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Grab these last-minute Mother's Day deals just in time for mom's big day

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 17:10

Mother's Day is only two days away, as it falls on May 12 this year. If you've been scrambling to find the perfect gift for the mother figure in your life, you don't have to stress anymore. We found plenty of last-minute Mother's Day gift deals at Amazon (for the mom who loves everything from tech to fitness to coffee) that will arrive on or before Mother's Day when you order today.

Best last-minute Mother's Day deals to shop today: Best deal for the active mom Original Peloton Bike $1,250 at Amazon (save $195) Get Deal Best earbuds deal for mom Beats Fit Pro $159.99 at Amazon (save $39.96) Get Deal Best deal for the coffee-loving mom Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $188.30 at Amazon (save $80.70) Get Deal Best device deal for mom Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best deal for the health-focused mom Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $299.99 at Amazon (save $99.01) Get Deal

While finding the perfect gift for someone as special as mom can be a challenging job, we like to opt for something thoughtful that will make her life easier. From comfortable noise-canceling earbuds to a fitness-tracking watch, here are our favorite last-minute Mother's Day gift ideas.

Best deal for the active mom Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Original Peloton Bike $1,250.00 at Amazon
$1,445.00 Save $195.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If mom's routine revolves around getting to her favorite cycling class, hitting the bike trails, and making sure she gets her steps in, the Peloton Original Bike could be perfect for enabling her to enjoy her favorite workouts right at home. The formidable exercise bike is sleek and slim enough to not disrupt her space and is packed with controls and features for her to explore. For $44 per month, you can also gift mom a Peloton All-Access Membership, giving her access to Peloton's full library of content.

Best earbuds deal for mom Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $159.99 at Amazon
$195.95 Save $35.96 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether mom is a music, podcast, or audiobook junkie, a pair of noise-canceling headphones can let her enjoy her favorite entertainment without disruptions no matter where she is. The Beats Fits Pro noise-canceling earbuds are available in ten different fun colors and can switch between three different listening modes. With comfortable wingtips and sweat-resistant materials, these earbuds make comfort a priority.

Best deal for the coffee-loving mom Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $188.30 at Amazon
$269.00 Save $80.70 Get Deal Why we like it

If mom's day doesn't officially start until she's had her first sip of coffee, the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great way to treat her to delicious coffee and espresso drinks right at home. We also love that you don't have to have barista-worthy skills to use this machine. Thanks to its smart technology and Nespresso pods, mom can operate the machine with the push of a button and get a delectable drink.

Best device deal for mom Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If mom loves keeping up with her favorite shows — and her kids — the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet will help her stay connected to the things she cares about. The large, 11-inch screen is excellent for streaming shows and movies and makes video calling loved ones that much more immersive. Plus, this tablet is thin and light, so she can easily take it with her when she's traveling. With a 14-hour battery life, she'll be able to depend on it even on the busiest days.

Best deal for the health-focused mom Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $299.99 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) helps put mom's health in her own hands. If mom is always exploring the latest workouts and staying up on new findings on health and wellness, she'll love how the Apple Watch Series 9 is packed with health-focused features. She can take an ECG at any time, monitor her heart rhythm, track her sleep stages, and even use the Apple Watch as a mindfulness tool, tracking her state of mind and emotions.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to pre-order the new Apple Magic Keyboard

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:53

UPDATE: May. 10, 2024, 10:30 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new preorder listings at Walmart, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Where to pre-order the new Apple Magic Keyboard: The Apple Store Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299 Pre-order Now Amazon Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299 Pre-order Now Best Buy Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299 Pre-order Now B&H Photo Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299 Pre-order Now Target Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Staring at $299 Pre-order Now Walmart Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299 Pre-order Now AT&T Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Staring at $299.99 Pre-order Now T-Mobile Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299.99 Pre-order Now Verizon Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Starting at $299.99 Pre-order Now

If you couldn't quite justify buying one of the new MacBook Pros that came out in the fall, forget that FOMO — the 2024 Magic Keyboard pushes the iPad Pro experience closer to that of a MacBook than ever.

Apple announced a new Magic Keyboard during its iPad-centric event on May 7. You can now pre-order either the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $299 or $349, respectively. (At the time of writing, listings were live at the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, Target, Walmart, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.) The tablets themselves can also be pre-ordered now, and the whole setup can all be in your hands as soon as May 15.

The changes to the Magic Keyboard aren't as revolutionary on paper as the ones seen on the other Apple accessory upgrade, the new Apple Pencil Pro. However, they're certainly not nothing: First and foremost, the Magic Keyboard finally has a function row, and a 14-key one at that. That alone brings the iPad into real laptop territory.

SEE ALSO: iPad Air 2024: 3 new features that iPad Air 2022 doesn't have

The 2024 Magic Keyboard is also outfitted with a larger glass trackpad with haptic feedback and compatibility with Multi-Touch gestures, backlit keys, an aluminum palm rest, and a scissor mechanism with 1mm travel. No, it still doesn't need to be charged.

There's actually an argument to be made that the 2024 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard combo create a more powerful experience than that of the MacBook Pro released a few months ago. That's because the new iPad Pros are the sole Apple devices (so far) to wield the M4 chip, coined (by Apple) as the most powerful neural processing unit of any personal computer on the market. With the immersive Apple Pencil Pro also on hand, the iPad Pro and its accessories form an intimidating laptop competitor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to pre-order the new Apple Pencil Pro

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:50

UPDATE: May. 10, 2024, 10:25 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new preorder listings at AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Where to pre-order the new Apple Pencil Pro: The Apple Store Apple Pencil Pro $129 Pre-order Now Amazon Apple Pencil Pro $129 Pre-order Now Best Buy Apple Pencil Pro $129 Pre-order Now B&H Photo Apple Pencil Pro $129 Pre-order Now Target Apple Pencil Pro $129 Pre-order Now Walmart Apple Pencil Pro $129 Pre-order Now AT&T Apple Pencil Pro $129.99 Pre-order Now T-Mobile Apple Pencil Pro $129.99 Pre-order Now Verizon Apple Pencil Pro $129.99 Pre-order Now

May 7 marks the last leg of the Apple product drop trifecta that started in the fall of 2023. After getting new iPhones, new Apple Watches, and new MacBooks, just one major Apple product category was left ripe for a refresh this spring. And Apple went hard not only with a new iPad Pro and Air but also with the accessory that fuels the entire iPad experience: the Apple Pencil.

After almost a decade of existence, the Apple Pencil has finally been initiated into Apple's "Pro" club. Rather than the one or two small tweaks of Apple Pencil upgrades past, the Apple Pencil Pro has been entirely redesigned with a suite of new ways to bring ideas to life — and keep up with that M4 chip. It doesn't start shipping until May 15, but you can pre-order it now through the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, Target, Walmart, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

It's the next best thing to a magic wand. Credit: Apple

A light squeeze of the Pencil Pro pops up a palette to swiftly switch between tools, line weights, and colors, while a slight rotation while holding the Pencil Pro activates barrel roll: a built-in gyroscope that reacts immediately for intuitive, precise control of pen shapes, brush tips, or animation movements. Custom interactions can also be programmed.

Control of your project is taken even further with a hover feature that allows you to target actions without even touching the screen, like previewing a line before it's drawn or switching between a pile of layers in Final Cut Pro without making a wrong move. Haptic feedback has also been enhanced to tip you off when a new layer is, in fact, perfectly in the middle.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Pro 2024: Thinner and lighter than ever, with M4 chip inside

As always, the Apple Pencil Pro charges and stores magnetically to the side of your iPad. If it falls off in transit, no worries: it's the first Apple Pencil to support Find My.

Despite "Pro" being tacked onto the name, Apple isn't gatekeeping the Apple Pencil Pro just for iPad Pro users. iPad Air users can also opt to experience the magic of the Pro. And there's little reason to not make that bump: Despite so many revolutionary changes, the Apple Pencil Pro retails for $129, the same debut price as the second-gen Apple Pencil from several years ago.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to pre-order the new Apple iPad Pro (2024)

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:48

UPDATE: May. 10, 2024, 10:15 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new preorder listings and offers from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Where to pre-order the Apple iPad Pro (2024): The Apple Store Apple iPad Pro (2024) Starting at $999 Pre-order Now Amazon Apple iPad Pro (2024) Starting at $999 Pre-order Now Best Buy Apple iPad Pro (2024) Starting at $999 (save $50 with My Best Buy Plus membership) Pre-order Now B&H Photo Apple iPad Pro (2024) Starting at $999 Pre-order Now Target Apple iPad Pro (2024) Starting at $999 Pre-order Now AT&T Apple iPad Pro (2024), WiFi + Cellular Starting at $30.56/month for 36 months (save $100; installment plan and data plan required) Pre-order Now T-Mobile Apple iPad Pro (2024), WiFi + Cellular Starting at $20.41/month for 24 months (save $230; new tablet line required) Pre-order Now Verizon Apple iPad Pro (2024), WiFi + Cellular Starting at $1,199.99 or $33.33/month for 36 months (save up to $180 with trade-in and $279.99 with 5G iPhone purchase; new line and service plan required) Pre-order Now

The rumor mill was cooking: Apple revealed a revamped iPad Pro with a fresh design, a new M4 chip, and an OLED display during its "Let Loose" event Tuesday. It's available in 11- and 13-inch sizes that start at $999 and $1,299, respectively, and preorders are now live. Shoppers can reserve all configurations through the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Target ahead of its official May 15 launch.

The variants with cellular connectivity are also available for preorder at three major mobile carriers, which are all running some kind of promotion:

  • AT&T customers get $100 off (in the form of 36 monthly bill credits) by paying for their tablet in installments and adding a data plan.

  • T-Mobile customers get $230 off (via 24 monthly bill credits) by paying on an installment plan and adding a new tablet line.

  • Verizon customers can get up to $180 off with a trade-in and get $279.99 off (as 36 monthly bill credits) by bundling their tablet with a 5G iPhone (new line and service plan required); these offers can be combined.

This iPad Pro update marks the powerful tablet's first refresh since 2022 — and arguably its biggest ever. For starters, the two variants are sleeker and lighter than any previous iPad Pros: The 11-inch version is 0.21 inches thin and weighs a mere 0.98 pounds, while the 13-inch model is 0.2 inches thin and 1.28 pounds. Apple said they're even slimmer than ye olde iPod nano, making the 2024 iPad Pro "the thinnest Apple product ever."

The new iPad Pros have also made the jump to a shiny new M4 chipset, skipping the M3 generation that powers the current Mac and MacBook lineups. It offers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to four times faster GPU performance compared to the previous iPad Pro's M2 chip, according to a press release. Its new GPU architecture also brings support for hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing — an iPad first.

SEE ALSO: Everything Apple announced during its iPad event, including new OLED iPad Pro

There's a zippier new neural engine in there, too: Apple claimed it's "more powerful than any neural processing unit in any AI PC today."

Both iPad Pro models come equipped with a new "Ultra Retina XDR" screen, which is billed as "the world’s most advanced display." It features two stacked OLED panels for rich, vivid colors and details (Apple is calling this "Tandem OLED technology"), and it can hit up to 1,600 nits of brightness. The Ultra Wide 12MP camera with Center Stage on the front of it has been scooted over to the landscape orientation.

The new iPad Pros will be available in two aluminum finishes (silver and space black) and four storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. Shoppers also have the option to upgrade them with a new nano-texture glass display for $100 (in the 1TB and 2TB models only).

Those who put in a preorder won't have to wait too long for their new tablet to arrive: The new iPad Pro starts shipping on Wednesday, May 15.

Featured Video For You Everything Apple announced during its iPad event, including new OLED iPad Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro (2024) Starting at $999 Pre-Order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is $50 off just in time for Mother's Day

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:42

SAVE $50: As of May 10, the Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) is available for just $299.99 at Amazon, down from $349.99. That's a 14% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) $299.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you’re scrambling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift (it’s on Sunday, you know), there’s still time to get the mother figure in your life something that doesn’t say I got this last-minute. For example, the Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) is on sale right now and makes for a chic and thoughtful gift that she’ll love.

As of May 10, the Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) is available for just $299.99 at Amazon, down from $349.99. That’s a 14% discount and $50 off the listing price, making it a more affordable option for anyone looking to spoil their mom with a high-quality smartwatch.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

The Google Pixel Watch 2 comes in various colors to fit different personal styles. With three advanced sensors, this watch tracks heart rate, skin temperature, and stress management levels, providing users with valuable insights into their overall health and well-being.

The Auto Workout mode and Heart Zone Traning features help you stay active and monitor your fitness progress with the touch of a button. It’s also Bluetooth enabled, so you can connect it to your phone and receive notifications, calls, and texts directly on your wrist.

With a 24-hour battery life and a special fall detection feature, the wearer can feel safe and secure knowing that help will be notified in case of an accident or emergency.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to pre-order the new iPad Air

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:31

UPDATE: May. 10, 2024, 10:05 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new preorder listings from mobile carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

PRE-ORDER NOW: The new Apple iPad Air (2024) is available for preorder through the Apple Store as of May 7. The 11-inch model starts at $599 and the 13-inch model starts at $799. Both will ship as soon as May 15.

Where to preorder the new iPad Air: The Apple Store Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $599 Pre-order Now B&H Photo Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $599 Pre-order Now Best Buy Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $599 Pre-order now Target Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $599 Pre-order Now Walmart Apple iPad Air 2024 Starting at $599 Pre-order Now Verizon iPad Air 2024 Starting at $749 (Save up to $279.99 with trade-in or purchase of iPhone) Pre-order Now AT&T iPad Air 2024 Starting at $749 (Save $100 when paying with monthly installments) Pre-order Now T-Mobile iPad Air 2024 Starting at $749 (Save $230 when paying with monthly installments) Pre-order Now

The hotly anticipated iPad Air has arrived in two sizes with some shiny new features to power AI features. Previously available in just the 10.9-inch size, the iPad Air now comes in 11- and 13-inch models outfitted with the M2 chip, an upgrade from the M1.

SEE ALSO: New iPad Air announced — here's everything you need to know

Announced at Apple's "Let Loose" event on May 7, the updated iPad Air debuted alongside a new iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro. In addition to the new sizes, the tablets are getting upgraded storage. The models now start with 128 GB of storage with 256 GB, 516 GB, and 1 TB options also available.

As we suspected, the front-facing camera on the new iPad Air moved to the landscape view and pairs with landscape stereo speakers for heightened sound quality. The new M2 chip gives the upgraded iPad Air faster CPU, GPU, and neural engine speed. The M2 also powers the iPad Air with machine learning. Now users can enjoy split view screens, subject lift, and live text features on the device.

Credit: Apple

The iPad Air comes in four different colors: Purple, blue, starlight, and space gray. The 11-inch model starts at $599 while the 13-inch model starts at $799.

The new iPad Air is available with cellular connection from three major carriers. Additionally, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all offering promotions alongside the launch:

  • AT&T customers get $100 off (in the form of bill credits) by paying for their tablet in monthly installments and adding a data plan.

  • T-Mobile customers get $230 off (via bill credits) by paying on an installment plan and adding a new tablet line.

  • Verizon customers can save up to $180 with a trade-in and get $279.99 off by bundling their tablet with a 5G iPhone (new line and service plan required).

The new Apple iPad Air is available for preorder now ahead of its May 15 release.

Apple iPad 2024: Price and preorder details Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad Air 2024 $599.00 at Apple
The new iPad Air 11-inch model starts at $599. Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad Air 2024 $799.00 at Apple
The new iPad Air 13-inch model starts at $799. Pre-Order Here

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fake Met Gala lewks, the Apple iPad Event, and no more New Twitters please!

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:00
From the Met Gala to the Apple Event that could have been an email, host Josh Burstein takes us on a comedic journey through the week's top stories.
Categories: IT General, Technology

'Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person' trailer is exactly what it says on the tin

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 13:44
A "horror-comedy with bite and heart", Ariane Louis-Seize's film follows a teen vampire who refuses to feast on humans.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Scammers beware, June Squibb is coming for you in 'Thelma' trailer

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 12:49
Josh Margolin's feature debut "Thelma" sees June Squibb and Richard Roundtree tracking down a phone scammer in LA. Trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Drone footage shows the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sol

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 12:24
Brazil floods: Drone footage shows the deadly scale of destruction
Categories: IT General, Technology

'Exploding Kittens' trailer: Tom Ellis stars as God in house cat form

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 12:00
"Exploding Kittens" — the popular, crowdfunded card game — is coming to streaming with a new Netflix series.
Categories: IT General, Technology

'House of the Dragon' recap: Every death, ranked by gruesomeness

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:46

House of the Dragon Season 2 is fast approaching, and what better way to get in the mood for it than by reminding ourselves just how gory Season 1 was?

The Game of Thrones' prequel's body count hasn't caught up with that of its eight-season origin show quite yet, but it's certainly on track. As we prepare for another outing in George R.R. Martin's brutal continent of Westeros, here's a breakdown of all the key deaths so far in House of the Dragon — from least to most gruesome.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Lord Lyman Beesbury Credit: HBO

Cause of death: Murdered with marble of office

Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) doesn't quite rival Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)'s body count in Season 1, but he makes a good go at it. Lord Lyman Beesbury (Bill Paterson) becomes one of his victims when he makes the terrible mistake of protesting about Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) sitting on the Iron Throne instead of Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy). Ser Criston's response? Smashing his head down onto Beesbury's marble of office, a little round stone that kills him instantly on impact.

Lady Rhea Royce Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: Murdered with a rock

Being in close proximity to Daemon Targaryen is a perilous situation. In episode 5 we get a (brief) introduction to Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford), Daemon's wife, shortly before he knocks her off her horse in broad daylight and then – presumably – murders her with a rock offscreen. Pretty shocking and gruesome, sure, but this one is low on the list because we don't see the actual death itself.

Harwin Strong Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: Murdered by house fire

We also don't see Harwin Strong's (Ryan Corr) death, which is due to a fire at Harrenhal, but we do see the build-up. What makes this one more unpleasant is the fact that Harwin's father, Lord Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes), dies along with him — and what makes it even worse is the fact that Harwin's own brother Larys (Matthew Needham) arranges for the building to be burned down.

Lucerys Velaryon Credit: HBO

Cause of death: Chomped mid-air by a dragon

You've got to feel a bit sorry for Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault). The minute he steps into Storm's End and sees Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), you know things aren't going to end well. Exactly how not well is made clear once he tries to flee on his dragon Arrax, only for Aemond to give chase on his significantly larger dragon Vhagar. Arrax goes rogue and breathes fire on the chasing dragon, only for Vhagar to decide enough is enough: He goes against his master's wishes and basically chomps both Arrax and Lucerys in two. One of the major moments of the Season 1 finale, it's not the most gruesome death in the series – you don't really see much gore – but it's certainly a shocking one.

Crabfeeder Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

Cause of death: Cut in half

Craghas Draghar (Daniel Scott-Smith), or Crabfeeder to his friends, initially appears to be one of the main villains in the first season — at least until he comes face-to-mask with Daemon. During a memorable dragon-assisted battle in episode 3, Daemon takes the fight to the Crabfeeder's beach and pursues him into a cave. When Daemon comes back out, he's dragging approximately 50 percent of Craghas behind him.

Ser Vaemond Velaryon Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: Head sliced in half

That's right, it's yet another death caused by Daemon, who racks up the body count in Season 1 faster than you can say "Valar Morghulis". This time the victim is Ser Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson), who makes the bad mistake of calling Rhaenyra's son Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) a bastard in front of the king himself. Vaemond's head is quickly sliced in half, but the really gruesome bit is the close-up of what's left of him, including his tongue hanging out of what remains of his head. Ick.

King Viserys Targaryen Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: A painfully slow infection of wounds

King Viserys (Paddy Considine) gets not one but two death scenes in House of the Dragon, but he is essentially killed by the Iron Throne itself. What starts with an infected cut in episode 1 quickly leads to parts of his body literally rotting away, with the fifth Targaryen king eventually having to wear a mask to conceal the damage his condition has done to him. Is it as abrupt and bloody as some of the deaths in the show? No. But slowly losing body parts to rot is not something we'd wish on anyone.

Ser Joffrey Lonmouth Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: Beaten to death

Turns out a House of the Dragon wedding is almost as terrible as a Game of Thrones one. The victim in episode 5's marriage is Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod), who makes the very bad mistake of goading Ser Criston Cole about his fling with bride Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock). The result? A brutal beating-to-death at Cole's hands, and a very unpleasant close-up of Joffrey's bloodied, caved-in face.

Queen Aemma Arryn Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: Childbirth

The first key death in the show sets the tone for what's to come. Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) goes into labor at the end of episode 1, but there are complications. Her husband, King Viserys, is called into the room and told that the maesters may be able to save his son by carrying out a caesarean section, but the procedure will result in the death of his wife. Forced to choose, he tells them to go ahead. It's a truly horrifying sequence made even more upsetting by the fact that the child dies anyway shortly after the Queen passes.

Laena Velaryon Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Cause of death: Burned to death by her own dragon during childbirth

Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), daughter of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Eve Best and Steve Toussaint), and Daemon's wife, endures the most gruesome, harrowing death of House of the Dragon.

In yet another horrifying childbirth sequence in episode 6, we once again see a maester giving a father unimaginable news after complications arise in labor: a fatal c-section is the only way to potentially save the baby. Daemon asks if Laena will survive the procedure, and when the answer is "no", it's clear Laena hears the exchange. She decides to take her fate into her own hands. Laena staggers outside and gives her dragon Vhagar one last order, "Dracarys," which the dragon visibly struggles with, before burning her and her unborn child to death. A truly upsetting scene.

How to watch: House of the Dragon Season 1 is streaming on Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

"BRING THE BLUE BACK": WhatsApp announces app redesign, not everyone is pleased

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:26

WhatsApp is rolling out a pretty substantial design update for both its iOS and Android apps, but we bet the company hoped for a slightly warmer welcome of the new design on X.

The new layout, which is similar on iOS and Android, isn't a radical departure. The search is more prominent on top of the app, below it, tabs let you quickly access unread messages and groups, and on the bottom, a row of icons lets you access Chats, Updates, Communities and other features (to be fair, this is a bigger change on Android, which didn't have the bottom row of icons until now).

SEE ALSO: Apple forced to pull Meta's WhatsApp, Threads from China’s App Store. Here’s why.

But WhatsApp users on iOS have noticed a big visual change: The predominant color accent on everything is now green instead of blue (on Android, the app was already predominantly green).

Tweet may have been deleted

It makes sense to have the same visual identity across the same app on two mobile platforms, but as it so often happens, the change irked some commenters on X, which balked at the freshly green WhatsApp experience.

"I seriously freaked out when that green came into my face. We need the blue back," wrote one commenter. "I still have the blue and I hope it stays like this forever," wrote another.

"BRING THE BLUE BACK," one person on X cried in horror.

Tweet may have been deleted

I didn't get the new design yet, my WhatsApp iOS app is still blue, and it's hard to say just how traumatic this greenification of WhatsApp will be for me. I do like the blue, too, though.

Notably, a number of commenters below WhatsApp's announcement on X noted that the company keeps updating its iPhone app very frequently, but still hasn't got an iPad app. What's up with that, WhatsApp?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Price drop alert: Get Windows 11 Pro and MS Office Pro 2021 for £56

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through May 12, get this Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro bundle for £55.87 and save 84% — a £7.99 price drop since it last went on sale.

Is your laptop equipped with all the tools and software you need to do your best work? If you need to upgrade your computer, this All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2021 lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for £55.87, which is hundreds less than the combined regular prices.

This bundle can give lagging computers a much-needed upgrade. Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 were made to work together seamlessly, which means the flow should be optimal. Plus, Office doesn't come with recurring fees or monthly payments like Microsoft 365 does. You pay once, and you don't have to pay again.

Windows 11 Pro is the latest OS from Windows, and it arrived with fresh updates. It has updated security enhancements like BitLocker encryption, Microsoft Information Protection integration, biometrics login, and more. There have also been updates to Windows Studio Effects, as well as new touchscreen capabilities. You also get access to updates going forward.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows is a lifetime license for one PC with instant delivery and download. It allows you to utilise Microsoft's most popular apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more.

Transform the way you work, create, and collaborate with this powerful combination of essential productivity tools and the latest operating system.

Grab the Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro bundle for a one-time payment of £55.87 when you order by May 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £55.87 at the Mashable Shop
£349.76 Save £293.89 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance to grab a $40 discount on this AI-powered video editing software

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through May 12, hurry and grab a lifetime subscription to Winxvideo AI on sale for $29.99 (reg. $69.95), with no coupon necessary.

AI technology has accelerated at a blistering pace in the past two years. And while a lot of creative professionals are nervous about this revolution, others are learning how AI can automate tedious tasks and maximize their productivity. When it comes to creative work like video editing, why not let AI do the boring grunt work?

Winxvideo is an AI-powered software that can perform a wide range of video editing tasks, from compressing large videos to modernizing vintage footage, and May 12 is your last chance to score it on sale for $40 off (okay, $39.96, to be exact).

Winxvideo packs a mix of traditional and state-of-the-art editing tools to upgrade your projects. You can record screens and perform minor edits in a single click, but it can also do near-miraculous editing like upgrading low-quality video to 4K/8K, stabilizing videos you've recorded, and converting 24fps to 60/120fps.

If you're looking to do some heavy editing, this AI-powered program is also capable of reducing disruptive background noise, forcing A/V sync, setting audio delay, removing fisheye lens distortion, and even changing video speed from 1x to 16x for dynamic action. Winxvideo also promises that its integrated Unique CineAI tech will enhance video quality, making your output 5x smoother and 4x crisper.

Check it out in action:

Whether you want to put together a tutorial for your YouTube channel, a day-in-the-life vlog, revive a video from your childhood, or need to edit a short film, Wixvideo can help. While you let the AI handle time-consuming tasks, you can focus on your overall creative vision.

And don't forget, this is your chance score a lifetime subscription to Winxvideo for only $29.99. This deal runs until May 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Winxvideo Winxvideo AI Video Editor: Lifetime Subscription $29.99 at the Mashable Shop
$69.95 Save $39.96 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Learn to code with a 14-course Python learning bundle for only $40

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through May 12, you can get your coding journey started with The Premium Python Programming Mega bundle, on sale for only $39.97 (reg. $196).

Technology is an ever-evolving beast and coders are some of the world's most sought-after employees. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, you can learn to code with Python 3 thanks to this affordable bundle.

With 14 courses containing 113 hours of lessons, this bundle — on sale for $39.97 through May 12 — gives you lifetime access to Python coding tools. Courses are taught by various coding experts who will walk you through the basics of programming and web development.

The bundle covers fundamental Python concepts such as data types, loops, and functions, providing a solid foundation for learners new to the language. As you continue, you'll tackle more advanced topics like object-oriented programming, data visualization with Matplotlib, and web scraping with BeautifulSoup. Each course is designed with practicality in mind, offering hands-on projects and real-world examples to reinforce learning and encourage skill development.

You'll have access to specialized courses that explore Python's role in specific fields such as finance, automation, and game development. Whether you aspire to automate tedious tasks, analyze financial data, or develop interactive games (like in the course titled "Create an Escape Room with Python"), these courses can provide a lot of tools and knowledge to help you turn your coding aspirations into reality.

Life is chaotic, and while the thought of setting aside time to learn a new skill can be intimidating, these courses allow you to go at your own pace. And because you have lifetime access to this course bundle, you don't have to worry about a deadline. Access the Python programs from desktop and mobile, and squeeze in a lesson anywhere or anytime.

Get this Python programming course bundle on sale for only $39.97 until May 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Python The Premium Python Programming Mega Bundle $39.97 at the Mashable Shop
$196.00 Save $156.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get lifetime access to the SwiftScan scanning app for $140 off

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

SAVE $140: Turn your phone into a portable scanner and PDF editor with a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP on sale for $59.99, down from the normal price of $199. That's a discount of 70%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $59.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal

Whether you're organizing receipts for next tax season (way to get ahead of it!), digitizing important contracts, or gathering other vital documents, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where the SwiftScan VIP lifetime subscription comes in. This nifty app turns your phone into a portable scanner and PDF editor to make document management easy and convenient without the need to use a standard scanning device. And you can get it for a great deal today.

As of May 10, a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP is on sale for $59.99, down from the normal price of $199. That's a discount of $140, or 70% off.

With SwiftScan VIP, gone are the days of blurry, low-quality scans or racing to the library to send an important document. Now you can create quality scans from your phone starting at 200 dpi, ensuring that every document you capture is crystal clear and professional.

Whether you're scanning a business card, a handwritten note, or a full-page document, SwiftScan VIP delivers exceptional clarity and detail. However, it’s more than just a scanning app — it's a smart way to manage all your documents. With features like automatic scan enhancement, color filters, and blur reduction, your scans will look their best. Plus, with the ability to save scans as high-quality PDFs or JPEGs, you have the flexibility to choose the format that best suits your needs. You can even edit PDFs using the app.

SwiftScan's auto-capture feature allows you to quickly capture a single document with just a tap, saving you time and effort. With multi-page scans, you can automatically scan multiple pages and save them as a single file, making it simple to combine lengthy documents.

An impressive feature of this intuitive scanning app is its integration with popular cloud services. With support for iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneDrive, and many others apps, you can save and share your scans across all of your devices. Plus, with the ability to fax documents right from the app, this game-changing app truly is a one-stop shop for all of your document management needs.

Get a lifetime subscription for SwiftScan VIP while it’s on sale for only $59.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score $70 off a refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

SAVE $71: Upgrade your workspace with a refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M92 SFF desktop for $139.99, down from its regular price of $210. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo ThinkCentre M92 SFF desktop (refurbished) $139.99 at the Mashable Shop
$210.99 Save $71.00 Get Deal

If you're looking to upgrade your gear, a desktop might just be the game-changer you need. Perhaps it's more aligned with your lifestyle and line of work compared to a laptop, especially if you're quite the multitasker. In that case, a desktop makes for a worthy investment — and you can make that investment with less of a sticker shock with a deal from Lenovo today.

As of May 10, a refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M92 SFF desktop is on sale for $139.99, down from its regular price of $210. That's a discount of 33%.

This desktop is powerful, with an Intel Core i5-3470 processor running at 3.2GHz, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. That means you get speedy, smooth performance even as you do some serious multitasking.

If you're on the fence about buying something refurbished, this item boasts a grade-A rating, meaning it's near-mint condition and may have minimal amounts of scuffing, and it's more than capable of tackling any task you throw its way.

Windows 10 Home is already pre-installed, ensuring compatibility with your favorite apps right out of the box. Plus, its compact form means it's portable, fitting into any workspace without hogging precious real estate.

With this deal, you'll already get the entire package. Aside from the ThinkCentre, you also get a keyboard and a mouse, so all that's left to do is connect it to a display, and you're good to go.

Upgrade your work setup with the refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M92 SFF. It normally retails for $210, but you can grab it on sale for $139.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Find a wide range of free online courses from MIT on edX.

edX hosts so many free online courses that it's difficult to know where to start. With so much on offer, it's easy to feel lost.

We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but if that sounds like too much work, the selection of free online courses from MIT is probably a good place to start. You can find lessons on sustainable energy, modern finance, Python programming, and so much more. And you don't need to pay anything to enroll.

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

These free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials.

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

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

'Interview with the Vampire' Season 2 review: Theater, romance, and bloody good TV

Mashable - Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:00

Right from its opening seconds, you know Interview with the Vampire Season 2 is for the theater kids.

A red title card pops up against a black background, informing us that "the role of Claudia will now be played by Delainey Hayles." The message here is twofold: First and foremost, the card is a clever device to address Claudia's recasting, as Hayles takes over the role from Season 1 Claudia actor Bailey Bass. But it also sets the stage (literally) for the season's theatrical leanings, reading like a new casting insert you'd see in a show program.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV Preview: Every show you must see

Just as Hayles steps into Claudia's shoes and makes the role her own, so too does Interview with the Vampire lean into its own theatricality this season, thanks to the arrival of the Théâtre des Vampires. Not only does this new coven treat us to some gloriously staged set pieces and laugh-out-loud theater kid drama, it also provides an outlet for Interview with the Vampire to delve deeper into its themes of performance and deception. What follows is a bloody good time — with sides of twisted romance and tragedy, of course.

Interview with the Vampire takes a theatrical turn in Season 2. Delainey Hayles in "Interview with the Vampire." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMC

Interview with the Vampire continues to remix the story of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, picking up in the wake of its shattering Season 1 finale. Vampires Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia (Haynes) have murdered their maker, the much older Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid). Now, they roam Europe in search of other vampires like them, with every dead-end discouraging the already isolated Claudia more and more.

Their search eventually leads them to the Parisian Théâtre des Vampires, led by the vampire Armand (Assad Zaman). Here, vampires hide in plain sight, masked only by the thin guise of a stage play that is equal parts riveting and horrifying. Every performance is a series of darkly comedic mini plays, where actors interact with carefully planned projected films. It's Georges Méliès meets Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow casts — the latter comparison is particularly apt given the Théâtre des Vampires' cult following. In a delightful bit of world-building, these devotees paint their faces white, wear fake vampire teeth, and bring special umbrellas to avoid being sprayed with the company's fake blood.

The highlight of each show comes at the very end of the play, when lead actor Santiago (Ben Daniels, devouring his every scene) chows down on a member of the public. The ensuing feeding frenzy makes the rapt audience unknowingly complicit in every death, adding a perverse layer of satisfaction for the vampiric performers.

SEE ALSO: New 'Interview with the Vampire' teaser reveals the laws of being a vampire Jacob Anderson and Delainey Hayles in "Interview with the Vampire." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMC

Claudia is instantly smitten with the Théâtre, its rituals, and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a coven. Louis, on the other hand, does not wish to be bound by the coven's rules. While he strikes up a romantic relationship with Armand, his detachment from the Théâtre as an entity causes friction — especially with Santiago.

The scenes within the Théâtre des Vampires are among the highlights of Interview with the Vampire Season 2, offering up laughs alongside the enchantingly executed play. Take Armand giving an annoyed Santiago notes on his performance, or the morbid backstage cleanup required for shows where someone get murdered every night.

But aside from these much appreciated theatrical gags, there's a deeper kind of performance afoot this season. Louis and Claudia must pretend not to know Lestat, as the truth could risk endangering their lives. Their web of lies strains their relationship, just as Claudia's efforts to join the coven push against Louis's fraternization with humans at artists' soirées. Is he performing the idea of humanity in an effort to get close to it, or is he merely an observer?

Interview with the Vampire Season 2 dives deep into memory. Eric Bogosian in "Interview with the Vampire." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMC

The art of performance is very much on display in Interview with the Vampire's present-day storyline as well. Journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) continues his interview with Louis, now with Armand at his side. But while the two claim to be the loves of each other's lives (much to Daniel's annoyance), their partnership balances precariously on its own share of deceit. Daniel pokes and prods at their accounts, making for one of the show's most delicious — and dangerous — new dynamics.

There is so much to love in the trio of Daniel, Louis, and Armand, especially in Daniel's many cutting remarks aimed at Armand or at Louis's occasionally more melodramatic storytelling. But Interview with the Vampire rises to a new level of intrigue when Daniel interacts one on one with Louis, or one on one with Armand. In these bouts of verbal sparring (or sometimes even collaboration), astonishing secrets and repressed memories come to light, re-coloring everything we thought we knew about Armand and Louis's relationship.

"Memory is the monster" has been a common refrain in promotional materials for this season, and that is especially true during Louis' scenes of recollection. Claudia hangs between him and Armand like a ghost, while his and Daniel's first interview in 1973 claws at both their psyches like a beast waiting to be set free.

But if memory is a monster, the biggest of them all is Lestat, who lingers in Louis's memory both in the present and in the past. Even in death, he haunts Louis, walking beside him in a dark Parisian park, taunting him during his early flirtations with Armand, coming between him and Claudia. Are these apparitions just Louis's imagination, or is there something more corporeal to this Lestat?

Anderson delivers a wrenching mix of grief and horror in these scenes, while Reid ranges from playfully indignant to raging at the reminder that Louis killed him. Half of the pairing may be dead, but their chemistry makes them one of television's most compelling and dysfunctional couples. This isn't to say Louis and Armand aren't fascinating: They certainly are, especially as Armand becomes slipperier and harder to read. But so much of their dynamic also revolves around Lestat, who intrudes upon their relationship like a splinter lurking just below the skin. The more Louis picks at his own memory, the more Lestat threatens to burst through, undergirding an already exceptional season of TV with an exhilarating throughline of tension. Like the devotees of the Théâtre des Vampires, you'll find yourself lapping up this season's surprises and coming back week after week for more.

Interview with the Vampire Season 2 premieres May 12 on AMC and AMC+.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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