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Best Buy Drops this week: Here are the upcoming products dropping through Best Buy's app hack

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 11:00

UPDATE: Apr. 9, 2024, 12:30 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with details on upcoming Drops between April 10 and April 12, including a custom Corsair SCUF Instinct Pro controller and the Samsung Music Frame.

When it comes to shopping, a scarcity mindset is just as convincing as that one friend who always enables you to buy something you don't need. It's why there's often a timer breathing down your neck from the corner of the screen during a sitewide sale. It's exactly why Amazon's invite-only Prime Day deals and Black Friday deals popped off, and why Walmart lets Walmart+ members get their hands on new groups of big shopping event deals hours before the general public can.

And it's probably why Best Buy conveniently announced Best Buy Drops just ahead of the holiday shopping season. We're pleasantly surprised that Drops turned out to not just be a holiday treat, though — it has solidified its spot as the middle tab of the Best Buy app, and we'll certainly be taking advantage of this unique shopping hack as long as Best Buy will let us.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

Best Buy Drops is a shopping hack dedicated to giving shoppers a heads-up about upcoming high-profile items and deals in categories like gaming, cheap TVs, fan-favorite toys and merch, high-profile hair tools, kitchen gadgets, and more dropping at Best Buy in the next week. As long as you have the Best Buy mobile app, you can preview what's coming on what day so that you're ready to click "add to cart" when the item or deal goes live.

If a Drop is currently live while you're on the app, a status bar showing the percentage of inventory that has been claimed can give an idea of how fast you need to act. Once inventory for a certain Drop is gone, it's gone.

Drops can include a huge price slash on a popular item or availability of product that wasn't up for grabs before. Credit: Screenshot / Mashable

The Drops tab also keeps a list of past Drops, which have included a limited-edition PlayStation 5 Marvel's Spider-Man bundle, Pokémon Squishmallows, a super cheap 50-inch TV, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Even if you missed these, you at least have an idea of what similar items could pop up in the coming weeks. To look ahead, check the upcoming tab.

For extra cushion, you can opt-in to Drop Alerts for an extra reminder right before the drop of a product you care about goes live. Joining My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total will unlock even better discounts on Drops than what the general public is getting.

What's dropping at Best Buy April 10 through April 12

Best Buy is only revealing the names of the upcoming products — not their actual Drop prices — in the Drop preview tab, so any prices listed below are the current price of the said product as it is on Best Buy's site pre-Drop. Drops go live around 11 a.m. ET on the specified day (usually a string of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in any given week), and inventory is typically fully claimed by 5 p.m. that day.

Dropping: April 10 Opens in a new window Credit: Corsair Corsair SCUF Instinct Pro Black Tiger Custom wireless controller $239.99 at Best Buy
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Serious Xbox-ers who have been eyeing the pricey SCUF Instinct Pro controller have another chance to get it into their hands for less than $200. To avoid a friend accidentally stealing yours, the one featured in this Drop is the custom Black Tiger model.

Opting for the Pro over the regular Instinct secures adjustable Instant Triggers that can eliminate the trigger pull (if you want) to activate action immediately with a single tap. Both Instinct controllers also feature SCUF's beloved four-paddle system that can be programmed to replicate the ABXY buttons. Unlike the competing Elite Series 2 controller from Microsoft, you can also personalize your Instinct Pro's physical look with interchangeable faceplates, D-pads, and thumbsticks.

Dropping: April 11 Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Webcam $199.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

Twitch streamers and YouTubers have a chance to seriously level up with this Drop. A 4K webcam is crucial for content creation, and Logitech's MX Brio is one of the best. It can stream in 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, both featuring better face visibility than Logitech's older webcams through AI-enhanced image quality. Show Mode can flip the video to display what's on your desk, while rotating the cam can quickly shut it off completely.

The regular $199.99 price tag on the MX Brio was already decent, but we expect its Drop discount to shave at least $50 off.

Dropping: April 12 Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Music Frame $399.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

Samsung released a slew of new products in March 2024, which included a unique new take on its beloved Frame products: a Music Frame. It's a smart speaker that, you guessed it, will look like a classic picture frame displayed on the walls of your home. But rather than rummaging for your Bluetooth speaker when you need some background tunes for a party or solo cooking night, the Music Frame will be right there with Dolby Atmos audio. It can also sync to your Samsung TV's speakers.

You can already get a free $100 Best Buy gift card when you snag the Music Frame at full price, so we're hoping for a direct discount with this Drop.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Single and over 40? Here are the best dating sites for finding your match

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 11:00

Deciding to get back into the dating game can be nerve-wracking, regardless of age. But it may feel like the stakes are a little higher if you're in your 40s (or older).

You may assume that people in your age bracket either aren't interested in dating or are already settled into long-term relationships. However, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data, as of 2021, nearly 25 percent of 40-somethings in the U.S. have never been married. Additionally, only 22 percent of unmarried adults ages 40 to 44 were cohabiting couples. While not everyone is single, this means means the majority of singles in that age range are truly flying solo.

So, have people in their 40s given up on finding love? Not at all. But unlike people in their 20s and 30s, they know what they want and aren't afraid to wait a little longer to find the right person. In fact, according to the analysis, approximately one in four 40-year-olds who weren't married in 2001 had tied the knot by age 60. So, if this trend continues, there's still hope for finding a long-term partner, even if you're starting later in life.

How to start dating again at 40

Now, after that speech and spew of statistics, you're probably wondering what our grand plan is to get you back on your feet and out on the dance floor. The answer? Online dating. Before you scoff, hear us out.

Online dating is a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure environment. It gives you a quick and easy way to connect with potential partners, filter through profiles, and find matches who share your interests and values. Imagine if you could do that when scanning the room at a bar or attending social events — it would save you a lot of time and effort.

But before you start swiping left and right, check in with yourself. Be honest about what you're looking for in a partner and what you bring to the table, including any emotional baggage you might carry (which we all have to some extent).

Once you've touched base with your emotions, you should do the same with your dating profile. Are you interested in a serious relationship, a casual encounter, or a friendship that could evolve into something more? Whatever it is, be upfront. You don't want to fall for someone only to realize they aren't looking for the same thing.

My mom’s 60-something friend was set up with a 67-year-old guy who is “not looking for anything serious” in case you think that ever ends

— Sara K. Runnels (@omgskr) January 8, 2023 What are the best dating apps for over 40 singles?

The best dating app depends on what you're looking for. But because we're data nerds, we've done a little research (and hands-on testing) to give you some options.

Match and eharmony have a large over-40 user base and comprehensive profiles and algorithms that match you with compatible partners based on your preferences and personality traits. Additionally, Elite Singles is a popular dating site for mature professionals looking for a serious relationship.

Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are more popular among younger users, but it's not impossible to find success on these apps if you're over 40. OkCupid has a slightly higher number of older singles than Bumble and Hinge, and it caters to the liberal and LGBTQ+ communities, offering a space to be your most authentic self sans judgment.

Keep reading for a more in-depth look at each of these dating apps and what they have to offer for daters over 40. We considered affordability, accessibility (including user-friendly interfaces and availability on Google Play and the App Store), and overall success rate in helping users find meaningful connections.

Pro tip: Based on our in-depth reviews, we recommend steering clear of Zoosk and Our Time for singles over 40. (Full details on our testing methodology are in the "How We Tested" section.)

Categories: IT General, Technology

Streamers rejoice: TikTok Live is now integrated with Streamlabs

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 09:01

TikTok Live is now integrated with Streamlabs.

While previously it was still possible to go live on TikTok using the livestreaming software, this integration simplifies the experience. Creators once had to retrieve and enter their stream key along with a streaming URL. They also needed to go live on both TikTok and Streamlabs. Integration radically streamlines creators' workflows, and simplifies the use of Streamlabs' engagement and monetization tools.

SEE ALSO: TikTok's Instagram competitor may have leaked its own name

TikTok joins its competitors Twitch and YouTube with this integration. The collaboration also allows creators to effortlessly utilize its Multistream and Dual Output features on TikTok, where creators can go live on multiple platforms and choose between a horizontal or vertical stream. Ashray Urs, Head of Product at Streamlabs, told Mashable he sees the integration resonating with creators as they continue to grow more cross-platform.

TikTok launched TikTok Live in 2019 and it remains a way for creators to make money directly on the platform, but it's a convoluted process. Viewers can buy coins through the app and use them to buy creators "gifts" to send during livestreams. Coins cost 74 cents per 70 coins and gifts range from one coin for a flower sticker to 29,999 coins for a lion sticker. Creators convert these gifts back into coins with TikTok reportedly taking 50 percent of the revenue. Creators can then convert these gifts into "diamonds" and once they accumulate 100 diamonds they can be exchanged for actual money.

The ability to seamlessly multi-stream will likely make a huge difference among creators mining for diamonds on TikTok.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Build a Thriving Employee Alumni Program

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 06:01

Great employees will leave your organization from time to time—but they don’t have to become total strangers. Employee alumni programs can help you foster continuing relationships with former colleagues, which can be a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic labor market environment. When setting up your program, keep these strategies in mind. Build a digital community. Most […]

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Categories: Management

16 of the best Cambridge University courses you can take for free

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Cambridge University are available to take for free on edX.

Have you ever heard of Cambridge University? Of course you have. It's one of the most famous educational institutions in the world. How could you not?

You might think that your opportunity to become a Cambridge University student has been and gone, but there is still time. A wide range of online courses delivered by Cambridge University can be found on edX. And better yet, these online courses are available to take for free.

We have checked out everything on offer from Cambridge University and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started. This list includes lessons on subjects like finance, comedy writing, psychology, and much more.

These are the best Cambridge University courses you can take for free this month.

There is always a catch, but in this case it's not a very big one. The only thing with these free online courses is that you don't get a certificate of completion, but that's it. You can still learn at your own pace with unlimited access to all the resources, so the lack of a certificate shouldn't hold you back.

Find the best free online courses from Cambridge University at edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cambridge University Cambridge University Courses Free at edX Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Secure the best deal on lifetime access to Rosetta Stone plus over 1,000 skill courses

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: The Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle with Rosetta Stone is on sale for £120 with the code ENJOY20.

You never have to stop learning if you don’t want to, but there are more ways to do it than at a desk in school. There will always be new hobbies to try or skills to acquire. You might even find a new career opportunity along the way. If you want a giant menu of new things to learn, including 24 different languages and over 1,000 courses, check out the Unlimited Lifetime Learning Bundle.

This two-pack of learning resources contains lifetime subscriptions to Rosetta Stone and StackSkills Unlimited for just £120 with the code ENJOY20.

Rosetta Stone is a legendary language-learning app that gives you 24 languages to learn one at a time. Study German, Korean, Arabic, Dutch, Polish, Spanish, Swedish, Viatmense, and so much more. 

Rosetta Stone doesn’t just give you a wide selection of popular languages. There are different types of lessons to try depending on the skill you want to refine. Practice your pronunciation with help from TruAccent™, Rosetta Stone’s smart speech-recognition technology. Need to give your voice a break? Practice reading, writing, and building up your vocabulary. The next thing to do is make your travel plans to visit somewhere you can take your new language for a spin. 

There’s another kind of language you could learn from this bundle. Check out the selection at StackSkills for courses in coding languages like Python and HTML. Or you could go for something completely different. There are over a thousand courses with 50+ more added every month. Learn about Cybersecurity, chess, photography, or project management. Track your progress as you work through courses and earn certifications proving your new expertise. Your new skills might even land you a cool new career one day. 

Learn new languages and skills from the comfort of your home. Get the Unlimited Lifetime Learning Bundle featuring Rosetta Stone on sale for £120 with the code ENJOY20. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Rosetta Stone Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle ft. Rosetta Stone £120 with the code ENJOY20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 10

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 04:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 10's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Savory liquid in soups.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1026 is...

BROTH.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Joker: Folie à Deux' trailer shows Lady Gaga in action as Harley Quinn

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 03:52

The official teaser trailer for musical Joker: Folie à Deux is here, and it looks like the Clown Prince of Crime has found his queen.

The sequel to the 2019 supervillain origin story, Joker: Folie à Deux catches up with clown-themed criminal Arthur Dent (Joaquin Phoenix), whose life doesn't appear to have gotten much better since we last saw him. Now a patient at Arkham State Hospital, Arthur dreary existence is changed when he finds a kindred soul in fellow patient Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga).

Of course, their mad love can't be kept to the confines of a hospital. The pair soon begin wrecking havoc as a dangerous duo, set to a cover of "What the World Needs Now is Love."

Joker: Folie à Deux arrives in theatres Oct. 14.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 10

Mashable - Wed, 04/10/2024 - 03:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for April 10's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Leader

  • Green: Front yard vibes

  • Blue: __Nut

  • Purple: Incomplete Tarantino movies

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Person in Charge

  • Green: Grassy Area

  • Blue: Words Before "Nut"

  • Purple: Second Words in Tarantino Movies

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #304 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Person in Charge: CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, HEAD

  • Grassy Area: FIELD, GREEN, GROUNDS, LAWN

  • Words Before "Nut": CHEST, COCO, HAZEL, PEA

  • Second Words in Tarantino Movies: BROWN, DOGS, FICTION, UNCHAINED

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

X automatically changed 'Twitter' to 'X' in users' posts, breaking legit URLs

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 23:04

It might be easy to forget at times, but technically, Twitter is no more. 

Elon Musk changed the name of the company to "X" last summer. Yes, the main domain name for Musk's X is still Twitter.com. Yes, there are multiple official pages on the platform where the company still refers to it as "Twitter." Yes, most people still call it "Twitter." But, Musk's social media platform is officially called X.

On Monday, it appears X attempted to encourage users to cease referring to it as Twitter and instead adopt the name X. Some users began noticing that posts viewed via X for iOS were changing any references of "Twitter.com" to "X.com" automatically.  

X user @___frye posted "Twitter .com" but on X's app for iOS it shows as "X .com" Credit: Mashable Screenshot X's Twitter dot com problem

Yes, you read that correctly. If a user typed in "Twitter.com," they would see "Twitter.com" as they typed it before hitting "Post." But, after submitting, the platform would show "X.com" in its place on the X for iOS app, without the user's permission, for everyone viewing the post.

And shortly after this revelation, it became clear that there was another big issue: X was changing anything ending in "Twitter.com" to "X.com."

As of publication of this piece, here's how one post currently shows up on X's website:

Here's how @Arcticstar0's post looks like X's website. Credit: Mashable Screenshot

Here's how the same post currently looks on X for iOS:

Here's how the same @Arcticstar0 post looks like on X's app for iOS. Credit: Mashable Screenshot Why this is a big deal

Let's say someone owns the domain name "NetfliTwitter.com." Why would they own that domain name? Because if X is automatically changing anything that includes "Twitter.com" to "X.com," then that means posting "NetfliTwitter.com" on X would make it appear in posts as "Netflix.com," the popular movie streaming service. And if a user clicked the linked "Netflix.com" text that appears in that post, it would really take them to "NetfliTwitter.com." Because while X is changing the text that the user wrote, the URL it links and directs to remains the same as the user posted.

This is a dream scenario for someone looking to steal passwords through phishing campaigns.

An example of X changing "NetfliTwitter .com" to "Netflix .com" Credit: Mashable screenshot

The example I just provided isn't a hypothetical either. Some users on X noticed this very problem and found that it could quickly be utilized by scammers, hackers, and other bad actors. X user @yuyu0127_ quickly registered the domain name "NetfliTwitter.com" in order to prevent it from being weaponized and put up a warning page on the URL about the potential issues in X's changes.

"This domain has been acquired to prevent its use for malicious purposes," reads the headline text on "NetfliTwitter.com."

One user tried to post "setwitter .com" and Twitter changed the text to "sex .com." Credit: @___frye

Another domain name "seTwitter.com" was also registered due to its potential to be exploited as X would then change how the URL is viewed on the platform to "sex.com." The X user, @amasato_mochi, who registered that domain name, also put up a warning page in order to put a spotlight on the issue.

"Please be very careful not to access suspicious URLs," reads seTwitter.com. "I will hold onto this domain for a year to prevent any harm."

Tweet may have been deleted

According to some users, the change implemented by X also affected older posts. Meaning any instance where someone previously tweeted "Twitter.com" was being changed retroactively to "X.com."

X eventually realized the issue and rolled out a patch later that same day for some of the domains affected by this change. "Netflitwitter.com" no longer shows up as "Netflix.com" for example.

However, Mashable can confirm that the X for iOS app is currently still changing many other references of "Twitter.com" to "X.com." We noticed that in one instance we found, the change was happening when "Twitter.com" was being used in a subdomain for another URL.

It's unclear if this version of the issue will eventually be patched too. It certainly seems like a bad idea to change the text in a user's post without their permission. Regardless, the whole ordeal is certainly a remarkable stumble for X, especially when Elon Musk's social media platform itself still forwards "X.com" to "Twitter.com."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Vision Pro: I tried it on a plane and it was chaotic

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 20:54

Mashable's tech editor Kimmie G put Apple's Vision Pro to the test on her JetBlue flight from JFK to Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica. Here's how it went.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Alex Garland and Wagner Moura on creating an anti-war war film with 'Civil War'

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 19:47

Mashable host Josh Burstein sits down with Alex Garland and Wagner Moura to discuss the upcoming film Civil War. Civil War hits theaters on April 12. 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don’t share your location on dating apps: Experts found users’ coordinates with scary accuracy

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:58

In the evolving landscape of online dating, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, the integration of geolocation features has raised substantial privacy concerns.

While revolutionizing the way we find companionship, dating apps harbor significant privacy risks, especially with geolocation features. Thus, an investigation by Alexey Bukhteyev at Check Point Research on popular LGTBQ+ dating apps has unveiled a stark reality: users' precise locations can be determined through trilateration, despite efforts to mask this data.

This vulnerability exposes users to potential threats, particularly in communities where privacy is not just a preference, but a matter of safety.

SEE ALSO: LGBTQ spaces are needed now more than ever. Here’s what people mapping them have to say. How can dating apps expose your location?

Dating apps frequently utilize location data to facilitate connections between users, promoting the convenience of proximity. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Bukhteyev's research has demonstrated that through trilateration — a technique for calculating the exact position of a user by measuring distances from multiple points — it's possible to circumvent the privacy measures implemented by these apps. Such methods can reveal a user's location within a terrifyingly narrow margin, sometimes as precise as a few meters.

Bukhteyev experimented with two popular LGBTQ+ dating apps: Hornet and a second unnamed app. For his research, Bukhteyev strategically manipulated reference points and employed geometric calculations to refine the estimated location of a target user. In simple terms, using a digital game of hide-and-seek, and some clever math tricks, Bukhteyev was able to pinpoint a user's location with scary accuracy.

While the research doesn't make this too clear, Bukhteyev's experiment represents the extremes of what malicious actors can do to find a user's location — especially state and government actors, who've in the past used dating apps to find LGTBQ+ people in their country. Even though dating apps already have a huge predator problem, the average Tinder or Grindr user is not tech-savvy enough to replicate Bukhteyev's research.

For users, however, it underscores the necessity of exercising caution with the permissions granted to applications, especially those that access geolocation data. Utilizing features that allow for the obfuscation of one's location can provide a layer of protection against unwanted tracking.

On the other side, app developers must fortify their privacy safeguards. The LGBTQ+ community, in particular, deserves robust protection given the heightened risks they face in regions where their rights are not fully recognized. The discrepancy between the intended security of these apps and their actual vulnerability highlights a critical gap in user protection.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google adds new AI-powered 'Vids' app to Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:53

Because sometimes making a deck takes too much effort.

That's what Google is banking on, anyway, with its newest addition to the Workspace family of apps, which includes Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Google Vids was briefly mentioned as an "all-in-one video creation app" in a Google blog post on Tuesday. That blog post is nearly useless when it comes to learning about what Vids actually does, but thankfully outlets like The Verge, we get to see it in action.

SEE ALSO: Open AI and Google trained AI models on YouTube videos What is the 'Google Vids' app?

Put simply, Vids is a simple video creation app meant for work purposes. You're supposed to use it to create slide presentations using a simple left-to-right timeline that you insert things from your Google Drive into. You can also add voiceover or footage of yourself speaking for a little added oomph.

What makes Vids interesting, however, is that it integrates Google's Gemini AI into the creation suite. Users can (optionally) ask Gemini to write scripts, build storyboards, and even read scripts out loud using text-to-speech. It can also draw from a library of stock footage and even create images itself.

Vids is currently in testing by a small number of Workspace users, with plans to launch a more open beta version in the summer. Be on the lookout for work presentations that look suspiciously AI-generated when that happens.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 just dropped to under $175 at Target Circle Week

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:38

SAVE $125: The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is just $174.99 at Target, marked down from its listed MSPR of $299.99. That's a 42% discount or a savings of $125.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 $174.99 at Target
$299.99 Save $125.00 Get Deal

If you love nights spent around the fire but hate the smoke that comes with it, a Solo Stove is the way to go. Designed to produce smokeless fires, Solo Stoves are an incredible addition to your backyard summer evenings or weekend camping trips. Thanks to today's deal that's part of Target Circle Week, you could score a great price on a Solo Stove.

As of April 9, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is just $174.99 at Target for Target Circle Members, marked down from the listed price of $299.99. That's a 42% discount or a savings of $125. While this deal is only for Target Circle Members, signing up for an account is free.

With a double-wall design, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 aims to reduce smoke by burning hotter than conventional fires and therefore capable of producing less smoke. It's portable design and included carrying case mean you can enjoy it at home or at the campsite.

SEE ALSO: The best fire pits of 2023

Mashable senior shopping reporter Haley Henschel tested out the Bonfire 2.0 last year and mentioned that while creating a smokeless fire takes some skill, "...it does burn beautiful, clean fires when conditions are right." She also said that while the fire pit comes in at premium pricing, the Solo Stove should last for years. "After several fires and many miles traveled between different yards and patios over the course of the past year, my Bonfire 2.0 hasn't shown any signs of wear or tear aside from developing an expected patina," she said in her review.

If you love s'mores and find sitting by a fire to be one of the best ways to enjoy life, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 could be a great investment. While it's normally priced at almost $300, today's deal brings it down to just $174.99 with a free Target Circle membership.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A stunning phenomenon appeared on the sun during the solar eclipse

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:35

The rare total solar eclipse packed an extra punch.

During totality — when the moon completely blocked the sun — millions could see our star's glowing, ghostly corona, or outer atmosphere. It's a sight we almost never witness due to the sun's blinding light. Yet during the few minutes or so of this cosmic event, viewers could also see curious, extremely bright red or pinkish areas around the perimeter of the dark moon (though technically they were coming from the sun).

They're called solar prominences, and they're vivid arcs or filaments that have erupted from the sun's surface. Extending hundreds to thousands of miles into space, these phenomena can last weeks to months.

During the event on April 8, 2024, one of these arcs was easily visible from where I stood, agape beneath our eclipsed, blackened star, in Burlington, VT.

"If you were lucky enough to experience totality during this latest solar eclipse, did you notice a little red spot on the sun while the sun was fully obscured? You might have seen a solar prominence," the science communicator Swapna Krishna explained on their YouTube channel Ad Astra.

SEE ALSO: NASA astronaut witnessed an eclipse from space. It was 'unnatural.'

The NASA image below shows some of these pinkish prominences, including the notably vivid one at the bottom.

A particularly vivid solar prominence seen on the bottom of the moon-covered sun on April 8, 2024. Credit: NASA / Joel Kowsky Tweet may have been deleted

Many solar prominences, especially those visible from our perch from over 93 million miles away from the sun, are much larger than Earth. The NASA graphic below shows this perspective.

It remains unclear, however, why these filaments, composed of hot hydrogen and helium gas, erupt from the sun's surface. "Scientists are still researching how and why prominences are formed," NASA explained.

Earth compared to a large solar prominence erupting from the sun's surface. Credit: NASA / SDO

It's not easy to experience a total solar eclipse. They happen every one or two years. But on average, a particular area of Earth only experiences such an event once every 375 years or so, and much rarer is that event occurring in an accessible place. Rarer still is the good fortune of that event happening to come to you — and the weather behaving.

"It's an amazing, amazing experience."

The next total solar eclipse to sweep across parts of the U.S. will be in over two decades, in both 2044 and 2045. It's an experience not to be missed.

"It blew me away," Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, recently told Mashable. "It's an amazing, amazing experience."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Save 20% on the very good Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:25
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $79.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL AirTags (4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon (save $19.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST SECURITY CAMERA DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 3-camera system $149.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal BEST ROBOT VACUUM DEAL Shark Matrix self-emptying robot vacuum (AV2310AE) $369.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal BEST AIR PURIFIER DEAL Coway Airmega Mighty air purifier (AP-1512HH) $159.50 at Amazon (save $70.49) Get Deal

Got retail therapy on the mind? Head on over to Amazon to save some money on your splurges. Whether you're looking for a Bluetooth tracker for your upcoming travels or a robot vacuum or air purifier to help with spring cleaning, there's something in the mix for you.

We've sorted through the noise and handpicked some impressive discounts to shop on April 9. Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. And don't sleep on the deals from April 8, as some of those are still live as well.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Amazon deal of the day: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Mashable's reviewer RJ Andersen was pleasantly surprised with how great the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE performed in her testing. "The sound quality from the Galaxy Buds FE is unmatched for earbuds at this price range. Even Apple users should consider buying them, though they do pair nicer with Android devices," she wrote in her review of the buds. Already pretty affordable at full price ($99.99), you can snag a pair on sale for only $79.99 as of April 9. That's 20% in savings and just $10 away from their lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix self-emptying robot vacuum (AV2310AE) $369.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

For a hands-off cleaning experience on a budget, look no further than the Shark Matrix self-emptying robot vacuum. With smart navigation, Matrix Clean technology, a detailed home mapping system, and the ability to self-empty after each clean, you can kick back and watch TV as the Shark AV2310AE does the dirty work. Its bagless base can hold up to 45 days of dirt and debris, so you can basically set it and forget it for a month and a half. As of April 9, it's on sale for just $369.99 at Amazon — that's $80 off its retail price and its lowest price to date. It's worth mentioning, however, that Walmart's version of this vac is $40 cheaper and is essentially the same minus the base capacity (it can only hold 30 days of debris, so you'll have to empty it more often).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $19.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Traveling this summer? Investing in Bluetooth trackers can be a real lifesaver — and if you're an iPhone user, we'd highly recommend Apple AirTags. Rather than simply relying on a Bluetooth range from your smartphone, AirTags calibrate their location as long as there's an Apple device with Find My enabled nearby (which, let's face it, there always is). That's why they're so great for finding lost luggage during trips. A single AirTag can run you $29, which means it would cost $116 to buy four separately. This four-pack deal for just $79.99 essentially gets you one-and-a-quarter AirTags for free. It's not the lowest price to date — that honor goes to the $74.98 deal from Black Friday 2022 — but it's still a total steal. Just be sure to select the $5 on-page coupon to get the best price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Coway Airmega Mighty air purifier (AP-1512HH) $159.50 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $70.49 Get Deal

Our favorite air purifier, the Coway Airmega Mighty, is back down to its lowest price in three months. We can't decide what's cleaner: the modern design or the air the Coway Mighty pushes out. It won't stick out like a sore thumb against your home decor, which is always a plus. The purifier features a four-stage filtration system with a 99.7% HEPA efficient rating and can clean the air in a space of up to 361 square feet. It's equipped with an auto mode that will optimize the settings based on your air quality and an eco mode that conserves energy by shutting off when it detects no air pollution for 30 minutes. At $159.50, it's not quite the lowest price ever — that honor goes to its $139.99 deal from Black Friday — but it price-matches its Big Spring Sale price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen) 3-camera system $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

One of our top picks for a security camera, the Blink Outdoor can't be beat when it comes to battery life. Pop in AAs and don't worry about changing them for two whole years. It works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, given that it's made by Amazon. Plus, it comes with customizable motion zones without the need for a subscription (although, a Blink subscription will enable you to save and share clips in the cloud and utilize person detection features). A three-pack of these babies is on sale for just $149.99 — that's 42% off and just $15 away from its lowest price ever. Not to mention it's currently cheaper than buying a two-pack.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

X passkeys are now global. Here's how you can use Face ID, Touch ID to sign in.

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:12

UPDATE: Apr. 9, 2024, 11:37 a.m. EDT X has rolled out passkeys for users worldwide on iOS now. Read on to learn more about the feature and how to use it:

Sick of always manually typing in your password on Elon Musk's X? Do multiple people in your household use your devices so things like password managers aren't always the most secure?

Well, if you're an X user with an iOS device, you're in luck. The platform formerly known as Twitter just launched its passkeys login option for iPhone and iPad users.

Tweet may have been deleted

What does this mean for you? Face ID or Touch ID can now be used to login to your X account instead of a password.

How to set up Face ID or Touch ID on X

The steps to setup Passkeys on X for iOS are fairly simple. Mashable was able to set it up in seconds. Let's run through the steps so you can access X with Face ID or Touch ID.

  1. Open the X app and log into your account.

  2. In the sidebar menu, tap on Settings and Support.

  3. From the drop down menu, tap on Settings and privacy.

  4. Tap on Security and account access.

  5. In the new list of options that open, select Security.

  6. On the Security page, under the Additional password protection section, tap the slider for Passkey to turn it on.

  7. Type in your X account password and tap Confirm.

  8. On the next screen, tap on Add a passkey

  9. Click Continue on the iPhone pop-up prompt that asks if you want to Use Face ID to sign in.

And that's it!

Don't worry about Elon

We should note that some accounts that Mashable tested this on did not yet have the passkey option yet. According to X's FAQ, new accounts will not be able to use this feature. However, the accounts in our test were not new, so it seems like passkeys may still be rolling out to all users.

And, perhaps the most important question that some of you may be asking is: Does Passkeys provide Elon Musk with my biometric data? Your fingerprints and facial biometric data all remain on your device, according to Apple. Third-party apps, in this case Elon Musk's X, never have access to this data.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iRobot released two new Roombas under $300, including one that mops

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:11

Two new Roombas under $300: In early April, iRobot released two new budget-friendly Roombas: the Roomba Vac Essential for $249.99 and the mopping Roomba Combo Essential for $274.99.

iRobot doesn't participate in CES, which means iRobot isn't on the same "announce in January, release in spring" schedule that its competitors are. But that doesn't mean new Roombas aren't in store for 2024.

The first week of April 2024 brought surprise news from iRobot: two new cheap Roombas. The mopping Roomba Combo Essential debuted on April 4 at $274.99 and the Roomba Vac Essential followed (only at select retailers, though) on April 7 at $249.99.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The 2024 guide to deciding which Roomba to buy

The timing of these budget-friendly releases from iRobot is almost funny, considering Roborock, Eufy, and Ecovacs are in the midst of rolling out their new high-end flagship models. However, iRobot already covered that category when it dropped the Roomba Combo j9+ several months ago, along with overhauls of several mid-tier Roombas.

The most affordable end of the Roomba spectrum was the only one left that still needed attention, and we're finally getting it. Let's see what the new Essential Roombas are all about.

The simplest 2-in-1 Roomba to date Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo Essential at iRobot
Shop Now

The Roomba Combo Essential outdoes the previous go-to cheap Roomba, the 600 Series, in several ways. Even with a water tank and mopping capabilities brought on board, the Roomba Combo Essential still managed to debut at $274.99 — the same original price as the non-mopping Roomba 694.

It offers three mop water levels as well as three suction power levels, and implements iRobot's upgraded four-stage loosening and lifting cleaning system rather than the older three-stage system used by the 600 Series Roombas.

SEE ALSO: Tons of robot vacuums claim to mop, but only these 4 hybrids actually do the job

As the simplest mopping Roomba, the Combo Essential can't recognize carpets or rugs, so you'll have to roll those up if possible (or shut the door completely) when the tank and mopping pad are attached. The Combo Essential also can't memorize your home's layout, but uses iRobot OS to clean in neat rows.

The closest Combo Essential competitor is the Roomba Combo i5, which does utilize smart mapping to be able to clean specific rooms in your home on command. It debuted for $349.99, but if you can find it at Amazon for $297.99, get it over the Combo Essential.

Your new go-to cheap Roomba Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential at Best Buy
Shop Now

The Roomba Vac Essential replaces the Roomba 692 and 694 as the base tier Roomba. Unlike the Combo Essential, the Vac Essential still sticks to the same three-stage cleaning system that the older 600 Series models do. Compared to those older models, though, the Vac Essential utilizes iRobot OS to navigate more thoroughly in rows.

We're particularly thankful with the way that iRobot has streamlined spot cleaning here. Just set the Vac Essential down in the scene of the crime and it'll spin in place for up to two minutes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google updated its 'Find My Device' Android network: 5 new things it can do

Mashable - Tue, 04/09/2024 - 18:08

The new Find My Device network for Android devices began rolling out on Monday. It's available for all devices using Android 9 or later. We're currently on Android 14, which covers a broad range of devices (Android 15 is coming out soon).

The updated Android equivalent to Apple's Find My network includes much of the same functionality as its competitor. But, there are a few extras, too.

Here's a few things you can expect from the newly updated Find My Device for Android.

The new Find My Device for Android. Credit: Google 1. Find offline devices

If you lose your Android device, Find My Device will help you locate it on a map and let you know as you get closer to its location. 

However, some Android devices can be located now even if they are offline or their battery is dead. According to Google, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones have this functionality.

2. Find nearby

Find My Device also comes with a new proximity feature that lets users how close they are to discovering their sought-after device.

Tapping "Find nearby" will let users know if they are getting closer to where their device is being pinged.

3. Track items with tags

Much like how Apple allows users to locate anything with an AirTag attached to it, Android devices will soon be able to do the same. 

Google says that Bluetooth tracker tags from companies like Chipolo, Pebblebee, eufy, Jio, and Motorola will be able to be tracked via the Find My Device feature starting in May.

In addition, Find My Device will work with cross-compatible Android and iOS unknown tracker alerts features in order to keep bad actors from weaponizing these tags.

4. Share tracked items with others

Once those Bluetooth trackers are out next month, users will be able to share the location of whatever items they want with their family and friends via Find My Device.

This could come in handy if you'd like the entire family to know where the house keys are.

And, of course, users can revoke access later on if need be too.

5. Nest interaction

Being that Android and Nest devices are Google products, Find My Device incorporates both into helping users find whatever item they are looking for. Find My Device will let users know where a located Android device is in proximity to Nest smart home products.

For example, if you left your tracked house keys by your Nest speaker, Find My Device will let you know.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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