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Give your car a tech update with a touchscreen display for only $75

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 14, update your car’s technology with a foldable touchscreen car display that's compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it’s on sale for $74.97 (reg. $159). 

If you have an older car, you may be longing for some modern technology for your ride. This 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display that's compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can give you a nice tech update without having to trade in your car. 

Modernize your dashboard by adding this touchscreen display so you can have access to your favorite apps from your phone. It has multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth capabilities, a built-in FM transmitter, and an AUX jack. You can tap into your favorite playlists and view maps directly from the screen

With the touch of a button, the voice command feature makes for a hands-free driving experience. Use Siri or Google Assistant to safely start navigation, make phone calls, read text messages, or play music so you can keep your eyes on the road. If your car has a backup camera, this display even has rearview camera support to assist you in reverse.

Check out the screencast option and mirror your phone in 1024x600 HD resolution.

This simple foldable touchscreen could be an affordable way to level up the way you ride. 

Until April 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get the 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on sale for only $74.97 (reg. $159).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 6.8" Foldable Touchscreen Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support $74.97 at the Mashable Shop
$159.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the time-traveling romance 'The Greatest Hits'

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 11:00
The best streaming deals to watch 'The Greatest Hits': BEST FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS Hulu (with ads) trial Free for 30 days, then $7.99/month (save 16%) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $9.99/month (save $5.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu (with ads) Free on Go5G Next T-Mobile plans (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Free one-month trial, then $5.99/month (save up to $12.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR LONG-TERM SUBSCRIBERS Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

It's no secret that music holds memories, but in The Greatest Hits, those memories quite literally pull Harriet (Lucy Boynton) back in time. It's a compelling concept, albeit a slight remix of an older trope (think The Time Traveler's Wife or About Time). Throw in some rom-com gooeyness and we've got ourselves a fun new flick.

Writer/director Ned Benson's The Greatest Hits also stars David Corenswet as Harriet's late boyfriend Max, Justin H. Min as her new love interest David, Parks and Recreation's Retta as her therapist, and Austin Crute as her best friend. The film has already brought in some mixed reviews from critics, but we'll let you watch and decide for yourself. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Greatest Hits online (and maybe even for free).

What is The Greatest Hits about?

After a tragic accident took the life of her boyfriend Max (David Corenswet), Harriet discovers that certain songs can transport her back in time for as long as the music plays. She uses the music to literally travel the timeline of their relationship, seeking an opportunity to change his fate. As she navigates her grief, her past collides with a new love interest in the present.

Billed as a rom-com, The Greatest Hits is also a portrait of grief and the arduous path of moving forward — not to mention, the transformative power of music.

Read our full review of The Greatest Hits.

When is The Greatest Hits streaming?

Originally premiering at SXSW 2024 and opening for limited release in theaters April 5, The Greatest Hits is set to make its streaming debut on Hulu on April 12. Already a Hulu subscriber? Amazing — come April 12, The Greatest Hits will be gracing your screen. Not yet a subscriber? Keep reading to learn the best ways to sign up for Hulu, including a generous trial period that may allow you to watch The Greatest Hits for free.

How to watch The Greatest Hits: The best Hulu streaming deals

If you'd rather skip the quick theatrical run and watch The Greatest Hits at home, you're going to need a Hulu subscription. There are monthly and annual options, ad-supported and ad-free tiers, free trials, third-party deals, and even bundle options to choose from. Lucky for you, we've broken down all the nitty gritty details to help you make the best decision for your streaming needs.

Best for new (or returning) subscribers: Hulu 30-day free trial Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free 30-day trial, then starting at $7.99 per month Get Deal

If you're completely new to streaming on Hulu or you're returning after cancelling a previous subscription, you can score a free 30-day trial and watch The Greatest Hits (and plenty more) without paying a cent. Just remember to cancel before your 30 days are up if you want to avoid being charged. If you choose to keep your subscription going, it'll cost you $7.99 per month with ads or $17.99 per month without.

Best for long-term viewing: Hulu (with ads) annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

Don't qualify for the free trial? You can still save some money by opting for an annual subscription to Hulu instead of paying monthly. It typically costs $7.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, but if you pay annually, that monthly fee drops down to just $6.67 per month. Sure, you'll have to pay $79.99 up front, but in the long run, you'll end up saving about 16%. If you plan on sticking around long term, this is your best bet.

Best for T-Mobile customers: Hulu (with ads) included for one year Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free with T-Mobile Go5G Next plan Get Deal

If you're not on a T-Mobile Go5G Next plan, this incentive may convince you to make the switch. T-Mobile customers on this plan can get Hulu with ads included for free as of Jan. 24 — and that's on top of the already stacked lineup of Netflix, Apple TV+, and MLB.tv. Just navigate to the T-Mobile website, choose "redeem now," and claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu. And after your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll have to take action in order to keep your Hulu subscription going. Otherwise, this deal is pretty straightforward.

Best for students: Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify / Hulu Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Free 30-day trial, then $5.99 per month Get Deal

College students have a couple different ways to sign up for Hulu for free or at a huge discount. First up, there's Spotify Premium for Students, which gives students access to Spotify Premium and Hulu with ads for only $5.99 per month. If you're new to the streamer, you'll also get your first month for free. The only requirement is that you can prove you're a student through SheerID's verification.

Don't need another music streaming service? No worries. You can also just sign up for a Hulu Student account for $1.99 per month — that's 75% off the usual monthly cost. Unfortunately, there's no free trial, but at that cost, it's forgivable. Like the first option, you'll also have to prove your student status through SheerID to claim the deal.

Best bundle deal: Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu + Disney+ (with ads) $9.99 per month (save 37%) Get Deal

Full disclosure: if you're simply looking to watch The Greatest Hits and bounce, this is not the best option. However, if you're looking for a well-rounded streaming deal (and one of the best ways to access Hulu), it doesn't get much better than the Disney bundle. With the Disney Duo bundle, you'll get access to Hulu with ads and Disney+ with ads for only $9.99 per month. That's just $2 more per month than paying for only Hulu (or 37% in savings). If you're also a sports person, you can toss ESPN+ in the mix with the Disney Trio bundle for only $14.99 per month. That's a total savings of 44%.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When the solar eclipse hits, you'll see these radiant planets

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 11:00

The solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will bring some solar system worlds into view.

For those in the 115-mile-wide path of totality — wherein the moon completely blocks the sun for a few minutes or so — the sky (weather-permitting) will darken to deep twilight. When that happens, millions of Americans will be able to see a number of planets.

Two will be especially radiant. You can't miss 'em.

"Jupiter and Venus will jump out," Aileen O'Donoghue, a radio astronomer at St. Lawrence University, told Mashable. O'Donoghue added that both of these objects will be brighter than Sirius, which is the brightest star in our night sky.

SEE ALSO: Solar eclipses were once extremely terrifying events, experts say

Here's how to spot these celestial objects during the rare total solar eclipse.

"Jupiter and Venus will jump out." The path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Credit: NASA Science Visualization Studio Featured Video For You The planets you can see during the 2024 solar eclipseVenus

"Venus will be blazing," O'Donoghue emphasized.

During the total solar eclipse, it will be located below the sun, about 15 degrees down to the right. You can use your fist, held out at arm's-length, to measure this distance. A held-out fist measures about 10 degrees.

Venus is bright because it's relatively close to Earth and is blanketed in extremely thick, heat-trapping clouds. These clouds reflect much of its sunlight back into space.

Jupiter

The gas giant Jupiter will be conspicuous, too. "Jupiter is going to be pretty obvious," O'Donoghue explained.

The planet, which is eleven times wider than Earth, will be up and to the left of the eclipsed sun, at about 30 degrees away (three fists).

Other Planets

Although Jupiter and Venus will be the planetary stars of the show, you will potentially be able to see some other planets, too. Both Saturn and Mars will appear near the horizon in the southwest. They'll be quite low, just about 10 degrees above the horizon. "They might pop out," O'Donoghue said.

A time-lapse of the moon eclipsing the sun in August 2017 during a total solar eclipse. Credit: NASA / Aubrey Gemignani Tweet may have been deleted The Devil Comet

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, amid a trip to the inner solar system, may potentially be visible during the eclipse. But unlike the planets, you'll need binoculars to see this smaller, fainter object. It will be just to the right of Jupiter, and maybe be visible if it has an outburst of dust and gas as it nears the sun.

But remember, you can only use normal binoculars to view the sun (or near it) if you're in the path of totality, and only when the moon has completely blocked the sun. Mashable goes deeper on when to wear your protective eclipse glasses here.

Enjoy the cosmic vista above.

Categories: IT General, Technology

28 of the best MIT courses you can take online for free

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available for free on edX.

You can find a wide range of free online courses from some of the most famous educational institutions in the world on edX. It's a gold mine for lovers of learning.

We have checked out everything on offer from edX, and lined up a selection of standout online courses from MIT. Ever heard of it? Of course you have. It doesn't get much bigger than MIT, and you could become a student without stepping foot outside your home. And without spending anything. You don't need to be a student of MIT to know that that's a good deal.

These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

It's important to note that these free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials, so you really don't have anything to lose. Seriously, what are you waiting for?

The best free online courses from MIT can be found on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 20TB of Prism Drive cloud storage for under £80

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage (20TB) is on sale for £71.08, saving you 93% on list price.

Those low storage warnings are no fun, but it's hard to get rid of them for good when you're working with less and less space on your devices. You may have deleted everything you can delete, but sometimes there are files you don't necessarily use that you also don't want to get rid of. Whether they're family photos, old homework files from school, or important work documents, not every file has to be something you use every day. If you have one place to keep all your extra files, then you can clear some space on your devices and save everything you want. 

That's where Prism Drive comes into play. This lifetime cloud storage service gives you 20TB to use as you please, and it's only £71.08 for a limited time.

Prism Drive is a secure solution for backing up your files. Whether you're using it for yourself or for the whole family, Prism Drive lets you keep all your files in one secure location that's all yours for life. 

Uploading your pictures isn't the same as locking them away in an old album. Prism Drive makes it easy to share your files with shareable links, so you can send anyone access to the photos you want them to see. 

This cloud service also makes it easy for you to do your own file management with tools like file previews. You can view photos or watch videos without downloading them, so they remain safely locked behind the 256-bit AES encryption. 

Stop letting pictures and old files clog your phone, tablet, or computer. Get a Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage 20TB lifetime subscription for just £71.08. That's the best price online, too. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Prism Drive Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: 20TB (Lifetime Subscription) £71.08 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 7

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 04:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for April 7's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Clean your room

  • Green: Well-built; stocky

  • Blue: Well-known molasses flavored snack

  • Purple: Types of horses

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Disorderly Place

  • Green: Sturdy

  • Blue: Found in Cracker Jacks

  • Purple: ___Horse

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #301 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Disorderly Conduct: DUMP, MESS, PIGPEN, STY

  • Sturdy: FIRM, SOLID, SOUND, STABLE

  • Found in Cracker Jacks: CARAMEL, PEANUTS, POPCORN, PRIZE

  • ___Horse: CHARLEY, CRAZY, DARK, GIFT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 7

Mashable - Sun, 04/07/2024 - 03:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 7's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

The French way of having a brain blast.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter V.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1023 is...

VOILA.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Iowa's win over UConn inspired heated reactions and memes

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 19:26

Iowa women's basketball squeaked by UConn — a blue-blood giant of the sport — in the NCAA Final Four on Friday night. Led by superstar Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes bested the Paige Bueckers-led Huskies by a score of 71-69.

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

In case you missed it — which is increasingly unlikely considering how the sport is rocketing in popularity during this tournament — it was an amazing game. UConn did about as good a job as a team can in containing Clark, but the star's teammates stepped up under the big lights.

It was tight the entire game and the chatter online was fantastic. It was fascinating to see Iowa — a No. 1 seed but a historically weaker program elevated by a single great player — take on the legendary UConn. People online loved it.

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There was some controversy, however. A late offensive foul call against UConn helped decide the outcome. Most folks didn't argue there wasn't a foul on the play — UConn set a pretty straightforward moving screen — but rather people thought the call shouldn't have been made in the final moments of the game. In the end, though, it was a foul and the call was made. It all but sealed things for Iowa.

Some folks joked and hypothesized that ESPN wanted Clark in the final. Others pointed out that there was a foul and the call was correct. Even into Saturday afternoon, the arguments kept on going.

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Up next? Iowa will play the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday to decide a champion. It'll certainly be an interesting game. The Hawkeyes have Clark, sure, but South Carolina hasn't lost a game all year. It'll be a heck of a matchup and you can rest assured folks will be arguing about it online.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta briefly blocked a local news organization critical of Facebook

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 16:51

Meta blocked, then apologized for blocking, a local news organization that published a column criticizing Facebook.

The Kansas Reflector, a nonprofit news org, published an op-ed about Facebook this week that criticized the tech giant for refusing ads promoting a documentary about climate change. The Reflector and its readers soon after realized links from the paper were not working on both Facebook and Threads.

SEE ALSO: https://mashable.com/article/facebook-video-format-vertical-tiktok

This, of course, led to concerns that Meta was stifling criticism of its platforms. In response to those concerns, the website The Handbasket republished the op-ed under the headline, "Here's the column Meta doesn't want you to see." Links to the site were then blocked, falsely labeling it as spam or malicious, The Wrap noted.

Meta, however, has said this was all a big mistake and that it never intentionally blocked folks from sharing the column. It claimed that a security error was to blame.

"Due to a security error, links to the @kansasreflector were blocked for a period of time," Meta spokesperson Andy Stone wrote on Threads. "The same security concern mistakenly prompted the blocking of links to News From The States and The Handbasket. The incorrectly applied blocks have now been lifted from all three domains, but it does take time for our system to fully repopulate all the links. This is undoubtedly frustrating and we sincerely apologize to all who have been impacted. We will continue to monitor the situation."

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This all could be a misunderstanding. On the one hand, it's difficult to believe a tech giant's explanation for blocking a news organization. On the other hand, Facebook is criticized all the time — even more pointedly than the column in the Reflector — and Meta doesn't block those news organizations.

No matter what the case, the column is once again shareable on Facebook for those who are so inclined.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Elon Musk promises Tesla robotaxis in August

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 16:03

Elon Musk, as the billionaire head of X and Tesla is wont to do, fired off a tweet announcing major business news without providing further clarification.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X pushed a fake headline about Iran attacking Israel. X's AI chatbot Grok made it up.

Musk tweeted Friday, "Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8." That was shortly before 5 p.m. ET after the stock market had closed.

This post was almost assuredly a response to a detailed report from Reuters about Tesla's Robotaxi plan. The news service had published an in-depth feature reporting that Tesla wanted to scrap its plan to manufacture a low-cost vehicle in favor of the robotaxi.

In response, Musk posted, "Reuters is lying (again)." Musk did not refute anything specific about the Reuter's report, however. Then, not much later, Musk posted the tweet saying Robotaxi would be unveiled on Aug. 8, seemingly in line with Reuters' reporting.

As is often the case with the Tesla CEO, it's tough to parse what is real and what is bluster because Musk has such a knack for it. Even if the Robotaxi is unveiled in August, that doesn't mean we'll suddenly have them all over the road. Dropping the curtain on a car is relatively easy when compared to having functional, safe, and legal automated cars on the road.

Remember when Tesla unveiled a robot with a guy dancing in a robot suit then later unveiled a robot that couldn't stand? Keep that in mind when thinking about what we'll actually get in August.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 6

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 13:00

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 6 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 6

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, April 6, 2024:

AcrossDefeat by a large margin
  • The answer is Drub.

Accident-___ (clumsy)
  • The answer is Prone.

Painter Monet
  • The answer is Claude.

Ironic name of Elle Woods's chihuahua in "Legally Blonde"
  • The answer is Bruiser.

Track athlete
  • The answer is Runner.

Double-___ sword
  • The answer is Edged.

Intoxicating substance sometimes called "bud"
  • The answer is Weed.

DownTotally out of energy

The answer is Drained.

Stirred from slumber
  • The answer is Roused.

Opposite of over
  • The answer is Under.

Intoxicating substance sometimes called "Bud"
  • The answer is Beer.

Polar bear ___ (cold swim)
  • The answer is Plunge.

Having a potty mouth
  • The answer is Crude.

Make, as 4-Down
  • The answer is Brew.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You've got to see the biggest digital camera on Earth. It's car-sized.

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:30

The biggest digital camera on Earth is finished — and it will soon revolutionize our grasp of the cosmos.

The Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California announced the completion of its LSST Camera, short for "Legacy Survey of Space and Time." The giant-lensed instrument is the size of a car, the lab said, and in 2025 it will begin snapping deep space images at the much-anticipated Vera C. Rubin Observatory located in the lofty Chilean mountains. You can view images of the unprecedented camera below.

"With the completion of the unique LSST Camera at SLAC and its imminent integration with the rest of Rubin Observatory systems in Chile, we will soon start producing the greatest movie of all time and the most informative map of the night sky ever assembled," Željko Ivezić, director of Rubin Observatory Construction and an astronomer at the University of Washington, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The camera and the telescope it's mounted to will pack a potent punch. Engineers will attach the big camera — which weighs three metric tons (about 3.3 U.S. tons) — to the observatory's 27.5-foot-wide (8.4-meter) Simonyi Survey Telescope, itself a revolutionary instrument: It will be the fastest large telescope on Earth, with the ability to swivel 180 degrees in just 20 seconds.

The goal is to create an unprecedented catalog of the cosmos. It'll be "the first time a telescope will catalog more galaxies than there are people on Earth," the lab explained. Every 20 seconds, the giant digital camera will capture a 15-second exposure. The camera is so big that each image covers a zone of sky over 40 times the area of a full moon.

With a front lens of over five feet wide, the camera has extremely high resolution. "Its images are so detailed that it could resolve a golf ball from around 15 miles away, while covering a swath of the sky seven times wider than the full moon," Aaron Roodman, the Rubin Observatory deputy director, noted in a statement. "These images with billions of stars and galaxies will help unlock the secrets of the universe."

Travis Lange, a deputy project manager for the LSST Camera, inspects the car-sized instrument. Credit: Olivier Bonin / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory A view looking down upon the the LSST Camera. Credit: Jacqueline Ramseyer Orrell / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory A graphic showing the size of the LSST camera. Credit: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

It's a 21st century-camera on a truly 21st century-telescope.

"Its images are so detailed that it could resolve a golf ball from around 15 miles away"

"I think of us as building the 'crawler and Google search for the sky,'" Mario Juric, a professor at the University of Washington who's working on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, told Mashable in 2023. "Now, rather than going to a large telescope (which sometimes can take months to propose, approve, and execute), a scientist will be able to go to a website, run a query, and get to the data in seconds. Huge improvement in efficiency and a democratization of access to best possible datasets."

How the telescope will change our understanding of space

- Over the past couple centuries, astronomers and space agencies like NASA have found some 1.2 million asteroids in our solar system. After three to six months of observations, Rubin will double this number. In 10 years, a whopping 5 million asteroids will be known, Juric said.

- The number of icy worlds beyond the distant planet Neptune ("trans-neptunian objects" and dwarf planets) will increase around tenfold.

- There are two known interstellar comets today. Ruben will identify between 10 and 50 times more.

- "And — should 'Planet X' exist— there's a high chance Rubin would find it (we cover the entire area on the sky where it's likely to be)," Juric explained. Planet X is a speculative world in our solar system that may exist well beyond the orbit of Pluto.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory isn't the only huge, futuristic telescope soon to start surveying the night sky. The Giant Magellan Telescope, researching the universe's evolution and the nature of planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets), comes online in the late 2020s. The Extremely Large Telescope, with a mirror 128 feet wide, will become the largest optical telescope on Earth later this decade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Garmin Lily 2 review: A smartwatch that doesn't scream 'fitness tracker'

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:10

There are many options for smartwatches on the market. From more “traditional” smartwatches from Apple and Samsung to fitness-focused options from brands like Fitbit and Garmin, choosing your perfect smartwatch can be overwhelming — especially if you want something with form and functionality. 

Personally, I’ve been an Apple Watch user for several years, but — while I love the convenience of my Series 4 — I’m kind of tired of wearing it. The appearance of my Apple Watch was never my favorite, but many other options on the market sported the same problems. They’re either too square, too clunky, too sporty, or too big — which is why I was thrilled to see that Garmin had released its new Lily 2 smartwatch

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers of 2024: Tested and reviewed

Billed as a fashion-forward smartwatch for women, the Garmin Lily 2 ticked a lot of the boxes I didn’t know I was looking for. With a smaller watch face, a hidden display, and six different color options available, it certainly looks better than most of the smartwatches I’ve seen on the market — but is it worth the $249 price tag

I decided to try it out for myself, and here’s what you need to know: 

The Garmin Lily 2 smartwatch looks absolutely stunning 

Straight out of the box, the Lily 2 is one of the prettiest smartwatches I’ve seen. I chose the Garmin Lily 2 Classic in cream gold with a tan leather band, and I was impressed by how well-made this watch is. The patterned watch face isn’t something I thought I’d appreciate, but it’s a subtle feature that lends an Art Deco feel to what is already a beautiful watch.

The watch face itself is small and sturdy, with two different finishes on the cream gold exterior, and the Italian leather band is a far cry from the silicone bands I’ve used in the past. The watch itself also holds a water-resistant rating of 5 ATM — up to a depth of 50 meters — which Garmin says should withstand splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, and more. (However, the band you choose might impact how you treat the watch around water.)

The watch also features a hidden display, which is beautiful in theory, but I found the lack of analog watch hands slightly disappointing. Other Garmin watches sport physical watch hands — allowing you to tell the time without “activating” the digital display — and I felt like this feature would’ve given the Lily 2 a little bit more polish. Plus, the display itself is grayscale and somewhat pixelated, making the experience feel slightly less luxe than the physical watch.

The Garmin Lily 2 looks great on the surface, but the digital display was lackluster. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

The swipe functions were also a little slower than those on my Apple Watch, which meant the experience of using the Lily 2 didn’t quite match the way it looked. It’s a beautiful accessory, yes, and it packs a powerful punch with health tracking — but the smartwatch functionalities were a bit lacking compared to other options on the market. It does include Garmin Pay, and it’s compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones, so you can receive texts, emails, and calendar alerts on your watch. However, it’s also highly tethered to your phone — so you’ll need to carry your phone with you to get features like GPS data on workouts, weather data, etc. 

Most of Garmin’s tracking features were incredible

While I was impressed by the Garmin Lily 2 out-of-the-box, many of the tracking features were even better than I expected. The Lily 2 boasts a suite of Garmin’s best health tracking features — including the sleep score — allowing you to track everything from your heart rate, steps, workouts, respiration, stress levels, and more. As someone new to Garmin watches, I was particularly impressed by the “body battery” score, which estimates your energy levels throughout the day by utilizing your heart rate variability (HRV), stress levels, sleep quality, and exercise activity. 

Compared to my Apple Watch — which also tracks things like steps, exercise activity, respiration, and heart rate — I found that the addition of the stress score, sleep score, and body battery gave me deeper insight into the data I was tracking. Not only did this help me monitor my stress and energy levels throughout the day, but it also helped me better interpret my own health data.

My Apple Watch Series 4 compared to the Garmin Lily 2. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

Because the stress score is based on physiological stress not just emotional stress, for example, I started discovering which things contributed to a high-stress score — like a heavy meal, an intense workout, or my tendency to pace on phone calls — which allowed me to adjust my habits throughout the day. If my body battery was depleting faster than I wanted it to, for example, I’d switch my workout for a meditation session (or a nap). As someone who is an avid proponent of energy management, this made the Lily 2 an incredible companion for structuring my day to maintain optimal energy. 

SEE ALSO: Tracking your stress may be more stressful than you imagined

And surprisingly? Most of the data seemed pretty accurate. I don’t love wearing watches or bracelets at night, but I did sport the Lily 2 for a week of bedtimes, and the sleep score was a helpful piece of information. That being said, I wasn’t quite health-obsessed enough to want to keep wearing it at night, but the rest of my information — like my Stress Score and Body Battery — still felt pretty accurate even without tracking my sleep. 

What I liked about the Garmin Lily 2: Tracking, aesthetic, connectivity

Obviously, the Lily 2 gave me a lot to love. The aesthetic of the watch was incredible, aside from minor disappointment with the display, and the tracking features were a great asset. I loved being able to use the watch to manage my energy levels, understand how different choices impacted my well-being, and change my habits accordingly. Plus, the battery life held up to the five-day estimate, and — since it charged incredibly fast — I was able to take the watch off during a shower and put it back on, fully charged. 

Not only is it a stunning smartwatch packed with some great tracking functionalities, but the Lily 2 also paired easily with my Apple iPhone 11 Pro, meaning I could receive text messages, notifications, weather updates, and more. Whether I was working out, going for a walk, or deep in my workday, the watch was cute, comfortable, and surprisingly convenient — except for a few key features.

What I didn’t like about it: Activity UX and the Garmin Connect app

While the Garmin Lily 2 worked great most of the time, it fell flat in a few key areas: activity tracking and the Garmin Connect app. 

With activity tracking, the watch generally performed okay, but certain activities offered some serious issues. Treadmill activities, for instance, didn’t log any distance — everything else was tracking just fine, including my step count and heart rate — but after half a mile on the treadmill, I glanced at my watch and saw it had registered a distance of zero feet. 

I hopped off, opened the app to troubleshoot, and spent the next thirty minutes battling with the Garmin Connect App. I tried searching for solutions on Garmin’s support forms, restarted my phone and watch, and even reset the watch back to factory settings, but nothing seemed to work. I could modify the distance in the Garmin Connect online portal to match my treadmill’s reading — and the distance seemed to work just fine on outdoor walks and runs — but treadmill workouts continued to be a source of frustration. 

SEE ALSO: The TikTok girlies are right: You need a standing desk and treadmill

Other activities seemed to function fine  —  distance logged correctly on outdoor walks and runs — but it felt like the “activities” feature on the app was surprisingly lacking for a fitness-focused smartwatch. Once I started an activity, for example, I was locked into tracking it. I couldn’t access anything else on the watch without stopping the activity, and I couldn’t find the option to even pause and resume an activity once it was started. 

Take a look under the hood. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

Again, it felt like the data I was receiving was incredible — aside from my hiccups with the Treadmill activity — but the actual experience of using it fell short. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it just didn’t feel quite as good compared to other smartwatches I’ve tried. 

Unfortunately, my experience with the Garmin Connect app was also somewhat lackluster. The app worked fine, but it was cluttered, overwhelming, and confusing — even for someone who is fairly tech-savvy. Some settings were buried under multiple menus, while others seemed to be accessible only on the Garmin Connect online portal, not the app itself. 

While I’m rarely a fan of companion apps, especially when they’re unnecessary, the Garmin Connect app is necessary — which made the lack of user-friendliness even more frustrating. Some days my information wouldn’t appear on the “my day” window at all unless I refreshed my watch’s connection several times, and trying to understand the different settings under the “more” section felt impossible. That being said, it wasn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for me — the app’s functionality didn’t seem to impact my experience with the watch, aside from the issue with distance measurements on treadmill workouts — it just felt unnecessarily complicated.

Is the Garmin Lily 2 worth it?

If you’re looking for a small, beautiful watch with some simple everyday health-tracking functionality, the Lily 2 might be the perfect smartwatch for you. Garmin has clearly built an amazing piece of hardware with this watch, but as I mentioned above, it’s the software that feels a bit lacking. However, not everyone will notice (or care) about those things, making the Lily 2 a great option for someone who wants a stylish, simple smartwatch to track activity without a ton of bells and whistles. 

As a smartwatch for the fitness-obsessed, however, I found myself wishing for more. The watch is stylish, yes, but it doesn’t stand up against more powerful sports watches — and it’s certainly not as “smart” as other smartwatches. So if you’re looking for a great workout companion — or you want to try out more advanced smartwatch features — you might want to look elsewhere.

Opens in a new window Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Garmin Lily 2 $249.00 at Amazon
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Categories: IT General, Technology

Take your language-learning skills to the next level with Rosetta Stone

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 7, learn multiple languages with a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone for only $179.99 (reg.$399) with code ROSETTA

Whether you’re looking to learn a new language for career advancement or an upcoming vacation to a foreign land, being bilingual can be beneficial in a plethora of ways. This lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone gives you award-winning interactive software that has 25 different languages to choose from. 

Rosetta Stone uses an immersive training method that’s fit for language learners of all levels. The advanced speech-recognition technology analyzes your words and provides real-time feedback. The program’s instant response helps improve your accent, pronunciation, and cadence to discourage any bad habits from forming. 

You’ll start with basic conversational skills and gradually move on to intermediate language skills. Before you know it, you should be reading, writing, and conversing in your newly learned language. Book that trip abroad with the confidence that you can communicate with the locals.

With a one-time purchase, this lifetime subscription is accessible immediately upon download. It enables you to go at your own pace and squeeze in short lessons on your own time. Rosetta Stone is available on mobile and desktop, so you can learn at home or on the commuter train to work. It’s like having a private tutor at your disposal.

Get a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone (all languages) for only $179.99 (reg. $399) with code ROSETTA until April 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

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Own 20TB of cloud storage for life for just $90

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 7, you can get 20TB of cloud storage for life with Prism Drive on sale for $89.97. That’s less than paying for nine months of Dropbox.

If you’ve ever had the gut-sinking feeling of losing your phone — or dropping it in the toilet — and feared that you’d just lost all of your precious photos and videos forever, you already know the importance of backing up your devices. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and right now it’s more affordable than ever with Prism Drive’s 20TB lifetime cloud storage plan on sale for $89.97 (reg. $1,494) through April 7. That’s an exclusive price.

User-friendly storage at a wallet-friendly price

Prism Drive is a web-based app that takes any type of file from any of your devices. Easily transfer those sacred pet pics and selfies from your smartphone with easy mobile upload, back up school or work projects from your laptop with support for large files, and move anything else over with a simple drag-and-drop.

Everything you upload is protected with AES 256-bit and HTTPS encryption in both rest and transfer. You can also easily share any type of file — pictures, videos, graphics, audio, presentations, and more — with shareable links and previews to make sure you’re sending the correct one.

You won’t find a better lifetime offer anywhere else

This 20TB Prism Drive plan will likely cover your storage needs for life. It might be more than you need now but, as you and the world of technology both grow, your storage needs will follow. And, again, it’s better to be safe than sorry and get more storage than you think you may need.

You’re also getting such an incredible value with this lifetime offer; at $89.97 for life, that’s less than paying for nine months of Dropbox and you get to keep Prism Drive for life. Plus, you’re getting ten times the comparable storage capacity.

Back up your files affordably with Prism Drive’s 20TB lifetime cloud storage plan at $89.97 (reg. $1,494) until April 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed for this best-on-web price.

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This refurbished 6th-Gen Apple iPad is on sale for $160

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 7, this refurbished iPad 6th-Gen and accessories bundle is only $159.99 (reg. $249). 

Laptops are great until they start to weigh you down. This previously owned 6th-gen Apple iPad is the perfect grab-and-go device and is a fraction of the cost of most brand-new computers.  

The 9.7-inch display has stunning graphics and a more pleasurable viewing experience. Enjoy the convenience of the multi-touch screen as you navigate different apps and accomplish tasks faster. You’ll love watching your favorite shows with crystal clear images on the stunning Retina display. 

With 32GB of storage and 2GB of memory, you’ll have plenty of space for all of your large files, content, and extensive photo collection. This iPad has Apple Pay and Touch ID for quick access to payment and apps. Should you ever need help with everyday tasks, Siri is happy to assist in responding to voice commands, setting reminders, sending messages, and more. 

Stay in touch with co-workers, friends, and family with the iSight & FaceTime HD Cameras. The high-definition camera quality captures photos and videos in greater detail so you can enjoy the memories for years to come. 

The 6th Gen iPad has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for staying connected and transferring files anywhere you go. Get up to 10 hours of battery life and never worry about losing power throughout the day. This bundle also includes charging accessories, a case, a screen protector, and a stylus. 

Get the refurbished 2018 Apple iPad 6th-Gen 9.7" (WiFi only) and accessories bundle for only $159.99 (reg. $249). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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$249.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal
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Save on airfare with Dollar Flight Club for over $300 off

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 7, score a lifetime subscription to Dollar Flight Club's Premium Plus plan for $169.97, no coupon needed.

From going on incognito mode to setting price alerts to booking months in advance, there are a plethora of tips doled out by folks in the name of cheaper airfare. But the truth is scoring deals on flights is much harder now than it used to be, with most purported tricks falling short of delivering substantial savings.

Rather than dedicating endless hours to hunting down budget fares, let Dollar Flight Club take the reins. It's a price deal alert service that works 24/7 to find you the best deals, and through April 7, you can score a Premium Plus subscription for over $300 off.

The Premium Plus plan stands as the best tier among Dollar Flight Club's subscription options. Subscribers get served an array of deals across domestic and international routes, including economy, first class, and business class options, letting you pick from a wider selection of flights and choose one that fits your budget. Past deals include roundtrip fares as low as $289 to Paris, $455 to Japan, and a mere $38 for a round trip to Miami. If you're lucky, you can save up to $2000 on every flight.

In addition to email alerts, you can also opt to get text notifications whenever there's a deal departing for your travel bucket list destinations. All that's required is to enter your preferred departure airports on the platform, then sit back and watch the deals trickle in.

Exclusive perks for Premium Plus members don't stop at airfare deals. You also get a 20% discount on Mobile Passport Plus, which allows you to scan your travel documents on the Mobile Passport app and breeze past long lines at the airport. You even get to snag discounts on products from partner brands like Huckberry and enjoy priority customer support for life.

Jet set for life with a lifetime Premium Plus subscription to Dollar Flight Club. It usually goes for $507, but new users can get it for only $169.97 through April 7.

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Grab this 5-in-1 portable battery on sale for $54 off

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through April 7, this power bank can charge five gadgets at once, and you can get it for $64.97.

Nowadays, there are so many devices to carry around with us. Between a smartwatch, wireless headphones, e-reader, and gaming console, that's a lot of stuff to charge. The challenge of having a large tech collection? Having to keep their batteries alive.

But if you have a trusty power bank like this one, you don't have to worry about juggling chargers and adapters trying to keep them powered up at the same time. This 5-in-1 Multi-Device Power Pack is a portable charger that can refuel up to five devices simultaneously, and through April 7, you can get it on sale for $54 off.

Equipped with a 10,000 mAh battery, this power bank can fully charge your devices many times over. It has built-in Lightning and USB-C cables, and two extra ports to accommodate a broad spectrum of device types, from Apple to Android. It supports 15W wireless charging as well, so you can power up smartphones and earbuds, or any Qi-enabled gadget, for that matter, completely cord-free.

One of the USB-C ports supports fast PD charging, making it capable of juicing up any PD-compatible device to 50% in under half an hour. And even when the battery pack itself is being recharged, it can continue to power up an attached device. Its compact design also makes it a great travel companion, ready to revive your devices whenever they run low on the go.

Stay charged with the 5-in-1 Multi-Device Power Pack. Usually retailing for $199, you can grab it on sale for $64.97 until April 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT, no coupon necessary.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Shenzhen Centralspot Innovation 5-in-1 Multi-Device Power Pack $64.97 at the Mashable Shop
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What NOT to do during the imminent solar eclipse

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

A cosmic marvel — a total solar eclipse — is imminent.

The event on April 8, 2024, will allow tens of millions in the 115-mile-wide path of totality to experience the moon completely block the sun, turning day to deep twilight and revealing our star's resplendent corona. It's a rare eclipse opportunity, though experiencing it comfortably and safely requires a bit of know-how.

Here's what you should avoid doing during an event that experts say you must try to see.

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

"In my experience you can't overhype it," Richard Fienberg, an astronomer and senior advisor at the American Astronomical Society, told Mashable earlier this year.

Don't drive during the eclipse.

When the moon completely blocks the sun, things get strange. The total eclipse experience is intense, as the temperature drops and day quickly darkens. It's a certain way to increase the odds of distracted drivers.

"A lot of people will be very distracted at that point — avoid traffic at that time," Jack Singal, an astrophysicist at the University of Richmond, told Mashable. "Avoid being a pedestrian," he added.

If you must drive, stay vigilant.

"A lot of people will be very distracted at that point — avoid traffic at that time."

"We want to make sure we're looking out for the pedestrians," Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator, urged at a recent space agency press conference. "It's important that we stay focused on everyone around us. People probably are going to be stopping, so be careful."

The path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Credit: NASA Science Visualization Studio Featured Video For You What is the total solar eclipse on April 8th and how can you see it? Don't buy "NASA-approved" or unvetted solar eclipse glasses.

NASA doesn't manufacture, endorse, or "approve" solar eclipse glasses.

If you purchase eclipse glasses from a vendor or manufacturer that makes this claim, it's possible that the product does in fact meet the international safety standard (ISO 12312-2) for looking directly at the sun, but they're not being honest sellers. Instead, try to ensure your product has been vetted by the American Astronomical Society. They provide a thorough list of sellers here: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters.

"We're not going to link to anybody who is making false claims," the organization's Fienberg emphasized. "Not only are we convinced the products are safe, we feel comfortable linking to these companies because they're following good business practices."

Generally, it's wise to use this list while shopping online for the coming and future solar eclipses.

Don't leave right after the solar eclipse.

If you leave after the event, you'll likely hit traffic. It's a good idea to at least make it a day trip. Bring supplies. Bring friends.

"Arrive early. Stay put. And leave late."

"Don't leave right after the eclipse. Otherwise you'll just get stuck in traffic," Fienberg, an experienced eclipse viewer, explained. "Arrive early. Stay put. And leave late."

A total solar eclipse photographed in August 2017. Credit: NASA / Gopalswamy Don't remove eclipse glasses until the sun is completely blocked.

The greater eclipse event will last some two-and-a-half hours. For most of the time, the sun is partially blocked as the moon gradually blocks the sun — meaning a partial solar eclipse.

But in the middle — for some three to over four minutes — the sun is totally eclipsed. It's only then that you can remove your solar eclipse glasses.

"You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face — during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer)," NASA explains. "As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun," the space agency said.

Make sure to view a solar eclipse with approved eclipse glasses. Credit: NASA / Mamta Patel Nagaraja Don't worry about taking the perfect eclipse picture.

Astrophotography is cool — if you have the right equipment. But during the few minutes or so you have to experience totality, an event that won't happen in the U.S. for another 20 years, Fienberg suggests just embracing the experience rather than trying to snap pictures (with a solar filter) on your phone.

"Don't worry about trying to get great photos of it."

"Don't worry about trying to get great photos of it," he emphasized. "Use those precious few minutes to observe all around you." 

Don't forget about viewing the planets during the eclipse.

During totality, you'll have an opportunity to glimpse planets in the darkened sky. Weather-permitting, Venus and Jupiter will be particularly radiant.

- Venus will be located below the sun, about 15 degrees down to the right. You can use your fist, held out at arm's-length, to measure this distance. A held-out fist measures about 10 degrees. Venus is bright because it's relatively close to Earth and is blanketed in extremely thick, heat-trapping clouds. These clouds reflect much of its sunlight back into space.

- Jupiter, which is 11 times wider than Earth, will be up and to the left of the eclipsed sun, at about 30 degrees away (three fists).

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 15 best new shows on Netflix

Mashable - Sat, 04/06/2024 - 11:00

Netflix has a lot of shows and movies from which to choose. Like, a lot. Sifting through all the streaming options can cause chronic indecision, leaving us scrolling down the Netflix main page just trying to pick something to watch.

Instead of getting overwhelmed and rewatching a Netflix OG classic like Stranger Things, The Queen's Gambit, or The Crown, how about trying something new? Sure, even that selection can be overwhelming. But we've done the hard part of watching them, and can confidently vouch for these.

Here are best new Netflix original series released in the past 12 months.   

1. Ripley Credit: Lorenzo Sisti / Netflix

Opting for the icy black-and-white aesthetic of an expensive perfume ad was the first of many smart choices that Ripley creator Steven Zaillian made in this reworking of Patricia Highsmith's storied novel. If The Talented Mr. Ripley brings to mind the vivid colors of the over-ripened Italy in Anthony Minghella's lush 1999 film, you'll recognize from the first frame of Ripley that you're in a very different world this time around. 

SEE ALSO: 'Ripley' review: Andrew Scott is a stone cold marvel in exquisite Highsmith adaptation

More film noir than sexy travelogue, Ripley sees the exceptional Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) taking on the role of Highsmith's infamous sociopathic grifter, out to insert himself into and eventually steal the life of shipping heir Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn, Emma) and his suspicious girlfriend, Marge (Dakota Fanning). The Italy they move through seems as cold as Ripley's heart, yet somehow the tension Zaillian wrings from Ripley's very bad antics stay as addictive and heart-racing as ever.

How to watch: Ripley is now streaming on Netflix

2. Girls5eva Credit: Emily V. Aragones / Netflix

Originally airing on Peacock, Girls5eva has moved over to Netflix for its third season, which will hopefully give the criminally under-the-radar show the boost it's been so deserving of these past few years. Real-life Broadway icons Sara Bareilles (Waitress) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton), alongside television funny ladies Paula Pell and Busy Philipps, star as the past-their-prime girl group Girls5eva. (They did have a fifth member, but she died.)

SEE ALSO: 'Girls5eva' Interview: Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philips and Paula Pell break down their Season 3 character arcs

That stench of death and failure follows these four grown-ass women around — hilariously so! — as they try to reignite their singing careers two decades after their initial debut. And even their prime wasn't that hot! They were like fifth-tier TRL guests. Yet they plug away, half of them unburdened by shame, the other half cringing themselves to sleep every night. The show mines rich comedy from the disconnect between the youth that stardom feeds upon with the wisdom to know better — the latter being constantly, desperately shoved aside in hopes of just one more pop tart magazine spread.

How to watch: Girls5eva is now streaming on Netflix

3. Physical: 100 (Season 2)

If you don't have any interest in watching South Korea's fittest and most beautiful people getting sweaty and fiercely competitive with one another, then I don't know what to tell you. This reality series competition sees a hundred of the country's buffest facing one another down in elaborately staged physical contests, like hanging from ropes and retrieving barrels from sunken ships. It's Ninja Warrior meets Squid Game (just, you know, not deadly like the latter). Most satisfyingly of all, the contestants are forced to smash plaster-sculpted busts of their own torsos with a sledgehammer when they lose. It's everything. 

How to watch: Physical: 100 (Season 2) is now streaming on Netflix

4. 3 Body Problem Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (aka the dudes behind Game of Thrones) are back and world-building again with 3 Body Problem, an adaptation of superstar sci-fi author Liu Cixin's trilogy of books. The world itself (most of the time) looks like our own — at first, anyway. Then the strange molded chrome VR headsets start showing up and taking the modern characters into a bizarre fantasy realm… And there are also lots of flashbacks to the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960s. Somehow, all of this will explain why all of the stars in the night sky have begun blinking on and off. 

SEE ALSO: '3 Body Problem' review: The ghost of 'Game of Thrones' haunts Netflix's sci-fi epic

There are lots of familiar faces here, like Benedict Wong (who most will recognize from his ongoing stint in the MCU), Jonathan Pryce, Eiza González (Ambulance, Baby Driver), plus Liam Cunningham and John Bradley have tagged along with their Game of Thrones hosts. But the real stars are Liu Cixin's big ideas. This is hard modern sci-fi, and it turns out to be a real pleasure to watch a scripted series embrace such a thing. Although it does have some fantasy elements, the pleasure here is feeling like it's the skin of our own world being peeled back to expose the microscopic threads barely holding this familiar reality together. (Until they don't. Just wait until you see the instantly iconic "boat scene.")

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix

5. The Outreau Case: A French Nightmare

If the recent Oscar-winning film Anatomy of a Fall piqued your interest in the French judicial system, then here is another opportunity to try and figure it out (although this doc surely paints it at its absolute worst). The Outreau Case: A French Nightmare is a true crime documentary series about a case that rocked a town in northern France back in the early aughts. 

When a mother of four was accused of horrific child abuse, she began naming co-conspirators — and didn't stop. Somehow, Myriam Badaoui convinced everyone that there was a child abuse ring operating within the small town of Outreau, which led to a media circus and a modern-day witch hunt. Her claims were eventually rescinded in what one lawyer describes as "a judicial Chernobyl." This is the justice system at its cruelest and clumsiest, and it's an infuriating but riveting spectacle to watch.   

How to watch: The Outreau Case: A French Nightmare is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Avatar: The Last Airbender Credit: Robert Falconer / Netflix

This is the latest attempt to bring Avatar: The Last Airbender to the screen in a way that satisfies long-time fans of the original Nickelodeon series. There was, of course, the sequel series, The Legend of Korra, as well as the seriously reviled live-action M. Night Shyamalan film from 2010. Netflix's version bridges the gap in more ways than one; by making it a live-action series, there's plenty of time for all of the storylines, with none of the cartoon! 

SEE ALSO: 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' review: Not awful. Not great. Just fine.

Clearly trying to court Game of Thrones fans, Airbender 2024 Edition trucks in boatloads of exposition and characters to establish its wide, weird world as quickly as possible. The basic gist is there are Avatars who can "bend" the four elements of water, earth, fire, and air, and they use these kick-ass gifts to, well, kick one another's asses. The main villains are firebenders led by no less than the great Daniel Dae Kim, while the iconic main character of Aang keeps trying to snuff out their flame with his titular airbending.

How to watch: Avatar: The Last Airbender is now streaming on Netflix

7. The Gentlemen Credit: Christopher Rafael / Netflix

Billed as a spin-off of Guy Ritchie's 2019 rollicking crime film The Gentlemen, this series actually has no visible connection to any of those earlier exploits or characters. Sure, it's set in the same world of British criminals, but by that metric, everything Guy Ritchie has ever made would be a part of the same world — including his live-action Aladdin. (Riffraff! Street rat!) The Gentlemen does indeed fit right in with everything Ritchie's made before, except for one thing; it's genuinely fan-fucking-tastic. 

SEE ALSO: 'The Gentlemen' review: A messy rollercoaster that's too much filler, not enough killer

Starring a never-better Theo James as the youngest brother of a noble family who gets unexpectedly handed the keys to the dukedom when his father dies, The Gentlemen sees that grand title come with some unexpected extras. Specifically, his father had been leasing the underground of the family's substantial plot of land to a marijuana syndicate, one led by Skins actress Kaya Scodelario (also never better). As the worlds of old money and new crash into each other, Ritchie unearths genuine satire from who he clearly sees as the real British criminals — the aristocracy. Every episode is wickedly funny and action-packed, with a vast cast of the kinds of big characters the director has long shown an affection for. The Gentlemen is peak Ritchie.

How to watch: The Gentlemen is now streaming on Netflix

8. Dead Boy Detectives Credit: Ed Araquel / Netflix

Neil Gaiman first wrote the Dead Boy Detectives into an issue of his long-running Sandman comic series way back in 1991, and over the years they've appeared in various Vertigo comics, including their own stand-alone series. While we wait for the second season of Netflix's The Sandman, we'll have to make due with these Dead Boys. It's not a bad trade! Aging the characters up some (perhaps so we can feel better about finding them super cute), Dead Boy Detectives stars George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri as the adorable ghosts Edwin Paine and Charles Rowland, who rejected the afterlife so they could stay on Earth and investigate crimes. Unfortunately, they've got to keep an eye out for Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), who's determined to drag them off their spot on this semi-mortal coil. A totally normal concept, right? Thankfully the show embraces that silliness — it's very Buffy-ish in tone, just with the added bonus of 2024 special effects and Netflix money. A deadly good time! 

How to watch: Dead Boy Detectives comes to Netflix April 25.

9. Griselda Credit: Elizabeth Morris / Netflix

Based on the true story of the infamous Colombian drug trafficker Griselda Blanco, this six-episode mini-series starring Sofía Vergara follows the rise and inevitable fall of the gangster as she spread cocaine across the U.S. starting in the 1980s. So, not quite a Modern Family spin-off, then! Blanco was a very, very bad lady indeed, but Vergara gives the role the antihero Breaking Bad treatment, making us root for this woman's awful antics until we realize we're in too deep. There is significant overlap between the creative teams behind Griselda, Narcos, and Narcos: Mexico, but Griselda is a stand-alone series — and one that Vergara makes into a riveting drama.

How to watch: Griselda is now streaming on Netflix

10. Chicken Nugget Credit: Garage Lab / Netflix

This 10-episode comedy series from South Korea (based on a digital comic known as a webtoon) is about a woman who gets turned into a chicken nugget. Yes, really. Starring actress Kim You-jung as Choi Min-ah, the girl-turned-nugget in question, Chicken Nugget follows the adventures of Min-ah's father (Ryu Seung-ryong) and an intern at his company (Ahn Jae-hong) who had a crush on her back when she wasn't a nugget, as they try to turn Min-ah back into a human person. This series is like a high-concept '80s movie if Salvador Dalí had written it — surreal and deeply strange, and one you likely won't forget any time soon. Unless you find yourself turned into a chicken nugget, in which case all bets are off.

How to watch: Chicken Nugget is now streaming on Netflix

11. Supersex Credit: Lucia Iuorio / Netflix

Don't watch this one with your parents, kids! A wild telling of the tale of real-life Italian adult entertainment star Rocco Siffredi, Supersex is about as graphic as a Netflix show can go. That title ain't lying, y'all! Starring the extremely un-shy actor Alessandro Borghi (Suburra: Blood on Rome) as Siffredi, the series focuses on his rise to porn prominence with a hefty and welcome dose of surrealism; creator Francesca Manieri was clearly more interested in the idea of Siffredi and what he represents than the boring A-to-B specifics. But mostly it's just nice to watch a show in this day and age that isn't afraid of sex. This one thrusts right past all of the online discourse, hard as a rock.

How to watch: Supersex is now streaming on Netflix

12. Furies

If you're a fan of Luc Besson's over-the-top action movies – think La Femme Nikita, The Fifth Element, and Scarlett Johansson turning into sentient goo in Lucy – then Furies should be right up your alley. From French showrunners Jean-Yves Arnaud and Yoann Legave, Furies is eight episodes of chaotic action mayhem about a normal young woman named Lyna (Lina El Arabi) who gets sucked into an underground conspiracy linking all six of the Parisian crime families. It turns out there's a secret society of peacekeepers whose job it is to keep the balance between the houses, and Lyna has that special something they want. Before you know it, she's flipping around, kicking ass on top of speeding trains. You know, the usual. Basically, it's wildly entertaining nonsense — very much like a French Fast and the Furious at times.

How to watch: Furies is now streaming on Netflix

13. One Day Credit: Matt Towers / Netflix

Based on the David Nicholls' novel that was previously adapted into a 2011 film, One Day stars Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as sometime-lovers Emma and Dexter, whose lives — together and apart — we watch unfold across two decades. The hook is that every episode revisits the two on the same day, July 15, the anniversary of the day they first met. That's a concept that works far better as a series than it did in the rush of a two-hour movie, really enveloping us in the saga of their relationship. But none of that would matter if the leads didn't have killer chemistry; thankfully, Mod and Woodall have a chemistry lab explosion's worth. They buoy this story across all 14 episodes, and they'll have you weeping with joy and heartbreak every day of the way. A real romance for the ages.

How to watch: One Day is now streaming on Netflix

14. The Tourist (Season 2) Credit: Two Brothers Pictures / Netflix

Originally a BBC series, The Tourist stars Jamie Dornan as a hot Irishman who wakes up with amnesia in an Australian hospital. First, he's got to sort out what happened — you know, all the fun "I have amnesia" stuff. But also per usual, his past didn't consist of an office job and stamp-collecting. He's being hunted by dangerous folks, and he's got to sort out his personhood on the run. 

There's more running and figuring out his shit throughout Season 2, and the show continues to be an ace showcase for all the facets of Dornan — an underrated actor who, it turns out, is actually more than just a hot Irishman. The Tourist lets him be funny and dramatic and dig into lots of action scenes, all the while being supernaturally good-looking. There's also a killer supporting cast, including Danielle Macdonald (go watch the movie Patti Cake$ right now if you've never seen it) and Olwen Fouéré (from Mandy and the 2022 Texas Chainsaw reboot).  

How to watch: The Tourist (Season 2) is now streaming on Netflix

15. Young Royals (Season 3) Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Well before the movie version of Red, White & Royal Blue came out (but after the book), there was Young Royals, a soapy Swedish series about a gay princeling (Edvin Ryding) falling for a (gasp) scholarship student named Simon (Omar Rudberg) at their boarding school. The third and final season of the show arrived in March, giving us more of the sweet teen romance the show excels at — the sort that actual teenagers crave and those of us slightly older than that demographic watch now wondering, "What if?" I can't imagine having shows like this and Heartstopper when I was a wee gay princeling.

How to watch: Young Royals (Season 3) is now streaming on Netflix

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