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How to watch Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians online for free

Mashable - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 07:00

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

The IPL has started with big hits, big catches, and big drama. We expected all of these things, but it's nice to see that the IPL continues deliver the product that fans from around the world appreciate.

And we're hoping to see more of the same when the Gujarat Titans meet the Mumbai Indians. The Gujarat Titans came so close to winning the IPL last season, but building on that successful campaign is not going to be easy.

If you're interested in watching Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians?

Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians starts at 2 p.m. GMT on March 24. This fixture takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.

How to watch Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians for free

JioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema 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 sign up)

  5. Stream Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch IPL live streams before recovering your investment. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.

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

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 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 Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants online for free

Mashable - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 07:00

TL;DR: Watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Few other competitions can compete with the IPL when it comes to star players, passionate fans, and dramatic moments. It's a special tournament with followers from all around the world. If you haven't yet given the IPL a chance to impress, this could be the season when that changes.

If you're interested in watching Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants?

Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants starts at 10 a.m. GMT on March 24. This fixture takes place at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

How to watch Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free

JioCinema is delivering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema 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 sign up)

  5. Stream Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 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 Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A lifetime subscription to this Dropbox alternative is on sale for under £120

Mashable - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 07:00

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage (2TB) is on sale for £117.73, saving you 74% on list price.

Following the trend of subscription-based services, lifetime offers shine as an antidote. They take us back to the way things should be, where you only have to pay once to keep a product for life. 

Internxt is an outstanding contender for cloud-based storage, offering several tiers of lifetime plans to fit your needs.

The platform offers multiple unique layers of security. For one, each photo, video, or document is end-to-end encrypted, meaning only those with explicit permission (like yourself or anyone you share with) can access your files. 

Additionally, Internxt’s code is completely open source, which means anyone can review, audit, and verify there are no hidden functions or vulnerabilities in place. They really show that they have nothing to hide. Well, except for your privacy.

That depends entirely on your needs. Those who are just looking to back up their photos and videos may opt for the 2TB, while anyone who wants to upload their entire digital life might grab the 10TB plan. Here are some approximations of what each plan could store:

  • 2TB: 400,000 pictures, 2,000 video hours, or 2 million MS files.

  • 5TB: 1 million pictures, 5,000 hours of video, or 5 million MS files.

  • 10TB: 2 million pictures, 10,000 hours of video, or 10 million MS files.

With desktop and mobile apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus a browser-based app, you’ll be able to upload and access files from anywhere.

Get a lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for under £120.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage: 2TB (Lifetime Subscription) £117.73 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Have a Conversation with Your Boss About the Promotion You Missed Out On

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 06:01

You didn’t get that promotion you were expecting. How should you talk to your manager about your disappointment—and how do you move forward? Start by clearly expressing your disappointment, and seek to understand what went into the decision not to promote you. Listen for explicit criteria. Ideally, you’ll gain some insight into your manager’s perspective […]

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Categories: Management

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 22

Mashable - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 04:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 22'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:

Entropy.

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 D.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1007 is...

DECAY.

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

'Beetlejuice' sequel trailer reunites Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, and Michael Keaton

Mashable - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 03:32

The teaser trailer for the long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel has arrived, offering a glimpse at Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, and Michael Keaton reprising their roles from the 1988 cult classic horror comedy.

Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice catches up with the Deetz family decades after the supernatural events of the 1988 film. A grown up Lydia (Ryder) returns to her childhood home following a family tragedy, accompanied by her stepmother Delia (O'Hara) and her teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). However, Astrid soon discovers a model of the town in the attic, one thing leads to another, and a portal to the Afterlife is opened — setting the scene for the return of the mischievous demon Betelgeuse (Keaton).

Alongside Ryder, O’Hara, and Keaton, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice also introduces new cast members Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, and Willem Dafoe.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice arrives in theatres Sept. 6.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 22

Mashable - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 03:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 22'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: Animals that leap

  • Green: Animals with two X chromosomes

  • Blue: Obscure Olympic activities

  • Purple: Something that requires a set up

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: Jumping Animals

  • Green: Apply Pressure To

  • Blue: Olympic Sports

  • Purple: Things You Can Set

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 #283 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Jumping Animals: CRICKET, FROG, HARE, KANGAROO

  • Apply Pressure To: CRUSH, MASH, PRESS, SQUASH

  • Olympic Sports: BREAKING, HOCKEY, SKELETON, TRAMPOLINE

  • Things You Can Set: MOOD, RECORD, TABLE, VOLLEYBALL

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

Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 23:27

With the rise of AI and ChatGPT, nothing seems too unthinkable and futuristic in the world of tech anymore. Moreover, products that once seemed advanced (read: the Amazon Echo when it was first released in 2015) don't seem to be all that advanced anymore. This means companies have to constantly innovate to continue attracting buyers, which is what Amazon did in 2022 when it released its 5th Generation Echo Dot. Since then, the corporate giant has unveiled even newer products (in the Echo Show and Echo Pop families).

This is great and all, but when the time comes to actually invest in a new Echo device for your home — thus upgrading it to "smart home" status — it can be hard to decide which one to get. Do you want to be able to video call your family with Echo Show 10's sleek swivel screen? Maximize affordability with the Echo Pop? Or upgrade your kids' rooms with an Echo device just for kids?

With this technology boom though, it can be hard to transition your home from “basic” to “smart-home” status. Establishing a tech-friendly home isn’t always easy, but there is hope. Smart speakers like Amazon's Echo family of products are a great starting point because they're affordable, require minimal effort to operate, and help you easily complete small tasks around the house. They take voice-recognition technology to the next level by playing music, finding binge-watch-worthy flicks, reading news, and adjusting room settings. They’ll do the work for you, so you can relax and take care of stuff that actually matters sans interruptions.

SEE ALSO: These are the best Echo devices to gain hands-free control of your smart home, and more

A common dilemma many specifically face is "to Echo or to Echo Dot?" Among its robust lineup of smart speakers, the Echo (Fourth Generation) and Echo Dot (Fifth Generation) are eerily similar, despite the former being almost twice as big as the latter. Also, given that the latest Dot was released in 2022 and the 4th Gen Echo came out two years before that, there are obvious technical upgrades in the Dot that don't exist in its bulkier predecessor. At least on paper.

Bad at making uninformed choices? Same here. To help you out, here’s everything you need to know if you’re deciding between the Echo and the Echo Dot.

Good things come in colorful packages. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable The basicsAmazon Echo (4th Gen) Amazon Echo (4th Gen) $64.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35.00 Shop Now

The Echo weighs 34.2 ounces and its dimensions are 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches. On its round exterior, you'll find an action button, volume buttons, a mic-off button, a light-up ring, a power port, and a 3.5-millimeter audio output. With three distinct color options currently available at Amazon, this under-$100 device is sure to fit your home decor seamlessly.

Setting up the Echo is also seamless and you can use it within minutes. Indeed, the only things inside the package are the device itself, a power adapter, and two guides. The setup guide is highly visual, which is always a perk. To begin, you have to download the Alexa app and sign in. No, you don't need to have a Prime account to use an Amazon smart device (though its range of possibilities surely increases for those of us who are Prime members). Plug in the included power adapter into the Echo and then plug the Echo into a wall outlet. The light ring on the Echo will turn blue when it’s on and then orange when Alexa greets you. Next, connect the Echo to your home WiFi network. The Alexa app will then walk you through the rest of the setup process, including customizing your "wake word," mastering the pronunciation of your name, allowing access to phone contacts, and more.

Once all that is ready, you're good to go. Give your newest smart home companion a warm welcome: After all, it will be your go-to from now on for blasting music, waking you up in the morning, providing news and weather reports, calling loved ones, and so much more.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.00 Shop Now

Smart speakers can go beyond the basics, and the Echo Dot takes smart living to a new level. Though this device is two years newer than the aforementioned Echo (4th Gen), it's actually $50 cheaper if you don't get it with an LED clock display. Use that info as you will.

The Echo Dot weighs 10.7 ounces (much lighter than the Echo, clearly) and its dimensions are 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches. This baby can thus easily fit on countertops, shelves, or nightstands. Similar to the Echo, it boasts an action button, a microphone-off button, volume controls, a light ring, and a power port. It pretty much comes with the same color options as the bigger Echo, except for its deep sea blue shade being slightly darker than the Echo's twilight blue shade. Potayto, potahto.

Setup is also a breeze with the Echo Dot. First, plug it into a wall outlet and open the Alexa app to start setup. (You’ll need to download the Alexa app on your smartphone beforehand.) Once you open the app, select “devices” and then select the “+” icon. Follow the on-screen instructions from that point on and personalize the device to your liking.

What you get when you order an Amazon Echo Dot. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Smarter, easier living featuresEcho

The Amazon Echo can function as your personal butler and best friend. Since it's a smart speaker that connects to the Alexa Voice Service, you can use it to do everything from playing the latest hits to purchasing some kitchen staples to killing your boredom with a round of Jeopardy! Advanced sound technology helps the Echo immediately respond to you and recognize your voice. In fact, during the setup process on the Alexa app, Echo learns your voice's cadences and pitch by making you repeat some sample prompts. Impressive.

You can tell Alexa exactly what to put on your grocery list and manage the items on your Alexa app. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Prompt response: Beamforming technology, noise-cancelation, and seven microphones will enable the Echo to hear you from your nearby location. Just speak the “wake word” and say commands like “Alexa, find an Amazon Music playlist,” or “Alexa, call Dad” for immediate assistance. Something to note: Your speaker does not by any means have to be called Alexa. Other fun options include Echo, Ziggy, or Santa. Referring to your device as that last option unlocks a whole new Ho-Ho-Ho personality for it. Another thing to note: Amazon is getting better about accessibility, in the form of Adaptive Listening. This feature, when enabled, essentially gives you more time to finish speaking — Alexa's way of accommodating speech patterns like stuttering.

Beats master: Of course the Echo can play music, but it’s more than a basic speaker. It comes with Dolby premium sound that fills a whole room — with deep bass and clear high notes alike. If you have two Echo devices in one room, you can actually tell one of them to "play music everywhere," which will amplify sound to even higher levels and make for an actual at-home clubbing experience. Word of caution, however — Alexa didn't cooperate with me, strangely, when I tried to test out this feature. For those of us who are highly picky about music streaming services, Amazon lets you set default options which you can change at any time. Do you want Alexa to pick music from Apple Music but podcasts from Spotify? No problem, there's an option for that.

Hands-free communication: If you need to message or call loved ones, the Echo has your back. You can use Alexa to communicate with people via phone or text on the Echo, so you don’t have to grab your smartphone. Plus, Alexa can also make household announcements across Amazon Echo devices at home, so your family will know if dinner is ready or guests are arriving. Use the Drop-In feature to connect to other Amazon Echo devices or the Announcement feature to record cute messages in your own voice (accompanied by a range of sound effect offerings, including dinner bell, kiss, trumpet, as well as, a bit alarmingly, toilet flush and fart).

Control smart devices: If you have other smart devices that work with Alexa, you can easily control them with Echo's Zigbee smart home hub. Just ask Alexa to dim the lights, adjust the room temperature, or turn on a compatible smart-plug-connected appliance. The best thing about this? You don’t have to press any buttons, and you can even engineer routines for yourself ahead of time to set these processes in motion at a certain time in your home.

The Echo can double as a night light Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Echo Dot

Making the smart living/smart home switch isn’t always budget-friendly, but the Echo Dot is affordable and provides great voice control features. These features, however, aren't all that different from what you get with the Echo. The only true upgrades are new motion sensors that let you touch-control the device, the 1.73-inch front-firing speaker (versus a woofer and tweeters), and "Eero mesh network support so the Echo Dot can serve as a node for your Eero network if you use one," according to our sister site, PCMag. Use the Dot to receive reminders, save cookie recipes to your app for future reference, bask your room in a night light glow, communicate with friends and family, soothe yourself with some white noise, and beyond.

Listening companion: We’ve all tried the conventional speaker setup, which typically involves too many outlets and wires. Echo Dot offers the opposite experience for all your listening needs. You can use your voice to play music through streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Plus, you can hear Audible and other media forms with the Echo Dot. Ask Alexa to find the perfect playlist or podcast, and you’ll have something to listen to when you cook in the kitchen, lounge on the couch, or work out in your living room. Another extra-cool feature? The Dot will start playing deep sleep music when it detects sounds of snoring, if you enable it to do so.

Task help: There are times we wish that we had a personal assistant for little things, including making lists and scheduling calendars. The Echo Dot can help make your everyday routine (and entertainment) more seamless with voice control. Try saying: "Alexa, set a timer for five minutes," "Alexa, play the Reuters news briefing," "Alexa, open my daily horoscope," or "Alexa, find my phone." The possibilities are endless. Be sure to reference the "more" tab on the Alexa app to browse through all of the Echo Dot's offerings.

Use the Dot to send messages to houseguests, remind you of tasks, and more! Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Converse with and check in on loved ones: Like the Echo, the Echo Dot allows you to send messages, make phone calls, and use other Echo devices as intercoms. Enjoy hands-free communication with loved ones and make announcements via Drop-In to keep everyone in touch at home. If you have elderly parents at home, you can also take advantage of Alexa Together — Amazon's remote caregiving offering that does cost extra but allows you to connect compatible fall detection devices to the Echo Dot, see snapshots of your loved ones' daily interactions with Alexa, get 24/7 access to trained agents who can call 911 in case of an emergency, create gentle reminders such as "take your pills," and more.

Monitor your smart home environment: The Echo Dot also offers the option to monitor smart devices at home. If you have light bulbs, thermostats, or streaming media players that are compatible with Alexa, you can control their activity with the Echo Dot. Just speak to Alexa in your room of choice, and you can easily monitor lighting, temperature, and more with verbal commands. Also, if you enable sound detection routines, you can program a particular sound (dog barking, oven dinging, door opening) to trigger a certain Alexa Routine. This feature has an accessibility bonus since it can be used as a way to provide visual cues to those with hearing challenges. For instance, "if Alexa detects running water for a period of time... she can trigger the living room smart lights to flash on and off, serving as a visual reminder to shut off the faucet," as reported in USA Today.

Don't let the Dot's size fool you — it's mighty smart. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Price and competitionEcho

At $99.99, the Echo is moderately priced, but it comes with benefits that go beyond other smart speakers. With its high-tech sound features, including Dolby audio, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite beats at the right volume. When you’re entertaining guests, you can engage the multi-room music feature to turn your pad into a dance floor (adjusting bass settings accordingly). In addition to playing music, the Echo allows you to control smart devices and communicate with loved ones via voice control. It also comes with a skills range so extensive that it might take you months to try them all out.

The Echo comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you would like additional protection, you can buy an extended warranty separately at Amazon.

In terms of competition, the $99.99 Apple HomePod mini can be considered a pretty close match (at least price-wise). It's teeny compared to the Echo, though, and a larger/more advanced Apple smart speaker — the HomePod — will cost you $299 (see our full review of the Apple Homepod). While this competitor might be a better choice for Apple fans, due to its easy iOS compatibility, Siri isn't as smart or loyal of an assistant as Alexa in our opinion.

Echo Dot

For those on a technology budget, the 5th Gen Echo Dot delivers all the smart speaker benefits at a fraction of the price. At $49.99, it’s more affordable than other Amazon Echo devices (despite being the newest Dot) and still has desirable features like advanced voice recognition, smart device control, and assistance with small tasks via Alexa. For $59.99, you can get the Echo Dot with an LED display, which allows you to display the current time in style. That's pretty much the only added benefit the extra $10 will give you.

Unlike the Echo, the Echo Dot only comes with a 90-day limited warranty. It’s applicable to defects in materials and workmanship and you can contact Amazon’s Customer Service for assistance. This warranty, too, can be extended to a one-year, two-year, or even three-year plan for an additional fee.

If we're talking about what's available on the smart speaker market that can compare to the Dot, the Google-Assistant-powered Nest Mini (2nd Generation) immediately comes to mind, as it also costs $49.99. The Nest Mini is cute as a button (and weighs almost as much). It's compatible with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, as well as Youtube, has smart home pairing with Arlo, Nest, Ring, and other appliances, and it allows you to voice-purchase essentials from storefronts that aren't limited to Amazon. Still, with the Dot's new-and-improved front-firing speaker, there's no question that it wins the contest when it comes to quality audio. Also, with its upgraded temperature and movement sensors, the Dot seems to be leading the smart home game. I mean, what other speaker will listen for the sound of broken glass and immediately alert you to a potential robbery happening when you're MIA from home?

Clearly, the Echo is way bigger than the Echo Dot (reflected in their price difference). Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Privacy concerns

With all Amazon Echo devices comes concern about privacy. In the past, according to what reporter Jack Morse wrote for Mashable a few years back, "Alexa has been known to record people and rooms even when there's no wake word spoken intentionally — or spoken at all." The fact that it can be listening in on your most private conversations — or else sneakily gather info like a credit card number you say when purchasing something over the phone — is legitimately scary.

Amazon has realized that tons of people have been turning away from their Echo product line because of this very risk. That's why now, on the Alexa app, you can review your daily voice history and delete anything you don't vibe with, manage the access to data certain skills have, and more. On the exterior of both the 4th Gen Echo and 5th Gen Echo Dot, you can also find a mic-off button that will prevent any audio input from reaching Alexa. For more information about how Amazon handles user privacy, check out its Q&A on the matter.

So, to Echo or to Echo Dot?

If you want a large smart speaker that delivers high-quality sound, allows you to engage in hands-free control, and use your voice to communicate with loved ones, the $99.99 4th Gen Echo is a good call. Another perk of this device is that it’s customizable: You can choose a decorative shell to compliment your home decor vibe. Plus, it works with other Amazon Echo devices for the ultimate sound setup whenever you need it.

If you don’t want to fork over a lot of cash for a smart speaker, the Echo Dot is a great pick — especially considering it's newer than the 4th Gen Echo. At only $49.99, it’s a steal compared to other Amazon-connected devices and offers the same smart speaker benefits... and then some.

Categories: IT General, Technology

On the hunt for a cheap 4K TV? You have a ton of options at Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 23:05

UPDATE: Mar. 21, 2024, 5:05 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with the top TV deals live at Amazon during its Big Spring Sale.

A quick look at the best TV deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best 55-inch TV deal Insignia 55-inch F30 4K Fire TV $239.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Hisense 65-inch R6 4K TV $399.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

Spring is one of the best times of year to buy a TV. It's a great time to snag a previous year's flagship TVs as they go on sale to make room for this year's models, which typically become available for public purchase in March or April. For those whose TV shopping is geared more toward budget-friendly TVs than premium ones, Amazon's Big Spring Sale has you covered.

SEE ALSO: Verizon will give you a free Nintendo Switch (and more) just for switching to Verizon Home Internet in March

While there are a few 2022 and 2023 QLEDs and QNEDs from Samsung and LG thrown into this mix, the main attention grabbers at Amazon's spring event are cheap 55-inch to 75-inch QLEDs from brands like TCL and Hisense, as well as smaller options around the $200 mark. Barring a few Prime-exclusive stragglers, almost all deals in this sale are open to anyone, Prime member or not.

We're tracking Amazon Spring Sale 2024 deals on TVs below, broken down by size and ordered by price within each size bracket. Be sure to check back throughout the week — the sale officially runs between March 20 and 25, so this list is bound to grow.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If price has been the only factor deterring you from upgrading to an XL screen, check out this 75-inch QLED TV from TCL that has dropped to a new record low price of $599.99 (according to Amazon price tracker Camelcamelcamel). The Q6 is one of TCL's cheapest models to utilize quantum dots: an extra layer of nanoparticles between the screen and direct backlighting. This creates the brightness necessary for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility to be worthwhile — brightness that a regular LED TV just can't compete with.

TCL has also loaded the Q6 series with Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology and three HDMI ports, making it a super solid budget gaming TV.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale TV deals

43 to 50 inches

55 to 58 inches

65 to 70 inches

75 to 98 inches

Smart monitors and streaming TVs

Categories: IT General, Technology

All the greatest Amazon deals from the Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 22:13

UPDATE: Mar. 21, 2024, 4:15 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with new Big Spring Sale deals on outdoor and camping gear, solar eclipse glasses, and Prime-exclusive deals.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $179.99 at Amazon (save $69.01) Get Deal Best laptop deal Samsung Galaxy Book3 $619.99 at Amazon (save $380) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best headphone/earbud deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best Fire device deal Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Garmin Forerunner 255 $249.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best outdoor security camera deal Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon (save $51.99) Get Deal Best Bluetooth tracker deal Tile Starter Pack $42.43 at Amazon (save $12.56) Get Deal

Spring temperatures are melting prices at Amazon. The retail giant is hosting a new seasonal savings event this week called the "Big Spring Sale" (very apt), and it's not just another iteration of its flagship Prime Day sale.

Live now through Monday, March 25 at amazon.com/bigspringsale, the Big Spring Sale is a first-of-its-kind event featuring deals that revolve around "seasonally relevant items" and "warm-weather essentials," according to a post on Amazon's blog. That includes sports and outdoor equipment, cleaning and organizing products, and select electronics, from Apple devices to Fire tablets.

SEE ALSO: Check out the best deals under $25 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

In a deviation from Prime Day, Amazon's biggest savings event of the year, the Big Spring Sale isn't entirely restricted to members of its paid Prime subscription service. However, the company's announcement notes that members "will receive access to exciting, exclusive deals" as part of it. If you haven't signed up for Prime yet, you can jumpstart a 14-day trial for free.

Keep reading for the Mashable Shopping team's running list of hand-picked highlights from the Big Spring Sale, and check back often: New doorbusters are being added every day.

Best Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $179.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $69.01 Get Deal Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro USB-C.

"The USB-C AirPods Pro came onto the scene last year, offering a much-needed upgrade with its charging port, while keeping the features we loved on the Lightning Pros. With these earbuds, you get maximum portability, great functionality with Apple devices, and some of the best ANC you can find on a pair of earbuds. At $179.99, these buds have a new lowest price ever, making now a great time to buy." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Apple deals

AirPods

Apple accessories

Apple Watches

iPads

Macbooks

Macs

Best Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on MacBooks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Book3 $619.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $380.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Samsung just released its new Galaxy Book4 series laptops in the U.S., so it makes total sense for Amazon to drop last year's Galaxy Book3 down to this new record-low price. This specific configuration of the sleek entry-level laptop includes a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, a healthy 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Note that it comes installed with Windows 11 Pro (which includes BitLocker encryption), not the standard Windows 11 Home version." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop deals

Traditional laptops

2-in-1 laptops

Gaming laptops

Best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"We're always going to sound the alarm when a 50% discount is spotted on a Roomba. Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks. This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, is an absolute game-changer if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up the room before sending them out to clean." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale headphone/earbud deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on AirPods.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen).

"We're not going to lie, it can be a little tricky to find more-than-decent ANC on a pair of budget earbuds. At their full price of $119.99, the Echo Buds already offer a fairly enticing price point for that criteria, but at $54.99, that's nearly unbeatable. Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote in his Echo Buds review, 'Considering how much cheaper these are than other big-name ANC-enabled earbuds, it's pretty incredible that the ANC works as well as it does.' You shouldn't expect Bose-standard noise cancellation, the touch panels can be a little too sensitive, and the battery life is just okay, but these are fair trade-offs for the money you're saving." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More speaker, headphone, and earbud deals

Headphones

Earbuds

Speakers

Best Amazon Spring Sale TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If price has been the only factor deterring you from upgrading to an XL screen, check out this 75-inch QLED TV from TCL that has dropped to a new record-low price of $599.99 (according to Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel). The Q6 is one of TCL's cheapest models to utilize quantum dots: an extra layer of nanoparticles between the screen and direct backlighting. This creates the brightness necessary for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility to be worthwhile — brightness that a regular LED TV just can't compete with. TCL has also loaded the Q6 series with Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology and three HDMI ports, making it a super solid budget gaming TV." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals

55 to 58 inches

65 to 70 inches

75 to 98 inches

Best Amazon Spring Sale unlocked phone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

"A close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra is a premium 6.8-inch smartphone with a durable titanium design, a rear telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and a smattering of neat AI features. It also comes with a built-in S Pen stylus that doubles as a remote, according to Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon. This is the 256GB base model's first discount since it launched in January 2024." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More unlocked phone deals

Samsung Galaxy

Google Pixel

Motorola

Best Amazon Spring Sale phone accessory deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagGo $82.49 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $27.50 Get Deal Why we like it

"Just released in February of this year, the Anker MagGo foldable 3-in-1 charging station just got its first big discount for the Big Spring Sale. It regularly retails for $109.99, but you can grab it for just $82.49 and save 25%. As the name suggests, it can wirelessly charge three gadgets at once — an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods (or other Qi-enabled devices) — and fast (15W). The vertical design is compact and convenient for a desk or bedside table. Plus, it weighs under 7 ounces and folds up smaller than Apple's Magic Mouse, making it ideal for travel." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More phone accessory deals

Wall chargers and charging stations

Portable chargers

Phone cases

Best Amazon Spring Sale Fire device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet.

"The Fire Max 11 tablet is Amazon's most feature-complete tablet to date, and you can currently snag the 128GB model for $200 (or $80 off) — its lowest price yet. It's packed with a speedy and powerful octa-core processor that's perfect for productivity and entertainment, can handle up to 14 hours of use on a single charge, and has a beautiful 11-inch screen to tie it all together. You can even get a bundle that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus at a discount (almost $120 off)." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Fire device deals

Amazon Fire tablets

Amazon Fire Kids tablets

Refurbished Amazon Fire tablets

Amazon Fire TV devices

Best Amazon Spring Sale tablet deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals and Fire TV device deals sections if you're looking for discounts on iPads and Fire tablets, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you prefer going against the grain and not buying an iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a solid alternative, and it's on sale for $100 off the usual price during the Amazon sale. It's one of the most water- and dust-resistant tablets on the market, can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and comes with an S Pen." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More tablet dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale fitness tracker deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on Apple Watches.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 255 $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Garmin Forerunner 255 is on the higher-budget end of fitness trackers, but at $100 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, we think it's worth considering. The durable fitness watch features a slim design, but can still withstand excessive sweat and accidental drops. Using the device's easy-to-use five-button layout, you'll be able to check on things like your heart rate, sleep quality, recovery score, and more. It even has a 14-day battery life, so you won't have to constantly slow yourself down as you work towards your fitness goals." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More fitness tracker dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale outdoor security camera deals Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $51.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"With 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination, the new Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight camera lets you see what's happening outside of your home in crisp HD no matter the time of day. Thanks to two-way audio, you can speak to people and pets using the Blink app on your smartphone, and get a heads up if that noise you heard outside was a squirrel rustling in the bushes or an actual intruder. With the Blink subscription plan (sold separately), the enhanced motion detection goes even further with person detection. At 40% off ahead of the Big Spring Sale, you can grab this easy-to-setup security camera for an all-time low of $77.99." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More outdoor security camera deals

Security cameras

Video doorbells

Best Amazon Spring Sale kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Vortex 6-quart XL Air Fryer $79.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal Why we like it

"Air fryers have earned their place as a kitchen essential, offering convenience when it come to serving up a quick meal and earning health points since they require less oil than traditional frying. The Instant Vortex 6-quart XL Air Fryer is just $79.95 at Amazon's Big Spring Sale, marked down from the normal price of $119.99, which is a 33% discount. Choose from pre-set programs that include air fry, roast, bake, and reheat for easy meal prep. Instant Pot mentions the 6-quart size is ideal for those cooking up four to six servings." — Lauren Allain, Contributor

More kitchen dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale Bluetooth tracker deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on AirTags.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile Starter Pack $42.43 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $12.56 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you're new to the world of Bluetooth trackers, the Tile Starter Pack is a great introduction. This pack comes with one Tile Mate and one Tile Slim. The Mate is designed to conveniently attach to your key ring while the Mate is similar in size to a credit card to easily slip into your wallet or purse. Both are water-resistant so there's no stress if you drop your keys in your mug of coffee, and both are compatible with iOS for Apple users and Android devices." — Lauren Allain, Contributor

More Bluetooth tracker dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale solar eclipse glasses deals

"The next total solar eclipse is set to take place on Monday, April 8, and if you want to participate in collectively (and safely) staring at the sun together, you're going to need a pair of solar eclipse glasses. We don't recommend buying a pair all willy-nilly, though, because not all of them are legit, and we don't want you burning your precious peepers. What you need to look out for are glasses that are specifically approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and have an ISO 12312-2 safety rating. ... Below, we've listed out all the options we could find that are on sale, so check them out and grab yourself a pair or two before they start selling out (they usually become pretty scarce in the weeks before an eclipse)." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

Best Amazon Spring Sale outdoor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Pi Prime gas outdoor pizza oven $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Cooking burgers and dogs every camping trip can get old. Spice things up with the Solo Stove Pi Prime outdoor pizza oven. It preheats in about 15 minutes, then whips up piping-hot pizza in just 90 seconds. It's also designed to be portable, weighing in at just over 30 pounds. There's a slight learning curve in order to get those pizzas exactly right every time, but practice makes perfect. It's regularly $349.99, but during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, it's down to just $279.99 — that's 20% in savings and a new all-time low." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More outdoor deals

Fire pits, camping stoves, and grills

Tents, sleeping bags, and more camping gear

Coolers

Water bottles

Hydration backpacks

Best Amazon Spring Sale Prime-exclusive deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Spring allergy season has arrived and if you're tired of constantly having the sniffles, the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 could provide relief. The fully-sealed HEPA filter is designed to capture 99.97 percent of particles that measure 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, dust, and gases. Dyson excels when it comes to fan design and this model is no different. It uses Dyson's Air Multiplier technology to circulate the air, pulling in air from across the room for filtration. Plus, having a powerful fan around as the summer months arrive is certainly a great idea." — Lauren Allain, Contributor

More Prime-exclusive dealsHow to sign up for Amazon Prime

The Big Spring Sale is open to Prime members and non-members alike, but a handful of deals are exclusive to the former. If you haven't subscribed to Prime within the past 12 months, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial at amazon.com/prime. After that trial ends, you'll be bumped to a paid membership plan for $14.99 per month or $139 per year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime
Free 14-day trial, then $14.99/month or $139/year Learn More
Categories: IT General, Technology

Does 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' have a post-credit scene?

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 22:00

Should you sit through the credits for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire? It's a question that Marvel movies have made a real concern for moviegoers. Sure, you might be eager to rush to the restroom, hit up a post-movie restaurant for a debrief with friends, or get back home to the sitter before it gets too late. But the MCU has made the end credits of movies fertile ground for bonus material. So — can you take the risk of running out as the end credits hit?

Post-credit or mid-credit scenes might set up a sequel with a curious new character, reveal a surprising cameo, or offer fans some bonus silliness. When it comes to the Ghostbusters franchise, the Jason Reitman-directed Ghostbusters: Afterlife had mid-credit goodies galore. First up, that sequel's mid-credit scenes featured a playful reunion of Ghostbusters stars Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver as sarcastic charmer Peter Venkman and his beloved Dana Barrett, respectively. Then there was the return of Annie Potts as sassy Janine Melnitz and Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore, now wildly wealthy and respected. All of this set things up for a future film in the franchise that would bring the original 'busters and the Afterlife crew together again, including Egon Spengler's daughter Callie (Carrie Coon) and her kids (Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace).

But Reitman handed over his Frozen Empire directing duties to his Afterlife co-writer, Gil Kenan (Monster House, City of Ember). So does this frosty sequel, which is being slammed by critics, offers more fun during and after the credits? A few flurries!

No post-credit scene was shown to critics, but if you worried for the survival of a certain pack of sweet ghostly critters, you should stay partway through the credits. After the Spengler family's story — and that of the OG ghostbusters — is all wrapped up, these sugary mischief-makers have one last mid-credits scene to score some giggles.

But hey, staying through the credits is still a great way to appreciate the full scope of people power that went into creating the kooky and creepy adventure before you.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in theaters March 22.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Reddit IPO stock price: Live updates as the internet reacts

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 20:30

Reddit went public on Thursday, after much anticipation and speculation. The IPO price was set at $34 per share and, by 4 p.m. ET, when the closing bell rang, it had risen and held steady, closing the day at $50.31 per share. That represented a nearly 50 percent increase.

Reddit is obviously an important website in the ecosystem of the online world. It has, however, never been a particularly profitable endeavor. In fact, in its 18 years of existence it has never turned a profit.

That fact, paired with a general distaste for Reddit's push for monetization, made the influential stock market subreddit r/wallstreetbets wager against Reddit. This is the subreddit that ballooned GameStop and other stocks, much to the chagrin of hedge funds betting against those companies. But r/wallstreetbets was deadset of shorting Reddit's stock, with lots of users believing its value was set way too high.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

To be fair, the $34 share price valued Reddit at $6.4 billion, which is...a lot of money. Though, before the share actually hit the market, indications were it could begin trading at around $50 per share. That was the case once the stock began trading in earnest.

Reddit, even if it isn't a giant of the Meta ilk, was seen as an important IPO in the finance world, Reuters reported.

"If Reddit trades poorly, it will cast a shadow over the IPO market. Many companies will hit pause on their IPO initiatives," Julian Klymochko, CEO of the investment firm Accelerate Financial Technologies, told the news service.

Still, an IPO has the word initial in it for a reason. This is just Day 1 of Reddit as a public company and there will be lots to come.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 'Late Night with the Devil' AI controversy, explained

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 20:20

Following a wave of critical praise — including Mashable's review out of SXSW 2023— Late Night with the Devil has been catching heat online for its alleged use of AI-generated imagery. The movie stars David Dastmalchian as a late-night TV host looking to save his show with a Halloween special that goes demonically off the rails.

The conversation around Late Night with the Devil's use of AI first began with a one-star Letterboxd review by user based gizmo from March 19, who wrote, "Listen. There's AI all over this... Don't let this be the start of accepting this shit in your entertainment."

Users on X (formerly Twitter) began to screenshot the film's trailer to dissect the AI allegations.

SEE ALSO: 'Late Night with the Devil's disturbing ending, explained

The AI-generated images in question play as interstitials throughout the film's fictional live TV broadcast. Among them is an illustration of a skeleton dancing in the middle of a pumpkin patch and the occasional "We'll be right back" message.

Tweet may have been deleted

As discourse around the images grew on social media, Mashable reached out to Shudder for comment. We received a statement from Late Night with the Devil's co-writers and co-directors, Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes, which confirmed the film's use of AI.

This same statement was first reported in Variety. It is as follows:

In conjunction with our amazing graphics and production design team, all of whom worked tirelessly to give this film the 70s aesthetic we had always imagined, we experimented with AI for three still images which we edited further and ultimately appear as very brief interstitials in the film. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a talented and passionate cast, crew and producing team go above and beyond to help bring this film to life. We can't wait for everyone to see it for themselves this weekend.

Late Night with the Devil's use of AI is only the latest in a series of films and TV shows using AI-generated imagery. In 2023, Marvel's Secret Invasion used AI to create its unnerving opening credits. Earlier in 2024, viewers criticized True Detective: Night Country for background posters that looked AI-generated. All this pushback comes in the wake of Hollywood's WGA and SAG strikes, during which both unions fought for protections against AI being used to replace their work.

Late Night with the Devil premieres in theaters March 22, and heads to Shudder April 19.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prepare for summer travel with AirTag deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 20:18

We've tracked down the best AirTag deals available on day two of Amazon's spring sale:

Best AirTag deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best AirTag Deal Apple AirTag $24 at Amazon and Walmart (Save $5) Get Deal Best AirTag case deal Belkin Apple AirTag secure holder (2-pack) $15.99 at Amazon (Save $4) Get Deal

Sales can be a great time to pick up any travel essentials on the more expensive side, whether you need a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones or a Bluetooth tracker for your luggage.

SEE ALSO: Apple deals are good but not great on day one of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale underway until March 25, we've rounded up some AirTag deals worth taking a second look at. Though we're not amazed at the $82.99 four-pack deal offered at several retailers so far (this same four-pack has been sub-$80 recently), we do appreciate that you can pick up individual AirTags (and a case) for under $25.

As a note: there have been reasonable security concerns about AirTags in the past as they can be used to track someone without their knowledge (we wrote about it when we reviewed them back in 2021). While this isn't necessarily a concern if you're the person buying the AirTag, we are happy to update that Google and Apple have been working together to make sure that no one, AirTag owner or not, can unknowingly be tracked by this device.

We'll be keeping our eyes peeled through the end of Amazon's sale on the best AirTag deals, so be sure to check back if you're looking to score the most savings.

Best AirTag deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $24.00 at Amazon and Walmart
$29.00 Save $5.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're an iPhone user, the AirTag will likely be the best Bluetooth tracker for you. While Apple is known for making a product that's usually at least a little pricier than the competition, at this sale price of $24 at Amazon and Walmart, the AirTag is actually cheaper than a single Tile Mate. While the four-pack of AirTags does get you a lower cost per tracker, it does require a higher upfront investment — and we've seen it under $79 very recently, so we're reluctant to recommend an $83 deal as our top pick.

More AirTag deals

AirTag

AirTag cases

Categories: IT General, Technology

Go into spring cleaning season with a robot vacuum — a ton are on sale at Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 20:05

UPDATE: Mar. 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with the robot vacuum deals live at Amazon on the second day of its Big Spring Sale.

A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals: Best budget deal iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best self-emptying deal Eufy X8 Pro $399.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum/mop deal Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 $429.99 at Amazon (save $270) Get Deal

With big Amazon sale events happening in summer, fall, and winter, spring was the odd season out — until Amazon decided it was running a Big Spring Sale from March 20 to 25.

Conveniently timed with the first week of spring, you can cross floor care off your spring cleaning list with up to 50% off some of the most popular robot vacuums from big brands like Shark, Roborock, and eufy. (We haven't seen a ton from iRobot yet, but we wouldn't be surprised if Roomba deals are waiting in the wings.) And unlike Prime Day, you don't have to be a Prime member to shop most Big Spring deals.

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

There are several options with smart mapping for under $200, self-emptying models under $400, and even some noteworthy chunks off of flagship 2-in-1s that not only empty themselves, but wash and dry their own mopping pads. We've categorized our top picks below by price, and will be updating the list on a daily basis during the week of the sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We're always going to sound the alarm when a 50% discount is spotted on a Roomba. Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks.

This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, is an absolute game changer if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up the room before sending them out to clean.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale robot vacuum dealsUnder $300Under $700$700 and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Sydney Sweeney on finding a church that would let them film 'Immaculate'

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:55

Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko sits down with "Immaculate" star Sydney Sweeney to discuss her role in the film as well as the challenges of finding a church that would allow them to shoot.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best kitchen deals to shop at Amazon's Big Spring Sale to score up to 59% off

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:47

Kitchen deals are coming in hot during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. If you're thinking this sounds like a good time to upgrade some cooking wares, here are some of the best deals to shop today.

Top kitchen deals at the Amazon Spring Sale Best deal for the coffee fanatic Keurig K-Compact $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Instant Vortex 6-Quart XL Air Fryer $79.95 (save $40.04) Get Deal Best kitchen deal to celebrate warmer weather Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, & Sorbet Maker $55.94 (save $14.01) Get Deal

Regardless of how full your kitchen cabinets are, there's always room for one more small appliance that'll make your life not only tastier, but easier when it comes to food prep. Amazon's Big Spring Sale deals have shown up with some excellent kitchen deals on everything from appliances to storage solutions. If your kitchen is due for an upgrade this spring, here are some of our top picks to shop during the sale.

Best deal for the coffee fanatic Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Compact $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Counter space is always at a premium, and the Keurig K-Compact doesn't impose. Its compact design has the company's slimmest removable water reservoir, which means it'll take up less precious counter space. With a brew time of under one minute, this model is also great for those who hit snooze one too many times.

To score this sale price, opt for the black, red, or turquoise colorways.

Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Vortex 6-Quart XL Air Fryer $79.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal Why we like it

Air fryers have earned their place as a kitchen essential, offering convenience when it come to serving up a quick meal and earning health points since they require less oil than traditional frying. The Instant Vortex 6-Quart XL Air Fryer is just $79.95 at Amazon's Big Spring Sale, marked down from the normal price of $119.99, which is a 33% discount. Choose from pre-set programs that include air fry, roast, bake, and reheat for easy meal prep. Instant Pot mentions the 6-quart size is ideal for those cooking up four to six servings.

Best kitchen deal to celebrate warmer weather Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, & Sorbet Maker $55.94 at Amazon
$69.95 Save $14.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Summer is just a few months away, and what better way to celebrate than by making homemade ice cream? The Cuisinart ice cream machine is your ticket to finally creating that flavor mashup you've been dreaming of. You can also make sorbet, sherbet, or frozen yogurt with the machine. The powerful motor is designed to make up to 1.5 quarts of your favorite summertime treat in 20 minutes or less.

More kitchen deals at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything announced at the 2024 Microsoft Surface event

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:45

Microsoft held its March 2024 Surface event on Thursday, and it was very AI-centric. The company announced some new features related to its AI chatbot, Copilot, as well as two new Surface products.

Here's what you need to know.

Microsoft Copilot and AI features

By starting the event by heralding "a new era of AI productivity," it was clear what this year's Surface event was going to focus on: Microsoft Copilot.

Microsoft shared some features about Copilot that have previously been known about as well as some new features, with some heavy leanings on business-related tasks.

Credit: Microsoft

Copilot is fully integrated into Microsoft Windows at this point, with those integrations extending out to Microsoft 365, the company's productivity software and cloud services which includes Microsoft Office.

With the AI chatbot, Microsoft showed off how users can ask Copilot to summarize missed meetings and generate emails. The event also feature some operating system based tasks where users can ask Copilot to change the computer wallpaper, setup workspace windows, turn on battery saver, and suggest ways to free up hard drive space.

SEE ALSO: Copilot is plugging into Windows 11's File Explorer

On the business end of things, one feature Microsoft spent some time on was the ability to use AI to analyze how certain employees are utilizing Cloud PCs, if that's something your company requires. AI can check how each individual's Cloud PC is performing and see if certain employees have too much computing power and if others don't have enough.

Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6

Microsoft also had two new Surface devices to show off at the event: the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6.

Credit: Microsoft

According to the company, these are the "first AI-powered Surface PCs for business" and "among the first to market with Intel Core Ultra Processors." 

Microsoft also shared how these new devices utilize Neural Processing Units, or NPUs, to power AI tasks in order to preserve battery life and free up computing power for other processes. Microsoft claims that because of this, these computers have longer battery life, faster AI workloads, and better performance than their predecessors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 6
Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 10
Pre-Order Here

And to make it crystal clear that the focus is on AI, these computers come with a dedicate Copilot keyboard button for direct access to the AI chatbot.

Microsoft first introduced the Surface Pro 10, which by far had more features for the company to run through than its new laptop offering. Microsoft says its latest touchscreen tablet and laptop combination device has a 50 percent performance and graphics boost over the Surface Pro 9.

The Surface Pro 10 also features an anti-reflective display which is also 33 percent brighter than its predecessor. Microsoft says the Surface Pro 10 has an all-day battery life and comes with the optional 5G connection as well.

Credit: Microsoft

While not providing a demo, the company did significantly highlight the Surface Pro 10's Surface Studio camera with an ultra wide field of view. And, of course, sticking with the theme of the event, the company introduced AI-powered Windows Studio effects, which include portrait background blur, eye contact, and auto-framing.

As for the Surface Laptop 6, Microsoft shared that its powered by the Intel Core Ultra H-Series, which is the company's chipset for desktops. It's also 2 times as fast as its predecessor, according to Microsoft.

Adaptive accessories offer more accessibility options Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft also spent some brief time at the event to introduce some accessibility gear for users who can't use the common keyboard and mouse designs. New adaptive accessories like a Surface Pro keyboard also help reduce eye strain with bolder keys and brighter backlighting. The company also showed off Copilot's accessibility features where users can ask for live transcription or a magnifying glass option to make text on the screen larger.

All-in-all this was broadly a business-related event for Microsoft, with two new core devices announced in-between. But, the overa;l theme was clear: Microsoft is all about "becoming an AI-powered organization." The company said so itself during the event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score a Solo Stove Pi Prime pizza oven for its lowest price ever during Amazon's spring sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:40

SAVE $70: The Solo Stove Pi Prime gas outdoor pizza oven is on sale for just $279.99 at Amazon during the Big Spring Sale. That's 20% in savings and a new all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Pi Prime gas outdoor pizza oven $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Looking for new ways to enhance your camping experiences? Think outside the typical camping stove box. Ditch the burgers and dogs this year for personal pizzas with a portable outdoor pizza oven.

As of March 21, the Solo Stove Pi Prime pizza oven is on sale for just $279.99 at Amazon during the Big Spring Sale. That's 20% off its usual cost of $349.99 and a new all-time low price. It hit its previous low of $299.99 just last week for Pi Day. For what it's worth, it's currently sitting at full price at Walmart, Best Buy, and the Solo Stove website.

The Pi Prime pizza oven is designed to be portable, weighing in at just over 30 pounds. So, you can set it up in your backyard for an outdoor gathering or tote it with you on your camping trips to really elevate your experience. Just connect the pizza oven to a propane tank, crank up the heat, and you'll get that wood-fired texture and flavor without having to build and tend to a fire. It preheats in about 15 minutes, then takes just 90 seconds to deliver piping-hot pizzas. Fine-tune your flame with the front-facing knob. There's a slight learning curve in order to achieve elite crispiness, but practice makes perfect, right? It even comes with the Cordierite Pizza Stone that evenly distributes heat to help you out.

Looking for more camping deals? Check out our roundup of the best outdoor deals of the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft's Surface event spotlighted new accessibility features and accessories

Mashable - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:39

Microsoft announced a few key developments at an event on Thursday that should prove helpful for users with accessibility needs.

The tech giant's event was business-focused — and thus a bit dry — but it did come with an announcement on accessibility-focused products. Most notably, the company announced that its adaptive accessories were available to commercial customers.

"We know you want to give your employees everything they need to do their best and most productive work," said Nancie Gaskill, Microsoft's GM of Surface, during the event.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft announces Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6 with new processors

These accessories can be found on the company's website. They include items like a joystick and a pad to replace a mouse. Microsoft says businesses can now purchase these items to help their workforce succeed.

"These products make all the difference for people who have difficulty using a traditional mouse and keyboard," Gaskill said. "They're created to match the beautiful design of surface products and empower every employee to be productive and efficient in a way that works best for them."

The company also launched its Surface Pro Keyboard with a bold keyset. It has a bolder font and a brighter backlight plate, which is intended to make it easier to read and cut down on eye strain.

CoPilot, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, also has accessibility features to help Windows 11 users, the company said. Those features include an easy-to-turn-on narrator function, live captions, and an easy way to change the size of text.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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