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'The Office' spinoff: Everything you need to know

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 21:06

The Office fans, rejoice! Peacock has picked up a new comedy series set in the same world as the beloved sitcom.

The as-yet untitled spinoff comes to us courtesy of Greg Daniels, who led the American adaptation of The Office, and Michael Koman (Nathan for You, Girls5eva, How to with John Wilson). While the series does not have a release date yet, Peacock has already announced some key cast members and the new show's plotline.

Here's everything you need to know about The Office spinoff.

SEE ALSO: All 185 episodes of 'The Office,' ranked What is The Office spinoff about?

Even though this new show is set in the same universe as The Office, it doesn't look like we're going back to Scranton, Pennsylvania, or following old Dunder Mifflin employees. Instead, we'll be tagging along with The Office's pivotal (yet unseen) documentary crew on their next project. In a press release issued by Peacock, the series logline reads:

The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to revive it with volunteer reporters.

SEE ALSO: 'The Office' reboot is a good idea — if Michael, Jim, Dwight, and Pam aren't in it Who is in The Office spinoff?

Only two cast members have been announced for The Office spinoff so far, but they're sure to be familiar faces to many viewers. First up is Domhnall Gleeson, who's starred in films like About Time, Ex Machina, and the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Joining him is Sabrina Impacciatore, whose hilarious performance as hotel manager Valentina in The White Lotus Season 2 earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama.

The pair will lead an ensemble cast, with new cast members yet to be announced.

When does The Office spinoff come out?

There is no official airdate for The Office spinoff yet, but Peacock confirmed in its press release that the series will go into production in July. Stay tuned for more news on The Office spinoff!

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Good One' trailer teases a family camping trip taking a dark turn

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 19:00
The trailer for "Good One", India Donaldson’s debut feature about a 17-year-old hiking with her dad and his friend, has dropped.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Leave cleaning up after the cats to self-scooping litter boxes on sale for up to $300 off

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 18:55

Cleaning out the cat's litter box is a job no pet owner relishes. Leave it to the robots with deals on self-scooping litter boxes during Amazon Pet Day:

Best self-scooping litter box deals Best Overall Deal Petkit Self-Cleaning Litter Box $418.99 at Amazon (Save $180.01) Get Deal Best Litter Box for Multiple Cats Meowant Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box $399.89 at Amazon (Save $300.10) Get Deal Best Budget Litter Box Deal PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart Self-Cleaning Litter Box $184.95 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal

Everyone loves cats, but no one wants to clean the litter box. If you're tired of all the scooping up clumps, there's a way to automate things with a self-scooping litter box. It collects your cat's waste and empties it into a sanitary compartment so you never have to get near it (other than when you dump it out). And you can get your own today as part of Amazon Pet Day's ongoing sales.

Until midnight on May 8, you can save up to 40% off multiple self-scooping litter boxes starting at just $184.95. If you're ready for a change, it's time to shop.

Check out our picks for the best litter boxes on offer below.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Petkit Self-Cleaning Litter Box $418.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $180.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Petkit Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a luxurious option for any cat owner that comes with plenty of features to keep your cat comfortable and clean. It has an infrared sensor, remote alerts, and an accident protection system to make things easy for you, too. It has three cleaning modes that can be controlled via app, and it even comes with a special air purifier spray that can help keep the air nice and fresh, even when your cat has just done its business. All waste is sealed into a special bin that traps odors, and while the litter box automatically deodorizes after each use, you can also set up a special schedule on the app for when you'd like it to happen, too. This self-scooping litter box has everything you need for a clean and happy area for your favorite feline friend.

Best litter box for multiple cats Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Meowant Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box $399.89 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $300.10 Get Deal Why we like it

The Meowant Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is an excellent option for multiple cat owners, and it's also a great self-scooping option in general. In addition to looking like some sort of space-age pod, it has 10 different sensors that can detect when your cats approach and use the litter box, which means if it's in the middle of cleaning, it will stop and wait for your cat to finish up. It's also plenty large enough to hold multiple cats' waste. When it does so, it sends all of that nastiness into a separate waste bin that can be filtered out and then disposed of on your schedule.

It's super quiet, and its electric door is large enough for even bigger cats to get in if they need to go. You can also control the litter box with its accompanying app as well, and there's a wide variety of features to make it even more palatable for your discerning cats.

Best budget litter box deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart Self-Cleaning Litter Box $184.95 at Amazon
$229.95 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart Self-Cleaning Litter Box is an affordable smart solution that connects via app so you can see when it needs to be cleaned even when you're away from home. It can be set to run through an automatic cleaning cycle every 20 minutes and can detect when your cat is finished doing its business with sensors that know when your cat enters and leaves the box. It only needs to be changed out once a month, which could be a life-changing timeline for a cat owner used to scooping every day.

Thanks to other connected features like usage alerts and other health-based information that lets you know how your cat is doing, you can even keep your finger on the pulse of your beloved fur friend's health.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get an automatic pet feeder up to $36 off before Amazon Pet Day ends

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 18:40

SAVE UP TO $36: Amazon Pet Day ends at midnight. Shop discounted automatic pet feeders and put your pet's mealtimes on autopilot.

Our top picks: Best automatic dog feeder deal Petlibro Automatic Dog Feeder (6 L) $63.99 at Amazon (save $16 ) Get Deal Best automatic cat feeder deal Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder (5-liter) $74.99 at Amazon (save $15 ) Get Deal Best automatic water dispenser deal Petkit Stainless Steel Automatic Water Dispenser $52.99 at Amazon (save $36.01) Get Deal

If you're a pet parent, you know how hectic life can get. It's easy to worry about whether your furry friend is getting fed on time, especially if you're away from home. Automatic pet feeders can be a huge help in these situations.

SEE ALSO: Grab pet toys on sale during Amazon Pet Day and maximize your furry friend's fun

These handy devices make sure your pet gets meals on a consistent schedule, even when you can't be there. Some of the feeders even work with Alexa or mobile apps, so you can check in and adjust feeding times no matter where you are. It's a great way to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Amazon's annual Pet Day sale is the perfect time to find a great deal on an automatic feeder. But hurry: these deals end at midnight on May 8.

Here are a few of our favorite deals on automatic feeders to get you started:

Best automatic dog feeder deal Opens in a new window Credit: PETLIBRO Our pick: Petlibro Automatic Dog Feeder (6-liter) $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Petlibro Automatic Dog Feeder (6-liter) features a built-in custom recording function, so you can record a voice message for your pet to hear during mealtime. It also has an LCD screen displaying the meal schedule and portion sizes, allowing you to customize and control your pet's feeding routine with the touch of a button. Additionally, the Petlibro Automatic Dog Feeder has a large capacity of six liters, ensuring that your furry friend's meals can last for days. The lock-lid top keeps food fresh and secure.

Best automatic cat feeder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Petlibro Our pick: Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder (5L) $74.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder (5-liter) is even snazzier than its dog counterpart. This feeder features WiFi connectivity and can be controlled via the Petlibro app on your smartphone. With enough flexibility to feed your feline up to 10 meals per day with one-half cup portions, you can easily customize your cat's feeding schedule to meet their dietary needs.

It allows you to pre-record a personalized voice message that will play during mealtime to comfort and reassure your cat. You can record up to 10 different messages so your cat will never get bored of hearing the same one over and over again.

With smart notifications enabled, you'll receive alerts on your phone whenever your cat has been fed or if the food supply is running low.

Best automatic water dispenser deal Opens in a new window Credit: Petkit Our pick: Petkit Stainless Steel Automatic Water Dispenser $52.99
$89.00 Save $36.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Petkit Stainless Steel Automatic Water Dispenser is our top pick for pet hydration. Its quiet pump ensures gentle and quiet water flow, perfect for pets who are easily startled or noise-sensitive.

It’s not cordless, but it does connect to your home's WiFi network. You can check on it remotely through the Petkit app on your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your pet's water consumption and refill the dispenser as needed.

More automatic feeder and water dispenser deals:
Categories: IT General, Technology

'Twisters' trailer: Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones chase gnarly tornadoes

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 18:34
"Twisters," starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, hits theaters July 19. Trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Would you trade in your iPad for a free Pixel tablet? Google is making your dreams come true.

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 18:22

Sure, you could replace your old iPad with a new one. But what if you got an Android tablet for free instead?

That's a deal Google is currently running on its U.S. online marketplace, anyway, as spotted by Android Police. Google will give you a Pixel Tablet (first released in 2023) for free if you trade in an iPad — and it can be as old as 2018's sixth-gen iPad.

SEE ALSO: 2024 iPad Air hands-on: Call me greedy, but I want more What do you actually get for trading in an iPad?

Technically speaking, Google is offering $399 in trade-in value for these iPads — and that just so happens to be the new price for the Pixel Tablet as of this week. The only problem with this whole arrangement is that Google stopped including the Pixel Tablet's signature speaker dock with the tablet as part of the price drop. You can buy it separately for $129.

So, in other words, be warned that trading in your old iPad for a Pixel Tablet means you won't get the whole Pixel Tablet experience. The speaker dock turns the tablet into a little desktop TV, which I felt gave the device a unique identity that other tablets don't necessarily have out of the box. Without it, it's just another Android tablet.

Still, free is free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save up to $60 on a pet DNA kit during the final hours of Amazon Pet Day

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 18:20

Ever wondered which breed your dog really is or how your cat's dental health is going? Wonder no more thanks to these great deals on pet DNA kits during the last day of Amazon Pet Day.

Best pet DNA kits at Amazon Pet Day Best pet DNA kit for dogs AncestryDNA dog breed identification test $78 at Amazon (save $21) Get Deal Best pet DNA kit for cats Basepaws cat DNA test $99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best dog DNA kit for fast results Embark Breed & Health dog DNA test $139 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best dog DNA kit for locating relatives Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery dog DNA kit $67.99 at Amazon (save $17) Get Deal

Knowing your dog or cat's genetic makeup might initially seem like just scratching a curiosity itch, but the knowledge they reveal can be useful. Genetic testing for your pets can give you insights into their behavior, common health issues of their specific breed, and introduce you to their relatives. If any of this piques your interest, Amazon Pet Day has some great deals on pet DNA kits for both cats and dogs.

Hurry to grab these deals because Amazon Pet Day ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Here are the best pet DNA kit deals we've found so far:

Best pet DNA kit for dogs Opens in a new window Credit: AncestryDNA Our pick: AncestryDNA dog breed identification test $78.00 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $21.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The AncestryDNA dog breed identification kit is simple to use: collect a saliva sample, pack it up, and send it off. In about two to six weeks, you'll get detailed online results that give specifics about your dog's genetic makeup. Ancestry will list which breed (or breeds) are present in your dog with percentages of each. These details can help explain not only physical characteristics but personality traits and common behaviors, too.

Best pet DNA kit for cats Opens in a new window Credit: Basepaws Our pick: Basepaws cat DNA test $99.00 at Amazon
$159.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While swabbing your cat's gums and teeth might not sound like the best day ever, the results are worth the effort. The Basepaws cat DNA test comes back with results that'll indicate your cat's breed (or breeds), as well as common traits. Basepaws scans for over 21 breeds and 25 genetic traits.

Another benefit is the medical read-out that comes with the analysis. Basepaws screens for over 40 genetic diseases and gives you an oral health report. Both of these elements can help with early detection of potential future health issues and clue you in on the mouth health of your pet.

Best dog DNA kit with fast results Opens in a new window Credit: Embark Our pick: Embark Breed & Health dog DNA test $139.00 at Amazon
$159.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a return time between two and four weeks, the Embark Breed & Health dog DNA test can be a great option if you're looking for fast results. Embark developed the test in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine to use research-grade genotyping. The test scans for relations to over 350 dog breeds and even includes dingoes, coyotes, and wolves.

The DNA test also looks at over 250 genetic health conditions to help you and your vet better care for your dog's needs. And if you have questions about the results, check in with one of Embark's vets or genetic experts.

Best dog DNA kit for locating relatives Opens in a new window Credit: Wisdom Health Our pick: Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery dog DNA kit $67.99 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Finding out a distant cousin lives in Paris can be a pretty exciting discovery. Finding your dog's sibling lives one town over is arguably even more exciting. The Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery dog DNA kit scans a large breed database and then allows you to see photos, compare genetic testing results, and even send messages (imagine the playdate possibilities). Wisdom Panel says the company has found relative matches for over 99.9% of the 3 million dogs they've tested.

The test also gives a clear breakdown of breeds present and tests for medical sensitivities, which can let you know if your dog is more likely to have a reaction to certain medications.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Save $50 on the Skylight digital picture frame — a sweet Mother's Day gift idea

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 17:58
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Skylight digital picture frame (10-inch) $119.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon (save $170.04) Get Deal BEST PET DEAL Tractive GPS tracker for dogs $29.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST SECURITY DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen) 5-camera system $199.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

There are always deals to be found at Amazon — and we're pros at spotting the ones actually worth your money. You'd be surprised how many discounts look good on paper, but actually are too good to be true. Lucky for you, we've sorted through pages of deals and handpicked a few gems.

Between Mother's Day sales and Amazon's Pet Day discounts, there are some great options for you to shop on May 8. Here are the best Amazon deals of the day.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Skylight Amazon deal of the day: Skylight digital picture frame (10-inch) $119.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

At a loss for what to get mom for Mother's Day? A digital picture frame serves as a modern and convenient way to display her favorite memories and show off all of her favorite people and adventures. The Skylight 10-inch frame is a solid budget pick that lets you load it up with pictures by connecting to a WiFi network. It offers something a lot of other digital frames don't have: local storage and touch-based controls, so it's ideal for moms who aren't always connected. The downside? Its screen isn't as pristine as more expensive options might be.

It's on sale for just $119.99 for Mother's Day at Amazon — that's 29% off its usual price and matches its all-time low price from Black Friday season.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170.04 Get Deal

Traveling this summer? You're going to want some noise-canceling headphones. As Mashable's Alex Perry noted in his review, "It's hard to find a pair of over-ear headphones with a better all-around experience than Beats Studio Pro." The sound is top-notch, the battery life is highly impressive (24 hours with ANC turned on; up to 40 without), and they work equally as well for iOS and Android users. The only thing that's not so great is their price (reg. $349.99). Fortunately, after the release of the Beats Solo 4, older-generation Beats headphones are seeing big discounts. As of May 8, you can snag the Beats Studio Pros for only $179.95 — that's 49% in savings and just $10 shy of their all-time low.

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Pro.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tractive Tractive GPS tracker for dogs $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Thanks to Amazon's Pet Day deals, you can snag the Tractive GPS tracker for dogs on sale for just $29.99. That's 40% off its usual price and matches its all-time low price. A solid pet tracker on a budget, the Tractive GPS collar packs a bundle of features like a waterproof design, fast and accurate notifications, robust customization (including virtual fences) via the companion app, in-depth activity monitoring, and a built-in light.

"Although the lackluster battery life can be a pain to stay on top of, the tracker features enough bells and whistles to make it worth its low price compared to more expensive options," Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Dylan Haas concluded in his review.

Read our full review of the Tractive GPS collar.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen) 5-camera system $199.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Great for pet owners, frequent travelers, or any homeowner looking to keep an eye on their abode, the Blink Outdoor 4 is one of our top overall picks for a security camera. The Amazon-owned security camera works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, comes with customizable motion zones without the need for a subscription (although, a Blink subscription will unlock even more features), and has a battery life that's hard to beat. Once you pop in the AAs you won't have to worry about changing them for two years. This five-camera system lets you outfit your home's entire perimeter for only $199.99 as of May 8 — that's 50% in savings and matches this particular bundle's all-time low price.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's thin new iPad Pro with OLED and M4 is already $50 off at Best Buy

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 17:34

SAVE $50: As of May 8, My Best Buy Plus and Total members get $50 off when pre-ordering either size and any configuration of the new Apple iPad Pro (starting at $949).

Quick links: 11-inch model Apple iPad Pro Starting at $949 with paid My Best Buy membership (save $50) Get Deal 13-inch model Apple iPad Pro Starting at $1,249 with paid My Best Buy membership (save $50) Get Deal unlock the deal My Best Buy Plus or Total membership $49.99/year or $179.99/year Join Now

Less than 24 hours after its reveal at Apple's Tuesday "Let Loose" event, the latest iPad Pro is already $50 off at Best Buy — but not for everyone.

Paid Plus and Total members of the retailer's My Best Buy program are the sole enjoyers of its exclusive preorder discount, which applies to both 11- and 13-inch sizes of the premium tablet in every configuration. That includes the variants with cellular connectivity and those with its new nano-texture glass (matte) display option.

If you haven't upgraded to a premium My Best Buy membership yet, your cheapest option is the Plus tier, which costs $49.99 per year for perks like free two-day shipping, extended 60-day returns, and access to members-only discounts. (In this one's case, it's basically paying for itself.) For those who value a little extra peace of mind, a Total plan adds 24/7 Geek Squad support, up to two years of product protection on most purchases — including AppleCare+ — and a 20% discount on repairs for $179.99 per year.

SEE ALSO: Everything Apple announced during its iPad event, including new OLED iPad Pro

To give a quick recap of Tuesday's keynote, the all-new iPad Pro has been majorly overhauled since its previous iteration. It boasts a remarkably thin and lightweight design — it's even slimmer than its just-announced Air counterpart — and it's powered by a fast new M4 chip that hasn't even made it over to the Mac lineup yet. It also boasts a bright new Ultra Retina XDR display featuring "tandem" (stacked) OLED panels for pure, inky blacks and excellent contrast.

The new iPad Pro will officially launch on Wednesday, May 15 alongside its new Magic Keyboard ($299+), a new Apple Pencil Pro ($129), and the new iPad Air ($599+). Those three were also available for preorder at the time of writing, but the iPad Pro is the only brand-new Apple product that's received a discount thus far.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the deal was only available to My Best Buy Plus members. It's actually open to both Plus and Total subscribers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab pet toys on sale during Amazon Pet Day and maximize your furry friend's fun

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 17:16

AMAZON PET DAY DEALS: May 8th is Amazon Pet Day. Get deals on enrichment toys, apparel, and more. These deals end at midnight.

Our top picks: Best dog toy deal Nina Ottoson Dog Twister treat puzzle $6.84 at Amazon (save $10.15) Get Deal Best cat toy deal Nina Ottoson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play cat puzzle game $12.20 at Amazon (save $6.79) Get Deal Best rabbit toy deal Stacking Cups (8-Piece) $8.09 at Amazon (save $0.90) Get Deal

It’s National Pet Month, and Amazon is celebrating with its annual Amazon Pet Day sale. This 48-hour event (ending at 11:59 p.m. on May 8) offers incredible deals and discounts on a wide range of pet products, from toys to treats and everything in between.

Now’s your chance to upgrade your pet's playtime and stock up on their favorite goodies. In addition to standard playtime favorites like balls, squeaky toys, and ropes, Amazon has hundreds of deals on interactive and engaging toys and puzzles designed to keep your pet entertained for hours.

SEE ALSO: The best dog puzzles to occupy your pup and keep them mentally stimulated

These enrichment toys challenge your pet's mind with puzzles, treat-dispensing features, and interactive elements. They encourage problem-solving and natural instincts like sniffing and foraging.

Here are some of our favorite deals on enrichment toys for pets during Amazon Pet Day:

Best dog toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nina Ottoson Our pick: Nina Ottoson Dog Twister treat puzzle $6.84 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $10.15 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nina Ottoson Dog Twister treat puzzle is our top pick for dogs. It works with just about any training-sized treat, and the interactive triangle block compartments keep your dog engaged and entertained as they work to find the hidden treats. Even better, this top-rated puzzle toy is available for just $6.84, down from $16.99. That’s a 60% discount.

More enrichment toys for dogs: Best cat toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nina Ottoson Our pick: Nina Ottoson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play cat puzzle game $12.20 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $6.79 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nina Ottoson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play cat puzzle game is our favorite pick for cats. This interactive puzzle with bug-shaped interactive elements has 16 separate compartments and requires your cat to use their paws and nose to uncover the hidden treats. It can also be used for daily feeding to stimulate your cat's mind and encourage natural hunting behaviors.

Plus, it's currently on sale for only $12.20. That’s a 36% discount.

More enrichment toys for cats:Best rabbit toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mooydee Our pick: Stacking Cups (8-piece) $8.09 at Amazon
$8.99 Save $0.90 Get Deal Why we like it

Dogs and cats aren’t the only pets who can enjoy interactive toys. This eight-piece Stacking Cups set is our top pick for rabbits. The cups feature small holes so you can hide treats or pieces of hay inside, providing mental stimulation and encouraging foraging behavior. (It’s kind of like Montessori for rabbits.) The discount isn’t significant, but bunnies love these little nesting toys. Just look at Instagram, and you'll find countless adorable bunnies playing with these cups.

More enrichment toys for rabbits, hampsters, and gerbils:
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to set up Siri on your iPhone

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 17:02

If you've been saying "Hey, Siri!" to your iPhone only for Apple's digital assistant to ignore you completely (rude), chances are the function hasn't been enabled yet.

In order for Siri to work, you'll need to enable it on your iPhone before you can have the assistant perform tasks like texting your friends or searching the internet hands-free. The process is a simple one and should only take you a minute or two. Here's what you need to do.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new AI: 3 ways Siri could beat ChatGPT How to activate Siri Total Time
  • 5 min
What You Need
  • iPhone

Step 1: Go to your iPhone settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap "Siri & Search".

Find "Siri & Search" in your iPhone settings Credit: Andy Moser / Apple

Step 3: Tap the switch at the top to turn it green and enable "Listen for 'Hey, Siri'".

How it'll look when Siri is fully enabled on your iPhone Credit: Andy Moser / Apple

Step 4: Your iPhone will prompt you to set up "Hey, Siri" — tap "Continue".

Step 5: You'll be asked to say a series of phrases into your phone.

This calibrates Siri and helps the software understand and react to your individual voice.

Step 6: Then just tap "Done" and "Hey Siri" is successfully set up.

You can now say "Hey Siri" and ask Siri to do a number of different commands, such as calling your mom.

You can also access Siri by using a button on your iPhone (rather than your voice). Again, you'll find this option in your iPhone settings in "Siri & Search."

Under "Listen for 'Hey, Siri'" you'll see an option that says "Press Side Button for Siri" (or, if you have an iPhone model that still has a "Home" button, it'll say "Press Home Button for Siri." Tap the switch on the right to turn it green, which will enable you to hold your side button or Home button to bring up Siri.

Once you have both "Listen for 'Hey, Siri'" and "Press Side/Home button for Siri activated, your Siri & Search settings should look like this:

How it'll look when Siri is fully enabled on your iPhone Credit: Andy Moser / Apple

Siri is now enabled on your iPhone! So next time you say, "Hey, Siri!" she might actually answer you.

Now you're set up, try the 10 best Siri Shortcuts to save you time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best graduation gifts for her: 50 gift ideas for college grads

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 16:41

Springtime means bright blooms, longer days, and a new class that's getting ready to graduate college. And if you’re here, that means you’re preparing to look on proudly as a young woman accepts her diploma and takes her first steps into the real world of adulthood. 

Whether she’s your daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend, or best friend, you know how much hard work she put in to get here — so you definitely want to find the perfect gift for her to celebrate how far she’s come.

Depending on her interests and upcoming life milestones, your grad might have more practical items on her wishlist, like kitchen appliances for her new apartment or a laptop to tackle her dream WFH job. Or, she might want something a little more fun — such as a cool gadget — or something more heartfelt, like jewelry. 

The fact is that there are plenty of ways to say "congratulations,” and you can go as sentimental or as utilitarian as you want. Either way, you want to make her feel special and accomplished for earning her degree — and we’ve carefully curated this gift guide to make sure you pick a gift she'll love.

Check out 50 of our suggestions to shower the college grad with love on her big day:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best gifts for grandma: Ideas for your nana, abuela, or oma

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 16:40

Grandmas are often stereotyped as frail and out of touch, but those aren't the grandmas we know.

Contrary to ageist stereotypes, grandmothers can be into anything: tech, pop culture, even powerlifting. And when the holiday season rolls around every year, it's up to you to find a gift that makes her feel seen and heard — not just as a matriarch, but as a person.

SEE ALSO: Here's where all the best Black Friday 2021 deals will be

Maybe that seems like a big ask. Maybe you're tempted to cop out and get her (yet another) pair of slippers. But here's the thing: You can do so much better than that, and all it takes is a little quality time spent with your grandma to get to know her interests.

Now, setting aside those few hours to chat with Nana, Nonna, Oma, Abuela, Yia-Yia, Mimi, Geema, Gramms — whatever you call her — might be all she wants from you this year, in all honesty. But just in case you feel like going in with your siblings or cousins and getting her something a bit... well, more, we've got you covered.

Here's our list of the best gifts for grandmas, from nostalgic picks to the latest and greatest gadgets.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What to give someone celebrating her first Mother's Day

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 16:38

PSA: Mother's Day 2024 is on Sunday, May 12. You can thank us later.

Mother's Day is an extra exciting holiday for moms who are celebrating for the first time since the arrival of their little bundle of joy. Getting a gift for a new mom is different than shopping for someone who has a few Mother's Days under their belt. You can go all out with the flowers, mugs, and jewelry because, hey, that cliché gift collection has to start somewhere.

SEE ALSO: Here's what to get your mom for Mother's Day if she's a 'cool mom'

A first Mother's Day is special and you want the new mom to feel it. Opt for something sentimental if she's someone who loves sappy gifts. Or treat her to something that will allow her to feel pampered. For a nice added touch, cosign the gift from the new little one — it'll probably be a while before they start picking out their own Mother's Day gifts anyway.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 40+ best gift ideas for the woman in your life

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 16:16

Buying gifts for the special women in your life can be tricky. What do you buy a person who has everything? What should you gift to someone who's picky about their products?

Our advice is to curate a gift according to her interests and personality. A gift for the lady in your life should be just that: A gift for her. Specifically.

If you don't know enough about the lady you're buying for to purchase an ultra-curated gift, go for something useful from a popular brand. Think: a nice set of towels from Brooklinen, or a tasty-smelling candle from Homesick. Skip the kitschy gift this year and opt for something high-quality that she'll actually use.

SEE ALSO: The best gifts for teenage girls, according to teenage girls

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to get you started on your important mission: Finding the gift of all gifts for the lady in your life, filled with classics that will be useful for years to come, and viral products that will keep her on-trend. From tech products to beauty must-haves, there's a gift for every lady on this list.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best sentimental Mother's Day gifts

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 16:15

Moms: We owe them the world. After all, they gave us one. Literally.

There are a lot of ways to show your mom how much you love them on Mother's Day, but nothing hits quite like a gift that's truly sentimental. You know, a gift that really means something. One that will cause your mom to get a little misty with just one look. (Gifting is the only time you should be making your mom cry, by the way. No sad tears here.)

SEE ALSO: Here's what to get your mom for Mother's Day if she's a 'cool mom'

That's a tall order, though. A sentimental gift requires creativity as well as earnestness, and not everyone is a gifted gift-giver. But we are, and if you need some ideas, we've got you covered.

Below you'll find sentimental Mother's Day gift options that will have your mom saying "awwww, kiddo" for years to come.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Mother's Day gifts: Show mom some love

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 16:14

Mother figures are the backbone of the world. Yours may be your biological mother, or maybe she's your mother-in-law, your best friend's mom, or simply someone whose motherly instinct has helped you through hard times.

Moms teach you the adulting necessities, give advice even if the problem is your fault, and above all, they put up with your shit and (almost) never complain.

The game plan here isn't just to snag the last bouquet at CVS just so you're not the kid who forgot Mother's Day (but definitely also get flowers). And you don't even need to spend a lot of money. (Peep our list of Mother's Day gifts that cost less than $50. Want even more cheap gift ideas?

SEE ALSO: The best gifts for her

Skip the generic mugs and show your appreciation with a gift picked just for her: Whether it's something to make a part of her life easier, something she's mentioned wanting in passing, or simply something to make her feel like a damn queen, you can't put a price on everything she's done for you, but heartfelt gifts certainly help.

After all, they say "No matter how hard you try, you always end up like your mother." But is that even a bad thing?

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use Instagram's 'Reveal' sticker

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 15:34

Instagram has added a bunch of new features for Stories, offering users new ways to share posts, photos, and videos with their followers.

The latest additions to the app's roster of tools include some that are interactive, like "Reveal": a way to post a hidden, blurred story that will only reveal itself once a follower sends a DM. This could be a fun new way to connect with followers, but it's unclear how many people will actually turn to using the sticker.

If you want to be one to try it out, here's how to do it.

How to use Reveal on Instagram Total Time
  • 2 minutes.
What You Need
  • Instagram app
  • Smartphone

Step 1: Go to the Story tab on the top left-side corner of the Instagram homepage, and click on "Create".

Credit: Instagram.

Step 2: Place a picture of your choice from your camera roll.

Step 3: Click on the Stickers icon, and select "Reveal".

Step 4: Here, you'll be prompted to add a hint for your followers that will help them unveil the hidden picture.

You can also click the "Preview" button to see what the story will look like to followers.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Instagram.

Step 5: Post!

Once you post the story, friends can reply to it with a DM. They will only be able to see the picture once they reply.

Featured Video For You How to deactivate your Instagram account
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia online for free

Mashable - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 15:20

TL;DR: Live sttream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free on SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It really doesn't get much tougher than cycling. We'll be honest and say that we don't fully understand the appeal of setting out in the morning to punish yourself over long climbs through potentially miserable conditions, but this sort of thing clearly works for a lot of people, because we see plenty of enthusiasts out there on the roads every day.

What we can see the appeal of is watching the very best cyclists in the world going wheel to wheel in one of the most prestigious cycling events on the calendar. We're talking about the Giro d'Italia, and we've got all the information you need to watch this year's event.

What is the Giro d’Italia?

The Giro d'Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy. The Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's most prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours, and is arguably the world's second most important stage race after the Tour de France.

When is the 2024 Giro d’Italia?

The 2024 Giro d'Italia is the 107th edition of the famous race. This year's event takes place from May 4 to May 26.

How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free

It's possible to live stream the 2024 Giro d'Italia for free on these streaming platforms:

These free streaming services are geo-restricted to their country of origin, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from anywhere else in the world. That is unless you're using 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 free streaming platforms from any location.

Stream the 2024 Giro d'Italia for free 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 Australia, Belgium, or Italy

  4. Visit SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay

  5. Watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia 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 money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these guarantees, you can watch Giro d’Italia live streams without committing with your cash. This is a sneaky trick, but it works.

What is the best VPN for Giro d’Italia?

There are a lot of streaming-friendly VPNs out there for you to consider, but ExpressVPN is probably the best service for live streaming top sporting events. ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming the Giro d’Italia, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria, Belgium, and Italy

  • 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 heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to watch 2024 Giro d’Italia and then recover your investment with the money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Most Common PIN numbers

Information is beautiful - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 12:56

Chip and PIN card, phone passcode, hotel safe – how predictable is your chosen PIN number?

3.4 million data points visualized from several data breaches.

Created by the late great Nick Berry of Data Genetics (redesigned and used with permission). He wrote a great data story around this which is also worth a read.

Published in our book, Knowledge is Beautiful.

» See the visualisation

Categories: IT General, Technology
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