head, neck, and back support. On the other hand, if a gaming chair will serve as a desk chair, a kitchen seat, and a napping spot, you should opt for a model that’s more recliner-like. 

There's always a long list of things to consider when making any sort of major purchase, which can be overwhelming. Keep these things in mind and you should be able to make an informed decision.

What is the best gaming chair?

Whether you’re a button masher, professional streamer, or part-time Street Fighter, there's a gaming chair out there that can improve your experience. We have looked at everything available to line up a selection of your best options.

These are the best gaming chairs for 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jeremy Strong reveals his most common gift from 'Succession' fans

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:22

Succession may be over, but everyone's favourite eldest boy Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) lives on.

Appearing on Late Night on Monday, Strong spoke about his interactions with the audience of his run on Broadway in Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People, many of whom are Succession fans keen to pay their respects

"People give me all kinds of strange things," says Strong. "Some plushies, macrame...somebody gave me a ceramic piggy bank that was sort of bejewelled...a lot of bracelets that say 'I am the eldest boy'...a lot of stuff that says 'I am the eldest boy'."

We predict the flow of eldest boy-themed gifts won't be drying up anytime soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google agrees to delete billions of Incognito mode data records

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:17

Google has promised to delete billions of records of browsing activity in its Incognito mode, after a class action lawsuit filed at a California federal court.

In December 2023, the tech giant decided to settle the case, which claimed that Google collects user data from the private mode available on the Chrome browser. The case, Brown v Google, was filed in 2020 by Google account holders who accused the company of "surreptitious tracking" of user data, and declared Google "'one stop shopping' for any government, private, or criminal actor who wants to undermine individuals’ privacy, security, or freedom." The filing read:

Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy. Indeed, even when Google users launch a web browser with "private browsing mode" activated (as Google recommends to users wishing to browse the web privately), Google nevertheless tracks the users’ browsing data and other identifying information.

SEE ALSO: Facebook secretly looked at Snapchat, Amazon, and YouTube user data, documents reveal

Under the settlement, Google said it will delete billions of data records and also provide greater transparency of the data it collects, letting users know what data is collected each time "incognito mode" is launched. These have already been implemented, with Chrome's private browser displaying updated information. For the next five years, Google will additionally block third-party cookies as a part of the settlement.

Credit: Screenshot: Google

The plaintiffs asked for $5 billion in damages, but the settlement holds no payment from Google. Individual users can instead pursue damages by filing their own complaints against Google in U.S. state courts. 50 people have already pursued this.

José Castañeda, a Google spokesperson, said in a statement to CNN, "We are pleased to settle this lawsuit, which we always believed was meritless. We never associate data with users when they use incognito mode. We are happy to delete old technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalization."

The attorney representing consumers, David Boies, added in a statement that the settlement is "a historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies".

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN in April 2024

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 12:57

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 2

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 12:47

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 April 2 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 2

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, April 2, 2024:

AcrossBarrister or barista
  • The answer is job.

Courtroom dozen
  • The answer is jury.

Aileen Cannon or Juan Merchan, in 2024 news
  • The answer is judge.

Response to a hilarious text
  • The answer is LMAO.

Photo ___ (publicity events)
  • The answer is ops.

DownBiblical betrayer

The answer is Judas.

Difficult college chemistry class, informally
  • The answer is orgo.

"Later!"
  • The answer is bye.

Capture, as a checkers piece
  • The answer is jump.

Singer in the 2024 documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told"
  • The answer is JLo.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel's April Fools' prank on his cousin is hilariously awkward

Mashable - Tue, 04/02/2024 - 12:16

A very tired Billy Crystal and a fake call from President Biden are at the core of Jimmy Kimmel's April Fools' Day prank on his cousin Micki, who works in his talent booking department and has fallen victim to Kimmel's schemes in the past.

In the clip above Micki asks Crystal, who's appearing on the show as a guest, if he has everything he needs — only to discover that the actor (who's in on the whole thing and gives a solid performance) is suffering from a condition that causes him to keep dropping off to sleep.

Is it up there with Kimmel's waxwork prank? Maybe not quite, but it still make for some undeniably entertaining footage.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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