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The M2 MacBook Air just got a permanent price drop following the announcement of the M3 Air

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 18:00

A brand new price: As of March 4, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is now starting at $999, a price drop from its previous $1,099. This $100 difference is thanks to the release of the M3 MacBook Air.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M2 MacBook Air $999.00 at Apple
$1,099.00 Save $100.00 Now starting at $999 Shop Now

Apple finally dropped the new M3 MacBook Air as predicted, but for more frugally-minded Apple fans, the more exciting drop might be that of the M2 Air's price.

Following the release of the latest generation of ultra-thin Apple laptops, the M2 MacBook Air's starting price has reduced from $1,099 to $999 for a model with 8GB of memory and 256GB of built-in storage. This marks the second price drop in this Air's lifespan, which initially came on the market for $1,199, prior to the release of the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.

SEE ALSO: The Apple iPad Air just dropped to under $450 at Amazon

At the time of writing, the only way you can grab the $999 pricing for the M2 is by shopping at the Apple Store (formerly, the 2020-released M1 MacBook Air was priced at $999 at the Apple Store). Amazon's stock of M2 Airs is sold out and Best Buy still has the laptop at its former price point of $1,099.

What are the major differences between the M2 and M3 MacBook Air?

While we can't say whether it's worth springing the extra $200 for the newer M3 model as we've yet to hands-on test the new MacBook for ourselves, we can give you a quick rundown of the major differences.

Like the M2 Air, the M3 Air is available in both a 13-inch and 15-inch version and looks identical to the previous generation.

Where you'll see the most change is from internal specs: Apple says that M3 chip is 60 percent faster than the M1, though according to Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder, "Apple doesn't compare with the M2 chip, likely because the differences aren't that big." Schroeder also reported that the the new chip will also bring a 16-core Neural Engine, faster WiFi, and the ability to connect the MacBook to two external displays (though only with the laptop's lid shut).

For those interested in the M3 MacBook Air, it's available for pre-order now at the Apple Store, with the 13-inch model starting at $1,099 and the 15-inch at $1,299, following the same pricing structure that the M2 line had before it. The laptops will officially be available March 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air Starting at $1,099 Pre-Order Here What MacBooks have been newly discontinued?

It's had a great run, but the M1 MacBook Air is finally discontinued, with Apple quietly removing it from its online store following the M3 announcement. The M1 laptop was released in Nov. 2020 and remains our favorite budget MacBook, especially as it's often been on sale for just $750 since last year's Prime Day.

Though it's no longer on Apple's website, you can still find the M1 Air (for that $750 price tag) available at Amazon and Best Buy, but you'll likely want to get it sooner rather than later — we don't expect to see it restocked for much longer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M1 MacBook Air $749.99 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $249.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M1 MacBook Air $749.99 at Best Buy
$999.00 Save $249.01 Get Deal

The 13-inch M2 Air is getting a price cut, but it looks like the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is getting cut period. The larger laptop is no longer available on Apple's website, with your only option for the bigger display being the upgraded M3 model.

With that said, you can still grab it from Best Buy, and for $200 off on three different configurations, with the lowest being available for $1,099. At the time of writing, it's completely sold out at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 15-inch M2 MacBook Air $1,099.00 at Best Buy
$1,299.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Anthropic introduces Claude 3: Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 17:51

Claude, a generative AI chatbot created by Anthropic, just got a major new update.

The chatbot is one of ChatGPT's many competitors and is backed by both Google and Amazon. On Monday, the company announced that it is releasing a suite of AI models known as Claude 3. In an interview with Reuters, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called it "the Rolls-Royce of models."

"The family includes three state-of-the-art models in ascending order of capability: Claude 3 Haiku, Claude 3 Sonnet, and Claude 3 Opus," the company said in its announcement. "Each successive model offers increasingly powerful performance, allowing users to select the optimal balance of intelligence, speed, and cost for their specific application."

Tweet may have been deleted

Haiku is described as "light and fast," Sonnet as "hard-working," and Opus as "powerful." According to CNBC, Anthropic's AI can respond to text, photos, charts, documents and other types of unstructured data, but it will only produce text responses because, the CEO told Reuters, "we've seen much less enterprise demand for [images]." Sonnet and Opus are currently available in 159 countries, while Haiku is not yet available. 

This release comes just a few months after July's Claude 2 release and September's Claude Pro release, signaling what we all know to be true of the AI universe — it is only expanding.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Level up your small business with today's limited-time Square Terminal deal

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 16:25

SAVE $50: Today on Amazon, the Square Terminal is on sale for 17% off. This takes the price down from $299 to $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Square Square Terminal $249.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you've been running your own small business, you know how important it is to have easy-to-use tools that help streamline your processes, especially customer-facing interactions. The wireless Square Terminal is a small business essential for the way it lets you easily ring up credit card sales and print receipts, whether you're behind the counter or out vending at a market.

As of today, Mar. 4, the Square Terminal is 17% off at Amazon, taking the price down from $299 to $249. While we've seen the Square Terminal go for less in the past, today's deal is still worthwhile, putting $50 back in your pocket. As a small business owner, you know that all savings add up.

Not only does the Square Terminal let you efficiently accept credit card payments, but it also allows you to get your money as soon as the next business day. It accepts all major credit cards, and you won't encounter any hidden fees or binding contracts. We also appreciate how it's built to face real-life problems: If your WiFi goes down, you're not out of luck. The Square Terminal has an Offline Mode, where it can still accept payments. If you run into questions, there's also a 24/7 customer support line.

Shop the Square Terminal today at Amazon for $249 and start streamlining your business' payment process in no time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple iPad Air just dropped to under $450 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 16:13

SAVE $150: The Apple iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) is just $449 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $599. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) $449.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Patience can pay off when it comes to tech. If you don't need the latest Apple device, waiting a few years before buying comes with the perk of scoring some great sale prices. If your current tablet is feeling slow and sad or you're simply looking for a much better device to watch your evening shows, the Apple iPad Air could a great fit.

As of March 4, the Apple iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) is on sale at Amazon for just $449, marked down from the typical MSRP of $599. That's a savings of $150 or a 25% discount. This sale price applies to the Space Gray, Purple, and Blue colorways. But if you prefer Pink or Starlight, you'll still be getting a great deal at $449.99.

Rumor has it that the Apple iPad Air will be getting an update this spring. But if you don't feel like waiting around or paying full price for a new Apple tablet, this 5th gen Apple iPad Air will fit the bill instead.

Like its name suggests, the iPad Air is designed to be lightweight with a thin profile, meaning it's ideal for tossing in your tote bag or packing in your carry-on luggage for spring break. But just because it's light doesn't mean it lacks features. The iPad Air has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and an M1 chip processor. The antireflective coating means you'll be seeing less of the background and more of what's on screen.

Should you feel like using the iPad Air as a super portable laptop, it's compatible with Apple's Magic Keyboard, which is sold separately.

Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the Apple iPad Air in 2022 and wrote, "Apple's iPad Air is the sweet spot of Apple's tablets. It's elegant, powerful, and versatile enough for both casual users and professionals."

If you've been mulling over the idea of getting a new tablet, today's sale price is worthy of clicking "add to cart."

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 4

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 16:13

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 4 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 4

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 4, 2024:

AcrossWith 4-Across, what the pirate said on his 80th birthday, in a dad joke
  • The answer is aye.

See 1-Across
  • The answer is matey.

Walk at a relaxed pace
  • The answer is amble.

Vaults
  • The answer is leaps.

Explosive stuff
  • The answer is TNT.

DownSeries of pitches
  • The answer is atbat.

Site with restaurant reviews
  • The answer is yelp.

Rhyming word in "___ on the prize"
  • The answer is eyes.

What gives amber ale its sweet flavor
  • The answer is malt.

"You said it!"
  • The answer is amen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple launches new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:34

Apple's new MacBook Air laptops are here as predicted, and while the upgrades are only on the inside, they're quite notable.

The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air now both feature Apple's M3 chip, which the company says is up to 60 percent faster than the model with the M1 chip (Apple doesn't compare with the M2 chip, likely because the differences aren't that big).

The M3 chip offers some additional benefits, such as faster Wi-Fi (thanks to support for the Wi-Fi 6E standard), as well as being able to connect the laptop to two external monitors, though only if the lid is closed. The M3 also has a 16-core Neural Engine, which translates into faster performance for AI-related tasks.

The external design of the new MacBook Air hasn't changed compared to the previous version. Credit: Apple

Other specs of note include 18-hour battery life, up to 24GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage for both the 13-inch and the 15-inch variant (none of these have changed compared with the previous models).

On the outside, the new laptops look exactly the same as the previous variants, and have the same dimensions.

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

The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air start at $1,099 and $1,299 respectively, and are both available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space gray. The new laptops go on sale on March 8 in Apple Store locations and at Apple Authorized Resellers.

Notably, you can still buy the M2 version of the MacBook Air from Apple, but only the 13-inch variant, which starts at $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air
Apple's new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to see who viewed your LinkedIn profile

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 13:29

The professional network LinkedIn allows its users to see who viewed their profile so they can find out which people or companies are taking notice.

When you see a notification that someone has viewed your profile — on LinkedIn or otherwise — it's only natural to want to know who. But how do you do that, exactly? It just takes a couple clicks through the site. Then, you'll be able to see who's noticing you, to an extent.

SEE ALSO: How to stay anonymous on LinkedIn

If you use the free version of LinkedIn, the site will only show you a small group of profile viewers. If you pay for a LinkedIn Premium plan, you can unlock the rest.

You should also know that you can't access your profile views if you're in private mode. Be sure to check your "visibility" in your privacy settings before following these steps.

How to see who viewed your LinkedIn profile Total Time
  • 2 min
What You Need
  • Smartphone or laptop
  • LinkedIn account

Step 1: On your LinkedIn timeline, find the menu under your profile name to the left.

Step 2: Select "Who viewed your profile".

Credit: Mashable

Step 3: The next page will show you the people who have viewed your profile in the past week, along with some metrics.

Credit: Mashable

Step 4: To see the rest of your profile viewers, you'll have to pay for a LinkedIn Premium plan.

You do get a 1-month free trial, though. To find a LinkedIn Premium plan, select "Try Free for 1 month" at the bottom of your profile viewers page.

Step 5: If you want to just see all plans, select "See all plans".

Check whichever options you want and LinkedIn will recommend a plan for you. Somebody actively looking to grow their network and find a job might want the "Career" plan, for example.

Credit: Mashable

Step 6: Sign up for the plan you want, and then repeat steps 1 to 3 above to see everybody who viewed your profile.

But now you want to snoop on other people's LinkedIn profiles without them seeing? There's a way to stay anonymous on the platform.

Categories: IT General, Technology

John Oliver goes after Boeing with a brutal parody ad

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 12:09

The culture at Boeing is the latest thing to come under the spotlight at Last Week Tonight, with host John Oliver taking a deep dive into the company's troubled history in the clip above — from the shift to a profit-driven model that happened after the company merged with McDonnell Douglas to the grounding of Boeing 737 Max airplanes in 2019 that followed fatal crashes caused by deadly AI software.

"It is pretty clear that something has to change at Boeing and it has to be at the top of that company," says Oliver at the end of the clip, after outlining ongoing issues with Boeing's Max aircrafts. "Because if you are truly too big to fail, that should mean you are big enough to spend the time and resources required to fix the culture that you have destroyed. And in the meantime, the very least you can do is advertise the kind of company you are in a much more accurate way."

Cue a parody ad staring Rose Byrne, David Costabile, Adam Pally and Roy Wood, Jr.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to stay anonymous on LinkedIn

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 12:01

Yes, you can be anonymous on LinkedIn. Also, if you didn't know, other users may be able to see when you viewed their profile. Kinda creepy, right?

But going anonymous is a perfect feature for checking out other profiles who may have reached out to you. Using this feature, LinkedIn won't let them know that you viewed them. And if anyone finds your profile while you're browsing LinkedIn as anonymous, they won't be able to see your profile picture or other personal information.

SEE ALSO: How to see who viewed your LinkedIn profile

However, if you browse in private mode you also won't be able to see who has viewed your profile, unless you upgrade to Premium.

So how do you do you go full anonymous mode on LinkedIn? Follow these steps.

How to switch to anonymous browsing on LinkedIn Total Time
  • 2 min
What You Need
  • Smartphone or laptop
  • LinkedIn account

Step 1: Log in to your LinkedIn profile.

Step 2: Find where it says "Me" at the very top and click the dropdown arrow.

Find "Me" at the top of the page Credit: linkedin

Step 3: Select "Settings & Privacy" under "Account."

Select "Settings and privacy" in the dropdown menu Credit: linkedin

Step 4: In the menu on the left, select "Visibility."

These settings will allow you to have control over who can see your profile and personal info.

Select "Visibility" on the left Credit: linkedin

Step 5: Select "Profile viewing options."

After clicking "Visibility" in the menu on the left, select your LinkedIn profile viewing options Credit: linkedin

Step 6: At the bottom, select "Private Mode."

LinkedIn "Private Mode" setting Credit: linkedin

You'll now only be seen as an "Anonymous LinkedIn Member." View other profiles without them knowing you viewed them. Your profile, along with your contact info, won't be visible to others.

You can also select "Private Mode" in your "Story viewing options," which lets you view LinkedIn members' stories anonymously.

There are plenty of other privacy settings you can adjust to limit your LinkedIn visibility without going completely anonymous. Choose who can see your connections, who can see your last name and email address, whether approved apps and partners can display information from your profile, and more.

Obviously, visibility (and more specifically, discoverability) is a large part of being active on LinkedIn and networking with other professionals, but for those moments you want to be less visible, LinkedIn allows you to be.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AdultFriendFinder is a porn hookup site that needs a refresh

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:54

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Moving to a new area or working at a new job where you don't know anybody can be seriously depressing, especially if you're already introverted as it is. What are you supposed to do? Go sit at the bar by yourself? And talk to strangers? No thanks.

Then comes the lightbulb idea: You can make friends online. If online dating is so popular and successful, there's no way that there aren't a few legit sites where you can make adult friends in your area with similar interests. After a quick search, AdultFriendFinder sounds like a good place to start.

So you're on your lunch break at work, type in the URL, and the next thing you know, you're frantically closing the tab and hoping nobody walked behind you for that split second. AdultFriendFinder is not what it sounds like.

What is AdultFriendFinder?

AdultFriendFinder is one of the most well-known sites for finding quick sexual encounters, regular hookups, and literally anything else even remotely related to sex. The rowdy feed of matches, jumble of explicit photos, and stimulating calls-to-action offering all types of sex makes it heaven for anyone looking for a good time with no filter — and hell for someone who wouldn't be caught dead clicking on a "There are hot singles in your area" ad.

Even if you're not using it for real sex, it's always nice to have spank bank material in your back pocket. During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, sexting, nudes, and Pornhub searches all saw a spike thanks to the vast number of people who started social distancing at home. Those who didn't want to risk quarantine sex or weren't finding people on their level of horniness on Tinder were pretty much guaranteed to get their rocks off somehow via AdultFriendFinder.

On AFF, you can find someone to sext via messaging or video (and plan to get it on IRL, if that's what you're looking for), watch live streams, or join niche group chats. Is it worth £15-something per month? Depends on how much fishy content you're willing to overlook for a juicy sexting session.

We reached out to Kalyn Sanders, a business development executive at Friend Finder Networks, for updated AFF demographics. Right up there with Tinder's monthly flock, AdultFriendFinder snags the attention of over 55 million visits around the world per month, on average. To whet your appetite upon signup, the main landing page flashes a few statistics, including "98,897,765 hot photos" and "3,375,049 connections," but we're not exactly sure what that means. Most traffic originates from the United States, followed by visitors from the United Kingdom and Canada.

Specifics on the demographic that most people care about — the gender ratio — can be hard to track down. Sanders told us that "there's a two to one ratio of single men versus categories like single women, couples, and groups." The split between men and women is an expected one for a lot of hookup-centric sites. At the end of the day, it's a paradise for straight men, hit-or-miss for straight women and LGBTQ men, and likely an actual hellscape for LGBTQ women.

AFF lets you identify as and search for a man, woman, a couple, or trans. Despite trying to be a sex-positive site with blog posts, groups, a sex academy, and more, its language for the LGBTQ community has historically been anything but inclusive or positive. Previously, the AFF sign-up page listed "TG/TV/TS" as the "trans" gender selection — we'll let you infer what those stand for. Though, we will admit, this language has improved recently with more gender options that are appropriately labeled.

Can you find a serious relationship on AdultFriendFinder?

If you're 100% over being grilled with relationship questions on traditional dating sites like EliteSingles and eharmony, AdultFriendFinder is your golden ticket to instant communication. Registering takes literally 30 seconds — they require nothing from you aside from an email address, a username, a password, and an introduction. Though they don't require a bio or a picture, it's probably best to add a few to up your chances for messages and flirtation, especially if you're looking for something super specific, as you're more likely to be contacted by people looking for the same thing.

After you register, you'll see that there are loads of options to completely personalise your account (way more than we expected from a hookup site, to be honest). The more you fill out, the more attractive your profile will be to new viewers. There are the basic physical appearance questions about eye and hair colour, plus more intimate details.

There's also a personality test that seemed pretty close to something you'd see on Match or eharmony, and we guess it's comforting to know that some people on here care about what's on the inside as well.

One of the funniest forms was the "Purity Test," featuring 100 hilariously-worded questions about how far you're willing to go sexually. It felt like the sexy 20 questions game that you'd play with your middle school crush when neither of you knew how to flirt, but we guess this information is pertinent when you're on a site that's all about sex.

There's no real matching strategy other than the basic info on physical appearances, so don't get your hopes up when it comes to finding a lasting connection or kindred soul — but hey, if you're on the site for the same reasons most other people are, that stuff won't really matter anyway.

How do you find a match on AdultFriendFinder?

Like a traditional dating site, AdultFriendFinderAdultFriendFinder gives you a collage of potential matches at the top of your personal home page. These will be random right after you sign up, but you can opt to update your preferences to refine your results: Choose your preferred gender(s), age range, location and mile radius, race, sexual orientation, body type, and marital status. They'll let you know who's online when you are, which matches are closest to you, new people who liked or messaged you, and all of that good stuff.

AdultFriendFinder is basically like a PornHub that you can interact with. We probably don't have to say this, but AdultFriendFinder is NSFW and not safe to be on while kids are in the room. Some videos will be blurred out and read "Naughty video" until you upgrade to a Gold Membership.

The message section is set up similarly to a Gmail account, and you can mark things as read or important just as you would on a real email. How professional. You'll also receive messages instantly, which is definitely a confidence boost even though you know they're probably just looking for one thing.

You can tell who took the time to look at your profile and who is sending the same thing to everyone, but it's nice to see that there is a range. Unlike more traditional dating sites, these people don't need to talk and get to know you for months before meeting. If you're tired of things moving too slowly or need a change of pace, it's pretty awesome to know you can immediately make plans for each night of the week.

What does AdultFriendFinder get right?

Once you get past the in-your-face sexplosion of naked profile pictures, horny AIM-era profile names, and explicit videos, there are actually an impressive number of resources to help make your experience as satisfying as possible. Some will cost money even outside of the paid subscription, which is kinda dumb.

Aside from the NSFW content, the website is relatively straightforward (albeit ugly). Every feature is advertised in big letters, notifications are displayed clearly with labels, and you don't really have to click around to find anything. This makes it super accessible for users of all ages, even those who aren't tech-savvy and can't even figure out Facebook. Buttons are all over the place, but you figure it out after messing around for a few minutes.

Activities range from direct messaging, sending virtual gifts, watching live videos of people in your feed, joining adult chat rooms that can get very niche, or entering photo contests.

Think of AdultFriendFinder as the dating site version of New York City — it never sleeps. You'll find people who work the regular 9-5, people who work the night shift, and people in other time zones, so it's nearly impossible to log on and not have a lot of people to talk to. You know, like that booty call who's always awake when you text them.

Or at least that used to be the case... 10 years ago. What was once a hot site that a few Reddit users were quick to hype up is now one of the dating sites that Reddit users can't help but diss — in the few instances that AFF is even being discussed at all. The Reddit community is diverse and open-minded, and if a dating site exists, someone on Reddit has used it and has an opinion on it. It's notable that, on a site where online dating is such a mammoth topic of discussion, that AdultFriendFinder has rarely been mentioned since the early 2010s. When an innocent soul does ask if it's legit, AFF usually gets dragged for sketchy pricing and being ridden with bots.

Is AdultFriendFinder free?

As previously mentioned, you can do a lot on the site without paying a penny: You can message people, reply to emails, and visit most profiles and chat rooms. You know, all of the basic stuff. But with just a few clicks AdultFriendFinder can send you deep down the rabbit hole, and a lot of that juicier hidden content can only be unlocked with a paid membership (called the Gold membership) or by earning points.

Points are AdultFriendFinder's non-monetary currency. If you're a free member, you'll have to earn points through on-site activity to unlock stuff that's exclusive to paying members. It's kind of like a game, with points acting like money at the strip club. You can "tip" updates, photos, or videos from a member that you like, buy "bling" (which is basically a badge that makes you look cooler), watch racy videos that are usually blurred out or access other exclusive site content, or "buy" a Gold membership for a month. The more points you have, the more you get out of the site.

But all of that stuff takes a really long time, and is honestly just a hassle. If you want access to all those features, just pay for a Gold membership and upgrade.

If you're a guy looking for girls, we might suggest getting a Gold membership as the standard. While researching on Reddit, we found a few girls who said they won't meet a guy unless he's a Gold member. A Gold membership puts a little bit more credibility behind someone's profile and makes the entire encounter a little less threatening. It's easier to believe that someone's a real person if they're a paying, active member of the site, and it's nice to know that they're taking it slightly seriously. Plus, if you see a picture or profile that looks like it's five years old, it really might be — there are a ton of non-active profiles from old members and escorts still lingering on the site.

If you find yourself spending more quality time on the site than you expected, becoming a paid member is definitely something to consider. Once you're paying, you basically become royalty on the site: Your profile will appear way higher in searches, you can use the most advanced searches, and you can read emails and message to your heart's content (messages and emails are limited with a free account).

A Gold membership can unlock everything that the site has to offer, including unlimited messaging, profiles with private photo albums, and video profiles that are only available for Gold members as well. A general rule is that increased involvement and payment on your end generally equals more success on the website, as your constant activity and heightened search-ability makes it way easier for others to find you. Plus, you'll just get bored with the free features after a while.

Like every other dating site, prices for a Gold membership get cheaper the longer your subscription is: one month is £25.08/month, three months is £16.71/month, and one year is £11.27/month.

Who should try AdultFriendFinder?

This is pretty obvious, but AdultFriendFinder is ace for people who want a quick hookup, people who are in a sexual rut, people who are tired of porn, and people who find sites like eharmony to be lame. Those long compatibility tests can be exhausting, and sometimes you just wanna skip the small talk and have sex. It's gonna get kinky out there, and that's great for those who are dying to blow off steam and are in need of someone who will respond well to a sexy message. It also might be a good place for people who are freshly out of a breakup and in need of attention.

Did we mention it's also a huge confidence boost? People are so active on this site, it's impossible not to feel adored. Just seeing the notifications of users wanting to talk to you will make your heart flutter, and you'll start to loosen up. Even if you're rejected a few times, you'll learn which opening lines and flirty comments work and which don't, making you a smoother operator.

AdultFriendFinder's pro-sex, judgment-free environment means it's open to everyone and highly inclusive, no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation. The variety of people on this thing is so massive that it's nearly impossible to not to meet someone.

As with all dating sites, catfishing is a big buzzkill. Your chances of being pursued are way higher if you have a lot of pictures of the same person (AKA you), videos, and a genuine profile that lets people know they're not dealing with something sketchy. Even if you've had bad luck with online dating in the past, AdultFriendFinder is the place to 100% be yourself.

The site may look like an ad for a strip club, but don't judge a dating site by its cover. If you're willing to look past the questionable design choices, AdultFriendFinder can seriously expand your sexual horizons and introduce you to individuals you never would have met otherwise.

Who should avoid AdultFriendFinder?

You know those warnings that thrill rides at amusement parks are required to put up that tell people who get dizzy easily or have heart problems to not get on the ride? AdultFriendFinder could use something like that. This site is not for the faint of heart — if you're a cynic, conservative by any means, or get sketched out easily, you're probably going to hate it. If you appreciate a well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing website that feels safe — no matter how badly you want to have sex — then this dating site is probably not for you. Nothing is left to the imagination here, and it's definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea. You have got to be open minded.

AdultFriendFinder is not the place to be if you're trying to make friends, unless "with benefits" is tacked onto the end. Every inch of the site screams "this website is used to have sex," and you should really listen to that. You might get a date out of it, but don't expect the person to introduce you to their parents.

But this isn't to say that meaningful connections or finding a genuine adult friend (get it?) is impossible. There is always the chance of a pure friendship, particularly between two like-minded individuals.

What could AdultFriendFinder do better?

The entire website looks like an ad about hot MILFs that pops up when you're illegally streaming a movie. Seriously, it's bad. Even though the website is technically legit, the pictures, word choice, and exclamation points everywhere scream "scam." No, AdultFriendFinder, "98,897,765 Hot Photos" is not the way to make potential new users trust you.

We're not knocking a quick hookup or no-strings-attached relations. This isn't about morals. Genitals are quite literally in your face from the moment you make an account, and that's just not cute. There are chiller ways to go about insinuating that this is a hookup website without feeling like you're trapped in a sex dungeon with strangers.

It's difficult to get past the fact that the entire site looks like it's about to invite five viruses to your computer. We're talking terrible graphics that look like they were made on Microsoft Paint and pictures of women who look like they're from Pornhub in 2007. Reddit user Snoo53279 summed it up in a comment from July 2020: "The people on AFF are definitely real, but there is a huge smattering of bots that also get in the way so it can be a bit of a PITA to use." If they're not bots, they could be men posing as a couple to seem less threatening.

The parade of women on the landing page is questionable for two reasons. This shouldn't even need to be clarified, but not everyone is looking for a woman. At the least, the advertising just isn't inclusive — but this crosses into fetishisation territory. The cherry on top is that the women in the photos (unsurprisingly) probably aren't even members on the site, according to a disclaimer at the bottom of the landing page.

AdultFriendFinder's overall outdated vibe goes past an aesthetic annoyance — it's downright problematic at times. The "TS/TV/TGs" part of sign-up is nearly unforgivable, and we'd be scared to see some of the related rhetoric that AFF users feel comfortable spewing. Without even a dash of social awareness, it's hard to see how anyone who's not an out-of-touch straight cis man would feel comfortable on this site.

Attempting to navigate the shoddy design might just be enough to smother your horniness. Three main issues can make the site borderline unusable: It looks shady as hell, an alarming portion of the user base is made up of bots and spam accounts, and the user interface itself is outdated and rife with bugs.

Other Reddit users mention that the desktop web version won't even load for them at random times — an especially frustrating roadblock for people who want to end their membership and stop monthly charges. A solution to the laggy web version might be to clear your cache or use the smartphone app instead, but your experience probably won't get better there. AFF's mobile page doesn't even mention an Android app, and the link to the iPhone app brings up a "not available" pop-up in the App Store. For a site that claims to have over 50 million visitors each month, the lack of accessibility to a smartphone app is just plain odd — especially in 2021.

Adding to the sketchiness, a network hack in 2016 exposed around 412 million accounts, including "deleted" accounts that weren't actually deleted from the database. If this is enough reason for you to fall back on Tinder for finding a friend with benefits, we don't blame you. Signing up with a burner email and avoiding using your real name as a username are wise moves (just pick a naughty word and add 69 to the end, maybe), though keeping your personal information private is hard when credit cards are involved.

In 2007, AFF was involved in a lawsuit with the FTC over allegations that the site used malware to send explicit pop-up ads to computers owned by people who hadn't signed up for the service. Though we haven't seen reports like this recently, so we're hoping those ridiculous ads you see are at least confined to people who actually use the site.

What is the best alternative to AdultFriendFinder?

Surprisingly, AdultFriendFinder is one of the more tame hookup sites out there. While other hookup sites have names like Swing Towns and Instabang.com, AdultFriendFinder is probably the safest in terms of your Google search history. Most have the same general idea, which is to find sexual partners, have cyber sex, etc, but with names like those, you do start to question the authenticity. AdultFriendFinder is one of the biggest players in the world of legitimate adult dating/hookup sites and boasts a way larger and more diverse audience than a lot of these newer sites.

Horny Matches is one newer dating site that could be starting to slide in, but it hasn't stolen AdultFriendFinder's thunder just yet, perhaps due to its dodgy name. It does have its advantages, though. Horny Matches' first advantage is just that it's more modern and looks cleaner. The title is more obvious, but the main page encourages "taking the first step" rather than mentioning the words "horny" and "sex" multiple times. The audience isn't nearly as large as AdultFriendFinder, though, and most people will take more options and a less over an aesthetically pleasing app.

Is AdultFriendFinder right for you?

AdultFriendFinder is possibly the easiest, most low pressure way to find a friends-with-benefits situation without insulting anyone. Everyone is pretty much there for the same reason — and though it'll feel pretty unorthodox if you've only ever used to Tinder to scope this type of thing out, AFF's blunt advertising at least means you won't have to explain that you're not looking for a relationship. It's niche-friendly, well-populated, and has a lot of interactive outlets to indulge your primal urges.

But that freedom comes with a price — the price being feeling like one of those people who falls for the ads that pop up before a free Pornhub video. It's not that a site dedicated to sex and sexting is inherently scammy — it's that AdultFriendFinder drowns you with explicit photos on profiles who might not even be real people while asking you to pay for a subscription with every click. Unfortunately, no matter how in the mood you are, some people aren't cut out for the nothing-left-to-the-imagination approach with grammar mistakes all over the place. It wants to be sex-positive so badly, but the way sign-up talks about the trans community is the furthest thing from that.

The functionality and safety of the site and the mobile app aren't where they need to be in 2021. If security measures were tightened, graphics and photos were cleaned up to feel more relevant, and decision-makers behind the scenes were given a lesson in inclusivity and pronouns/identities, AdultFriendFinder could be a handy tool to find attachment-free hookups and connect with a community that's down for anything.

If you're brave enough to jump into the action, you can register for AdultFriendFinder. Good luck out there — and don't try this at work.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock porn sites and stream anonymously

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:53

Online privacy is in short supply, but that doesn't make it any less important. Your data is seriously valuable stuff, and you should be doing everything you can to protect it when navigating the online world. And if you watch porn, you should be even more vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're visiting porn sites. If that is indeed the case, you should consider investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services provide everything you need to unblock porn sites and stream anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide powerful protection for your data and identity when you're online. VPNs offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location), making all of your activity untraceable and secure.

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder is basically a porn hookup site that needs a refresh

This concept can be difficult to grasp, so it can be helpful to think of VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. It's all about anonymity and cybersecurity, and that's particularly important if you're watching porn.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to consider a VPN for porn: anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or someone totally random accessing your data, you could probably benefit from using a VPN. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. Even porn sites can track your activity if you're unprotected. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it has the potential to collect information about your site usage. But with a VPN, your IP address will always remain hidden.

Remaining private and anonymous is the key argument for using a VPN for porn, but there's another point to consider concerning access to your favourite sites. If you're in a location that has a firewall up to block access to porn sites, you'll need to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another location, meaning you can bypass firewalls to stream on your favourite sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of things you should consider before selecting a VPN for porn. We have highlighted a selection of the most important VPN features to help you make a decision:

  • Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. Make sure you opt for a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can'tstream porn without disruption.

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

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

  • Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your favourite VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would make the whole anonymity thing redundant.

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

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start with your selection process. Once you've picked a favourite option, you can consider the wide range of subscription plans on offer from leading services. There should be something that suits everyone.

Should you use free VPNs?

The big question when it comes to watching porn securely is whether you need to pay for a VPN. The bad news is that, just as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with these cybersecurity services.

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't really do any streaming or downloading. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but they obviously don't last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

Considering all of this, the best option for unblocking porn sites and streaming anonymously is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to cough up the cash.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are a lot of services out there offering similar packages, making it difficult to find the best VPN for you. We have tried to make your life a little bit easier by tracking down everything on offer and lining up a selection of the very best VPNs for porn. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for porn in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:52

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on proper clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and commuting to the actual meetup spot can be tiring.

No matter what kind of encounter you plan, when it comes to dating, there'll always be some sort of physical effort required. The good news? There is a loophole: Sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people via text. Thanks to its recent rise in popularity, there are now apps for sexting and new sexting features in apps that are otherwise for dating in person.

What do you need to know about sexting?

Whether you're interested in giving sexting a try or you're a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new dating app to sext. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions when scoring a new sexting partner when compared to finding a long-term lover, but there are rules you should follow in order for all parties to feel at ease. Here are three big ones:

  • Mutual respect Assess the situation and know your audience. Usually, it doesn't take much more than a few pre-sext texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in doing the cyber-dirty with you. Take the time to figure that out before you lead with something raunchy and uncalled-for. AKA, don't just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they didn't ask.

  • Mutual trust Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the scary ability to make fleeting moments very permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. While sexting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you betray that trust, you're ruining it for everybody.

  • Privacy No app can completely protect your privacy for you — that's your job. Though there are apps that have certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don't rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn't need to take a screenshot to capture a picture you send. They could easily use another phone or device to snap or record your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure you trust the person who's receiving your messages.

Keep these points in mind when engaging in NSFW messaging.

Should you engage in sexting?

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long-term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may help you out in ways you didn't even think about.

  • Convenience — Whether you plan to wine and dine on your date or just meet to hook up, it always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself out.

  • Exploring trust and intimacy — Getting comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally for everyone — but opting for sexting gives way to a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t ever have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.

  • Freedom As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise explore in person.

  • Fun — A little honesty, please. A night of sexting is always going to be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over. Having the option of opening an app on your phone and engaging in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.

  • Safety We've touched on the reasons why sexting might not be completely safe in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and with sexting, if it's not going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.

The benefits are clear for all to see, so not give it a try?

What makes an app good for sexting?

You'll want to look for certain features in an app if you're planning on sexting:

  • Ease of use You don’t want to find yourself in a hot and steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach an image or a voice note. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly the platform is, the better. You’ll want something that’s efficient and fast.

  • Privacy features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; there are no guarantees that your conversations or selfies won’t wind up a screenshot on someone’s phone. That said, certain apps include instant self-destruction features that delete photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.

  • Safety — If you’re looking for a night of no-strings-attached fun online, it doesn’t really matter if the person on the other end of your conversation has been verified — but if you do want to ensure you’re not being catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that links social media or verifies users.

  • Subscription pricing versus free features How much are you willing to pay for bells and whistles? There are several free apps out there, but if you're looking for something a little fancier, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.

With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start sexting. You've got this.

What is the best app for sexting?

Since sexting, by nature, comes with a lot of factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we've picked out the best sexting apps to get you off — to a good start, that is. We've tried to line up something for everyone, so check out these options, and pick your favourite.

These are the best sexting apps in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch U.S. Netflix from anywhere in the world

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:52

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We are a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can quickly get to a point when it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

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

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

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

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

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

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

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

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

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score nearly $50 in savings on these ultra-fast portable SSDs

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through March 10, score up to $48 off these portable external SSDs on sale for a limited time.

Before you start mourning your snail-paced computer, laptop, or gaming console, thinking it's time to justify a tech upgrade, you may want to hit the brakes before you splurge. You don't necessarily have to resort to a replacement right off the bat when there's a less painful — and more economical — solution. You can give your device a new lease on life simply by replacing its solid-state drive or SSD. Compared to the ancient tech of hard disk drives, SSDs not only expand your storage space but also help your device boot and operate much quicker.

The Polar Wolf Aluminum Ultra Portable drive, for instance, allows for lightning-fast transfers regardless of device. For a limited time, you can grab it in your choice of storage size for over 40 percent off.

This portable SSD caters to nearly any USB-A and USB-C device, including iPads, MacBooks, laptops, and more. Designed with convenience in mind, it features a plug-and-play setup, so there's no need for a separate driver. It also boasts a user-friendly interface to make file transfer hassle-free, and with a sleep mode that kicks into gear automatically, it shuts off by itself when it doesn't detect any operation within ten minutes.

Thanks to its compact structure that fits in the palm of your hand, you'll have no trouble toting around this SSD wherever you go. It also helps that it's sleek and modern, making it a welcome addition to your tech arsenal. 

You can get your hands on this portable drive at a deep discount for a limited time.

Take your pick from three storage size options: 

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Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech Polar Wolf Aluminum Ultra Portable External SSD $59.99 at the Mashable Shop
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Categories: IT General, Technology

This expert-led cybersecurity and IT training is only $35

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: As of March 4, get into a high-demand industry with help from this expert-led training bundle on cybersecurity and IT fundamentals for only $34.99 (formerly $184).

With so much of our lives entangled online, companies of varying sizes and industries are constantly on the lookout for skilled individuals who can protect their respective systems and make them virtually impenetrable. The good news is if you're interested in venturing into this career, you don't necessarily have to go back to school.

This Cybersecurity and IT Career Pathway Training Bundle offers ample training to get your foot in the door. It covers the basics of IT and helps you prepare for certification tests that employers typically look for in IT professionals. For a limited time, you can score the training for only $35.

Put together by Cisco Certified Systems Instructor David Bombal and CompTIA Certification Pro Mike Meyers and his team, this expert-led bundle packs eight courses and 169 hours of training on cybersecurity fundamentals. Through beginner-friendly lectures, you can expect to get to grips with the fundamentals of ethical hacking, like cracking passwords and intercepting traffic, the ABCs of security, like risk management, risk mitigation, and threat management, and the building blocks of network management like designing and implementing functional networks and troubleshooting basic to advanced network problems.

In terms of certification prep, you can also expect to receive assistance with training for various tests, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA CySA+, and more. You also have the option to take the courses at your own pace, at your own time, and using just about any device.

Formerly retailing for $184, you can grab this Cybersecurity and IT Career Pathway Training Bundle on sale for only $34.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The Ultimate Cybersecurity & IT Career Certification Pathway Training Bundle $34.99 at the Mashable Shop
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Categories: IT General, Technology

This foldable wireless magnetic charging station is on sale for only $21.99

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Through March 10, keep your electronic devices powered up at all times with the foldable wireless magnetic charging station. It’s on sale for only $21.99 (reg.$29). 

Nowadays, the amount of electronics we need to charge can be overwhelming. The foldable wireless magnetic charging station makes it easy to charge multiple gadgets simultaneously. Forget having several plugs and cords to deal with, this one-stop-shop is a game-changer for powering up your devices. Not to mention, it’s great for keeping your space clutter-free.

The Magsafe charger is widely compatible with most Qi-enabled devices like smartwatches, smartphones, smartwatches, headphones, tablets, and more. This charger has adapters for USB Type-C to USB-A, Micro USB, and 8-pin, and a USB Type-C cable connector. 

Another helpful feature is the LED status light that lets you see if your devices are charging. This sturdy charger is held together by internal magnets to hold devices firmly in place. Toss it in your bag or purse, and go about your day worry-free knowing you have easy access to charging at your disposal. 

This innovative foldable wireless magnetic charging station is perfect for anyone who’s always on the move. Simply fold it up and take it with you to the office, on a trip, or to a coffee shop. Wherever you are, this portable charger helps keep your battery life out of the red. 

Designed with safety in mind, the foldable charger has short-circuit protection, overcharge and discharge protection, foreign object detection, and overheat protection. The safeguard protection ensures you and your devices are safe.

Get the foldable wireless magnetic charging station for $21.99 (reg.$29), or 26% off. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Give your teeth a glow-up with this at-home LED whitening kit for only $36.99

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: As of March 4, upgrade your at-home oral care with the Auraglow complete LED teeth whitening kit for only $36.99 (reg.$48). 

If you’re feeling insecure about your dull or stained teeth, we have a simple solution. The Auraglow complete LED teeth whitening kit is an at-home bleaching system that can help you achieve professional-level results without breaking the bank. 

The LED accelerator light activates the molecules in the bleaching gel to whiten teeth faster. Using the same laser light technology dentists use at the office, this nifty device removes years of stubborn stains in under 30 minutes. Life is chaotic, but Auraglow makes it easy to squeeze in a 30-minute whitening session before bed, while watching TV, or when doing chores around the house.  

Each kit comes with 20 whitening gel treatments and is clinically proven to whiten up to 10 shades lighter in 7 days. The Auraglow kit claims to be just as gentle as it is effective, and safe for veneers, crowns, enamel, and caps. The gel is designed to be painless and cause no irritation even for those with more sensitive gums and teeth. 

The Auraglow comes with a rechargeable storage case and cable (compatible with USB phone plugs), so you can conveniently keep your whitening light powered up at all times. You'll especially appreciate the built-in timer to alert you when your whitening session is finished. Designed with convenience in mind, this innovative device will help you take your teeth from discolored to white in a minimal amount of time. 

Start saying goodbye to those tough coffee, wine, soda, smoking stains, etc. and confidently show off your smile again. 

Give your pearly whites the spotlight they deserve and get the Auraglow complete LED teeth whitening kit for $36.99 (reg.$48). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

New iPads and MacBook Airs are coming this week, report claims

Mashable - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 10:03

Apple is planning to launch numerous new products soon, but don't expect it to happen at a dedicated launch event.

According to MacRumors, which cites a source familiar with the matter, the company will launch new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Air models, as well as several new accessories, this week.

In particular, we should see two new iPad Pro models, with an M3 chip and OLED display. There will be changes on the outside too: The new iPad Pros should be thinner and have a landscape-oriented front camera (our biggest pet peeve with the last model), as well as a redesigned camera bump on the back, and – maybe – MagSafe wireless charging.

Apple will also reportedly launch two new iPad Air models, with an M2 chip inside. One of these will have a 12.9-inch display, a first for the iPad Air.

There will be new accessories for the iPads as well, including a new Apple Pencil, a new, redesigned Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro with a larger trackpad and a body partially made of aluminum.

Apple is also reportedly planning to launch a new 13-inch as well as a 15-inch MacBook Air, with an M3 chip inside, and support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

MacRumors' source seems to be less certain about these, but we could also get a new color option for the iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus. And finally, we should see new color options for Apple Watch bands and iPhone cases.

All of this lines up with a recent report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said that new Macs, iPads, and accessories are coming "in the next several weeks." Like MacRumors, Gurman also claims that Apple won't have a launch event for these. Instead, the company is likely to just announce the new products on its site, accompanying the launch with a series of online videos and marketing campaigns.

SEE ALSO: Apple reverses decision to kill home screen web apps in the EU

March is typically the time when Apple launches new iPads, and the company often does it without a dedicated launch event. If these reports are accurate, this is still a pretty big launch for the company, with entry level MacBooks and iPads getting new chips, and the iPad Pro getting a pretty thorough overhaul, which includes a long-rumored OLED display.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get More Comfortable Making Small Talk

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 06:01

Making small talk can be uncomfortable—especially at international conferences and networking events where you might be paired with a stranger from a different culture. These tips can help you start a conversation with anyone from anywhere—confidently and respectfully. Find common ground. You might break the ice by asking questions about the conference: What brought them […]

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Categories: Management

A 1-year subscription to YogaDownload Unlimited is on sale for 75% off

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

TL;DR: A one-year subscription to YogaDownload Unlimited is on sale for £23.67, saving you 75% on list price.

There’s no better way to unwind than in the comfort of your house. But instead of lounging on the sofa, de-stress with some light movement. Yoga is good for your mind, body, and soul. Release tension by working out some kinks in your muscles while simultaneously strengthening your body. Do it all at your own pace with the help of YogaDownload and gain instant access to hundreds of yoga classes at the tips of your fingers.

You can grab a one-year subscription to YogaDownload Unlimited for £23.67 for a limited time.

The great thing about yoga is you don’t need to pay monthly studio fees or high-priced drop-in classes. All you need to do is make some room in your house. Lay out a yoga mat, put your phone on DND, and turn to the YogaDownload mobile app or website. Select from over 1,500 virtual yoga classes of varying intensity levels to find a pick that’s right for you.

Whether you’re looking for a slow-movement yoga class or something that’s sure to build up some sweat, there are endless classes to choose from, with new classes added every week. Access them at any time you want and tune in using your phone, computer, TV, or Roku. Plus, with an unlimited subscription, you don’t have to pick and choose which yoga classes you want to try out.

YogaDownload provides the most affordable and convenient way to incorporate daily or weekly movement into your life. Each session can help you alleviate stress and anxiety while enhancing your mindfulness, and bring you more peace every time you sit on the mat.

Get unlimited access to flexible virtual yoga classes. Grab a one-year subscription to YogaDownload Unlimited on sale for just £23.67, no coupon needed.

Opens in a new window Credit: YogaDownload YogaDownload Unlimited (1-Year Subscription) £23.67 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology
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