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TL;DR: As of May 6, get support with your résumé and more with a lifetime subscription to the Complete Resoume AI Assistant Résumé Writer for $39.99 (reg. $180) for a limited time.

Crafting an eye-catching résumé can be time-consuming, and truly showcasing your skills and experience can be a challenge. Now, you can get support creating a terrific résumé, cover letter, and portfolio to help you land that dream job. For a limited time, you can sign up for a lifetime subscription to the Complete Resoume AI Assistant for just $39.99, meaning you can access that support any time.

With this tool, you can avoid writer's block and endless tweaking. The AI assistant guides you through the résumé-creation process, helping you craft a polished and professional résumé tailored to your industry and career level in a matter of minutes. 

Choose from 20 professionally designed templates to find the perfect look for yours. You can even import your info from LinkedIn to save the time it would take to manually enter it.

Want a look that's more you? Change the font, color, and theme to reflect your professional personality. You can even include a profile picture to stand out and link your website and portfolio to give hiring managers an extra glimpse at your accomplishments. 

The AI assistant can give your CV a score based on the job description and show you how and where to improve it. You can also download a PDF version to print and take to your interview if you'd like to bring hard copies. And Resoume helps ensure your resume is ready for applicant tracking systems so you don't get rejected due to format issues.

Whether you're actively searching for a job or want to have this support tool ready just in case, this is an excellent opportunity to try AI résumé building.

Usually $180, you can get the Complete Resoume AI Assistant Résumé Writer on sale for $39.99 for a limited time, a 77% discount. And once you sign up, you'll have lifetime access.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Resoume The Complete Resoume AI Assistant Resumé Writer: Lifetime Subscription $39.99 at the Mashable Shop
$180.00 Save $140.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 12, get help creating all types of content with a lifetime subscription to the IdeaAize All-in-One AI Tool while it's on sale for $69.99 (reg. $199.95).

Have you heard? Content is king. The internet is built on content, and for the creative professionals making it on tight deadlines, the quicker it's created, the better. If you could use some help creating your content, IdeaAize is an all-in-one AI content generator tool. This week, a lifetime subscription is currently on sale for $69.99 (reg. $199.95).

Content creation is part art and part science. From blog copy and vlog scripts to marketing materials and images to accompany it, this tool was made to be your go-to assistant for all things content. IdeaAize uses natural-language processing to create content that sounds realistically human.

If you need product descriptions on your site or backup with programmatic SEO, streamline the process with IdeaAize. You can also create AI voiceovers for your material, convert text to audio (and audio to text if necessary), and generate code. If your site could use some audience interaction, this platform allows you to build chatbots to assist with user-friendly tasks like answering frequently asked questions and providing support when you can't do it yourself.

It's made to be simple to use, even for beginners. Here's how it works:

1. Select a template tailored to your medium (blog post, email, social media content, ad copy, etc.).

2. Put in the specific details.

3. Generate content.

This plan gives you 100,000 words and 200 images a month. You also have the choice of more than 100 templates and a support team to call on if you need assistance. If you need more than this Regular plan, other options are available at higher prices, with up to 500,000 words and 400 images.

See how the power of AI can help you become more efficient and productive with this limited-time offer.

Get a lifetime subscription to the IdeaAize All-in-One AI Tool while it's on sale for $69.99 (reg. $199.95).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: IdeaAize IdeaAize All-in-One AI Tool: Lifetime Subscription $69.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.95 Save $129.96 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 12, this lifetime subscription to FastestVPN covers up to ten devices and is on sale for just $31.97 (reg. $360).

In today's interconnected digital world, safeguarding your online privacy is a proactive measure that's simply par for the course. And lucky for all of us, there are tools available to make it easy. FastestVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) that creates a secure and anonymous connection over the internet. This week, a lifetime subscription is on sale for just $31.97 (reg. $360).

When you connect to a VPN server, all data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted. This encryption prevents unauthorized parties from accessing your data or identifying you, which is especially helpful when traveling and connecting to public networks. FastestVPN has more than 600 servers working in more than 41 countries for your convenience.

FastestVPN uses advanced encryption to keep security tight. It also features an ad-blocker, firewall, and anti-malware software. With a no-logging policy, you can rest assured that even FastestVPN doesn't have access to your information.

This service is made for zero-buffering while downloading and streaming via its fast P2P-optimized 10Gbps+ servers. The Smart Connect feature instantly connects you to the fastest server available, so your digital life isn't interrupted, an ideal feature if you do a lot of streaming.

It's compatible with a huge variety of different systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, Apple TV, and more. You get access on up to ten devices for life with an internet kill switch and round-the-clock tech support. No matter how you access the internet — on your phone, tablet, computer, or all of the above — you can protect yourself with this lifetime subscription.

Take control of your digital privacy for life with this limited-time offer.

Again, a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN that covers up to ten devices is now on sale for just $31.97 (reg. $360) until May 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices) $31.97 at the Mashable Shop
$360.00 Save $328.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream 24 Hours of Le Mans for free on ServusTV or L’Equipe TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Gather round fans of motor racing, because one of the biggest events of the year is set to take place in France. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for probably the most famous endurance race in the world.

If you're interested in watching 24 Hours of Le Mans for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Le Mans is an endurance race held annually near the town of Le Mans, France. It's the world's oldest active endurance racing event, and unlike fixed-distance races, Le Mans is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours.

When is 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024?

The 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans is the 92nd Grand Prix of Endurance. This year's event is scheduled to take place on June 15-16 at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.

How to watch 24 Hours of Le Mans for free

The good news is that you can stream all the action from 24 Hours of Le Mans for free on these platforms:

• Austria — ServusTV

• France — L’Equipe TV

ServusTV and L’Equipe TV are geo-restricted to Austria and France respectively, which means you'll need to use a VPN to stream on these free platforms. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria or France. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Austria or France, so you can access ServusTV or L’Equipe TV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV and L’Equipe TV by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly service (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 France

4. Connect to ServusTV or L’Equipe TV

5. Watch 24 Hours of Le Mans for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can unblock ServusTV and L’Equipe TV without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution to free streaming, but it does give you the opportunity to stream 24 Hours of Le Mans before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking streaming sites from around the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria and France

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• 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. You can sign up to watch Le Mans and then recover your investment without hassle after the race.

Watch 24 Hours of Le Mans for free with ExpressVPN.

Let's do a Rabbit R1 vs. Meta AI (via Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses) face-off. I mean, why not, right? Both claim to offer the best on-the-go AI assistant, so let's put them to the test.

The Rabbit R1 hit the scene with a lot of hype, particularly when it got showcased at CES 2024. Personally, I didn't understand the hullabaloo over this electric-orange gadget — and I still don't. But you may be surprised how its Perplexity-based AI stacks up against rivals.

And then we have the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which feature Meta AI. The question is, which is better? To do this face-off justice, not only will I compare their AI capabilities, but I'll dive into a comparative analysis on all aspects, including price, design, and more.

SEE ALSO: Rabbit R1 review: I can't believe this bunny took my money Rabbit R1 vs. Meta AI (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses): price and specs

The Rabbit R1 costs $199, but if you place an order now, it won't start shipping until June.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

It only comes in one configuration, featuring a loud, brash color called "Leuchtorange," with the following specs:

• MediaTek MT6765 processor

• 4GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• 2.88-inch touchscreen

• 8MP camera

• 2W speaker

• "Rabbit Hole" for accessing captures

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses I purchased sport the Wayfarer style and features matte-black frames and blue-violet light filter lenses.

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have a starting price of $299 at Ray-Ban's official website, but keep in mind that the lenses cost me an additional $17, bringing the total to $316.

There's also a configuration with "Amber" lenses available. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

It comes with the following specs:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1

• 32GB of storage

• 12MP ultra-wide camera

• 2 open-ear speakers

• "Meta View" app for accessing photos/videos

Of course, one of these is the equivalent of a dumb Android phone running an app and the other is a pair of spectacles. Allow me to show you how they stack up in terms of design.

Winner: Rabbit R1

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $404.45 at Amazon
Get Deal Rabbit R1 vs. Meta AI (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses): design

The Rabbit R1 is one of the most conspicuous, eye-catching technological masterpieces that has hit the market this year, thanks to Teenage Engineering (a tech design company known for creating eye-catching gadgets).

The Rabbit R1 being used outside. The screen's pretty dim, no? Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's not a color I would have picked for myself if there were other options (I prefer more muted hues), but the electric tangerine-esque color that emanates from the Rabbit R1's chassis is pure visual candy.

With an undeniably cute bobbing bunny on the screen, it invigorated a sense of nostalgia, taking me back to my obsession with digital-pet pocket toys in the 90s, like my Tamagotchi or Digimon gadgets. Plus, it has a fidget toy vibe, too, with a scroll wheel that lets you navigate the UI, a shake-to-open-the-Settings-menu feature, and a functionality that brings up the virtual keyboard when you turn it to the side.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Rabbit R1's touchscreen capabilities unlocks when you enable keyboard, but for other interactions, you're limited to using the scroll wheel. Keep in mind that the scroll wheel lacks sensitivity. In other words, it takes several "rolls" to get from one option to another.

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, on the other hand, are, well, glasses. They're designed to be worn on your face. (One thing the Rabbit R1 lacks is having something that lets you attach it to your clothes or bag, so you're not carrying yet another gadget in your hands, but there are third-party cases that make this possible.)

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Despite being packed with a lot of tech, from a camera to dual speakers, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are light and comfortable to wear. You'll probably forget it's even on your face.

Winner: Rabbit R1

Rabbit R1 vs. Meta AI (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses): photos and video

A popular question I often get is, "Can the Rabbit R1 take photos and videos?" The answer is technically no. It does have an 8MP camera, but it's not designed to take photos. Instead, the built-in shooter is for the Rabbit R1's "Vision" feature (a perk where the AI can give you descriptions of things by "seeing" them).

The Rabbit R1's "Vision feature" in action. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can see the photo captures you took during your Rabbit R1 Vision sessions by visiting the Rabbit Hole, a companion website, but again, they're not meant for consumption. They're just there to help you look back into your AI conversation history.

As for videos, forget it. The Rabbit R1 doesn't take those at all.

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, on the other hand, are awesome for capturing photo-and-video capture. By tapping on the capture button on the right frame, you can take hands-free 12MP photos. (The downside, though, is that there's no viewfinder, so it's difficult to tell whether your subject is in frame.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It can record 1080p videos for up to 60 seconds at a time after you long-press the capture button. (You can also use your voice to capture photos and videos by invoking Meta AI).

You can livestream, too, but only with Meta property like Instagram and Facebook. You can find all of your content in the Meta View app when you're done.

No, the photos and footage won't be anywhere as good as what you can capture with the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the advantage is that you can shoot things without even needing to use your hands.

Winner: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Rabbit R1 vs. Meta AI (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses): text and calling

Rabbit R1 cannot connect to your phone. As of this writing, the Rabbit R1 is not capable of texting and calling on your behalf. I did speak to a Rabbit rep about whether this feature is coming in the near future. They told me that this plan is in the works, but they don't have a timeline.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, on the other hand, can, indeed, make calls and send texts for you. I can say, for example, "Hey Meta, call Jason on WhatsApp." In response, Meta AI will say, "On WhatsApp, call Jason, right?" And in response to "Yup," WhatsApp calls my significant other.

I can ask it to send texts for me, too. For example, with the prompt, "Tell my mom I said 'Hi.'" In response, Meta AI will say, "Message to Mom on WhatsApp that says 'Hi,' right?" I say "Yes," and soon enough, it fires off a message to my mother.

Rabbit R1 vs. Meta (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses): AI features

Both the Rabbit R1 and the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses can "identify" objects and make conjectures about them. However, the former does a better job at this via the Vision feature.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Object identification

Behind a window, I pointed the Rabbit R1 at the Empire State Building in the distance while standing inside Mashable's office building.

To test its knowledge, I asked, "Can you tell me what you see?" It offered an elaborate response:

I can see the iconic Empire State Building in the background of the image. The skyline of the city is dominated by tall skyscrapers, with the Empire State Building standing out prominently against the clear blue sky.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Using the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses to identify objects was trickier. Of course, spectacles don't have a viewfinder, so it's difficult to see whether your target object is in frame. Still, when I asked it, "Can you tell me what you see?", it accurately pointed out a "cityscape." To test it even further, I said, "Do you see that light-brown skyscraper in the background? It's the tallest of them all. Tell me which building this is."

To my surprise, Meta AI said, "That's the Empire State Building." But unlike the Rabbit R1, offered no superfluous details.

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses can identify the Empire State Building. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's worth noting that Rabbit R1 snaps a photo before saving it to The Rabbit Hole, allowing you to look back at your conversation history (but only for the Vision feature.) Meta AI snaps a photo, too, but I haven't seen any photos nor conversations saved in the Meta View app.

Menu translation

As a frequent traveler, having a device that can, for example, translate a Spanish menu into English is a godsend. I tested both AI gadgets to see which can do a better job at this, and again, the Rabbit R1's viewfinder gave it an edge.

Watch below as I pulled up an online Spanish menu:

Tweet may have been deleted

The downside of the Rabbit R1 is that I needed to use a specific prompt for it to "understand" my request. The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, on the other hand, understood my initial prompt, but some words were cut off from its "view," because, well, again, it's difficult to "see" what the spectacles are looking at.

At the end, though, both managed to give me an accurate Spanish-to-English translation based on the menu in front of them.

Recipe suggestions

I placed potatoes, a plantain, tumeric powder, and salt on a table. Next, I asked Rabbit R1 to suggest recipes for me based on what it "sees."

Rabbit R1 identifying food on the table. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As you can see from its response (sent to the Rabbit Hole), it correctly identified the food items and delved into recipe suggestions that made sense based on the snapshot.

Rabbit R1's recipe suggestions based on potatoes, a plantain, tumeric powder, sand salt. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Rabbit R1 was always pretty good at this. Watch me testing it a few weeks ago with similar ingredients:

Tweet may have been deleted

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, however, was disappointing. With those same ingredients, it thought it was looking at eggs — not potatoes. Plus, it oddly spotted some pasta and cheese, which were not in the picture.

In response to asking for recipe suggestions, Meta AI said the following:

"I see eggs, cheese and pasta. Suggesting a simple, yet satisfying spaghetti carbonara recipe."

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Rabbit R1 is the winner here.

Asking questions

Keep in mind that the best way to test AI devices is to ask both gadgets the same sizable swath of queries to determine which is most accurate. However, for the sake of time, I asked one:

I asked, "When is the next solar eclipse in New York City?"

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Both answers were somewhat inaccurate.

"The next solar eclipse visible in New York City will occur on April 8, 2024 around 3:25 p.m. with the moon covering up to 90% of the sun," Rabbit R1 said. "The partial eclipse will begin around 2:04 p.m. And skies will start to darken around 2:51 p.m., with lightening starting again by 3:58 p.m."

If I were to hop into a time machine and ask this question before April 8, this response would have been correct, but it looks like the Rabbit R1's knowledge base is slightly outdated because it's not tapping into au courant information.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Meta AI, on the other hand, said the following: "The next solar eclipse visible in New York City will be a partial solar eclipse, and it will run 0 hours and 0 minutes, beginning at 0 a.m. and ending at 0 p.m."

Either Meta AI is taunting me, telling me that "never" is the answer —or there's simply a glitch in Meta AI's system.

Winner: Rabbit R1

Rabbit R1 vs. Meta AI (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses): battery life

When I tested the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, they dropped to 16 percent when I came home from work at 7:30 p.m. Kicking my day off at about 10 a.m., I played music during my subway commute, asked Meta AI to launch two 15-minute calls, took several photos and videos, and more.

As such, you should still have some battery left at the end of the day, but not enough to last into the next day.

The Rabbit R1, on the other hand, had its battery life improve significantly after a major update. With light-to-medium usage, you could get two days out of the gadget. However, if you plan on playing a lot of music and using the Vision feature, you'll only get one day.

Surprisingly, Rabbit R1 has an edge when it comes to battery life.

Winner: Rabbit R1

The winner:

When it comes to the basics that every AI assistant should have, like texting and calling on your behalf, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have an edge over Rabbit R1. It can also take photos and record videos, whether you're using the capture button or your voice.

Finally, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have a more convenient design — it's like wearing ChatGPT on your face.

However, when it comes to AI, the Rabbit R1 surprisingly shined. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting that. Its object identification definitely has the edge over Meta AI. Still, both devices don't seem to be up to snuff yet. Neither one could answer the solar eclipse question.

To sum it up, neither Meta AI nor Rabbit R1 are ready for primetime, but if I had to choose a winner (for AI assistance only), the Rabbit R1 is victorious by a hair.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $404.45 at Amazon
Get Deal Featured Video For You Rabbit R1 hands-on review

TL;DR: Watch Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Fans are gearing up for the next fixture in the IPL. With just over two weeks to go, things are heating up as teams go head-to-head for a chance at the title. The latest fixture will see the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru take to the pitch.

If you want to watch Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru for free from anywhere in the world, look no further, we have all the information you need.

When is Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru starts at 3 p.m. BST on May 9. This fixture will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, India.

How to watch Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru for free

To find free live streams of the IPL, head over to JioCinema. On the app, you can find live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can access this free streaming service by using a VPN. A VPN hides your real IP address (digital location) and connects 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 subscribe)

5. Watch Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru for free 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

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 committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures 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 $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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

Imagine The X-Files with religious trauma and you've got Evil, the best show you're not watching. Look, we get why it's been off your radar. It was on CBS and then bounced to Paramount+ in a time when the streaming platform felt too baby to bother with. But now, Evil is reaching its long, dark claws into Season 4 (dropping May 23), and it's time you caught up. 

Why? When there's so much to watch and so little time? Here are eight reasons why you need to be watching Evil. Besides, with the show's first two seasons now on Netflix, it's easier to dive in than ever before.

1. Evil is like The X-Files but with demons. Sparks fly between David and Kristen. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Instead of UFO–obsessed Agent Mulder trying to convince skeptical Agent Scully, Evil offers vision-having priest-in-training David Acosta (Mike Colter) trying to convince lapsed Catholic and fiercely rational therapist Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers) that the devil is in the details. And you'd better believe in between exorcisms and fierce debates about mental illness and demonic possession, there's throbbing hot sexual tension! Sure, sure, she is married and he's very nearly a priest, but her hubby Andy (Patrick Brammall) is far away on a long mountain-climbing trek, and his calling from God doesn't mean David doesn't experience urges. Can they resist temptation or will they Benedetta it up?! 

SEE ALSO: The stars of 'Evil' reveal what it is like working with the show's demons 2. Everyone on Evil is hot as hell. "Evil"s sexy Scooby Gang. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Colter is a broad-shouldered hunk. Herbers is a no-nonsense knockout. Rounding out their Scooby Gang is Aasif Mandvi as tech expert Ben Shakir, who brings smirking swagger to the New York City-set series.

Admittedly, the show's primary lustiness is very invested in Kristen and David's undeniable sexual tension. But Season 2 gives Ben a love interest (Nicole Shalhoub), who is not only smoking hot but also has a bit of evil twin baggage that is next-level fascinating.

Adding more smoke to the show is Christine Lahti as Kristen's mother Sheryl Luria, a rocking GILF who is basically New York City's answer to Blanche Devereaux.

3. Evil's monsters of the week are reliably spine-tingling.  Meet Eddie. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Over the course of Season 1-3, Evil introduces a batch of recurring demons, some of who plague individual characters, all of whom are brought to vivid life with incredible practical effects make-up. But night terror demon George and his friends are just the tip of the scary iceberg. Joining in on the fun are kid-taunting ghosts, marauding figures of local legend, internet bogeymen, and Michael Emerson as the series' ghoulishly amusing antagonist, Leland Townsend.

If you're not sure Evil is for you, try out "E is for Elevator," episode 4 in Season 2. Here, an NYC urban legend promises a trip to hell, and one of our heroes gets up close and personal with a nightmare that becomes real. Full disclosure: I paused this episode in the middle to turn on all the lights in my home. That is how damn creepy it is.

4. Evil tackles current events and real malevolence too. Leland showing all the respect he holds for the church. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Beyond its masterfully made monsters of the week, Evil also uncovers horrific real-world issues, like the dehumanizing treatment of delivery workers under capitalism, the anti-Black racism within the U.S. healthcare system, and the corruption of the police force. Because the show's cast of characters includes those who suffer from such injustices as well as those who profit from them, these topics are addressed with care and nuance, as opposed to coming off as try-hard "very special episode" vibes.

Basically, Evil recognizes that for marginalized groups who aren't protected by privilege, these evils aren't uncommon, which only makes them more horrifying.  

SEE ALSO: 10 scariest movies on Paramount+ to send a chill down your spine 5. It's way darker than you'd expect from CBS. Michael Emerson is a deranged delight as "Evil"s central antagonist. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Look, if you eye-rolled when the network that brought you How I Met Your Mother promised a sexy, iconoclastic procedural drama, I get it. But Paramount+ isn't playing by broadcast rules. Characters drop curse words, confront graphic violence, and engage in kinky sex. Admittedly, it doesn't get to Game of Thrones-levels of saucy debauchery, but it's plenty to keep Evil feeling fresh and daring. 

6. Evil's version of single-motherhood is scary accurate. The kids of "Evil" are frightfully real. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Technically, Kristen is not a single mom. But with her husband far away for long stretches of episodes, she basically is parenting her four daughters on her own.

These are not the plucky kiddos of sitcoms like Full House or Modern Family. Kristen's daughters are a deeply bonded and complex coven of kids. They clamor about their crowded Queens home. They shout over each other, argue full-throatedly, and deliver their own brand of sisterly justice. While their mom grapples with possible devils, they wrestle with demons of their own, from body insecurities and shallow influencers to peer pressure and online dangers.

To handle all this, Kristen must rely on her resilience, her mother's help (for better or for arguably evil), and a stock of margaritas in a can. We hear those canned cocktails are awful, but Kristen assures us "you get used to them."

7. Evil wields a wicked sense of humor.  Sister Andrea doesn't play nice. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

As the skeptical tech expert, Aasif Mandvi brings a sharp-tongued sarcasm that makes for reliably funny one-liners. But he's not the show's soul source of humor.

Creators Michelle King and Robert King have baked irreverent humor into the series, through snide remarks and audacious visuals — including the reveal of Leland's version of a therapist, who is a full-on goat-headed demon.

Season 2 added new shades of comedy by bringing in cut-up character actress Andrea Martin as a snarky nun named Sister Andrea (naturally). For Season 3, this sister has been upped to series regular, and I can promise you she brings a sharp wit to her battles against Leland and his like.

Yet the funniest episode owes a debt to the likes of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. For a spooky and silly good time, check out Season 2, episode 7, "S is for Silence," in which the central trio visits a monastery, where a vow of silence is meant to cap chitchat — but can't stop belly laughs. 

8. Evil's long arc is impossible to predict. A dinner party you might want to skip. Credit: Elizabeth Fisher / CBS / Paramount+

Sure, sure, in the battle of good and evil, the mention of prophesied apocalypse is an inevitability. But amid the monsters and issues tackled week after week, Evil is building an overarching plotline that plays like a mafia drama about demons plotting to spawn the Antichrist.

There are families of demons at war with the Catholic Church, and they've got their clawed fingers in all sorts of bloody pies. But as new characters and strange twists turn this God squad's world upside down, it's impossible to know what will come next. And that, my fiendish friends, is all part of the fun. 

Evil Season 4 premieres on Paramount+ on May 23. Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Paramount+.

Seasons 1 and 2 are also streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: May. 8, 2024, 12:35 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect the current options for streaming.

Sexting (dirty talk, swapping nudes, sending explicit audio messages...the list goes on) is one way to take your dating life to new heights.

Whether you're single and ravenous for some sexy screen time with a stranger, in a long-distance relationship that's keeping the passion alive through digital intimacy, or interested in amping up your solo sex toy sessions with steamy instructions from an AI companion, mastering the act (art?) of sexting leads to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.

And, no, we're not talking about flirting with your crush on Facebook Messenger or sliding into someone's DMs on Instagram. We're talking about good old-fashioned dirty talk with a modern twist (think: video chat, sexy snaps, and erotic audio messages, with self-destructing features for added privacy). We made a lot of accounts to test the best sexting apps, and we've gathered our favorites below. You'll recognize some of them from our guide to the best dating apps, and for more adult fun, check out our review of the best hookup apps, too

Once viewed as taboo, sexting is a mainstream way to communicate your desires

According to a 2023 survey of U.S. adults by the market research platform Statista, 77 percent of participants said they've sent at least one sext — that's up from 45 percent in 2019 and just 14 percent about 10 years ago.

SEE ALSO: The cherry emoji and 14 other emoji you can use to sext

And we're pretty sure those numbers will rise as tech advances and societal norms evolve to become more accepting and inclusive of sexual expression.

Sexting isn't just a saucy way to get off; it's a great tool for building trust and intimacy and sharing or exploring your wants and fantasies in a consensual and safe manner. It can also help you and your partner feel more connected and maintain a strong sexual bond (so the next time you get together IRL, it may be even hotter). This is especially true in long-distance relationships or during periods of physical separation.

How to start sexting

For some, just the thought of sending an explicit message or racy photo can be intimidating. (And that's OK!) There are so many apps and resources out there to help even the most novice sexters feel empowered and confident.

Not sure where to start? Based on our research and hands-on testing, we've narrowed down the best sexting apps of 2024 to the following top contenders:

TL;DR: Access free live streams of Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're approaching that beautiful time of year when the whole world seems to slow down and dedicate themselves to sport, in this case for Euro 2024. The best international sides in Europe are heading to Germany to compete for the trophy, with a selection of superstars on show including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Kevin De Bruyne.

If you want to watch Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is Euro 2024?

The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2024) is an international football tournament organised by UEFA. The tournament is comprised of 24 European men's national teams, with a group stage followed by knockout fixtures.

Italy are the defending champions, after beating England on penalties in the 2020 tournament final.

When is Euro 2024?

Euro 2024 is the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. This year's competition takes place from June 14 to July 14.

How to watch Euro 2024 for free

There are a number of free streaming platforms offering coverage of Euro 2024:

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — 6play and TF1

• Germany — ARD, RTL, and ZDF

• Italy — RAI and TV8

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

Don't panic if your location is not listed, because you can access free live streams from other countries with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Euro 2024 by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch Euro 2024 for free 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Euro 2024 before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection 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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The trailer for Karim Aïnouz' "Firebrand", starring Jude Law as King Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as his final wife Katherine Parr, has dropped.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 9 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 9

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, May 9, 2024:

AcrossAsk for, as a ride or cigarette

• The answer is bum.

___ Today (newspaper)

• The answer is usa.

Pharmacy products

• The answer is drugs.

San Antonio landmark to "remember"

• The answer is Alamo.

Bob who sang "Like a Rolling Stone"

• The answer is Dylan.

DownBig and strong

• The answer is burly.

Same restaurant order as always, with "the"

• The answer is usual.

It turns into lava above ground

• The answer is magma.

Father's Day card recipient

• The answer is son.

Father's Day card sender, maybe

• The answer is dad.

When offered a promotion, you might feel pressured to automatically accept. But what if it doesn’t feel like the right fit for you? Saying no can be daunting, but doing so gracefully is key to maintaining good relationships and advancing your career on your own terms. First, understand why you’re hesitant. Is it a bad […]

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TL;DR: Through May 12, you can sign up for lifetime access to Curiosity Stream documentaries for £144.03.

Instead of spending the new year scrolling through the same old collection of documentaries on Netflix and Hulu, it might be time to try a platform that actually specialises in educational content. Curiosity Stream is home to a huge selection of high-quality documentaries and docu-series on a wide variety of topics, from nature and space exploration to the royal family. Now, a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream is only £144.03 through May 12.

Watch documentaries for life

If you love documentaries, you don’t have to settle for the precious few modern ones on Netflix, the telly, or other streaming services. So, if you want to watch more documentaries, then it might be time to check out Curiosity Stream.

Fascinated by true crime? Craving a deep dive into the deep ocean? Or do you want to take a look at some of the most interesting stories from history? Curiosity Stream has an enormous catalog of educational content, and it's even won an Emmy for its documentary featuring Stephen Hawking.

Plus, the user interface is easy to navigate with tools to filter content by topic or collection, or you can even search for your favorite narrator. They have some well-known names like Sir David Attenborough and celebrity narrators like Morgan Freeman. 

New content is being added all the time, so a lifetime subscription doesn't mean a lifetime of watching the same old stuff. It means you'll always have access to a growing library of fascinating shows and movies on multiple devices on or offline. 

Save on a lifetime subscription

Don't miss your chance to get lifetime access to incredible educational content you or your family can enjoy. 

May 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream for £144.03.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription £144.03
£320.12 Save £176.09 Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma in the Europa League for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Whether or not Bayer Leverkusen make it to the final of the Europa League, Xabi Alonso's side have enjoyed a truly special season. They are already Bundesliga champions, DFB Pokal finalists, and Europa League semi finalists, which isn't exactly bad. But they will want more, and that starts with the second leg of their Europa League semi-final fixture against AS Roma.

If you want to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma?

Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma will start their second-leg match at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on May 9. This fixture takes place at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.

How to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma for free

Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Stream Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma in the Europa League for free

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 they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ServusTV without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to stream Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma before recovering your investment.

This is a sneaky trick, but it works because services like ExpressVPN send your money back without hassle.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• 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 free from throttling

• 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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Roma for free with ExpressVPN.

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 9'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:

Dehydrated meat.

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 J.

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 #1055 is...

JERKY.

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.

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 9'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: Lid closing mechanisms

• Green: Length of time

• Blue: Keep in check

• Purple: Strange mammal

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: Container Closures

• Green: Duration

• Blue: Regulate

• Purple: Trademarks of a Platypus

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 #333 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• SHADES OF RED: CAP, CORK, LID, TAB

• LITTLE BIT OF A BEVERAGE: PERIOD, SPELL, STRETCH, TIME

• CHOICEST: CHECK, CONTAIN, CURB, LIMIT

• BATH: BILL, EGG, FUR, VENOM

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.

Decentralized social media platform Bluesky has already racked up some big accomplishments. It's a rare example of a Twitter / X-competitor that has found success. Most other competitors, aside from the Meta-backed Threads, have since-closed up shop. In addition, Bluesky was able to rack up more than 3 million sign-ups during a period where users could only join the platform via invite. Since opening up to all, Bluesky has amassed more than 5.6 million users.

And, Bluesky has been able to do all of this without two major features found on most big social media platforms: direct messages (DMs) and video uploads. But, that won't be the case for long.

SEE ALSO: You came back to Threads. Here's how it can keep you.

In a post published on Tuesday, the Bluesky team shared its upcoming plans for the platform and those plans include DMs and video.

DMs, video, and more are on the way

According to Bluesky, the team is planning to add a slew of new features in the coming months.

DMs, or private messages, appear first on Bluesky's list of things-to-do. As Bluesky points out, all posts on the platform have been public so far. That will change soon as the team works on "a DM service that will integrate into the Bluesky app." Bluesky says the first version of the DM feature will allow users to restrict who they can receive messages from. Users will be able to allow DMs only from users that they follow, disable DMs entirely, or have open DMs, meaning anyone can private message them on the platform.

Probably the most notable feature gap on Bluesky is the lack of video uploads. That will soon change too. Bluesky says upon release, this feature will allow users to upload video clips up to 90 seconds long.

While those are the biggest on Bluesky's list, there are other features on the way too. Bluesky says it's working on its own OAuth or "Log in with" feature. Once that's in place, third-party websites and platforms will be able to give users the option to sign-up using their Bluesky accounts.

In addition, Bluesky is looking to further build out features that are unique to its platform too. Bluesky has one of the more robust anti-harassment features and it's looking to improve those moderation tools.

Another unique Bluesky feature, Custom Feeds, which allows users to completely customize their timeline, will be getting a bunch of new updates. Bluesky says there will be the ability to submit particular posts to feeds and curate submissions, requests to the algorithm to "show more" or "show less" of a particular type of content, and the ability to "drive superfeeds" that will show what's happening in your following feeds' communities.

In all, it appears like there are a lot of new things coming to Bluesky. During a week where Twitter founder Jack Dorsey left its board of directors, these new features will surely be welcome additions among the Bluesky community.

Microsoft has created a generative AI model for top-secret work within US intelligence agencies.

This model is supported in an "air-gapped" environment, Microsoft's CTO of Strategic Missions and Technology William Chappell told Bloomberg. In other words, it's entirely unconnected, distinct from cloud-based AI models that are susceptible to hacks and data leaks.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft to law enforcement: No using Azure OpenAI for facial recognition What makes Microsoft's new AI model a coveted spy gadget

For intelligence agencies, Microsoft's model is a way to process and analyze vast quantities of classified information without compromising secrecy. Last fall, Bloomberg reported that the CIA was building its own internal ChatGPT-style tool to sift through public data for clues. In April, Sheetal Patel, assistant director of the CIA for the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, said intelligence agencies all over the world are racing to be the first to harness generative AI, saying "I want it to be us."

The model, built upon OpenAI's GPT-4 large language model, underwent an 18-month development process, according to Chappell. The project required overhauling a supercomputer in Iowa and is on a special network that's only accessible by the US government. While the model is technically cloud-based, it's a static cloud that's isolated from the internet, so it can't learn from data and files shared by users or information gleaned from the web.

Chappell said the model is now live and undergoing testing by the various US intelligence communities.

Is it true that all press is good press, or is Apple's latest iPad ad — involving a different kind of press — a poorly timed misstep that could actually cost Apple the business of AI-weary creatives? 

Because right now, creatives are expressing their distaste at the sight of their tools being cheerfully destroyed en masse in a hydraulic press to make way for a shiny new tablet. It may just be the exact wrong message at the exact wrong time.

Tweet may have been deleted

It's nothing new that some ads are irksome, and we all know that a hated ad isn't necessarily an ineffective one. When I was 12, there were these burger ads featuring people noisily mushing burgers into their hideous, up-close mouths, and sucking on their fingers like animals. The whole thing made me want to claw my eyes out. (They actually made a lot of people feel this way, I later learned.) But as my dad explained to me at the time, "The point is, they got your attention." 

I heard the underlying message loud and clear: Companies don't have to pretend they respect their customers; they just have to get them to part with their money. 

It's entirely possible that Apple will get customers to do just that. Yesterday, my colleague Chris Taylor pointed out that the top-of-the-line new iPad with all the peripherals adds up to a $3,000 package of gadgets, and that — sticker shock or no — it's tempting to fork it over for something this cool. But he also noted something that's key to that value proposition for him: The new iPad taps into his fantasies of personal creativity. "Apple knows our income is always a little more disposable if it can appeal to our wannabe genius," he wrote. 

With that in mind, I urge you to watch the "Crush" ad one more time, and really contemplate what it's showing you:  

All that stuff — the paint, the piano, the trumpet, the arcade machine, the illustrator's table — do you feel any hostility toward it? Do you want to see it destroyed and symbolically turned into an Apple device? Does it give you any satisfaction to see record players annihilated, and cameras all squished, and crumbly, and exploding?

And to switch things around a bit, take a look at your nearest Apple device and think about the last time you fantasized about that thing getting crushed. Was it yesterday? Maybe it was five minutes ago. In any case, you probably like it less than you like, say, your guitar.

Almost exactly 40 years ago, Apple released its most famous ad, "1984," in which a monochrome society of shambling drones is under the spell of some kind of computerized dictator. The prisoners of this terrible society are then liberated from their monotony by a hammer-throwing savior representing the Macintosh computer, and a glorious, colorful future is unleashed. 

Fast forward 40 years, and Apple is the most valuable company in the world, releasing a commercial in which symbols of creativity, color, joy, human passion, and playfulness are piled into the center of a grey concrete void, and crushed by an industrial machine until they become a little Apple-branded rectangle. 

The message is not playing well.

Tweet may have been deleted

And the timing couldn't be worse. Apple is, at long last, pleasing Wall Street by pivoting to AI — even going so far as to ramp up development of a new AI cloud infrastructure project made of its own proprietary chips. As Apple CEO Tim Cook said on an earnings call last week, Apple "believe[s] in the transformative power and promise of AI, and we believe we have advantages that will differentiate us in this new era." 

To that end, yesterday's iPad event contained more usage of the term "AI" than any Apple product presentation in recent memory. AI enhancements are suddenly being injected into Apple creative tools like Photomator, with its ML Enhance tool, and a new Isolate Subjects option in Final Cut Pro. 

No two ways about it: Apple is now an AI company. And with this ad, Apple seems to be blaring that message from a loudspeaker, perhaps a little more loudly than it even intended. Members of the public seeing "Crush" seem to be slowly coming to terms with that eerie new reality. 

Tweet may have been deleted

The same year Apple released its "1984" ad, a little movie called The Terminator debuted, and the folks at Apple may want to take another look at it — or at least (spoiler alert) its final moments. At its core, The Terminator is a love story about the essential qualities of humanity prevailing over artificial intelligence. Was it the concept of love that James Cameron put in a hydraulic press at the finale? Was it creativity? Joy? Passion? No. The movie spoke to humanity's id, because the cathartic ending of The Terminator is the moment when the hideous artificially intelligent machine got crushed.

That's the act of creative destruction people will always want to see, and if you're a technology company right now, it's probably a good idea to keep that in mind.

SAVE UP TO $400: Shop big discounts on robot vacuums, upright vacuums, and handheld grooming vacuums during Amazon Pet Day, which ends at midnight on May 8.

Our top picks: BEST ROBOT VACUUM DEAL Roborock S8+ $759.99 at Amazon (save $240 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST UPRIGHT VACUUM DEAL Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Lift-Away ADV upright vacuum $299.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal BEST HANDHELD VACUUM eufy HomeVac H30 Mate $89.99 at Amazon (save $90) Get Deal

Pet parents, it's your time to shine. Amazon is celebrating National Pet Month with its annual Amazon Pet Day event. The 48-hour sale, which ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 8, offers deals on a variety of pet-related products, including vacuums specifically designed to tackle your pet hair problem.

If the pet hair in your home is overflowing, Pet Day is the perfect time to snag a sweet deal on a robot vacuum, upright vacuum, or handheld grooming vacuum. Just be sure to add them to your cart ASAP, as most of the deals will disappear at midnight.

Best robot vacuum for pets deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Our pick: Roborock S8+ $759.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $240.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

If you have pets and combination flooring in your house, we cannot recommend the Roborock S8+ enough. Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth specifically noted in his review that "this vacuum justifies its cost by making it so much easier to clean up after your pets." It features an extra-large dustbin that can hold pet hair, dust, and debris for 60 days or more, a vibrating mop pad that actually scrubs floors, a very accurate map, obstacle recognition, and a pain-free app experience. Usually $999.99, you can save $240 with an on-page coupon at Amazon for Pet Day and get it for only $759.99. That's the biggest price drop on record.

Read our full review of the Roborock S8+.

More robot vacuum deals

• iRobot Roomba 694 — $179.99 $274.99 (save $95)

• Shark AV2501S AI Ultra — $299.99 $549.99 (save $250)

• Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 — $449.99 $699.99 (save $250)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ — $699 $1,099.99 (save $400.99)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ — $999 $1,399 (save $400)

Best upright vacuum for pets deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Lift-Away ADV upright vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Built to grip and capture stubborn hair on carpets and floors, the Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Life-Away is a solid addition to a pet parent's home cleaning lineup. Its two-brushroll system really digs into carpets, while the self-cleaning brushroll ensures no hair will get tangled up while you roll it across your floors. Meanwhile, the odor neutralizer technology guards against bad odors to freshen up your carpets and home. Regularly $379.99, you can snag it on sale for only $299.99 for Amazon Pet Day — that's 21% in savings and matches its all-time low price.

More upright and stick vacuum deals

• Black+Decker Powerseries Extreme stick vacuum — $124.99 $199.99 (save $75)

• Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach upright vacuum — $135 $175.09 (save $40.09)

• Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe upright vacuum — $149.99 $219.99 (save $70)

• Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro stick vacuum — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Shark IX141 Pet stick vacuum — $179.99 $259.99 (save $80)

• Bissell SurfaceSense Allergen Lift-Off Pet upright vacuum — $219.99 $299.99 (save $80)

• Tineco Floor ONE S3 Breeze cordless vacuum — $229 $369.99 (save $140.99)

• Tineco Pure ONE S15 Pet cordless vacuum — $298.98 $499.99 (save $201.01 with on-page coupon)

• Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Lift-Away ADV upright vacuum — $299.99 $379.99 (save $80)

Best pet grooming vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Our pick: eufy HomeVac H30 Mate $89.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you'd rather tackle pet hair directly from the source — and have an easy way to suck up pet hair from furniture, stairs, and your vehicle — the eufy HomeVac H30 Mate is a solid handheld vacuum that'll get the job done. It only weighs 1.78 pounds, yet offers powerful suction at 80 AW. Its washable filter also makes it easy to clean up after your furry friends without having to constantly replace the filter. It's usually $179.99, but for Pet Day, you can snag it on sale for only $89.99 — that's 50% in savings and its lowest price on record.

More pet grooming vacuum deals

• PETKIT pet grooming kit and vacuum — $71 $89 (save $18)

• Black+Decker furbuster AdvancedClean+ — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus — $79.99 $89.99 (save $10)

• neabot Neakasa P1 Pro pet grooming kit and vacuum — $95.99 $119.99 (save $24)