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TikTok might launch ChatGPT-generated search results

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:26

TikTok is reportedly playing around with AI-generated search results.

According to screenshots obtained by The Verge, the social media giant is set to introduce a tool called "AI Smart Search" with material generated by ChatGPT. As per a separate page about the search results, TikTok says it will display this content when the algorithm "finds them relevant to your search."

SEE ALSO: Is the White House being hypocritical about TikTok?

Essentially, the app is reportedly testing AI-generated summaries appearing at the top of search results only for certain queries. The Verge found these for search terms like "best laptops" and specific recipes. These highlights appear at the top of some pages with the label "AI Search highlights", and summarize key information, a concept similar to the AI-powered summaries being implemented by Yelp, Slack, and Amazon.

It's not yet clear whether this feature is rolling out officially yet. A few quick searches on my own TikTok account did not result in any AI-generated highlights. Mashable has reached out to TikTok for comment.

Featured Video For You How to block people on TikTok

The news comes shortly after TikTok announced a new approach to watermarking AI-generated content, applying these labels automatically to content made offsite.

Last year, TikTok was spotted integrating Google results and Wikipedia summaries in-app, too. The integration of these third-party providers wasn't surprising: for years, TikTok has transformed into a search engine itself, especially for its Gen-Z users.

Meanwhile, TikTok is fighting an external battle in the U.S., currently opposing a bill that requires the app's parent company, ByteDance, to divest in order to remain accessible in the country. If TikTok fails to comply, the app may face a total ban.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Cicadas love to land on people. Experts explain why.

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:15

Even on an Air Force base tarmac, a cicada landed on the president's neck.

The spectacular emergence of a double brood of cicadas in 2024, with some 1.5 million of the harmless insects emerging per acre in some places, will result in cicadas landing on people's shirts, arms, hair, and...beyond — just as the impressive insects did in 2021. But the bugs have no real interest in people: After 13 or 17 years of munching on roots underground, the periodical broods emerge to hastily mate and lay eggs.

So what's going on? When cicadas emerge, they seek out trees, the places where they often congregate, mate, and ultimately lay eggs on the ends of branches. And to a cicada, trees and people have similarities.

"Cicadas land on people because they strongly resemble trees," explained Eric Day, an entomologist and cicada expert at Virginia Tech. "It's rare to see a cicada on the ground."

SEE ALSO: Bed bug outbreaks are real. Here's what experts want you to know.

"Insects that utilize trees are strongly attracted to upright dark silhouettes and a human standing on an open area is close enough," added Day. "So cicadas and wood-boring beetles will go right towards any dark upright object."

That's why if you're standing on a flat runway, like President Biden, a cicada may be keen to find you. "You might be the tallest structure out there," mused Day.

"You might be the tallest structure out there."

The latest cicada emergence involves two different periodical broods, which are groups that emerge in 13 or 17 year cycles, that haven't emerged together in over two centuries, since 1803 (Brood XIII and Brood XIX). They're appearing in regions of the Midwest and Southeast, as shown in a map below.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The sheer number of cicadas that emerge over a short time in spring also likely plays a role in the cicada landings, noted George Hamilton, the chair of the Department of Entomology at Rutgers University. With potentially millions of bugs around, a structure-seeking insect is more likely to find you.

Cicadas are indeed cacophonous as males vigorously vibrate their abdomens to attract mates. But they are no threat to people. And the cicadas' short-lived emergence is a great boon to wildlife.

A U.S. Forest Service map showing the 2024 emergence of cicada broods. The red region shows Brood XIII; the blue shows Brood XIX; and the yellow shows where their emergences overlap. Credit: USDA Forest Service

"Birds snatch them up, mammals easily spot them, and insect predators consume their fill," Robert Furey, a behavioral ecologist and entomologist at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, told Mashable in 2020 when a different brood, Brood IX, emerged. "Every predator with a taste for cicada flesh takes advantage of the easy prey."

"It’s an incredibly amazing biological phenomenon." Tweet may have been deleted

Though human development and urbanization in some places may slash the number of cicadas in some places (the bugs can't bore through pavement), President Biden can probably attest that the emergences are robust.

"It’s an incredibly amazing biological phenomenon," Day told Mashable.

This story originally published during the emergence of Brood X in 2021 and has been updated.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 14

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:14

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 14 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 14

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, May 14, 2024:

AcrossKind of board for a séance
  • The answer is Ouija.

Building add-on
  • The answer is annex.

Info accompanying an artist's name on a museum placard
  • The answer is title.

Be a tattletale
  • The answer is tell.

___ as a fox
  • The answer is sly.

DownPlant-based milk option
  • The answer is oat.

Meters, miles, milliliters, etc.
  • The answer is units.

What a file marked "Top Secret" may contain
  • The answer is intel.

Powdered donut's filling
  • The answer is jelly.

Figure skater's leap
  • The answer is axel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dataviz of the Months – May 2024

Information is beautiful - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:10

Every month we pick and share some of our favourite infographics, visualisations and data stories. Here’s what we found in our work folders and around the web.

CREATED BY US

» The most controversial moderation decisions made by Facebook’s “Supreme Court”
» Why the US Senate’s military aid boost for Ukraine is so crucial for its war with Russia
» Definitions of marriage, morphing from 1600 to the present day

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI isn't just competing with Google Search. It's coming for Google Assistant, Alexa & Siri, too.

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:00

It's not a search engine; it's a voice assistant.

When OpenAI randomly shared late last week that it would have a big announcement to kick off Monday, rumors swirled. Was OpenAI planning to try to overshadow the planned Google I/O event that the search giant had already scheduled for the following day, Tuesday? Was OpenAI about to drop a ChatGPT-powered search engine to compete with Google?

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman seemed to dispel those rumors quickly. Then Monday came, and OpenAI announced its new AI model that combines text, vision, and audio called GPT-4o, which would be free for all ChatGPT users.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI introduces GPT-4o and a new public image as your BFF

While ChatGPT will still have a paid tier, this new free AI model certainly puts OpenAI's non-paid offerings in line with what Google's AI model, Gemini, provides its users cost-free.

In addition, the GPT store filled with third-party chatbots for ChatGPT will no longer be exclusively for paying users but also for free users, opening a whole array of different third-party developer-made ChatGPT capabilities for millions of people.

For better or for worse (and I'd argue for worse), ChatGPT is undoubtedly eating into Google's search user base. Some internet users prefer chatbots for information instead of search engines. And this latest GPT model will certainly further that.

While this may dampen any free AI-related offerings Google is planning to unveil at Google I/O, the main focus of the announcement was the multimodal voice assistant, which was the real shot across the bow from OpenAI.

ChatGPT showcases the best voice assistant so far

Google likely breathed a sigh of relief after hearing ChatGPT wasn't launching a search engine. However, the voice assistant ChatGPT showed off on Monday should worry all the companies that have integrated voice assistants into their products — from Google Assistant to Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri.

Put aside what you think of voice assistants and whether you use them as part of your daily routine and watch this:

Tweet may have been deleted

The ChatGPT voice assistant easily appears to be the best on the market. Its voice is far and away more realistic than that of voice assistants that have been on the market for years. It just sounds more human than any of its competitors, from the tone of voice to the emotions displayed when speaking.

Furthermore, the voice assistant's ability to do all that while interacting with visuals basically kills off the array of new, kitschy AI hardware like the Rabbit R1 and the Humane AI Pin. The overwhelming critique for these products was that they didn't work so well initially. However, their utility now appears to be deemed entirely obsolete. I wouldn't say Google Assistant-powered Home devices are obsolete like these AI wearables, but they now sound very…outdated.

Also, recent reports suggest Apple has been working with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to the iPhone and that Apple is looking to update its AI voice assistant, Siri. Does OpenAI's new ChatGPT voice assistant factor in with Apple, Google's most significant mobile device competitor?

OpenAI's latest announcements won't distract from Google I/O. But these new OpenAI announcements will be fresh on everyone's mind. So, even more eyeballs will be on Google's event to see what they have in store.

Of course, this all assumes OpenAI can deliver an end product comparable to what it showed off at today's event. But if they can, will Google be able to respond in kind? We'll soon find out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Listen to podcasts on tons of topics with this app for 66% off

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: As of May 13, listening to your favorite podcasts just got a lot easier with lifetime access to a Player FM Premium Plan, on sale for $39.99.

With an abundance of new podcasts coming to the surface each day, you’ll likely never run out of content to listen to. Make your commute, workout, or trip more enjoyable by tuning into one of 50+ million podcast episodes on the Player FM app.

This lifetime membership gives you access to both an independent library and a hub for podcasts from other platforms, where you can listen to playlists, full play history, and resume playback on a variety of devices including iPhone, Android, web, Apple Watch, and Apple CarPlay — and it's on sale for $39.99, down 66% from $120.

You’ll especially love how Player FM syncs and organizes all of your podcasts from across various platforms. Tune in offline when Wi-Fi isn’t available and continue listening without having to rely on an internet connection. Check out the turbo fetch feature and get the latest episodes as soon as they hit the platform. 

With a wide variety of topics, you can search shows, episodes and subscriptions depending on which vibe you’re feeling that day. Listen to serial shows, news, business, or comedy podcasts (just to name a few). Find out what’s trending and never miss a beat.

For a limited time, get a Player FM Premium Plan lifetime membership for only $39.99 (reg. $120).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media Player FM - Podcast Player Premium Plan: Lifetime Membership $39.99 at the Mashable Shop
$120.00 Save $80.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Need more 'Fallout'? You can play 'Fallout 76' on Xbox for only $5.99

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Explore the world of Fallout 76 on Xbox for $5.99 (save $64), featuring new quests, enemies, and the largest Fallout map ever.

Welcome to the support group for those who got addicted to Amazon Prime's new Fallout series and now have to wait at least a year for the next season. Some of us are coping by jumping into the video games, and you might be surprised by how affordable it is to play the newest game in the franchise. You can get a Fallout 76 CD key for Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S for $5.99 (reg. $69.99), savings of 91%.

Unlock hours and hours of gaming content

Fallout 76 is the ninth game in the franchise, and it’s actually a prequel where you and other characters are living under the threat of nuclear annihilation. It’s also the largest Fallout world yet, so there’s a lot of content to explore:

  • New storyline: Travel to new locations, battle new enemies, collect new weapons, and work on a new reputation system.

  • C.A.M.P. (Construction and Assembly Mobile Platform): Customize and defend your own settlement.

  • New quests: Uncover unique adventures and mysteries.

  • Limited-time challenges: After completing tasks under a time limit, you can earn rare prizes and goods to use within the game.

Defend your world alone or with friends

Play solo or online with friends in Fallout 76. This does mean you’ll need an Xbox Live account to download and install the game, and an online multiplayer subscription like Game Pass or Ultimate (sold separately).

However, the game is still being updated regularly. Check out the April 2024 release notes with the latest improvements and bug fixes.

Will you survive? Find out for just $5.99 (reg. $69.99) with the Fallout 76 CD key for Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bethesda Game Studios 'Fallout 76' (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, CD Key) $5.99 at the Mashable Shop
$69.99 Save $64.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $90 wireless car adapter lets you stream music and movies on road trips

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Turn your car into an entertainment streaming hub for your entire crew with this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter, on sale for $89.99 (reg. $129.99).

Hitting the road for your summer trips can be a lot of fun. That is until the kids start bickering, repeatedly asking to stop and whining about how long it's taking. An easy way to prevent most of that frustration is by giving them access to their favorite streaming services on the road. This PLAYAIBOX wireless car adapter can do just that, and it's on sale for $89.99 (reg. $129.99).

This handy little adapter is a bridge between your car’s infotainment system and your smartphone, enabling you to access maps, music, contact lists, and more directly from your dashboard without the hassle of wires.

It offers built-in YouTube and Netflix access, so you never run out of content to keep the little ones happily quiet while you drive to your destination. If you want more viewing options, you can even download apps like Spotify, Hulu, and Disney+ from the integrated Google Play Store.

So, while the adapter's all about making your trip better, keep in mind that video streaming is just for passengers to enjoy. Safety on the road comes first, always. It's up to the driver to think about the risks of using this gadget and to drive safely.

While it doesn't have a built-in GPS, you can use the phone mirroring feature to cast your favorite navigation app onto your dash display screen. It is compatible with over 800 vehicle models, 2016 to the present, with OEM wired CarPlay and touchscreen. You also need to have iOS 10.0 or Android 11.0 and above to use this.

Try to make your road trips as enjoyable as possible with this wireless car adapter that can turn your dash screen into an entertainment center.

Get the PLAYAIBOX Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter with streaming service support while it's on sale for $89.99 (reg. $129).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support $89.99 at the Mashable Shop
$129.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

This tablet docking station adds 8 ports to your device — now 21% off

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Score this 8-in-1 tablet docking stand for only $54.99 and declutter your desk.

In the same way that many tech manufacturers no longer provide charging bricks with new devices, you might have noticed that the latest gadgets are ditching ports, forcing many of us to deal with multiple dongles, adapters, and cords.

For those who value a tidy desk, this ergonomic 8-in-1 tablet docking stand is on sale for $54.99 for a limited time, eliminating the need for a bunch of adapters. And with the tablet secured to the stand, you can go hands-free and use your tablet as a laptop.

This docking stand packs all the essential ports. It's equipped with a PD/100W port, an HDMI 2.0 port, an SD/microSD slot, a 3.5mm audio port, and three USB 3.0 ports.

The PD/100W is capable of quickly charging high-power devices with up to 100W. Meanwhile, the HDMI connects your tablet to larger displays, the SD and microSD card slots allow for instant access to memory cards, the 3.5mm audio connects your wired earphones and speakers, and USB 3.0 ports cater to a wide range of other accessories, including external hard drives, keyboard, and mouse.

This stand also adjusts up to 70 degrees, while the tablet holder can tilt up to 180 degrees, letting you find the perfect angle to avoid that all-too-familiar tech neck. Plus, thanks to the aluminum alloy construction, it's designed to be sturdy. When not in use, you can fold it up for convenient storage or transport.

Declutter your desk with this 8-in-1 tablet docking stand, on sale for $54.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech 8-in-1 Tablet Docking Stand $54.99 at the Mashable Shop
$69.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Scientists found an incandescent planet. It's 'constantly exploding.'

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:00

Astronomers discovered a truly tortured planet. It'll make you thankful for Earth.

In a distant solar system some 66 light-years away, researchers used NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to spot a volcano-blanketed world new to science. It's covered in volcanoes because the other two planets in this system have forced it into an unusual elliptical orbit, which tugs and squeezes the world, roiling the interior.

The deep space situation is similar to what's happening on Jupiter's moon Io, an orb that's relentlessly locked in a tug-of-war between nearby Jovian moons. This dynamic squeezes and stretches Io, stoking lava to pour out of volcanoes.

"This is a terrestrial planet that I would describe as Io on steroids," Stephen Kane, a planetary astrophysicist at UC Riverside, said in a statement. "It’s been forced into a situation where it’s constantly exploding with volcanoes. At optical wavelengths you would be able to see a glowing, red-hot planet with a molten lava surface."

SEE ALSO: NASA found a super-Earth. It's in a tantalizing place.

Even our most powerful telescopes can't capture a detailed view of a world many light-years away (a light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles), yet the NASA TESS instrument is designed to detect minute changes in light, and can see when a planet passes in front of its star — which results in a temporary dimming. This leads to the discovery of worlds beyond our solar system, called exoplanets.

"It’s been forced into a situation where it’s constantly exploding with volcanoes."

In the new volcano-world research, recently published in The Astronomical Journal, Kane and the team show how two larger outer planets in this solar system (dubbed "HD 104067") exert strong gravitational influence on the inner-planet, forcing it into an eccentric orbit that ultimately squashes the tortured world, generating heat and intensive geologic activity.

The surface is 2,600 degrees Kelvin, or some 4,220 degrees Fahrenheit, many times hotter than a pizza oven. (The sun's surface is over 10,000 F degrees.)

An artist's conception of a rocky planet covered in molten lava, orbiting close to its star. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Dani Player (STScI) Tweet may have been deleted

So far, astronomers have confirmed over 5,600 exoplanets, most of which are inhospitable worlds. Some even rain metal. Around 200 are rocky worlds like Earth or Mars. Planetary scientists are especially interested in finding rocky planets that orbit in their solar system's respective "habitable zone," a temperate region where liquid water could exist.

There's still no evidence life exists beyond Earth, but Earth-like worlds are a smart place to look.

Categories: IT General, Technology

If you're waiting for a touchscreen MacBook, we've got bad news

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:58

Are you waiting for Apple to release a touchscreen MacBook, perhaps fueled by last year's rumors that the company is working on such a device?

Unfortunately, it probably won't happen, at least not anytime soon. According to Tom Boger, Apple's vice president of iPad and Mac product marketing, who spoke to the Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern, the company doesn't plan to launch a touchscreen Mac.

In fact, despite some marketing that's telling us otherwise, Boger claims that Apple doesn't see the iPad and the MacBook as competing devices. The iPad has "always been a touch-first device," he said, whereas the Mac is for "indirect manipulation," meaning using a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch) review: More space for the 'I use it as a laptop' folks

While this may be true, there are plenty of users who are wondering would it be so bad if the MacBook got a touchscreen as a secondary option for interaction. After all, plenty of Windows-based laptops have touchscreens, allowing the users to choose whether they want to use them or not.

But according to Boger, this isn't likely to happen with the MacBook. "MacOS is for a very different paradigm of computing," he said, adding that the iPad can be seen as a device that lets you extend your work from a Mac. So if you want it both ways, you'll need to buy both a MacBook and an iPad.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch) review: The battery life is bonkers

There's a glimmer of hope here, though. Stern asked Boger whether Apple will ever change its mind about MacBooks being not-for touch. "Oh, I can't say we never change our mind," he said.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the French Open online for free

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:52

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 French Open for free on 9Now, France TV, RTBF, ORF, or Servus TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The biggest clay court tennis championship on the calendar is fast approaching, and that means tennis fans from all over the world will be scrambling for a way to stream the 2024 French Open. It seems like these massive sporting moments are never easy to watch. Why is that the case? We can't answer that, but we can provide you with some solutions to your streaming struggles.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 French Open from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is chronologically the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek.

When is the 2024 French Open?

The 2024 French Open is the 129th edition of the competition. This year's event will take place from May 20 to June 9.

How to watch the 2024 French Open for free

It's possible to live stream the 2024 French Open for free on a number of streaming platforms:

The issue here is that you need to be connecting from these countries to access these free streaming services. The only way to bypass these geo-restrictions is with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can stream the 2024 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services to watch the 2024 French Open 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, Austria, Belgium, or France

  4. Connect to 9Now, France TV, RTBF, ORF, or Servus TV

  5. Watch the 2024 French Open 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 they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2024 French Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the French Open?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bumble apologises for 'anti-celibacy' ads after furious backlash

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:37

Bumble has apologised for its poorly received ads referencing celibacy, calling them a "mistake." The marketing campaign is being slammed across social media, with users accusing the dating app of undermining women’s choices and shaming them for refraining from sex.

In a statement posted to Bumble's official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts on Monday, the company acknowledged its misstep and announced that it would be removing its heavily criticised anti-celibacy ads from its global marketing campaign.

SEE ALSO: Dating app coaches promise to upgrade your love life. But what do they actually do?

Bumble initially revealed its ill-fated campaign at the end of last month, alongside a rebrand, app redesign, and the introduction of its new Opening Moves feature. Created by Bumble's in-house marketing team, the company's global advertising campaign used the tagline, "We've changed so you don't have to."

Unfortunately, many felt Bumble's ads didn't line up with its aim to "empower women" and "challenge outdated heterosexual dating norms." The new billboards featured statements such as "A vow of celibacy is not the answer" and "Thou shalt not give up on dating and become a nun," with photographs of them soon circulating online for all the wrong reasons.

View this post on Instagram

Labelled the "Bumble Fumble" by some, the celibacy-focused ads were accused of being in bad taste for a myriad of reasons. These included the pressure imposed on women to sleep with men despite not wanting to, ongoing challenges to reproductive rights, and the implication that women cannot make their own choices about their sexual activity. Several social media users further pointed out that Bumble's messaging delegitimised asexual people's experiences.

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

Bumble recognised such criticisms in its apology. "We made a mistake," wrote Bumble. "Our ads referencing celibacy were an attempt to lean into a community frustrated by modern dating, and instead of bringing joy and humor, we unintentionally did the opposite."

"For years, Bumble has passionately stood up for women and marginalized communities, and their right to fully exercise personal choice. We didn't live up to these values with this campaign and we apologize for the harm it caused."

Mashable has reached out to Bumble for comment.

"Some of the perspectives we heard were: from those who shared that celibacy is the only answer when reproductive rights are continuously restricted; from others for whom celibacy is a choice, one that we respect; and from the asexual community, for who celibacy can have a particular meaning and importance, which should not be diminished," Bumble continued. "We are also aware that for many, celibacy may be brought on by harm or trauma."

In addition to pulling its ads, Bumble announced it will be donating to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, as well as various other organisations that support women, marginalised communities, and people who are being impacted by abuse. Bumble also stated that it would offer them the billboard space it had originally booked for its campaign.

SEE ALSO: Bumble revamps the 'first move' and other features

"The ad was received negatively because being alone or celibate is now common solely because there are not enough men who exihibit [sic] the characteristics of a partner women would want," @love_samsmith commented on Bumble's Instagram apology. "So to mock being celibate is not addressing the root problem."

"You made it a woman’s problem to fix the lack of sex men are having," wrote @julieschirado. "How about addressing why women are not interested in having a relationship with men? Maybe tell the men to fix themselves instead of the women to give in. Do better."

Bumble’s response to its advertising fiasco comes hot on the heels of Apple apologising for its own tone-deaf ad. The tech giant cancelled plans to run its new iPad commercial on television after the grim clip was widely criticised as "dystopian" and "heartless." It seems it isn't the only company struggling to take the pulse of its audience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Presenting to an Audience of Experts

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 06:01

Giving a presentation can be nerve-racking—especially if your audience knows the topic better than you. But you can share your knowledge while also sharing the forum with those with greater experience. Here’s how to deliver a credible and engaging presentation to subject matter experts. Embrace self-affirmation. When presenting to experts, it’s normal to feel intimidated. But […]

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Categories: Management

Get lifetime access to real-time weather radar and alerts with this £32 app

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: This week, you can get lifetime access to the Weather Hi-Def Radar App and see real-time weather conditions for only £31.85.

There's nothing like getting ready for a fun day outside. You grab your trusty hiking boots, pack up a few snacks, and then you see a cloud rolling in. You could gamble and go out anyway, or you could stay inside and risk missing out on another fun adventure if the weather suddenly clears. If only you had a real-time weather-monitoring app you could actually rely on when making plans.

Weather Hi-Def Radar is a weather radar app that lets you stay informed so you can be prepared for all types of weather conditions, and a lifetime subscription is now on sale for £31.85 (reg. £119.43). This app is designed to give you real-time and future-animated radar images, so you can plan your next adventure with less guesswork.

Stay ahead of the storm

With Weather Hi-Def Radar, you can track forecasts for 10 days of temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more. Find out if that fluffy little cloud might be the first sign of a wild tempest or just a passing distraction. Either way, a little foresight lets you dress and plan accordingly. You can also get proactive alerts for severe weather.

This advanced weather app lets you access map overlays to monitor weather in real-time. You can also check road conditions, get lightning alerts, keep up to date on tropical storm forecasts, wildfires, earthquakes, and even air quality. Take advantage of tools that allow you to customise the layers you see for tracking different weather patterns. Weather Hi-Def Radar is built to be user-friendly and even has lock and home screen widgets for quick hourly weather updates. 

Be prepared for any weather

Don't miss your chance to get your own smart weather tracker to stay ahead of storms when planning hikes, picnics, or anything else that takes you outside.

Get a lifetime subscription to Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus for £31.85 (reg. £119.43). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus: Lifetime Subscription £31.85 at the Mashable Shop
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Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup online for free

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Cricket in the United States? Something about that feels wrong, but the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will be the first ICC World Cup tournament to feature matches played in the country. Maybe this could be the start of a beautiful love affair? After all, there is a lot to love about T20 cricket.

If you want to watch the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the T20 World Cup?

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a Twenty20 International cricket tournament organised by the International Cricket Council. The event is generally held every two years. Only the West Indies and England have won the tournament more than once, winning two titles each.

England are the reigning T20 World Cup champions, having beaten Pakistan in the 2022 final.

When is the 2024 T20 World Cup?

The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is the ninth edition of the competition, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States. This year's event will take place from June 1 to June 29.

How to watch the 2024 T20 World Cup for free

Smartphone users in India will be able to watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar.

Anyone from around the world can access this free content with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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 India

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 every game from the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, 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 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 the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants online for free

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 06:00

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

There's just a handful of fixtures left in the IPL, and it has been a truly special season. But it's not over yet, the next fixture will see the Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants go head-to-head in the 64th match of the league.

It's set to be a great match, so don't miss out. You can livestream Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free from anywhere in the world, and we have all the information you need.

When is Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants?

Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants starts at 3 p.m. BST on May 14. This fixture will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, India.

How to watch Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free

JioCinema is live streaming every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with the use of a VPN. VPNs hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world.

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

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

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

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

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

  5. Watch Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants for free from anywhere in the world

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 14

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 04:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for May 14'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:

To gather a large crowd.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letters A and S appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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 #1060 is...

AMASS.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tamagotchi is bringing back a Y2K classic

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 04:00

Less than a year after introducing a Wi-Fi-enabled Tamagotchi for the 21st century, the company behind the nostalgic Y2K toy is bringing back a new fan-favorite: the Tamagotchi Connection.

Originally released in 2004, the Tamagotchi Connection was the first Tamagotchi device that enabled players to nurture a virtual pet and help it make friends, play, swap presents, and mate with other Tamagotchis. The device was highly beloved, with some calling it the company's best-ever release.

SEE ALSO: iPod Shuffle hair clips prove the Y2K fashion revival is far from over

Eagle-eyed fans may have picked up on the relaunch way back in April when a new antenna "accessory" for Tamagotchis was announced on Instagram as part of an April Fools Day prank. Tama devotees got the hint (versions of the original Tamagotchi Connection were decorated with antennas), and comments on the post begged the company to bring the device back.

SEE ALSO: The ultimate Y2K gift guide for millennials and teens alike

Amazon pre-orders for the new Tamagotchi Connection start today. It is available in four colorways, and a "True Friends" set is available in even more exclusive styles. The device will be available in stores in July.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tamagotchi/ Bandai Tamagotchi Connection (2024) $29.99
Pre-Order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 14

Mashable - Tue, 05/14/2024 - 03:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for May 14'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: Genesis of an idea

  • Green: You hungry?

  • Blue: Quien habla español?

  • Purple: Slim things

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Early Iteration

  • Green: Enjoy A Meal

  • Blue: Spanish Pronouns

  • Purple: Slim____

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 #336 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Early Iteration: DRAFT, OUTLINE, PLAN, SKETCH

  • Enjoy A Meal: DINE, FEAST, FEED, SUP

  • Spanish Pronouns: ELLA, ME, SUS, YO

  • Slim____: FIT, JIM, PICKINGS, SHADY

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

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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