Blogroll

'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

How to talk to a human at the IRS

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:53

In the tax filing process, there are few tasks that feel as daunting as talking to a human at the Internal Revenue Service.

Taxpayers who contact the IRS continue to experience long wait times, according to the 2023 annual report published by the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization housed by the IRS.

But in some cases, you must reach an agent with a complex question about your filing, or to get more information in order to successfully complete your return.

SEE ALSO: Watch out for these common tax scams

The good news is that much of what you may need is online, via the IRS' website or its app IRS2Go. The IRS' interactive tax assistant search tool can answer anonymous questions about several tax laws that are specific to your circumstances.

The IRS' refund tracker also tells taxpayers what phase their return is in once it's been filed and 24 hours have elapsed. If there's a problem with your refund that requires you to contact the IRS, the refund status checker will let you know to do so.

If you can't find the answer to your question via the IRS website or app, you can call the agency directly or visit a local IRS office. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing both:

1. Call the IRS.

You can contact the IRS via phone about your personal return by calling 1-800-829-1040. This phone line is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

According to the IRS, wait times can average four minutes, though some callers may experience longer wait times, particularly on Monday and Tuesday and around the April deadline to file your taxes. (When Mashable called on a recent Wednesday afternoon, the wait time was an estimated 15 to 30 minutes.)

In your search for information about how to speak to a human at the IRS, you may encounter websites unaffiliated with the IRS that present a phone tree with detailed directions on which prompts to select.

Mashable is not offering similar directions because the phone tree selections may change over time. However, it's crucial to listen closely to each prompt as there are several based on your needs.

For example, asking about a refund is a separate prompt from questions related to your personal taxes. The same is true if you have questions about taxes related to health care law.

When listening to the selections, be sure you're not multitasking; it'll be easy to miss your prompt or get confused. Also, set aside uninterrupted time and prepare for a longer waiting period. You don't want to go through the trouble of calling and navigating the phone tree only to realize you don't have enough time to wait for an agent.

2. Visit a local IRS office.

The IRS has local offices across the country where you can speak directly to an agent. You can find the nearest location to you by searching the IRS' Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator tool.

The number of offices varies from state to state. In Arkansas, for example, there are three offices, one each in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Little Rock. In California, however, there are 28 locations, including a few in the Los Angeles area.

Services typically provided at local offices include account inquiries, basic individual tax law assistance, and payment arrangements. Call the location closest to you in advance to schedule an appointment. Be sure you arrive to the appointment prepared with documents, including a current government-issued photo ID, a taxpayer identification number (like a Social Security number), and any tax documents.

While an in-person visit to a local IRS office may not be possible for every taxpayer, it may be the right solution for those who can access a location and want to talk face-to-face with someone who can answer their questions.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 5

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:41

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 5 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 5

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, March 5, 2024:

AcrossTotally convinced
  • The answer is sold.

Sound during pollen season
  • The answer is achoo.

Stack in a kitchen cabinet
  • The answer is bowls.

Greek god of love
  • The answer is Eros.

Morning moisture
  • The answer is dew.

DownWhat Hans Zimmer contributed to "The Lion King" and "Dune"
  • The answer is score.

"Wait, that's crazy!"
  • The answer is ohwow.

Cracks up, in textspeak
  • The answer is lols.

Hair arrangements
  • The answer is dos.

Still under the covers
  • The answer is abed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Birdeater' teaser promises a truly horrifying bachelor weekend

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:11

A bachelor party in the Australian outback takes a turn for the disturbing in the teaser for Jack Clark and Jim Weir's horror thriller Birdeater, which sees a bride-to-be joining her fiancé for a weekend away with his friends.

The teaser doesn't give too much away, but there are some strange masks, chanting, and an uneasy vibe that generally feels more like a cult and less like a friendly pre-wedding celebration.

Shabana Azeez, Mackenzie Fearnley, Ben Hunter, Jack Bannister, Clementine Anderson, Alfie Gledhill, Harley Wilson, and Caroline McQuade star.

Birdeater has its premiere screening at SXSW. A wider release is TBC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN for ITVX

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:11

Streaming and VPNs are a match made in heaven.

You can be subscribed to every streaming platform in existence and still find yourself without anything to watch. It's at this point of desperation that VPNs enter the picture to save the day. With a VPN by your side, you can significantly increase your content options, and the process of accessing these extra shows and movies is actually really straightforward.

You just need to know how.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: Best documentaries streaming now on Prime Video

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country, thereby providing access to all the content that is normally locked to that location.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are primarily designed to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. These tools can also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location, which is fast becoming the main reason that people subscribe to VPNs.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the films and shows on ITVX that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How do you unblock and watch ITVX with a VPN?

The process of unblocking ITVX from abroad is actually really easy with a streaming-friendly VPN.

All you need to do is sign up to a top VPN, download the app for your favourite operating system, and then connect to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes ITVX think you're in the UK when you're actually abroad, so you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

Should you use free VPNs?

The good news is that free versions and free trials of VPNs can be easily found. The bad news is that these free options often come with frustrating limitations that get in the way of everyday activities like streaming.

You can't stream content from around the world if you are using a service with restrictions like limited data usage. These plans will work if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, you are going to end up looking elsewhere. Free trials tend to offer everything you get with a paid plan, but obviously, they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The best free VPN out there is probably ProtonVPN, but even this impressive free version has trouble unblocking streaming sites like Netflix and ITVX. The fact is if you want to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

There are plenty of VPNs out there that can access ITVX from anywhere in the world, but which is the best for you? To help you make this difficult decision, we have shortlisted a selection of streaming-friendly services that should suit just about everyone. You'll find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and more right here.

These are the best VPNs for ITVX in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch UK Netflix from anywhere in the world

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:09

Have you ever sat back and actually considered how many streaming platforms we have to choose from these days? There's a lot of them, which is a good and bad thing. Sure, it's great to have so many options to consider, but there's also such a thing as too much choice.

With so many streaming sites on offer, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of online content. There's simply no way to subscribe to everything without taking out a small loan, and who actually has the time and energy to check out what's being shown on every platform anyway? No, this is definitely not the way to do things. Instead, you should try and maximise your content options with your favourite streaming site.

With popular streaming platforms like Netflix, you can actually unlock extra content from around the world. For this task, all you need is a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are powerful cybersecurity tools that provide protection for your personal information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. Your online activity remains untraceable and secure with a VPN because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

It's the act of hiding your real IP address that means you can access extra content from around the world with a VPN.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The protection for your sensitive information is obviously super important, but this isn't really the reason that VPNs have surged in popularity is recent years. A lot of new users are interested in VPNs ability to access content that is normally blocked in your location.

SEE ALSO: The best sci-fi movies on Netflix to escape reality

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you can watch all the films and shows on UK Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. Whether you live in another country or you're travelling outside of the UK temporarily, you can use a VPN to watch all your favourites from this massive library of content.

How do you unblock UK Netflix with a VPN?

This might be surprising, but the process of accessing UK Netflix with a VPN is actually really simple:

  1. Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

  4. Log in to your Netflix account to watch movies and shows from the UK content library

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed. Understood?

What is the best free VPN?

We should start with the good news: There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs. Unfortunately, there are always catches with these free VPNs.

The most common restriction you get with free VPNs is limited data usage. This is going to be 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 tend to come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The reality is that to gain access to advanced security features and the ability to unblock streaming sites, you are going to need to cough up some cash.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPNs that can effectively unblock UK Netflix from global locations, but which is the best? It's a difficult question to answer, particularly as everyone will have different needs and preferences. To help you make an informed decision, we've handpicked some of your best options.

These are the best VPNs for UK Netflix in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What if protecting coral reefs means growing them on land?

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:06

A coral farm in the Bahamas is proving that the most efficient way to restore coral reefs may be growing them on land.

Coral Vita is a reef restoration project which grows corals using microfragmentation — the process of cutting corals into small pieces and positioning them near each other to trigger a natural healing and accelerate the rapid growth of coral tissue.

While on the farm, corals are also exposed to managed stress such as water warming or acidification, to help cultivate their resilience — this process is also known as "assisted evolution." Once fully grown, the corals are moved to degraded reef sites in the ocean where their impact is already noticeable.

SEE ALSO: NASA tech can help us tell when a coral reef is in trouble

"One of the restoration sites in Grand Bahama had 75 percent survivorship of corals after one year," co-founder Sam Teicher tells Mashable. "In the Bahamas, if you have 30-50 percent survivorship after one year, that's considered a good project. So we had one site 75 percent, another site 30 percent, another site 99 percent."

During a mass bleaching in the summer of 2023, natural corals in the area were wiped out. But the corals Coral Vita planted, which had been given a resilience boost on the land farm, survived.

"There's more work to be done," Teicher says. "But seeing corals that we've grown with these more resilient approaches, surviving is still very encouraging considering the threats we face."

Credit: Coral Vita

One of the elements that distinguishes Coral Vita from other reef restoration projects is that it is a for-profit organisation, which Teicher says was a conscious choice.

"Having previously myself worked for NGOs, and in the policy space in the environmental and climate sectors, and my co founder Gator [Halpern] working in academia and environmental science, we felt like many environmental challenges weren't being solved rapidly or effectively enough by those sectors, despite the best intentions and hard work," he says. "So what if we could create a company that can get entities to pay for restorations instead of a donation here and a grant there, which is how most coral farming projects are funded, which unfortunately limits a lot of the critically needed impact to keep reefs alive."

Not dissimilar to the 'polluter pays' principle, Coral Vita asks sectors that benefit from coral reefs, from tourism and food industry, to invest in preserving the endangered ecosystems.

"We sell restoration to hotels, developers, governments, insurers, coastal property owners. Anyone who depends on the tourism, coastal protection, fisheries benefits of reefs, can hire Coral Vita to restore the reefs that they depend on," says Teicher.

"And then we also use our farms as education centres for local communities, as well as tourism attractions. We have "Adopt a Coral" campaigns for individuals as well as brands and corporations who can fund restoration from wherever they are in the world if they believe in what we're doing. We also license out our expertise and techniques that we develop to other coral restoration practitioners so that we can generate revenue to fund more work as well as use that expertise to help others deliver better restoration outcomes. So the whole idea is that if we can really catalyze a self sustaining restoration economy, that can eventually lead to planting the millions and billions of corals that are needed to keep reefs alive."

Since the 1950s, the world has lost over half of its coral reefs to climate change and ocean pollution and we are on track to lose almost all of our corals by 2050. While Teicher admits that the actions that will have the greatest impact need to come from world leaders, he believes that Coral Vita is an example of what individuals and companies can do, while waiting on the implementation of state and international policies, to ensure coral reefs are still here for future generations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best VPN for ChatGPT

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:01

Not so long ago, artificial intelligence was just something people spoke about in movies set in the distant future. Now, it seems like it's all anyone is talking about. Advancements have been sudden and dramatic. There's still so much we don't know, but what's clear is that artificial intelligence is here to stay. And it's going to change the way we all live our lives.

A lot of the artificial intelligence discussion has centred around ChatGPT, and it's easy to see why. This artificial intelligence chatbot has been making waves with human-like conversations that at times defy belief.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot created by OpenAI and released towards the end of 2022. What's a chatbot? A chatbot is a computer program that uses AI and natural language processing to understand the questions you enter and automate responses, simulating human conversation.

The best way to better understand ChatGPT is to give it a try. You can ask questions and make requests of ChatGPT, and this self-learning AI tool will respond. We think you'll be impressed by what you get back. You might also be a little scared, and that's OK.

Do you need a VPN for ChatGPT?

In the most simplest terms, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this service by creating a private network that hides your real IP address, making all of your activity untraceable and secure. It is this act that could be useful when it comes to ChatGPT.

It is not possible to access ChatGPT from certain countries such as Iran, China, Russia, and Egypt. Italy also banned the chatbot over concerns about its privacy policy and data protection, but has since restored access after these issues were addressed. On top of this, plenty of schools and workplaces have shut down access to ChatGPT. Schools obviously care about the potential for cheating, whilst many workplaces are trying to limit the risk of sensitive information being exposed. This reasoning seems totally justified, but it does mean that those seeking to use ChatGPT without bad intentions will also be blocked. And that seems a touch unfair.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT can now read responses back to you out loud

VPNs can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass restrictions to access ChatGPT from anywhere in the world. The process is quick and easy:

  1. Sign up for a leading 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 a location that supports ChatGPT

  4. Connect to ChatGPT

It really is that easy. There are plenty of services that can make light work of this task, including popular options like ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. The best service for you will depend on a number of factors.

What should you consider when selecting a VPN?

Before you make any sort of decision on the best VPN for accessing ChatGPT, you should consider connection speed, server network, number of logins, security features, and privacy policy:

  • Connection speed — Even the very best services are going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything that is going to stop you from doing your day-to-day tasks. This probably goes without saying, but sure you select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't use ChatGPT without disruption.

  • Encryption — Whilst it's important to take note of the grade of encryption provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously massively important when bypassing online restrictions put in place by institutions.

  • Number of connections Some of 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 enjoy the benefits of a VPN connection of all your devices.

  • Privacy policy — Pay close attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. 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 under any circumstances. Any VPN worth your consideration should clearly lay out its data handling practises in a privacy policy.

  • Server network — You should seek out a VPN that offers the potential to connect to thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for accessing ChatGPT from anywhere in the world.

You also need to be conscious of things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good starting point for anyone looking to invest in their first VPN.

Should you use free VPNs?

We'll start with the good news: 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. The bad news is that there does tend to be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine if you're just an occasional user, but this simply isn't going to work for anyone who lives online. 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.

You get what you pay for with VPNs, and the best option for securely accessing ChatGPT from anywhere in the world is with a paid subscription. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to invest. We're sorry to break it to you like this.

What is the best VPN for ChatGPT?

We have carefully researched all the leading VPNs and lined up a selection of the very best services for ChatGPT. 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 roundup.

These are the best VPNs for ChatGPT in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Webb telescope spots proof of the first stars to light the universe

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00

If you've ever thought about the first stars after the Big Bang, you might have racked your brain just trying to fathom what they were made of.

Given that most of the metals of the universe are thought to have come from exploded dead stars, scientists have rationalized that the firstborn must have been composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, the primitive material that emerged out of the Big Bang.

Nice idea. Thing is, no one has seen one of these pure-bred stars yet.

But a team using the James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration of NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies, may be onto something. While recently studying galaxy GN-z11, which existed when the 13.8 billion-year-old universe was only about 430 million years old, they found a clump of helium in the halo surrounding it. The new research, accepted for publication by the science journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, could lead to one of the most important discoveries of modern astrophysics.

"The fact that we don't see anything else beyond helium suggests that this clump must be fairly pristine," said principal investigator Roberto Maiolino of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Spectacular Webb telescope image shows a stellar death like never before Tweet may have been deleted

By theory, scientists have expected to find clumps like this around massive galaxies from early eras. The thinking is that these pristine pockets of gas could collapse and form so-called Population III star clusters, Maiolino said.

The confusingly named Population III stars are the theorized stars that should have been formed in the early universe before metals — an astronomical term for all elements heavier than helium — existed. The stars are thought to be very massive, luminous, and hot.

Scientists found evidence for the existence of first-generation stars in the outskirts of GN-z11, an extremely distant galaxy that existed in the early universe. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Brant Robertson / Ben Johnson / Sandro Tacchella / Marcia Rieke / Daniel Eisenstein

The reason why they're called "Population III" is because back in the 1940s, stars were divided into two primary categories: those that were rich in metals and those that were poor in metals, according to Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. But even the latter have far more metal content than would have been possible from the primitive gas leftover from the Big Bang.

Astronomers eventually began thinking in terms of a yet-to-be-seen third population of stars, made of the pure Big Bang material that had not been processed by previous generations of stars.

The cores of stars are considered element factories: They make carbon, for instance, the same chemical on which humans and much of life on Earth are based. Then, through supernova explosions, they spread heavy elements, like calcium found in bones and iron in blood, across interstellar space. This dispersal seeds new generations of stars and planets, but scientists admit they still have much to learn about the early stages of the process.

The James Webb Space Telescope was built to study the first stars and galaxies that formed in the universe. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

In astronomy, looking farther translates into observing the past because light and other forms of radiation take longer to reach us. Webb was built to study an extremely early period of the cosmos, detecting invisible light at infrared wavelengths. In short, a lot of dust and gas in space obscures the view to extremely distant and inherently dim light sources, but infrared waves can penetrate through the clouds.

"The initial goal for this mission was to see the first stars and galaxies," said Eric Smith, Webb's program scientist, in 2022, "not the first light of the universe but to watch the universe turn the lights on for the first time."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score a 4K dual-camera drone for $72

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: Through March 10, the Ninja Dragons Blade X 4K dual-camera drone is on sale for only $71.99 instead of $199.99 with the code ENJOY20. That's a savings of 64%.

Whether you're hitting the slopes or walking down an old favorite trail, you might be able to see something special from a new angle. These aren't just static pictures either. Quality quadcopters let you stream directly to your phone or the controller, so you could watch yourself zoom down the double black diamond, but you might get to the bottom a little easier if you record the whole thing and watch it later with the Ninja Dragons Blade X 4K Dual-Camera Drone. 

This outdoor enthusiast's drone is available for only $71.99 with coupon code ENJOY20 until March 10.

A drone for nature lovers

Time to get some air with the Ninja Dragons Blade X 4K Dual-Camera Drone. This smart drone could be a fun way to experience the outdoors, and you can capture it all on an advanced dual 4K camera setup. Control your flight with a first-person view streamed directly to the drone's remote. That remote has a max distance of 150 meters, so you get some real room to maneuver. 

This drone comes equipped with an electronic stabilization system, and it can even lock its altitude and flight position to capture a nice even shot, whether it's watching you snowboard down the slopes or just taking in the sunrise. And if you want to capture a beautiful panorama, just take advantage of the 360-degree flight angle along with optimized waypoint flight. 

The Ninja Dragons Blade X comes with one rechargeable battery that could give you up to 12 minutes of flight time. Once your time in the sky is up, pack it in by folding up your drone and popping it back into the included carrying case. 

A new kind of outdoor sports 

You might have to put away the snowboard soon, but this drone is fun all year round, especially if you want to catch the coolest angles of your outdoor adventures. 

Until March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get the Ninja Dragons Blade X 4K Dual-Camera Drone for $71.99 with sitewide coupon ENJOY20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Dragons Ninja Dragons Blade X 4K dual-camera drone $71.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $128.00 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Score a Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for under $40

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: Pay only $31.99 for a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro through March 10 by entering the code ENJOY20 at checkout. That's a savings of 84%.

You don't necessarily have to buy a new computer to upgrade your tech arsenal. Sometimes, all it takes is installing a brand-new operating system to boost your productivity and enhance your computer's security. If you happen to have a Windows PC that meets the necessary requirements, consider breathing new life into it by upgrading to Microsoft 11 Pro.

Through March 10, the coveted Microsoft 11 Pro license is on sale for $31.99. All you have to do is key in the code ENJOY20 at checkout, which can be used on products sitewide. This OS boasts a bunch of nifty features, including a new-and-improved interface, advanced security, and an elevated gaming experience.

Microsoft 11 Pro is great for modern professionals, especially those working in a remote or hybrid setup. For instance, if you're a stickler for security, the OS packs BitLocker device encryption, meaning you can lock your device remotely so no one else can access it and its contents. Windows Information Protection is included, too, allowing you to remotely manage your system to prevent data leaks. Plus, you can also take advantage of biometrics login, Smart App control, advanced antivirus defenses, and more. 

In terms of usability, enjoy Windows 11 Pro's new interface, which includes snap layouts, seamless redocking, better voice-typing, and a more powerful search experience. It's primed for play, too, thanks to DirectX12 Ultimate, which bolsters the quality of your computer's graphics, resulting in more immersive gaming. 

You'll have all these and more with a one-time purchase of the license. You can install it on up to two devices, provided that they have 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space.

Until March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can grab a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro for only $31.99 with coupon code ENJOY20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License $31.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $167.01 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a refurbished MacBook Air for $345.99

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: As of March 5, you can pick up a refurbished MacBook Air (Core i5, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for only $345.99 instead of the original $1,109. That's 68% in savings.

When we need to add a computer to our collection — whether it's for a main device or just for traveling purposes — we usually think of buying brand-new. However, new isn't always necessary, depending on your needs. If you are in the market for a smooth-running laptop for everyday tasks, an older refurbished model could support you as well as a new one, but at a lower price point.

Such is the case with this refurbished Apple MacBook Air. From the model year 2015, it's been cleaned and inspected to work very well. Since it has a grade "B" refurbished rating, it might have some slight cosmetic blemishes like scuffing or scratching.

First, it runs a 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB RAM. And while that might not be the latest and greatest, it can easily support multitasking, browsing, streaming, and running productivity apps for work. And you can view it all on the 13.3-inch LED-backlit display.

Weighing in at less than three pounds and measuring only 0.68 inches thick, the MacBook Air is designed for maximum portability and convenience. Whether you're working on the go, traveling, or commuting, you can take your MacBook Air with you wherever you roam without feeling super weighed down by a bulky laptop.

It has built-in Wi-Fi to easily stay connected with friends, family, and the team. And the Bluetooth is there for connecting accessories. There is even an SD card (SDXC) expansion slot, which newer models don't have.

See if an older refurbished laptop would work for you, and you might be able to save some money without giving up the features you need.

Get a refurbished 2015 Apple MacBook Air with a plastic case for just $345.99 (reg. $1,109) while it's still on sale.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 2015 MacBook Air (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $345.99
$1,109.00 Save $763.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $30 AI consulting software can help you run your business

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: As of March 5, lifetime access to Consultio Pro is on sale for only $29.99 instead of $199 — that's a savings of 84%. 

So, you’ve decided to start your own business, but where do you go from there? The Consultio Pro software gives you access to 50+ AI experts who can help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Take advantage of knowledge from a diverse collective of AI experts in event planning, social media, marketing, fitness, and more. When you have second thoughts, this program makes it feel like you always have someone in your corner. 

Whether you’re a large corporation or a mom-and-pop shop, Consultio Pro provides data-driven and evidence-based insights. This innovative software allows you to fine-tune your goals, financial stats, and strategies as you go. The high-tech software is constantly evolving and updating its proficiency to ensure you get the most relevant data.

Forget waiting for your regular consultant to answer an urgent question, Consultio’s experts reply in real-time, with no appointments needed. This software gives you 24/7 access to expertise that is well ahead of the curve. 

Copywriters, data analysts, and project managers alike love having Consultio’s AI experts at their disposal. If an issue is keeping you up at night, it’s comforting to know you can chat with "someone" at 3 a.m. should you need to. Stay in the know and give your competition a run for their money.

Access your lifetime subscription to Consultio Pro from both desktop and mobile devices. With no maximum number of devices it can be used on, you can sign into your account from work, home, or cell phone anytime. Please note this offer is only available to new users.

Get lifetime access to Consultio Pro for $29.99 (reg. $199). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Plus 8 Group Consultio Pro: Lifetime Access $29.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $169.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Emma Stone in 'Poor Things' ahead of the Oscars

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00
The best streaming deals to watch 'Poor Things': BEST FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS Hulu (with ads) trial Free for 30 days, then $7.99/month (save 16%) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $9.99/month (save $5.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu Basic (with ads) Free on Go5G Next T-Mobile plans (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Free one-month trial, then $5.99/month (save up to $12.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR LONG-TERM SUBSCRIBERS Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy 'Poor Things' on Prime Video $19.99 Get Deal

Our favorite movie of 2023 is coming to streaming, folks. Created by Tony McNamara and Yorgos Lanthimos (writer and director of The Favourite), Poor Things is the second-most nominated film at this year's Academy Awards — falling just slightly behind Oppenheimer's 13 nominations with 11. And that includes four out of the Big Five awards, including Best Picture.

The film exceeded our great expectations with its Frankenstein-esque story. As Kristy Puchko, Mashable's film editor, wrote in our full review of the flick, "Poor Things is an awe-striking visual feast that satisfies the eyes, tantalizes the loins, and feeds the soul." She called Emma Stone, who plays the resurrected corpse of a woman who died by suicide, a "force of nature," and Mark Ruffalo, "outstanding as the hunky bastard." It's no surprise at all that the pair nabbed Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.

SEE ALSO: How to watch all of the 2024 Best Picture nominees before the Oscars

Here's everything you need to know to watch Poor Things before the Oscars on March 10 — or anytime after. Prepare yourself for a film "full of whimsy, wonder, weirdness, and unapologetic horniness."

What is Poor Things about?

Adapted from Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel of the same name, Poor Things centers around Bella Baxter, the resurrected corpse of a woman (Emma Stone) who died by suicide. It feels like a makeover of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, where the curious scientist is Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). The trouble is Bella may have a grown woman's body, but her child-like mind has a "ravenous desire to know the world," which becomes more than Dr. Baxter can handle. So, as Mashable's film editor puts it, "off she goes on a globe-trekking fling with a devil-may-care — but hot-as-hell — rogue, played by Mark Ruffalo with a winsome gusto."

Here's a trailer to give you a better glimpse into the whimsicality of Poor Things:

When is Poor Things streaming?

Although it's still in select theaters nationwide, Poor Things is set to make its streaming debut on March 7, 2024 exclusively on Hulu. Already a Hulu subscriber? Great — come March 7, Poor Things will be gracing your screen. Not yet a subscriber? Keep reading to learn the best ways to sign up for Hulu, including a generous free trial that could let you watch Poor Things for free.

How to watch Poor Things: The best Hulu streaming deals

In order to stream Poor Things at home, you're going to need a Hulu subscription. There are monthly and annual options, ad-supported and ad-free tiers, free trials, third-party deals, and even bundles to choose from. We've broken down all the nitty gritty details below to help you make the best choice for your streaming needs.

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

If you've never subscribed to Hulu before or you're returning after canceling previously, you can score a free 30-day trial and easily watch Poor Things (and plenty of other great films) without getting charged. Just be sure to cancel before the 30 days are up if you want to avoid seeing a charge on your bank statement. If you decide to keep your subscription going, it'll run you $7.99 with ads or $17.99 per month without ads.

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

If you don't qualify for the free trial, you can still save money by opting for the annual subscription instead of the monthly plan. It typically costs $7.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, but if you go for the annual plan instead, that monthly fee drops to about $6.67 per month. While paying $79.99 up front may seem steep, you'll end up saving about 16% over a year's time. It may not be the best option if you're just looking to watch Poor Things and bounce, but if you want to stick around long term, this is your best bet.

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

Having a T-Mobile Go5G Next plan is a gift that keeps on giving. As of Jan. 24, T-Mobile customers on this plan can get Hulu with ads included for free. Just head to the T-Mobile website and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. Enter your T-Mobile number and account details to sign up for Hulu. After your initial 12-month promotional period, action will be required to keep your Hulu subscription going, so be sure to keep an eye out for that. Otherwise, this deal is pretty straightforward.

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

Students can score Hulu for a major discount a couple different ways. First, there's Spotify Premium for Students, which gives students access to Spotify Premium as well as Hulu with ads for only $5.99 per month. Even better, there's a free one-month trial to test things out first. The only real requirement is that you can prove you're actually a student via SheerID.

Next up, there's also a Hulu student account option. There's no free trial, but it'll only cost you $1.99 per month — that's 75% off the typical monthly cost. Like the first option, you'll have to prove your student status through SheerID to claim the deal.

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

Full disclosure: this is not the best option if you're simply looking to watch Poor Things and be on your merry way. However, if you're looking for one of the best Hulu streaming deals, it doesn't get much better than the Disney bundle. Not only do you get Hulu with ads, but you'll also get full access to the Disney+ streaming catalog as well for only $9.99 per month. That's only $2 more per month than paying for just Hulu on its own (or 37% in savings). If you're a sports person, you can also toss ESPN+ into the mix with the Disney Trio bundle for only $14.99 per month, which is a total of 44% in savings. You'll have to deal with ads while you stream, but it's still the most bang for your buck.

Other ways to watch Poor Things

For those who would rather not sign up for another streaming service, Poor Things is also available to purchase via video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $19.99. It'll likely also be available to rent in the coming weeks.

Here are the quick links to purchase the film on digital:

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch 'Wonka': When is the Timothée Chalamet musical movie streaming?

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00
The best Max streaming subscription deals at a glance: BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save $1.66/month) Get Deal BEST WITH NO ADS Max (No Ads) annual subscription $149.99/year (save $3.50/month) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal BEST TRIAL DirecTV Stream Entertainment package $79.99 per month + free 3-month Max trial (save $15.99/month) Get Deal

The delightfully quirky Wonka hits streaming this month, so you can see for yourself why we named it one of the best movies of 2023. The film earned Timothée Chalamet, who plays a young and bright-eyed Willy Wonka in the prequel, a Golden Globe nomination for his interpretation of the iconic character. Not to mention, it was a box office hit, earning over $600 million worldwide.

Directed by Paul King, the brilliant mind behind Paddington and Paddington 2, Wonka also stars Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, and Keegan-Michael Key. Here's all the nitty gritty details you need to know to watch Wonka from the comfort of your couch.

What is Wonka about?

As Mashable's film editor Kristy Puchko puts it, "the plotline is outrageous." Wonka follows a young Willy (Chalamet) who dreams of opening his own chocolate shop one day. However, he has a few barriers in his way: an evil chocolate cartel, a corrupt police chief, and a conniving landlady. To make his chocolate dreams a reality, he teams up with a wise-beyond-her-years orphan named Noodle and an eccentric Oompa-Loompa named Lofty (Hugh Grant). Oh, and did I mention it's a full-blown musical?

"Wonka shouldn't work, but it does," says Puchko in her review of the film. "The narrative's audaciousness is a feature, not a glitch."

Peep the official trailer for a glimpse into the whimsical world of Wonka.

Is Wonka a remake?

Wonka is not a remake nor a sequel to 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It also has no ties to 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — although Chalamet does resemble Johnny Depp more than he does Gene Wilder. Wonka is actually an origin story for the eponymous candy-making extraordinaire, adapted largely from the 1964 children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

Is Wonka worth watching?

Despite the internet's merciless mocking of the Timothée Chalamet-led film, it managed to secure an 82 percent critic rating and 91 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It also secured Chalamet a Golden Globe nomination and blew up the box office. Even if you're a skeptic, it's worth watching and judging for yourself.

"Full of humor, heart, madcap music, and fantastic fun, Wonka is an absolute delight, sure to entertain the whole family — even the curmudgeons snarking at its existence," writes Puchko in her review of the film.

Read our full review of Wonka.

When is Wonka coming to streaming?

While it's still floating around select theaters, Wonka is officially coming to streaming on March 8, 2024. That's just shy of three months after its theatrical release. Since it's a Warner Bros. film, it will be headed to Max — the official streaming home for Warner Bros. Discovery. It's also currently available to purchase on video-on-demand services like Prime Video and Apple TV+ (learn more about that below).

Best Max subscription deals

The golden ticket to streaming Wonka at home is a Max subscription. There are both monthly and annual options, as well as three different tiers to choose from. We've broken down the options below to help you choose what's best for you.

Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 17% on Max With Ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (With Ads) $99.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

Paying for a monthly Max subscription (with ads) will run you $9.99 per month. You can easily sign up for a month to watch Wonka, then cancel, if that's your cup of tea. However, if you're looking for more bang for your buck, you can save about 17% if you opt for the annual subscription instead. An annual plan will run you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to only $8.33 per month instead. You will have to watch a few ads during your streaming sessions, but it could certainly be worse.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 22% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $149.99 per year (save 22%) Get Deal

Can't bear to have your viewing experience interrupted by ads? You'll want to sign up for one of the higher tiers — Max Ad-Free or Max Ultimate. The best option, in our humble opinion, is to go with the Max Ad-Free annual subscription for $149.99. That's 22% in savings compared to paying $15.99 per month. For cinephiles seeking the best viewing experience possible, however, the Max Ultimate subscription is probably best. It also offers an ad-free viewing experience, plus 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, the ability to stream on two more devices at once, and 70 more downloads. It's also a bit more per month at $19.99 or per year at $199.99 (save 17%).

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max With Ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Get Deal

If you're a Cricket customer on the $60 per month unlimited plan, you get Max with ads for free as long as your account remains in good standing. Navigate to Max on a browser or on the app, choose Cricket as your provider, and log in using your Cricket credentials. Voila! You're able to watch Wonka and plenty more Warner Bros. films for no extra cost. If you're a Cricket customer on a different plan, you can upgrade or change over to the $60 per month plan and still secure the deal. Questions? Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website.

Best Max free trial: Get 3 months of Max with DirecTV Stream Entertainment package Opens in a new window Credit: DirecTV Stream DirecTV Stream Entertainment package $79.99 per month + 3 free months of Max Get Deal

At one point, there were multiple ways to get a free trial of Max before committing to a subscription. However, most of those free trials have disappeared. The only way to currently get a taste of Max before subscribing to a plan is to sign up for a DirecTV Stream package (starting at $79.99 per month). The DirecTV Stream Entertainment package gives you three free months of Max (as well as other premium channels), so you can see what it has to offer before pulling the trigger. It's certainly not the most affordable way to watch Wonka, but if you're in the market for a cable replacement service, DirecTV Stream offers a ton of long-term value with over 75 live channels.

Other ways to watch Wonka

Don't want to subscribe to another streaming service just to watch Wonka? You can also purchase the film through digital retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV+ for $19.99. A rental option will also be available beginning March 12, which will most likely cost you $5.99 and give you 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once started.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ChatGPT can now read responses back to you out loud

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 11:51

OpenAI's ChatGPT can now read its responses back to you out loud.

The feature, which is available on OpenAI's Android and iOS apps, can be accessed by tapping and holding ChatGPT's text response and then choosing "Read Aloud."

Tweet may have been deleted

OpenAI says the feature is also rolling out on the web, where it's available via a "Read Aloud" button below the message. This is not available for everyone yet; I don't see it, and ChatGPT itself tells me there's no such feature.

Read Aloud is available for ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4, and it has five different voice options for you to choose from. The chatbot speaks 37 languages, and will automatically detect the language of the text that it's reading.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT freaked out, generating gibberish for many users

OpenAI first launched voice capabilities for ChatGPT back in September 2023, allowing users to ask questions via voice prompts and have the bot answer with its own voice. The difference here is that the bot can now generate a written response first and then read it back to you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NASA finds captivating ocean world is making oxygen. Here's how much.

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:08

NASA suspects that the ice-clad moon Europa harbors a deep, deep sea — reaching some 40 to 100 miles (60 to 150 kilometers) down.

And new evidence, from the space agency's Juno craft, points to surface processes that create bounties of oxygen on Europa, some of which is transported into the world's voluminous ocean. It's not as much oxygen as some research has previously suggested, but it's nothing to sneeze at:

"The ice-covered Jovian moon generates 1,000 tons of oxygen every 24 hours – enough to keep a million humans breathing for a day," NASA said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA found a super-Earth. It's in a tantalizing place.

Europa, an orb just a little smaller than our moon, orbits the gas giant Jupiter some 480 million miles beyond Earth. Crucially, Europa dwells in a region teeming with potent radiation produced by Jupiter's magnetic field. As a result, energized particles (called "ions") pummel Europa's surface. In doing so, these particles split apart the moon's surface water molecules, resulting in hydrogen and oxygen.

"Europa is like an ice ball slowly losing its water in a flowing stream," Jamey Szalay, a scientist from Princeton University who led the new research, published in the science journal Nature Astronomy, explained in the statement. "Except, in this case, the stream is a fluid of ionized particles swept around Jupiter by its extraordinary magnetic field." Szalay works on one of the Juno spacecraft's instruments, the Jovian Auroral Distributions Experiment, or JADE.

When the Juno spacecraft swooped just 220 miles from Europa in September 2022, the JADE instrument successfully observed both the oxygen and hydrogen spawned by the particles bombarding the moon. The measurements indicate this activity makes 26 pounds (12 kilograms) of oxygen every second.

"Scientists believe that some of the oxygen produced in this manner could work its way into the moon’s subsurface ocean as a possible source of metabolic energy," NASA explained.

A graphic showing how charged particles from Jupiter can create oxygen on Europa's surface. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SWRI / PU Tweet may have been deleted

Life thrives in Earth's salty oceans. There's certainly no evidence of life on Europa, but it could harbor environments that host life (as we know it). In other words, this moon could be a "habitable" world in space.

"It's one of few places that potentially has the conditions for habitability."

"It's one of few places that potentially has the conditions for habitability," Scott Bolton, the Juno mission's principal investigator, told Mashable in 2022.

NASA is so intrigued by this icy moon, it will soon launch a dedicated probe there in October 2024. The spacecraft, called Europa Clipper, is the length of a basketball court and designed to make around 50 flybys of the distant Jovian world, assessing whether it could harbor conditions suitable for life. It will arrive in 2030.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:44

Four former Twitter/X executives are suing both the company and its owner Elon Musk for over $128 million in unpaid severance. It's just the latest in thousands of such claims brought against the beleaguered social media platform following its Musk-mandated mass layoffs.

In the lawsuit filed to a California federal court on Monday, Twitter/X's former Chief Executive Officer Parag Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal, Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde, and General Counsel Sean Edgett accused Musk of deliberately withholding their severance entitlements. The billionaire immediately fired the executives when he took over Twitter/X in October 2022, a move the plaintiffs claim was retaliatory.

SEE ALSO: Twitter/X staff ignored Elon Musk's orders, prevented an FTC violation

"Musk has a special ire toward [the plaintiffs, who] appropriately and vigorously represented the interests of Twitter’s public shareholders throughout Musk’s wrongful attempt to renege on the deal," read the lawsuit. "For their efforts, Musk vowed a lifetime of revenge."

Musk initially agreed to buy Twitter/X for approximately $44 billion in April 2022, a price which was significantly above the company's valuation at the time. He subsequently attempted to back out of the deal just a few months later, prompting Twitter/X to sue in an attempt to enforce the agreement. The sale ultimately went through, however it appears Musk still holds a significant grudge about the whole ordeal — and particularly at the executives who took him to court.

The plaintiffs' complaint even cites Musk's authorised biography, in which his official biographer quoted him as saying he would "hunt every single one of" the former Twitter/X executives "till the day they die."

"Because Musk decided he didn’t want to pay Plaintiffs’ severance benefits, he simply fired them without reason, then made up fake cause and appointed employees of his various companies to uphold his decision," the plaintiff's complaint read. "He claimed in his termination letters that each Plaintiff committed 'gross negligence' and 'willful misconduct' without citing a single fact in support of this claim."

Agrawal, Segal, Gadde, and Edgett each claim they are contractually entitled to approximately $57.4 million, $44.5 million, $20 million, and $6.8 million respectively.

Unfortunately for the plaintiffs, Twitter/X is unlikely to part with that money without a fight. The company has made some infamously questionable financial decisions under Musk's rule, including refusing to pay rent, Google Cloud bills, or its Amazon Web Services bills. This isn't even the first severance dispute Twitter/X has faced since Musk laid off approximately 80 percent of its staff. Last September the company agreed to settlement talks with approximately 2,000 former employees who also claimed their entitlements had been withheld.

"Under Musk’s control, Twitter has become a scofflaw, stiffing employees, landlords, vendors, and others," the executives' complaint alleges. "Musk doesn’t pay his bills, believes the rules don’t apply to him, and uses his wealth and power to run roughshod over anyone who disagrees with him."

Twitter/X has reportedly dropped in value by over 70 percent since Musk's acquisition, as attempts to build new revenue streams have failed to compensate for the income lost by big advertisers' mass exodus. Considering this, it isn't surprising that Musk might want to cling to every cent he can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 Questions to Ask Before Making a Career Pivot

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 07:01

Changing careers is one way to keep yourself engaged in your work, but it inevitably entails some risk. Ask yourself these four questions before embarking on a new path. What’s motivating this change? Sometimes, the answer is obvious: You have a lifelong passion, and it’s finally time to commit to it. But other times, a […]

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Categories: Management
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