Blogroll

This heater disguised as a floor lamp is $230 with a 20% off coupon

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: Through March 10, save an extra 20% on this 1500W heater floor lamp and get it for $229.59 with code ENJOY20.

Even though the first day of spring is technically just two weeks away, most of us won’t be able to take off our hoodies or fuzzy socks just yet. In fact, those of us living further north might still expect temperatures below freezing throughout March. That’s exactly why we’re in search of new ways to stay warm and toasty, no matter what the weather outside looks like. 

This 1500W heater hides under the guise of a floor lamp. You can use this 20% off sitewide coupon ENJOY20 to get one for $229.59 through March 10.

A heater that hides in plain sight

Many space heaters can be eyesores, especially if you’re placing them in your minimalistic bedroom or football-themed man cave, but this one hides in plain sight. Nobody would even realize this sleek black floor lamp is actually what’s keeping them extra cozy.

1500W heat can warm a 323-square-foot area or room without significantly raising your energy bill. Some placement ideas are your bedroom, book nook, or chilly basement. 

This heater is also suitable for outdoor use, like on your porch or patio, so you can enjoy your favorite spots in early spring and late fall, or on cool summer nights. An extra-long power cord makes it simple to heat up spaces in need. Since it weighs 30 pounds, it can withstand wind; plus, it shuts off automatically if tipped over, whether it’s because of a wind gust, child, or pet.

Your purchase also includes a manufacturer's 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Stay toasty warm with this 1500W heater floor lamp for $229.59 (reg. $299) when you use code ENJOY20 at checkout by March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: ManCave Hero 1500W Heater Floor Lamp $229.59 at the Mashable Shop
$299.00 Save $69.41 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $23.99 software from H&R Block could make tax season less stressful

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: Through March 10, get an app that searches for tax deductions and gives you five free federal eFiles along with a quick state file from H&R Block for just $23.99 with code ENJOY20.

If you're nervous about tax season, it might be time to consult a professional. No, that doesn't mean you have to chat with a person, but you can if you want to when you use the H&R Block Tax Software. This Deluxe Federal and State 2023 tax package gives you the tools to search for deductions and quickly get your taxes filed, and it's on sale for only $23.99 for a limited time. 

Get help from the tax pros

Tax season is stressful, and it might be impossible to avoid that completely, but the right software could help you quickly get your taxes filed so you can watch and wait for your return. H&R Block Deluxe Tax Software simplifies the tax filing process by giving you step-by-step guidance to help you max out your deductions for homes, investments, and more. H&R Block even says they'll guarantee you get the maximum refund possible. No matter what, the filing process is super smooth, and this software even comes with five free Federal eFiles. And to keep you informed the whole time, you can always access over 13,000 searchable articles in the help center or in-person representation in case of an audit.

Key features of this tax software also include unlimited federal preparation and printing. It even comes with worry-free audit support, free in-person representation to assist you during audits at no additional cost. Downloading is super easy, and you can save all your work directly on your computer. 

And it's ok if you used TurboTax last year. This software gives you seamless switching from TurboTax, and you can even import last year's tax return data in seconds. Check out your real-time refund results.

Simplify tax season

Tax season doesn't have to be a major stressor every year. Instead, you can get software that makes it a breeze and may even increase your chance to take home a better return. 

Until March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get use ENJOY20 to save 20% off sitewide — get the H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe Federal and State 2023 for $23.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: RetailKing H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe Federal + State 2023 (PC/Mac Download) $23.99 at the Mashable Shop
$49.99 Save $26.00 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Project movies and shows via Bluetooth for $286

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: Through March 10, stream movies to your own HD projector when you get the FHD Movie Projector with Bluetooth, WiFi 6, and 4K input support. This smart projector is on sale for just $285.99 (reg. $389.99).

Home theaters don't have to be an expensive room in your home anymore. As prices dropped and technology improved, home projectors are something you may be able to invest in if you want your own home theater experience, and there's a lot to love about some of them. 

The FHD Movie Projector with Bluetooth, WiFi 6, and 4K input support has a super clear projected picture, multiple ways to connect, built-in audio, and it's on sale for $285.99. That's down from $389. 

No tickets required

This 4K movie projector puts a high-quality theater right in your home, and all you have to bring is something to watch and your favorite movie snack. this smart projector makes it easy on you with tools like smart Auto Focus, Auto Lens Cap, and Auto Keystone Correction. No more making all the little adjustments yourself. And the picture should be super clear, too. This projector boasts a 1080p FHD resolution with 260 ANSI lumens brightness and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, so the potential for a super detailed image is there, right in your home. 

This projector is equipped with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, so you get a lot of ways to seamlessly connect, whether it's to your computer for video streaming or to external speakers for immersive audio. Don't worry if you don't have other speakers. The built-in 12W stereo speakers deliver crisp highs and lows.

You can also connect through standard cable inputs. This projector has ports for HDMI, USB, AV, and there's even a headphone jack. That means it could connect to your computer, gaming consoles, or streaming devices. 

Grab the popcorn and project movies at home

Elevate movie night at home with a projector that's practically as simple to work as your regular television.

Before the credits roll, get the FHD Movie Projector with Bluetooth, WiFi 6, and 4K input support for $285.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay FHD Movie Projector with Bluetooth, WiFi 6, & 4K Input Support $285.99 at the Mashable Shop
$389.99 Save $104.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Mars may have harbored a shocking amount of water, scientists find

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:00

It's clear that Mars once gushed with water.

Today, aerial views of the Red Planet's Jezero crater (shown below) reveal that water once poured into this basin, leaving behind telltale signs of rivers, streams, and a great lake. Some three billion years ago, a vast ocean may have blanketed a great swathe of the world, too. Back then, Mars wasn't simply rusty red; large regions were blue.

But a big question remains: How much water did Mars once have?

In new research, planetary scientists have established a likely range. And in it, the amount of water proportionally on Mars could have rivaled ocean-covered Earth.

"It suggests that Mars has had a lot of water," Bruce Jakosky, a planetary geologist at the University of Colorado, Boulder, who coauthored the new research published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, told Mashable. Jakosky is also the principal investigator for NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, a spacecraft currently orbiting the Red Planet.

SEE ALSO: NASA rover finds damaged helicopter in the middle of Mars desert

To arrive at an answer, the researchers focused on a key question: Where has the water gone? They assessed how much has been lost to space; how much was absorbed into Martian rocks and minerals; how much has been frozen away in the polar caps; how much is preserved as buried ice from an ancient ocean; and how much water could have drained into Mars' crust.

"It suggests that Mars has had a lot of water."

Water lost into space is a sizable area of loss, or "sink." Mars gradually lost its insulating atmosphere, in part to effects of solar radiation. Ultimately Mars' once thick atmosphere diminished, and bounties of water escaped. Without this insulating blanket, the planet dried out.

Today, Mars is 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth.

A satellite view of the Jezero Crater's dried-up river delta as viewed from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Different colors show different sediments, like carbonates. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS / JHU-APL A conceptual depiction of the expansive Kasei Valles region on Mars some 3 billion years ago. Credit: F. Schmidt / NASA / USGS / ESA / DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum)

In total, the researchers concluded that Mars lost between 380 to 1,970 meters (1,247 to 6,463 feet of water), if all this water lay uniformly over the surface like a giant ocean, a measurement called a "global equivalent layer." (Previous studies, which used different methods to gauge Mars' watery past, found less amounts of water.) A sizable unknown, and one reason for the big range, is uncertainty about how much water is now filling the pore space in Mars' crust. It's unclear, but it could be a huge amount, up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).

To help grasp or visualize how much water Mars once held, we can use our water-blanketed planet as a reference. If we took all the water on Earth and in Earth's crust, and scaled it proportionally to Mars' size and mass, this global layer of water would be about 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) thick on Mars.

In short, Mars may have once held Earth-like volumes of water. Perhaps less, or perhaps even more. It's unlikely all this water was present on the Martian surface at once, "but it's been at the surface at some point in Mars' history," Jakosky said.

"Having that much water would make Mars habitable."

Even so, this evidence for bounties of lost water, combined with a Martian landscape teeming with dried gullies and past evidence of rivers and lakes, shows an early Mars burgeoning with water. There's not nearly evidence that microbial life ever existed on Mars, but all this water would have likely created an environment suitable for primitive organisms to evolve.

"Water is a necessary ingredient to support life," Jakosky explained. "Having that much water would make Mars habitable."

Martian missions, like NASA's Perseverance rover, are continuing to scour this distant desert for hints of past life — like certain telltale molecules or a fragment of a cell.

"We're going down the right path to look for evidence of life," Jakosky said.

This story has been updated with more information about Mars' water-rich past.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN for crypto trading and Bitcoin payments

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 11:54

Don't worry. We're not going to even attempt to explain the intricacies of the cryptocurrency market. What we will say is that crypto wallets, exchanges, and trading platforms can be dangerous places to navigate. Hackers frequently populate these services, looking for an opportunity to take possession of your most prized property. Scary stuff, right?

So what can you do to protect yourself against these undercover agents? Simple: You can invest in a VPN. These cybersecurity services protect your data and hide your identity when you're online. They also help provide protection for your assets when you're using cryptocurrency platforms.

There are plenty of impressive VPNs that would make a perfect partner for anyone looking to enter into the world of crypto trading and payments, but which service is right for you? It's not an easy question to answer, but we'll give it a try.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide vital protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address, making all of your activity untraceable and secure. We know it's not a simple concept. It can be helpful to think of VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN for cryptocurrency trading?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're investing in a new cryptocurrency, using your favourite crypto wallet, or paying with coins, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

It's really all about providing another layer of online protection against hackers. The best crypto VPNs secure your online activity, meaning your prized assets are protected from hackers looking to make a quick profit.

What are the most important VPN features to consider?

There is a long list of things you should consider before investing in a VPN, but we know you've got other things to do. To speed up the process, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things offered by the best VPNs. Before you make any sort of decision, you should consider connection speed, server network, number of logins, security features, and privacy policy:

  • Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. Make sure you select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't use cryptocurrency platforms without disruption.

  • Number of connections The best VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, whilst others limit you to just a single device. Prioritise services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time.

  • Server network — The best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for investing your favourite coins.

  • Privacy policy — You need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your VPN of choice should not store these details as that would make the whole anonymity and privacy thing redundant.

  • Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously massively important when navigating cryptocurrency platforms because you need to know that your assets are secure.

There are other things you should consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start your shopping process.

Should you use free VPNs?

The big question when it comes to VPNs is whether you should consider free services. We're all looking to get the best deal, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with these cybersecurity services.

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. There does tend to be a catch with free versions however, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this simply isn't going to work. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but they obviously don't last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

With all of this in mind, the best option for securely accessing and using cryptocurrency platforms is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for crypto?

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for cryptocurrency trading and payments. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for crypto in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 11:52

BBC iPlayer is one of the most popular streaming sites in the UK. Users get access to a wide range of dramas, original shows, and much more on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. BBC iPlayer is also ad free, which is a nice bonus that we're sure everyone can appreciate.

The only catch is that if you're travelling or not permanently based in the UK, BBC iPlayer will recognise that you're not in its catchment area and immediately block you. To bypass this frustrating blockade, you will need to use a VPN. These cybersecurity services can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, which tricks BBC iPlayer into thinking you are based in the country. This quick and easy process maintains access to everything that BBC iPlayer has to offer.

The key message is that if you want to keep up to speed with all your favourite shows on BBC iPlayer, you are going to need a VPN. But which VPN is the best for unblocking and watching BBC iPlayer? We'll get to that after answering a few of the most important questions concerning the world of VPNs.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are powerful security tools that provide protection for your identity and data by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. The best way to visualise a VPN is to think of it like an encrypted tunnel through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

Do you need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?

You can continue to watch BBC content when you're outside of the UK by downloading your favourite shows on the iPlayer app before you depart the country. This is a solid move for any movies or shows that have already been released in full. However, this method does not help with shows that are still being released or live sports.

To keep up with this kind of entertainment, your only option is to use a VPN.

Can you watch BBC iPlayer from abroad?

If you think accessing BBC iPlayer abroad is going to be tricky with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

  1. Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN

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

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

  4. Log in to BBC iPlayer to watch live content and your favourite shows on demand

You could be anywhere in the world, but the process remains the same.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

There are a lot of VPNs out there that can reliably access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, but which is the best service for you? To help you find something that ticks your boxes, we've handpicked a selection of the very best streaming-friendly services for everyone.

ExpressVPN can be found at the top of this roundup for a number of reasons: it has a streaming-friendly interface, security focused features, and strong connection speeds. All of this provides users with a straightforward and speedy streaming experience. That's not to say that ExpressVPN will suit everyone best, and the likes of Surfshark, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN will appeal to many users.

These are the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN for your iPad

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 11:50

So you're considering investing in a VPN? That's the first step. The second step is somewhat harder. Deciding to invest in one of these powerful cybersecurity services is the easy part, but actually picking the right VPN for you and your tech is tricky. But do not fear, because we can help you make an informed decision.

Here's everything you need to know before subscribing to a VPN.

What is a VPN?

A VPN provides vital protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. This network forms a protected tunnel that you send all of your information through, so instead of sending and receiving information in the open, everything happens under the cover of an encrypted connection. The result of this process is that nobody can see your data, and all of your activity is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN for your iPad?

We all know that iOS devices are generally more secure than devices operating with Android, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in some form of cybersecurity for your most prized possessions. That's because every time you browse the web or connect to public WiFi, your data could be exposed to online threats. To keep your data protected in transit, you need a VPN.

SEE ALSO: Tech worker wore an Apple Vision Pro at his wedding

The other reason to consider partnering your iPad with a VPN relates to streaming. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are connecting from another country, meaning you can watch all the content that is normally locked to that location. If you want to watch extra content from the likes of Netflix and Prime Video on your iPad, you should seriously consider a streaming-friendly VPN.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are a lot of free versions of top VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. With this in mind, why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There are always catches with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine for some people, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on the move, it isn't going to work. Free trials work differently: they come without limitations, but don't tend to last very long. Trials give you the opportunity to test out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution if you're travelling.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for your iPhone?

Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all service, there are plenty of VPNs that can partner effectively with iOS devices like the iPad. To help you pinpoint the best service for you, we have listed the best VPNs to protect your iPad. There should be something for everyone in this list, with popular services like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN making the cut.

These are the best iPad VPNs in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 6

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 11:48

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 6 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 6

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

AcrossGreen space in a city
  • The answer is park.

Site with a "Buy It Now" button
  • The answer is eBay.

One providing SAT navigation
  • The answer is tutor.

Baked pasta dish
  • The answer is ziti.

Company whose name became a verb in the 2020s
  • The answer is Zoom.

Down___ project
  • The answer is pet.

Full of activity and excitement
  • The answer is abuzz.

2:3, for example
  • The answer is ratio.

Hit Phoebe Bridgers song with the lyric "The band took the speed train"
  • The answer is Kyoto.

Area from which most view the Grand Canyon
  • The answer is rim.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:14

Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT creator OpenAI, claiming it breached an agreement between early backers when it transitioned into a for-profit company and received a big funding check from Microsoft, and asking it to go open-source and nonprofit again.

Now, OpenAI has published its side of the story.

OpenAI's response is fairly short but quite devastating for Musk, as it contains several emails from Musk which indicate that he knew about OpenAI's plans to go for-profit, and that he suggested for the company to merge with Tesla. One email also indicates that he knew and agreed with OpenAI's plans to eventually stop sharing all its work as open source.

OpenAI's blog post, authored by co-founders Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, John Schulman, Wojciech Zaremba, and OpenAI in general, further claims that Musk wanted "full control" of the company.

"As we discussed a for-profit structure in order to further the mission, Elon wanted us to merge with Tesla or he wanted full control. Elon left OpenAI, saying there needed to be a relevant competitor to Google/DeepMind and that he was going to do it himself. He said he’d be supportive of us finding our own path," the post says.

The post further claims that, when Musk couldn't have his way with OpenAI, he decided to leave and build his own AGI (artificial general intelligence) competitor within Tesla; Musk indeed launched his own AI project in November 2023.

OpenAI further disputed Elon Musk's claims that he donated a hundred million dollars to the company, even though he claimed the company needs to go big to "avoid sounding hopeless" in comparison to Google. "Elon said we should announce an initial $1B funding commitment to OpenAI. In total, the non-profit has raised less than $45M from Elon and more than $90M from other donors," the post says.

The emails that OpenAI shared provide important context given Musk's lawsuit, as they indicate that he knew about OpenAI's plans to ditch open-source and go for-profit, but gave up on it once he realized he couldn't be in charge.

SEE ALSO: Former Twitter/X executives sue Elon Musk for $128 million in unpaid severance

There's a lot still missing here; for example, the agreement between co-founders and early investors that Musk mentions in his lawsuit isn't explicitly mentioned in OpenAI's post. Also, it's likely that a lot more correspondence exists between Musk and OpenAI's founders and investors, painting a fuller picture of everyone's intentions towards the company. Given Musk's lawsuit, this surely isn't the last we've heard on this topic.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Set Boundaries Against Emotional Manipulation

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 07:01

Emotional manipulation is when someone preys on another person’s feelings to trigger guilt, fear, or obligation. If you think you’re being emotionally manipulated by a colleague or manager, try these five strategies to protect yourself. Trust your gut. If something feels off or an interaction leaves you with a lingering sense of discomfort, don’t dismiss […]

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Categories: Management

How to watch Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig online for free

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 07:00

TL;DR: Watch Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League knockout rounds regularly deliver some of the best football of the season. If you want to watch the best players in the world compete in dramatic matchups with everything on the line, you need to find a way to watch the Champions League live.

And we're not talking about a subscription, because anyone can do that. And we're definitely not suggesting you try and find a dodgy stream that risks your system's integrity. We're talking about a simple trick that provides access to select Champions League fixtures for free.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig?

Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig will kick off at 8 p.m. GMT on March 6. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free

Austrian viewers can live stream select Champions League fixtures for free (with German commentary) through Austrian broadcaster ServusTV. This free schedule includes the fixture between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ServusTV

  5. Stream Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these generous offers, you can gain access to ServusTV without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to ServusTV and watch regular Champions League fixtures, you'll need an actual subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming sport on ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 94 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds 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.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save 91% on this expert-led Salesforce training package

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 07:00

TL;DR: The 2024 Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification Training Bundle is on sale for £11.83, saving you 91% on list price.

If you don't know what Salesforce is, chances are, someone in your office probably does. With over 150,000 companies worldwide, Salesforce remains the leading platform for customer relationship management. Organisations rely on it for tracking leads, organising customer data, automating sales and marketing processes, and so much more. With its ubiquity in the workplace, many companies are looking for experts who know their way around the platform. Career opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem abound, ranging from developers and administrators to architects and marketers.

If you're keen on exploring a career in Salesforce and want to dip your toes in, the 2024 Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification Training Bundle can help. Great for aspiring developers and administrators, it packs expert-led training on Salesforce customisations, and for a limited time, you can grab it on sale for only £11.83.

This training bundle features three courses spearheaded by Packt Publishing, a leading e-learning platform for IT professionals. Apart from learning how to navigate Salesforce, you can also expect to acquire new skills, including building Salesforce-based apps, integrating chatbots, and creating workflow automation procedures.

While the video lessons are the core of this training package, quizzes and study guides are also available for knowledge retention. There are even hands-on tests that you can take to practice your newfound developer skills.

You can access all courses using any device and have the flexibility to go through the lessons at your own pace, in your own time. You also get a certificate of completion after finishing them, which you can then use to bolster your resume.

Formerly retailing for over £100, you can score this Salesforce training bundle on sale for only £11.83.

Opens in a new window Credit: Packt Publishing The 2024 Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification Training Bundle £11.83 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 6

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 05:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 6'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:

Full of tears.

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 T.

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 #991 is...

TEARY.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 6

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 04:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 6'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: Airport

  • Green: Legalese

  • Blue: A juggler's tools

  • Purple: Words with clothes

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: Parts of an Airport

  • Green: Legal Terms

  • Blue: Things A Juggler Juggles

  • Purple: Words Ending In Clothing

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 #269 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Parts of an Airport: HANGAR, RUNWAY, TARMAC, TERMINAL

  • Legal Terms: ACTION, CLAIM, COMPLAINT, LAWSUIT

  • Things a Juggler Juggles: BEANBAG, CLUB, RING, TORCH

  • Words Ending in Clothing: FOXGLOVE, GUMSHOE, TURNCOAT, WINDSOCK

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Max is cracking down on password-sharing just like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+

Mashable - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 00:41

The days of being able to share a single streaming service account with your family and friends are quickly coming to an end.

Max, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service formerly known as HBO Max, is the latest company to announce that it will be cracking down on accounts it suspects of password-sharing.

SEE ALSO: Netflix password-sharing restrictions are now global

The news of Max's password-sharing crackdown comes directly from Warner Bros. Discovery CEO JB Perrette while speaking at Morgan Stanley’s 2024 Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Monday.

Max will begin informing password-sharing subscribers of the company's new policy enforcement later this year with the intent to fully roll out paid sharing in 2025.

Streaming services are all cracking down on password-sharing

This news shouldn't be all too surprising. Max is just the latest streaming service on the growing list of providers cracking down on password-sharing. Netflix was the first of the big streamers to end password-sharing last year. Disney followed suit just last month by prohibiting password-sharing in its policies for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

Password-sharing. as viewed by most of these streaming services, is typically defined as a paying subscriber allowing individuals outside of their household access to their account. Streamers typically provide plans which allow for multiple devices within a household to access content on a single paid account. However, allowing others outside the paying subscribers' household to do so is quickly becoming against the rules across the industry.

Streaming services that have already instituted crackdowns have typically sent out emails warning users suspected of password-sharing. Netflix has rolled out add-on plans which allow subscribers to pay extra to add individuals outside of their household to their account. Disney's streaming services have yet to provide such an offering to customers but plan to launch such a feature later this year.

SEE ALSO: Hulu and ESPN+ will crack down on password sharing, following Disney+

The news comes as Max struggles to grow in the highly competitive streaming TV market. Warner Bros. Discovery made a highly controversial decision last year when it decided to drop the popular "HBO" brand in its streaming services name, turning HBO Max into just "Max." At the end of 2023, the company announced that Max had 52 million subscribers, down more than two and a half million subscribers from the previous year.

However, the original shows on Max are among the most sought out. HBO's Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and The Last of Us have topped the most-pirated show lists over the year.

While Max's decision to put a stop to password-sharing may be unpopular among users who are, well, sharing passwords, it's proven to be successful for other streaming services. Netflix saw tens of thousands of new signups in just the two days immediately after it cracked down on the practice. By the end of that quarter, Netflix added 8.8 million new subscribers, significantly more than the 2.4 million new subscribers it saw the previous quarter when users could still share their passwords.

We'll soon see if Max is just as successful with its own password-sharing crackdown.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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
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