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AI-generated Elon Musk videos flood YouTube with fake eclipse streams to promote crypto scams

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 00:21

It's April 8, 2024 and all anyone can talk about is today's solar eclipse. News articles, social media posts, and viral photos and videos are spreading all over the internet.

Go over to YouTube and numerous solar eclipse live streams are racking up hundreds of thousands of concurrent views. However, some of the most popular livestreams aren't what they seem.

A fake SpaceX solar eclipse YouTube livestream attempts to scam viewers. Credit: Mashable screenshot

YouTube is being flooded with fake livestreams from imposter SpaceX channels featuring an AI-generated Elon Musk speech. The purpose of these fake livestreams? To steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting targets.

Mashable first became aware of these streams thanks to a tip from the iOS developer and research group Mysk.

Tweet may have been deleted Here's how the Musk eclipse crypto scam works

Each stream follows the same pattern. The stream plays a pre-recorded video of Elon Musk beside a SpaceX sign talking in front of a crowd on loop. However, the video features a fake AI-generated Musk voice telling viewers about a supposed cryptocurrency investment opportunity promising doubles on investments.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk promises Tesla robotaxis in August

Embedded over the video is a QR code which says "Eclipse of 2024 - Change your life" and a call-to-action to scan the code. The code takes users to a website where they can "invest" their crypto, whether it be Bitcoin or Ether or another popular cryptocurrency, right there on the site.

A scammer's website impersonating SpaceX for their crypto scheme. Credit: Mashable screenshot

Sometimes these live streams even feature a fake Elon Musk account posting in the live chat, informing the viewer of all the alleged investment they are receiving. The fake Musk spams links into the chat, supposedly showing users where they can invest too.

"2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of SpaceX" reads the title of one of the fake SpaceX livestreams. The stream at one point had over 210,000 concurrent views.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Live: Solar Eclipse Spectacular 2024 of SpaceX" reads the title of another livestream, which has been attracting tens of thousands of views at any given time. At one point, that stream hit nearly 100,000 concurrent views.

Many of these streams have been live for hours and appear on YouTube channels that have hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

Fake SpaceX and Elon Musk videos are nothing new on YouTube and their prevalence must mean that they are proving to be lucrative to scammers.

In fact, a few years ago, Steve Wozniak sued YouTube over the proliferation of similar videos featuring impersonations of the Apple co-founder in order to promote Bitcoin scams.

A fake SpaceX channel still shows some mentions of the old channel name before scammers took over. Credit: Mashable screenshot

As previously mentioned, many of the channels these scammers use have hundreds of thousands of subscribers. However, those channels did not amass those subscriber numbers as fake SpaceX accounts.

The scammer changes the channel name to SpaceX in an attempt to appear as an official company account before going live with their fake scam livestream. However, because the name changes are so recent, clues still left on the page from YouTube show that the channel went by a completely different name prior to the switch.

Scammers have frequently used stolen channels or accounts purchased on social media black markets in order to pose at Musk and his space exploration company. Musk and SpaceX content tends to do well on YouTube, so these topics tend to attract scammers looking to target as large of an audience as possible.

As this article was being published, one of the livestreams was removed by YouTube, so it appears that the company is aware of the issue. However, many fake SpaceX solar eclipse livestreams remain.

It's unclear just how many users have fallen for these streams, but it appears they have drawn in millions of viewers during the solar eclipse. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

The moon blocked the sun, and the internet reacted with amazing solar eclipse jokes and memes

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 22:04

If you walked outside during the middle of the day on Monday, April 8, you may have noticed something peculiar: It was a whole lot darker than it usually is.

Millions of people watched the solar eclipse on April 8, particularly those within the celestial event's "path of totality" — a.k.a. when the moon's shadow completely covered up the sun. It was a spectacular showing of nature's most incredible forces. Unsurprisingly, the internet reacted with some good posts.

Starting with @NASAMoon, the official X / Twitter account for NASA's moon, blocking @NASAsun. That's funny.

Tweet may have been deleted

Here's what else the internet had to offer on eclipse day.

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
Categories: IT General, Technology

Miss the 2024 solar eclipse? Here’s when the next one happens.

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 21:56

Forgot to pick up your eclipse glasses and didn't have any cereal boxes around? Couldn't get out of that meeting, or stuck in the subway?

If you missed this year's solar eclipse — or are gutted you weren't in the path of totality — you still have another chance to view the celestial event. You just have to wait a few... well, maybe more than a few... years.

SEE ALSO: Live: Jaw-dropping images of the 2024 Solar Eclipse When is the next solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses of some variety happen about twice a year, dispersed around the planet, but their exact regional timing is somewhat random. While the last total solar eclipse was a mere seven years ago, the one prior was decades in the past — and the next event of this magnitude won't happen in our area for about the same, excruciatingly long, time.

According to NASA's estimates, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible March 29, 2025. Other partial and annular eclipses (when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but from very far away) will also occur in the next few years.

When will I be able to see the next total eclipse in North America again?

Unless you're willing to go for an international flight, you'll have to wait. The next total solar eclipse, happening on Aug. 12, 2026, will only be visible to observers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. The rest of us will once again get a partial eclipse viewing.

However, experts estimate that two future total solar eclipses will be visible from North America in 2044 and 2045. Twenty years isn't too bad, right?

And don't forget: It's not just about the sun! The next total lunar eclipse will be on March 14, 2025, and will be visible in the Pacific and across the Americas, Western Europe, and Western Africa.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Evil' trailer teases final season of demons and scares

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 20:48

Evil is soon set to return to Paramount+ for its fourth and final season. From the looks of the first trailer, it's going to be another wickedly entertaining time of horror and very dark humor.

Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Andrea Martin, Kurt Fuller and Christine Lahti are all back in the habit (as it were). In the wake of religious horror hitting theaters in the form of Immaculate and The First Omen, you might feel a little worn out on tales of devout Catholics battling the forces of Satan. But Evil has never played by the book.

As I've been yammering since season 1, Evil is the hottest show you're not watching, as it's basically The X-Files with demons.

SEE ALSO: 8 reasons 'Evil' is the wildest show you're not watching

Not only does Season 4 promise a new chapter in the will-they-won't-they of forbidden flirtation between priest-in-training David (Coulter) and married mother-of-four Kristen (Herbers), but it also tempts us with new heinous hijinks from the devilish Leland Townsend (Emerson) and the hot as hell matriarch Sheryl (Lahti). Ben (Mandvi) is talking witches and Sister Andrea (Martin) is getting physical in her battles against Satan! Beyond biblical monsters of the week, Evil is also writing its final book on that insidious IVF arc with "the real horror" of handling an infant — who is likely the anti-Christ.

We're praying for patience as we wait for the premiere.

Evil will premiere Thursday, May 23 exclusively on Paramount+

Categories: IT General, Technology

Live: Jaw-dropping images of the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 20:28

The highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse spanned its path across North America. It made its way across the continent on Monday, April 8, spanning from Mexico to Canada.

Mashable has all the info on its path of totality, which began in Mexico around 11 a.m. ET and continued to make its way north throughout the afternoon. The further north the location, the later the eclipse took place.

SEE ALSO: The solar eclipse is today — but don't take photos of it with your phone

Lots of folks — more than 30 million — live in the path of totality, making it a pretty special eclipse. Plenty of others traveled to get a glimpse of the jaw-dropping phenomenon. People who've chased eclipses in the past have said it's a once-in-a-lifetime, truly perspective-changing experience. And, thus far, the images have been fantastic. Just look at these images.

The moon begins to eclipse the sun on April 8, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. Credit: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images The moon, slowly advancing toward the sun in Fort Worth, Texas. Credit: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Fort Worth, Texas with a nearly fully covered sun. Credit: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images The sun fully disappears behind the moon during the solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images The sun disappears behind the moon on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images Aerial view of people watching the total eclipse at Cristo de las Noas on April 08, 2024 in Torreon, Mexico. Credit: Saul Perales/Getty Images People gather to watch totality during the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Niagara Falls, New York. Credit: Adam Gray/Getty Images

The partial solar eclipse is seen above the Statue of Freedom atop the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building on Capitol Hill on April 8, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images The moon crosses in front of the sun during the Great North American Eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Torreon, Mexico. Credit: Getty Images/Getty Images People watch a partial solar eclipse on the observation deck of Edge at Hudson Yards on April 08, 2024 in New York City. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images 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


The eclipse has now mostly passed through the major cities it'll hit. So many stunning images are still publishing, however, and we'll be sure to update images as we get them from different spots. After all, the weather can change everything — so we'll get different views of the amazing experience.

This story is developing and will be updated.

Featured Video For You What is the total solar eclipse on April 8th and how can you see it?
Categories: IT General, Technology

Dataviz of the Month – March 2024

Information is beautiful - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 20:03

Every month we pick and share some of our favourite infographics, visualisations and data stories. Here’s what we found in our work folders and around the web.

CREATED BY US

» Two Years of the Russia-Ukraine War – Key numbers. Casualties. Military spend. Foreign aid.
» $$$Trillions – Vast spending figures plucked from news headlines. Updated for 2024.
» Drugs – All of them. In one graphic. Easy to swallow? (Bluesky)
» Vaccines work – Especially for Measles. (Mastodon)

CREATED BY OTHERS

» Ever heard of the Butter Line? and the somewhat related Scone Map?
» A dazzling interactive graphic on the most important tech in the world (ft.com)
» Everybody is crazy for Protein? Here’s why. (Reddit)

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

» Getting USA to Net Zero by 2050 – Not easy. Not impossible.
» Things Going Up! Up! Up! – Stuff that’s improving substantially, globally.

OUR LATEST DATASETS

» Two Years of the Russia-Ukraine War – Key numbers two years into the conflict (data)
» Facebook’s “Supreme Court” –  The major cases of Meta’s oversight board in one sheet (data)
» The A24 Movie Browser– Every movie, everywhere, all at once (data)
» UPDATED Ransomware Attacks – Biggest. Most recent. Notable. 630+ entries. (data)
» UPDATED Data Breaches – World’s worst hacks. Curated since 2016. Now 450+ entries. (data)

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates

Categories: IT General, Technology

The M2 MacBook Air is on sale for $150 off

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 18:55

Save $150: As of April 8, you can grab the 13.6-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) at Amazon and Best Buy for just $849 — a new record low that saves you 15% on its $999 MSRP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.00 at Amazon and Best Buy
$999.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

One of the best ways to save on a MacBook — or any laptop for that matter — is to remain open to buying older generations.

Case in point: the M2 MacBook Air, which came out in 2022, is on sale for just $849 at Amazon and Best Buy. At $150 off its $999 price tag, this laptop has hit a new record low that situates it about $50 away from the M1 MacBook Air's $799 price from a few months ago (basically, the M2 Air is firmly in a budget MacBook range at the moment).

When the M2 Air first came out, it started at $1,099, but following the release of the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, dropped its starting price to the current $999. Now that the M3 line is out, it's no surprise that we're starting to see even better deals on this ultra-portable laptop.

SEE ALSO: The best cheap laptops for 2024, tested and reviewed

Despite being "dated," the M2 still gets the job done. It may not be able to handle photo or video editing quite as well as the M3 MacBook Air, but that doesn't mean its tech is obsolete. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display offers plenty of space for multitasking which the M2 processor is more than capable of handling, especially for everyday work tasks. When testing out this MacBook back in 2022, Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry was able to get up to 24 hours of real-time usage on the battery, and appreciated that all through his testing, the fan stayed silent.

He put it best when at the beginning of his review, he stated, "If you’ve been waiting four or five years to upgrade your MacBook Air, go ahead and do it now. " It'll cost you a good $250 less than the $1,099 M3 Air.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone 16: New battery leak is good news for Pro Max, but sad news for Plus

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 18:40

The iPhone 16 Plus might be the black sheep of this year's iPhone family.

Well, that's maybe a little dramatic, but a recent leak paints a somewhat concerning picture regarding its battery size.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 rumors: Release date, price, specs, features, and more iPhone 16 reported battery sizes

Someone going by "OvO Baby Sauce OvO" on the Chinese social media platform Weibo (spotted by Phone Arena) posted leaked battery sizes for all four new iPhones set to come out this year. Here's what we are reportedly working with:

  • iPhone 16: 3,561mAh

  • iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006mAh

  • iPhone 16 Pro: 3,355mAh

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676mAh

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

Those numbers might look like some hot nonsense out of context, but Phone Arena did the lord's work and compared them to last year's iPhone 15 models, expressed as percentage differences. Every new iPhone's battery is slightly larger (up two to six percent) except for the 16 Plus, which has a reduction of 8.6 percent compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.

There are, of course, some caveats to this. One is that these numbers could simply be wrong. Another is that, even if true, they don't tell the full story about each phone's practical battery life. It's possible that the 16 Plus gets more juice out of a single charge than the 15 Plus due to back-end wizardry that makes the battery more efficient, if not actually larger. We just don't know yet.

But this is something to keep an eye on for the folks who like bigger iPhones.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple TV: You may be using Vision Pro-like hand gestures to control it soon

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 18:21

New rumors suggest that Apple may be revamping its Apple TV experience by introducing a built-in camera capable of video calling and hand gestures.

SEE ALSO: Apple TV+ is getting a price hike Apple TV may be controlled via hand gestures soon

According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter, these features are part of Apple's broader ambition to enhance its smart home offerings. This would mark a significant shift from requiring an iPhone to conduct FaceTime calls on Apple TV, potentially streamlining the user experience by allowing direct calls from the device.

The idea also extends to introducing more interactive gesture controls, a step beyond the existing capabilities enabled by tvOS 17, which include simple gestures like triggering fireworks with a thumbs-up during a FaceTime call. However, the specifics of these new gestures remain unspecified.

SEE ALSO: 8 FaceTime gestures that trigger cool reactions on iOS 17

These developments hint at Apple's ongoing exploration of in-air gesture controls, a concept further underscored by a patent granted in April 2023 and the gesture-based interactions on the Vision Pro headset. This innovation could address some user frustrations with the Apple TV’s Siri Remote, offering a more intuitive control scheme.

While the potential for a new Apple TV equipped with these features seems promising, with Gurman speculating a launch in the first half of 2024, it's still uncertain whether Apple will proceed with these plans.

The success of such features would heavily depend on their execution, as they need to offer a genuinely convenient alternative to current methods without complicating the user experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get up to 42% off a Max annual subscription when you prepay for one year

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 18:10

UP TP 42% OFF: Now through April 9, HBO's Max streaming service is offering new, returning, and existing customers the chance to get up to 42% off its yearly subscription plans.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max streaming subscription Get up to 42% off a yearly subscription Get Deal

Whether you're a sports fan, news junkie, or cinephile, Max's limited-time subscription offer is a deal you don't want to miss. Through April 9 (that's tomorrow!), you can score up to 42% off an annual subscription by prepaying for one year.

This discount is available for each subscription tier, and the prices start at as low as $5.83 per month. You can get a With Ads subscription for $69, an Ad-Free subscription for $110.99, or the Ultimate Ad-Free subscription for $139.99 per year. Each subscription includes a B/R Sports add-on (subject to change during your promotional period).

SEE ALSO: How to watch Max from anywhere in the world

After the discounted year, your subscription will automatically renew at the regular yearly price unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can cancel your subscription anytime, but you won't get a refund for the unused portion of the year.

This limited-time offer is available to new, existing, and returning customers. If you're an existing customer, you can't apply this discount to your existing plan, but you can switch to one of the other discounted yearly plans offered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Solar eclipse 2024: iPhone app told me its exact time via my location — and showed a demo, too

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 17:55

The solar eclipse 2024 is today, and if you're anything like me, you're curious about what time — specifically — the highly anticipated celestial event will swing by your location.

If you're not sure if you're within the path of the solar eclipse, check out our 2024 solar eclipse calculators. (As for me, I live in New York, so while I won't get to see a total solar eclipse, I'll witness a partial one.)

Now that you know whether you're within its path, you can check out our page of solar eclipse times for each time zone. But if you want to know its exact time, check out the SolarEclipseGuide app for iPhone.

Best app for solar eclipse 2024

I've downloaded a few apps for the solar eclipse, but my favorite is SolarEclipseGuide.

Thanks to this app, I can see the exact time of the solar eclipse's appearance based on my location. For example, according to SolarEclipseGuide, I'll see the moon begin to show its shadowy figure at around 2:19 p.m. ET and it will cover the sun at its fullest at 3:23 p.m., give or take a few minutes.

The moon is beginning to rear its head a little after 2 p.m. ET for me Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Not only does the app show me the exact time of the solar eclipse based on my location, but it also offers a demo of how the solar eclipse will look from my point of view.

According to the "SolarEclipseGuide" app, this is what the solar eclipse will look like for me based on my location. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This allows me to see what, exactly, Mashable's Mark Kaufman, our resident science and space expert, means when he says that I'll only get to see a "partial eclipse."

Enjoy the celestial show, but be careful

The solar eclipse is a beautiful show that doesn't happen very often. (As Kaufman explained, it's a rare occurrence). As such, you may be tempted to whip out your phone and take a picture of it. However, it's not a good idea to take a picture of the solar eclipse with your phone (unless you're a pro photographer and you have the proper filters for it).

SEE ALSO: What NOT to do during the imminent solar eclipse

And if you plan on stepping outside to witness the solar eclipse, make sure you're wearing NASA-approved glasses so you don't run the risk of damaging your eyesight.

Now that you've been prepped with the safety basics, and you now likely know when — exactly — you might be able to witness the rare solar eclipse, enjoy the show.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Get Anker's Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds for a new all-time low

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 17:34
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Anker Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds $88 at Amazon (save $81.99) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL USB-C AirPods Pro $189.99 at Amazon (save $59.01) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL SodaStream Art starter kit $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST AMAZON DEAL Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

Another week, another slew of top-notch deals from Amazon. With Target's Circle Week running from April 7 through 13, we're expecting Amazon to offer some competitive pricing this week to counter the event. And to start things off, we're seeing some impressive discounts on Apple AirPods Pro, Amazon's own tablets, Soundcore earbuds, and more.

We've sorted through the listings and handpicked a few excellent deals you can shop on April 8. Here are our top pics for the best Amazon deals of the day.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Amazon deal of the day: Anker Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds $88.00 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $81.99 Get Deal

If you've ever tried to sleep in earbuds, then you know how uncomfortable most models can be. The Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds, on the other hand, are built for exactly that. Whether you're a side sleeper or you toss and turn throughout the night, the Sleep A10 earbuds are designed with a slim, lightweight design that'll stay snugly in your ear all night without discomfort. Their four-point noise masking build also creates a secure seal to block out annoying car alarms and barking dogs. As an added bonus, these buds track your sleep patterns and provide insights into your sleep quality. They usually go for $169.99, but as of April 8, they're on sale for just $88 — that's 48% in savings and a new all-time low price. They hit a previous low of $99.99 during last year's Prime Day and March's Big Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: SodaStream SodaStream Art sparkling water maker starter kit + extra bottle $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Sparkling water lovers can whip up their own batches at home with the SodaStream Art starter kit, which includes the SodaStream Art sparkling water maker, a quick-connect CO2 cylinder, and two carbonating bottles. The Art has a retro design, a unique carbonating lever, and a slim profile that slides conveniently on your countertop. It's usually $149.99, but as of April 8, you can save 33% and snag it for only $99.99. That's just $4 away from its lowest price ever, which was hit during Black Friday season 2023. More SodaStream products are also on sale for up to 33% off if you prefer a different model or bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal

It's no secret that we love the AirPods Pro at Mashable (they're our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds and one of our top picks for flying). So, when we see a deal, it's our duty to report it. As of April 8, the USB-C buds released in fall of 2023 are back down to the all-time low price of $189.99 — that's 24% off the usual cost of $249. While the USB-C version of these buds is virtually the same as the second-generation Lightning AirPods Pro (released in 2022), we're still huge fans. Small upgrades like improved dust resistance, a claim of support for lossless audio with the Apple Vision Pro, and of course, the USB-C charging port, make the buds worth it at full cost and a total steal at less than $200.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Amazon's best iPad competitor, the Fire Max 11 tablet, is back at its all-time low price of $199.99 at Amazon as of April 8. Usually $279.99 at full price, that's just under 30% in savings. It's hardly the first time its reached this low price, but after skyrocketing back to full price to kick off April, it's nice to see the discount back. As Mashable's reviewer noted, "The Amazon Fire Max 11 has a large, 11-inch display and is blazing fast, making it a good alternative to pricier tablets for streaming and games."

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Multiple Acer laptops are on sale for under $300 as a Target Deal of the Day

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 17:25
Acer laptops on sale as a Target Deal of the Day Most affordable deal Acer Aspire 3 (Intel Core i3-1115G4, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $239.99 at Target ((Save $160 with Target Circle)) Get Deal Best for storage Acer Aspire 3 (Intel i5-1135G7, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $299.99 at Target (Save $200 with Target Circle) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 option Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $299.99 at Target (Save $200 with Target Circle ) Get Deal

Target Circle Week is here, bringing with it tons of deals on household essentials, vacuums, toys, beauty products, and more. Though the sale will last through April 13, some deals will only be live for 24 hours, and for April 8, that includes three impressive deals on Acer laptops.

The lineup is as follows: you can grab the 15.6-inch Acer Aspire 3 with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD for just $239.99 instead of $399.99, the 15.6-inch Acer Aspire 3 with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $299.99 instead of $499.99, and finally the 2-in-1 Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 with an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD for $299.99 instead of $499.99.

According to our sister site PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis), the Aspire 3 is a laptop meant for just the basics, but what it does it does well. You're not likely to mistake your machine for a MacBook Pro, but for under $300, you can use the 15.6-inch display to easily run basic work tasks and browse the web. For anyone who anticipates needing a little extra storage space, bumping up from the i3 to i5 model may be worth the extra $60, but if you're already looking at a laptop this basic, you may be fine with the most affordable model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 3 (Intel Core i3-1115G4, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $239.99 at Target
$399.99 Save $160.00 Shop Now

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 3 (Intel i5-1135G7, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $299.99 at Target
$499.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

For anyone interested in a convertible laptop on the cheap, the Aspire 3 Spin 14 is an incredibly affordable option. Admittedly, the Spin 14, like its non-convertible counterparts above, really offers just the basics unlike the 2-in-1 picks we recommend. However, those picks range from $500 to $1,700 more expensive than the Spin 14, which will do the job for note taking (either with typing or by hand) and basic drawing, while sticking to a smaller budget. Unfortunately, according to Target support, it doesn't come with the Acer Active Stylus, but it can be purchased separately for $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $299.99 at Target
$499.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

For any of the above deals, you will need a free Target Circle membership, which you can sign up for online.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get ready to save: Target Circle Week is back with discounts of up to 40%

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 17:04

SAVE UP TO 40%: Target Circle Week is here! Now through April 13, you can save up to 40% on floor care, outdoor living, toys, and more.

Our top picks: Best vacuum deal Dyson V8 Origin cordless vacuum $329.99 at Target (save $100 ) Get Deal Best electronics deal Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth wireless headphones $199.99 at Target (save $150) Get Deal Best toy deal Lego Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs Model Building Set (31058) $8.39 at Target (save $3.60) Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (save $170) Get Deal

It seems like these days, we're never far off from a major retailer holding a huge savings event. From the humble days of Black Friday and just one Prime Day event, our shopping calendars are now packed with savings throughout the year. Target is never one to sleep on a sale event, and this week, the massive retailer is celebrating the change of season with hundreds of discounts.

Target Circle Week kicked off on April 7 at 2 a.m. CT, and thousands of items are on sale. To score these deals, you'll need to be a member of Target Circle, which is free to join. The savings include 40% off floor care items, 30% off outdoor living, and 10% off Target gift cards. The sale extends through April 13.

Target has become one of the most reliable major retailers, with a massive selection of goods ranging from TVs to patio sets to coffee beans. It's truly a one-stop-shopping experience that tends to have us leaving with many more items than we went in for.

Target Circle Week extends to all Target Circle members. The Circle program is free to join, so there's no reason not to sign up.

Here are some of the best deals you'll find during the Target Circle week sales event:

Best Target Circle Week vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson V8 Origin cordless vacuum $329.99 at Target
$429.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This week, Target is offering the Dyson V8 Origin cordless vacuum for $100 off. This highly-rated vacuum can run for up to 40 minutes on a single charge and features a detangling motor bar cleaner head, which pet owners will appreciate. It's also lightweight and can convert into a handheld vacuum for quick spot cleaning.

More floor care deals:Best Target Circle Week electronics deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Our pick: Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth wireless headphones $199.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth wireless headphones are $150 off this week at Target. With active noise cancellation and up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones deliver immersive sound and comfort for long listening sessions. A quick 10-minute Fast Fuel charge will give you up to four hours of additional playback.

More electronics deals:Best Target Circle Week toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Our pick: Lego Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs Model Building Set (31058) $8.39 at Target
$11.99 Save $3.60 Get Deal Why we like it

Target Circle Week has a ton of deals on toys this week, but one that stands out is the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs Model Building Set (31058). For just $8.39, you can give your little one hours of building fun with this versatile set that can be built into three different dinosaur models. It also includes a dinosaur prey (a buildable rib cage).

Best Target Circle Week kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid Our pick: KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer is on sale during Target Circle Week. This coveted kitchen appliance is on sale for just $279.99, down from $449.99. With its powerful motor and large capacity, you can make everything from bread dough (up to seven pounds) to cookies (11 dozen). More than 10 stand mixer attachments are available for this mixer, making it even easier to make fresh pasta or grind your own meat.

In addition to those deals, Target Circle Week also rewards shoppers for stocking up on essentials. Spend $50 or more on eligible home care items and score a $15 Target gift card. If you have Ulta Beauty products in your bathroom, spend $50 on eligible Ulta items, and you'll also receive a $15 Target gift card.

No one will deny inflation has hurt the wallet lately, but shopping sale events at major retailers can be a perfect way to save on some household essentials. The Target Circle Week event is one to check in on if you're looking for any spring or summer upgrades to your home, wardrobe, or cosmetic cabinet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the Grand National 2024 online for free

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 16:30

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 Grand National for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

For lovers of horse racing, it doesn't get any bigger than the Grand National. Time seems to stand still for this annual event, with the eyes of a whole country (and beyond) focused on Aintree Racecourse.

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

When is the 2024 Grand National?

Grand National Day is the traditional final day of the Grand National Festival. The 2024 Grand National takes place at 4 p.m. BST on April 13.

How to watch the 2024 Grand National for free

The 2024 Grand National will be broadcast live on ITV1, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

ITVX 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 ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ITVX 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 ITVX

  5. Stream the 2024 Grand National for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream the 2024 Grand National before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing ITVX, 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 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.

Stream the 2024 Grand National for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The solar eclipse is today — but don't take photos of it with your phone

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 16:00

I learned that my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse do not mix. I stumbled upon BGR's article, which warned sky gazers about using their phones to take pictures of the imminent cosmic event.

If you're like me, you may be wondering "Why?" After all, who wouldn't want to snap a photo of such an awe-inspiring celestial occurrence?

As it turns out, taking a photo of the 2024 solar eclipse could damage your iPhone's camera hardware.

SEE ALSO: How the 2024 solar eclipse will be different from the last Why you shouldn't take a photo of the 2024 solar eclipse with your phone

In the same way that you shouldn't use a telescope or binoculars to gaze at the sun (you could melt your eyeballs off), you shouldn't use your phone's shooter — or any other poorly equipped camera — to take a photo of the solar eclipse.

BGR says that no smartphone is designed to handle the intense solar rays the sun emanates. "Using your camera or phone could cause the heat from the rays to become so concentrated that it could melt the lens inside," the tech outlet warned.

Days before the April 8 eclipse, NASA provided similar advice.

Tweet may have been deleted

There is a workaround in that you can purchase filters for your phone and camera.

NEEWER 67mm Clip On Filters Kit for Phone & Camera Credit: Amazon

But I spoke with Mashable's science editor Mark Kaufman, and he strongly recommends simply enjoying the event with approved solar glasses, as opposed to trying to capture the celestial spectacle with camera filters (unless you're an astrophotographer, of course). After all, you have the best optics tool on your face: your peepers.

SEE ALSO: Solar eclipse 2024 livestream webcams: How to watch

It must be emphasized that it's imperative that your eyes are protected. NASA recommends getting "ISO 12312-2" grade solar eclipse glasses that filter harmful light. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has a list of green-lighted sellers, including Rainbow Symphony, which sells these solar eclipse glasses.

The historic 2024 total solar eclipse is set to make its trajectory from Texas to Maine on April 8. Mashable's Elisha Sauers, our space reporter, suggested some useful 2024 solar eclipse calculators to help you determine whether you're in its path.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon NEEWER 67mm Clip On Filters Kit for Phone & Camera Get Deal

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Rainbow Symphony Solar Eclipse Glasses Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Mia Goth is all hairspray and horror in A24's severely '80s 'MaXXXine' trailer

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 15:00

VHS tapes spattered with blood and big hair-sprayed hair will plunge you into '80s horror in the MaXXXine trailer.

A24 horror empress Mia Goth is back in the third instalment Ti West's horror trilogy following the writer and director's X and Pearl. This time set in the 1980s, the film follows adult film star and Hollywood hopeful Maxine Minx (Goth), who, after surviving a massacre, finally gets a role that could be her big screen breakthrough. But there's a serial killer called the Night Stalker on the loose, targeting rising Hollywood stars, and Maxine's past could catch up to her.

The cast for MaXXXine is stacked: Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins, and Halsey. Pearl and X alumni are back too, including director of photography Eliot Rockett and composer Tyler Bates.

MaXXXine stalks into cinemas July 5.

Categories: IT General, Technology

People with low vision can more easily play 'Counter Strike 2' with JBL's free software

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 13:45

First-person shooter (FPS) games just became more accessible for people with low vision.

Audio tech company JBL has teamed up with nonprofit AbleGamers and electronics company Harman to create new software that allows people with low vision to play FPS games with optimised audio cues.

SEE ALSO: The biggest assistive technology and accessibility triumphs of 2023

JBL Quantum Guide Play, which has been in development over the past year and has now been launched for use with Counter Strike 2, uses Spatial Audio, JBL Quantum's head tracking tech, and AI and machine learning algorithms to render in-game objects and buildings as audio cues. Essentially, the software reproduces the process of echolocation (when reflected sound waves help to establish the features of an environment), so gamers can map out the world and detect obstacles through sound.

JBL Quantum Guide Play essentially uses advanced tech to emulate echolation. Credit: JBL

It's a free tool that's now available to download from JBL's website for Windows only, and works with or without headphones. There's also a training map on Steam.

The tech company teamed up with nonprofit AbleGamers, which focuses on tackling social isolation for people with disabilities through building community through gaming.

"If you told me three years ago that a first-person shooter game would be played by a person with a visual impairment, I’d say that’s kind of hard, but many companies, like JBL, are investing in it, and this is a first step towards greater accessibility," Chris Bernauer, managing director, Ablegamers Brazil, told Mashable in a statement.

"When we’re talking about a first person shooter like Counter Strike, I don’t think a project like this would ever work without visually impaired players being part of it. Understanding what’s the core of the game and the tools needed, hence needing really good audio cues that will tell them that’s there’s an enemy, if there’s a wall in front of you, or that they need to shoot them.”

Credit: JBL

Sophie Soon, a Paralympic athlete and gamer diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, which causes deteriorating vision, said in a video for JBL Quantum Guide Play, "In my teenage years, I went to my friend’s house and we would play Left For Dead on the Xbox and that was something I really enjoyed and thought was super fun. But unfortunately as I get older, my condition deteriorates even further; it becomes a lot more difficult for me to play.

"When I first opened up the Guide Play application it really amazed me how detailed they were — like, making noises when there was a wall near me or letting me know of an alert if there was an enemy in front of me. All these things that I didn’t even think about has all been meticulously put into the game."

Josh Tseng, a digital accessibility specialist, YouTuber, and gamer diagnosed with congenital glaucoma, which also causes deteriorating vision, said in the video, "At the time when I was starting to lose my eyesight, games like Counter-Strike: GO, Fortnite, these were becoming very popular. And I’m not going to lie, I really did feel like I was missing out because these games were simply not built for people who are vision impaired."

Featured Video For You This talking, AI-powered backpack could help those with low vision navigate — Future Blink

According to the World Health Organisation, "2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment" worldwide — and among them, there are plenty of gamers like Tseng and Soon. JBL gave them the opportunity to test the Guide Play software both solo and in a multiplayer LAN party set-up.

"When I loaded up the game, it gave all the sound effects, the loading screen, and the whole experience of loading up an AAA game for the first time in what has to be years," said Tseng. "It actually felt really good."

"The whole experience of loading up an AAA game for the first time in what has to be years...it actually felt really good." - Josh Tseng

In a press release, JBL said it wants the gaming community to share their feedback on the software to help improve it, and for developers to download the open-source code to implement it into their own games — available "soon" according to the website.

"Through JBL Quantum Guide Play, we are creating a platform that enriches the gaming experience for everyone, transcending limitations and building a more inclusive gaming community," said Grace Koh, vice president and general manager, consumer audio, Harman Asia Pacific, in a press statement.

"JBL Quantum Guide Play is just a first step towards accessibility in FPS games. We are making it open-source and hoping that brands and developers can adopt it for their games and even contribute to its improvement."

JBL recommended that people with zero percent vision seek assistance setting up the software and on first use. You can download it from JBL's website.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What time is the eclipse today? When to watch wherever you are.

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:43

The total solar eclipse will be making its way across North America on Monday, April 8, and you better be set with your eclipse glasses in hand as the astronomical phenomenon passes.

But when exactly should the 43 million people under the total solar eclipse path have their heads turned up to the sky?

SEE ALSO: Everything about the 2024 solar eclipse you need to know Where to find total solar eclipse timesNASA's Eclipse Explorer

NASA, of course, has been monitoring the eclipse and updating the public for months. Check out their Eclipse Explorer, which also shows you previous eclipse paths, to see just how much of the 2024 eclipse you'll spot, and when. Just put in your zip code, hit enter, and find out everything you need to know.

For example, those in Dallas, Texas will need to have their eclipse glasses on before 1:40 p.m. CDT. Observers in Cleveland, Ohio can expect to see the total eclipse at 3:13 p.m. EDT, while Buffalo, New York residents will get theirs shortly after, at 3:18 p.m.

U.S. Naval Observatory's eclipse tool

The U.S. Naval calculator provides more specific data based on latitude and longitude (don't worry, they help you find that). Keep in mind you'll need to convert the time from Universal Time to your timezone. According to the site, Burlington, Vermont eclipse chasers will be glasses up at 3:26 p.m. EST.

Time and Date calculator

Global weather and clock website Time and Date has its own eclipse calculator, too, which provides a full timeline of eclipse events, simulations, and more.

Credit: PeterHermesFurian / iStock via Getty Images Plus Featured Video For You The coming solar eclipse is rare. But just how rare is it? Total solar eclipse times by state

While a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the entire continent, only regions in what's known as the "path of totality" will get to observe the total solar eclipse — sorry West Coasters. These include five states in Mexico, six Canadian provinces, and 15 U.S. states: Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont.

Totality will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST) and end around 5:16 p.m. Newfoundland Time (NDT).

Residents of U.S. states in Central Standard Time should expect to see the eclipse starting around 1:27 p.m. It will pass by 2:06 p.m.

Those on Eastern Standard Time will spy the solar eclipse between 3:01 p.m. and 3:35 p.m.

For more specific times for your city, check out one of the calculators above.

Check out more Mashable total solar eclipse coverage:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Solar eclipse 2024 livestream webcams: How to watch

Mashable - Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:37

A rare solar eclipse looms large on our cosmic calendars.

The moon will pass between the sun and Earth on April 8, 2024, allowing those in the 115-mile-wide "path of totality" to witness a gripping event. It's a celestial coincidence that reveals our star's ghostly corona (atmosphere), and if possible is an experience not to be missed.

Tens of millions in the U.S. reside in the coveted path where the moon's shadow traverses Earth's surface, but for those that either aren't in this relatively narrow region or simply want an online opportunity to view the eclipsed sun, NASA and other organizations will provide livestreamed footage of the event.

SEE ALSO: NASA astronaut witnessed an eclipse from space. It was 'unnatural.'

Here's how to watch the 2024 solar eclipse on the web.

The path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Credit: NASA Science Visualization Studio NASA solar eclipse livestreams

Between 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST on April 8, NASA will show views of the eclipsed sun from different parts of the path of totality, as the shadow of the moon moves across the nation.

"We'll have telescope feeds and experts talking about the science of the eclipse," Kelly Korreck, the space agency's eclipse program manager, said at a recent press conference.

- You can watch the NASA livestream with commentary on YouTube (the video is also posted below) and NASA+ (which is the space agency's streaming service).

- You can also watch a NASA livestream with more live telescope feeds (up to 12) and no commentary on YouTube or NASA TV's Media Channel.

- NASA will also host an eclipse-viewing party in Spanish beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on the agency's NASA en Español YouTube channel.

Exploratorium solar eclipse livestreams

The Exploratorium — an interactive science museum in San Francisco — will offer livestreams from the path of totality in Junction, Texas and Torreón, Mexico. Climatologically, these arid, southern areas have some of the best odds of clear, largely cloudless skies on April 8.

You can watch the Exploratorium's live feeds from the Exploratorium eclipse website. The Torreón, Mexico livestream starts at 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST) and the Junction, Texas stream begins at 10:45 a.m. PST (1:45 p.m. EST).

Eclipse feed from summit of Whiteface Mountain

The University at Albany Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC) has a new webcam atop Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains, located at 4,867 feet in elevation.

Tune into the Whiteface Mountain YouTube channel or watch below between 3:25 p.m. and 3:28 p.m. EST — that's when the total solar eclipse hits that region.

Virtual Telescope Project Solar Eclipse livestream

The Virtual Telescope Project — which livestreams footage from robotic telescopes to make astronomical sights available to the public — will use multiple telescopes to show the eclipsed sun.

"I'm happy to inform you that the Virtual Telescope Project will be sharing live, online, the upcoming total solar eclipse, thanks to a number of collaborators in
the right parts of the world," Gianluca Masi, an Italian astronomer and director of the Virtual Telescope Project, said in an email.

The livefeed is scheduled to start at 17:00 UTC (12 p.m. EST). You can watch on the site's WebTV.

And for those who still have the chance to see the total solar eclipse from the path of totality, eclipse viewers, experts, and astronomers alike all strongly recommend you experience this otherworldly event in the flesh.

"It blew me away," Terry Virts, a retired astronaut and former International Space Station commander, recently told Mashable. "It's an amazing, amazing experience."

Categories: IT General, Technology
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