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TL;DR: A one-year subscription to the ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2024 Edition is on sale for £19.72, saving you 37% on list price.

It's the start of a new year, which means it may be a good time to up your online security measures, starting with this top-notch antivirus software from ESET. For a limited time, one year of ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2024 Edition is discounted to £19.72 for one Windows PC or Mac.

Antivirus protection is like having a police officer patrol the streets of your computer, blocking malicious software that may compromise your digital info, like data theft, system damage, and other privacy concerns. With ESET, you’re armored with layers of protection against viruses, ransomware, rootkits, worms, and spyware. ESET also guards you and your information from phishing attempts that seek your usernames, passwords, or banking details.  

How good is ESET’s security? Check out their industry-leading scores on trusted testing sources like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Though, it’s important to be aware that no software can guarantee to eliminate all threats.

ESET is designed to intrude on your browsing as little as possible, with simple installation, a user-friendly interface, and processes that don’t consume much of your computer’s power. Additionally, you can use a battery-saving mode to stay unplugged longer and eliminate pop-ups while streaming or gaming.

This purchase covers one year of protection for one Windows PC or Mac with absolutely no hidden costs or required upgrades. It’s an excellent trial period to see if this security solution works for you long-term.

Try one year of ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2024 Edition for only £19.72. No coupon is needed to grab this discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: RetailKing ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2024 Edition £19.72 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

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 March 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:

A copy.

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 C.

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 #992 is...

CLONE.

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.

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 March 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: Ration

• Green: Dump

• Blue: The butt of things

• Purple: Dreams

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: Shared

• Green: Rid of Contents

• Blue: Associated with "Stub"

• Purple: ___Dream

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 #270 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Shared: COLLECTIVE, COMMON, JOINT, MUTUAL

• Rid of Contents: CLEAR, DRAIN, EMPTY, FLUSH

• Associated with "Stub": CIGARETTE, PENCIL, TICKET, TOE

• ___Dream: AMERICAN, FEVER, LUCID, PIPE

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.

If Fortnite fans were hoping that Apple and Epic Games were repairing their relationship after the latter announced that the popular battle royale game was headed back to iPhone in the EU – well, we have some bad news.

According to Epic Games, Apple just completely terminated its developer account. As a result, Epic Games will no longer be able to launch its Epic Games Store in the EU. And, this means that Fortnite's return to the iPhone may potentially be canceled as well.

"We recently announced that Apple approved our Epic Games Sweden AB developer account," reads Epic Games' statement published on Wednesday. "We intended to use that account to bring the Epic Games Store and Fortnite to iOS devices in Europe thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). To our surprise, Apple has terminated that account and now we cannot develop the Epic Games Store for iOS."

Tweet may have been deleted

"This is a serious violation of the DMA and shows Apple has no intention of allowing true competition on iOS devices," the statement from Epic Games continues.

Here's what's going on between Apple and Epic Games

This month, new EU regulations called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) officially go into effect in the EU. These rules require that Big Tech companies, like Apple, open up its core platforms to competition from third parties.

SEE ALSO: Google loses lawsuit to ‘Fortnite’ developer Epic Games

The biggest change this has required of Apple is that the company has to allow "alternative marketplaces" access to distribute apps on users' iOS devices, in direct competition with its official App Store. This change allows developers who want to avoid Apple's App Store rules the ability to still distribute apps to users on the iPhone.

Because of Apple's new DMA-required rules, Epic Games decided to create its own alternative app marketplace for iPhone and distribute its Fortnite app there, making them game available for EU players on iOS for the first time in years.

However, Apple's new App Store policies were also heavily criticized by Meta, Microsoft, Spotify, and Epic Games itself. While these alternative marketplaces were a move in the right direction, Apple created a system where it still profited off of developers distributing their apps through these App Store competitors. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney described Apple's DM-inspired rules as "malicious compliance."

Epic Games provided an email from Apple where the iPhone-maker cited several statements made by Sweeney which were highly critical of the company. Apple cites these statements along with Epic Games' past history with Apple as the reason its terminating the Fortnite developer's account.

Tweet may have been deleted

"This is the post Apple cited when banning the Epic Games Store from competing with the iOS App Store under Europe's new DMA law," said Sweeney in a post on X "Criticism of Apple = untrustworthiness, in Apple leadership's bleak vision of their future relationship with app developers."

Sweeney included the X thread cited by Apple in its notification to the company where the Epic Games CEO called out Apple for its monopoly of certain products and services. Apple also cited Sweeney's now infamous description of Apple's "malicious compliance" when dealing with regulations.

Apple vs. Epic Games saga continues

The feud between Apple and Epic Games has been going on for years now. Back in 2020, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games rolled out a way for Fortnite gamers to purchase in-game currency known as V-Bucks at a discount by bypassing Apple's App Store's in-app purchases.

Since Epic Games tried to avoid paying Apple its 30 percent cut from in-app purchases over three years ago, Fortnite has been unavailable on iOS devices.

Epic Games and Apple have been embroiled in legal battles ever since.

When the DMA was passed in the EU, Epic Games was one of the first major developers to jump at the opportunity to take advantage of the new regulations Apple would be forced to abide by. Epic Games quickly applied for a developer account and was approved by Apple. Epic Games then announced that Fortnite would be returning to the EU on iPhone as a result of these developments.

Now that Apple has terminated Epic Games' developer account, all of the video game developers' plans are indefinitely paused at the very least.

What's next for Fortnite on iPhone?

Epic Games has made it clear that its not giving up on iPhone users.

"This is a serious violation of the EU’s Digital Markets Act," Epic Games said in a statement regarding Apple's termination of its developer account. "We will continue to fight to get back on iOS!"

Epic Games will make its case to the European Commission, which can fine Apple and force it to rethink its decisions if the company is found to be in violation of the DMA.

Leveraging the power of the European Commission can actually work because EU regulators hold significant sway over Apple. Meta and Microsoft have already reportedly been lobbying the EU in response to Apple's App Store changes. And, Apple was recently fined in the EU after a formal complaint was made to EU regulators by Spotify.

Apple recently came out swinging against Spotify, in an uncharacteristic public statement attacking the music streaming service for "paying nothing" to Apple yet wanting "more" as a result of Spotify's antitrust complaint.

But, even though Spotify has potentially cost Apple billions of dollars, it didn't go as far as terminating Spotify's developer account, as happened with Epic Games. Apple cites Epic Games' public criticism as one of the factors in ending the two companies' developer relationship. Yet, Spotify has been publicly critical too.

What makes Epic Games so different from Spotify? According to the Wall Street Journal, an Apple spokesperson said a past legal decision gave the iPhone maker the right to make this move if it violated Apple's rules. "In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right," they said. It's worth noting, however, that Spotify is not currently planning to compete with the App Store with an alternative marketplace of its own like Epic Games is.

The ball is now in the EU regulators' court.

Update your iPhone if you haven't already because iOS 17.4 is now out. The latest iOS update was released on Tuesday and with it comes new emojis as well as other tweaks and updates to the iPhone.

Most of the updates with iOS 17.4, however, are EU related as Apple makes changes pertaining to new regulation called the Digital Markets Act. But, perhaps one of the biggest changes that comes with iOS 17.4 is a new addition:

Apple has added a brand new API called FinanceKit.

What does FinanceKit mean for iPhone users?

FinanceKit allows third-party app developers to safely access and interact with users' Apple Card, Apple Cash, and Savings with Apple account information.

This integration enables users' preferred iPhone budgeting apps to pull transactions and balances from user accounts directly into these applications. Budgeting and money management apps Copilot, Monarch, and YNAB are the first three to deploy FinanceKit-powered features that pull this information automatically into a users profile.

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"The most requested credit card integration is now live on Copilot Money," Copilot posted on X. "Starting today, Copilot can keep track of your Apple Card, Apple Cash, and Savings accounts."

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"Big update!" Monarch also posted to X. "In direct collaboration with Apple, Monarch is one of the first to offer full Apple Card, Apple Cash, and Savings support with iOS 17.4. We heard your requests. Now you can sync your wallet directly for seamless budgeting!"

The Apple card, along with Apple Cash and the Savings account, have experienced fairly impressive growth over the years. The Apple Card currently has 12 million cardholders, which enables customers to finance Apple-related purchases and earn cashback.

The new integrations made possible by FinanceKit help users manage their finances without manually inputting the transaction.

Pairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone is a straightforward process that unlocks features designed to enhance your day-to-day activities.

Whether you're setting up a brand-new Apple Watch or connecting a previously used one, the steps below will guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless integration between your devices.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership How to pair Apple Watch with iPhone

Step 1: Open the Apple Watch App on Your iPhone

First, before you start pairing, make sure your phone has the latest iOS update and that the Health app is enabled if you use iCloud to back up your device.

If you're setting up your Watch for the first time, tap on "Start Pairing." The app will then open the camera, prompting you to align your Apple Watch in the viewfinder to initiate the pairing process.

Step 2: Set Up as New or Restore from Backup

After your Watch is recognized, you can set it up as a new device or restore it from a backup. Choose the option that best fits your needs. If you're setting up a brand-new Watch, selecting "Set Up as New Apple Watch" is the way to go.

Those migrating from an older Watch can choose to restore from a backup to transfer settings and content seamlessly.

Step 3: Log in to Your Apple ID and Set Up Features

Follow the on-screen instructions to log in with your Apple ID. This step is crucial for enabling features like iCloud, iMessage, and Find My. You'll also have the opportunity to set up Siri, Apple Pay, and other services during this phase.

Step 4: Customize and Sync

Finally, you can customize settings like passcodes, screen orientation, and which apps to install. Once you've adjusted these settings to your liking, your iPhone will begin syncing with your Watch. This process may take a few minutes, but once completed, your Apple Watch will be ready to use, fully paired with your iPhone.

Thinking about canceling your Amazon Prime membership? We can't say we blame you: There are plenty of good reasons to stop giving the retail giant your money, whether you're trying to save on subscription fees or align your spending more closely with your values.

Of course, some shoppers use Amazon's 30-day free trial to gain access to Prime Day sales. Those folks will also need to cancel their membership before it's up for renewal to avoid the hefty price tag of a paid plan. Amazon's Prime cancellation process can be convoluted, so here's a step-by-step guide on how to bid Bezos goodbye.

SEE ALSO: These are the best products of the year How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership in the Amazon app

The process for canceling your Prime subscription via the Amazon app is the same on both iOS and Android.

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Smartphone
• Amazon app

Step 1: Open the app and tap the middle button at the bottom (it should look like a person).

Credit: Screenshot via the Amazon app.

Step 2: Tap "Your Account."

Credit: Screenshot via Amazon app.

Step 3: Scroll down through the list of options to "Manage Prime Membership."

Credit: Screenshot via Amazon app.

Step 4: Hit "Manage membership" at the top of the page.

Credit: Screenshot via the Amazon app.

Step 5: Hit "Manage Membership (Update, cancel and more)"

Credit: Screenshot via the Amazon app.

Step 6: Click "End membership"

Credit: Screenshot via the Amazon app.

Step 7: Scroll to "Continue to cancel."

Credit: Screenshot via the Amazon app.

Step 8: Confirm your cancellation by clicking the yellow button that says "End on [date]."

Your membership will officially end once your current billing cycle is over.

Credit: Screenshot via the Amazon app. How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership on desktop Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Laptop or PC
• Internet access

Step 1: Log in to your Amazon account on your browser. Hover over "Accounts & Lists" in the upper right hand corner. In the menu of options, click "Prime Membership."

Pull up your personal Prime membership page with a collection of plan benefits and options.

Credit: Screenshot via Amazon

Step 2: Click "Manage Membership" in the top right-hand corner. Click "End Membership."

Credit: Screenshot via Amazon

Step 3: Review how many days are left in your current Prime billing cycle. Click the yellow button on the lower-right side of the page that says "Continue to cancel."

Credit: Screenshot via Amazon

Step 4: Scroll down to "Continue to cancel."

Credit: Screenshot via Amazon

SAVE $46.45: As of March 6, the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro portable carpet cleaner is $128.64 at Amazon. That's a discount of 27%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro $128.64
$175.09 Save $46.45 Get Deal

We love our pets, but they can make some serious messes. Whether they're tracking dirt across the carpet with muddy paws or knocking over food (hopefully not wine!) right into the floor, they're not exactly what we'd call clean. But being a pet parent means being prepared for the worst when it comes to cleanup, so of course we're all prepared with the tools needed to clean up ground-in dirt and other debris in carpet and upholstery. But if you're thinking your current carpet cleaner isn't cutting it anymore, it might be time for an affordable upgrade.

As of March 6, you can get the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro portable carpet cleaner for just $128.64 at Amazon. That's $46.45 off its normal price of $175.09 and a 27% discount.

SEE ALSO: Our top 5 robot vacuums for carpet are powerful and detail-oriented

This is a powerful cleaner you can use beyond the carpet. Use it throughout your home to clean stairs, upholstery, and even your car's interior – because grimy paw prints can be lurking anywhere. At just over 13 pounds, this is an easily maneuverable unit that uses suction and power scrubbing to get you the best deep clean possible.

It comes with a stain trapper tool for more difficult messes, a 3-inch tough stain tool, and two trial-size Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator carpet cleaning solution bottles so you can start tackling those stains and other carpet blemishes as soon as you get this unit home. For this sale price, this is a sound investment that all pet owners can use, especially if you deal with cleanup more often than you'd like to admit. Our pets' messes may be frustrating, but once we clean up and snuggle them we forget all about the inconvenience, right?

Grab Amazon Smart Home devices for up to 33% off as of March 6.

Today's best Amazon Smart Home Devices deals as of Mar. 6: Best deal for kids Echo Glow $19.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best deal for integrating voice control Amazon Smart Plug $19.99 (save $5) Get Deal Best deal for saving energy Amazon Smart Thermostat $59.99 (save $20) Get Deal

Rigging your home with the latest smart home technology can sound like a bigger project than it actually is. In reality, it only takes a few simple devices to help you get started on your journey using tech to make life around the house that much easier. Whether your goal is to be more energy efficient or you want the ease of voice control on your side, Amazon Smart Home Devices are here to help.

The good news is that making these upgrades doesn't have to stretch your wallet, especially thanks to today's sale. As of March 6, Amazon is reducing prices on Amazon Smart Home devices for a limited time, saving you up to 33%. All of the devices we rounded up today are under $60, including the Amazon Smart Plug, which is on sale for under $20.

Best deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Glow $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Echo Glow is more than just a joyful pop of color to add to your kid's space: It's a helpful alarm clock and visual aid in setting habits and routines. With Alexa voice control, you can set timers, alarms, and visual cues, ranging from a wake-up light alarm that helps with getting out of bed in the morning to a color-changing countdown that helps with chores and tasks. While we've seen the Echo glow list for less over the holiday shopping season, today's sale brings it to its next-best price.

Best deal for integrating voice control Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Smart Plug $19.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Managing a household means keeping an awareness of so many different appliances. With Amazon Smart Plugs, some of that burden is taken off your plate. The Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa voice control to let you schedule your lights, fans, and other appliances to turn off and on according to your needs. Best of all, you can even control them while you're away through the Alexa App, alleviating the stress of worrying whether or not you forgot to unplug something.

Best deal for saving energy Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Smart Thermostat $59.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

One of the best things about smart home technology is that some devices, like the Amazon Smart Thermostat, can actually help you become more energy efficient. Certified by Energy Star, it's estimated that this thermostat can save you an average of $50 per year on energy bills. Plus, thanks to Alexa, the programming of your thermostat is done for you; Alexa works to optimize adjustments to minimize electricity usage while also regulating your indoor environment. Like the Amazon Smart Plugs, you can control your Amazon Smart Thermostat from the Alexa App while you're away, too. When you shop today, you can put $20 back in your pocket.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is all about change. Franchise hero Po (voiced by Jack Black) struggles to accept that he may not be the legendary Dragon Warrior forever, faced with handing over the prodigal title, and knowing that he'll soon have to take on other responsibilities. Meanwhile, the film presents us with the literal embodiment of change in new villain the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a shapeshifting sorceress on a quest for world domination.

SEE ALSO: Po faces a shapeshifting new villain in 'Kung Fu Panda 4' trailer

With all this focus on transformation — and with this being the fourth film in the franchise — it makes sense that Kung Fu Panda 4 switches up the formula. The Furious Five of the first three films are absent here, replaced by new sidekick Zhen (Awkwafina). Plus, Po journeys farther away from his home in the Valley of Peace than ever before.

The result of these shifts is a fun addition to the consistently enjoyable Kung Fu Panda series. It may not be totally groundbreaking or reach the highs of its predecessors, but Kung Fu Panda 4 is still a blast, especially when it comes to its action sequences.

What is Kung Fu Panda 4 about? Dustin Hoffman voices Master Shifu and Jack Black voices Po in "Kung Fu Panda 4." Credit: DreamWorks Animation

Kung Fu Panda 4 opens with a major revelation: former Po adversary Tai Lung (Ian McShane) has returned! Kind of. The villainous snow leopard from Kung Fu Panda hasn't actually escaped from the Spirit Realm. However, the scheming Chameleon has assumed the original antagonist's form in order to send the Valley of Peace into a panic. To protect his people, Po sets out to find the Chameleon with the help of sassy, thieving fox Zhen. She'll take him to Juniper City, a buzzing metropolis under the Chameleon's thumb. In a sweet side story, Po's worried fathers Ping (James Hong) and Li (Bryan Cranston) trail him to make sure he's OK.

SEE ALSO: 'Ricky Stanicky' review: Not even John Cena can save this bottom-of-the-barrel bro comedy

Yet even with the whole world in danger, Po's got some internal conflicts to face. Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) wants Po to pick his Dragon Warrior successor so he can step into the role of Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. The way Po sees it, he may have the Staff of Wisdom he gained in Kung Fu Panda 3, but he's nowhere near spiritual enlightenment. Is he ready to move on? Or will he fight tooth and claw to remain Dragon Warrior forever?

Kung Fu Panda 4 brings some exciting new elements to the series. Jack Black voices Po and Awkwafina voices Zhen in "Kung Fu Panda 4." Credit: DreamWorks Animation

Much of Kung Fu Panda 4 is fairly predictable — as soon as Zhen and Po square off in their first quip-ridden fight, you have a pretty clear idea of where their relationship is headed. Luckily, swift pacing keeps the film's momentum rolling in even the most predictable of moments, and messages about accepting change and growing to correct your past mistakes make for solid themes.

Where Kung Fu Panda 4 really shines, though, is in its newer story elements. The roaring streets of Juniper City are a far cry from the rolling fields of the Valley of Peace, offering brand new environments for electrifying fights and action sequences. Particularly fun is a street chase that leads us up onto rooftops and kites before plunging down into the tunnels of the city's Den of Thieves. There, we'll meet thief leader Han (Everything Everywhere All At Once's Ke Huy Quan), a pangolin with a delightful penchant for violence.

The story's two biggest new additions, Zhen and the Chameleon, each have their ups and downs. Kung Fu Panda 4 is quick to highlight Zhen's conniving ways, which get her and Po into their fair share of trouble, but it's also quick to saddle her with a clichéd abandonment backstory. Thankfully, a third act bombshell complicates Zhen and gives her room to truly shine in the final battle.

Viola Davis voices the Chameleon and Jack Black voices Po in "Kung Fu Panda 4." Credit: DreamWorks Animation

The Chameleon also has a fairly run-of-the-mill backstory and character motivations. However, she more than makes up for them in cool factor. For starters, she's voiced by Davis in full scenery chewing-mode. Cold, commanding, and channeling some of her villainous performance from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Davis is clearly having a blast playing evil. The Chameleon's transformations are fluid and frightening as well, imbuing her with the powers of other kung fu masters. These skills create new opportunities for Kung Fu Panda's always-dynamic fight choreography, especially in the film's knockout final showdown. By virtue of her abilities, the Chameleon is the most versatile foe Po has ever faced, and it shows in the lightning fast switches between forms. (Tai Lung won't be the only familiar face you see here.)

The animation in Kung Fu Panda's fights is always stellar, but proof of the quality comes down to the smallest of details. For example, whenever the Chameleon assumes a new form, the animators add reptilian scales to the character design to remind us who Po is really fighting. Elsewhere, the fight scenes' occasional use of 2D brushwork provides fun stylistic breaks in the action, or emphasizes some of the film's most striking tableaus.

Excellent fight scenes are what we've come to expect from a Kung Fu Panda movie, along with dumpling jokes and an emphasis on found family and personal growth. Kung Fu Panda 4 certainly features all these ingredients, and even if it doesn't reinvent the wheel on most of them, it still cooks them together in an enjoyable broth. Sure, it doesn't come close to topping its predecessors, but it's another kick-butt entry in what has proven to be a wonderfully dependable animated franchise.

Kung Fu Panda 4 hits theaters May 8.

When Ricky Stanicky hits you with an opening joke about a dog boner, you know you're in for something dumber than dumb. Whether it's the fun kind of dumb — think Stepbrothers or The Hangover — or the excruciating kind — think, recently, of Argylle — all hangs in the balance of what comes next.

Unfortunately, what comes next in Ricky Stanicky is a painfully unfunny barrage of bits scraped from the underside of the bro comedy barrel. Poop, circumcisions, ill-timed K-holes, masturbation — all lowbrow joke elements that could be funny given the proper context and set-up, yet all of which crash and burn in this lifeless nightmare. The only saving grace is a deeply committed John Cena, but not even he can wring consistent enjoyment from this lackluster material.

SEE ALSO: 'The Regime' review: Kate Winslet slays in an otherwise fine satire What's Ricky Stanicky about? Jermaine Fowler, Zac Efron, and Andrew Santino in "Ricky Stanicky." Credit: Ben King / Prime

Ricky Stanicky revolves around a trio of lifelong besties — Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler) — who concoct a fake fourth best friend who can take the blame for all their bad behavior. His name? Ricky Stanicky.

As years go by, Ricky Stanicky evolves from prank fall guy into a surefire excuse for these three to get out of obligations they'd rather not attend. In fact, their scheming gets to the point that they end up putting more work into the lie than into possibly anything else in their lives. They build an elaborate Bible to keep their Stanicky lore straight. They set up fake social media accounts. They have a burner phone just for Stanicky. The whole thing feels like the most unhinged story you could find on the Am I the Asshole? subreddit. "AITA for making up a fake friend, maintaining that lie for decades, then using that fake friend's fake cancer as an excuse to miss my own baby shower?"

SEE ALSO: Best documentaries streaming now on Prime Video

That's the plot point that sets all of Ricky Stanicky in motion, by the way. JT skips out on his own baby shower to go to Atlantic City with Dean and Wes for a DJ set, claiming that Ricky's (made-up) cancer has returned. But when JT's baby is born while he's out of town and no one is able to reach him, his family wants answers on what the real deal with Ricky is. Does our trio come clean and hope for forgiveness? Nope. They dig in and hire Rock Hard Rod (Cena), a performer who specializes in masturbation-themed song parodies, to play Ricky. Turns out Rod is way more convincing than Dean, JT, or Wes could ever have imagined, but their success comes back to bite them when he worms his way further into their lives.

Ricky Stanicky's main characters are the worst — and dead boring. Jermaine Fowler, Zac Efron, and Andrew Santino in "Ricky Stanicky." Credit: Ben King / Prime

Ricky Stanicky isn't all that different from the countless comedies about men who simply refuse to grow up behaving badly. But the trio at its core is so boring and so lacking in chemistry that any attempts at humor fall woefully flat. For starters, it's hard to see Dean, Wes, and especially JT as as anything but psychotic. There's a line between silly "har har, boys will be boys" behavior and "you men need to go to jail, now" behavior, and Ricky Stanicky crosses it in its first five minutes. Again, what do you mean you're scheming to get out of your own baby shower? You simply shouldn't be a father! Or a husband, for that matter. All three of these characters' partners need to split.

SEE ALSO: 'Dead Hot' review: A wild mystery thriller that blends murder and dancefloors

Outside of their main unit, Dean, Wes, and JT struggle to find any deeper character motivation. JT obsessively reads parenting advice in his preparation to be a father. (I've got a nugget of wisdom for him: Maybe don't blow off your baby shower for a concert?) Elsewhere, Dean doesn't want a family beyond his journalist girlfriend Erin (Lex Scott Davis), as he's still processing his dark family history. Ricky Stanicky's third-act attempts to explore said history are the cheapest tactic to garner sympathy, and a reminder that Efron deserves far better material post-The Iron Claw. Finally, there's Wes, whose whole personality is "gay stoner slacker." He may be the closest the group has to a conscience, but his few attempts at interiority are shunted aside for more circumcision jokes. His relationship with boyfriend Keith (Daniel Monks) — the only queer relationship in the movie — also gets the least airtime, feeling more like an afterthought.

Worst of all, Efron, Santino, and Fowler have next to no chemistry. Scenes between them suffocate beneath dead air, dragging us deeper into a buddy-less buddy comedy purgatory. I don't want to hear anyone complain about three-hour long movies ever again, because Ricky Stanicky's one-hour-and-48-minute-long runtime felt longer than Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon combined.

At least John Cena commits. Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, Jermaine Fowler, and John Cena in "Ricky Stanicky." Credit: Ben King / Prime

If there's anything to like about Ricky Stanicky, it's Cena's performance as Rod/Ricky. There's no denying he's a talented comedian: He's already proven his chops (especially in the physical performance department) in projects like Blockers and Peacemaker. Here, though, he faces the more daunting challenge of lifting some truly ghastly material to serviceable standards.

To his credit, Cena does the best with what he's got. He fully hams it up in a montage of Rod's X-rated act, where he dons Devo, Boy George, Billy Idol, and Britney Spears costumes to perform a series of "jerk-off songs." The bit, like most of Ricky Stanicky's bits, overstays its welcome and reeks of desperation, but there's a charm to how Cena throws himself at the songs.

Rod's commitment to the character of Ricky is also easily the funniest aspect of the movie. He treats his assignment like it's a SAG-affiliated shoot, goes full method, and even gets to be a bit of a diva about his process. Overall, he's far more interesting to watch than the three losers who hired him, yet they're stuck bearing most of the emotional brunt of the film. It's particularly embarrassing when Ricky Stanicky tries to take a redemptive, inspirational tack in the film's final act. The movie doesn't earn it, and the characters certainly don't earn it. The only people who've earned anything are the viewers, who deserve some kind of medal for sitting through what is already one of the worst comedies of 2024.

Ricky Stanicky hits Prime Video March 7.

GET UP TO 25% OFF: As of March 6, you can get up to 25% off Logitech products, including mice, keyboards, and more at Amazon.

Our top picks: Best mouse deal Logitech M240 Bluetooth mouse $14.99 at Amazon (save $5) Get Deal Best keyboard deal Logitech MK470 wireless keyboard and mouse $39.95 at Amazon (save $10.04) Get Deal Best webcam deal Logitech C922x Pro streaming webcam $79.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

Working from home has its perks: you can pick your own schedule (most of the time), work in your jammies, and avoid the daily commute (goodbye subway and hello extra sleep!). But working from home doesn't work unless you've got the right equipment and setup.

Thankfully, Amazon has Logitech products on sale for up to 25% off so you can upgrade your WFH setup (or gaming setup) for less. Whether you need a new ergonomic keyboard, a high-quality webcam for those Zoom meetings, or a reliable wireless mouse, Logitech has some great options to get you started.

Best mouse deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Our pick: Logitech M240 Bluetooth mouse $14.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Logitech M240 Bluetooth mouse is an affordable and reliable option for anyone looking to improve their WFH setup. It pairs wirelessly in seconds, makes 90% less noise than a traditional mouse, and has a comfortable design for all-day use. And, with an 18-month battery life, you can use it for the entire year without worrying about replacing its batteries.

Best keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Our pick: Logitech MK470 wireless keyboard and mouse combo $39.95 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.04 Get Deal Why we like it

The Logitech MK470 wireless keyboard and mouse combo is a pretty good deal for anyone who needs a fresh setup. It's available in three colors (graphite, off-white, and rose), and the mouse is ambidextrous, making it suitable for right- and left-handed users. With quiet keys, a slim design, and a plug-and-play USB receiver, this combo is a budget-friendly solution for sticky keys and an unresponsive mouse pointer.

Best webcam deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Our pick: Logitech C922x Pro streaming webcam $79.99 at Amazon
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The Logitech C922x Pro streaming webcam is great for video conferences, live streaming, and content creation. HD 1080 resolution and 30fps deliver clear and smooth video quality. Plus, the background replacement technology is way better than Zoom or Google's fake background features, making your video calls look more professional and polished.

With the right soundbar, your TV transforms into your own private cinema with rich surround sound. Today at Amazon, you can get that big-screen sound experience for a smaller price tag with soundbar deals under $100.

Today's best soundbar deals for under $100 as of Mar. 6: Best soundbar deal for Amazon Fire TV users Amazon Fire TV soundbar $99.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best soundbar deal for Roku TV users TCL Alto R1 Wireless 2.0 Channel soundbar $49.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best soundbar deal for any TV Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar $98 (save $31.99) Get Deal

As of March 6, you can find quality soundbars on sale for under $100 at Amazon from Amazon Fire, Sony, and TCL, bringing prices down as much as 67%. Whether you're an Amazon Fire streamer or a Roku is more your style, there's a soundbar that's compatible with every type of setup.

Best soundbar deal for Amazon Fire TV users Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you already have an Amazon Fire TV streaming stick, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is the next device you need to complete your streaming experience. At $99.99, this soundbar is at its lowest price on record, so today is a great time to buy. The Amazon Fire TV soundbar amplifies sound with dual speakers. Combined with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, this creates an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience. We also like that this soundbar is easy to set up and use: to connect it to your TV, simply plug in the included HDMI cable. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to connect the soundbar to your phone to stream music.

Best soundbar deal for Roku TV users Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL Alto R1 Wireless 2.0 Channel soundbar $49.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Roku TV users, this soundbar is made for you. The TCL Alto R1 Wireless 2.0 Channel soundbar is exclusively compatible with Roku TVs, and can even be expanded upon by the Roku Subwoofer. (However, it's important to note that this soundbar is not compatible with Roku wireless speakers.) At $49.99 and $100 off, this sale marks the soundbar's lowest price.

Not only does the soundbar provide clearer, louder sound, but it also has useful features like the ability to lower the volume on loud commercials, boost the volume of voices, and tailor sound for listening at night when the rest of the family is asleep. As sophisticated as all those features are, the soundbar is easy to set up; you don't even need a cable thanks to wireless connectivity.

Best soundbar deal for any TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony S100F 2.0ch soundbar $98.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal

If you're not an Amazon Fire TV or Roku TV user, you're not out of luck: the Sony S100F 2.0ch soundbar connects to any TV through an HDMI cable and delivers powerful surround sound. Like its competitors, it enhances the sound of voices. Not only is this useful for your favorite shows and movies, but you can also connect via Bluetooth and use the soundbar to take conference calls for work. With a slim design, this Sony soundbar blends seamlessly with your media room or office; it can even be mounted onto your wall. While this isn't the soundbar's lowest price, today's savings of 25% still bring the price down to just $98.

TL;DR: ExpressVPN Tis the best service for unblocking porn sites. This high-speed VPN can reliably bypass content restrictions to unblock porn sites like Pornhub, XVideos, and Xnxx.

There is a time and place for visiting your favourite porn sites.

There are plenty of locations around the world that block access to sites like Pornhub and xHamster, and there are probably good reasons for that. However, there is something to be said for retaining your online freedom.

We're not suggesting that you bypass online restrictions to access porn sites in inappropriate moments. But sometimes you'll want to watch your favourite sites in a totally appropriate time and place, and you won't be able to do that because a block is in place. In this situation, you should consider using a VPN.

SEE ALSO: The best sex and dating apps for finding a hookup

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Watch Xnxx videos from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for accessing porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when travelling or away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are multiple VPNs that can reliably unblock porn sites, including popular options like Private Internet Access and NordVPN. These are strong choices, but ExpressVPN remains the top pick for unblocking porn sites like Xnxx. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for porn, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to five 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. You can use the money-back guarantee to unblock Xnxx without fully committing with your cash.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

The Idea of You trailer has everything: boy band drama, an age-gap romance, Coachella, and Anne Hathaway romancing Harry Styles. OK, not the actual Harry Styles, but rather Harry Styles analog Hayes Campbell, played by Red, White & Royal Blue's Nicholas Galitzine.

The Harry Styles of it all comes from The Idea of You's source material, the novel of the same name by Robinne Lee, which is in turn based on Harry Styles fanfiction. The novel centers on 40-year-old single mom Solène (Hathaway), who strikes up a romance with the 24-year-old Hayes after a chance meeting at Coachella. (He's performing there with his band August Moon, who are totally not One Direction.)

But as Solène and Hayes' relationship comes under public scrutiny, will these two star-crossed lovers be able to stay together? Or will naysayers drag them down? And perhaps most importantly, will August Moon release any bops as great as "What Makes You Beautiful"?

The Idea of You premieres March 16 at SXSW, and hits Prime Video May 2.

The crisis of deepfakes continues. Meta platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, reportedly hosted AI-generated ads depicting Wednesday actor Jenna Ortega as undressed.

As reported by NBC News, the ads used a blurred picture of Ortega taken when she was 16 years old, and instructed users on how they could change the celebrity's outfit, including an option for removing all clothes. The images were reportedly manipulated by an app called Perky AI, listed as developed by company RichAds, which is described in Apple's App Store as a platform that uses AI to "create super-realistic or fantasy-like persons" with prompts. This includes "NSFW" (not safe for work) images, which are typically sexually explicit.

SEE ALSO: What parents need to tell their kids about explicit deepfakes

Following NBC's report, the publisher says the Perky AI app's page was suspended by Meta, having already run 260 unique ads on the company's platforms since September — those featuring Ortega's image reportedly ran throughout the month of February. Of the ads that had run on Meta's platforms, the news outlet says 30 were already suspended for not meeting the company's advertising standards, but the ads featuring Ortega were not among these.

In a statement to Mashable, Meta spokesperson Ryan Daniels said, "Meta strictly prohibits child nudity, content that sexualizes children, and services offering AI-generated non-consensual nude images. While this app remains widely available on various app stores, we’ve removed these ads and the accounts behind them."

Perky AI also appears to have been removed on Apple's App Store and Google Play (Mashable checked and it's not available on either). Apple told NBC the app had been taken down on Feb. 16, having already been under investigation by the company for violating its policies around "overtly sexual or pornographic material".

Mashable has reached out to Apple and Google for further comment.

SEE ALSO: Deepfakes of Taylor Swift have gone viral. How does this keep happening?

This incident is the latest in a slew of nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes being circulated on the internet. In the first two months of 2024, pictures of celebrities like Taylor Swift and podcast host Bobbi Althoff have spread across major social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter. Deepfakes have also infiltrated schools, with fake nudes of students recently making their way around a Beverly Hills middle school and a high school in suburban Seattle.

The issue is at a critical point, with experts warning that legal and societal change is urgently needed. Subsum, an identity verification platform, found that detection of deepfakes increased 10 times between 2022 and 2023. Many social media platforms have struggled to contain this type of content: in the past few months alone, Google, X, and Meta have been called out for allowing deepfake material to circulate on their platforms.

If users see an ad on any platform that they believe needs to be reported, company guides feature directions on how to do so. Meta allows users to report ads on Facebook or Instagram, while Apple features several community threads that help users report ads that are in-app, for example. Google also helps users report inappropriate ads via a form.

But some of these steps aren't enough to stop the proliferation of AI-generated content. Big tech needs to take significant action to tackle what seems to be becoming an epidemic, most often targeting girls, women, and marginalized people.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, if you are based in the U.S., call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org. If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

If you are based in the UK and have experienced intimate image abuse (aka revenge porn), you can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 6000 459. If you have experienced sexual violence and are based in the UK, call the Rape Crisis helpline 0808 802 9999.

The free speech versus national security battle rages on, once again focusing its main artillery on TikTok.

Immediately following the introduction of yet another bill proposing to ban "foreign adversary controlled applications," including TikTok, the ACLU issued a warning that the bill was an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI shares Elon Musk's emails, says he wanted 'full control' of the company

“We’re deeply disappointed that our leaders are once again attempting to trade our First Amendment rights for cheap political points during an election year. Just because the bill sponsors claim that banning TikTok isn’t about suppressing speech, there’s no denying that it would do just that. We strongly urge legislators to vote no on this unconstitutional bill,” wrote ACLU senior policy counsel Jenna Leventoff.

The bill is set to be voted on by the House Energy and Commerce Committee this Thursday.

"So long as it is owned by ByteDance and thus required to collaborate with the [Chinese Communist Party], TikTok poses critical threats to our national security," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi upon the bill's introduction.

In December, a U.S. judge blocked a Montana statewide ban on TikTok — introduced and signed into law just seven months earlier. At the time of its passing, the ACLU spoke out against the state's decision, writing: "Lawmakers at the state and federal level are growing concerned over the prospect of American users’ data becoming accessible to the Chinese government. While data privacy is a concern across all social media apps, the singling out of TikTok out points to an anti-Asian sentiment that is racist. What’s more: The banning of a social media app would be a dangerous act of censorship on the free speech of so many Americans."

In addition to the company's own legal recourse, a group of TikTok creators filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the ban not only violated free speech protections but that it also violated the interstate Commerce Clause by blocking the marketplace for their monetized content.

The ACLU point to a continued anti-Chinese sentiment held by political representatives in their evaluation of TikTok's ownership and privacy considerations. At a recent hearing on child safety with some of social media's biggest leaders, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was questioned repeatedly about his ties to China and the Chinese Communist Party. Chew is Singaporean.

A few months earlier, the U.S. leaders, TikTok creators, and social media companies clashed over several bipartisan bills, including the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT) Act and HR 1153, which would grant the president power to take action against tech companies affiliated with China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela and ban TikTok or similar softwares that present a "national security risk."

And in 2020, former president Donald Trump signed an executive order in an attempt to ban Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat.

Other foreign governments, college campuses, companies, and federal and state offices have also made the move to ban the app out of fears of data privacy and national security, but the ACLU and other civil liberties groups have maintained a strong stance against similar legislation. And past failures indicate that its unlikely such a ban would succeed.

"The ACLU has repeatedly explained that banning TikTok would have profound implications for our constitutional right to free speech and free expression because millions of Americans rely on the app every day for information, communication, advocacy, and entertainment," the organization asserted. "And the courts have agreed."

SAVE $50: As of March 6, paid My Best Buy members (Plus/Total) will save $50 when they pre-order Apple's new M3 MacBook Airs through Best Buy (starting at $1,049).

Quick links: 13-inch model Apple MacBook Air (M3) Starting from $1,049 at Best Buy (save $50 with paid My Best Buy membership) Get Deal 15-inch model Apple MacBook Air (M3) Starting from $1,249 at Best Buy (save $50 with paid My Best Buy membership) Get Deal unlock the deal My Best Buy membership (Plus/Total) $49.99 or $179.99/year Join Now

Apple quietly announced an update to the MacBook Air line in a humble press release this week, bringing its M3 chip and a few new features to its lightweight 13- and 15-inch laptops. While they won't officially hit shelves until Friday, March, 8, you can pre-order them through select retailers ahead of time — and maybe save a little money in the process.

At the time of writing, the new M3 MacBook Airs were $50 off at Best Buy for paid members of its My Best Buy program (specifically, the Plus and Total tiers). That brings the 13-inch model down to a starting price of $1,049 and the 15-inch variant's base configuration to $1,249.

It's not the steepest discount in the world, but this is a rare opportunity to save on a brand-spanking-new laptop before it's formally available. This appears to be the first time Best Buy has run such a promotion; it didn't offer any discounts on M2-era preorders.

SEE ALSO: Apple launches new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip

If you're not yet a My Best Buy member, you can sign up for the Plus tier for $49.99/year to unlock this exclusive deal (among many others) on top of free two-day shipping and an extended 60-day return window. The Total tier, meanwhile, costs $179.99/year and adds on free protection plans (including AppleCare+), 24/7 tech support, and a 20% discount on any repairs you might need.

The M3 MacBook Airs' new upgrades are solely internal but still noteworthy. That new silicone chip is said to make them 60 percent faster than the M1-powered MacBook Air from late 2020 and faster at performing AI tasks. They also add support for WiFi 6E as well as two external displays, with the caveat of needing to have their lids closed for the latter. (If you're thinking of using yours exclusively that way, consider the M2 Mac mini instead.) Otherwise, you get the same overall design, Liquid Retina display, RAM and storage configurations, and 18-hour battery life of the M2 generation.

If you're not sure if you should splurge on an upgrade just yet, check out Mashable's detailed comparison between the M3 and M2 MacBook Airs.

Looking for a budget-friendly phone plan without sacrificing on the latest tech perks? Shelby Church, a tech and lifestyle influencer renowned for sharing her clever, witty, and savvy money-saving strategies, has the solution to make living your best life effortless, without any connectivity hiccups.

Shelby partners up with TalkShopLive to give you all the deets on one of her favorite thrifty tips: choosing a phone plan that works for you — not against you. If you’re looking to save a little, make sure to check out this video. Live from the Walmart Live channel, Shelby offers her top advice on choosing a phone plan tailored for your family, highlights the benefits of one special family plan from Straight Talk Wireless, and shares tips for selecting the ideal phone for your needs.

Growing up as a twin and having two siblings, Shelby knows better than most the importance of having a great family plan and what essentials it should include. So when choosing a plan for your family, you might want to consider the Silver Unlimited Family Plan.

With access to 5G, the next generation of wireless network technology poised to redefine mobile capabilities beyond LTE, including international calls to Mexico and Canada, the Silver Unlimited offers comprehensive features tailored to meet your family's needs for unlimited data, talk, and text.

Seeking advice from friends and family is just the beginning of Shelby's decision-making process when choosing a new phone or plan. In fact, her featured plan is carefully chosen based on data, leveraging the network with the most first-place rankings in RootMetrics® 1G 2023.

RootMetrics is a great way to tell how reliable a plan is because it offers scientifically collected and crowdsourced mobile network performance information for shoppers.

Straight Talk Wireless’s 4-line Silver Unlimited Family Plan fulfills all the criteria Shelby seeks, and it's available for your family as well. After all, if it’s Shelby-approved, it speaks volumes!

Tune in live on March 6 at 4:00 p.m. PST  to shop Shelby’s recommendations and learn more about her favorite products to pair with the Straight Talk Wireless Silver Unlimited Family Plan, right here.

Straight Talk Motorola Moto G Play, Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy A14 5G 64GB, Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy A15 128GB Black (Prepaid) Credit: Mashable composite, Motorola, Samsung

Google is promising to take on "low-quality" spam content appearing on its search engine. The company has announced new tactics to "fight against spammers" with key changes including improved quality ranking through "algorithmic enhancements" and additional spam policies.

In a statement released by the tech giant on Tuesday, Google said the changes will be implemented to "reduce unoriginal content in search results" and "continue delivering useful content and connecting people with high-quality websites."

SEE ALSO: It's not just you, Google Search really has gotten worse

In essence, Google will refine some of its core ranking systems to help better understand which web pages are helpful to users, continuing work it's been doing for the last couple of years. Additionally, the company will expand its existing spam-fighting systems, implementing new policies to tackle manipulated search rankings, expired domain abuse, and site reputation abuse. The latter means looking at websites that may host "low-quality" content from third-party hosts. This kind of content, writes Google, "can confuse or mislead visitors who may have vastly different expectations" for the kind of content on such websites.

Earlier this year, a study by German researchers noted that Google was caught in a "constant battle" with SEO spam, despite improvements over the course of their research. The study also alerted to the presence of AI-generated spam, which will likely make search results even worse. A Google spokesperson told Mashable at the time that the study "doesn’t reflect the overall quality and helpfulness of Search for the billions of queries."