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'Sugar's absolutely wild twist, explained

Mashable - 8 hours 1 min ago

You'd be forgiven for thinking Sugar is your run-of-the-mill type crime show, because up until the end of episode 6 that's exactly what it is.

John Sugar (Colin Farrell) has spent the season so far on the trail of missing influencer Olivia Siegel (Sydney Chandler), the granddaughter of powerful Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell). There's mystery, there's red herrings, and there's the LA criminal underbelly. There's Farrell's gravelly-voiced narration. All pretty standard ingredients for a neo-noir missing person thriller.

But then, right at the end of episode 6, things appear to go completely off the rails. So what exactly happened, and what does it all mean? Let's dive in.

SEE ALSO: The 20 best TV shows of 2023 What's Sugar about?

The eponymous Sugar is a kind of James Bond-type character, a private investigator who specialises in tracking down the missing. Driven by memories of his own sister, Sugar has been hell-bent this season on finding Olivia, whose brother David (Nate Corddry) is caught up in some shady business with human traffickers.

Sugar is assigned jobs by his boss/friend Ruby (Kirby), who seems particularly reluctant for him to take on this particular case. And the more digging he does, the messier things get.

What happens at the end of episode 6?

After a violent confrontation with highly unpleasant human trafficker Stallings (Eric Lange), Sugar goes to his friend Melanie (Amy Ryan) for help. He then gets patched up by his colleague Henry (Jason Butler Harner), and after waking goes to confront Ruby about tipping Stallings off.

Finally heading back to stay with Melanie again after a long day, Sugar is looking the worse for wear.

"Maybe tonight, maybe it's OK to take a little break," murmurs Sugar's overhead narration as he goes into the bathroom, shuts the door, and pushes a syringe into his own neck. "Just a tiny little break. Just for tonight. Go home. Go home."

Then, without warning, he turns blue. Yes, blue. His hair slowly disappears, strange markings appear on his head, and he basically turns into a less-pointy-eared Na'vi from Avatar before our very eyes. The end credits roll.

What in the sweet hell did we just watch?

Is Sugar an alien?

Unless the ending of episode 6 is some kind of weird dream or hallucination, it certainly seems that way, doesn't it?

And actually, when you think about it, maybe the clues have been there all along: the fact that Sugar is seemingly never afraid for his own safety; the fact he appears to block a bullet in episode 6 with his bare hands; the way he calms down those two angry Dobermans so easily; the weird private club that he's a part of at Ruby's house.

If we go back earlier in the episode, there's another big clue. When Sugar is injured and being treated by Henry, there's a shot of a bag of "blood" Henry takes from his case. But is that stuff really human blood? A second viewing shows what appear to be dots of light floating through the substance, and the bag itself has a symbol on it that looks alien in origin.

We'll have to wait until next week to find out what the heck is going on, but all signs are pointing to the sudden — and very jarring — arrival of extra-terrestrials in our previously quite standard crime show.

How to watch: Sugar is streaming now on Apple TV+, with new episodes streaming every week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prepare for Open-Ended Questions from a Job Candidate

Havard Management Tip of the Day - 10 hours 59 min ago

As an interviewer, you need a gameplan. These strategies can help you prepare for and address open-ended questions from a job candidate. First, be aware of what you can and can’t say. Understanding the boundaries of confidentiality is essential, as it ensures the protection of proprietary information, trade secrets, and other sensitive data integral to […]

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Categories: Management

A 5-year subscription to this powerful ad blocker is on sale for under £30

Mashable - 11 hours 1 min ago

TL;DR: A five-year subscription to a Control D Some Control Plan is on sale for £27.87, saving you 70% on list price.

Working from home might be the best part of your job. And while it offers more flexibility and a better work-life balance, it can be hard to eliminate distractions and stay zoned in on your long list of to-dos. 

Whether you find yourself refreshing FaceBook or doom-scrolling on TikTok, you might need a way to block out these apps or content types so you can focus. Control D is designed to make that possible, all in one central place. This deal gets you your first five years for just £27.87.

Control D isn’t like other ad blockers or content filters because it requires zero downloads or installations on your devices. Instead, it connects to your internet and lets you see all devices connected to that network. This subscription will enable you to control up to ten devices and implement different settings for each one.

First, let’s talk about ads. When you’re working or browsing the web, pop-ups quickly get annoying and distracting — especially when they jumpscare you with blasting sound. With Control D, you can block ads on all your devices in one switch. 

You can also set device-specific rules with Control D. In fact, you get access to 10,000 custom rules. If you have kiddos at home, you could remove their access to websites containing adult content or dating apps.

Or, if you work from home and deal with endless distractions, you could set up a productivity schedule with Control D. Block social media apps or YouTube streaming so you have no choice but to stay on task. And when you’re trying to unplug outside of your working hours, you could restrict your own access to work-related websites and apps.

Take control of your digital life with a five-year subscription to Control D Some Control Plan, available for only £27.87.

Opens in a new window Credit: Control D Control D Some Control Plan (5-Year Subscription) £27.87 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 Miami Grand Prix online for free

Mashable - 11 hours 1 min ago

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Miami Grand Prix for free on ORF or RTBF. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Miami Grand Prix is still considered a new addition to the F1 calendar, but it has already earned a reputation for being one of the best weekends of the year. Whether it's the entertaining racing, star-studded pit lane, or those distinctive palm trees, the Miami Grand Prix has got it going on.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 Miami Grand Prix?

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix takes place over 57 laps of the Miami International Autodrome. The full schedule can be found here:

  • Practice 1 — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET on May 3

  • Sprint Qualifying — 4:30 to 5:14 p.m. ET on May 3

  • Sprint — 12 to 1 p.m. ET on May 4

  • Qualifying — 4 to 5 p.m. ET on May 4

  • Race — 4 p.m. ET on May 5

The good news is that it is possible to stream the Miami Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2024 Miami Grand Prix for free

You can stream the 2024 Miami Grand Prix live and free on these streaming platforms:

  • Austria — ORF (12 races)

  • Belgium — RTBF (every race)

ORF and RTBF are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from outside Austria and Belgium respectively. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Connect to ORF or RTBF

  5. Watch F1 races from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams for free. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Miami Grand Prix without actually spending anything.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria and Belgium

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Miami Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders online for free

Mashable - 11 hours 1 min ago

TL;DR: Watch Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Five weeks into the 2024 IPL season, and things are continuing to heat up. Next up is Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders as captains Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer lead their teams in the 51st game of the season.

Want to tune in? You can stream Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free from anywhere in the world, and we have all the information you need.

When is Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders?

Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders starts at 3 p.m. BST on May 3. This fixture will be played at the Wankhede in Mumbai, India.

How to watch Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free

JioCinema is providing free live streams of all IPL cricket matches this season in 4K resolution on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but don't fret, you can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools hide your real IP address (your digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema (and IPL fixtures) from anywhere in the world

Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 India

  4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)

  5. Watch Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without parting with your money. Obviously, this won't work as a long-term arrangement, but you will be able to watch some of your favorite IPL matches for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 3

Mashable - 13 hours 1 min ago

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 May 3'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:

A very brown piece of wood/timber.

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 E.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

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 #1049 is...

EBONY.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 3

Mashable - 14 hours 1 min ago

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 May 3'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: Going out spots

  • Green: Leave behind

  • Blue: Types of measurements

  • Purple: Different places to sale things

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: Nightspots

  • Green: Cast Off

  • Blue: Units of Length

  • Purple: ___Sale

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 #327 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Nightspots: BAR, CLUB, DISCO, LOUNGE

  • Cast Off: DITCH, DROP, LOSE, SHED

  • Units of Length: FATHOM, FOOT, LEAGUE, YARD

  • ___Sale: BAKE, CLEARANCE, GARAGE, SAMPLE

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

How to blur your home on Google Street View (and why you should)

Mashable - 16 hours 48 min ago

Google Street View offers a window to the world in all its bizarre, intimate, and often unfiltered glory. However, this peek into everyday life also extends to your home, potentially revealing more than you'd like — from views into bedroom windows to concerns about privacy and safety.

Fortunately, there's a solution. You can request Google to blur your house permanently, leaving behind only a vague outline of the building. The process is surprisingly simple.

Launched in 2007, Street View provides a ground-level perspective of numerous cities and towns worldwide, captured by roving vehicles and photographers equipped with camera-laden backpacks. From its inception, the service has been a subject of controversy, touching on expected concerns as well as unexpected ones.

In 2008, for instance, the Minnesota suburb of North Oaks objected to its inclusion on Google's service, citing trespassing concerns. In response, Google promptly removed the images from Street View.

SEE ALSO: How to remove your personal info from Google search results

In 2009, Privacy International, a lobbying organization, lodged a formal complaint with the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), alleging that Google had not adequately anonymized the individuals captured in Street View images. According to a BBC report from that time, such a failure could have significant consequences.

The report detailed complaints received by Privacy International, including one from a woman who had relocated to escape a violent partner but was still identifiable outside her new residence on Street View. Another complaint involved two colleagues caught in what appeared to be a compromising situation, leading to embarrassment when the image circulated at their workplace.

Staying cool in Brooklyn. Credit: Screenshot / street view

And that's just the obvious stuff.

Google has faced several privacy controversies over the years. In 2010, the company admitted that its Street View vehicles, which continuously roam neighborhoods worldwide, had covertly been collecting data from unencrypted Wi-Fi networks they passed by for several years. This revelation led to a $13 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit over the collection of data from an estimated 60 million individuals.

SEE ALSO: 3 tips for using Google Maps effectively, according to Google

Whether you're concerned about online stalkers, unwanted surveillance, potential break-ins, or simply value your privacy, it's understandable why you might not want indexed and digitized images of your home readily available on Google Street View. Fortunately, requesting Google to blur out your home or apartment is a straightforward process.

Here's what you do.

Total Time
  • 2 min
What You Need
  • Smartphone desktop or laptop

Step 1: Go to Google Maps and enter your home address.

Step 2: Enter into Street View mode by dragging the small yellow human-shaped icon, found in the bottom-right corner of the screen, onto the map in front of your house.

Step 3: With your house in view, click "Report a problem" in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Step 4: Center the red box on your home, and select "My home" in the "Request blurring" field.

Google's San Francisco office. Credit: screenshot / google

Step 5: Write in the provided field why you want the image blurred (for example, you may be concerned about safety issues).

Step 6: Enter your email address, and click "Submit."

It's crucial to be certain about your decision, as Google emphasizes that once your house is blurred on Street View, it's a permanent change.

Remember, you still live in the location, so you can always step outside to see your home if you need a reminder of its appearance.

After submitting your request, Google will send you an email confirming that it's reviewing the image you reported and will notify you once your request is resolved. In some cases, the company may ask for more specific details about the area you want blurred. If this happens, you'll need to repeat the process, clearly specifying the exact area of the picture you want blurred.

And that's all there is to it.

SEE ALSO: 7 Google privacy settings you should enable now

The processing time for Google's requests can vary, so it's wise to initiate your request as soon as possible. Additionally, consider making a similar request to blur your home on Bing Maps, as the process is quite similar — and it's not like Microsoft should get any special treatment when it comes to your privacy.

Privacy Please is an ongoing series exploring the ways privacy is violated in the modern world, and what can be done about it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'I was kinda trapped': Watch a Cybertruck try to eat a guy's finger

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 22:39

The Tesla Cybertruck is, famously, a vehicle with a reputation problem. This video of a Cybertruck owner appearing to have his finger almost cut off by his truck's motorized front hatch is not going to help.

Tweet may have been deleted

It was discovered early this year in the days just after the Cybertruck's debut that the "frunk" (front trunk) was disturbingly capable when repurposed as a food slicer. Where competitor vehicles with automatic hatch closures would generally stop if they encountered blobs of fleshy, tender, organic material — possibly loaded with nerve endings — the Cybertruck was apparently more than happy to sever the object cleanly In one comparison test the Cybertruck fared the worst at avoiding hatch-related carnage among the other vehicles sampled, although some others did at least some damage to vegetables.

SEE ALSO: Tesla cuts prices after massive Cybertruck recall

However, Tesla influencer Jeremy Judkins claims the situation has improved since then. "With just a software update, the Tesla Cybertruck frunk is way safer," he says, describing a past video in which the hatch was kinder to various produce items. However, he says, his Cybertruck did lop off part of a carrot in his test, leaving him to wonder what it would do to a finger. Unlike most people, Judkins then (if the video is real) put his actual human finger on the line in the name of content science.

The result is the harrowing video above. His arm and full hand receive forgivable pinches, but then the truck chomps down on Judkins' finger, and one can't help but wonder for a few seconds if one is watching a gore vid. Then Judkins gets his other hand involved, and the robotic jaws release.

"That's kinda bad," he says, displaying his pinched and trembling finger.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Great Plastic Megagraphic

Information is beautiful - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 22:32

Plastics are deeply woven into our societies, our supply chains, our lives, our possessions, even our bodies. Runaway plastic pollution and waste is the other great environmental crisis facing our civilisation.

Unlike most plastics, it’s actually possible to break this global problem down into its constituent parts. Here in infographical form.

That way, you can at least start to see the actions and choices that might make a difference.

» The Problem with Plastic Recycling isn’t working
» The 7 Main Types of Plastic Known your frenemy
» The Myth of Biodegradability None of the major plastics breakdown in nature
» Can’t We Just Use BioPlastics instead? Kinda. Sorta. Maybe?
» Our Routes for Solving the Plastics Crisis We CAN do this
» What Can *You* Do About Plastics in Your Daily Life? Simple, effective actions

Taken from our book Beautiful News: Positive trends, uplifting stats, creative solutions

» See all our data and research

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Watch feature becomes first digital health tech to receive this FDA approval

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 21:57

The FDA just gave the Apple Watch a historic first approval for a digital health tech device.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Apple Watch – or more specifically its atrial fibrillation (AFib) feature – has received its approval as a qualified device in the Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program. The feature helps detect abnormal heart patterns and has previously been credited for saving users' lives.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 10: It’s tipped to get better battery life, thanks to this new feature

This FDA approval allows the Apple Watch AFib feature to be used as a "tool to assess atrial fibrillation (a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat) burden estimates within clinical studies."

The Apple Watch can now be used as a non-invasive "biomarker test to help evaluate estimates of AFib burden as a secondary effectiveness endpoint within clinical studies intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cardiac ablation devices to treat," according to the FDA.

A digital first

But perhaps even more notable is that the Apple Watch AFib feature becomes the first ever digital health technology to qualify under the FDA's MDDT program. 

The Apple Watch had previously received FDA "clearance" to include the atrial fibrillation detection feature in the device in 2022. According to 9to5Mac, this was the "lowest hurdle" with Apple basically proving that its AFib feature worked similarly to existing devices that affect AFib.

This FDA approval for the MDDT program places the Apple Watch in a unique category, particularly concerning its application in clinical studies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Rabbit R1, Humane Ai pin guts exposed in new teardown video

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 21:03

The Rabbit R1 and the Humane Ai pin are two AI-focused devices that have intrigued many tech enthusiasts, but after influencers and reviewers got a hold of these gadgets, the critical reception was disastrous.

Journalists with early access to the Humane Ai pin dragged it to hell and back for its disappointing performance, with YouTuber MKBHD's scathing critique arguably putting the final nail in its coffin. And the Rabbit R1, released to some members of the press and early adopters at a recent pick-up party, didn't fare any better.

I reviewed the Rabbit R1 myself, and as the headline says, "I can't believe I paid money for this bunny."

SEE ALSO: Rabbit R1: I spent 17 hours with it — and something's iffy about it

These AI gadgets haven't proven to be very useful to consumers so far, so why not pop open the hood, so to speak, and check out what's inside? That's exactly what iFixit did in a new teardown video.

Rabbit R1 teardown

Starting with the teardown of the Rabbit R1, iFixit called its internals "charming," pointing out an oversized motor that is very steampunk-esque.

Tweet may have been deleted

Some notable points based on the Rabbit R1's exposed guts:

  • It has a 3.85 watt-hour battery. Reviewers have commented that the battery drain was unbearable, but it's worth noting that after a battery update, the Rabbit R1's power efficiency has improved. (I can confirm that the battery life is definitely better.)

  • The scroll wheel is really just a single metal shaft that can easily slide out with tweezers.

  • There are no on-device internals that run AI computations. The LLM that powers R1 is cloud-based, which Rabbit has always disclosed. This prompted iFixit to ask the oft-asked question, "Couldn't this have just been an app on a phone?"

Humane Ai pin teardown

The Humane Ai pin was next to get pried open, allowing us to see the projector that beams green virtual artifacts to one's palm, as well as other sensors that power the AI device.

Tweet may have been deleted

Here are some highlights:

  • iFixit commented that the Humane Ai pin's internals looks similar to the Apple Watch. This makes sense, considering that Humane's cofounders are former Apple employees.

  • The backplate says "Made with ... trust, truth + joy."

  • It has a 1.1 watt-hour battery.

  • Its wireless-charging capability could be behind its reported overheating issues.

For both devices, iFixit noticed a common issue: Accessing the battery was difficult. "A lithium-based battery is generally good for about 400 charge cycles. And you're going to go through an awful lot of cycles very quickly with these devices, which makes the difficulty of getting to the batteries in each respective device that much more perplexing," the iFixit host said.

Both gadgets really have no business being packaged as hardware; both could have been an app, the iFixit video concluded. The host hypothesized that Rabbit and Humane may have ditched the app pathway to escape Google and App Store restrictions.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A parent's guide to Skibidi Toilet: What is it and why is it so popular?

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 20:41

If you have a child under the age of 14, the word "Skibidi" might ring a bell. But for many parents, this word and the YouTube series it comes from can be a bit perplexing.

Our quick guide to the phenomenon answers all your basic questions about Skibidi Toilet and its appeal to young people.

What is Skibidi Toilet and who created it?

Skibidi Toilet is an animated video series created by Georgian animator Alexey Gerasimov. Installments are posted as YouTube Shorts and later compiled into longer videos on Gerasimov's channel "DaFuq!?Boom!" The series is animated using computer graphics and falls into a film subgenre called Machinima, a portmanteau of "machine" and "cinema."

The plot generally depicts a dystopian world in which Skibidi Toilets — mobile toilets with human heads popping out of their bowls — are at war with humanoids who have speakers, cameras, and TVs for heads. The features of the most "human-like" characters are distorted and often warped in disconcerting or violent ways, which may make it difficult to watch for some viewers. In total, the series has more than 72 episodes, with some uploaded in multiple parts.

The first Skibidi Toilet video was posted on February 7, 2023, and has more than 164 million views, but other videos in the series have more than 250 million views. The "DaFuq!?Boom!" channel now has 41 million YouTube subscribers and over 16 billion views.

What does "Skibidi" mean?

"Skibidi" is an onomatopoeia derived from the lyrics of "Give It to Me" by Timbaland. When sped up, the chorus lyrics "so give it to me, give it to me" sound like "skibidi." A mashup of "Give It to Me" and the song "Dom Dom Yes Yes" by Biser King is the anthem of the Skibidi Toilets and is used throughout the series.

While "Skibidi" originally had no inherent meaning, it has since evolved into a slang term used among children and teens, meaning either "bad" or "cool" depending on context.

Why is Skibidi Toilet so popular among Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha (kids born after 2012) are Skibidi Toilet's biggest fans, with some crossover into the youngest cohort of Gen Z. The series' main appeal to young minds seems to be its blend of potty humor and absurdity.

The same kind of kooky content was popular with Gen Z and millennials, too: Think of the wacky children's programming on Cartoon Network in the '90s and early 2000s and the silliness of early viral videos. It is important to note, though, that Skibidi Toilet is more violent than this content ever was.

The series also references media franchises already familiar to Gen Alpha, like Fortnite emotes and the video game Half-Life: 2.

Are they making a Skibidi Toilet movie?

Not as of yet. In July 2023, a fake Medium post claiming that Dreamworks was planning to make a Skibidi Toilet-themed movie made the rounds on social media, which led many to believe they'd soon be seeing the series on the big screen.

Is Skibidi Toilet appropriate for children?

Skibidi Toilet's unsettling animation style, dystopian setting, and depictions of war and violence may be disturbing for some children (and adults). However, some children also seem to find the general absurdity of its premise to be silly, not scary.

Watchdog organizations like Common Sense Media have yet to publish a determination of its suitability for children.

What is "Skibidi Toilet syndrome?"

The term "Skibidi Toilet syndrome" refers to a belief expressed across social media that the series is harmful to children and negatively affects their behavior and development. The Guardian called it a "moral panic," but parents on Reddit have reported that the series has made their children fearful of using the toilet. These posts indicate that young children may be especially vulnerable and confused by the content.

If you're concerned about your child's exposure to the series online, consider using the YouTube Kids app, which does not include access to Skibidi Toilet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

‘Why is my iPhone alarm so quiet?’ Apple says a fix is coming.

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 19:39

"Why is my iPhone alarm so quiet?" is a question that seems to be gaining traction on Google.

At the end — or, in this case, the beginning — of the day, we really only need our phones to do one thing. For many iPhone users, that didn't happen this week.

First reported by Today on NBC, folks around social media noticed this week that their iPhone alarms were were too quiet or not playing at all. I can say personally that mine didn't go off on Thursday morning.

According to The Guardian, Apple has acknowledged the issue and promised it is working on a fix, though no information was given regarding a timeline.

SEE ALSO: TikTok is avoiding Apple commissions for App Store purchases Tweet may have been deleted

This issue is affecting too many users to be a simple case of user error. However, there are device settings you can check to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Open the iPhone's Settings app, find "Sound & Haptics," then make sure the volume is up under "Ringtone and Alert Volume." That may not fix the problem, necessarily, but it can at least give you peace of mind that it isn't your fault.

Hopefully Apple fixes this before next Monday. Alternatively, every office could just cancel its early Monday morning meetings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube is excited about pause screen ads — and they're coming for your TV first

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 18:41

Prepare to see more ads on YouTube, even when you hit pause.

YouTube has been piloting an experience with smart TVs that shows ads when you pause playback, and according to Google, it has been seeing favorable results from the trial.

"In Q1, we saw strong traction from the introduction of a pause ads pilot on connected TVs, a new non-interruptive ad format that appears when users pause their organic content," said Google's Philipp Schindler on Alphabet's latest earnings call (via Android Authority).

SEE ALSO: YouTube Premium and YouTube Music are now more expensive

Since the execs are happy with advertiser demand from the experiment, YouTube viewers might be in for widespread rollout of pause ads, starting with smart TVs first.

If YouTube does implement pause ads, it would fall in line with what other streaming platforms like Hulu, Max, and Peacock have already done. Leaving no monetizable stone unturned, they've capitalized on viewers' eventual need to pause for a bathroom or snack break, often with a winky ad for something like Coke ("pause that refreshes") or toilet paper from Charmin.

YouTube has become more aggressive about advertising, making ads unskippable on YouTube TV and cracking down on free account holders using ad blockers. Much like the "calculated misery" approach employed by airlines, the effect might push viewers to sign up for their premium ad-free tier which costs $13.99 a month.

That said, pause ads are the least invasive of the bunch if you're pausing to get up for a bathroom break or answer the door anyway. Ultimately, the days of ad-free streaming are long gone, so it's what we can expect from 30-billion dollar company just trying to make a little bit more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A running list of the best deals on Mother's Day flower delivery

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 18:35
The best deals on flowers ahead of Mother's Day 2024 Best for delivery on Mother's Day Urban Stems Save up to 30% on Mother's Day flowers Get Deal Best for larger bouquets The Bouqs Co. Save 25% with code MOM25 Get Deal Best for variety 1-800 Flowers Save up to 40% for Mother's Day Get Deal Best for lilies Mixed lily bouquet $34.99 at Rose Farmers (Save $61.77) Get Deal Best for roses Two dozen farmer's choice roses $49.99 at Rose Farmers (Save $36.77) Get Deal Best budget pick 24 farmer's choice roses $24.99 (Save $44.89) Get Deal

Mother's Day weekend is under two weeks away, and if you don't want to be caught scrambling for a gift the day before, securing one now is the way to go.

Thankfully, there are plenty of online retailers that specialize in fresh flower delivery that have started running Mother's Day promotions. Shopping ahead of time isn't only less stressful — it means you have access to these early deals (and likely on a greater selection of bouquets before they start to sell out).

So far, we've seen deals crop up from Urban Stems, 1-800 Flowers, and The Bouqs Co., but we'll be updating this list in the lead up to the holiday on May 12, so you can show your appreciation for the mom in your life (without emptying your wallet).

Best for delivery on Mother's Day: Urban Stems Opens in a new window Credit: Urban Stems Urban Stems Take 15% off your entire order with code LOVEMOM Get Deal Why we like it

Want to surprise Mom with her flowers on the day itself? Right now, your best bet is shopping from Urban Stems, where you can find up to 30% off Mother's Day bouquets. You might find that you'll want to add a couple bouquets, or pick up a more extravagant one just to save on shipping, which is free with purchases over $160. Order now and your flowers can arrive by Saturday, May 11, just in time for the big day.

Best for larger bouquets: The Bouqs Co. Opens in a new window Credit: The Bouqs Co. The Bouqs Co. Save 25% with code MOM25 Get Deal Why we like it

Save 25% off all bouquets at the Bouqs Co. using code MOM25. With that extra savings, you can upgrade mom from an original to a deluxe bouquet. The site's deluxe bouquets are double the size of their original arrangements — the originals typically have 12 or 14 stems, meaning a deluxe ranges between 24 and 28 stems. Order now and your flowers can arrive by Sunday, May 12.

Best for variety: 1-800 Flowers Opens in a new window Credit: 1-800 Flowers 1-800 Flowers Save up to 40% for Mother's Day Get Deal Why we like it

No promo code is needed for you to save up to 40% on the bouquets of flowers, succulents, and even garden decor that's a part of 1-800 Flowers Mother's Day sale. While these savings are nice (and good for a mom who might not want the traditional bouquet), it is worth noting that free delivery becomes $2.99 delivery on May 9, and gets progressively pricier until you hit $14.99 delivery on May 11. At the time of writing, you cannot schedule delivery for Mother's Day itself.

Best for lillies: Rose Farmers' mixed lily bouquet Opens in a new window Credit: Rose Farmers Mixed lily bouquet $34.99 at Mashable shop
$96.76 Save $61.77 Save 63% on a Rose Farmers mixed lily bouquet when purchased through the Mashable Shop Get Deal Why we like it

If mom loves lilies, don't miss out on this deal from Rose Farmers. When purchased through Mashable Shop, a bouquet of mixed lilies is just $34.99 — including shipping. Typically priced at $96.76, that's a savings of 63% this Mother's Day. The bouquets are comprised of 12-14 daylilies, which is about 8 stems. Rose Farmers ships farm fresh flowers straight to your door for the freshest quality. After purchasing through the Mashable Shop, you'll receive an online voucher to be redeemed at Rose Farmers. This deal expires May 7th at 12 pm EST and will arrive before Mother's Day.

Best for roses: Rose Farmers' two dozen farmer's choice roses Opens in a new window Credit: Rose Farmers Two dozen farmer's choice roses $49.99 at Mashable Shop
$86.76 Save $36.77 Rose Farmers roses are 42% when purchased through the Mashable Shop Get Deal Why we like it

Roses are the gold standard when it comes to showing mom some love. However, a bouquet of two dozen roses can cost an arm and a leg — especially when you have to factor in shipping. This Mother's Day, Rose Farmers is offering a bouquet of two dozen farmer's choice roses for just $49.99, including shipping. These beautiful stems arrive straight from the farm to mom's door. Purchase this deal through Mashable, and you'll receive an online voucher to redeem at Rose Farmers, just in time for Mother's Day. This deal expires May 7th at 12 pm EST and will arrive before Mother's Day.

Best budget pick: Rose Farmer's 24 farmer's choice roses Opens in a new window Credit: Rose Farmers 24 farmer's choice roses $24.99 at Mashable Shop
$69.88 Save $44.89 Get two dozen roses for $24.99 when purchased through the Mashable Shop Get Deal Why we like it

If you can't hand deliver flowers to mom, getting them shipped to her door is the next best thing. If you're on a budget, Rose Farmers is offering 24 roses for just $24.99. While this price does not include shipping, the money you save can go toward the cost, which averages between $16 and $18 based on location. These vibrant stems are handpicked and perfect for a mom who loves bold colors. After purchasing through Mashable Shop, redeem your online voucher at Rose Farmers to get your flowers shipped to mom in time for Mother's Day. It's recommended to purchase one to two days before you'd like them to arrive, to avoid potential shipping delays.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurry to grab these last-minute Mother's Day deals any mom is sure to love

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 18:26

Mother's Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12, which means it's about time to find to find the perfect gift. Whether your mom loves to cook, listen to podcasts, or head to the pickleball courts, plenty of great deals are around, offering you a deep discount while giving mom the thanks she deserves.

Best Mother's day deals to shop today Best deal for the active mom Theragun mini $169 at Therabody (save $30) Get Deal Best headphones deal for mom Bose QuietComfort $249 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best deal for the coffee-loving mom Breville Bambino Plus $399.95 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best home deal for mom Coway Airmega air purifier $159.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best bedding deal Brooklinen Classic Percale Core sheet set (queen) $134.25 at Brooklinen (save $44.75) Get Deal

Searching for a present that's worthy of gifting for Mother's Day is a tall order. With everything moms do for us, a physical gift seems impossible to stand up to the task. But shopping for something thoughtful that she'll use everyday is the perfect idea.

Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for Mother's Day 2024 that she's not only sure to love, but she may even use everyday.

Best deal for the active mom Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody Our pick: Theragun mini $169.00 at Therabody
$199.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your mom wakes up and takes the dog out for a walk and then heads off to play countess pickleball games, the Theragun mini could be perfect for relaxing sore muscles. Its portable size means it'll easily fit into a gym bag or tote bag, being Therabody's smallerst and lightest Theragun. The massage device has three speeds and three attachments to customize muscle relief wherever it's needed. The Theragun mini also comes with an included soft carrying case, adding to the portability.

More health and fitness deals:Best headphones deal for mom Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Our pick: Bose QuietComfort headphones $249.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Getting up to 24 hours of battery life, the Bose QuietComfort headphones could be the perfect gift for any mom who enjoys listening to her favorite playlist, audiobook, or podcast without being interrupted. The noise-cancelling headphones are an over-the-ear model that focus on comfort with a cushioned earcup and padded band.

The Bose QuietComfort work via Bluetooth or through the included microphone cord, should your mom prefer to plug the headphones and listen without a Bluetooth connection.

More headphones and speaker deals to shop:Best deal for the coffee-loving mom Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Our pick: Breville Bambino Plus $399.95 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Any coffee-lover knows how vital it is to be able to make a great cup of coffee at home. If your mom enjoys great espresso, lattes, or mochas, the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine could be the perfect addition to her kitchen. With the intelligence to pull espresso shots at the optimal water pressure, the Bambino helps ensure great tasting coffee every time. It's designed to heat to the ideal temp in just three seconds, and the included portafilter allows for either a single or double shot. This model also includes a steam wand, so mom can become her own barista and make cafe-style drinks just the way she likes them.

More kitchen deals to shop:Best home deal for mom Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega air purifier $159.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mom deserves the best and because of that, she could likely use the Conway Airmega air purifier. Unseen by the naked eye, even sparkly clean homes have dust, pollen, and other pollutants that can be less than ideal to breath in. The Coway Airmega is designed to rid the air of unwanted particles thanks to a four-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter. The Coway air purifier also has three fan settings and a timer feature so she can set the purifier to automatically power off after a certain run time.

More home deals to shop:Best bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Our pick: Brooklinen Classic Percale Core sheet set (queen) $134.25 at Brooklinen
$179.00 Save $44.75 Get Deal Why we like it

If your mom deserves some luxury and pampering, getting her a high-quality set of sheets is a perfect gift. Thanks to Brooklinen's 25% off sale, the Classic Percale Core sheet set is just $134.25 in a queen size. The set comes in nine colorway options and several seasonal patterns, too. Brooklinen uses long-staple cotton with a 270 thread count in the percale sheets that can be perfect for hot sleepers or those who want that crisp hotel-like-bedding feel at home. The core sheet set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.

More bedding and mattress deals:
Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the Apple Studio Display at a new record-low price at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 18:13

SAVE $299.03: As of May 2, the Apple Studio Display is on sale for $1,299.97 at Amazon. That's a 19% discount off its normal price of $1,599.

Apple Studio Display $1,299.97 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $299.03 Get Deal

Apple's Studio Display is a fantastic-looking monitor that would go well with anyone's Apple setup. It's a lot more expensive than several of its competitors at the same size and somewhat similar specs, but you get what you pay for when it comes to this 27-inch 5K Retina screen. If you've had your eye on one for a while but have been waiting for the price to drop, now's a great time to grab one as it's on sale for its lowest price yet.

As of May 2, you can get the base configuration of the Apple Studio Display for $1,299.97 at Amazon. That's $299.03 off its normal price of $1,599 and a discount of 19%.

SEE ALSO: Home office starter kit: Everything you need to build a productive workspace

This monitor, along with its 5K capabilities, boasts 600 nits of brightness, support for 1 billion colors, and P3 wide color. It can make an excellent addition to any Mac setup, or another screen if you wish for your MacBook, if that's something you're interested in. It's encased in an aluminum enclosure and features the same A13 Bionic chip seen in the iPhone 11 and previous-gen iPad, as well as a 12MP ultrawide camera with Center Stage for all those Zoom meetings.

The glass has an anti-reflective coating and a tiltable stand that you can move back up to 30 degrees as well. It's a luxurious addition to your setup whether you're working at home or catching up on your favorite shows or movies, so if you want to add a bit of fanciness to your home desktop or laptop setup, now's a great time to take the plunge.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo Switch 2 leaks: Release date, games, price, and more

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 17:58

Nintendo Switch 2 leaks are trickling in, and we can't wait until this highly anticipated console gets an official announcement.

Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the potential successor to its highly successful Nintendo Switch console. With its seven-year anniversary coming up in March, the Switch is nearing the end of its console life cycle — and talks about a replacement have been stirring in the rumor mill.

While the suits at the top of Nintendo are refusing to say anything, leaks have revealed some interesting information about what is tentatively called the "Switch 2," including backward compatibility, a downgraded LCD screen, and even the release of a much-anticipated Metroid sequel.

Here’s a compilation of everything we know so far about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 console.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 release date delayed? The new rumored launch window Nintendo Switch 2 release date

You may be wondering, "When is Nintendo Switch 2 coming out?"

According to Nikkei, a Japan-based publication, the Switch 2 is likely to hit store shelves in March 2025.

Considering that March 2024 marks the seven-year anniversary of the Nintendo Switch, gaming pundits once suspected that this could be the launch window for the Switch's successor. After all, a console generation is about 7-8 years — and the tech powering the Switch is outdated by several console generations.

However, the company already confirmed that sales for the Switch have been falling fast, but it's in no rush to release new hardware anytime soon. The plan for Nintendo at the moment, according to the company, is to boost Switch sales with "new titles and add-on content."

Sorry dear reader, but it looks like we'll have to wait a little while longer for the next-generation Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 price

That same leaker also says that the new console will be released with two versions: a digital-only Switch priced at $400, and a cartridge version priced at $449. If true, Nintendo would be following the same path as Microsoft and Sony, with those companies taking the steps to embrace a digital-only hardware future.

Nintendo Switch 2 design

As mentioned above, the presumed rumor is that Nintendo will be releasing two versions of the Switch 2. It will also remain a hybrid-handheld console as well — so if that's one of the main things you liked about the original Switch, there's no need to worry.

The biggest rumor in terms of design could be a downgraded screen to save on cost. The current Switch, which is an upgraded model of the version released in 2017, uses an OLED screen. Rumors from Bloomberg suggest that Nintendo will downgrade the new console to LED instead.

Nintendo Switch 2 specs

One of the biggest complaints about the current Switch is that it kind of runs like shit. It's not actually that bad, but for a console that's competing with the heavy-hitters of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, it's disappointing that the Switch is so underpowered compared to its contemporaries.

Tweet may have been deleted

This might change if recent reports are true. Rumors spread in September say that Nintendo was showing off tech demos of its new hardware to developers at Gamescom. Speaking to VGC, the source said that the company was showing its new hardware with tech demos utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and that the performance was comparable to Gen 8 consoles. One source told VGC that one of the tech demos showed was The Matrix Awakens, the incredibly impressive demo that wowed gamers back in 2021.

Other known hardware specs for the Switch 2 include potential raytracing capabilities, 12GB RAM, and DLSS 3.1. VGC's report indicated that the hardware won't be as powerful as a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, but that Nintendo is using the help of AI upscaling to optimize the performance of its console.

Nintendo Switch 2 battery life

The Nintendo Switch 2's battery life should improve while on-the-go. Spotting a podcast conversation between The Phawx and YouTuber Moore's Law is Dead, our sister site IGN says that the latter teased that the Nintendo Switch 2's battery life should deliver better battery life for players on the go because "it's going to be clocked 'crazy low'" while it's undocked.

On the plus side, this should improve the Nintendo Switch's power efficiency, but the disadvantage of this is that there will be some graphical trade-offs, and the visuals won't be as impressive.

For reference, IGN says that the OG Nintendo delivers up to 6 hours of battery life. However the new Switch model, announced in 2020, extends runtime to 9 hours. The Nintendo Switch OLED has a similar runtime.

Nintendo Switch games

Launch titles are very important for the release of a new console and, hopefully, Nintendo will spare no expense to give customers some excellent first-party titles to play for the Switch 2. That said, there isn't much to chew on in terms of potential launch title rumors.

Nintendo has gone on record saying that it will support the Switch up until 2025, and that part of that plan was releasing new titles and add-ons to drum up sales of its current console. However, rumors suggest that the biggest candidate for a Switch 2 launch title will be Metroid Prime 4. Beyond that, the most we could find about potential launch titles were either "dream lists" or "what we want" articles on the internet.

As always with these rumors, it's best to take everything with an extreme grain of salt, as nothing is confirmed until Nintendo itself confirms it. Nevertheless, from what we have seen and heard, it's still worth getting a little excited over the potential improved performance and hardware specs of the Switch 2, at a decent cost.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Introduce your kiddos to Alexa with 45% off the Echo Dot Kids

Mashable - Thu, 05/02/2024 - 17:46
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Echo Dot Kids (5th generation) $32.99 at Amazon (save $27) Get Deal BEST PORTABLE CHARGER DEAL Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W, USB-C) $15.99 at Amazon (save $14 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker $17.49 at Amazon (save $7.50) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Lenovo Tab P11 (128GB) + Precision Pen 2 and keyboard $254.99 at Amazon (save $115) Get Deal

As we patiently await more details on Prime Day 2024, we can't help but keep our eyes peeled for any deals that pop up at Amazon in the meantime. There are always deals to be found; you just need to sort through all the noise to find them.

Lucky for you, we found a few diamonds in the rough. Here are the best Amazon deals of the day for May 2. And be sure to check out our picks from April 30 and May 1 if you missed them — many of those are still live as well.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Echo Amazon deal of the day: Echo Dot Kids (5th generation)

A little bit fun and a little bit educational, the Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) allows kiddos to get in on the smart home perks. They can ask Alexa to read bedtime stories, help them with homework, play music, and more. Plus, it comes with a free year of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription that lets kids access kid-friendly audiobooks, educational Alexa skills, interactive games, and more. It's also packed with parental controls, like only giving kid-friendly responses to questions, filtering explicit content, and only allowing calls to specific contacts. Not only is the outer appearance of an owl or dragon more fun than the adult version, but the inside is too: your kid can change Alexa's voice to suit that character. As of May 2, it's on sale for just $32.99 — that's 45% off the usual $59.99. While that's still $5 away from its all-time low price, it's the biggest discount we've seen so far this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker $17.49
$24.99 Save $7.50 Get Deal

One of our favorite Bluetooth trackers, the Tile Mate can slide into or attach to basically anything you'd rather not lose — your phone, keys, wallet, suitcase, etc. We found in our testing that it reliably worked for both iOS and Android devices and excelled as a Bluetooth item finder. You can opt into a paid Tile Premium subscription to get extra features, like the ability to get notifications when you leave an item behind. Plus, perhaps the best part, you can qualify for item reimbursement if you aren't able to recover your lost items. Snag one to try it for yourself while it's on sale for only $17.49 at Amazon — that's 30% in savings and just $1 shy of its all-time low price.

Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W, USB-C) $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Just released in the latter half of 2023 as part of the Nano series, the 22.5W USB-C power bank is on sale for a new all-time low at Amazon. As of May 2, if you clip the on-page coupon, the price drops down to just $15.99 from $29.99, saving you $14 or about 47%. About the size of a large tube of lipstick, this power bank packs a 5,000mAH capacity and features a foldable, built-in USB-C port that can easily plug into the base of USB-C smartphones and tablets (iPhone 15, Samsung S22 and S23 series, iPad Pro, iPad Air, etc.). It offers a 22.5W output with dual USB-C power delivery fast charging and for added convenience, it can recharge itself at 18W from the same USB-C connector.

Lenovo Tab P11 (128GB) + Precision Pen 2 and keyboard $199.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for a reliable tablet for basic tasks like scrolling through recipes or streaming movies on flights, the second-generation Lenovo Tab P11 has you covered. The 11.5-inch IPS LCD touch display offers 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It features a split-screen mode and reading mode so you can double down on your tasks. Plus, with 10 hours of battery life, you can binge-watch without needing an outlet. This bundle comes with the Precision Pen 2 and a keyboard, making it the full package for working or playing on the go. And as of May 2, it's on sale for just $254.99 instead of $369.99 — that's 31% in savings.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology
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