Blogroll

IRS Direct File program now open to more taxpayers

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 00:25

The IRS Direct File pilot program is now open to receive tax filings from eligible taxpayers.

The program allows some taxpayers to file online for free directly to the IRS, using the agency's own in-house software and customer service support.

Only taxpayers who live in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to participate.

SEE ALSO: How to talk to a human at the IRS

The program started as invite-only and had set windows for submitting a return. Now, Direct File is available 24 hours a day. Upon expanding the program, the IRS noted that it may briefly close if the daily allotment for returns is exceeded. Should that happen, taxpayers should check back the following day as more spaces will be added.

If you've started a return through Direct File, you can continue working on it, even if the IRS temporarily closes the Direct File website.

To learn more the Direct File program, read our previous coverage on how to file taxes online for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The internet is just as obsessed with Lisan al Gaib as Stilgar is with Paul Atreides in 'Dune: Part Two'

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 22:37

It's great to have a ride or die. But few have ever been as faithful as Dune: Part Two's Stilgar — the Fremen character played by Javier Bardem — who repeatedly backed Paul Atreides AKA Lisan al Gaib.

No real spoilers here for "Dune: Part Two," which is a fantastic film. All you need to know for this article is that Stilgar really pushes the belief that Timothée Chalamet's character, Paul Atreides, is the Lisan al Gaib, a long-promised savior for the Fremen people of Arrakis.

SEE ALSO: The people love 'Dune: Part Two'

People online turned this prophecy into a meme. The joke was that no matter what Paul did, Stilgar was there to hype him up as the Lisan al Gaib. Frankly, it's not too far off from the real plot of the movie.

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Basically, the meme comes down to Stilgar thinking even the smallest of accomplishments makes one a savior. And of course, the Lisan al Gaib memes were also great over on TikTok.

In this world or the spicy fantasy world of Dune, everyone needs a hype man. It's so hard to believe in yourself. But with someone like Stilgar on your side, you could do anything you set your mind to — even if that, unfortunately, causes a holy war.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iOS 17.4 is here: 5 new features coming to iPhone, including Apple Cash update

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 22:17

The new iOS 17.4 update is officially here. Expect a gaggle of new emojis, tweaks to Apple Podcasts, and more.

Curious about the eye-catching new features that will grace your iPhone? Check out the top five perks coming your way via iOS 17.4.

iOS 17.4 update: 5 new features coming to your iPhone

Your can update your phone by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Without further ado, here are the new features coming to your iOS device.

1. New emojis

As we mentioned in January, Apple is adding 118 new emojis to its colorful catalog of characters.

Six new emojis coming to the iOS 17.4 update Credit: Emojipedia

Six of them are brand-spankin' new concepts, including two head-shaking emojis for yes and no gestures, a slice of lime, a mushroom, a broken chain, and a fiery phoenix.

2. Apple Podcasts tweaks

With iOS 17.4, Apple Podcasts now has transcripts in the following four languages: English, French, German and Spanish.

Credit: Apple

"Transcripts offer full text display for each episode, making podcasts more accessible and immersive than ever before," Apple said in a press release. "Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, tapped to play from a specific point and built around accessibility."

3. Siri can announce messages in any supported language Credit: Apple

Continuing the trend of language expansion on iOS 17.4, Siri is getting an update that now lets users listen to messages from the virtual assistant in any supported language.

4. New 'Battery Health' info

On iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, you can see the battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use under "Battery Health" via the Settings app.

5. Use Apple Cash for merchants without Apple Pay Credit: Apple

If you're dealing with a merchant that doesn't accept Apple Pay (ahem, I'm looking at you Walmart), you can use your Apple Cash virtual card number by typing in the number from Wallet or via Safari AutoFill.

6. Apple Music Playlists update

According to Apple, after updating your iPhone to iOS 17.4, you should have the option to add songs to Apple Music Playlists, Library, and Apple Music Classical after identifying them via music recognition.

The new iOS 17.4 update is available now for users with an iPhone XS or newer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What's going on with 'Star Wars' and Cerveza Cristal?

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 22:01

The original Star Wars series is very good. This isn't even really a debatable fact now, nearly five decades since the first film — now known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope — was released. George Lucas has famously made some questionable changes to the re-released versions of the trilogy, including color timing, audio mixing, take choices, visual effects, and scene expansions.

But there was one edit many of us hadn't seen before this week on X when a beer commercial was somehow edited into the film in Chile. The original Star Wars trilogy didn't air in Chile until 2003, and the films were shown without advertising breaks, so they added them themselves. Instead of gifting Luke Skywalker with a lightsaber, Obi-Wan Kenobi opens a cooler filled with ice and Cerveza Cristal.

SEE ALSO: New Gen AI tool transforms popular memes into videos — here are our top 6

"Around 2003 in Chile, when the original trilogy of Star Wars began airing on television there, they did this funny thing to avoid cutting to commercial breaks," X user Windy posted along with a clip of the movie. “They stitched the commercials into the films themselves. Here is one of them, with the English dub added in."

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There are loads of these odd product placements in the Chilean version of the movie, and none of them lean towards subtly. In response, users on X are editing their favorite films to include Cerveza Cristal product placements.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

'Helldivers 2' on Xbox? What we know so far

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 21:00

Helldivers 2 is a certified hit, and — since it's a PlayStation 5 exclusive — a massive success for Sony. Arrowhead Game Studios has delivered a solid PVE experience, with a peak player count of over 400,000 dedicated citizens fighting to spread democracy across the galaxy.

SEE ALSO: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' is everything you could want it to be

However, it seems Xbox fans are feeling left out. So much so, there's even a petition to bring the game over to the Series X. Given that Microsoft has announced that some of its exclusives are coming to other consoles, it's only natural to assume the same of Sony.

So we've gathered everything we could find across the internet to answer the burning question:

Is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Also no, but never say never.

Sony Interactive doesn't have much history of sharing its exclusives with its competitors. Only recently has the publisher invested in PC ports of its PlayStation exclusives and, even then, it took them a long time to just implement cross-play with Xbox and Nintendo. Helldivers 2 on PC is available now.

For what it's worth, Arrowhead Game Studios' CEO Johan Pilestedt said during an interview with Gamefile that he's "not exactly sure who it helps in the industry by not being on Xbox."

That isn't going to mean much because that decision is for Sony, not the developer. So if you're aching to play Helldivers 2 either build a PC or buy a PS5.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lupita Nyong'o plays a lost android in stunning trailer for 'The Wild Robot'

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 20:39

The first trailer for Dreamworks Animation's The Wild Robot is sure to pull your heartstrings and leave you in awe of nature.

Based on the book by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot introduces us to ROZZUM unit 7134, aka Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o), a robot who's been shipwrecked on a deserted island. As time goes by, it will learn to adapt to its new (beautifully animated) surroundings, build friendships with the animals living alongside it, and even adopt an orphaned gosling.

The Wild Robot is written and directed by Chris Sanders of the How to Train Your Dragon series and Lilo & Stitch. It boasts an impressive voice cast that includes Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Catherine O'Hara (Schitt's Creek), Bill Nighy (Love Actually), Kit Connor (Heartstopper), Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows), and Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible).

The Wild Robot is coming theaters Sept. 20.

Categories: IT General, Technology

See the world for less with $50 off your $100+ roundtrip airfare at JetBlue

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 20:17

SAVE $50 ON $100+: As of March 5, you can save $50 on $100+ roundtrip airfare at JetBlue using promo code SPRINGTRAVEL.

Opens in a new window Credit: JetBlue JetBlue's The Big Spring Sale Save $50 off on your $100+ roundtrip airfare with promo code SPRINGTRAVEL Get Deal

Planning on getting some travel in now that the weather is heating up? You can save a bit of cash if you book soon, thanks to JetBlue's Big Spring Sale, which can net you some money back in your pocket if you're looking to make travel plans that include roundtrip flights.

As of March 5, JetBlue is offering $50 off your $100+ roundtrip airfare per person when you use promo code SPRINGTRAVEL. You need to book by March 6 by 11:59PM ET, and travel between March 19 and June 12, excluding Fridays and Sundays. You'll get $25 off each one-way segment of your trip when you spend a minimum of $50 per segment, or $50 off your roundtrip when you spend a minimum of $100 per trip.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though. This discount will only apply to your base fare, and taxes and fees aren't included in your spend totals. It's only valid on nonstop flights and it isn't retroactive for bookings you've already placed. But if you've still got a destination in mind that you can lock in under 24 hours, it's a good idea to go ahead and nab it. Any little extra you can save on airfare can help, especially in this economy.

While you're at it, make sure you're ready to go with these 9 overlooked and underrated travel essentials that can make your trip a little more relaxing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buy $60 worth of Unilever essentials at Amazon and get $15 off

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 20:07

GET $15 OFF: As of March 5, you can score $15 off everyday essentials when you spend $60 on select Unilever products at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Unilever Buy $60, get $15 off Unilever products Get Deal

Shopping for groceries is expensive. I can't go in and out of Target or Harris Teeter without spending $100, and somehow, every time I look down into my cart, there are only a few items in there (usually paper towels and toiletries).

Thankfully, Amazon has been putting out some pretty good spring cleaning deals, including a $15 credit when you shop for cleaning supplies worth $60 or more. Now, the company is expanding this deal to include Unilever essentials.

As of March 5, Amazon shoppers can get $15 off essentials like body wash, deodorant, laundry detergent, and more when they spend $60 or more on eligible Unilever products (You have to be signed into your Amazon account to get the deal.)

Here's the fine print:

  • It's a limited-time offer: It won't last forever, but the specific end date isn't mentioned.

  • You'll get an email confirmation: You'll receive an email with the discount amount credited to your account and instructions on how to use it.

  • The credit expires: The credit expires on March 11th, 2024, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

  • There's a maximum benefit: You can only save a maximum of $15, even if your order exceeds $60.

Examples of eligible Unilever products include:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $100 off the Samsung Galaxy S23 and upgrade your smartphone

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 19:43

SAVE $100: As of March 5, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is on sale at Amazon for $599.99, down from its original price of $699.99. That's a discount of 14%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy S23 $599.99
$699.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

There may be new smartphone models every year, but that doesn't mean you have to upgrade every time one comes out. If you're an Android phone user and you're uninterested in the folding phone craze – or just don't want to shell out too much cash for a phone — you might want to look into the previous generation for a great deal.

As of March 5, you can get an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone at Amazon for just $599.99, down from $699.99. That's 14% off and a savings of $100. This model is the 128GB storage version; the 256GB option is more expensive and not included in the current sale.

SEE ALSO: Galaxy AI: Any Android, iOS phone can try it now. Here’s how.

The phone was just released last February, so it's still plenty new enough for you to feel like you're getting some shiny new tech — and more than capable of running all those apps you need on an everyday basis.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 comes equipped with some fantastic features, including its adaptive vision booster that can adjust your screen's brightness depending on where you are. It also has an excellent camera with night mode so you can take great photos even in low light settings. It's a wonderful smartphone that makes sense to adopt if you need a new digital companion – for much less than you can get a current model.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Verizon +play customers can now bundle Netflix Premium and AMC+ for $25.99/month, saving over $70 per year

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 19:23

SAVE $71.88: As of March 5, Verizon customers can bundle Netflix Premium and ad-free AMC+ for $25.99/month through their free +play account, saving you $5.99 per month and a total of $71.88 annually.

Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon Netflix Premium and AMC+ bundle through Verizon +play $311.88 at Verizon
$383.76 Save $71.88 Get Deal

The growing list of streaming services that won't let you share passwords has us all on a perpetual quest to finesse streaming service costs whenever we can. Verizon is always down to help its customers do just that through its free +play platform, its latest deal bundling Netflix Premium with ad-free AMC+ for $25.99/month.

Considering that Netflix Premium is already $22.99/month on its own, this deal essentially adds AMC+ to your lineup for just three more dollars per month. Typically, the ad-free tier of AMC+ runs you $8.99/month, so you're saving around $6 each month — almost $72 annually — by bundling. Verizon users who already pay for Netflix (directly through Netflix) can migrate their subscription to +play to unlock the AMC+ bundle during the activation process through +play.

SEE ALSO: Netflix is axing its cheapest ad-free tier

As annoyed as we are with Netflix for kicking off the strict password trend, this library is a cultural staple. It's constantly expanding with new hits like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Spaceman and new seasons of originals like Bridgerton and Love is Blind, plus an overwhelming amount of solid options in genres from sci-fi and action to comedy and rom-coms.

AMC+ is home to popular shows like Mad Men, Killing Eve, and Kevin Can F*** Himself, movies like The Strangers and BlackBerry, and everything in The Walking Dead universe. With access to Shudder included in the subscription, AMC+ is arguably a crucial streaming service for horror fans. And, because AMC+ is one of the few streaming services still being chill about password sharing, just one family or friend activating this bundle could mean AMC+ access for the whole group. In that case, splitting the cost between everyone technically boosts your savings even more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get up to 54% off monitors during Discover Samsung Week

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 19:00

GET 54% OFF: As of March 5, you can get up to 54% off Samsung monitors at Amazon during the Discover Samsung Week event.

Our top picks: Best monitor deal overall Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55A $279.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best runner-up monitor deal Samsung 27-inch CF39 Series $139.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best budget monitor Samsung 24-inch S33GC Series Business Essential $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

Working from home has become the new norm for many of us. Upwork estimates that 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. That's, like, 22% of the workforce.

With more companies switching to a remote model, a top-notch at-home setup is a must (even if you're not a remote worker). But sometimes, getting the best equipment can come at a hefty price.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors for your home office

That's why you need to jump online during Amazon's Discover Samsung Week sale. Dozens of high-quality monitors are available at up to 54% off, making it the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home office or gaming setup without breaking the bank.

Here are some of our top picks from the sale:

Best Samsung monitor deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55A $279.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55A curved gaming monitor has 1.7 times the pixel density of full HD monitors, so you'll feel like you're really in the game. Plus, the curved display makes it easier to see everything on the screen.

This monitor has a 165HX refresh rate and a 1ms response time for smoother and more fluid gaming. Even if you're not a gamer, it's great for watching movies or editing photos with its vibrant colors and sharp image quality.

Best runner-up Samsung monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 27-inch CF39 Series $139.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 27-inch CF39 Series curved computer monitor is slightly smaller (and cheaper) than its 32-inch counterpart, but it still delivers stunning visuals with its curved display and full HD resolution.

The monitor is less than 0.5 inches thick, making it ultra-slim and sleek. (It can fit on just about any desk without taking up too much space.) It has a 4ms response time and an Eye Saver Mode to reduce eye strain whenever you pull an all-nighter.

Best budget Samsung monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 24-inch S33GC Series Business Essential $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a monitor that's cheap but functional, the Samsung 24-inch S33GC Series Business Essential monitor is a solid choice. This baby is built for working on PowerPoint presentations or browsing the web with its Full HD resolution and 100Hz refresh rate.

Thanks to its HDMI and DisplayPort, you can easily connect it to your laptop or PC. It also features advanced eye comfort tech by TÜV that reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light emissions.

More Samsung monitor deals worth checking out:
Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflix is bringing one of the best games ever to iOS. Here's how to access it.

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 19:00

It's time to escape from hell. Again.

On March 19, you'll be able to do that as much as you want, whenever you want, as Netflix is bringing Hades to iOS on that day. Supergiant Games' classic rogue-lite action game will be available on the mobile platform with new, customizable controls, 60 frames per second performance, achievements, and more, exclusively through a Netflix subscription.

If you've never played a game through Netflix before, the instructions are very simple. All you have to do is download the app, log in with a valid Netflix account, and you're good to go. Users can pre-register to get Hades on March 19 now.

SEE ALSO: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' is everything you could want it to be

In Hades, you play as Zagreus, the son of the titular ruler of the underworld. It's a randomly generated, run-based game about trying (and failing) to escape from Hell over, and over, and over, and over again. There are several weapons to try, countless combinations of upgrades from figures throughout Greek mythology to play with, and many, many opportunities to kick ass (and have your ass kicked).

Oh, and it's got a genuinely touching story with great writing and voice acting that advances the more you play.

Hades topped Mashable's Game of the Year list in 2020 for all of the reasons listed above. If you missed out on it then, don't miss out on it now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Facebook and Instagram are down. Users aren't taking it well

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 18:26

If you're wondering, Facebook and Instagram went down Tuesday morning and the internet hasn't taken too kindly to this. As Elena Cavender reported:

More than 500,000 users reported Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger outages starting around 10:08 am EST to Down Detector. Reports spiked at 10:30 am EST. Down Detector is owned by ZiffDavis, Mashable's parent company. There are over 24,000 posts on Twitter / X about the Facebook and Instagram outage.

Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) range from outrage to jokes about the grim reality that we might have to "touch grass."

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Other reactions pointed out the mass exodus to X to check if the other popular sites were down. Given X's history of dealing with spikes in traffic, some are concerned that X won't last long into the day either.

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Hopefully, this doesn't last all day, lest we have to interact with our friends and family (yikes!).

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This is a developing story and will be updated.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro is getting a key new feature soon

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:47

Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip inside is getting a key feature, often requested by professional users, via a software update.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro can be had with either an Apple M3 chip, an M3 Pro chip, or an M3 Max chip. But only the variants with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chip support two external displays. Per Apple's support document on the matter, the MacBook Pro with the M3 chip supports either one display up to 6K at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, or one display up to 4K at 144Hz over HDMI.

This created an odd discrepancy, as Apple's new MacBook Air models, which also feature the M3 chip, support two displays (the lid of the laptop itself must however be closed).

But now we know that this same functionality is coming to the 14-inch MacBook Pro via a software update. Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac that the feature is coming, and it will function exactly the same as it does on the new MacBook Air models.

(If you're wondering, this was never an issue for the 16-inch MacBook Pro as that machine can only be had with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip anyways.)

For some users, this may not be a big deal, but for professionals who are used to working with two external displays, it's an important feature.

SEE ALSO: M3 MacBook Air: 3 new features you won't find on the M2 MacBook Air

We don't know when, exactly, the new feature is coming; it could happen with the launch of macOS Sonoma 14.4, which is currently available as beta software.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro Shop Now

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the Logitech G Cloud Handheld for its lowest price yet and game on the go

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:42

SAVE $100: As of March 5, the Logitech G Cloud handheld gaming console is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 29% off its original price of $349.99 and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Logitech G Cloud handheld gaming console $249.99
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you like to spend long hours with your favorite game but hate sitting at your desk, a handheld gaming console is a great alternative. You can play all over your home with tech like the Logitech G Cloud handheld gaming console, whether you want to curl up in bed or chill out on your sofa. And today, you can snag some significant savings on the portable powerhouse.

As of March 5, the Logitech G Cloud handheld gaming console is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of $100, or 29%, off its original price of $349.99. Plus, it's the lowest price we've seen so far. On top of the sale price, some Mashable writers also noticed an additional 5% on-page coupon, bringing the price down to $237.49. This coupon may only be available in select locations.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming deals this week, from 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor' to 'Dead Space'

This lightweight handheld is a cheaper alternative to the Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally, but it's a bit different as it's meant to be used to stream games rather than play them natively. It can connect to your Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and other accounts so you can play triple-A titles and other demanding games without needing the hardware power that comes in the more robust handhelds—all you need is a WiFi connection. It has a 12-hour battery life, full HD touchscreen, and 60Hz refresh rate, so it can handle whatever games you throw at it.

If you've been looking for a more affordable way to play games throughout your home without moving your consoles or PC, this is a great option.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Facebook and Instagram are down: What we know.

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:40

If your Instagram feed isn't loading or you can't access Facebook, you're not alone. And no, you didn't get hacked.

As of Tuesday midmorning (Eastern time) Meta-owned social media platforms Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger were down.

More than 500,000 users reported Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger outages starting around 10:08 a.m. EST to Down Detector. Reports spiked at 10:30 a.m. EST. (Down Detector is owned by ZiffDavis, Mashable's parent company.) There were over 72,000 posts on Twitter / X about the Facebook and Instagram outage.

SEE ALSO: Facebook and Instagram are down. Users aren't taking it well

By 12 p.m. EST the issue appeared to be resolved. At 12:19 p.m., Andy Stone, Communications Director at Meta, posted, "Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience."

Tweet may have been deleted Facebook session expired? What's happening on Facebook.

Facebook users reported being logged out from their accounts and that when they tried to log back in they were told their "session has expired." For example one X user wrote, "Is anyone else having Facebook login issues? I just got kicked out of the app on my phone and on my computer and trying to log back in it tell me the session expired."

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Meta Status showed major disruptions with Facebook Login, WhatsApp Business API, and the Meta Admin center.

Meanwhile, Instagram feeds wouldn't load with users receiving the message, "Something went wrong."

As of now, it seems to be resolved.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best sex toy deals to shop this week

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:30

UPDATE: Mar. 5, 2024, 9:05 a.m. EST This story has been updated to include the latest sale prices and availability of sex toys.

Best sex toy deals this week: BEST VIBRATOR DEAL VIM wand by Fun Factory $152.10 at Fun Factory with code MASHABLE10 (save $16.90) Get Deal BEST CLITORAL SUCTION TOY DEAL Namii by biird $119 at Adam & Eve (save $10 ) Get Deal BEST DILDO DEAL Love To Love Dildolls Stargazer silicone dildo $41.60 at Lovers (save $10.40) Get Deal BEST PENIS SLEEVE DEAL Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack $69.95 at Fleshlight (save $11.90) Get Deal BEST ANAL TOY DEAL Adam & Eve Small Red Heart Gem Anal Plug $11 at Lovers (save $11) Get Deal

You don't have to wait for a special occasion like Valentine's Day or Black Friday to gift your partner or yourself something extra in the bedroom. Thanks to the increased demand for sexual wellness products (including adult toys, content, and other fun stuff), online retailers are offering some of the best sex toy deals we've seen in years.

Though we believe in springing for well-made toys since you'll be putting them in, on, and around your genitals, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to drop a ton of cash. From discounted vibrators from Good Vibrations to buy-one-get-one-free deals at Lovehoney, there are plenty of options.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a basic yet effective vibrator or a pro in need of a new addition to your pleasure collection, we're here to help you find the best sex toy deals out there.

Every week, we'll be rounding up the best deals directly from manufacturers and online sex shops, so you can find a toy you'll love at prices you'll love (almost) as much. Check out our favorite sex toy deals below:

Best vibrator deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fun Factory Our pick: VIM wand by Fun Factory $152.10 at Fun Factory
$169.00 Save $16.90 with code MASHABLE10 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a wand that'll give you an experience, we recommend the VIM by Fun Factory. This wand is unlike any other in your toy collection -- it's the world's first weighted-rumble wand vibrator. The vibrations stay in the head of the wand, so you won't break your arm, and it's way quieter than a traditional wand vibrator (up to 50% quieter and 32% lighter). It's available in midnight blue or sunrise orange, has five vibration speeds, and three patterns to choose from (including an edging setting for days when you can't get enough).

More vibrator deals: Best suction toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: biird Our pick: Namii by biird $119.00 at Adam & Eve
$129.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you haven't heard of biird, now's the time to get acquainted. This female-led sex toy brand offers some of the most beautiful sex toys we've seen (and the packaging is pretty cool, too). They're body-safe, powerful, and designed with your pleasure in mind.

Our recommendation? The Namii clitoral suction stimulator and vibrator. This toy received a European Product Design Award in 2022, and we can definitely see why. The Namii, though slightly odd-looking at first, is shaped to fit the contours of your body perfectly (if you want to go hands-free, it fits nicely in your underwear).

It has a clitoral stimulator and vibrator, which can be used simultaneously or separately, and (here's one of the coolest features) the magnetic charging base doubles as a mood light. Plus, you'll get a cute little sticker and storage pouch.

More clitoral stimulator and suction toy deals: SEE ALSO: Own your pleasure: A guide to the best sex toys for women Best dildo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Love To Love Our pick: Love To Love Dildolls Stargazer silicone dildo $41.60 at Lovers
$52.00 Save $10.40 Get Deal Why we like it

The Love to Love Dildolls Stargazer silicone dildo is ideal for beginners interested in a pleasurable experience with something that doesn't look like a penis. This non-realistic dildo is pretty in pink, purple, yellow, and green (and there's some cosmic glitter in there too). It's seven inches long, with 5.51 inches insertable, and has a curved shape for G-spot or P-spot stimulation.

The suction-cup base makes it easy to use in a variety of positions — you can stick it to the floor, wall, chair, the headboard of the bed, or even the shower wall.

More dildo deals:Best penis sleeve deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fleshlight Our pick: Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack $69.95 at Fleshlight
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When it comes to sex toys specifically for people with penises, Fleshlight might be the most recognizable name out there, and for a good reason — they're masters at the masturbation sleeve. Fleshlight's sleeves have made our favorites list before, and this bundle comes with a compact version of one of the brand's most popular sleeves, the Stamina Training Unit, as well as lube and cleaner.

More penis sex toy deals: SEE ALSO: The 10 best male sex toys will blow your mind, body, and soul Best anal toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Adam & Eve Our pick: Adam & Eve Small Red Heart Gem Anal Plug $11.00
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If you didn't have the chance to buy a heart-shaped butt plug during Valentine's Day, now's your chance. This small Red Heart Gem Anal Plug by Adam & Eve is ideal for foreplay; ask your partner to slowly insert it (use lube!) while you go down on them, or let them watch you teasingly insert it before moving on to the main event.

Its small, approachable size makes it a good pick for beginners. Plus, thanks to its aluminum construction, it's not only easy to clean, but you can experiment with temperature play by placing the plug in warm or cold water before use.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

'Sugar' trailer teases tough PI Colin Farrell on the hunt for a missing woman

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:00

James Bond meets Taken in the trailer for Sugar, a Colin Farrell-led series about a private investigator trying to find the missing granddaughter of a Hollywood producer.

The trailer is a mixture of brutal violence and sun-bleached, dog-accompanied cruising around California, with Farrell alternating between suave and suited and bloodied and beaten at various points.

Kirby, Amy Ryan, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn, Dennis Boutsikaris, Nate Corddry, Sydney Chandler, and Alex Hernandez also star.

The first two episodes of Sugar are available to stream on April 5 on Apple TV+, with episodes dropping weekly after.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Waze update: 6 new features added to make driving safer, easier

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 16:00

Waze, the Google-owned navigation app known for its real-time traffic updates and community-driven insights, is rolling out a suite of new features designed to make your driving experience safer, smoother, and more informed.

The suite of features, meant to roll out throughout 2024, ranges from advanced guidance for navigating tricky roundabouts to real-time alerts for upcoming speed limit changes and detailed parking information. This is part of a trend from Waze's attempts to use AI to enhance its safety features like Google Maps.

Just recently in November, the company added a feature that warns users of roads with a history of crashes.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps: A new time-saving feature is finally here

Here's a breakdown of what to expect on the Waze app in the coming weeks and months:

1. Navigating Roundabouts

Roundabouts seem to be a foreign concept many Americans; as such, Waze is introducing a new feature that assist drivers with navigating roundabouts more effectively.

Using input provided by locals in your area, the app will provide clear guidance on when to enter, the correct lane to choose, and where to exit roundabouts. This update will arrive some time this year starting with Android users before rolling out to iOS devices later this year.

2. Safety Alerts for First Responders

One of the more interesting updates from Waze is the inclusion of advance alerts for drivers when emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, are stopped along their route.

Credit: Waze

This feature aims to improve safety for both drivers and first responders. It's also a warning that you might be stuck on the highway for a long time.

This update is available now to both Android and iOS users, but only in select countries at the moment.

3. Speed Limit Alerts

The app will now alert drivers when a speed limit decrease is upcoming along their route.

Credit: Waze

This is a helpful feature for users hoping to evade tickets due to ill-conceived speed traps along the road. Coming some time this month, this update is being rolled out globally to all Android and iOS users.

4. Local Navigation Alerts

Using the power of its dedicated community of drivers, Waze plans to enhance its hazard alerts to include warnings about sharp curves, speed bumps, and toll booths. Along with speed alerts, this update is rolling out globally this month and is available to all Android and iOS users.

5. Parking Information

In collaboration with Flash, Waze is expanding its parking features to offer detailed information about parking garages, including cost, coverage, accessibility, valet options, and the availability of EV charging stations.

Credit: Waze

Users will also be able to reserve parking spaces directly through the app.

This feature will be available in the coming weeks for over 30,000 parking garages in the U.S. and Canada, including major cities.

6. Route Information

Rolling out for all devices this month, Waze is making it easier for drivers to access information about their favorite routes, including live traffic updates and delays. This feature allows users to compare their preferred routes with alternative ones to make informed decisions about their travel.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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