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iPhone 16: This rumored design change could mean more screen real estate

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 18:46

Amongst the swirl of iPhone 16 rumors, a new leak suggests we might see a bigger screen.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 rumors: Every single thing we know about it so far

According to South Korean publication The Elec, certain iPhone 16 models might have a thinner bezels due to something called Border Reduction Technology (BRS).

The report, brought to the English-speaking world by MacRumors, describes BRS as a technology that bends the circuits underneath the screen and places them more tightly, making the display bigger without taking up more space and compromising performance. The Korean outlet, which has been reliable for leaks at the manufacturing stage, says LG Display is ramping up its supply chain efforts to meet Apple's goal.

The iPhone 15, which was released in 2023, has the thinnest bezels yet — and this leak suggests Apple is inching closer to its rumored goal of achieving a completely bezel-less iPhone. However, that probably won't happen for a while.

The larger display would most likely be applied to the iPhone 16 Pro models. This lines up with previous reports that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max allegedly have slightly larger displays with an increase of 6.1 to 6.3 inches and 6.7 to 6.9 inches respectively.

Other recent leaks indicate the iPhone 16 will have some design changes in the button department. That reportedly includes a new "capture" button for taking photos and a programmable action button in addition to the power and volume buttons.

It's all speculation at this point (from reputable sources), so we'll just have to wait and see what Apple unveils at its September iPhone event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 3 months of Xbox Game Pass for just $39.99 for a limited time

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 18:35

SAVE $10: As of April 5, three-month memberships to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate are just $39.99 at Target. That's $10 off the usual price, and almost $20 less than you'd pay if you subscribed through Xbox's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-month memberhship) $39.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Xbox Game Pass is a necessity if you own an Xbox. It's still one of the best deals in gaming, and we can't think of a single reason not to subscribe if you already own a Series X or S.

Thankfully, you can almost always find a good deal on a Game Pass subscription, and today is no exception. Target is currently offering three-month Game Pass Ultimate memberships for just $39.99, which is $10 cheaper than usual. Subscribing to Game Pass through Xbox for three months would normally run you about $50, so this deal is even better than it looks.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Xbox Game Pass almost sounds too good to be true, but it's exactly what it claims to be: A massive library of games that you can download and play at your leisure as long as you have an active subscription. That includes classic cross-platform titles, as well as day-one releases for Xbox-exclusive games. And with the Ultimate tier membership, you'll also be able to take advantage of the PC Game Pass library, online play, and cloud gaming support. That's way better than having to consistently buy new games at $70 a pop, if you ask us.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab a 32-inch smart HD Fire TV for under $100 at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 18:24

SAVE $40: Get an Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV for just $89.99 at Amazon as of April 5. That's 31% off the list price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: INSIGNIA Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV $89.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Buying a new smart TV is a big decision. You have to weigh so many factors such as size, special features, and how you'll stream from it. Most of all, though, you'll consider the potentially hefty price tag. Get everything you need with an HD TV on sale at Amazon today for under $100.

As of April 5, the Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV is on sale for 31% off, bringing the price down from $129.99 to just $89.99 when you shop at Amazon. This puts $40 back in your wallet.

SEE ALSO: Today, you can score an Amazon Fire TV soundbar for under $100

With the Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV you can experience your favorite shows in crisp 720p high definition. While we love the TV's clarity, we also love how easy it is to use. You can use Alexa Voice Remote technology to control your entertainment with your voice so you never have to fiddle around with tiresome remotes again. Thanks to Fire TV, you also have built-in access to over 1 million movies and shows, plus thousands of channels and apps.

Upgrade your entertainment for less today with this discounted Insignia 32-inch HD Fire TV.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Slash $100 off the Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 18:04
Amazon deals of the day: OUR TOP PICK Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum $299 at Amazon (save $100.99) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST AT-HOME BAR DEAL Frigidaire Compact Countertop Ice Maker $74.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal BEST SMART HOME DEAL Kasa Smart Light Bulbs 4-pack $24.99 at Amazon (save $15 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

Amazon truly delivers when it comes to deals. While its big shopping holidays like Prime Day and the recent Big Spring Sale are flooded with massive savings, the retail giant also drops discounts on practically any given day. Take today, for example. We've sorted through the pages and pages of listings and handpicked a few of the best deals you can shop on April 5.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. And don't forget to take a peek at our top picks from April 3 and April 4, as many of those discounts are still available.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Amazon deal of the day: Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum $299.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal

While robot vacuums and cordless stick vacuums have taken over the cleaning world, there still comes a time when you need to whip out the trusty upright to get the job done. That's where the Dyson Ball Animal 3 truly shines. It may not be compact or cordless, but it's still easy to maneuver, thanks to the latest rendition of Dyson's iconic Ball technology. Plus, it offers three different cleaning modes, one-click dirt emptying, whole-machine filtration, a washable lifetime filter, a 1.7 liter dustbin, and 290AW of suction power. Translation: this thing is a beast. You'll only get two accessories (the stair tool and combination tool) with this base model, but it'll cost you just $299 on sale — that's 25% in savings and an all-time low price. As of April 5, it's also on sale at Dyson's website and Best Buy for just 99 cents more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chefman Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

It's about time you jumped on the air fryer bandwagon. This 12-quart air fryer oven from Chefman features a dozen cooking presets, intuitive touch controls, and a temperature range from 95 to 450 degrees. The large capacity can fit an entire chicken or three entirely different courses on the included wire racks. It's also capable of roasting, baking, and dehydrating, making it a whole lot more than just an air fryer. As of April 5, it's on sale for 33% off and a new all-time low price of $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Frigidaire Frigidaire Compact Countertop Ice Maker $74.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

A room-temperature margarita just doesn't have the same zest as a margarita on the rocks. Whether you're hosting guests or enjoying a drink after dinner, an ice maker is a necessity — and this compact one from Frigidaire conveniently sits on your countertop and pops out 26 pounds of bullet cubes per day. It's regularly $90, but you can snag it on sale as of April 5 for just $74.99, a new all-time low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link Kasa Smart Light Bulbs 4-pack $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Set the mood in each room of your home with these Kasa smart multicolor light bulbs. They're WiFi-enabled and you can control them via app, voice control, or even set them on a schedule to adjust naturally. A four-pack is usually $40, but you can pick it up at Amazon as of April 5 for only $24.99. That's just $1 away from its lowest price ever.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a Google Pixel watch for less than $200 at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 18:03

GET $80 OFF: Score a Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) for just $199.99 at Amazon, down from $279.99, or snag the LTE version for $249.99, down from $329.99.

Overview Best deal overall Google Pixel Watch (LTE) $249.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best budget deal Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

If you're not a fan of traditional watches or you need a smartwatch that can do a little bit more than tell time, the Google Pixel Watch offers a happy medium between functionality and affordability.

SEE ALSO: Google and Fitbit are building an AI personal trainer

As of April 5, you can score a Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) for less than $200 at Amazon. If you prefer to have constant connectivity, the Google Pixel Watch (LTE) is also available for $249.99.

Here are the details:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch (LTE) $249.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Google Pixel Watch (LTE) offers a great combination of functionality and affordability. The Google Pixel Watch (LTE) has a chic and ultra-modern design and comes in several colors, including champagne gold and matte black. It's also waterproof up to 50 meters, so you can wear it while swimming without worrying about damaging it.

This watch doubles as a fitness tracker and can monitor your heart rate, track your steps, and provide insights into how many calories you've burned throughout the day. It includes a free six-month trial to Fitbit Premium. Plus, it can also auto-alert your trusted contacts or call 911 with an emergency SOS feature whenever you feel unsafe or need assistance.

The only downside is that this watch doesn't work with an iPhone, so you'll need an Android device to use it.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) offers the same functionality and color options as the model above. The only real difference between these two watches is that the WiFi model does not have LTE connectivity. This means you'll need your phone nearby in order to receive notifications and use certain features.

However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and don't mind having your phone on you, the Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) is an affordable choice to consider that comes with a ton of functional and fitness-tracking features. Note that Amazon upped the MSRP on its site, so this is the discount per Google's original pricing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Today, you can score an Amazon Fire TV soundbar for under $100

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 17:16

SAVE $20: Today, April 5, you can get an Amazon Fire TV soundbar for its best price on Amazon. Today's deal gives shoppers a 17% markdown, taking the price down from $119.99 to $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV soundbar $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

When you want to escape into your favorite shows, movies, or games, having immersive sound elevates your experience. Having a soundbar does just that. Today, you can score a high-quality soundbar for under $100.

The Amazon Fire TV soundbar is on sale today, April 5, for $99.99. This takes $20 (or 17%) off its usual list price of $119.99. This deal marks a return to the soundbar's lowest-ever price, which we saw back in February and over the winter holidays. While it will likely go on sale again, today is a smart time to buy.

With dual speakers and Dolby Atmos technology, the Amazon Fire TV soundbar produces a powerful experience that delivers crisp sound, clear voices, and deep bass. Picking a soundbar can be a big choice for audiophiles and cinema buffs. But going with the Amazon Fire TV soundbar is an easy choice for folks who already have an Amazon Fire TV, because you can control your Fire TV and soundbar with one remote.

Shop the Amazon Fire TV soundbar today, April 5 to take advantage of this all-time-low price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Up your spring cleaning game with a Shark robot vacuum and carpet cleaner up to $70 off

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 17:12

GET UP TO $70 OFF: Get the Shark Portable StainStriker carpet cleaner for just $109.99, down from $139.99, and the Matrix Robot vacuum for $229.99, down from $299.99, at Amazon.

Overview Best Shark carpet cleaner deal Shark Portable StainStriker $109.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best Shark robot vacuum deal Matrix Robot $229.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal

Dyson may be the "it" vacuum brand, but Shark isn't too far behind in popularity. (I have three Shark vacuums, and they've made my life much easier!) With an extensive line of vacuum cleaners, a rep for top-notch performance, and an affordable price range, Shark is a solid option for anyone who wants a clean house without breaking the bank.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuum cleaners for picking up pet hair

Right now, two of Shark's highly rated models, the Portable StainStriker (perfect for quick stain removal on upholstery and carpets) and the Matrix Robot (a robotic vacuum with a self-cleaning brush roll) are available at discounted prices at Amazon.

Here are the details:

Best portable vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Portable StainStriker $109.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark StainStriker portable carpet and upholstery cleaner doesn't just have a cool name; it delivers powerful stain removal capabilities. Its dual-activated tough stain eliminator (no premix required) can remove stains and odors on carpets, area rugs, couches, car seats, and more. Add Shark's special solution mix, and you've got the power of Oxy for 20 times more effective stain removal.

This portable vac is ideal for pet owners or new parents who often deal with spills and messes. It includes an integrated crevice tool for nooks and crannies in cushions and hard-to-reach areas, a reversible bristle tool, a pet tool, a hose clean tool, and one six-ounce Deep Clean Pro Formula and one 12-ounce Oxy Multiplier Formula.

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Matrix Robot $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

My Shark robot (the Shark AI Ultra Robot) is the best purchase I've ever made, full stop — so this is a brand I trust and recommend. So, I don't think you'll regret investing in the Shark Matrix Robot.

Although the Matrix Robot doesn't come with an empty dustbin, it does feature a self-cleaning brush roll and Matrix Clean technology to ensure every inch of your home is spotless. With the Shark app, you can control and schedule cleaning sessions from anywhere (even if you're at dinner or shopping for groceries) and get real-time notifications on the cleaning progress.

If you prefer voice command, the Matrix Robot is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It includes a charging dock and one side brush.

Categories: IT General, Technology

An earthquake hit New York and New Jersey, and people online are being totally normal about it

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 16:59

Northeast cities were rocked by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake around 10:20 a.m. on Friday, but if you spend any time on X, you probably already knew that.

The internet reacted swiftly, in a way that might have reminded you of the Twitter (X) of yore. There was a time when X was less about virality and more about sharing news right as it was happening — and that's what happened when the glasses started to shake in Northeast cabinets on Friday morning. Dozens of voices bounced through the halls of the social media platforms echoing: "Did you just feel that?"

Tweet may have been deleted

It's uncommon for New Yorkers to experience an earthquake, but it's not unheard of. This quake was centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, roughly 40 miles west of New York City. The Mashable culture and tech teams were in a video meeting discussing the merits of Beyonce's new album, Cowboy Carter, specifically her cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" when we felt it.

Beyond the most obvious observations ("we had an earthquake"), here are some of the best tweets about the disturbing phenomenon.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Featured Video For You
Categories: IT General, Technology

The next solar eclipse is just a few days away — shop eclipse glasses deals ahead of the event

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 16:18

Whether you meticulously scan the night sky for constellations or look up occasionally to see if you can catch a shooting star, a total solar eclipse is an event you won't want to miss. It's a rare event that finds the moon passing between Earth and our sun, which makes for a dynamite viewing experience whether you're a casual observer or an aspiring astronomer.

The highly-anticipated celestial event, which is estimated to reach three to four minutes of totality where the moon has completely blocked out the sun, is set to occur on April 8, 2024. And being just a few days out from the event, it's crucial that you prepare for safe viewing if you plan on stepping outside and taking in all its awe-inspiring glory. That means buying a pair of eclipse glasses that can make the experience safe, so you don't end up injuring your eyes permanently.

This eclipse is going to be a very big deal, and if you plan on checking it out, eclipse glasses are an absolute must-have. But even though there are a wide variety of glasses available on Amazon from a variety of sellers, this isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. You shouldn't head to Amazon and buy the first pair of eclipse glasses you see.

Mashable Science Editor Mark Kaufman explains why this is important, but if you don't have time to sift through the list of approved eclipse glasses from sellers vetted by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), we're here to do it for you.

Everything featured here is available on Amazon, meets the standards set forth by the AAS, and is listed by an approved seller. Since the eclipse is just days away, make sure you opt for one- or two-day shipping.

Below, check out our picks for some of the best eclipse glasses you can buy now, on sale or otherwise. (Note: All deals are live as of the time of writing. We'll make our best effort to keep updating this story as inventory moves around.)

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Kesseph Kesseph Solar Eclipse Glasses 6-pack with Smartphone Photo Filter $18.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it:

With scratch-proof lenses and sturdy cardboard frames, these solar eclipse glasses give you the peace of mind you need to safely view the eclipse. With two crease lines on the frame's sides, these glasses can fit children and adults alike. With five extra pairs, you'll be able to share with friends and family who might not have planned ahead to grab their own.

The kit also includes a special photo filter with technology that allows you to take video and photos of the eclipse with your phone or camera.

More eclipse glasses available at full price:Eclipse glasses on sale:
Categories: IT General, Technology

You'll have to pay for Disney+ password sharing soon

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 14:29

It's going to be an expensive streaming summer for Disney+ users sharing passwords.

Though Disney's streaming service has already started rolling out its crackdown on password sharing in the U.S., it's now clear when the company will make people pay for anyone outside their household to use their account: June.

Disney CEO Bob Iger told CNBC the company will be "launching our first real foray into password sharing" in June, lightly detailing plans to launch in "just a few countries" before expanding to all paying subscribers by September.

SEE ALSO: Disney+ is now restricting password sharing in the U.S.

Iger's interview comes after Disney announced a similar summer timeframe for the crackdown in February, during Disney's Q1 earnings call.

"Beginning this summer, Disney+ accounts suspected of improper sharing will be presented with new capabilities to allow their borrowers to start their own subscriptions," CFO Hugh Johnston said during the call, as reported by CNET.

"Later this calendar year, account holders who want to allow access to individuals from outside their household will be able to add them to their accounts for an additional fee."

Featured Video For You Meet Disney's rollerblading robot prototype

First announced for the U.S. in August 2023, then confirmed in February, Disney+ is about to go hard on these account sharing restrictions. If you've been a new subscriber since January 25, you're already under these rules, and they were rolled out to existing members on March 14.

Disney's current Subscriber Agreement, updated in September 2023, says, “Unless otherwise permitted by your Service Plan, you may not share your subscription outside of your Household. “Household” means the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside therein." Disney's agreement also says "additional usage rules may apply for certain Service Plans," but the current Disney+ pricing page doesn't have any further details on how much users might have to pay to add extra users outside the household.

Disney's agreement also reads, "We may analyse the use of your account to determine compliance with this Agreement. If we determine that you have violated this Agreement, we may limit or terminate access."

Disney+'s crackdown follows Netflix's crackdown on password sharing last April, and similar moves by Hulu, ESPN, and Max. If you want to share streaming accounts nowadays, you've got to pay.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 5

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 14:25

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 5 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 5

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, April 5, 2024:

Across"How cute!"
  • The answer is aww.

Candy beside a Butterfinger, perhaps
  • The answer is Twix.

Sentimental sort
  • The answer is softy.

Butterfingers
  • The answer is Klutz.

Friend in war
  • The answer is ally.

DownTerrible ... or pretty

The answer is awful.

Quick with the one-liners
  • The answer is witty.

Final four?
  • The answer is wxyz.

Turnpike expense
  • The answer is toll.

Genre for Sublime and No Doubt
  • The answer is ska.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 British Swimming Championships online for free

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 14:14

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 British Swimming Championships for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Everyone wants to book their place on the plane to Paris, but the Olympic dream is not easy to achieve. Places are up for grabs in the British Swimming Championships, but the depth of talent is incredible. It's sink or swim for these impressive athletes.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 British Swimming Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the British Swimming Championships?

The British Swimming Championships are an annual event organised by British Swimming. The event is usually held in March or April each year in a 50-metre swimming pool, with the results usually acting as selection trials for upcoming international level competitions.

When is the 2024 British Swimming Championships?

2024 British Swimming Championships will take place at the London Aquatics Centre from April 2 to April 7. This event will be used to select members for the British Paralympic and Olympic pool swimming teams.

How to watch the 2024 British Swimming Championships for free

BBC Sport will be broadcasting all the action live from every finals session of the British Swimming Championships, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer. The full streaming schedule is as follows:

  • Day One — 6:45 to 9 p.m. BST on BBC iPlayer (April 2)

  • Day Two — 6:45 to 9 p.m. BST on BBC iPlayer (April 3)

  • Day Three — 6:45 to 9 p.m. BST on BBC iPlayer (April 4)

  • Day Four — 6:45 to 9 p.m. BST on BBC iPlayer (April 5)

  • Day Five — 6:45 to 9 p.m. BST on BBC iPlayer (April 6)

  • Day Six — 6:45 to 9 p.m. BST on BBC iPlayer (April 7)

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

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream the 2024 British Swimming Championships for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free streaming sites without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 British Swimming Championships before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch the 2024 British Swimming Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Garmin watch for every activity

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 14:12

Excuses, excuses, excuses. We all make them — particularly when it comes to getting our fitness back on track. But it's never too late. And excuses aside, there's never a bad time to focus on your health. As far as we're concerned, finding the right bit of smart tech is a good start. That's where Garmin comes in.

Indeed, hiring a personal trainer is excellent, of course, but the technology exists now to put a mini PT in your pocket. Or even better, on your wrist.

Garmin is one of the very best brands in health and fitness-based wearable tech. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fitness newbie or hardened triathlete, there’s a Garmin smartwatch for you. But how to choose? Admittedly, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There are dozens of Garmin watches available, all geared towards different types of sport or fitness goals. But fear not: We can help you choose the right Garmin watch for your sporty needs with this need-to-know guide on all things Garmin.

What is Garmin?

Anyone who knows anything about wearable smart tech knows the name Garmin. The brand makes wearables for an impressive range of activities and even makes smartwatches for kids, which are all decorated with popular comic characters that encourage and reward activities.​​ Whatever it takes to get 'em moving.

What sports do Garmin watches track?

When we say the words “fitness tracker” you almost certainly think of watches for running, which is the go-to option for exercise and tracking. But Garmin watches track running, cycling, and swimming. Some high performing models combine the three and have specialist features for triathlon training. It doesn’t stop there. Garmin smartwatches also include features for rowing, diving, indoor activities, weight training, open sea swimming, climbing, golf, and HIIT. Phew. Have we missed anything? Almost certainly. Because the range of options is huge. And top models will cover lots of activities at once, making them perfect for multi-sport enthusiasts.

What features do Garmin smartwatches offer?

First and foremost, Garmin prides itself on excellent GPS, which is of course crucial for mapping and tracking running, cycling, and swimming activities. Garmin watches also monitor your heart rate (even underwater on some watches, which puts them a few strokes ahead of other brands). Depending on the model, you’ll also find features than track recovery, sleep, energy, hydration, respiration, and other health-based stats.

Also impressive are the coaching features, which guide you through training programmes and suggest workouts based on recent activities. Garmin smartwatches can guide you to specific achievements and fitness goals. In some Garmin smartwatches you’ll also find plenty of sports apps and storage space for music. 

What is the best Garmin watch?

Like a fitness plan, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. It depends on the specifics of your preferred activities and fitness goals. If you’re a runner, Garmin has a watch for you. If you’re a golfer, Garmin has a watch for you. If you’re a diver… well, you get the idea. And we’ve done the work of researching the very best Garmin for you.

These are the best Garmin watches in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Fitbit for monitoring every type of activity

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 13:55

Is getting in shape long overdue? Or are you looking to upgrade your workout routine? Sounds like you need a fitness tracker. And when it comes to fitness trackers, one name stands above all others: Fitbit.

The name "Fitbit" is now common parlance for any kind of step-counter. Fitbits come in a lot of shapes and sizes (and prices) and have multiple functions. There's a Fitbit out there for you, whether you’re looking for something that truly just measures your steps or something more advanced with a heart monitor, GPS, and other built-in features. There are even Fitbits for kids.

Read on for the best Fitbit models, from the most basic bands to trackers that are akin to having a personal trainer right on your wrist.

What do Fitbits do?

At their most basic level, Fitbits were invented as a sort of wearable pedometer, originally existing just to track your steps. Of course they’ve become more tech-savvy (and more complicated) since then. These days, they come in a range of models, each of which offers its own unique combination of Fitbit’s technology and sensors. They can stand in as phones, push app notifications to you, and even pay for your Starbucks latte — plus, keep an eye on more important matters, like heart health and sleep tracking.

What features do Fitbits offer?

The most expensive Fitbit models offer a slew of features, mostly available through sensors. These involve keeping an eye on your heart beat variability, measuring your temperature around the clock, and even monitoring your stress levels as the company begins what will surely be a longer foray into the mindfulness aspect of health. A lot of the running and swimming Fitbits — yes, you can wear some of them in the pool and shower — also advise you when to take a recovery day.

How many exercise modes do Fitbits have?

You won't be starved of variety, let's put it that way. Fitbits have stacks of exercise modes, usually starting at 20. So whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer, yogi, weight lifter, boxer, or whatever else, the Fitbit will likely have you covered. They can automatically detect when you start working out, too.

What do Fitbits look like?

Fitbits have sleek, minimalist aesthetics, with bands that you can swap in and out and clock faces that you can customise for a display that suits your mood. Some are slimmer while others have a more Apple Watch-like, square display. Ultimately, they're designed to blend in with everyday life. There are no hefty runner-style watches or wrist-based eyesores.

How long does the battery last on a Fitbit?

It's a key point — especially if you need the convenience of something that will just run and run and doesn't require the hassle of daily charging. Fitbits tend to run for about a week — between six and eight days is fairly standard. Bear in mind that some features, like GPS, can run it down sooner.

How much do Fitbits cost?

There are a wide range of Fitbits out there that begin at under £100 and go up to a significant chunk of change. How much you want to spend might depend on why you’re using it (as a workout buddy versus an all-day companion) and what kind of features you want to be sure are included.

What is the best Fitbit?

There is a Fitbit out there that's perfect for you and your lifestyle. To help you find it, we have lined up a selection of the best models for every type of task.

These are the best Fitbit fitness trackers in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best cheap VPNs in April 2024

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 13:47

The best VPNs aren't necessarily the most expensive. Some leading VPNs are actually really affordable, which is great news for anyone looking to secure cheap online security, data protection, and increased streaming options.

You have come to the right place if you're looking for a premium VPN with advanced features, without the big price tag. We've lined up some great value options for absolutely everyone, and there is no need to compromise on security, connection speed, customer support, or anything else.

But first, there are a few things we need to cover.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide valuable protection for your data and identity when you're navigating the online world. How do they do this? VPNs offer online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address and makes all of your information unreadable.

All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. VPNs are primarily designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

VPNs can also be used to stream movies and shows from around the world, and the process is actually really simple. We've already mentioned how VPNs provide anonymity by hiding your real IP address. Well, this technique can also be used to manipulate the streaming market. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming sites into thinking that you are based in a different country. This provides access to all the extra content that would normally be restricted in your location.

Should you use free VPNs?

The question that everyone wants an answer to is whether you actually need to pay for a VPN. There are plenty of free VPNs out there, but do these offer the features you need to browse, shop, and stream securely? Unfortunately, there is often a catch with free versions (usually in the form of a limitation on your data usage or connection speed).

Occasional users will probably be satisfied with a free VPN, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on a regular basis, you should look elsewhere. The only exception to this rule is a free trial. These come without limitations, but obviously don't tend to last for a long time.

The conclusion is that the best option for securing your data and streaming more content from around the world is with a paid subscription. The sad fact is that you'll have to pay to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on your usage. It's not all bad news though, because there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

The process of actually selecting a VPN can be seriously tricky, especially if you don't know what to consider. Most of the best VPNs offer many of the same features with similar packages, so it's important to know what matters.

To make your life a little bit easier, we have shortlisted a few things to consider before making any sort of decision:

  • Customer support — VPNs can be difficult to understand if you're not an experienced user, and even if you are, problems can occur. Whether you're a total beginner or not, customer support is key for dealing with any potential issues that might arise. You should also consider whether customer support is offered by phone, email, or web chat.

  • Jurisdiction — It's a good idea to look for VPNs based in the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland, and other privacy-friendly countries. VPNs based in countries that fall under the jurisdiction of the intelligence-sharing alliances should be avoided: the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain. VPNs in these countries can be forced by authorities to collect and hand over user data.

  • Network size and location — The best VPNs offer a large network of geographically diverse servers. The more servers (and server locations) offered by a VPN, the more likely you are to find a reliable and fast connection. This is also particularly important for streaming, as you should always be able to connect to a server in the country with the content you want to watch.

  • Trustworthiness — We recommend finding an experienced provider with a strong track record and a clear privacy policy. It's important that your VPN of choice guarantees your data won't be logged or collected. If it isn't obvious what happens to your data, you should steer clear.

Make sure you carefully consider these features before deciding on the VPN that suits you and your lifestyle. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can begin the process of finding the best deals.

What is the best VPN?

We're sorry to burst your bubble, but there isn't one VPN that stands above all the rest. The best VPN for you really comes down to your own set of personal preferences. Once you find a few options that tick your boxes, you need to consider the best deals.

We have reached out to partners in order to provide you with market-leading prices on VPN subscriptions, with performance and security in mind. All of these VPN services have been handpicked not only because of the prices and deals on offer, but because they all offer the most important features to protect your online data and identity.

There are also plenty of services to consider on this list if your priority is unlocking streaming sites like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Online security should always be the priority, but we know that many subscribers use these services to unlock more content from around the world. We get it, and we're here to help.

These are the best deals on cheap VPNs in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best wireless car charger for iPhone: The end of disappointing Amazon purchases

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 13:00

Which is the best wireless car charger for iPhone? I now have the answer because I went through several awful car chargers from Amazon — and I finally found a good one.

Filtering Amazon results to "Avg. Customer Review," which implies that the top listings feature the highest-rated products, I purchased two car chargers that ended up being duds.

One had an adjustable arm that, within weeks of purchase, disassembled itself beyond repair. One day, it clutched my iPhone 14 Plus too tightly, and while trying to free my device from its grasp, it broke apart.

I also purchased a car charger with a "sticky pad." After a month, the stickiness wore off and the car charger fell off the dashboard, taking my iPhone 14 Plus with it. Mind you, these were top-rated car chargers from Amazon. However, a stroke of luck hit me and I was asked to review the Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger — my prayers have been answered.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best charging stations for every possible combination of devices iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger: price and specs

You can find the Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger for $49 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger
Get Deal

It delivers charging speeds of up to 15W for Qi2-compatible devices. For non-Qi2 devices, expect charging speeds of up to 7.5W.

So what, exactly, does Qi2 (pronounced chee-two) mean? Well, before we dive into Qi2, let's discuss the Qi standard first.

What is Qi2?

Qi debuted in 2010, as iOttie explains it. This wireless charging standard allowed people to charge their phones on Qi charging pads (as opposed to shoving USB and Lightning connectors into ports).

iOttie Velox Qi2 Mini Wireless Car Charger attached to an air vent slat Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

In 2020, Apple said "Hold my beer" and introduced MagSafe, a charging tech that makes it easy for users to properly align their iPhones, packed with built-in magnets, with wireless charging pads. This proper alignment means less energy loss and improved charging speeds.

This is all great and dandy for iPhone users, but because MagSafe is an Apple-exclusive technology, Android users were left out of the fun.

However, in 2022, the Wireless Power Consortium (the folks behind Qi) collaborated with Apple for the new Qi2 standard, a technology that basically merges MagSafe and Qi into one.

In other words, you can now get wireless charging and magnetic alignment with Qi2 via third-party sellers.

Which phones are compatible with the iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger?

According to an iOttie rep, the Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger is compatible with the following phones:

  • iPhone 13 mini

  • iPhone 13

  • iPhone 13 Pro

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14

  • iPhone 14 Plus

  • iPhone 14 Pro

  • IPhone 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 15

  • iPhone 15 Plus

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

This means that, with these phones, you can get the max speed of up to 15W via the Velox Mini Qi2 car charger.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

And as it turns out, Qi2 is coming to the iPhone 12 series, too (e.g., iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max), thanks to a new iOS 17 software update. As such, you should get up to 15W with this series, too.

You may be wondering, "What about Android?" Android devices with Qi2 support aren't out yet, but they're expected to hit store shelves this fall. In the meantime, if you insist on using an Android device, you can make it work by using a MagSafe case (like this one I purchased for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra). Keep in mind, though, that charging speeds will be slower.

iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger: What I like

As mentioned at the outset, I've already gone through two car chargers this year, and both of them ended up being unusable within a month.

However, I've hit the 30-day mark and the iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 is still holding strong.

Easy attachment

There are several ways you can set up a car charger. Some use suction cups, others use sticky pads. In my experience, these have proven to be unsuccessful methods.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The iOttie Velox Mini Qi2, on the other hand, is designed to be attached to the air vents. It has a lip that can be inserted into one of the slats, and voila, your car charger is ready to host your iPhone.

No assembly required

I want to simply take the car charger out of the box and attach it to the air vents — that's it.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I don't want to attach part A to part B nor twist things into place. I want easy installation, and fortunately for me, this iOttie wireless car charger was an exemplar of that. I removed it from the box, installed it into one of my air vent slats, and plugged the charging cable (which has a USB-C connector) to the appropriate port — and it was ready to rock and roll in seconds.

It rotates and swivels

The iOttie Velix Mini Qi2 wireless car charger comes equipped with a versatile ball joint, allowing me rotate, swivel and tilt my iPhone 14 Plus.

iOttie Velox Qi2 Mini Wireless Car Charger in landscape mode Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can also rotate it landscape-wise, too, if it tickles your fancy.

Strong grip

Even after hitting bumps in the road and making sudden turns, my iPhone 14 Plus didn't budge on the iOttie wireless car charger.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Keep in mind that my iPhone 14 Plus doesn't have a case, so I have no experience with how well it handles protected devices.

iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger: What I don't like

After penny pinching for my first two failed car chargers (they were between $20 to $30), perhaps this isn't truly a con, but iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 isn't competitively priced.

Pricey

You can certainly find competitors that are cheaper than the iOttie Velox Mini Qi2. Shelling out nearly $50 feels steep. I mean, come on, it's just a wireless car charger, right?

However, I did skimp a bit on previous car chargers, refusing to pay more than $30. And as you already know, that didn't work out well for me.

iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car battery charging

To test this wireless car charger, with my iPhone 14 Plus at 0%, I placed it on the Velox Mini Qi2 at 3:12 p.m.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

At 3:48 p.m., I was blown away to see that it was already at 90% just 30 minutes later.

At 4:16 p.m., it reached 100%.

In other words, this iOttie Qi2 wireless car charger took 64 minutes to fully charge my iPhone 14 Plus. Not bad at all!

Is the iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger worth it?

I don't love the price, but knowing that I have a sturdy, durable car charger that won't fall apart in a few weeks is always worth the splurge.

Plus, the magnets on this bad boy are damn-near herculean. Even with anxiety-inducing bumps and serves, the iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 isn't going anywhere. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a wireless car charger that won't give out on them in just a few weeks.

So yes, the iOttie Velox Mini Qi2 wireless car charger is definitely worth it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'The Daily Show' look at the solar eclipse turns into a battle for the moon

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 12:21

Get your glasses ready and brush up on those viewing tips, people. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America — here's exactly where — in an incredible turn of luck for us.

Wherever you're watching it, it's not going to the terrifying event it apparently used to be, and will not only see the moon pass in front of the sun but bring some other neat planets into view — a comet might even photobomb it.

It'll be different from the last solar eclipse in 2017, and you can expect a "full-body experience". No, you shouldn't take photos of it with your phone and yes, there's a right time to put your glasses on.

As it's the biggest science moment of the year, it's also one of the biggest headline makers, something The Daily Show dug into on Thursday. Host Desi Lydic led a segment on the solar eclipse (skip to 4:30) and all that sweet, sweet eclipse capitalism underway — including the Delta flight — before throwing to Daily Show favs Ronny Chieng and Jordan Klepper reporting "on the ground".

The segment quickly turns into a playground-style battle between Chieng and Klepper over who is the real star of the solar eclipse: the sun, a literal star, or the moon, the leading actor? Cue Klepper going in hard on the moon as a "cultural touchstone" and Chieng throwing its weaker gravitational pull right back in Klepper's face. If you're looking for sweet space burns, take notes.

Meanwhile, if you want to know everything there is to know about the solar eclipse, Mashable's science team is treating this moment like a national holiday, so we've got you covered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The non-fans' guide to WWE WrestleMania 40

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 12:00

WrestleMania is quite possibly the biggest event in professional wrestling. It's the "Showcase of the Immortals," "The Granddaddy of Them All," "The Super Bowl of Sports Entertainment" – you get the point.

This is a big deal for professional wrestling fans across the world, but even if you've never heard of WrestleMania, or watched a WWE event, this is a great time to start, as many of the programming's biggest storylines will culminate this weekend. And during the event itself, new feuds and stories will also begin for the rest of the year ahead.

If you've found yourself forced by a friend or loved one to watch this weekend's proceeding — live on Peacock for just $4.99 — below you'll find a guide to WrestleMania 40's 13 matches — explained so you don't have to watch years' worth of WWE programming to "get it."

Yes, we know, pro wrestling is "fake," but if you allow yourself to be immersed in the experience and art, you'll find that can be just as good as your favorite season of Grey's Anatomy or Succession.

What is WrestleMania?

WrestleMania is WWE's biggest, longest-running, and most successful pay-per-view/live-streaming event since its conception by the now-ousted executive chairman Vince McMahon in 1985. Like we mentioned, it's basically the Super Bowl for many fans and wrestlers. It's March Madness, the Masters, the NBA Championship, and the World Series. It's the be-all, end-all of professional wrestling. As such, WWE puts a lot of investment and spectacle into making each WrestleMania more memorable than the last.

Every year, WrestleMania's card gets bigger and bigger, and since 2020, the biggest pro wrestling event of the year has become a two-night event.

With 13 matches split between the two nights, there's plenty to get you emotionally invested. Below, you'll find our best attempt at giving you a sense of the marquee matchups that will dominate social media in the days to come.

Read on for an idea of what's happening, so you're not clueless in front of your wrestling friends.

The story so far...The Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns

If you read last year's non-fans guide, then rest assured, you're not having déjà vu. For the second year in a row, the blonde-haired, good guy wrestler "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes will face the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship "Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns, the WWE's top heel or bad guy, once again, in the main event for the title.

This is the big one, the final match of the weekend on WrestleMania's second night this Sunday. When these two battled it out last year, Rhodes came within reach of winning the title before interference from Reigns' group, The Bloodline, gave Reigns the win. Rhodes has struggled throughout the year to get back to the top, earning himself a rematch for the title. He finally did so in January, when he won the WWE Royal Rumble, a 30-man event where the winner is guaranteed to the main event WrestleMania.

Rhodes and Reigns are both second-generation wrestlers and their fathers – the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and Sika of The Wild Samoans – are both WWE Hall of Famers. Unlike Reigns, however, Rhodes has never held the WWE title.

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For an added bit of context, Vince McMahon hired Cody's father Dusty Rhodes in 1989 after Dusty already has a successful career and established name with WWE's (then WWF) competitors.

Given the nickname "The American Dream," Rhodes was outfitted in yellow polka-dot ring attire by McMahon in an attempt to humiliate a wrestler closely associated with a rival competition. While Rhodes was never given a chance to shine as a main event star in WWE, he ran with the character and became a legendary talent in the company. However, he fell short of ever holding the WWE championship. Dusty Rhodes passed away in 2015 as a WWE employee, working at their developmental league, NXT, training new talent.

At last year's WrestleMania, Rhodes was meant to "finish the story" – a rallying cry of sorts for Rhodes and his fans that references how he will achieve the goal of his years-long journey and become the first in his family to win a World Championship in WWE. (Rhodes' stepbrother, Dustin Rhodes, is also a wrestler and was best known in the WWE as Goldust. He is currently signed with WWE's biggest competitor, AEW.)

As for Roman Reigns, he's is multi-time champion. His current title reign has lasted since August 2020 and he has yet to be defeated for the championship or lose a single's match since then. Reigns is the leader of a group, known in wrestling as a "stable," called The Bloodline. The members of the group are actual family members in real life and include Reigns' cousins Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa as well as Reigns' manager Paul Heyman.

However, this year there's a new factor that wasn't in play during Rhodes and Reigns' first battle last year: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins

The Rock is a member of the infamous Samoan wrestling family tree, making him Reigns' cousin in real life, too.

Shortly after Rhodes won the Royal Rumble, The Rock made a dramatic return to WWE, in which he challenged Roman Reigns for his title with Cody’s blessing. In a bizarre moment scripted by the WWE, Rhodes decided to give his earned-title shot to the returning superstar.

This move created a massive unexpected backlash from fans. WWE quickly pivoted from this decision and rewrote the storyline, giving Rhodes his WrestleMania title match back. In doing so, WWE also turned The Rock from a "good guy" into a bad guy. During a scripted WrestleMania press conference, The Rock slapped Rhodes on stage in front of Reigns and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.

These events led to an allegiance being formed between Rhodes and Rollins. The Rock would also go on to officially join the Reigns lead group, The Bloodline.

In the storyline, Rollins and Reigns were good friends in a group called The Shield, which broke up in 2014 after Rollins attacked his former teammate. There's also a good chance we'll see Jey Uso, a former member of The Bloodline, and real life cousin of Reigns gets involved in this at some point during WrestleMania. Jey Uso has allied himself with Rhodes and Reigns, whereas his brother Jimmy Uso has stayed with The Bloodline.

With these two teams set, WWE is bringing us a tag team match for the main event of WrestleMania's first night featuring The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. There's an added stipulation here to spice things up, too. If Rhodes and Rollins win, the Bloodline is banned from ringside from the Rhodes and Reigns rematch for the WWE title the following night, ensuring there won't be a repeat of interference costing Rhodes the match. However, if The Rock and Reigns win, then the Rhodes vs. Reigns match becomes a "Bloodline Rules" match, meaning anything goes and the Bloodline can help Reigns defeat Rhodes once again.

There's some other things bubbling in the background, too. The WWE has been teasing some jealousy between The Rock and a paranoid Roman Reigns over who really leads The Bloodline. Will this family feud cost Reigns his title?

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In addition, this year's WrestleMania marks the 25th anniversary of The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's first WrestleMania main event against each other. With the odds stacked against Cody Rhodes if he faces down the entire Bloodline, will the "American Nightmare" find some unexpected support from Austin? Rumors have been running rampant about a potential appearance from Stone Cold this year — and the WWE loves its surprise appearances at WrestleMania, so it's surely a possibility.

Best of the rest of the card

Now that the big storyline of WrestleMania 40 is out of the way, what about the other matches on the card? These matches may not represent the main storyline of the year, but there's some intense feuds and rivalries that will come to ahead in these matches.

For starters, the two WWE women's world championship matches are grudge matches involving two of the Four Horsewomen (named because of their pivotal role for ushering in the current high-quality state of WWE's women's wrestling), albeit they'll be in separate matches.

After outlasting 30 women to win the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble, former champion Bayley will challenge her former friend and teammate WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky for the title. The two were members of the group Damage CTRL, which Bayley led. However, after Bayley won the chance to face Sky for the title, the latter conspired with the rest of the faction (i.e., Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane) to oust Bayley from the group she created.

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Bayley utilized the Damage CTRL in order to bully half the women's roster, but is now seeking redemption. This has led Baley to allying with Naomi, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Bayley's new friends will face her former Damage CTRL teammates Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane in a six-woman tag match. Cargill just recently debuted in the WWE and Belair has been skeptical of the whole situation with Bayley, so it'll be interesting to see if that plays into the matchup.

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The WWE Women's Heavyweight Championship match will see former champion Becky Lynch challenge Rhea Ripley. This feud has been built around a battle of what it means to truly be a women's wrestler and has gotten rather personal. Ripley has invoked Lynch's newly born daughter and Lynch's late father who passed in 2021. Lynch has knocked Ripley for being an unworthy role model for young WWE fans.

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Like Rhodes and Reigns, Seth Rollins will also be pulling double duty at WrestleMania, wrestling on both nights of the event. After his tag team match on night one, he will defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre. And this feud has been kind of weird.

Pro wrestling superstar CM Punk returned to the WWE late last year for the first time since walking out of the company (in real life, not a storyline) nine years ago. At the WWE Royal Rumble in January, Punk sustained an injury, tearing his triceps during the 30-man Royal Rumble match, which forced WWE to write him out of the WrestleMania storylines that they had planned for him.

While we don't know what those plans are, it appears they would have involved a title match against Rollins.

WWE has seemingly rewrote the storyline with McIntyre going on to win the Elimination Chamber match at WWE's Australia event, earning him a title match against Rollins that likely was supposed to go to Punk. McIntyre has also since taken credit for being the person who injured Punk in the Rumble match, trolling Punk for months over stealing his spot at WrestleMania.

So, Rollins has had his hands full with the previously covered Rhodes vs. Reigns feud and McIntyre has been busy mocking Punk. And the two haven't been all that focused on each other. We'll get a CM Punk appearance during this one, as he'll be providing commentary during the match. But, it's also likely Punk being there will prove to be distraction for the competitors too.

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Over the years, the WWE has been a big fan of booking "brother vs. brother" matches. This one takes it a step further. "Twin vs. twin." Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso are real-life twins and second-generation stars, the sons of WWE legend Rikishi. At this year's WrestleMania, they will face off for the first time.

Last year, as part of The Bloodline, Jimmy and Jey Uso lost the WWE Undisputed Tag Team championships to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. The loss resulted in the two rebelling against Roman Reigns and leaving The Bloodline. In a subsequent title mach between Jey Uso and Reigns, Jimmy Uso rejoined The Bloodline and turned on his brother, costing him the match.

Basically, Jimmy was jealous of the success that his brother Jey had achieved immediately after leaving the Bloodline, as Jimmy himself was unable to forge his own path and had to grovel his way back to Reigns and The Bloodline.

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WrestleMania has more than just one family feud for fans. Dominik Mysterio, the son of the iconic luchador Rey Mysterio, is set to face his father yet again after months of disrespecting his father. This won't be the first time these two battle. However, this time Rey Mysterio is teaming up with Dragon Lee, a member of the Latino World Order group. Mysterio's son Dominik has joined up with Santos Escobar, a former Latino World Order member himself.

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It isn't WrestleMania without a special stipulation match. And this year, the WWE has booked a "6-pack ladder match" for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships. This means that 6 tag teams – a total of 12 competitors – will be involved in a match where the winning team needs to climb up a ladder and grab the championships hanging overhead above the middle of the ring. Expect some truly shocking stunts during this one.

It should be noted that Damian Priest, one-half of the current tag team champions alongside his "Judgement Day" tag team partner Finn Balor, also holds the Money in the Bank briefcase. This briefcase, which he previously won last year, grants him a title shot anytime, anywhere, and against any champion of his choosing.

Current WWE world title holder Seth Rollins is rather famous for his own WrestleMania cash-in years ago, where he used the briefcase to insert himself at the very end of a title match, defeated his tired opponents, and walked away with the championship. Time is a flat circle, or whatever the saying is, so even if Priest loses this tag team ladder match, don't be surprised to see him later in the show walking out with a single's title.

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Continuing on with this stacked card, two fan favorites LA Knight and AJ Styles will face each other in a grudge match. The two started feuding earlier this year during the Elimination Chamber in Australia, where Styles cost Knight a chance to be the No. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. However, Styles' frustration with Knight stems from the former's belief that Knight took his place in the feud against the Bloodline in the lead-up to Crown Jewel in November.

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Finally, to finish the guide, we've got two mid-card championships. First is the match between Sami Zayn and WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther, "The Ring General," who has become one of the longest-reigning title holders in the modern era. It's looking like he will retain the title against Zayn. However, there's a wildcard involved here: Gunter's arch-rival, Chad Gable, who came closer than anyone before defeating Gunter.

Zayn had to defeat Gable to become the number one contender for the title. While frustrated with the loss, Gable offered to help Zayn train against Gunther. Will Gable get involved with the match, too?

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Lastly, there's the triple-threat match as YouTuber-turned-WWE-superstar Logan Paul defends his U.S. Championship against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. Despite catching a lot of heat from the internet for not being a wrestler until recently, Paul has fully embraced the WWE and has held the U.S. title for a surprisingly 150 long days.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire' trailer brings you over to the dark side

Mashable - Fri, 04/05/2024 - 11:58

If you loved Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, there's a new six-episode, animated anthology coming, of course, to bring you over to the dark side.

With a new trailer out this week, the Dave Filoni-created Star Wars: Tales of the Empire serves up a look at two storylines involving former Jedi Barriss Offee (voiced by Meredith Salenger) and warrior Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and how they find their way to the Galactic Empire — vengeance, it's always vengeance.

The series also features the formidable General Grievous (Matthew Wood), Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) Lyn aka Fourth Sister (Rya Kihlstedt), Wing (Wing T. Chao), and Grand Inquisitor (Jason Isaacs).

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire premieres on May 4 (of course) on Disney+.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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