TL;DR: Watch Costa Rica vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's the last day of the group stage in the 2024 Copa America, which means it's just two days until the quarter finals begin. And there are no more second chances once the knockout games begin. That's tournament football, as the pundits say.
Costa Rica are one of the smaller teams in the tournament and they've had a few tough fixtures so far, with games against Brazil and Colombia. Paraguay might be easier competition, though anything can happen in international football.
That's the great thing about the group stage: There's always a surprise lurking around the corner. So even when we're down to the last match, with the quarter final fixtures all but confirmed, there's always the chance of an electric game that will have an impact on the rest of the tournament.
If you want to watch Costa Rica vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Costa Rica vs. Paraguay?
Costa Rica vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on July 2. This fixture takes place at the Q2 Stadium, Austin.
How to watch Costa Rica vs. Paraguay for free
Costa Rica vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.
Sportitalia may be showing the 2024 Copa America games for free, but the platform is unfortunately geo-blocked outside of Italy. But there is a way around the geo-restrictions when you sign up to a VPN. If you've never used one before, a VPN is a tool that can obscure your IP address and connect you to a secure server in Italy, which will enable you to watch all the 2024 Copa America action from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy
Visit Sportitalia
Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs usually offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers to get access to free live streams — and all without actually spending any cash in the long run. Simply sign up for the free trial and you'll have enough time to watch all the 2024 Copa America fixtures before you claim back any initial investment. You may even decide that a VPN is worth the money and keep it on a more permanent basis.
What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including 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 secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
There's a great limited time deal for ExpressVPN at the moment. A one-year subscription is on sale for just $99.95, which gives you a massive saving of 49%. Within that deal you get three bonus months at no extra cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Costa Rica vs. Paraguay for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Watch Brazil vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's the final day of group games in the 2024 Copa America. At this point we have a clear idea of how the tournament is shaping up and you've probably taken an educated guess on who you think will go on to win the whole thing.
It's true that Brazil are contenders in pretty much every tournament, whether it's the Copa America or World Cup. They're just one of those teams. But before they get to the knockout stages, they have to get through Colombia. The Colombians aren't exactly pushovers. The former Copa America winners can cause problems for any team of the international stage — as proved by the fact they placed third last time around. All of which means this is a big fixture that's not-to-be-missed.
If you want to watch Brazil vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Brazil vs. Colombia?
Brazil vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on July 2. This fixture takes place at the Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
How to watch Brazil vs. Colombia for free
Brazil vs. Colombia in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.
Sportitalia may be showing the 2024 Copa America games for free, but the platform is geo-blocked outside of Italy. All you need to do to access Sportitalia is sign up to a VPN. If you've never used one before, a VPN is a tool that can obscure your IP address and connect you to a secure server in Italy, enabling you to watch the 2024 Copa America games from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy
Visit Sportitalia
Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs usually offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers to gain access to free live streams, all without actually spending any cash long-term. Simply sign up for the free trial and you'll have enough time to watch all the 2024 Copa America fixtures before you claim back your investment. You may even decide that a VPN is worth keeping beyond the trial period.
What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including 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 secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
There's a great limited time deal for ExpressVPN right now. A one-year subscription is on sale for $99.95, for a saving of 49%. That includes an extra three months at no additional cost, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Brazil vs. Colombia for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>Beverly Hills Cop 4 is a terrible idea on paper. Sure, the 1984 action-comedy and its sequel Beverly Hills Cop II were massive hits, proving Saturday Night Live's Eddie Murphy had made the leap to leading man. But 1994's Beverly Hills Cop III was a flop with critics and audiences, effectively knocking the franchise out of commission for 30 years. On top of that, the funny franchise's conceit is now potentially problematic: A cocky cop solves crime while cracking rude jokes and breaking all the rules. With countless news headlines about police brutality and insensitivity, how do you bring back Axel Foley for a modern audience? Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is how.
I myself was deeply dubious about the possibility of a Beverly Hills Cop 4 being anything but groan-inducing. So, it is with great pleasure that I tell you I was wrong, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is outstanding.
Eddie Murphy is as good as ever as Axel Foley.
Axel still knows how to outfox crooks and land a punchline. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F proves this efficiently with a rousing opening sequence at a hockey arena. Sitting with a white colleague, Axel talks hockey with the irreverent jokes that play to his signature speedy patter. The difference here is that this Axel only punches up, mocking white fragility instead of employing tired stereotypes. Rather than feeling like a compromise in fear of so-called cancel culture, these jokes support the undercurrent of his journey. Axel has always pushed back on power structures, be it wealthy white men who felt they were above the law or police commissioners who felt public relations was more important than public safety. So it makes sense that as he grows older, his humor grows toward bolstering this previously established ideology.
Screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten set up the pins with this sharp self-awareness, and Murphy knocks them down with the brute force of that trademark smile and expert comedic timing. Five minutes into Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, I was already grinning ear to ear, and there hadn't even been any action yet. Incredibly, the screenwriters have a sophisticated strategy for this too.
In many action movies featuring aging stars, awkward cuts are employed to avoid showing how their bodies or their mobility may have changed, but Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is too smart to be slowed down. The 63-year-old Murphy isn't going to be running around like he did three decades ago, so the screenwriters came up with a clever and comedic accommodation: commandeering increasingly ridiculous vehicles. Axel leaps from snow plows to meter maid trolleys to helicopters, and each setup isn't a dodge but an opportunity for visual gags — like being maced by a meter maid. Plus, each of these choices reaffirms how Axel still thinks on his feet. Lucky for us, Murphy's not the only one radiant in their return.
Axel F reunites us with Paul Reiser, John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, and Bronson Pinchot.
The premise of this fourth installment follows a familiar framework: An unsolved crime puts one of Axel's loved ones in trouble, pulling him to Beverly Hills to investigate on his own. This cozy setup allows for Reiser, Ashton, and Reinhold to reprise their role as Axel's embattled cop buddies. The former two have risen through the ranks and are now the desk-bound blowhards Axel rails against. Meanwhile, Billy (Reinhold) is a private detective who is chasing a lead that leads to him going missing.
The nostalgic thrill of seeing this band back together is undeniable. Ashton is once more gruff but lovable, Reinhold sweet with a twang of chaos, and Reiser practically radiates with a tooth-gritting affection, even as Axel gives him hell. But the return that had me literally squealing with excitement is Bronson Pinchot as Serge. The unexpected breakout character has grown to be more than a cheap gag about a certain brand of flamboyant LA man.
Director Mark Molloy has laced in terrific montages that deftly establish the luxurious lunacy of Los Angeles, including a pearl-wearing dog being hand-fed sushi at an outdoor eatery. But Serge is a celebration of all this absurdity rolled into one loud, beloved package with plenty of panache. Pinchot's inexplicable accent and crackling comedic chemistry with Murphy makes for one of the movie's funniest sequences, aided by Nasim Pedrad as an over-sharing real estate agent. Here, the energy in a garish mansion has a spontaneity that turns the silly scene into a tennis match, with jokes coming so hard and fast you might be left breathless from laughing. But Pedrad is not the only new addition making her mark on Axel F.
Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt ground Axel F's crucial dramatic arc.
Amazingly, what sets this fourth movie apart is a plotline that sounds achingly cliche: Axel comes to the aid of his grown child, who is facing deadly criminal forces in pursuit of justice. But far from some sloppy attempt to hand the franchise off to a younger generation, the screenwriters introduce Jane (Taylour Paige), Axel's defense attorney daughter who is working pro-bono for an alleged "cop-killer." The tension between this cop dad and his public defender daughter often runs at a high pitch — a weakness that's played like a fiddle by Axel's antagonist, a slick and snarling LA cop (Kevin Bacon). But what's most moving about this is not their ideological differences but the father-daughter frustrations that are almost achingly common.
Where Axel might be the best when it comes to finding clues, he's clueless with how to reconnect to his estranged daughter. Instead of playing her role as a pale imitation of Murphy's iconic character, Paige lays out a headstrong heroine of her own — one whose soft spot is her dad. Arguments over who's to blame for the distance between them are charged in authenticity, recognizing not only the careless ways family members can wound each other but also the difference in how millennials and their boomer parents communicate about feelings. Where Axel is quick with a joke, Jane is unblinkingly direct, as is her ex-boyfriend, a young detective (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who calls Axel out with a firm yet empathetic tone.
Where the villain of this movie will snark about how the "current landscape" is a place where you can't say anything anymore, these characters all prove it's not what you say but how you say it that matters. And it's frankly exhilarating to see a comedy nail this distinction while still being incredibly funny. Better yet, these new kids on the block aren't treated as finger-wagging nags in regards to the movie's action or comedy. While they often play the straight man to Axel, Paige and Gordon-Levitt shine alongside him, whether glowering at an enemy or giving a sheepish reaction that is laugh-out-loud funny.
All this comes together piece by piece, forming a cleverly constructed sequel that manages to plumb the best bits of the original trilogy while working in new elements that give it renewed life and relevance. Even the soundtrack does this, mixing in classic rock tracks like "The Heat Is On" and "Shakedown" with newer jams like Coi Leray's "Players" and Lil Nas X's movie theme "Here We Go!" The combination of all this makes for a movie that is classically fun but freshly exciting.
In the end, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F isn't just a great sequel, or an awesome action-comedy, it might just be the most entertaining movie of the year. If you can see it in a theater, do it. If you — like most of us — watch it at home, turn up the volume, so that theme song swallows you up and welcomes you back to the world of Axel Foley and friends.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F premieres on Netflix July 3 and in limited theaters.
Did you purchase a MacBook with the defective butterfly keyboard between the years 2015 and 2019?
If so, you may finally be getting a payout from Apple.
As first noticed by MacRumors, the website for the MacBook Keyboard Litigation Settlement has finally been updated with news that the court issued a payment order last week.
"Payments will be issued for approved claims by August 2024," the updated statement said.
Apple's butterfly keyboard settlement
In 2022, Apple agreed to a $50 million settlement as part of a class action lawsuit over its faulty butterfly keyboard design that it built into MacBooks from 2015 to 2019.
MacBook owners with butterfly keyboards experienced issues that required keycap replacements, keyboard deck repairs, and sometimes even full keyboard replacement. Apple responded by launching a repair program in 2018, but this didn't fix the issue entirely. Some MacBook owners found themselves repeatedly returning to Apple for repairs.
As part of the settlement, eligible MacBook owners will be receiving up to $50 if they had a keycap replacement, up to $125 if they had a keyboard deck repair, and up to a maximum of $395 if they had at least two keyboard deck replacements from Apple.
To be eligible, consumers must have filed a claim by March of last year. Unfortunately, if you were the owner of a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, and did not file a claim in 2023, the deadline has passed.
The court approved the settlement in May 2023. It's unclear why it has taken until August 2024 to send out payments. Still, those who experienced the dreaded butterfly keyboard can breathe a sigh of relief knowing a payment is on the way to compensate them for their troubles.
]]>A European Commission (EU) investigation is spelling bad news for Facebook and Instagram.
The EU has notified Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, that its "pay or consent" personalized advertising model violates the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
"Our investigation aims to ensure contestability in markets where gatekeepers like Meta have been accumulating personal data of millions of EU citizens over many years," said the European Commission's Margrethe Vestager in a statement on Monday. "Our preliminary view is that Meta’s advertising model fails to comply with the Digital Markets Act. And we want to empower citizens to be able to take control over their own data and choose a less personalized ads experience."
The EU now puts the ball in Meta's court. The social media giant now has the right to mount a defense to the findings and send a reply to the EU as the investigation continues. As per the law, the EU must conclude the DMA investigation within 12 months of the date, which started on March 25, 2024.
If the investigation finds that Meta was in non-compliance with the DMA, the Commission can fine Facebook and Instagram's parent company a whopping 10 percent of its total worldwide turnover.
Meta's "pay or consent" model
In March, Mashable reported about a number of EU investigations into Big Tech companies to determine their compliance with the newly enacted DMA. The DMA basically forces "gatekeeper" companies to open up their platforms to third-parties in order to spur competition.
One of those investigations was into Meta for its "pay or consent" model implemented on Facebook and Instagram.
Gatekeeper companies must receive consent from its users in the EU when sharing user data between their core platforms. This means that if Meta wants to share a Facebook or Instagram user's account data so that it can serve personalized ads, it must get explicit permission to do so. Just entering their account details on a social media platform does not give the company consent for the secondary use of that user's data via another one of its platforms.
However, Meta has run its business under the belief that the "pay or consent" model adheres to the DMA rules. Basically, Meta argues that the company offers a paid subscription to users on Facebook and Instagram, which provides an ad-free experience. If a user does not subscribe to its paid offering, according to Meta, then they have chosen to consent to their data being used for advertising purposes.
The European Commission's preliminary findings have determined that Meta's "pay or consent" model does not comply with the DMA.
"Under Article 5(2) of the DMA, gatekeepers must seek users' consent for combining their personal data between designated core platform services and other services, and if a user refuses such consent, they should have access to a less personalized but equivalent alternative," the EU's statement said. "Gatekeepers cannot make use of the service or certain functionalities conditional on users' consent."
To be clear, the EU is saying that Facebook and Instagram cannot serve personalized ads to a user, even if they aren't a paying subscriber to the platforms, unless they have received consent from that user.
It will be interesting to see Meta's response to the EU's findings. If the final investigation rules against the company, it must comply with the DMA or face even further fines, which can climb to as much as 20 percent of total global turnover for repeated infringement. According to the Commission, "systemic non-compliance" can lead to further actions, including banning the gatekeeper company from acquisitions or requiring it to sell all or part of its business.
]]>Netflix subscribers clinging on to the streaming service's cheapest ad-free plan will need to upgrade or lose access to their favorite movies and TV shows.
Social media users subscribed to Netflix's since-discontinued "Basic" plan are being told that their subscriptions will end — unless they move to a new plan.
"Your last day to watch Netflix is July 13th," reads a on-screen message displayed to Netflix's Basic subscribers. "Choose a new plan to keep watching.”
The message goes on to tell users that the Basic plan has been discontinued and that new plans start at $5.99. The Verge first noticed the uptick in users on Reddit sharing posts regarding Netflix's prompts about their subscription.
The end of Netflix's Basic subscription
Mashable previously reported last year about Netflix sunsetting its cheapest ad-free tier.
In June 2024, Netflix tested out removing the Basic subscription option in the UK and Canada. Netflix then removed the Basic tier from the U.S. offerings last July.
At the time, Netflix allowed users who were already subscribed to the $9.99 per month Basic plan to keep their subscription as long as they did not cancel nor let it lapse. The Basic option provided users with the least costly ad-free experience, provided they only use the service on one device at a time.
In October, Netflix hiked prices across the board, including for users who were still subscribed to the grandfathered Basic plan. At $11.99, the Basic plan still provided the cheapest ad-free Netflix experience.
Earlier this year, Netflix did warn that it was planning on ending the Basic plan for even grandfathered subscribers, starting with those in the UK and Canada. It seems that Netflix is now finally ready to pull the plug on the Basic subscription entirely.
Those looking to save money will have to settle for the ad-supported version of Netflix, which costs $6.99 per month. The lowest-priced ad-free tier is the $15.49 per month Standard plan.
]]>Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and in usual Prime Day fashion, the savings are already starting to trickle in. Lots of deals are ready to shop as we speak, especially when it comes to Apple's beloved MacBooks (including the new M3 models).
Below, we've put together a list of all the early Prime Day MacBook deals that you can scoop up right now. We expect these prices to get even lower, but if you need one as soon as possible, you can still save up to $220.
Best early Prime Day MacBook deal
Why we like it
Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch M3 Apple MacBook Air.
Apple's latest iteration of the MacBook Air is undeniably the best version of the portable powerhouse we've seen to date. Equipped with the new M3 chip, the Air has never been faster, and can tackle demanding tasks with ease (great news for those of us who constantly have one million tabs open). The M3 Air also adds in support for up to two external monitors, as well as WiFi 6E. Pick one up ahead of Prime Day and save $100.
More early Prime Day MacBook deals
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (Apple M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849
$999(save $150)Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999
$1,099(save $100)Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449
$1,599(save $150)Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (Apple M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,779
$1,999(save $220)
Self-care looks different for everyone, so it can be a little difficult to find just the right gift for someone with this goal in mind. There is no one-size-fits-all here.
As with any type of present, keep your recipient's specific priorities and interests in mind as you search. If they're into art, you might get them an art kit or coloring book. Or maybe they're a dedicated homebody and would prefer an air purifier, essential oil diffuser, or plant.
We've found more than 40 gifts ideal for anyone into self-care, whether that's your boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, or anyone else on your list. (Hey, it could even be yourself. That's the beauty of self-care, baby.)
]]>
Apple AirTags have benefitted from quite the flattering news cycle recently. And while you might not be looking to crack a case of theft, AirTags still help you find your belongings. Attach them to your keys, wallet, or anything else you might frequently misplace, and you can see their location on the Find My app.
Ahead of Prime Day 2024, which runs July 16 and 17, we're keeping our eyes peeled for the best tech deals, and that includes AirTags. Amazon is selling singular AirTags at a 14% discount ahead of Prime Day, but the best deal comes from a different retailer. Get a jumpstart on AirTag deals now.
Best AirTag 1-pack deal
Why we like it
AirTags sell as singles or in packs of four. Not sure if you're ready to commit to a pack? Dip your toes in with a singular AirTag, currently marked down at Amazon. Normally priced at $29, they're on sale for $24.99, saving you $4.01. This is the lowest recorded price for AirTags on Amazon, however, we're eager to see if they drop further come Prime Day.
Best AirTag 4-pack deal
Why we like it
The most affordable way to shop AirTags is to purchase them in a pack of four, which has an MSRP of $99, making each one $24.75 — cheaper than when you purchase them individually. However, right now you can find them for $79.99 at Walmart. Historically, we've seen the best price on AirTag packs at Amazon; back in April they dropped down to its lowest price of $74.99. However, ahead of Prime Day, we're not mad about this deal at Walmart, which saves you $19.01.
]]>UPDATE: Jul. 2, 2024, 1:00 p.m. EDT This list has been updated with the few Roomba deals live at Amazon in the first week of July. It will be updated accordingly as Amazon inevitably releases more Roomba deals leading up to Prime Day.
The tea that is the failed acquisition of iRobot by Amazon must not have been too scalding, because Amazon still has a soft spot for Roomba deals.
On and off throughout the year, Amazon drops prices on top Roombas (among other competitive robot vacuums) by up to 50%, whether that's during a shopping holiday like Black Friday or during a random week.
Prime Day certainly isn't random, though Amazon is quiet on the Roomba front so far this Prime season after dropping a ton of Roomba prices in June. But if they're willing to do that just for the sake of it, we're likely in for a flood of Prime Day Roomba deals ahead of actual Prime Day (July 16 and 17). The iRobot fleet will likely severely outshine the measly deal or two on Shark robot vacuums.
Specifically, our eyes will be peeled for potential 50% off discounts to match the 50% slash we've been seeing on the Roomba j7, and hopefully a drop below $900 for the Roomba Combo j9+. As soon as any of those drop, we'll refresh this list. While a handful of mediocre Roomba deals are live now, we'll only be highlighting the ones worth your time.
Best Roomba deals at Amazon
Why we like it
It's not the 50% price cut we've seen on and off for the past few months, so hold tight. But on the off chance that you absolutely need this Roomba in your life immediately, the current 37% discount on the Roomba j7 is still pretty good, considering its smarts.
Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks.
More Roombas on sale at Amazon
iRobot Roomba i4 — $249
$399.99(save $150.99)
We'll drop more Roomba deals at Amazon here when we find any that are actually noteworthy.
]]>UPDATE: Jul. 2, 2024, 12:18 p.m. EDT We've updated the list of Amazon's 4th of July sales to include more kitchen deals as well as several laptop and TV deals.
The countdown to 4th of July is on and if you're looking for some stellar summer deals, we're seeing plenty of offers. Here are some of the best deals to shop during Amazon's 4th of July sale:
Fireworks, barbecues, and flags might be in your future as we celebrate the 4th of July later this week, but there's more in store than a fun day off of work. Amazon's 4th of July sale is packed with deals on tech, home goods, kitchen appliances, and camping gear that's sure to be useful this summer. Of course, Amazon Prime Day follows soon after, taking place on July 16 and 17 this year. But if you're searching for early July deals, look no further. These are some of the best deals to shop during the Amazon 4th of July sale.
Best tech deal
Why we like it
Summer is a wonderful time to catch up on reading or focus on artistic hobbies. Thanks to Amazon's 4th of July sale, you can grab the Kindle Scribe bundle for just $271.97, down from the usual price of $439.97, which works out to a 38% discount. In Mashable's review of every Kindle e-reader, the team found the Scribe to the best option for taking notes. The Scribe gets bragging rights as the largest Kindle, with a 10.2-inch screen with Amazon's Paperwhite display which is designed to look similar to an actual book page. More than that, the Scribe allows you to take notes in the margins of books, mark up documents, or doodle to your desire. The bundle package includes the Basic Pen, a leather cover, and a power adapter, so you'll be set on accessories.
Best headphones deal
The Beats Studio Pro are an affordable and high-quality pick for anyone looking for great noise cancellation for hundreds of dollars less than Apple's over-the-ear headphones. Go about your day with active noise-canceling or transparency mode, depending on your surroundings, and take these headphones from the house to the gym to a flight with up to 40 hours of battery life (plus, just 10 minutes of charge gives you up to four more hours of play time). They're comfortable and easily sync up to any device, plus they support personalized spatial audio for the audiophiles out there.
Best robot vacuum deal
Why we like it
Summer is no time to dote on household chores. Pass off the task of vacuuming to the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum, which is on sale at Amazon for just $299.99. That's a 50% discount off the usual price of $599. The Shark AI Ultra comes with a charging dock that also serves as a self-emptying base, holing up to 60 days worth of debris. That means you can schedule the robot to vacuum the entire house every day, and you won't have to think about it for two months. This model uses Shark's Matrix Clean Navigation technology, which takes several passes over areas that need deeper cleaning, instead of just a single pass that happens with most robot vacuums. Thanks to its suction power and self-cleaning brush roll, this could be a great robot vacuum for homes with pets.
More robot vacuum deals
eufy 11S MAX robot vacuum cleaner — $139.98
$249.99(save $110.01)eufy 11S SLIM robot vacuum cleaner — $139.99
$229.99(save $90 with on-screen coupon)Tikom G8000 robot vacuum and mop — $99.99
$149.99(save $50 with on-screen coupon)ILIFE V5s Plus robot vacuum and mop — $109.99
$199.99(save $90 with on-screen coupon)iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop — $599.99
$799.99(save $200)Narwal Freo X Ultra self-emptying robot vacuum and mop — $1,099.99
$1,399.99(save $300)eufy L60 self-emptying robot vacuum — $299.99
$399.99(save $100)Shark Detect Pro self-emptying robot vacuum — $399.99
$549.99(save $150)iRobot Roomba i4+ EVO self-emptying robot vacuum — $449.99
$599.99(save $150)
Best camping deal
Why we like it
Instead of squishing into a tiny tent like last summer, spread out in the Coleman Skydome XL family camping tent with room to sleep eight people. With a weatherproof liner material and an included rain fly, you'll be able to camp in whatever summer weather comes your way. The pre-attached poles make set up an easy task, and the rain fly comes with red corner hooks to help out, too. Measuring six feet tall in the center with walls that are close to vertical, this summer's camping trips can be the most comfortable and spacious yet.
More outdoor deals
Thermacell Patio Shield mosquito repellent — $29.89
$39.99(save $10.10)Bestway Hydro Force Inflatable Kayak Set — $152.54
$159.99(save $7.45)Pelican River Gorge 130X Tandem Kayak — $637.39
$749.99(save $112.60)FunWater Inflatable SUP — $209.95
$229.95(save $20)
Best kitchen deal
Why we like it
For those fueled by coffee, having a way to make a quick cup in the morning is second to none. Thanks to the Amazon 4th of July sale, coffee-lovers can grab a Keurig K-Classic coffee maker for just $79.99 which works out to a 47% discount compared to the usual price of $149.99. Taking less than a minute to brew, you have your choice of three cup sizes and the machine can also accommodate taller travel mugs thanks to the removable drip tray. The 48-ounce water reservoir also means you'll need to re-fill less often. Plus, the machine's descaling button makes keeping the machine in tip-top shape easy.
More kitchen deals
Brita Metro water filter pitcher — $15.99
$25.79(save $9.80)Ninja Fit compact personal blender — $49.99
$69.99(save $20)SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker — $69.99
$99.99(save $30)Keurig K-Classic coffee maker — $79.99
$149.99(save $70)Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 — $89.99
$119.99(save $30)Instant Pot Duo Plus — $99.95
$149.95(save $50)Ninja AF161 Max XL air fryer — $109.99
$169.99(save $60)KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-quart stand mixer — $249.99
$329.99(save $80)
Best laptop deal
Why we like it
The Acer Nitro V 15 earns the honors of being Mashable's favorite budget-friendly gaming laptop, winning a Mashable Choice Award, too. While this model typically sells for $999.99 at Acer, it's on sale at Amazon for just $849.99. Kimberly Gedeon, Mashable East Coast Tech Editor, reviewed the Acer Nitro V last fall and said, "The Acer Nitro 5 is the best cheap gaming laptop I've tested so far. It can handle Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most graphics-intensive games on the market, like a champ." If you're in the market for a more affordable gaming laptop this summer, this sale price could be as good as it gets.
More laptop deals
Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16 GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149.99
$1,449.99(save $300)15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,199.99
$1,299.99(save $100)
Best TV deal
Why we like it
if you're buying a new TV, you might have noticed that QLED models aren't often friendly on the budget. But thanks to Amazon's 4th of July sale, you can grab the TCL Q6 TV for $469.99, a 33% discount off the usual price of $699.99. At 65 inches, this model could be perfect for your living room or a master bedroom, and you'll be prepared come fall football season or for the next season of "Only Murders in the Building."
More TV deals
Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series 4K UHD — $329.99
$519.99(save $190)Hisense 100-Inch Class U7 Series ULED 4K UHD — $2,299.99
$4,999.99(save $2,700)
We've been begging for a pink iPhone for years around here, but Google may have just lapped Apple in that regard.
Of course, that's only if you believe in video leaks. This latest one comes courtesy of @habibioud on X, who posted a 13-second clip purporting to show the upcoming Google Pixel 9. Seeing a not-yet-announced device is always exciting, but this time, it's especially so because of the alleged Pixel 9's vibrant hot pink colorway.
Tweet may have been deleted
There's no knowing if the clip is real until Google's Aug. 13 event where the Pixel 9 is widely expected to be revealed. However, the video is convincing, especially since the phone shown in the clip bears some similarities to modern Pixels, but with a glossier back and a slightly different horizontal camera bar on the rear. In other words, it looks like an incremental evolution of the Pixel 8, so it may well be real.
Let's all hope this is real so Apple finally has the guts to do the right thing.
]]>UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2024, 9:30 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with more early 4th of July deals including kitchen appliances, TVs, laptops, and mattresses.
Some of the best 4th of July deals are already live. See our top picks below.
If you missed out on all the good Memorial Day sales this year, your chance at summertime savings hasn't passed you by. Many of the best 4th of July sales are already live ahead of the holiday. We're keeping track of them all, so you don't have to. Here's everything you need to know.
Are 4th of July Sales starting early?
July 4th is still days away, but many sales are live and kicking. So far, we're seeing sales from Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, REI, and Solo Stove. However, there's something for tech shoppers, too: HP has also launched its 4th of July sale. And, per holiday shopping traditions, we're already seeing hot deals on mattresses from brands like Sealy, Purple, and Stearns & Foster.
What to buy during 4th of July sales
These sales offer plenty of deals on home appliances, outdoor equipment, patio furniture, TVs, grills, and camping gear that you can use this summer.
However, you'll also see big-ticket items like mattresses and laptops. If you missed out on these purchases over the Memorial Day sales, you'll want to prioritize your big purchases as you shop through 4th of July sales.
What are the best 4th of July sales?
Some of the best 4th of July sales are already happening, and we've highlighted our favorite deals in our list below. We expect the sales to keep rolling in, and we'll add more of our favorites as they launch.
Best patio deal
Why we like it
If you want to make your backyard or patio the go-to hangout spot this summer, a Solo Stove 2.0 can help you do just that. When you shop the Solo Stove Ranger Essential Bundle 2.0, you get the smokeless Ranger fire pit, plus accessories, including a base plate, stand, lid, and carrying case to complete your setup. While you can save $35 on this particular bundle, the 4th of July is a site-wide event, bringing you discounts from $25 - $150 off.
More patio deals
Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill — $389.95
$499(save $109.05)Nexgrill 4-burner Propane Gas Grill — $199
$249(save $50)Endless Summer Gas Fire Pit — $199
$251.49(save $52.49)HeatMaxx Wood Burning Fire Pit — $141.71
$183.33(save $41.62)
Best camping deal
Why we like it
To celebrate the 4th of July, REI is bringing you deals on camping gear, kayaks, clothes, and more. One of our favorite standout deals is the Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent. This three-season, two-person tent has an awning-style design, which can protect you from too much sun as well as rain. It's a great option if you prefer to hike into your favorite camping spots, weighing only a little over 2 lbs. Plus, it folds up into a compact 6 x 19.5 inches. Check out more of our favorite deals on gear and more at the best 4th of July sale outdoor deals.
More 4th of July camping deals
REI — take up to 40% off clearance through July 4
Dicks Sporting Goods — Get up to 50% off select items
Bass Pro Shops — Up to $100 off Cabela's Getaway Dome Tents
Cabela's — Get up to 50% off select items
Best grill deal
Why we like it
If you love that real, wood-fired grill taste, you'll want to scoop up the Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill while it's on sale at Home Depot. This deal saves you over $100, making the sophisticated grill more affordable. We also love the Traeger Pro for its versatility. You can smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food as well, making the Traeger your ultimate outdoor cooking hub. If you open a Home Depot Consumer Card, you can take an additional $50 off the grill.
More 4th of July grill deals
Expert Grill 17.5-inch square steel charcoal grill with wheels — $19.97
$24.97(save $5)Expert Grill 3 burner propane gas grill — $96
$107(save $11)Megamaster 3-burner propane gas grill — $149
$169(save $20)LOCO Series II 2-burner digital propane flat top grill — $399
$499(save $100)
Best mattress deal
In the Tempur-Pedic 4th of July sale, shoppers can save $500 off mattresses, plus gain $300 in free accessories. As we head into the hot summer months, we know how important it is to stay cool and comfortable while you sleep. That's why we love this deal on the TEMPUR-Breeze Collection Queen Mattress. The mattress is designed to be cool to the touch and keep you five degrees cooler as you sleep through the night. With medium firmness, this mattress is suitable for a variety of body types and sleeping styles.
More 4th of July mattress deals
Avocado — Save $500 on select mattresses
Tempur-Pedic — Save $500 on tempur-breeze mattresses, plus get $300 in free accessories with Adapt and Breeze mattresses using code 300FREE
Stearns & Foster — Save $400 on select mattresses
Sealy — Save up to $200 Posturepedic Plus collection, plus get a free Sealy sleep bundle worth up to $199
Purple — Save up to $800 on a mattress + base
DreamCloud — New customers can get up to 50% off mattresses
Bear — Save up to 35% off sitewide, plus get free accessories (up to $400 value) when you purchase a mattress with promo code JULY4TH
Amerisleep — Save $500 on any mattress with code JULY500 and 30% off adjustable bed bundles
Big Fig — Save $500 on any mattress
WinkBeds — Save $300 on any mattress
Tuft & Needle — Save 20% on all mattresses and 15% on select bedding
Best robot vacuum deal
Why we like it
If you've been waiting for a purchase that can genuinely upgrade your life, a robot vacuum could be it. The Roborock Q5+ is $300 off with an on-page coupon and has LiDAR navigation to create cleaning maps of your home, 2700Pa of suction power, a three-hour run time, and can transition easily from hard floors to carpet. The best part? It dumps the dust from your house into a self-disposal bin that you don't have to touch for seven weeks. This model rarely goes on sale, so go on and scoop it up.
More 4th of July robot vacuum deals
eufy 11S MAX robot vacuum cleaner — $139.98
$249.99(save $110.01)eufy 11S SLIM robot vacuum cleaner — $139.99
$229.99(save $90 with on-screen coupon)bObsweep Phoenix PetHair SLAM robot vacuum — $179.99
$529(save $349.01)Tikom G8000 robot vacuum and mop — $99.99
$149.99(save $50 with on-screen coupon)ILIFE V5s Plus robot vacuum and mop — $109.99
$199.99(save $90 with on-screen coupon)iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop — $599.99
$799.99(save $200)iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop — $899.99
$999.99(save $99.01)Narwal Freo X Ultra self-emptying robot vacuum and mop — $1,099.99
$1,399.99(save $300)eufy L60 self-emptying robot vacuum — $299.99
$399.99(save $100)Shark Detect Pro self-emptying robot vacuum — $399.99
$549.99(save $150)iRobot Roomba i4+ EVO self-emptying robot vacuum — $449.99
$599.99(save $150)
Best kitchen deal
Why we like it
Celebrate the summer season by creating your own cool treats at home with the Yonanas Soft Serve Maker. During Amazon's 4th of July Sale, the frosty treat maker is 20% off, costing just $36.49 instead of the normal $49.99. Simply freeze your favorite fruits like bananas, strawberries, mangoes, and blueberries and allow the Yonanas to turn them into a soft serve dessert. This small but mighty kitchen appliance won a Mashable Choice Award in 2022, and we still think it's a great addition to any home that enjoys indulging in a frozen dessert.
More 4th of July kitchen deals
Brita Metro water filter pitcher — $15.99
$25.79(save $9.80)Ninja Fit compact personal blender — $49.99
$69.99(save $20)SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker — $69.99
$99.99(save $30)Keurig K-Classic coffee maker — $79.99
$149.99(save $70)Ninja AF161 Max XL air fryer — $109.99
$169.99(save $60)KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-quart stand mixer — $249.99
$329.99(save $80)
Best TV deal
Why we like it
At $200 off, the LG 65-inch Class C3 Series evo 4K Smart webOS TV is a great pick if you're searching for a new TV for the summer and into the fall sports season. The AI processor means this TV excels in automatically adjusting the sound and picture quality. Translated into real-world experience, the TV is designed to give you the best viewing possible regardless of how bright or dark it is inside of your home. At 65 inches, it's also a great choice for your living room or the master bedroom.
More 4th of July TV deals
Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series 4K UHD — $329.99
$519.99(save $190)Amazon Fire TV 75-inch Omni Series 4K UHD — $699.99
$1,049.99(Prime member exclusive — save $350)
Best laptop deal
$799.99 Save $320.00
Why we like it
Although we're celebrating the 4th of July this week, the school year is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a laptop that's under $500, Best Buy has a great sale offer. The Lenovo Ideapad 1 (AMD Ryzen 7 5000 Series PRO, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for just $479.99 at Best Buy, saving you $320 compared to the usual price of $799.99. Confident with multi-tasking, the AMD Ryzen 7 5000 Series PRO processor will have you whipping through tasks while the 16GB RAM storage will work well for advanced applications. And when you're done with work or studies, the 15.6-inch screen is a great option for streaming your favorite shows or movies for some well-earned relaxation.
More 4th of July laptop deals
Acer Aspire Go 14 (AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $299.99
$349.99(save $50)15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,199
$1,299(save $100)
More 4th of July sales
Get 15% off everything at Brooklinen with code 15-274932
Get an additional 20% off select certified refurbished products at Bose with code SUMMER20
Take an extra 40% off clearance at West Elm with code TREAT40
Get up to 40% off select appliances, 30% off ceiling fans, 30% off outdoor, and 30% off flooring and more at Lowe's
Get up to 50% off select major appliances at Best Buy
Get up to 50% off outdoor furniture and more at Wayfair
Get up to 60% off furniture, outdoor, and more at Pottery Barn
Get up to 65% off at Newegg
Get up to 70% off at Overstock
Get up to 85% off at Kohls
The UK General Election is set to take place this week, and there's an exciting digital partnership playing to election content: Roblox and the BBC.
The BBC is bringing Larry the Downing Street Cat — iconic Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and pet-in-residence at the official home of the UK Prime Minister — to Roblox for this election.
Larry, along with digital avatars of BBC presenters like Laura Kuenssberg, Clive Myrie, and Jeremy Vine, will appear in a game that requires players to track down ballot boxes outside 10 Downing Street. If you find enough boxes, Larry will become your pet (whether or not you share Larry with the PM is unclear). While playing, Roblox users will also be shown facts about UK elections.
The game will be a part of the BBC’s Wonder Chase experience, which has been around on Roblox since April of this year. Wonder Chase, a free experience on Roblox, features a range of areas dedicated to BBC shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders, and The Next Step.
"I’ve never imagined being a gaming character before," says Kuenssberg, long-time political presenter at the BBC, "but like never before, in 2024 the BBC’s coverage of the election really IS getting everywhere." Fiona Campbell, controller of youth audience for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer says that the game is "an engaging and fun way to learn more about the country’s election whilst interacting with our top political experts."
The UK's General Election will take place on July 4, with millions of people in the country headed to the polls to vote despite "mass apathy" towards the presiding political parties.
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Amazon has already hit send on some of the biggest price drops of the year. Between its 4th of July sale and early Prime Day savings, the deals are overflowing this week. On July 2, we're seeing record-low prices on Fire devices, Blink cameras, and more. There's really no need to wait for Prime Day if you're in the mood to do some deal shopping.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our deals from July 1 — many of those are still live. Then come back tomorrow for all-new picks.
Our top pick
If you're in the market for a new TV and you're a Prime member, you can snag a 75-inch Omni Fire TV for only $699.99 ahead of Prime Day. That's 33% in savings and its lowest price on record. As the second-best TV in Amazon's lineup, the Omni offers 4K everyday entertainment, hands-free Alexa control, Dolby Vision, Dolby Digital Plus, and a slimmer bezel for the ultimate home theater experience. It even comes with a six-month subscription to MGM+.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is a solid option if you're looking for a basic tablet that won't break the bank. As PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) wrote in its review of the tablet, "It won't wow you, but it doesn't need to." It'll last up to 13 hours on a single charge, offers USB-C charging support, and features a strengthened aluminosilicate glass display and hexa-core processor (which is 30% faster than the previous model). The Plus model also adds an extra gigabyte of RAM, improves its rear camera from 2 to 5MP, and supports wireless charging. With this bundle, you'll get both the tablet and wireless charging dock, which allows you to set it up as a countertop smart display in Show Mode. As of July 2, the bundle is down to just $84.99 — that's a savings of 50% and a new record-low price.
In your battle against pet hair, you're going to need quite a few weapons in your arsenal. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus makes a good addition, as its cordless, lightweight design makes it a breeze to slide into hard-to-reach places. It features two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams for intense suction, plus a detachable self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that eliminates hair wrap from the floor, upholstery, and the brushroll itself. It's usually $89.99, but you can save 22% and pick it up for $69.99 as of July 2. That's just $2 away from its all-time low.
One of our top picks for a security camera, the Blink Outdoor 4 is an affordable home addition for pet owners, frequent travelers, or just about any homeowner or renter looking to keep an eye on things that go bump in the night. Its battery life is hard to beat — just pop in some AAs and you won't have to worry about changing them for two whole years. The fourth-generation Blink Outdoor also 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 features 1080p HD live view, infrared night vision, and crisp two-way audio. A four-pack is usually $339.99, but you can save 61% ahead of Prime Day and snag it for only $132.99 with Prime — practically a steal.
$1,449.99 Save $300.00
Released in February this year, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is back down to its record-low price of $1,149.99. That's $300 off the 14-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. It's a traditional clamshell-style laptop with all the bells and whistles — an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, a 3K AMOLED touchscreen, AKG Quad speakers, a new Knox security chip, and 18 hours of battery life per charge. Plus, it only weighs 2.71 pounds.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
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Ahead of Prime Day, which runs July 16 and 17, deals are sneakily sliding in. The next two weeks are a bit of a waiting game to see what sought-after products will go on sale. Luckily for you, we're on top of our game finding the early deals, including on the latest iPads from Apple.
These discounts might not seem like much, less than $100 off each model, but these are the lowest prices ever on iPads. The spring release of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro brought noteworthy tech, creating tablets with as much power as the best laptops we've tested. So while these deals seem subtle, we can confirm they're the best prices on iPads.
However, we're not so patiently waiting to see what Prime Day brings. We'll be updating this article with the latest prices as we get closer to the main event.
Best iPad 10th generation deal
Why we like it
The iPad 10th generation saw a price drop this spring, becoming the most budget-friendly iPad. It doesn't have the flashy M-series chips that the iPad Air and Pro possess, but the A14 chip has all the processing power you need for streaming, reading, and working. Normally priced at $349, it's down to $324, officially its lowest price ever. So while it's just $25 off for 7% savings, we can guarantee it's the best price yet.
Best iPad Air deal
Why we like it
Loaded with the M2 chip, the iPad Air is a tablet with the power of a laptop. It's our best overall iPad, as it goes beyond just entertainment, and can be a professional workspace too. The M2 chip powers creatives who want to illustrate and with 1TB of storage, you won't run out of space when starting new projects. This iPad Air usually starts at $1,099, but it's currently down to $1,024, knocking $75 off the price. Those 7% savings bring it down to it's lowest price, unbeatable for the amount of power and storage you're getting.
Best iPad Pro deal
Why we like it
The iPad Pro is not only the most advanced tablet we've ever seen, but maybe the most advanced computing power period. If you need an iPad for professional use, something that can accomplish all your work, from photo to video editing, look no further than the iPad Pro which scored a 14,586 on the Geekbench 6 test, better performance than both the M3 Macbook Air and M3 Macbook Pro.
Ahead of Prime Day, you can get the latest iPad Pro for $928.99, saving you $70.01. Like the test of the tablets on this list, those 7% savings might seem minor, but it's the lowest price we've ever seen.
More iPad deals
Apple iPad 10th generation, 10.2-inch (A13, WiFi, 256GB) — $379
$479(save $100)Apple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch (A15, WiFi, 64GB) — $468.99
$499(save $30.01)Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,024
$1,099(save $75)Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,198.99
$1,299(save $100.01)
Astronomers say they've confirmed that three little red dots observed at the dawn of time by the James Webb Space Telescope are in fact galaxies, flouting theories about the early universe.
Not only that, but researchers say those galaxies seem to host enormous supermassive black holes — perhaps 100 to 1,000 times more massive than the one occupying the center of our own Milky Way. Normally, black holes of this maturity and scale would not be found within young galaxies.
The dots now hold the record for the earliest signatures of "old" starlight — meaning the galaxies, formed shortly after the Big Bang, brim with stars that could already be considered old, said Bingjie Wang, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State.
"These appear to be packed with ancient stars — hundreds of millions of years old — in a universe that is only 600 to 800 million years old," said Wang, lead author on the new research about the galaxies, in a statement.
The team took measurements of the light sources to determine what's generating them and discern the distances of the objects. They published the findings in Astrophysical Journal Letters.
The universe is believed to have started some 13.8 billion years ago, shortly thereafter forming the first stars and galaxies in space. Astrophysicists say the light of those initial galactic neighborhoods is still burning, albeit stretched by time and expansion.
The ancient wavelengths exist in infrared, a form of light that human eyes can't see, but that Webb, a collaboration of NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies, was built to detect with its highly sensitive instruments. In that sense, Webb is a time machine, giving scientists a glimpse of the past.
But these compact galaxies are perplexing to astronomers because they don't comfortably fit in the models for cosmic evolution. They would be about 1,000 times smaller than the Milky Way yet be crowded with about the same number of stars.
The galaxies' stars must have formed rapidly, in a way that's new to scientists, in order to be so close together and exist in such an early period, said Joel Leja, assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State.
"For whatever reason, the universe stopped making objects like these after just a couple of billion years," he said in a statement. "They are unique to the early universe."
The little red dots were first discovered in 2022. Since then scientists have pored over the data to wring out as much information about the systems as possible. Last October, a separate team led by Northwestern University researchers used advanced computer simulations to assess whether the galaxies could be "bright" without being extremely massive.
Tweet may have been deleted
Their study suggested that small, less-developed galaxies could undergo irregular bursts of star formation, referred to as — and this is not a joke — "bursty star formation." Rather than making stars at a steady clip like the Milky Way does, for instance, these galaxies churn out stars inconsistently, with a proliferation all at once, followed by stagnant periods sometimes stretching millions of years before another so-called burst.
"For whatever reason, the universe stopped making objects like these after just a couple of billion years."
Bursty star formation is common in low-mass galaxies, said Claude-André Faucher-Giguère, a professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern, though it's unclear why. The thinking is that a burst of stars, all of the same generation, form, then die off in supernovas a few million years later at about the same time. The gas may then get recycled to form new stars.
But the case is far from closed. The Penn State-led team plans to collect more spectral data from Webb to better understand the star emissions and the potential supermassive black holes, hunting for the specific light signatures that would come from each.
"We have all these puzzle pieces," Leja said, "and they only fit if we ignore the fact that some of them are breaking."
]]>You may be wondering, "Is iOS 18 available for iPhone 11?" As luck would have it, if you have an iPhone 11, your device does, indeed, make the cut for iOS 18.
Of course, iOS 18 is available for newer devices like the iPhone 15, 14, and 13 and 12 series. However, phones like the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR are getting iOS 18 support, too. Plus, if you have an iPhone SE, you can upgrade to iOS 18 — but only if you have the second-generation model or newer.
Still, just because you're getting iOS 18 doesn't mean you're getting all the new features.
Is iOS 18 available for iPhone 11?
As mentioned, iOS 18 does, indeed, support iPhone 11. But there is a catch.
While you may get iOS 18 features like the redesigned Control Center and the new Dark Look perk, you won't get Apple Intelligence features like Genmoji and ChatGPT integration. These will be reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
iPhone 11 will also not get Messages via Satellite, Audio Transcription in Notes, the new eye-tracking accessibility feature, and more. However, if there's any solace, iPhone 11 users will receive the updates to Messages (e.g., tapping back to texts with any emoji and scheduling messages). You can also program certain apps to trigger Face ID authentication with the new ID-authenticated app lock feature.
There are plenty other features that iPhone 11 users can enjoy with iOS 18 — and you can play around with them when Apple officially rolls out the major update to compatible devices later this year.
]]>This HP OmniBook X laptop will have Apple shaking in its boots. Why? Because it’s packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip.
“So what?” you may be thinking. “What’s the big hoopla regarding the Snapdragon X Elite chips?” Well, I’m glad you asked.
For quite some time now, Qualcomm has been insinuating that Snapdragon X Elite-packed laptops are going to leave M3-based MacBooks in the dust. This is a bold claim to make because, let’s be honest, Windows PCs have been struggling to keep up with Apple laptops.
As a reviewer, though rare, I’ve seen some Windows laptops outpace comparable M-series processors, but every single one struggles to beat MacBooks in power efficiency. The M3 MacBook Pro, for example, lasted 16 hours on a charge — and you’d be hard-pressed to find a Windows laptop that can do the same.
The question is, does the HP OmniBook X, featuring the Snapdragon X Elite chip, live up to Qualcomm’s claims? And will it earn a spot on our best laptops page?
HP OmniBook X price and specs
The HP OmniBook X I’ve tested has the following specs:
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor
Qualcomm Dreno graphics
16GB of RAM
1TB of SSD storage
Windows 11
14-inch, 2240 x 1400-pixel resolution
Touchscreen support
You can purchase this configuration at Best Buy for $1,199. There’s also a cheaper variant, sporting 512GB of storage, that will set you back $1,049.99 via HP.
HP OmniBook X design
Design-wise, the OmniBook X is a bit of a snoozefest. If I could personify this HP laptop, it’s the boring, safe, cookie-cutter partner that you take home to your parents. With a buttoned-up suit and zero tattoos, it won’t offend anyone, but it fails to excite.
No, the OmniBook X isn’t a looker, but it’s not designed to be. HP wants this to be the laptop that you bring into the office – and it blends right in with the sterile, clinical vibes.
The only striking feature about the OmniBook X is the light-blue power button on the top-right of the keyboard, which sits next to a row of light-gray keys. Woo-hoo, I guess?
The lid is equally uninspired, with a reflective HP logo in the center of the “Meteor Silver” chassis. The OmniBook also comes in "Ceramic White."
The OmniBook X, a three-pound laptop, is lighter than the 3.4-pound 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro (a rival of the HP laptop) I reviewed. It’s also thinner than the M3 MacBook Pro with a height of 0.56 inches, beating the Apple laptop’s 0.61-inch height.
HP OmniBook X display
The HP Omnibook X has a 14-inch, 2240 x 1400-pixel resolution touchscreen display. No, this 60Hz IPS panel isn’t a visual stunner that’ll leave you wide-eyed and drooling, but it’s sufficient to satisfy my inner display snob.
I launched YouTube and played the Venom 3: The Last Dance trailer. What caught my eye the most was the satisfactory color richness. In one scene, an actress is wearing a sparkly, bright-red dress that is so scarlet, it looked as if it was popping out of the screen. Fiery explosions reveal how well the display produces various hues of orange, red and gray.
One downside to consider about the HP OmniBook X, however, is that it has a 300-nit display. In other words, the screen will be difficult to see if you take it outside, particularly during a bright day. If your desk is next to a bright window at work, you may want to reconsider the OmniBook X.
The bezels that surround the HP OmniBook X are so passé. The top bezel and chin could stand to be slimmer, but perhaps I’m being too nitpicky.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the HP OmniBook’s touchscreen capabilities work seamlessly. I personally won’t use it because I don’t like the idea of smudging the screen, but if you want to scroll through long-form articles with broad swipes for quicker reading, this laptop is for you.
HP OmniBook X ports
The OmniBook X isn’t teeming with ports, but at the very least, it has a respectable balance of both legacy and modern I/O options.
On the right side:
USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1)
3.5mm audio jack
On the left side:
Two USB Type-C ports (supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4)
I have to applaud HP for including a USB Type-A port, an I/O option that is on the brink of extinction. Many laptop manufacturers claim that they ditch USB Type-A ports because they’re too thick and hinder their thin-and-light ambitions. But thanks to the drop-jaw technique, a mechanism HP used for the slim OmniBook X, users can "stretch" the port to accommodate their older cables.
See? We can have our cake and eat it, too. Legacy ports and thin-and-light laptops can, indeed, co-exist.
HP OmniBook X audio
Audio is an afterthought on the OmniBook X. HP is well aware that OmniBook X consumers aren’t melomaniacs – and it shows.
I fired up Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” on Spotify. (Why is this song so addicting?) The pros? The dual downward-firing speakers get impressively loud. I cranked the volume to the max level, and I’m pretty sure my next-door neighbors could hear me having a mini jam session.
However, the sound quality is mid. The bass is weak and the pop tune sounded too thin on the speakers. But if you aren’t a music producer or an audiophile, it really doesn't matter much.
HP OmniBook X keyboard and trackpad
Whenever someone asks me, “Which laptop should I buy if I want the best keyboard?”, I tell them that anything from HP is the answer – and the OmniBook X is no different.
I can’t stop typing on the OmniBook X; it’s an addiction. From the clickiness of the keys to the springiness of the switches, this keyboard is tactile and responsive.
However, the touchpad hasn’t won me over yet. It’s a little too resistant for my tastes – I prefer a smoother feel. On the plus side, it's quite spacious.
The keyboard features dual-level white backlighting, which can be turned on with the F5 key. Finally, I love the large white letters and symbols on the dark-gray keycaps, which contrast nicely with the light-gray chassis. You won’t be squinting with this laptop – that’s for sure.
HP OmniBook X benchmarks and performance
I could not wait to run Geekbench 6, a benchmark that tests processor performance, on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip inside the HP OmniBook X. For context, Qualcomm has been boasting that the Snapdragon X Elite is a formidable rival of the M3 chips inside MacBooks.
In other words, Qualcomm has its crosshairs on the most au courant, entry-level Apple laptops. On top of that, HP claims that the OmniBook X is a rival to the M3 MacBook Pro – not the M3 MacBook Air.
Take a look at the multi-core scores of each laptop to see whether HP and Qualcomm’s claims ring true:
15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 12,057
14-inch M3 MacBook Pro: 11,998
HP OmniBook X: 13,388
As it turns out, the OmniBook X does, indeed, beat the M3 MacBooks with a performance jump of about 11%.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Snapdragon X Elite boasts an NPU, which aids with AI processing. (And facilitates some of the AI tasks mentioned in the next section.)
HP OmniBook X Copilot+ PC experience and AI
The HP OmniBook X isn’t just any ol’ PC. It’s a Copilot+ PC. (Insert sparkles emoji.) Like most modern Windows 11 laptops, you can fire up Copilot with the dedicated keyboard key.
However, Copilot+ PCs take it up a notch with some eye-catching, AI-powered features. For example, I had a blast playing around with the new-and-improved Paint. It now has a “Cocreator” feature, which helps me draw masterpieces despite my rudimentary, rough-around-the-edges doodles.
The Photos app has a new Image Creator feature, allowing me to create my own AI-powered photos with any wild prompt that comes to mind. Here’s what it came up with when I typed in, “A bunny reading a book.”
Honestly? Copilot+ PCs are making Windows fun again – and I’m here for it.
On a more serious note, Microsoft was supposed to debut the controversial Recall feature – a Black Mirror-esque perk that’s like hitting “CTRL + H” on your entire digital life. But it has been delayed for Copilot+ PCs.
Once the Redmond-based tech giant gets it up to snuff after addressing security concerns, Recall is expected to make a return, but only in preview mode for Windows Insiders.
Independently of Copilot lies a pre-installed app from HP called “HP AI Companion.” It's based on GPT-3.5; you can ask it countless questions like you would any other AI chatbot. However, it’s a bit superfluous with Copilot already within reach with a more powerful GPT-4 Turbo.
HP OmniBook X battery life
Wow. When I ran the 1080p video rundown test on the HP OmniBook X, it refused to die. It finally tapped out at an unbelievable 16 hours and 47 minutes.
Up until this point, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 had the longest battery runtime for a Windows laptop: 14 hours and 21 minutes.
Now, the HP OmniBook X has beaten that record. We also tested the M3 MacBooks’ battery runtimes, but the Pro model was benchmarked with PCMark 10, making it incompatible for comparison. But for what it’s worth, it lasted 16 hours and 23 minutes on a charge.
The M3 MacBook Air, on the other hand, was tested with the same video rundown benchmark; it lasted just 10 hours and 36 minutes on a charge.
HP OmniBook X webcam
The HP OmniBook X has a 5MP webcam (as well as an IR camera for Windows Hello facial-recognition logins).
There isn't much to write home about when it comes to the shooter. You won't get that crisp sharpness, but I'm OK with that. All that visual noise conceals my flaws.
Plus, thanks to the AI-enhanced Camera app, you can enjoy some cool features via Windows Studio Effects, including automatic framing, background blur, and an eye contact feature that makes it look like you're staring at the screen at all times.
Is the HP OmniBook X worth it?
The HP OmniBook X is my first experience with a Snapdragon X Elite-based Copilot+ PC machine – and I'm impressed. Qualcomm wasn't wrong. Its processor does, indeed, beat the M3 MacBooks. Plus, it lasts over 16 hours on a charge, a feat that was completely unheard of for Windows laptops in recent times.
And finally, the Copilot+ PC aspect makes Windows fun again. Do you remember when Windows was a total blast? As a kid, when I'd lose interest in browsing the internet, I'd fall back on pre-installed games like Solitaire, Minesweeper, or 3D Pinball. With the new AI-powered features, you don't need Google Chrome, or whatever browser you use, to enjoy your laptop. You can simply fire up Paint or the Photos app. It'll keep your entertained for hours.
The HP OmniBook X is the best Windows laptop I've tested this year. It's fun, fast, and fierce.
Space and photography fans are in for a treat. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has returned, with its sixteenth edition shortlist featuring a stunning array of photographs.
London's Royal Museums Greenwich received a whopping 3,500 entries from both amateur and professional photographers globally, each of whom captured a breathtaking glimpse of space. The 30 shortlisted entries range from visuals from the Geminid meteor shower to an aurora in the shape of a dragon to ancient supernova remnants. Categories cover everything from stars and nebulae to asteroids to lunar and solar images.
The official winners of the competition will be revealed in September, but for now the shortlist is an incredible first look at the intersection between art and astronomy. Take a look:
Want more Astronomy Photographer of the Year wonders? Check out 2023's list.
]]>Time flies, and it's even more so apparent if you own a first-generation Apple HomePod or an iPhone X as those devices are now officially considered "vintage" products.
Spotted by MacRumors, the "vintage" label, which now also applies to first-gen AirPods, basically means that Apple stopped distributing these products more than five, but less than seven years ago. As a reminder, products that Apple stopped distributing more than seven years ago are (sometimes) considered "obsolete."
The moniker seems fitting for the iPhone X, which was the first iPhone with a notch and frankly, it does feel like it came out forever ago (actually, it was in 2017). As a reminder, it was powered by an Apple A11 Bionic chip, and came with 3GB of memory and 64 or 256 GB of storage. It also had just a dual, 12-megapixel camera on the back, as well as a 7-megapixel shooter on the front.
For the HomePod, it feels odd to think of it as a vintage product. It was announced in 2017, but it was only followed by the second-generation HomePod in 2023, and both devices are actually quite similar, with the original actually winning in some regards, with more tweeters and mics, as well as a smaller subwoofer.
The AirPods don't really change that much from version to version, but the original variant was launched in 2016, which, again, does feel "vintage" in the world of wearables.
The fact that these devices are now vintage don't change all that much to owners, as Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers will continue to offer repairs for them for up to two more years. The clock is ticking, though; if you still rock an iPhone X, congrats on sticking with it for so long, but it might be time for a new model.
]]>Spotify appears to be testing an emergency alert — but the whole thing is still in the very early stages.
The music streamer is carrying out tests in Sweden, where its headquarters are located, with lines in the app's code referencing the new feature. A spokesperson from Spotify confirmed to Techcrunch that the test was happening, but that it was currently localised to Sweden only.
“At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience,” the company said. “Some of those tests end up paving the way for our broader user experience while most serve only as an important learning.”
To clarify, this doesn't necessarily mean that users in Sweden will be getting emergency pop-ups from Spotify anytime soon. The company is clearly fiddling around with code for the feature, but internal tests might be as far as it's going for now. Mashable has reached out to Spotify to clarify, and we will update this article if we receive a response.
Although emergency alerts might sound like a bit of a departure from Spotify's usual offering, it's not necessarily the biggest leap. Other tech giants like Google and Apple have various safety features, and Facebook has had a Safety Check feature for years.
]]>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.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, July 2, 2024:
Across
"Yes, ___!" (chorus from a group of line cooks)
The answer is chef.
Lover of the club music scene
The answer is raver.
"Humble" home
The answer is abode.
They can't stand up by themselves because they're "two-tired," in an old groaner
The answer is bikes.
It is written
The answer is text.
Down
What the "spider" actually is in a spider roll
The answer is crab.
Nun's outfit
The answer is habit.
Bring to mind
The answer is evoke.
UPS competitor
The answer is Fedex.
Take a breather
The answer is rest.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is one of the most highly anticipated tech products of 2024. Ahead of the recently announced July 10 Samsung event, AndroidAuthority claims that it unearthed some health-tracking features the new wearable may sport, including snore detection and menstrual-cycle prediction.
These reported Galaxy Ring features were discovered during an APK teardown of Samsung Health. However, until we hear directly from Samsung, we have no clue whether AndroidAuthority's claims are accurate.
5 Samsung Galaxy Ring health-tracking features, according to new report
AndroidAuthority claims that it activated the UI of several health-focused Galaxy Ring features. According to the outlet, the Galaxy Ring can track and measure the following:
Heart rate
Stress
Skin temperature
Menstrual cycle
Snoring
AndroidAuthority says that the Galaxy Ring can detect snores by using the phone as a companion, similar to the Galaxy Watch. Plus, the phone will reportedly need to be charging and adjacent to the user.
On top of that, the tech outlet, complete with screenshots, claims that users will get the opportunity to see timestamped audio recordings of their snoring and deep breathing.
However, we hope that you have your grain of salt ready. All of this is hearsay until we get official word from Samsung.
]]>TL;DR: Ever wanted to learn ethical hacking? Through July 21, pay only $39.97 for this ethical hacking bundle, which teaches you the ABCs of white hat hacking.
Businesses dread getting hacked, but here's the twist: They often hire hackers — white hat hackers, that is. These ethical hackers are skilled IT professionals who hunt down vulnerabilities and fix them before they can be exploited. It's no wonder these pros are in high demand, raking in top dollar to keep organizations safe from cyber threats.
If you want to get into the business of hacking for the greater good, consider picking up this ethical hacking training bundle. Through July 21, you can snag this 18-pronged bundle on sale for only $39.97.
This expert-led training collection packs 18 extensive courses, with each one focusing on a specific white hat hacking method. The courses are taught by legit industry professionals, including penetration tester Aleksa Tamburkovski, senior information security consultant and IT trainer Gabriel Avramescu, and security evangelist Atul Tiwari. With their years of experience, you'll master the skills needed to safeguard systems like a pro.
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If you've always wanted to learn ethical hacking skills, this is your chance. Through July 21, you can grab this ethical hacking bundle on sale for just $39.97.
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TL;DR: Through July 21, you can amp up your skills with this cybersecurity course bundle on sale for $69.97 (reg. $535).
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Lawyer Sean Smith has seen up close how nonconsensual deepfakes, a form of image-based sexual abuse, can ruin lives.
Smith, a family law attorney with the Roseland, New Jersey, firm Brach Eichler, recently represented both the families of minor victims and perpetrators throughout educational disciplinary proceedings.
His clients have included teen girls whose images were taken from social media, then digitally "undressed" by their male classmates, who used software powered by artificial intelligence.
The apps and websites capable of creating explicit nonconsensual deepfakes typically market themselves as satisfying a curiosity or providing entertainment. As a result, users likely don't understand that the resulting imagery can inflict painful, lifelong trauma on the person whose likeness has been stolen — who is almost always a girl or woman. The victim may never be able to remove every synthetic photo or video from the internet, given how difficult it is to track and delete such content.
This can lead to professional, personal, and financial devastation for survivors. The same can be true for perpetrators when their name and reputation is associated with creating nonconsensual deepfakes. They may face suspension or expulsion if they're a student, and also face criminal and civil penalties, depending on where they live.
"It destroys lives on every side," Smith told Mashable.
This typically isn't made clear to youth and adult users who engage in image-based sexual abuse.
Is it illegal to make a deepfake?
Despite the absence of information about the consequences of nonconsensual deepfakes, their rise has prompted several states to pass legislation criminalizing them.
Meanwhile, Congress has introduced but has yet to vote on a bill that would give victims the right to file a civil suit against perpetrators. A separate federal bill would criminalize the publication of nonconsensual intimate imagery, including that created by AI, and require social media companies to remove that content at a victim's request.
In some states, offenders can face civil penalties should the victim successfully sue them for damages. Their wages may be garnished or their property seized to pay for such damages.
Last year, Illinois amended an existing law in order to make deepfake offenders liable when they distribute nonconsensual synthetic images. A survivor can sue the person who disseminates the content for damages, which may result from emotional distress, the cost of mental health treatment, the loss of a job, and other related costs.
"When the laws get enforced, it's going to be a black mark that will follow a person for a very long time..."
In New York, dissemination of nonconsensual deepfakes can lead to a year spent in jail, a fine, and a civil suit. Florida imposes both criminal and civil penalties for the "promotion" of nonconsensual synthetic material. The state's law also expanded the definition of "child pornography" to include deepfakes of minors engaged in sexual conduct.
Indiana, Texas, and Virginia are among the states that have made the creation of nonconsensual deepfakes punishable by jail time.
Many states, however, don't yet have laws that make the creation or distribution of deepfakes illegal, or give victims the right to sue. Additionally, it may be difficult for victims to pursue criminal or civil penalties against the person who promoted the content because their identity is unknown, or because law enforcement is understaffed to investigate potential crimes.
But Matthew B. Kugler, professor of law at Northwestern University, says that shouldn't give people a false sense of security.
"When the laws get enforced, it's going to be a black mark that will follow a person for a very long time, and no one's going to feel bad about the fact that that black mark follows [the offender] for a very long time," Kugler says.
In 2020, Kugler studied public attitudes toward sexually explicit, nonconsensual deepfake videos in a survey of 1,141 U.S. adults. The vast majority of the respondents wanted to criminalize the act.
There is another potential legal consequence to creating nonconsensual deepfake imagery, regardless of whether the offender's state imposes criminal or civil penalties.
Adam Dodge, a lawyer and founder of Ending Tech-Enabled Abuse (EndTAB), says that a victim can file for a protective or restraining order if she knows who's responsible for the creation or distribution of the imagery. In many jurisdictions, image-based abuse qualifies as a form of harassment.
Such restraining orders are discoverable in background searches conducted by potential employers, Dodge says. A restraining order can also be applied to a youth offender. Though a minor's legal record is meant to be sealed, Dodge has seen instances where the information becomes public.
What happens to minors who create or share a nonconsensual deepfake
Teens who find deepfake apps or sites, either through word of mouth or ruthless internet marketing and search strategies, often don't grasp the potential fallout for victims or themselves, says Smith.
He notes that because the phenomenon is so new, school-based discipline can vary widely. At public schools, which are legally obligated to keep students enrolled to the extent that it's possible, the punishment can vary from brief in- or out-of-school suspensions.
But Smith says that private schools, with their own codes of conduct, may quickly escalate to expulsion.
The victim's parents may also pursue legal action in an effort to hold the perpetrator and their family accountable. Though Smith hasn't seen such a case yet, he expects some parents to begin filing civil lawsuits against a perpetrator's parents on the grounds of negligent supervision. Any damages won could potentially be covered by homeowner's insurance, unless the parents' carrier restricts such claims.
Teens could also be subject to criminal penalties, including those related to child pornography and other criminal statutes. Smith is aware of juvenile proceedings against teens who've created nonconsensual deepfakes. Though they did not serve time in jail, the offenders entered into a private agreement with the state as culpability for their actions.
In Florida, however, two teens were arrested and charged with felonies last December for disseminating nonconsensual deepfakes.
Smith says that parents and teens urgently need to understand these and other consequences.
"The problem with this technology is that the parents and the kids don't realize how big a mistake the use of the technology is," Smith says. "How just the introduction of the technology onto a cellphone…can create this much larger lifetime mistake."
If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.
]]>It's a tale of two retail behemoths vying for your dollars.
In one corner is Amazon, the scrappy bookseller-turned-global ecommerce empire that's the reason why we're all a tad impatient. In the other is Walmart, the veteran department store with one-stop, starburst-studded supercenters in every neighborhood.
From speedy shipping to sitewide sales and members-only perks, both retailers pull out stops to entice shoppers to buy from them instead of their rival. But in the battle of Walmart vs. Amazon, whose deals are actually better?
Mashable's shopping team has spent years tracking discounts on popular tech that the two of them have offered. Here's how we see things.
Where Amazon wins: Variety and deal-finding tools
Amazon and Walmart are both massive mega-marketplaces, but Amazon has an advantage in terms of product selection. Its virtual shelves are stocked with more brands and more items at different price points, and it hosts considerably more third-party sellers, so there's simply a bigger pool of products for it to put on sale. That includes more newer releases, too, which reliably prompt price-drops on older models when they launch.
The other pro to shopping on Amazon is that consumers have more deal-finding tools at their disposal (beyond your usual shopping browser extensions or Google Shopping features). If you have Amazon's mobile app, there's an option under your account settings to get notified when specific products go on sale — look under Your Account > Message center > Deal alerts. You'll also see available and upcoming discounts on related products there.
Members of Amazon's Prime service who have a newer Echo smart speaker can enable a similar "Advanced deal alerts" feature on the device that flags them when items on their Wish List are about to go on sale (up to 24 hours ahead of time).
When it comes to verifying those deals, a dedicated Amazon price-checking website called CamelCamelCamel is a helpful tool that can pull up an item's complete price history using the URL of its product page. (There's also a supplementary browser extension.) The site occasionally misses coupons and skips over limited-time deals during sitewide sales, including its flagship summer Prime Day event. But it's generally great for determining whether a discount is even worth considering. The Mashable shopping team relies heavily on it to appraise Amazon deals year-round.
There's no CamelCamelCamel equivalent for Walmart, though there is a tool in the free browser extension Honey (called "Droplist") that can offer some Walmart price history insights for products. However, it only uses data from the past 120 days, and it doesn't appear to take third-party sellers into account — which can sometimes pose a problem. (More on those later.)
Where Walmart wins: Already-low prices and hidden gems
Walmart sells a smaller selection of products compared to Amazon, and that selection mainly revolves around low-end and/or older products. (The M1 Apple MacBook Air appeared on Amazon at release in 2020, for instance, but it only made its way to Walmart when it was discontinued in early 2024.) This is a drawback for shoppers in search of new, upgrade-worthy products. But it also means things can be pretty cheap at Walmart from the jump, outside of any sale or deal, which has its appeal for bargain hunters. (To continue my example, Walmart permanently priced the M1 Air at only $699 — $300 off Apple's MSRP — when it finally landed there.)
Walmart also occasionally does this thing to on-sale items where it lists deflated sticker prices — prices that are lower than the items' actual MSRPs — which makes their discounts seem worse than they really are. (We've run into this on Amazon, too, but it seems to happen far more often at Walmart.)
Take this 65-inch Samsung QLED TV: Walmart had it marked down from $997.99 to $798 during its Deals Holiday Kickoff Event in October 2023, advertising a discount of $199.99. But when the Mashable shopping team searched for the TV's model number on the Samsung website, we discovered that it had an MSRP of $2,699.99 there — meaning Walmart's deal was actually saving shoppers just over $1,900.
We're not exactly sure why Walmart chooses to do this, since it kind of works against its bottom line. (Wouldn't the bigger discount entice more shoppers to buy…?) But it can result in pleasant surprises for meticulous shoppers who cross-check prices before adding items to their carts; you're saving more than the retailer lets on, and snagging a deal that may have sold out sooner had it been advertised accurately.
Finally, Walmart periodically releases extra-cheap products as "Special Buys" during sales. It doesn't attach any original MSRPs to these products, so there's no way of determining how much you're actually saving, but the prices tend to be low enough that it almost doesn't matter. (See: this 65-inch onn. 4K TV, which went on sale at Walmart for $278 a few weeks before Black Friday 2023. We don't know how much it's truly worth, but compared to other TVs of that size, it's absurdly cheap.)
Where both win: Memberships are useful for scoring deals
In addition to other benefits, Amazon and Walmart's membership services both unlock varying degrees of access to certain deals during tentpole sales throughout the year.
For its part, Amazon's Prime membership ($14.99 per month or $139 per year) is non-negotiable if you want to shop the best deals during Prime Day (scheduled for July 16 and 17 this year); that includes several invite-only deals. No Prime, no access — but making use of its free 30-day trial still counts you in, which is nice.
This members-only restriction doesn't apply to Amazon's Cyber Weekend sales as a whole, though it did introduce some invite-only Black Friday deals for Team Prime as part of them last year. We wouldn't be shocked if those became permanent fixtures.
Meanwhile, a Walmart+ membership ($12.95 per month or $98 per year) unlocks early access to Walmart's biggest sitewide sales throughout the year — usually three to five hours before they're open to the general public. Those sales would be its summer savings event, which is usually competes with Prime Day (simply called "Walmart Deals" this year, and set for July 8 to 11), as well as its end-of-year Cyber Weekend programming. Featured deals can sometimes sell out during this early-access phase or get slightly more expensive once the paywall lifts, so it's worth taking advantage of this membership perk if a sale includes a steep discount on something you've been shopping around for.
There's one catch, which is that early deals access for Walmart+ members is restricted to paid members; you don't count if you're using its free 30-day trial. On the plus side, we usually see subscriptions go on sale for half price immediately before Walmart's summer and Black Friday sales.
Where both lose: Sketchy third-party sellers and inflated prices
Bagging a truly good deal from either retailer involves a good deal of due diligence on the part of you, the shopper.
For starters, be sure you know exactly who you're buying from — because it may not be Amazon or Walmart themselves. Amazon is better known for hosting myriad third-party merchants, but Walmart's listings are also rife with them.
Some of these merchants are simply storefronts for verified brands, like Roborock or Dyson. But many, many others across both retailers are shady sellers who may be shipping counterfeit products or operating under funky refund and return policies that are different from their platform's guidelines.
These are typically easily identifiable by their names, like Superdealstore, Delight Tech Electronics, and busylittlebee. (None of those words are in the bible.) However, we've encountered one instance where an unauthorized seller was using the same name and branding as the real one on Amazon.
This isn't to say that all third-party sellers are malicious or scammy, but enough are that we recommend avoiding them entirely. Your best bet is to stick with products that have "Ships from/Sold by Amazon.com" or "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com" labels underneath the "Add to cart" buttons on their listings.
Amazon and Walmart also both periodically dabble in something called price anchoring, which is when they inflate products' MSRPs to make discounts look higher than they really are. (They don't do this as often as they used to, but we still catch it from time to time.) Think of these as the Warios of Walmart's secretly amazing deals with deflated MSRPs.
This underscores the importance of price-checking deals whenever possible. Plugging a product's name or model number into Google and seeing what it's going for on its manufacturer's website is a solid rule of thumb that can be extremely revealing — sometimes in a good way, sometimes not.
When the competition heats up: More insights about Prime Day and Cyber Weekend
Amazon and Walmart both reliably drop their prices to new or year-round record lows when major savings events roll around — the biggest ones being in midsummer around Prime Day, plus Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (As mentioned, Walmart typically hosts its own festivities alongside Prime Day.) These sales also seem to prompt them to get their acts together in categories that are normally dominated by third-party sellers, like laptops, and offer more (legit) deals of their own.
Neither Amazon nor Walmart formally offer price-matching, but if they're selling the same products during these sales, you can expect to see very similar or identical numbers across the board. (Matching each other's freak, as it were.) Sometimes it takes a bit for one retailer to adjust its prices to rival the other's, but it usually happens eventually. We tend to see the most overlap among low-end TVs, robot vacuums, laptops, headphones, and other budget tech, in addition to certain Apple products (particularly iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods) and gaming consoles.
Prime Day
With respect to Prime Day specifically, Amazon religiously sticks to a 48-hour formula for its flagship sale, whereas Walmart's competing event normally lasts twice as long.
That said, Amazon does offer weeks of official "Early Prime Day Deals" ahead of time, giving shoppers a chance to nab certain promotions before the chaos of the event. It will also tease some of its top day-of deals in a press release ahead of time, though they come in the form of a discount range, not exact pricing. ("Save up to 75% on select Amazon devices," for example.)
On the flip side, Walmart always waits until its anti-Prime Day sale actually starts to put any deals up for grabs, but it will usually preview some of its best offers in a release well before then and use exact numbers — "Nintendo Switch Joy Con with Game for $69.00 (was $99.00)," for instance. (We use the word "exact" loosely because we frequently encounter inflated and deflated MSRPs here.)
Black Friday
In recent years, Amazon and Walmart have both moved to kick off their holiday shopping seasons extra early with Black Friday sales that begin in October. They both still save some of their deepest markdowns for Black Friday proper — it's always the fourth Friday of November — but it's always worth combing those early deals in case they wind up selling out (or getting pricier) down the road. As with Prime Day, both retailers preview these Black Friday deals in their own ways: Amazon's discounts are "up-tos," and Walmart's are (sometimes inaccurate) "before-and-afters."
Walmart takes a more structured approach to its Black Friday festivities, staggering its deals into a couple of mini week-long events leading up to Black Friday proper, so shoppers have a better idea of how long certain offers last. (They can stick around beyond that timeframe, but it's not guaranteed.)
Alternatively, Amazon simply starts its Black Friday season sale on a certain day and adds or removes deals seemingly whenever it feels like doing so. Sometimes they'll run the course of the whole event, sometimes they'll be gone in a day. It's more of a revolving-door approach.
In the off-chance that something you buy from Amazon or Walmart during their Black Friday sales gets cheaper there later, you won't be able to get a price adjustment — but you can take advantage of their extended return policies. In the past, eligible year-end purchases from either retailer have been returnable through January 31 of the following year.
The bottom line: Where should you shop for the best deals?
To recap: Amazon is the place to shop if you want the most options, if you need help finding deals, and if you care how steep or elusive a discount is. For these reasons, it's our preferred retailer by a small margin: We like knowing exactly how much money a deal is saving shoppers, and we think an offer's rarity is important context. But Walmart can also fit the bill for value seekers who aren't super concerned about a product's brand, release date, or true MSRP — just that its price is low. Keep in mind that both retailers host huge savings events in the summer and before the holidays, which is when they bring their most competitive prices to the table.
If you're already an Amazon Prime or Walmart+ member, you might be inclined to peruse the respective retailer's wares first. It might give you exclusive or early access to certain deals. For those who haven't signed up yet, those free 30-day trials can be useful.
Ultimately, though, you're not doing yourself any favors by being loyal to a single retailer. One of the best ways to make sure you're getting the very best deal is by cross-checking prices across the web, comparing offers at Amazon, Walmart, and elsewhere… especially elsewhere. (For what it's worth, we have a lot of luck at Best Buy when it comes to deals on big-ticket items like TVs and laptops — and it's not swarming with questionable third-party sellers.)
For extra help finding the best, most up-to-date discounts on popular tech, consider bookmarking the Mashable shopping team's dedicated deals coverage, too. We only highlight the best deals we've personally vetted at Amazon, Walmart, and beyond.
Senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart and lead shopping reporter Bethany Allard contributed to this story.
]]>TL;DR: Through July 21, edit and annotate any digital file with PDF Reader Pro for Mac, on sale for £23.70 (reg. £47.44).
The modern workplace might have ditched paper, but now we're drowning in the next worst thing: PDFs. Tons and tons of PDFs. And while these documents might be digital, they can still be a nightmare to manage. Some can't be edited, others are scanned so poorly they're unreadable, and some are just plain indecipherable.
To lessen your frustration, PDF Reader Pro may be worth the investment as your new PDF software for Mac. It lets you easily edit text, replace images, add signatures, and more on any PDF file. And once you get PDF Reader Pro set up on your MacBook or iMac, your license will never expire. Through July 21, you can grab a lifetime subscription to this PDF software for Mac for only £23.70 — no coupon code necessary.
With more than 90 million users and stellar reviews in the Apple App Store, PDF Reader Pro is a PDF powerhouse. It offers advanced reading features like bookmarks, search, and night mode, making it a snap to navigate any document. Editing? No problem. You can insert, add, and replace images and text and use markup tools like highlight and strikeout with ease.
If you're dealing with high-volume documents, the app’s high operation speed opens massive files with thousands of pages in just two seconds. From there, you can organise and rearrange pages, merge, split, rotate, crop, or delete portions, and you can even modify the original text and images. Need to batch-process multiple PDFs? No sweat. You can add watermarks, headers, and footers to your files, too.
In case you have a sensitive document in your hands, you can encrypt and protect it with a password, add a watermark, redact confidential parts with a black box that can't be removed or altered, and sign them with a legally binding digital signature. Plus, if you're collaborating with colleagues and clients, the app also makes it easy to comment, annotate, and create fillable forms.
With a subscription, you get full access to PDF Reader Pro, plus 24/7 support and free updates. So why let PDFs drive you nuts? Get PDF Reader Pro and take control.
Conquer your PDF frustrations with a lifetime subscription to PDF Reader Pro for Mac, on sale for just £23.70 (reg. £47.44) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Watch Austria vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Euro 2024 quarter finals have mostly taken shape, with just one remaining spot up for grabs. Austria have really impressed in the tournament so far, whilst Turkey have shown glimpses of what they are capable of doing. We're expecting a tense battle for that place between two evenly-matched sides, and you can watch how things unfold without spending anything.
If you want to watch Austria vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Austria vs. Turkey?
NAME vs. NAME in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 2. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany.
How to watch Austria vs. Turkey for free
Austria vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Access ITVX by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream Austria vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?
ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Austria vs. Turkey in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Watch Romania vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Every remaining team is just a few games away from winning Euro 2024, which sounds straightforward but is obviously nothing of the sort. Every knockout game is going to be extremely tough, with everything on the line. It's win or bust, which generally produces tense matchups that are separated by mistakes or moments of genius.
Romania have lit up the tournament so far, winning hearts of fans around the world. The Netherlands have failed to impress, but that could all change in the knockout rounds.
If you want to watch Romania vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Romania vs. Netherlands?
Romania vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST on July 2. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
How to watch Romania vs. Netherlands for free
Romania vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Access BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Romania vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Romania vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>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 July 1'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: Hide
Green: Verba
Blue: Descriptors for a certain type of possessions
Purple: ___ (Synonym for "form of merriment")
Here are today's Connections categories
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: PACK (AWAY FOR FUTURE USE)
Green: LATIN WORDS
Blue: ADJECTIVES FOR ASSETS
Purple: __ GAME
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 #387 is...
What is the answer to Connections today
DEVELOP, AS IDEAS - BRAINSTORM, IDEATE, SPITBALL, WORKSHOP
KINDS OF CAKE - BIRTHDAY, CRUMB, MARBLE, POUND
TANGIBLE - CONCRETE, MATERIAL, REAL, SOLID
THINGS YOU CAN THROW IN METAPHORS - CURVEBALL, PARTY, TANTRUM, WRENCH
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.
]]>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 June 29'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:
Certain decoration.
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 I.
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 #1109 is...
INLAY.
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.
]]>TL;DR: Watch United States vs. Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The United States, the host country of the 2024 Copa America, face their biggest competition yet in the tournament — the 15-time Copa America champions, Uruguay. So far, both teams have faced easier competition in Group C, facing Bolivia and Panama. A win here could make the difference as the knockout rounds approach.
The United States are making a name for themselves in international football tournaments. A major tournament run here, especially a win, could nudge them towards the upper echelons of world football. But don't expect Uruguay to just let the them waltz by — Uruguay are usually a shoo-in to reach the quarter finals at a bare minimum at the Copa America. Uruguay are looking to reach the heights of their 2011 campaign, when they last won the tournament.
If you want to watch United States vs. Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is United States vs. Uruguay?
United States vs. Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on July 1. This fixture takes place at the Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.
How to watch Uruguay for free
United States vs. Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.
Sportitalia is a free streaming platform that's geo-blocked outside of Italy. But anyone can access Sportitalia by using a VPN. VPNs are powerful tools can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another country, in this case Italy. This process will give you access to Sportitalia for every 2024 Copa America fixture — no matter where you are around the world.
Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy
Visit Sportitalia
Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers, you can take advantage and gain access to free live streams without parting with any cash. This trial period will give you enough time to watch every fixture in the 2024 Copa America, before claiming back any upfront investment.
What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including 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 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 for a limited time only — an overall saving of 49%. You'll also get extra three months for free, along with a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream United States vs. Uruguay for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Watch Bolivia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Bolivia vs. Panama might not be the biggest fixture at the 2024 Copa America, but at this stage — with the quarter finals just days away — every result matters. Even if it's just a matter of pride for an outgoing team.
Bolivia have had varied success at the competition over the years — though it's 61 years since they actually won it — while Panama are entering for only the second time. Panama are one of the weakest teams in the tournament but that doesn't mean they won't have the fire and tenacity to get a result — particularly against the Bolivians.
The great news is that while the 2024 Copa America is based in the United States, you don't need to be based there to watch it. If you want to watch Bolivia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Bolivia vs. Panama?
Bolivia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on July 1. This fixture takes place at the Exploria Stadium, Orlando.
How to watch Bolivia vs. Panama for free
Bolivia vs. Panama in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.
Sportitalia is an Italian free streaming platform, which is geo-restricted to Italy. But anyone can access Sportitalia by using a VPN. VPNs are powerful tools that can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another country, in this case Italy, allowing you to watch the 2024 Copa America from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy
Visit Sportitalia
Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without spending any cash in the long run. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch United States vs. Bolivia — not to mention every other 2024 Copa America fixture — before recovering any upfront investment.
What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including 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 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, which includes an extra three months at no extra cost. This is an overall saving of 49% but it's available for a limited time only. This plan also includes a year of unlimited data backup via the cloud and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Bolivia vs. Panama for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 3, "The Burning Mill," brings viewers back to one of Westeros' most notorious castles: Harrenhal. And what a return it is!
The episode sees Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) swoop into Harrenhal with his dragon Caraxes, but this is far from the triumphant conquest he envisioned. Castellan Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale) is all too ready to turn the castle over to Team Black, no fight needed. On top of all that, Harrenhal is supremely spooky, its melted ruins exposing anyone within to the elements.
"The Burning Mill" uses this spookiness to its fullest extent as Daemon first steps foot in Harrenhal. He prowls down long, empty corridors and staircases. Rain and thunder crash in from above, bats burst from the rafters. In the hands of director Geeta Vasant Patel, the castle becomes a maze that Daemon must wander alone, a solitude made all the more isolating following his argument with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) in episode 2. For both Patel and Smith, grounding Daemon's Harrenhal entrance in the aftermath of that argument proved crucial.
"When you look at the scene for what it is, it's very easy to just treat it as if it's out of line with the timeline. What I wanted to do is make it emotional and concurrent with what had happened in episode 2," Patel told Mashable. "It's not just about a man who comes to Harrenhal and is walking around scared. You can put that anywhere in the season. Why [we see it] now is that in episode 2, he's been tossed aside by Rhaenyra. He has never been this low."
Rhaenyra's presence lingers even in this scene. Long before Daemon experiences a vision of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), you can hear her faint, disembodied voice calling to him as he seeks out Simon Strong.
Creating Daemon's emotional vulnerability during the Harrenhal invasion started with his flight into the castle. "If you're just grounded in reality, this is a man who's on a drinking binge in a car," Patel said. She worked with House of the Dragon's VFX team to make Caraxes's movements more reckless, like a "drunken dragon" mirroring his rider's instability.
Daemon's journey within the castle itself is near-labyrinthine, highlighting both the scale of Harrenhal and Daemon's own uncertainty. One point of inspiration Patel cited for both her and Smith was the scene in The Silence of the Lambs where Clarice (Jodie Foster) makes her way through Buffalo Bill's (Ted Levine) house. In both sequences, the camera follows our uneasy protagonist through an unfamiliar place, whipping from doorway to doorway as they contemplate what's next. There's no music, just the eerie sounds of the environment.
Harrenhal's creeping, frightening loneliness serves as the perfect reflection for Daemon at this point in time. "This place represents what's in his soul right now," Patel said.
She continued: "As Daemon's going from corridor to corridor, it's a metaphor for him thinking, 'I don't know where I am in my life. I've never been here before. I'm actually scared for the first time in my life, and I'm angry.'"
Daemon takes that anger out on a Strong soldier passing by — the only violence in his takeover of Harrenhal, and a moment that wasn't in the original script. "In the script, the guy was just running away. But as Matt and I were working through it, we were both thinking, 'This doesn't feel like Daemon, where's he's at in the story.' Daemon needs to pummel that guy and take everything out on him," Patel said.
While the beatdown is a very Daemon move, Patel hinted that a stay in Harrenhal might be a major catalyst for a change in Daemon. "One thing [Matt and I] spent the most time on was the question of, 'How do we stay Daemon, but also start allowing a shift in him?'" Patel explained. "Since we worked on [the finale] together, we knew where Daemon was going, and we wanted to see how it started in episode 3. Luckily, we both got to work together on the bookends of his experience at Harrenhal."
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
]]>In its annual trends research report, YouTube says fan culture is turning Gen Z into creators.
The platform says that the increasing volume of fan-made content — recaps, reactions, parodies, and commentary that can be more popular than its source content — has made fan culture "the central driver of emerging popular culture."
As The Washington Post reported last week, the YouTube study found that 65 percent of 350 U.S.-based Gen Z respondents describe themselves as "video content creators." The report contextualizes that majority as the result of a larger increase in fan-made content. Fans expect their media to be malleable and to be empowered to remix it," the report reads. Sixty-six percent of Gen Z Americans say they often spend more time watching content that discusses or unpacks something than they do watching the thing itself.
Online fandom is a powerful tool for virtual connection, with 47 percent of Gen Z respondents reporting that they belong to a fandom that no one they know personally is a part of. Of all respondents aged 14-44 who identified as fans, 80 percent said they consume content about the thing they’re a fan of at least weekly on YouTube. Notably, eight percent of those surveyed by YouTube who identified as fans also considered themselves professional fans or "someone who earns revenue from a fanship."
Fandom is not new, but it seems it's being taken more seriously than ever. In May, veteran YouTube creator Jenny Nicholson's four-hour video breakdown of the sins of Disney's Star Wars hotel earned coverage from unlikely sources, including The New York Times, NPR, and Rolling Stone. Nicholson has been making similar analyses for more than seven years, but the detailed assessment of the hotel's failures was her longest video yet and her third most-viewed. It has now been viewed more than eight million times, indicating the growing power of fan-made analysis.
The YouTube study was conducted by research firm SmithGeiger, with report insights from KR&I's Fandom Institute. Respondents were adults who are active online, ages 14–44. The study defined Gen Z respondents as those between 14 and 24.
]]>
For those in the market for a new fitness tracker or smartwatch, Amazon Prime Day is the time to shop. The mega retailer tends to drop prices on top brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung, and more — often to record lows.
Though the sale formally runs on July 16 and 17, we've already started tracking the best fitness tracker deals at Amazon. Things are a bit slow right now, with Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy deals running the show. Garmin and Fitbit deals are currently MIA, but we definitely expect those to start popping up soon.
If you don't see something that jumps out at you yet, be sure to check back as Prime Day nears. We'll be updating this page with the latest price drops on fitness trackers and smartwatches ahead of and throughout the sale.
Early Prime Day smartwatch and fitness tracker deals
Why we like it
Launched last summer, Samsung' Galaxy Watch 6 was dubbed the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry. The sixth iteration saw a suite of added sleep and fitness features, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. Plus, it lasts longer on a single charge and features a 20 percent larger display than previous models. As of July 1, the 40mm version with Bluetooth is down to just $196.95 at Amazon. That's 34% in savings and an a new record-low. It's possible Prime Day will drop prices even further, but you can rest assured that you'll get a great deal if you add it to your cart now.
More smartwatch and fitness tracker deals
Amazfit Active (42mm) — $114.99
$129.99(save $15)Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS, 40mm) — $189
$249(save $60)Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS + Cellular, 40mm) — $239
$299(save $60)Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (LTE, 40mm) — $259.99
$349.99(save $90)Garmin vívoactive 5 — $267.75
$299.99(save $32.24)Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45 mm) — $329.99
$429(save $99.01)Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $329.99
$399.99(save $70)Polar Pacer Pro — $330.21
$349.95(save $19.74)Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $399
$499(save $100)
The filmmaking team known as Radio Silence — which consists of producer Chad Villella and co-directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — is at it again with another horror gem.
With Abigail, the team that previously brought us Ready or Not and Scream VI has delivered a crowdpleaser filled with fresh blood. Matilda the Musical's Alisha Weir stars as a savage ballerina vampire and, according to Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko, delivers one helluva performance.
If you missed it in theaters or would rather watch it at home where you can hide under a blanket, it's available on digital as of June 25. It will also be streaming in the coming months. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Abigail.
What is Abigail about?
Abigail follows a group of criminals who kidnap a rich man's daughter after ballet rehearsal in order to claim a $50 million ransom. The script is flipped, however, when they realize the pint-sized dancer (Alisha Weir) is actually a vampire. Now they're locked in an isolated mansion with her, not the other way around. As expected, heads will roll.
Here's the full trailer:
Is Abigail worth watching?
Despite the trailer practically giving away the entire plot, audiences and critics alike deemed Abigail "certified fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 85% and 83% score, respectively. While Mashable's own reviewer wasn't a huge fan of the sentimental detours that detract from the fun of it all, she still deems the overall film "a blast."
"It's exactly the kind of gonzo, gory, goofy crowdpleaser you'd hope for considering its very well-promoted premise. Still, I wish it moved as fast and ferociously as its terrorizing tiny dancer," Kristy Puchko writes.
Read our full review of Abigail.
How to watch Abigail at home
You can watch the tiny terrorizing ballerina flick at home by purchasing it at digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV, as of June 25. It will also be available to rent as of July 9. With rentals, just be aware that you'll have a limited 30-day viewing schedule and just 48 hours to finish once you click play.
Here are some quick links to watch Abigail on digital:
Buy at Prime Video — $18.49
$24.99(save $6.50 with Prime)Buy at Apple TV — $19.99
Buy at Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99
Buy at YouTube — $19.99
$24.99(save $5)Buy at Google Play — $19.99
When is Abigail streaming?
Abigail is a Universal Pictures film, which means it will eventually make its streaming debut on NBC Universal's streaming platform, Peacock. Previous Universal films have debuted on the streamer as soon as 45 days after their theatrical release, so we expect to see a streaming date soon. We'll keep you updated. Until then, you can prepare by signing up for a Peacock subscription.
The best Peacock streaming deals
Before you sign up for Peacock, do yourself a favor and check out the best streaming deals below. You may qualify for a discounted subscription or even a free account.
Best long-term Peacock deal
Want the most bang for your buck? You can sign up for a full year of Peacock Premium (with ads) for just $59.99, as opposed to paying $5.99 monthly. That ends up saving you 17% in the long run. You'll have to watch some ads here and there, but it's hard to beat the price, which works out to just about $4.99 per month. In comparison, the Premium Plus plan without ads would run you $119.99 per year (about $9.99 per month).
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers
If you're an Xfinity customer, be sure to check the details below to find out if you're eligible for a free Peacock account.
Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).
Xfinity Internet customers who are also Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can score Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
Best Peacock deal for students
If you're a college student with a .edu email address to prove it, you can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. Just verify your status through SheerID and you'll get a personal promo code to secure the discount. Remember, your code can only be used once.
Best Peacock deal for first responders
Similar to the student deal, first responders can take advantage of the special $1.99 per month pricing as well if they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Just sign up using the personal promo code you receive to secure the discount. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. Just remember you'll have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.
Best for Instacart users
In Dec. 2023, Instacart teamed up with Peacock to give new and existing Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium account. That's a $59.99 per year value for zero dollars. If you're an Instacart+ member and haven't taken advantage of this freebie yet, head over to your account to sign up. Not an Instacart+ member? You can sign up for $99.99 per year and get free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, credit back on eligible pickup orders, access to Peacock Premium, and other perks. Oh, and your first two weeks are free.
Best for JetBlue members
Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. Meanwhile, TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can score an entire year of Peacock Premium (with ads) for free — that's a $59.99 value. This offer is only valid if you're a new Peacock subscriber. You can read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.
]]>The BET Awards 2024 aired on Sunday, June 30, giving a spotlight to some of the most celebrated Black artists of the year — and highlighting some musical legends that made a huge impact on Black pop culture.
This year's BET Awards garnered significant attention due to the impact of the historic writers' strike of 2023, which had arguably affected the previous year's event. Actress and repeat host Taraji P. Henson, a supporter of the strike, skipped last year's show in solidarity, adding to the anticipation of her return this year.
Some winners include Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Regina King, and Nicki Minaj. This year Usher was nominated and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long career and impact on the culture. But an award show wouldn’t be complete without the viewer-chosen, unofficial category that causes chatter on social media: meme-worthy moments.
Here are five of the wildest meme-worthy moments of the BET Awards that had the internet talking.
1. Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award Speech
Usher gave an 8-minute speech, but viewers at home didn’t hear much of it because it was censored. Some BET Award attendees recorded Usher's speech and uploaded it to X, sparking some users to express disappointment that so much of it was cut from the official broadcast.
2. Will Smith’s performance
Will Smith performed his new single “You Can Make It” featuring Kirk Franklin and Sunday Choir. Surrounded by a ring of flames, Smith’s performance was quite literally fire. This isn't the first time Smith has performed at an award show recently. At the end of last year, Smith and long time friend DJ Jazzy Jeff performed together at the Grammy's to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
3. Taraji P. Henson’s Parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
Taraji P. Henson’s opening performance “It’s About Us” was a light-hearted, yet lyrically inclined, parody of the Kendrick Lamar diss track. In true Henson fashion, she “popped out” and set the tone for the night — gold grill and all!
4. The Usher Tribute (All 16-minutes of it!)
This female-heavy tribute was filled with emerging artists and OGs who have already left their mark putting their own twist on some of Usher’s most noteworthy songs. The artists that graced the stage were Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet, and Latto.
Donald Glover’s comments about not getting an award
One thing for sure, two things for certain, Donald Glover a.k.a Childish Gambino is going to say what’s on his mind — and make you laugh.
GET UP TO $200 OFF: Looking for a new TV? As of July 1, you can score up to $200 off Samsung, Sony, LG, and other leading brands.
Fourth of July is just around the corner, and online retailers are gearing up for the holiday (and preparing for the inevitable Prime Day slump in sales) by offering discounts on everything from laptops to home appliances.
This year, the TV market is seeing some pretty sweet deals, with top brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG slashing prices on a variety of models in multiple sizes.
Whether you’re trying to build the theatre room of your dreams or you just need a small set for the bedroom, here are the best 4th of July TV deals we could find.
Best TV deal overall
Why we like it
The LG 65-inch Class C3 Series evo 4K Smart webOS TV is powered by an α9 AI Processor Gen6 (made exclusively for LG OLED). If you’re not well versed in TV jargon, here's what that means: Its AI-assisted processor automatically adjusts the picture and sound quality to deliver the best viewing experience possible, no matter what you're watching (or how bright or dark the room is).
Its webOS 23, LG ThinQ AI, and Magic Remote features also make it super easy to use. Bonus: Gamers will appreciate the NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR support for a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.
Best runner-up TV deal
Why we like it
If you want a high-end 65-inch TV but aren’t quite ready to spend $1,499.99, Best Buy has the Sony 65-inch Class BRAVIA XR X90L LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV for $1,099.99 — $200 off the listing price.
Although the Sony doesn’t have Dolby Audio or Vision, it does have the Cognitive Processor XR, which remasters images and sounds to produce a more natural, true-to-life viewing experience. And with the BRAVIA CORE app, you can browse hundreds of Sony Pictures Entertainment titles and stream 4K movies straight to your TV.
This TV is also great for gaming (especially if you have a PlayStation). It supports HDMI 2.1, 4K at 120Hz, and VRR.
Best budget TV deal
Why we like it
The Pioneer 55-inch 4K Xumo TV is on sale at Best Buy for $239.99, down from $349.99. That’s a $110 discount off the original listing price (and, if you do it in payments, just $60 a month via Zip).
With 4K resolution, Xumo TV (which lets you stream all your faves), plus three months of Apple TV+ and one month of FurboTV (for new customers only) included, this is a pretty good deal. There’s also a voice remote for easy control.
Even if you don't need the streaming services, the sheer value of a 55-inch 4K TV for $239 is tough to beat. And, thanks to Dolby Vision and Audio, it’ll feel like you’re at the movies (except you’ll be way more comfortable).
Bonus TV deal
$999.99 Save $200.00
Why we like it
The Samsung 43-inch Class The Frame QLED 4K TV (LS03B) is ideal for anyone who enjoys watching TV but would rather not look at a blank, lifeless screen when it's not being used.
Designed for those who prefer the finer things in life, The Frame features an anti-glare display that transforms into a work of art whenever it’s idle. It also hangs flush with the wall (thanks to the included slim-fit wall mount) like a real picture frame rather than protruding outward. You can also customize the bezel: Choose from modern brown, modern teak, or modern white.
Of course, this TV also delivers Samsung’s signature QLED 4K picture, but the real draw here is its ability to blend in with your decor.
More July 4th TV deals:
Roku 43-inch Class Select Series — $219.99
$249.99(save $30)Insignia 58-inch Class F30 Series — $269.99
$379.99(save $110)Amazon Omni QLED — $659.99
$799.99(save $140)Samsung 75-inch Class DU7200 Series — $699.99
$749.99(save $150)Samsung 77-inch Class S90C — $2,299.99
$2,499.99(save $200)
ChatGPT may not be the only built-in AI chatbot on iPhone.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported as much in his latest newsletter. Regarding Apple's new Apple Intelligence initiative, Gurman speculated that we might see an official announcement of a partnership between Apple and Google by the end of this year. This collaboration would involve integrating Google's Gemini chatbot into iPhones where appropriate.
"As for an Apple deal with Google or Anthropic, I expect at least the former to be announced around the time Apple Intelligence launches this fall," Gurman said.
In case you missed it, ChatGPT will hook into Siri and other Apple apps later this year. If you ask Siri a question, and ChatGPT is a better fit to answer it as opposed to Apple Intelligence, you'll be prompted to use ChatGPT instead. Apple stated last month that other AI chatbots will eventually join the fray, but thanks to Gurman, we can now reasonably assume that Google Gemini will be the next one.
Of course, if you're not a fan of all this AI stuff, you can always opt out.
]]>
After Walmart could barely scrounge up a noteworthy robot vacuum deal for Walmart+ Week, we're banking on Amazon even harder to go off on robot vacuum deals for Prime Day.
We're in good hands, though. Overall, Amazon is already generally the best place to score a robot vacuum on sale at any point during the year, whether that's a shopping holiday or a random Tuesday in September when your current corded vacuum sends you over the edge. Despite ditching its plans to buy iRobot, Amazon is still the best retailer to find a Roomba on sale, slashing Roomba prices by between 25% to 50% throughout the year. We're manifesting those same Roombas to reach new record-low pricing as Prime Day nears — ideally, the Roomba Combo j9+ would drop below $800 or the Combo j5+ below $400.
We're similarly hoping that Prime Day sets the stage for new all-time low prices on other premium robot vacs released at CES 2024 in January. Particularly, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni dropping below $650 or the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra getting its very first discount would be awesome — we've tested and loved both.
But if you've already taken a beach trip that has left your floors perpetually sandy, you don't have to wait until Prime Day (July 16 and 17) to make the move on a robot vacuum. We'll be refreshing our list of robovacs on sale at Amazon (with subcategories for standard robot vacuums from robot vacuums that mop) throughout the upcoming weeks as Prime Day nears, and will keep you posted when Amazon switches over to official early Prime Day deals. For now, deals with a strikeout were either sold out or no longer available at their best sale price when we last checked. Anything marked with a 🔥 has dropped to an all-time low price. We'll unstrike if their sale price returns, which it probably will ahead of Prime Day.
Why we like it
Eufy's X9 Pro debuted in fall 2023 and sits right in the sweet spot between the X8 Pro (which doesn't mop) and the X10 Pro Omni (which is sitting at its MSRP of $799.99). And it's already seen several groundbreaking price cuts just in June: its current discount code X9PROEUFY bumps the discount to a full 50% off, beating the discount seen in mid-June that was exclusive to Prime members.
The X9 Pro is more reminiscent of its successor than its predecessor: It has a flat edge to get into corners, it mops, washes, and dries its own mopping pads, and uses AI to detect and avoid small obstacles like phone cables. As a mopper, the X9 Pro provides more elbow grease than many competitors thanks to double-pressurized, rotating mopping heads. These automatically lift above the ground if carpet is detected.
More robot vacuums on sale at Amazon
Eufy L60 — $199.99
$279.99(save $80 with Prime) 🔥iRobot Roomba j7 — $299.99
$599.99(save $300) 🔥Shark AI Ultra with self-empty station — $299.99
$599(save $299.01)Eufy L60 with self-empty station— $279.99$399.99 (save $120 with Prime) 🔥Shark Detect Pro with self-empty station— $399.99$549.99 (save $150) 🔥Roborock Q5+ with self-empty station — $399.99
$699.99(save $300 with on-page coupon)Eufy X8 Pro with self-empty station — $399.99
$649.99(save $250 with on-page coupon) 🔥
More robot vacuum and mop combos on sale at Amazon
Eufy G30 Hybrid with self-empty station — $249.99
$429.99(save $180) 🔥Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 — $299.40
$449.40(save $150)Roborock Q7 Max — $279.99
$599.99(save $320) 🔥Roborock Q8 Max — $399.99
$599.99(save $200) 🔥Roborock S8 — $419.99
$749.99(save $330 with on-page coupon) 🔥Roborock Q8 Max+ with self-empty station — $579.99
$819.99(save $240 with on-page coupon)Narwal Freo with self-empty station — $699.99
$1,399.99(save $700 with on-page coupon) 🔥Roborock Q Revo S with self-empty station — $699.99
$799.99(save $100 with on-page coupon)Yeedi M12 Pro+ with self-empty station — $749
$1,099(save $350 with on-page coupon) 🔥Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni with self-empty station— $999.99$1,499.99 (save $500)
TL;DR: Watch Portugal vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Euro 2024 could be Ronaldo's final international tournament, which means this last-16 matchup could be the last time we see the legend take to the pitch in a knockout fixture. Does it all end here? Or will Portugal defeat Slovenia to progress to the quarter finals.
If you want to watch Portugal vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Portugal vs. Slovenia?
Portugal vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 1. This fixture takes place at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
How to watch Portugal vs. Slovenia for free
Portugal vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Access BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Portugal vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Portugal vs. Slovenia in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>Yorgos Lanthimos' latest picture, Kinds of Kindness, is a triad of absurdist, unsettling stories exploring topics — cannibalism, maiming yourself, and rape — not exactly poised for digital trends.
But fear not the film released a TikTok lens to promote the movie.
The film stars Lanthimos' Poor Things collaborators Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, in addition to The Favourite's Joe Alwyn, as well as Lanithmos newcomers Jesse Plemmons. Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer. For Mashable, Robert Daniels described the film as "prickly, dark" and a return to Lanthimos' "unconventional roots, his older, spikier films like Kinetta and Dogtooth."
The lens allows users to recreate the movie posters for Kinds of Kindness that feature an abnormally large face transposed onto a normal-sized body. To maximize the Kinds of Kindness-ness of the filter pair it with the film's opening song the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" or the soundtrack to Stone's iconic dance sequence "Brand New Bitch" by COBRAH. So far, it's been used four times on the platform.
Kinds of Kindness joins another new release Inside Out 2, which is on track to be the highest-grossing film of 2024, in using TikTok lenses to draw attention to the films. The Inside Out 2 lens randomly assigns users one of the emotions from the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust, Envy, Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia.
Despite summer 2024's best efforts, no one is recreating the digital culture moment that was Barbenheimer.
]]>It's no secret that TikTok's #BookTok community wields major influence on what books become bestsellers. And the TikTok Book Awards further established TikTok in the book space.
The awards, which are based in the UK and Ireland, are back for another year. Today, the social media company announced the shortlist for the 2024 TikTok Book Awards.
While there are still seven categories, they differ slightly from last year. TikTok divided Book of the Year into international, UK, and Ireland, replaced BookTok Author of the Year with BookTok Breakthrough Author, and introduced the BookTok Rising Star Creator and TikTok Shop Book of the Year.
Curated by a panel of judges including members of the UK literary community, TikTok creator Jack Edwards, and previous winner Eden Victoria, the awards aim to "celebrate and recognise the books, the independent book shops, the authors and the creators that have made the #BookTok community such a unique place," according to TikTok.
The BookTok community will decide all the winners — except for TikTok Shop Book of the Year, which is determined based on sales data and impact on the app. The in-app voting hub is open until July 14, and winners will be announced on July 25.
Last year's winners included Bolu Babalola's Honey and Spice, Dolly Alderton's Everything I Know About Love, and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Here's the official 2024 shortlist.
Book of the Year (UK & Ireland)
None Of This Is True, Lisa Jewell
Gwen & Art Are Not In Love, Lex Croucher
Small Worlds, Caleb Azumah Nelson
The Rachel Incident, Caroline O'Donoghue
Book of the Year (International)
Yellowface, R.F Kuang
Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
Sword Catcher, Cassandra Clare
Chain Gang All Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
BookTok Breakthrough Author
BookTok Creator of the Year
BookTok Rising Star Creator
Indie Bookshop of the Year
]]>UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2024, 12:00 p.m. EDT We've updated this story with the latest invite-only deals live at Amazon for Prime Day 2024.
Last year, Amazon made the mega-sale that is Prime Day even bigger when they introduced their invite-only deals program, which allowed select shoppers a chance to grab extra-exclusive door busters.
They brought them back for their fall Prime sale event, and as of July 1, we seeing them starting to crop up ahead of Prime Day Prime Day 2024.
So what do you need to know ahead of Amazon's sale on July 16 and 17? Below, you'll find all the essential info you need to shop invite-only deals.
What are invite-only Prime Day deals?
Pre-dating invite-only deals, Amazon Prime Day has typically included a handful of extra hot-ticket deals that appear unexpectedly and sell out quickly. Buying them, or at least trying to, could be a chaotic and frustrating experience.
The idea behind invite-only deals is that you don't have to be glued to your computer screen during the sale in order to catch these deep discounts while they're live. Instead, Prime members can request an invite to claim these deals. There's still no guarantee you'll get to actually add them to your cart, but it formalizes the process and takes the usual Prime Day buying frenzy down a notch.
What invite-only deals will be available during Prime Day 2024?
So far, no invite-only deals landing page is live, but we did see out in the wild that Amazon dropped at least four deals so far, including a pair of Sony headphones and a SodaStream (more on those below). In a press release, they also teased out that invite-only deals for 2024 will include "up to 30% off Peloton products" as well as "up to 58% off Invite-only deals on Foreo LUNA mini 3 set."
For July's Prime Day sale in 2023, Amazon offered 10 invite-only deals, including a $100 4K Omni TV, saving the lucky few who were chosen 75% on the TV. Fall's Prime Big Deal Days sale brought back slightly less impressive offerings, with six total deals, including a Sony soundbar and Jabra earbuds. For both Prime sales, Amazon ended up adding deals at the last minute — for fall's sale, that ended up including 60% off a 50-inch Omni TV and 60% off a 50-inch Hisense Fire TV.
When do invite-only deals become available?
Like we mentioned above, no official landing page is live yet, but some deals are starting to pop up across Amazon's website. We expect that we'll see at least a couple more in the lead up to the sale — in the past couple of sales about six deals were available prior to the actual dates on the sale. As deals go live, we'll be updating this post.
You can start immediately requesting invites as soon invite-only deals are live.
Who can access invite-only Prime Day deals?
We know pretty much nothing about Amazon's invite-only deal selection process, but we do know that you can only request access if you're a member of its Prime subscription service (paid or trial). Signing up for a membership is easy, and can give you access to more Prime-exclusive deals throughout the duration of the sale.
How to shop invite-only Prime Day deals
Shoppers can request invitations to these deals via featured items' product pages in the lead-up to the sale. To request any deals, here's what to do:
Navigate to any invite-only item, then hit "Request invite."
Amazon will automatically put in your request via the email associated with your account. If you're selected to shop the deal, you'll receive an email or mobile notification (if you have the Amazon app) with a unique link to shop the sale on July 16 or July 17. If you're not selected, you'll also be notified.
That's it — it's literally a two-step process.
Shoppers are eligible to put in one request per item, but you're not limited on how many invite-only deals you can shop. For instance, if there are six available items, you can put in up to six requests. Once you put in a request, you'll be able to see an "invite requested" notice on the product page.
The best invite-only deals live ahead of Prime Day 2024
Why we like it
Less than $40 for a pair of Sony headphones is a great deal, though if you're not into aesthetics this deal isn't quite as steep as Amazon might make it look — the Sony WH-CH520 headphones not in the cappuccino colorway (aka the only ones on an invite-only offer) are usually just $59.99. With that said, $35 is still a good discount — even if you were to benchmark it from the usual $60 asking price — for a pair of headphones that Sony claims have 50 hours of battery life, a custom equalizer through the Sony headphones app, and multipoint connection.
Why we like it
The SodaStream has become a mainstay on invite-only deals: for Prime Day 2023 Amazon offered the E-terra model for $89.99 (down from $159.99) and a SodaStream Art bundle for Prime Big Deal Days at just $110 (down from $195). The Enso is the most expensive bundle offered so far out of the three bundles and comes with one 60-liter CO2 cylinder and one dishwasher safe bottle in addition to the maker. However, it's stainless steel exterior does give it the most premium look of all available SodaStreams, and it appears to be more exclusive — at the time of writing, the Enso isn't currently available on SodaStream's website.
More live invite-only deals
Speedo Champion Signature Swim Bundle Box — $96
$160(save $64 with invite)Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Weekender Brycen Chronograph Watch — $169.99
$425(save $255.01)
GET $100 OFF: As of July 1, you can score up to $100 off cookware, appliances, and gadgets from Le Creuset, Keurig, Ninja, and more.
Fourth of July is just days away, and deals have been pouring in from every direction — from major appliances to robot vacuums to mattresses. There are also tons of discounts on a variety of kitchen essentials, from cookware to small countertop appliances (like the ever-popular Nespresso and Keurig machines).
While it’s tempting to get carried away and fill your cart with every item you see, focusing on the kitchen finds that you'll actually use and get the most value out of will help you get the most bang for your buck.
Here are some of the best 4th of July kitchen deals and steals that are worth adding to your cart.
Best kitchen gadget deal overall
Why we like it
We’re not saying you need a soft serve maker, but if you have a hankering for dairy-free ice cream and are looking to cut down on trips to the store, this deal on the Yonanas Soft Serve Maker might be worth considering.
The Yonanas Soft Serve Maker is designed to turn fresh fruit into “ice cream” (sorbet) — no dairy, added sugars, or preservatives required. It's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way. (This little gadget also won a Mashable Choice Award in 2022.)
This compact, easy-to-use machine typically retails for around $50, but right now, it's on sale for just $38.06 at Amazon.
Best cookware deal
Why we like it
You’ve probably seen the Caraway nonstick ceramic pan set on your Instagram feed, but this cookware set isn’t just for aesthetic appeal. (Though it is really pretty.) These pans are made without PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, heavy metals, or hard anodization — toxic materials that are typically found in traditional nonstick cookware.
The set includes a 10.5-inch frying pan, a three-quart saucepan, a four-and-a-half-quart saute pan, and a six-and-a-half-quart Dutch oven. It also comes with a convenient storage system to keep your pans organized and easily accessible.
You can get the set at Amazon, Target, and the Caraway website for $395 (down from $545), or if the color isn’t that important to you, the sapphire blue set is available for $319.99 at Crate&Barrel. This is still a steep price, but according to Mashable freelance writer Michelle Rostamian, this cookware set is worth every penny.
More cookware deals:
All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan (12-inch) — $99.95
$239.99(save $140.04)Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Covered Rectangular Casserole (4QT) — $102
$134.95(save $32.95)Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven (5.5QT) — $309.36
$419.95(save $110.59)
Best coffee maker deal
$189.99 Save $50.00
Why we like it
The Keurig K-Duo single-serve K-Cup pad and carafe coffee maker is on sale at Amazon for $139.99, down from $189.99. That’s a 26% discount of $50.
This versatile machine lets you brew a single-serve K-Cup pod or a full pot of coffee from the thermal carafe. (It’s ideal for families or people who are always on the go and want both options.)
This Keurig model can handle six, eight, 10, or 12-ounce K-Cup pod sizes or a full pot of coffee. The water reservoir is 60 ounces, so you can brew multiple cups before needing to refill it. It also features a programmable 24-hour brew timer so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee, which is super nice (as long as you remember to set it).
Best air fryer deal
Why we like it
Air fryers are among the most popular countertop appliances on the market. If you don’t already have one (or you want to replace your current model), the Instant Vortex Air Fryer (6QT) is currently 33% off at Amazon, making it a very affordable $79.95.
This air fryer features four-in-one functionality, so you can air fry, broil, roast, and reheat your faves with little to no oil. EvenCrisp technology gives you that golden, crispy texture without the mess and potential health risks of deep frying. Plus, the one-touch smart programs make whipping up appetizers, snacks, and side dishes quick and easy.
More air fryer deals:
Ninja Air Fryer (AF101) — $82.99
$129.99(save $47)Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) — $89.99
$119.99(save $30)Instant Vortex Plus (4QT) — $109.95
$129.99(save $20.04)
Shopping is a year round activity (for us at least), but summer is an especially good time to be a deal hunter. With Prime Day 2024 coming July 16 and 17, 4th of July sales, and Target Circle Week all in the ether, it's no sleep, all deals. The biggest brands are on sale, including Apple and their ultra-popular AirPods.
Let's temper ourselves though. The deal we're seeing right now — we've seen better. All of the AirPods here hit their lowest prices during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days back in October 2023, so we're waiting to see these savings get even bigger. However, they're still marked down. We'll be updating these prices as Prime Day gets closer so you can maximize savings. In the meantime, here are the best deals on AirPods.
Best AirPods deal
Why we like it
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are our best budget earbuds for a reason. They're affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use. Compatible with any Bluetooth device, you can be listening to music in seconds without having to install a new app. Apple users just need to snap open the case and the AirPods will connect. Typically priced at $129, these AirPods are down to $89 for 31% savings. This is a great price, but if you're willing to hold out, we saw these AirPods drop down to $79 during Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday last year.
Best AirPods Pro deal
Why we like it
AirPods Pro are a lovely step up from entry-level AirPods. They have all the same perks, easy connectivity and quick charging, but with better sound quality for audiophiles. The Apple AirPods Pro provide active noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio, so you get sound that's just right for you. You can find the AirPods Pro for $199, giving you $50 off and 20% savings. This is a good deal, but their lowest price ever is $179.99, so we're keeping our eyes peeled for that price come Prime Day.
Best AirPods Max deal
Why we like it
AirPods Max, Apple's answer to over-the-ear headphones, may not be our top pick for sound quality, but they're certainly the most stylish. Coming in green, blue, pink, silver, and space gray, they look great while also providing active noise cancellation. Similar to AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max give specialized settings with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.
Right now, you can find them for $479.95. Last year, we saw these headphones dip down to $429, so their current price isn't the best we've seen, but it's not bad. We're not sure what Prime Day will bring, but right now find them for $69.05 and 13% savings.
]]>
If a robot vacuum is the big purchase on your radar this Prime Day, you're clearly someone who sees the value in automating one of the most tedious chores. Consider stretching that convenience past the vacuuming itself with a self-emptying robot vacuum — there are already a handful on sale at Amazon ahead of July 16 (the official kickoff of Prime Day), including a Shark, Eufy, and Narwal model at 50% off.
Your self-emptying options at Amazon currently range from budget models at $300 or $400 to more premium robot vacuum and mop combos dropping from their usual near $1,000 price point to a more digestible $500-ish price tag. A few of those premium self-empty docks are also decked out with the ability to self-wash and self-dry the mopping pads — the ultimate automation experience, now much more affordable than usual.
If you're not ready to make a move quite yet, keep checking back to this list — we'll be updating it accordingly as Amazon inevitably drops new robovac discounts in the coming weeks. (We'll also let you know when Amazon switches over to calling these official early Prime Day deals.) For now, deals with a strikeout were either sold out or no longer available at their best sale price when we last checked. Anything marked with a 🔥 has dropped to an all-time low price.
Why we like it
Eufy's X9 Pro debuted in fall 2023 and sits right in the sweet spot between the X8 Pro (which doesn't mop) and the X10 Pro Omni (which is sitting at its MSRP of $799.99). Its current discount code X9PROEUFY bumps the discount to a full 50% off, beating the discount seen in mid-June that was exclusive to Prime members.
The X9 Pro is much more reminiscent of the X10 Pro Omni than it is the cheaper X8 Pro: It has a flat edge to get into corners, it mops, empties into a self-cleaning station that washes and dries the mopping pads, and uses AI to detect and avoid small obstacles like phone cables. As a mopper, the X9 Pro provides more elbow grease than many competitors thanks to double-pressurized, rotating mopping heads. These automatically lift above the ground if carpet is detected.
More self-emptying robot vacuums on sale at Amazon
Shark AI Ultra — $299.99
$599(save $299.01)Roborock Q5+ — $399.99
$699.99(save $300 with on-page coupon)Eufy X8 Pro — $399.99
$649.99(save $250 with Prime) 🔥
More self-emptying robot vacuum and mop combos on sale at Amazon
Eufy G30 Hybrid — $249.99
$429.99(save $180 with Prime) 🔥Roborock Q8 Max+ — $579.99
$819.99(save $240 with on-page coupon)Roborock Q Revo S — $699.99
$799.99(save $100 with on-page coupon)Yeedi M12 Pro+ — $749
$1,099(save $350 with on-page coupon) 🔥Narwal Freo — $699.99
$1,399.99(save $700 with on-page coupon) 🔥
Between 4th of July deals and early Prime Day savings, Amazon is practically overflowing with deals on July 1. And this is only the beginning. If you want to avoid actual Prime Day chaos, you can start shopping now.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to check back tomorrow for all-new picks.
Our top pick
Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the summertime, but that early morning sunshine makes getting good rest nearly impossible. For those easily disrupted by the light and heat of the sun, a comfortable tent like the Coleman Dark Room can block out 90% of sunlight. Not only will it remain dark in the early hours of the day, but it'll keep some of that heat out as well. Regularly $184.99, you can snag it on sale as of July 1 for only $89. That's a savings of 52%.
If you're an apartment dweller missing the luxury of outdoor grilling, check out this deal on the Ninja DG551 Smart XL indoor grill. It's on sale for just $159.99 — 43% off its usual cost — and can fill the void. With its virtually smoke-free design that can fit up to six steaks or two dozen hot dogs, you can enjoy year-round cookouts. Plus, thanks to its smart cooking system, you can take most of the guesswork out of the grilling experience.
The Breville Fresh and Furious blender looks and feels like a fancy high-end appliance, but its price tag won't make you cringe — especially with its current discount at Amazon. Usually $199.95, you can slash the cost down to just $149.96 as of July 1. It includes a 50-ounce jug, nine one-touch blending tasks, five speed settings, and an 1100W motor that can pulverize your ingredients into a silky smoothie. And did we mention how good it looks atop your counter?
The already budget-friendly Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for just $35.99 (reg. $79.99) at Amazon as a Prime Day invite-only deal. That means that you can request an invite now to receive a unique email link to purchase the deal. Invites will be sent on July 16 and July 17. The Sony headphones last for up to 50 hours on a single charge and offer a quick-charging feature that gives you another 1.5 hours of listening from a three-minute plug-in.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
]]>Did you know that you can now store hotel keys via Google Wallet? If you tend to be absent-minded, making you prone to losing entrance cards, you may be relieved to hear that Google Wallet now supports digital key cards.
As 9to5Google spotted, Google recently updated the Wallet Help page, which gives users a quick-and-easy guide on how to store and save hotel key cards.
How to store hotel key cards via Google Wallet
Physical hotel key cards will now become a thing of the past. As mentioned, if you have a tendency to be irresponsible on vacations, you no longer have to worry about misplacing hotel key cards — as long as you don't lose your Android device.
Here's an easy, step-by-step process on how to store hotel key cards in Google Wallet:
Open the hotel's website (or app).
Sign into the hotel's website.
Find the "Add to Google Wallet" button on the reservation confirmation page. (If you don't find this button, the hotel may not support digital hotel key cards.)
Sign into your Google account.
Tap "Add" followed by "View in Wallet."
You can then use it by unlocking your phone before holding the back of the device to the door's key card scanner.
As AndroidCentral pointed out, Google Wallet uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) to facilitate the usage of digital hotel key cards — the same technology that underpins "Tap to Pay." Apple, by the way, has been supporting digital hotel key cards since iOS 15, which launched in 2021.
The Clarion Hotel Post, located in Sweden, is the first to allow its guests to use Google Wallet for digital keys.
]]>
Prime Day 2024 is just weeks away, kicking off July 16 and 17. However, you don't need to wait two weeks to start shopping. Summer sales are here with 4th of July deals rolling in and Target Circle Week around the corner. But we know you probably don't want to wait for the markdowns, especially on major brands. We're on the hunt, or should we say...watch?
Apple Watch models are on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Both the SE and Series 9 watches are marked down with up to 24% savings. With this deal you can start tracking your workouts and health metrics for under $200. And we know it's summer, so you have to be ready to jump-in a body of water at any given moment. These Apple Watches aren't just on sale — they're waterproof.
Best Apple Watch SE deal
Why we like it
Already a budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch SE is down to $189 ahead of Prime Day. That's just $10 more than its lowest price ever during Black Friday 2023. While it is affordable, it still has the advanced tech you want in a smart watch. The bright retina display tracks your heart rate and watches for irregular rhythm. You can track your workouts — even in the water — as it's water resistant up to 50m. Right now you'll save $60 for 24% savings. We're not sure what Prime Day will bring, but we can confidently say, this is a good deal.
Best Apple Watch Series 9 deal
Why we like it
For the latest technology, look to the Apple Watch Series 9. It's loaded with bigger displays, offering either a 41 or 45 mm display over the SE's 40 and 44mm options. It has an always-on retina display, so you don't have to wake it up every time you need to check the time. The health metric offerings are even more extensive on the Series 9 with the ECG app and temperature sensing. Like the SE, it's water resistant, so you can jump in the water care free. It's down to its lowest price ever of $329, saving you $99.01 for 23% off.
More Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS + Cellular, 40mm) — $239
$299(save $60)Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $399
$499(save $100)
Apple Intelligence — Apple's name for a set of artificial intelligence features on its devices — might not always be completely free.
In the latest installment of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is looking into making money from Apple Intelligence down the road.
Apple Intelligence, or AI for short, was announced in June 2024, during the company's annual WWDC event. It will launch as a free set of features on Apple products including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, with some of the announced features becoming available as beta when iOS 18 launches in September. The new options include AI-generated images called Genmoji, a smarter Siri, and a feature called Rewrite that suggests edits for your writing, among others.
According to Gurman, however, Apple needs new revenue streams, especially as it's getting increasingly hard to innovate on hardware devices such as the iPhone. One of these could be a paid tier for AI called, perhaps, "Apple Intelligence+" which would enable additional features to subscribers. Apple could also get a cut of the subscription revenue generated from AI partners.
This probably won't happen overnight; Gurman doesn't have a precise timeline, but he does say the implementation will "take time," and that Apple could be making money from AI "in a few years."
]]>As well as giving Elon Musk a hard time, Stephen King likes to spend his time on X (formerly Twitter) recommending movies, TV shows and books.
His latest positive review? A Quiet Place: Day One, the prequel to John Krasinski's apocalyptic blockbuster, this time written and directed by Michael Sarnoski. Starring Lupita Nyong'o, Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, and a cat named Frodo, the film takes place in New York City during the initial invasion of the franchise's sound-hunting monsters.
"A QUIET PLACE DAY 1: The rare "big Hollywood film" that is both intimate and textured," wrote King in his post. "(And the cat steals the show.)"
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It's worth noting that while reviews of A Quiet Place: Day One have been generally positive, not everyone is a fan. Mashable's Kristy Puchko wrote in her review that the movie doesn't equal the sum of its parts.
"The love story at its core can't shine amid the required carnage and urban devastation demanded by the prequel's promise," Puchko wrote. "The performances — while earnest — can't find footing in the crude plotting. The scares, which once were grounded in character and uncertainty, lose their luster without either. With all this movie tries to wedge in, it's just not enough."
Oh, and if you've seen the movie and still have questions (including about the cat!), look no further.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Tour de France for free on SBS on Demand, RTBF, France TV, RaiPlay, or ITVX. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It really doesn't get any tougher than the Tour de France. The conclusion you quickly reach when watching this famous event is that it's much better to be sat at home, watching these incredible athletes put their bodies through hell. This is where we can help.
If you're interested in watching the Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
What is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France is an annual men's multi-stage bicycle race held in France (and occasionally passing through nearby countries). This prestigious race is the oldest of the Grand Tours, and consists of 21 stages taking place over the course of 23 or 24 days.
The reigning champion is Jonas Vingegaard.
When is the 2024 Tour de France?
The 2024 Tour de France is the 111th edition of the race. This year's event takes place from June 29 to July 21, starting in Florence and finishing in Nice. For the first time, the race will not finish in (or near) Paris due to preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
How to watch the 2024 Tour de France for free
The good news is that cycling fans from around the world can watch the 2024 Tour de France for free. That's because free streaming of the famous race is being offered by these countries:
Australia — SBS (free)
Belgium — RTBF (free)
France — France TV (free)
Italy — RAI (free)
UK — ITVX (free)
Anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms 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 unblock free streaming sites from around the world. That might sound complicated, but the process is actually really simple.
Live stream the 2024 Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that is offering free streaming of the 2024 Tour de France
Connect to your preferred streaming platform from the list above
Watch the 2024 Tour de France from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can watch the 2024 Tour de France without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but you have plenty of time to watch the Tour de France without actually spending anything.
What is the best VPN for the Tour de France?
Multiple VPNs can reliably unblock streaming sites from around the world, but ExpressVPN is the top choice. ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers
Strict no-logging policy
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, saving you 49% on list price. This discounted plan includes an extra three months of coverage and a year of unlimited cloud backup for free. Subscribers also get a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can watch the Tour de France and then recover your investment after the race has concluded.
Watch the 2024 Tour de France for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Watch France vs. Belgium in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a lot of tasty matchups in the first knockout round of Euro 2024, but France vs. Belgium has to be the best. Neither side has looked great so far, but that doesn't really matter at this stage. It's all or nothing in the knockout rounds. Forget what has gone before and focus on the next 90 minutes.
If you want to watch France vs. Belgium in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is France vs. Belgium?
France vs. Belgium in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST on July 1. This fixture takes place at the Düsseldorf Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.
How to watch France vs. Belgium for free
France vs. Belgium in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Access ITVX by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream France vs. Belgium in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream every remaining Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?
ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 France vs. Belgium in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Access free live streams of Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's 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 have made the trip to Germany to compete for the trophy, with a selection of superstars on show including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Kevin De Bruyne. It has been absolutely epic so far, and we've still got a lot to come.
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:
Norway — NRK
Netherlands — NOS
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)
Don't panic if your location is not listed above, because you can access free live streams from other countries with a VPN. These handy 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 around the world in just a few clicks.
Access free live streams of Euro 2024 by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)
Watch Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world
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 Euro 2024 fixture before recovering your investment.
And if you do choose to continue with a service, you'll retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world.
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 105 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.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Jakob Ingebrigtsen at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a number of exceptional athletes performing at Paris 2024, but Jakob Ingebrigtsen might be the most talented. The Norwegian is seriously fast, and will be looking to secure a gold medal in both the 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024. That will be a big ask, but Ingebrigtsen is a confident guy.
If you want to watch Jakob Ingebrigtsen at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Ingebrigtsen competing at Paris 2024?
Jakob Ingebrigtsen is set to compete in two events at Paris 2024:
Men's 1,500m
Men's 1,500m Round 1 — 5:05 a.m. ET on Aug. 2
Men's 1,500m Semi-Final — 3:15 p.m. ET on Aug. 4
Men's 1,500m Final — 2:50 p.m. ET on Aug. 6
Men's 5,000m
Men's 5,000m Round 1 — 5:10 a.m. ET on Aug. 7
Men's 5,000m Final — 2 p.m. ET on Aug. 10
How to watch Ingebrigtsen at Paris 2024 for free
The Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 are available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream the Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world
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 unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 (plus all the other events) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 the Men's 1,500m and 5,000m events at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>Given how bleak House of the Dragon Season 2 has been so far, it almost feels like we're owed a few light-hearted moments — and episode 3 certainly delivered on that front.
Enter Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) on dragonback to a very gloomy, possibly haunted Harrenhal, fully suited up in his armour and ready to conquer.
Only instead of being greeted by a battalion of men, the roguish prince was instead met by this legend.
That's Sir Simon Strong (played by Sir Simon Russell Beale), the Castellan of Harrenhal and unfortunately, great-uncle to the murderous Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham). When Daemon bursts into the room where he's enjoying his supper, they have the following (brilliant) exchange.
Daemon: "I'm claiming Harrenhal!"
Sir Simon: "Apparently so."
*Sir Simon gets up, walks slowly around the table, and kneels down in front of Daemon.*
Sir Simon: "I, Sir Simon Strong, Castellan of Harrenhal, pledge fealty to Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, first of her name. I swear this by the old gods and the new. Supper is venison with black cabbage and peas. No red currents...sorry about that."
Needless to say, Sir Simon already has a fanbase.
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In a Westeros where people are constantly getting angry and wanting to kill each other, we could all use a few more Simon Strongs. A few minutes later the guy also pretty much summed up the entire show in a few key words, too. What a man.
House of the Dragon Season 2 airs Sundays on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET.
UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2024, 1:10 p.m. UTC This story originally ran with Season 2, episode 4 in the headline, when it's about episode 3. We've corrected it, and don't worry, it's not a spoiler for episode 4. We'd rather take Caraxes' dragon fire than do that to you.
]]>With the grave-rattling events of Interview With a Vampire: Part II's big finale, fans are lusting for more sex, more blood, and more unreliable narrators. Luckily for us, Season 3 has already been promised, with showrunner Rolin Jones assuring the series would switch focus to Anne Rice's sequel novel The Vampire Lestat. And that means Lestat de Lioncourt becomes a rock star.
While the original novel was set in 1985, the year of its release, the show has already pushed the Vampire Chronicles headline up considerably, from the 1700s to the early 1900s. So swapping from '80s hair bands to the modern music scene seems exactly the kind of challenge Jones and his writers would relish. And if they're going to do it right, they need to include one thing: Chappell Roan.
Chappell Roan would be our favorite Brat Prince's favorite artist.
The sapphic singer-songwriter has been blowing up this year, following her 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. After opening for Olivia Rodriguez on her Guts tour, Roan went from Tiny Desk Concerts to the already iconic Coachella performance, where she declared herself "your favorite artist's favorite artist" to a Bonnaroo appearance so hotly anticipated that they moved her to a bigger stage. Roan's breakout hit "Good Luck, Babe!" is climbing the Billboard charts, and has been widely embraced on Tiktok — where other jams like "Pink Pony Club" and "Red Wine Supernova" also have fans posting vids enthusiastically.
While Roan's rise seems meteoric, it wasn't an overnight success. The 26-year-old artist has been hustling since 17 to make her music breakthrough. She got dumped by one label, moved back in with her parents, and was on the brink of quitting altogether when things finally started clicking. You know who could relate to that? Lestat.
An aspiring actor whose hunger for the spotlight earned him plenty of pain, Lestat (Sam Reid) threw his heart into one intense but failed romance into another (Nicki. Armand. Louis…). Then, when he shook off the hurt and self-loathing, he rose to channel all his feelings and experiences into a blistering album.
Roan's own The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess tells a story of rocky self-discovery, sexual exaltation, bitter break-ups, and the pleasure of watching your ex suffer. It's easy to imagine Reid's 2024 version of Lestat connecting to her brand of Dark Pop, bringing his snarling French accent to "Good Luck, Babe!"s damning chorus, targeting it at Louis (Jacob Anderson) and his devious boyfriend Armand (Assad Zaman):
"When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night
With your head in your hands, you're nothing more than his wife
And when you think about me, all of those years ago
You're standing face to face with "I told you so"
You know I hate to say, "I told you so"
You know I hate to say, but, I told you so"
And yet, that trial ep of Interview with the Vampire Season 2 has me thinking Lestat also has his "My Kink Is Karma" moments.
Queer rock stars should stick together.
Roan's songs are unabashedly about lesbian sex. Her fashion influences, pancake make-up, and stage persona are influenced by drag queens she admires. Roan has local queens open for her on tour and she told a terrified Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that her headline-grabbing Coachella line was inspired by Sasha Colby's "I'm your favorite drag queen's favorite drag queen." She's also being embraced by queer rock legends, like Elton John, who recently shared an Instagram snap of the two after a night of pizza and tea spilling.
So, if we're to believe that Lestat is becoming a rock god in this moment, in this queer pop explosion of Renee Rapp, Billie Eilish, and (sure) Jojo Siwa, he'd not only know Roan, he'd make damn sure they shared air with the most theatrical bad bitch on the scene.
So far the series hasn't delved into cameos. So how might this work without feeling like stunt casting? Perhaps instead of Lestat being inspired to turn to music by a grubby New Orleans punk band practicing near his crypt, it'd be hearing Roan playing at a nearby show. Maybe Lestat — with a variation of his Theatre des Vampires stage make-up — could open for her, connecting him with a crowd that might relish his signature outrageousness and allure. It's easy to imagine the pair having a moment backstage together, both glamorous and chaotic visions of queer desire and messy romance. Maybe they could be on a talk show couch together, parodying the Fallon appearance, where Roan was every inch the queer rock star making the stodgy straight host feel uncomfortably out-of-touch.
Look, we'll leave it to Rolin Jones to roll out the details. But one thing is clear, to have Interview with the Vampire: Part III really rock, it needs some Roan.
]]>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.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 1, 2024:
Across
[How disappointing]
The answer is sigh.
Larger relative of a kayak
The answer is canoe.
Fire-starting crime
The answer is arson.
Dust ___ (tiny pests)
The answer is mites.
"Golly!" ... or 1-Across, in pig Latin
The answer is isay.
Down
Wrapped Indian garments
The answer is saris.
App with a camera in its logo, informally
The answer is Insta.
Like the texture of a roasted marshmallow
The answer is gooey.
They're often laying around a farm
The answer is hens.
Top worn for layering, for short
The answer is cami.
Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 has joined the billion-dollar club.
The sequel to the 2015 film surpassed $1 billion at the global box office on Sunday, becoming the first film of 2024 to do so – and the first film since Barbie to garner this kind of ticketing success. It is currently the highest grossing film of the year.
According to Disney, Inside Out 2 hit the billion-dollar mark just 19 days since its release, setting the fastest box office record for an animated film — Frozen 2 reached it 25 days. The movie also scored the biggest box-office opening day of the year, picking up $62 million the day of its release. Just this weekend, Inside Out 2 made $57.4 million, just ahead of A Quiet Place: Day One at $53 million.
Only 11 animated films have made this kind of money at the box office including Zootopia, Finding Dory, Despicable Me 3, Toy Story 3 and 4, Minions, Incredibles 2, Frozen and its sequel, and the highest grossing animated film of all time, 2019's The Lion King. The movie's predecessor, Inside Out, was just shy of the accolade back in 2015, when the film collected $858 million.
Inside Out 2 sees the return of titular character Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman), as she grapples with her emotions, including some new additions: Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Disgust (Liza Lapira), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black), Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Walter Hauser).
Mashable's Belen Edwards described the film as "the rare Pixar sequel that truly earns its existence and deepens the message of its first film. And even though it may make you deeply, deeply, deeply anxious, it's also, quite simply, a joy to watch."
Read Mashable's review of Inside Out 2 here.
]]>Apple's AirPods will one day come with built-in cameras.
While that may sound preposterous for a gadget whose primary purpose is to deliver sound into your ears, there is a good reason for it: spatial experiences.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to mass produce AirPods with infrared (IR) camera modules by 2026. These cameras would be similar to the Face ID received on the iPhone, and would like be produced by major Apple supplier Foxconn.
These cameras, which could detect environmental image changes, would enable new spatial audio experiences, Kuo claims. In an example provided by Kuo, a user could watch a video with Vision Pro and AirPods on, and when they turn their head towards a specific direction, the sound source coming from that direction could be emphasized to enhance the experience.
Apple puts a big emphasis on spatial audio in most of its audio-related products, and it's a big selling point of Apple's audio streaming service, Apple Music. With the addition of infrared cameras to AirPods, Apple could probably get a lot more precise head movement tracking, allowing for richer experiences. It's unclear whether the new features would be exclusive to using AirPods together with Vision Pro, or if they would extend to pure audio listening as well.
Even without the IR cameras, Apple plans to enable some new features to AirPods with iOS 18, including new head gestures, such as nodding or shaking your head to answer or decline a call. Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking will also become available for gaming for users using the newest AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. These features will become widely available this fall, when iOS 18 comes out of beta.
]]>It's time for a Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 face-off: airport edition. We're testing these bad boys in the wild — at JFK and Heathrow, to be specific. They're one of the best headphones on the market, boasting high-resolution sound quality, crisp transparency mode, and top-of-the-line active noise cancellation (ANC).
But the question is, which one is actually better?
Packed with important announcements over a PA system, the airport was the perfect place to test transparency mode, allowing me to temporarily disengage from music immersion to hear pertinent information. Sitting in a plane, however, you’re bound to deal with a wailing baby, prompting me to swiftly turn on ANC.
I flew 3,451 miles from New York to London with both the Apple AirPods Max and Sony XM5s – and I tested them on the iPhone 14 Plus. Allow me to break down which is best for noise cancellation (in addition to other in-depth insights, including comfort, sound quality, and transparency mode.)
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: price and specs
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at the price tags of both the AirPods Max and Sony XM5s.
The AirPods Max have an MSRP of $549 on Apple’s official website. (I purchased my headphones directly from Apple, but you can get a better deal from Amazon, which sells a pair for $449.99.)
The AirPods Max come with the following specs:
Apple H1 headphone chip
9 microphones
Active noise cancellation support
Transparency mode support
Personalized spatial audio
Adaptive EQ
The WH-1000XM5 headphones (colloquially called the Sony XM5s because its official name is horrendous) have an MSRP of $399.99, but Sony is selling 'em for $349.99. If you snag ‘em from Amazon, you can get 'em for $314.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones come with the following specs:
Sony QN1 and V1 dual-processor chips
8 microphones
Active noise cancellation support
Transparency mode support (called “Ambient Mode”)
360-degree spatial sound personalizer
Adaptive EQ
Of course, from the more affordable pricing, you’d likely gravitate towards the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, but this comparative analysis may make you change your mind.
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: design and comfort
The AirPods Max’s design triggers my anxiety. When I spotted the mesh headband, I fearfully thought, “What if I accidentally graze it against a sharp object and rip a hole through it?” You’ll also learn very quickly that the AirPods Max, no matter how many influencers you see sporting these headphones in their Instagram posts, are not ideal for working out.
The breathable knit-mesh ear cups have a tendency to collect sweat and grime, making it difficult to keep clean. I had makeup on while waiting for my flight at JFK airport, so after taking off the AirPods Max, it’d aggravate my OCD knowing that there’s Estée Lauder foundation all over the ear cups – and it won’t be easy to restore them back to a squeaky-clean state.
The Sony XM5s, on the other hand, have synthetic leather. Compared to the AirPods Max’s ear cups, the Sony XM5s don't absorb as much crud.
I knew that I could unconcernedly wear makeup at JFK, and by the time I landed at Heathrow Airport, I could wipe down the Sony XM5s' ear cups with a warm, wet towel – and they'll be as good as new.
The Sony XM5s are more comfortable
I’d also argue that the Sony XM5s are far more comfortable.
They’re so lightweight, I could sleep peacefully with them on the British Airways plane.
Sony WH-1000XM5 - 0.56 pounds
Apple AirPods Max - 0.85 pounds
Weighing just 0.56 pounds, I began to forget the Sony headphones were on my head after just a few minutes of wearing them. The AirPods Max use more premium materials with its anodized aluminum ear cups and stainless-steel headband. While the AirPods Max look and feel more high-end, they come at the price of comfort.
I never felt quite comfortable wearing the AirPods Max on the plane.
There’s some unsettling pressure between the ear cups – somewhere in the upper region – and my head, likely due to the metal headband. No, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it's an important difference between the Sony XM5s and AirPods Max, making the former more comfortable.
AirPods Max are arguably more attractive
Fashionability is a deciding factor for me when it comes to headphones. In fact, the reason why my daily driver is the Sony WH-1000XM4, and not the current-generation XM5s, is because it looks sexier.
The Sony XM5s, on the other hand, are an eyesore. It’s the ear cups that make them hideous. They’re so bulky, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone mistook me as one of the air traffic controllers at JFK airport.
The AirPods Max, though heavier on the head, have sleeker ear cups, making them far more sophisticated and fashion-forward than the clunky Sony XM5s.
The AirPods Max come in five colorways: Space Gray, Pink, Green, Silver and Sky Blue. I opted for Space Gray. I have black hair – and I prefer headphones that don’t stick out like a sore thumb. I love how the AirPods Max blend in with my dark, curly tresses, camouflaging it with my locks.
The Sony XM5s come in three colorways: Silver, Black, and Midnight Blue. I chose the latter because the navy-blue hue contrasted beautifully with the bold-and-gold “Sony” logo on the hinges.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: Noise cancellation and transparency mode
If you’re looking for the best noise cancellation, get the AirPods Max. I’ll tell you why. As luck would have it, a crying baby made its way onto my British Airways flight. Typically, I’d be fuming in annoyance at such a misfortune, but it’s the most ideal environment to compare the AirPods Max and Sony XM5s.
For what it’s worth, using my Apple Watch Series 9, the decibels on the London-bound plane climbed to nearly 80 before I tested both headphones.
I could still hear the wailing baby on both headphones with ANC on, however, the AirPods Max did a much better job at suppressing the noise than the Sony XM5s. Furthermore, when the baby stopped crying, the AirPods Max impressed me with how well they muffled the monotone drone of the humming plane engines.
Could you still hear them? Yes. But the constant hum sounded slightly louder on the Sony XM5s compared to the AirPods Max.
When I landed in London, I had my fiancé test the AirPods Max’s noise cancellation feature. He said he couldn’t hear a word I was saying – even though I was sitting right next to him on the couch. However, with the Sony XM5s, he could hear everything I was saying – a disappointment for him, I'm sure, since he loves to feign selective hearing with me.
Even Transparency Mode on the AirPods Max (called “Ambient Mode” on the Sony XM5s), which lets you hear more of the environment around you so that you’re not totally disconnected from your surroundings, is better on the Apple headphones.
At one point, I listened to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” while keeping my ears pricked for announcements. I turned on Transparency Mode by either switching it on via the iOS Control Center (you can also activate it by pressing the button next to the digital crown). I could hear a woman speaking into the PA system about boarding calls, allowing me to turn down “Espresso” to determine whether my flight had begun to invite passengers onto the plane.
The Sony XM5s’ Ambient Mode allow surrounding sounds to seep into your headphones, too, but the outside world sounds more prominent on the Apple AirPods Max.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: touch controls and ports
I know I’m the minority here, but I’m actually not a big fan of touch controls on headphones.
As someone who frequently touches the ear cups to readjust my headphones, I often found myself accidentally activating an unwanted feature on the Sony XM5s, which supports the folllowing touch controls:
Double tap - Play/pause
Swipe forward - Skip to next track
Swipe backward - Revisit previous track
Swipe forward and hold - Fast-forward
Swipe backward and hold - Fast-reverse
Swipe up - Increase volume
Swipe down - Decrease volume
The AirPods Max lack touch controls, but surprisingly, I do not miss them. I don’t mind that I can use the digital crown to trigger a variety of features, from volume control and play/pause to invoking Siri and answering phone calls.
One thing that does bug me about the AirPods Max, however, is that it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. With the Sony XM5s, I can plug in the cable (which ships with the headphones) into the seat-back display port on the plane, allowing me to enjoy a variety of films and TV shows.
The AirPods Max does not ship with a headphone cable, but you can purchase a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable from Apple (or Amazon). And don’t get me started on the Lightning port. The fact that I need to bring an extra cable to charge the AirPods Max during my travels makes me an unhappy camper.
However, it’s only a matter of time before Apple unleashes a USB-C variant of the AirPods Max. (After all, they have no choice because of the EU mandate.)
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: call and voice quality
I enlisted the help of my fiancé for this one. While at the airport, I asked him which headphones sounded better – without telling him which one I’m using. (He’s an Apple stan – and I didn’t want his biases to influence the testing.)
With “Headphones A,” I called my fiancé and he was disappointed. “It sounds like a white-noise machine is in the background while you speak,” he said. “It also sounds like you’re talking into a phone microphone on the other side of the room.”
He didn’t sound any better. His voice sounded thin and slightly tinny. He also sounded like he was speaking from the back of his throat, which was unusual.
Next, I called my fiancé with “Headphones B.” He preferred this one. There was still some hissing, but he said there was “fuller definition” to my voice. Plus, I sounded clearer. On my end, he sounded incredible. He sounded crisp, sharp, and robust – similar to how he sounds in real life.
Headphones A was the Sony XM5s and Headphones B was the Apple AirPods Max.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: music quality
I tested the Apple AirPods Max and Sony XM5’s sound based on their out-of-the-box acoustics – I didn’t turn on any spatial audio effects nor make any tuning adjustments.
I fired up Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” on the Apple Music app via iPhone 14.
Let me preface this by saying the AirPods Max and the Sony XM5s are arguably the best on the market for sound quality. As such, both headphones will give you divine acoustics, according to my personal experience with them.
The AirPods Max provided a more balanced, natural sound, offering warmth to Lana Del Rey’s clear and emotive vocals, preserving the song’s cinematic, dramatic, and delicate quality. The Sony XM5’s may not have the same well-rounded warmth as the AirPods Max, but it delivers more prominent highs, making the heartfelt tune sound more powerful during climactic crescendos.
I preferred the AirPods Max for this song, providing a more accurate and emotionally resonant listening experience. However, it’s worth noting that the Sony XM5s, thanks to the companion app, offers more customizable sound profiles.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: case
Unlike my Sony XM4s, its successor, the Sony XM5s, are not collapsible, which is disappointing. In other words, you cannot fold the Sony XM5s into a smaller form factor for the accompanying case.
However, I’m grateful for the Sony XM5s' full-coverage storage case. The AirPods Max’s unattractive and illogical case, which has been a social media meme for looking like a sports bra, leaves the headphones exposed. Perhaps this is a testament to the faith that Apple has in the durability of the mesh headband? I’m not sure.
On the plus side, the Apple AirPods Max takes up less space in my travel bag. The Sony XM5s' case, although more protective, is a bit bulky – and not remotely travel-friendly. It took up significant space in my travel bag.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: battery life
Apple says the AirPods Max can last 20 hours on a single charge while Sony claims it can survive 30 hours.
By the time my round trip was completed — JFK to Heathrow and vice versa — the AirPods Max had 60% of juice left. The Sony XM5 was at 69% battery. I did not use them outside the aforementioned airports (except while on the plane). I spent about 3 to 4 hours using each headphones, whether I was in NYC or London.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: Which has the best noise cancellation?
Not only does the Apple AirPods Max have better noise cancellation, but it also beats the Sony XM5 when it comes to call and voice quality. Plus, it delivers a warmer, fuller sound that may satisfy most people (though the Sony headphones support more customizable presets, giving you a more spacious audio playground.
However, the Sony XM5s are far more lightweight, comfortable, and conducive to a USB-C-filled world. The AirPods Max, on the other hand, is heavier and unwieldy – and anchored by its Lightning port.
It's also worth noting that the XM5s have a better travel case. As for the bra-like case that ships with the AirPods Max – I don’t know what Apple was thinking. Fortunately, I can drown out the noise of irrationality with its excellent active noise cancellation feature.
Finally, if you have an Android, you'd be better off the Sony XM5s. If you have an iPhone, grab the AirPods Max. I've found that pairing the AirPods Max on an Android is a little bit more challenging. However, if you use the Sony XM5s, there is a quick-pair option. Using the AirPods Max on the Sony XM5s is even more seamless — it's as if my iPhone 14 detects the AirPods Max in a nanosecond. Plus, spatial audio access will be out of reach if you pair your AirPods Max with an Android.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
TL;DR: Manage your data with a 15-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal — price-dropped through July 21 to $54.97 (reg. $69).
$69.99 Save $15.02
Nowadays most of us have an overwhelming amount of data, content, and media that needs storing. But there's a handy and affordable solution for PC and Mac users on sale now.
With a discounted 15-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, you’ll get 1TB (1,000 GB) of OneDrive cloud storage and access to nine premium office apps for only $54.97 for a limited time.
Microsoft 365 Personal promises advanced protection to let you monitor your digital security with Microsoft Defender. You should get some peace of mind from the two-step identity verification feature designed to keep your information private, allowing you to conduct business through Outlook and enjoy ad-free, secure email.
For at-home users or professionals, Microsoft 365 Personal offers something for practically everyone. Whether you want to design a new resume with Word, organize finances with Excel, create memorable vacation reels in Microsoft Editor, or make use of Clipchamp for editing those reels, this deal gets you the latest versions. It also offers sharing across your devices, so you should be able to pick up where you leave off your projects.
Upon purchasing, you’ll get access to the most recent software updates for all of the Microsoft 365 Personal apps. Enjoy the latest features, newest tools, security updates, and bug fixes as soon as they’re released. Six users can access the subscription on up to five devices: PC, Mac, iOS or Android, phones, tablets, etc. Should you ever need assistance, Microsoft promises to have a rep available by chat or phone 24/7.
Get a 15-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal with 1TB OneDrive of cloud storage for just $54.97 (reg. $69) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed to snag this deal.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
]]>TL;DR: Lifetime access to InfoSec4TC cybersecurity training courses is on sale for just $55.97 (reg. $280) through July 21.
$280.00 Save $224.03
Cybersecurity skills are more important than ever. Whether you're starting a new career, looking to advance in your current role, or simply want to stay informed about the latest security threats and technologies, the InfoSec4TC Platinum Membership offers incredible value.
Through July 21, lifetime access to InfoSec4TC cybersecurity training courses is on sale for just $55.97 (reg. $280).
The InfoSec4TC Platinum Membership provides access to a wide array of cybersecurity courses and programs. From foundational to advanced courses, this membership covers many aspects of cybersecurity, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge needed to drive your career forward. With such comprehensive coverage, you can feel secure in your ability to handle any cybersecurity challenge.
This membership includes more than 90 self-paced courses, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Some of the most popular ones include Hacking using Python From A to Z, GSEC Certification - Security Essentials, CISSP® Exam Preparation Training Course, and CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor. In addition, you get access to the most recent exam questions and supplemental course materials to further learn and practice.
One of the most thoughtful aspects of this membership is that you will receive future updates for a lifetime at no extra cost. You can also join private social media groups, access the student portal, and receive an included career consultation and planning session.
Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to protect and secure digital information for a lifetime. Through July 21 only, lifetime access to InfoSec4TC cybersecurity training (Platinum Membership) is on sale for just $55.97 (reg. $280).
Looking for ways to protect your online privacy at home? Check out these options.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
]]>TL;DR: Get an indoor air monitor and its compatible app on sale for $99.99 (reg. $149).
Ensuring a healthy indoor living space can be crucial to well-being. Whether you have pet dander, dust, or common allergens floating around the air, you could be breathing in a lot of particles that can affect your physical health.
The BREATHE Airmonitor Plus Smart Air Quality Monitor is here to help, offering intuitive insights into your indoor environment, and it’s on sale for $99.99 (reg. $149).
This smart air monitor is designed to measure eight key environmental factors: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, HCHO, temperature, and humidity. Each of these metrics plays a part in your home’s air quality. Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) is known for its adverse effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, while levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) can lead to various respiratory issues. Additionally, elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) can cause discomfort and impair cognitive functions, whereas formaldehyde (HCHO) is notorious for respiratory irritation and eye discomfort.
The Airmonitor includes the free Breathe Tech app for iOS or Android, and is built to provide real-time data and alerts. It promises to connect up to 200 devices, so you can view the different air quality ranges around your home.
Beyond monitoring pollutants, the BREATHE Airmonitor Plus also tracks temperature and humidity, to help you make decisions about your indoor environment. You’ll get a helpful analysis of these indicators so you can make needed adjustments.
If you want to take control of your indoor air quality but aren't sure where to start, a good air monitor may be what you're looking for.
Get the BREATHE Airmonitor with Smart Air Quality Monitor while it’s discounted to $99.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
]]>TL;DR: Through July 21, you can score a 5-year subscription to the highly-rated AdGuard VPN for only $34.97 (reg. $359.42).
It's not just you; it really does seem like ads are getting creepier by the day. Mention — or even just think — about something in passing, and suddenly, you're bombarded with targeted ads the moment you open a social media app. Thankfully, there is a way to get rid of (most ads) the annoying ads online.
AdGuard VPN can help you with that — and then some. This data privacy tool can render you anonymous when you hop online, and with its DNS feature, you can block ads and trackers, as well as protect yourself from malware.
Through July 21, you can grab a 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN on sale for only $34.97 (reg. $359.42).
This highly-rated VPN is your virtual shield on the internet. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic, thereby protecting your privacy online. It uses its own security protocol to deliver a faster and safer VPN connection, allowing you to browse, stream, and download, knowing that your data is secure. It also employs a strict zero-logging policy, meaning your internet trail stays private at all times.
With servers in over 60 locations worldwide, you can connect from virtually anywhere in the world you want. You can install the VPN and connect to up to 10 devices simultaneously, and you can also use it on virtually any device, including iOS, Android, and Google Chrome.
Take back your privacy. Through July 21, you can score a 5-year AdGuard VPN subscription for only $34.97 — no coupon necessary.
Want to shop even more deals? Check out more online security solutions.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
]]>TL;DR: Get ready to take the CompTIA certification exams with this CompTIA course bundle, on sale for £39.51 (reg. £462.49) for a limited time.
Certification is a powerful tool that can set those in IT apart from the competition. CompTIA certifications are recognised globally as a benchmark for IT skills and proficiency.
You can take advantage of this summer sale to advance your career with the help of this CompTIA online learning package. Priced at just £39.51, this bundle is designed to prepare you for a range of CompTIA certifications, giving you access to the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the IT industry.
This bundle consists of 15 courses totaling over 260 hours of learning. While it doesn't offer actual CompTIA certification, it can help prepare you prepare to take the certification exams. These IDUNOVA courses utilise independent industry experts and specific CompTIA exam objectives to create their materials. IDUNOVA is also a Platinum Partner in the CompTIA Authorised Partner Program.
Start with the CompTIA IT Fundamentals course to prepare for the fundamentals exam, which is an essential certification for anyone in IT. The course can also be helpful for marketers and salespeople, as it covers terminology, databases, structure, hardware, software, and other concepts.
Other prep courses cover the cloud, Cloud Essentials+, Linux+, Cloud+, Project+, PenTest+, and security.
Take advantage of this sale by moving forward with the next step in your IT career. It can help you gain the knowledge needed to stand out in the IT industry, take your certification exams, and possibly unlock new career opportunities.
This 2024 CompTIA exam prep bundle is on sale for £39.51, a 91% discount.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
£462.49 Save £422.98
TL;DR: Through July 21, get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for £63.22 (reg. £1,181.12).
$1,181.12 Save $1,117.90
Whether you're looking for a space to keep all of your work files and documents backed up or you need a place for family photos and videos, this cloud storage deal gets you 20TB of cloud storage with Prism Drive.
Through July 21, get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for £63.22 (reg. £1,181.12). You can also choose from 2TB, 5TB, and 10TB storage plans, all of which are over 80% off.
Professionals and personal users alike can benefit from storing any type of file safely on the cloud and freeing up space on their devices and computers. For reference, 20TB can hold about 5 million photos.
One of the most useful features of Prism Drive is that you can access your files on any device from anywhere you happen to go. This means that if you're on a business trip and need a last-minute document, you can access it instantly. You can even use sendable links to share files with colleagues, family, and friends.
Prism Drive offers a variety of user-friendly features, including large file support, easy mobile uploads, and the ability to see your upload progress. It also allows 30-day trash recovery in case you accidentally delete something and a quick file preview to see what it contains before fully opening it up.
One of the more compelling parts of this offer is the lifetime access. For a one-time payment, you can secure 20TB of cloud storage indefinitely. This eliminates the worry of monthly or annual subscription fees, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term data storage.
Please note that Prism Drive doesn't have a downloadable app, but mobile users can utilise the web-based browser.
Through July 21, new users can get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for £63.22 (reg. £1,181.12).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream the Paris 2024 opening ceremony for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Paris 2024 promises to bring together the very best athletes in the world in a festival of sporting excellence. But before all of that, we've got the opening ceremony. There is something for everyone in this spectable, even if you're really not into all the athletic events that follow.
And this opening ceremony is special, because for the first time, it will not take place in a stadium. The Paris 2024 opening ceremony is set to take place in the heart of the city along this River Seine. It's going to be epic, and you can watch absolutely everything live without spending anything.
If you want to watch the Paris 2024 opening ceremony for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is the Paris 2024 opening ceremony?
The Paris 2024 opening ceremony takes place from 2:34 p.m. ET on July 26. Athletes will be showcased as they travel along the River Seine in boats, finishing at the Trocadéro.
How to watch the Paris 2024 opening ceremony for free
The Paris 2024 opening ceremony is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream the Paris 2024 opening ceremony from anywhere in the world
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 unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the Paris 2024 opening ceremony (plus all the events that follow) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 the Paris 2024 opening ceremony for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. Lajal in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
You know what's harder than winning Wimbledon? Defending your Wimbledon title, that's what. You have a target on your back, and everyone will lift their game against the reigning champion. That's the situation facing Carlos Alcaraz as he begins his title defense against Lajal.
If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. Lajal in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Alcaraz vs. Lajal?
Alcaraz vs. Lajal will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the men's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Alcaraz vs. Lajal in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Alcaraz and Lajal.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Alcaraz vs. Lajal in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Carballés Baena vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Alexander Zverev has been at the business end of Grand Slams for years, but he's never been able to actually go all the way and secure a win. Could that change at this year's Wimbledon?
If you want to watch Carballés Baena vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Carballés Baena vs. Zverev?
Carballés Baena vs. Zverev will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the men's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Carballés Baena vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Carballés Baena and Zverev.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Carballés Baena vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Murray vs. Machac in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Andy Murray will go down as the best British tennis player of all time. The tennis icon has given fans years and years of pure joy, but his time at the top is coming to an end. If Murray's body will let him, he will face off against Machac in his last ever Wimbledon.
If you want to watch Murray vs. Machac in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Murray vs. Machac?
Murray vs. Machac will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the men's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Murray vs. Machac in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Murray and Machac.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Murray vs. Machac in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Djokovic vs. Kopriva in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Can anyone stop Djokovic from winning Wimbledon again? Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in last year's final, so you just know that the Serbian is going to be back with added motivation to claim another crown.
If you want to watch Djokovic vs. Kopriva in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Djokovic vs. Kopriva?
Djokovic vs. Kopriva will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the men's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Djokovic vs. Kopriva in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Djokovic and Kopriva.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Djokovic vs. Kopriva in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Raducanu vs. Alexandrova in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Wimbledon crowd really gets behind British players, so you can expect a lot of noise in the match between Raducanu and Alexandrova. It's a tough draw for the home favorite, but the support might carry Emma Raducanu into the next round.
If you want to watch Raducanu vs. Alexandrova in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Raducanu vs. Alexandrova?
Raducanu vs. Alexandrova will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the women's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Raducanu vs. Alexandrova in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Raducanu and Alexandrova.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Raducanu vs. Alexandrova in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Osaka vs. Parry in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Wimbledon has not been kind to Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, but that could all change this year. Osaka has been looking good since her return to the professional circuit in early 2024, and a lot of fans will be watching her progress closely. And it all starts with a tricky matchups with Diane Parry.
If you want to watch Osaka vs. Parry in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Osaka vs. Parry?
Osaka vs. Parry will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the women's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Osaka vs. Parry in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Osaka and Parry.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Osaka vs. Parry in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Dolehide in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The first round of a Grand Slam doesn't always deliver particularly exciting matchups. There are a lot of players in the competition at this early stage, so the likelihood of close battles is slim. But Wimbledon has bucked the trend, with a lot of fascinating first round clashes, including Gauff vs. Dolehide.
If you want to watch Gauff vs. Dolehide in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Gauff vs. Dolehide?
Gauff vs. Dolehide will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the women's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Gauff vs. Dolehide in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Gauff and Dolehide.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Gauff vs. Dolehide in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Bektas in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Wimbledon has not worked out for Aryna Sabalenka. Two semi final appearances would be seen as a success by most players on the circuit, but Sabalenka is not most players. The Grand Slam winner will be desperate to make her first Wimbledon final this year.
If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Bektas in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sabalenka vs. Bektas?
Sabalenka vs. Bektas will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the women's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Sabalenka vs. Bektas in Wimbledon 2024 for free
Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the first round matchup between Sabalenka and Bektas.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Sabalenka vs. Bektas in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>TL;DR: Live stream Swiatek vs. Kenin in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Wimbledon is back, and it's back with a bang. The first round has thrown together some fantastic matchups, but it doesn't get much better than Swiatek vs. Kenin. It's rare to see two Grand Slam winners meet in the first round of any tournament, so naturally, this is one you won't want to miss.
If you want to watch Swiatek vs. Kenin in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Swiatek vs. Kenin?
Swiatek vs. Kenin will meet in the first round of Wimbledon 2024. The first round of the women's singles competition takes place from July 1 to July 2.
How to watch Swiatek vs. Kenin in Wimbledon 2024 for free
The BBC will broadcast the action from Wimbledon daily on BBC One and BBC Two, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?
ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 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 Swiatek vs. Kenin in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
]]>House of the Dragon Season 2 has flown back onto our screens, bringing with it plenty of dragons, Targaryen family drama, and changes from its source material, George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood.
Several of these changes build on those in Season 1. Largest among them is the simple fact that House of the Dragon is a narrative TV show, while Fire & Blood is presented as a historical account. The difference in form means that Fire & Blood operates on a larger timescale, spanning centuries, while House of the Dragon can dive deeper into certain scenes and character moments or flesh out "historical" ambiguities.
An example of that fleshing out is the relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), whose fraught dynamic in the show benefits from the extra layers of seeing them grow up together before becoming bitter enemies. That strong adaptation choice is one of many that carries into Season 2, but there are plenty new deviations from Fire & Blood on the way. Which ones work and add depth to the story of the Dance of the Dragons? Which ones are less successful? Let's break it down.
Here are all the biggest differences between House of the Dragon Season 2 and Fire & Blood.
Episode one: We're back at the Wall!
House of the Dragon Season 2 opens with shots of snowy forests and the familiar sounds of Ramin Djawadi's Winterfell theme, which can only mean one thing for House Stark fans: We're so back.
After spending the first season mostly in and around Dragonstone and King's Landing, it's a delight to revisit the northernmost reaches of Westeros. Rhaenyra's eldest son Jacaerys (Harry Collett) flew up there in the Season 1 finale to treat with Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell (Tom Taylor), and by the time we catch up with them at the beginning of Season 2, it seems like they've become good pals. They're taking a field trip up the Wall, bantering about the time Torrhen Stark bent the knee to Aegon the Conqueror, and discussing how the North can aid Rhaenyra in her war efforts.
House of the Dragon skips over quite a bit of material to get to Jace and Cregan's allyship. In classic Fire & Blood fashion, there are several conflicting accounts of Jace's time in Winterfell in Martin's work. Of his many historical "sources," Grand Maester Munkun writes in his True Telling that the two became inseparable and swore a blood oath of brotherhood, while Septon Eustace claims that Jace badgered Cregan about converting to the Faith of the Seven. The most scandalous of all the accounts belongs, naturally, to court jester Mushroom, who says Jace fell in love with and married a bastard named Sara Snow, even though he was betrothed to his cousin Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell).
With only eight episodes in this season, House of the Dragon likely didn't have the time to get into all this potential Northern drama. We've got the Dance of the Dragons to kick off, people! Still, you can bet we haven't seen the last of Cregan Stark.
Episode one: Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole's torrid affair.
In a move I didn't see coming (and that certainly isn't in Fire & Blood), Dowager Queen Alicent and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) are getting it on. Based on Alicent's assertion that they shouldn't hook up again (as if that's going to work), we can assume this affair has been going on for a while. So, when did this tryst begin? When did Cole come back around on the whole "breaking his Kingsguard oath of chastity" thing? When did Alicent decide, "Eh, screw it," and start doing exactly what she hated Rhaenyra for doing?
Alicent and Criston's hypocrisy here doesn't bother me, as it's totally in keeping with their overly righteous characters. And it just makes sense that something would happen between these two. They're basically joined at the hip, and their joint animosity towards Rhaenyra adds a sweet psychosexual twist. Plus, as Alicent reckons with the increasingly unpredictable men in her circle, like her sons Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), it also makes sense that she'd try to reclaim her power elsewhere.
What does bother me about this change is that Criston is having sex at all. He doesn't deserve it. No nice things for Criston, please!
Episode one: Let's talk about Blood and Cheese.
In what is undoubtedly one of the darkest scenes ever featured in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, two assassins — known simply as Blood (Sam C. Wilson) and Cheese (Mark Stobbart) — sneak into the Red Keep and murder Aegon and Helaena's (Phia Saban) infant son Jaehaerys. The monstrous act comes at the behest of Daemon (Matt Smith), who seeks "a son for a son" in retribution for the death of Lucerys (Elliot Grihault).
In the book, Blood and Cheese force Helaena to choose which of her sons she wants them to kill. When volunteering herself doesn't work, she chooses her youngest, Maelor, as Jaehaerys is heir to the Iron Throne. In a nasty twist, Blood and Cheese kill Jaehaerys instead — and tell Maelor that his mother wants him dead.
Things play out a little differently in House of the Dragon, although the final outcome is the same: Jaehaerys dies, and Helaena is traumatized for life. First off, Blood and Cheese's original target in the show is Aemond. That change already complicates the blame of Jaehaerys's death. It lets Daemon off the hook a little for bankrolling child murder, just as Vhagar's unauthorized chomping in the Season 1 finale means Aemond technically didn't murder Lucerys. But technicalities don't matter when children are dead.
Instead of finding Aemond, Blood and Cheese stumble upon Helaena and the twins Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. (Maelor is cut from the show entirely.) They make a snap judgment that one Targaryen son is as good as another and make Helaena tell them which of her children is Jaehaerys. She points him out, but there's a brief moment in which Blood thinks she's trying to double-cross them. After all, why would she give up the heir to the throne so easily? Surely she's actually pointing to Jaehaera. Cheese calls her bluff though and correctly surmises that she's actually singled out her son. With that, Jaehaerys becomes another victim in the Dance of the Dragons.
This version of the Blood and Cheese scene nods a bit to the book version, with Helaena still having to make an impossible choice and there being trickery involved. However, there's an extra layer of tragedy here. Based on a rat-centric statement towards the beginning of the episode, Helaena likely foresaw the arrival of Blood and Cheese in a prophetic dream. That means she's had quite a bit of time to think about this moment, and maybe even prepare for it. Her attempt to throw Blood and Cheese off of Jaehaerys's scent was her last-ditch effort to stop the inevitable. In failing, her action turns a horrifying scene into something even sadder.
Episode two: The aftermath of Jaehaerys's death.
Understandably, much of House of the Dragon Season 2's second episode deals with the fallout from Jaehaerys's murder at the hands of Blood and Cheese. Some elements from Fire & Blood remain the same, such as Aegon's decision to murder all the ratcatchers. Other details are omitted. For example, the show's version of Alicent doesn't try to learn Blood's true name in order to "bathe in the blood of his wife and children." (Probably for the best.) Instead, her reaction is one of grief for Jaehaerys and especially Helaena.
Elsewhere, Hand of the King Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) views Jaehaerys's death as an opportunity to spread some good old-fashioned propaganda. He throws a funeral procession for Jaehaerys, with Helaena and Alicent riding with the young prince's corpse. Accompanying them is a crier telling onlookers to "behold the work of Rhaenyra the Cruel," weaponizing Jaehaerys's death against Rhaenyra. The scene is a show-only invention, yet one that's entirely in keeping with Otto's scheming persona. Plus, even though Alicent decries the procession as ghoulish, it seems like Otto's scheme actually works and wins sympathy points from the smallfolk. (At least, until Aegon hangs every ratcatcher in the vicinity.)
Episode two: Rhaenyra and Daemon duke it out.
When Rhaenyra learns of Daemon's involvement in Jaehaerys's death, House of the Dragon treats us to a massive argument between the married couple (and uncle-niece pair). Rhaenyra worries that she can't trust Daemon, while Daemon claims Rhaenyra is as weak as her father. It's a brutal but deeply necessary fight, dredging up both characters' insecurities about their relationship, proximity to power, and different approaches to the brewing conflict with Aegon. And none of it is in Fire & Blood.
By this point in Fire & Blood, Daemon has already taken control of Harrenhal. He orchestrates the Blood and Cheese plot from afar, and we don't get enough of Rhaenyra's reaction to the murder to suggest that the two fall out over Daemon's actions. Instead, House of the Dragon fills in one of the emotional gaps of Martin's fictional history. The resulting scene gets at the heart of Rhaenyra and Daemon's fraught relationship, and puts the two in very different headspaces as we move into the next section of the season.
Episode two: Arryk versus Erryk.
Like much of Fire & Blood, the duel between the Cargyll twins Arryk and Erryk (Luke and Elliott Tittensor) is the subject of differing historical accounts. Munkun says their battle was epic, lasting for almost an hour and ending with the brothers dying in each other's arms. Mushroom, on the other hand, claims the fight was short-lived. Erryk (who fights for Rhaenyra) dealt Arryk (who fights for Aegon) a mortal blow fairly early on. He sustained a gut wound in the process, and succumbed to it after four painful days. Frankly, the latter seems more plausible, so we've got to give this round to Mushroom.
Also left ambiguous is the true goal of Arryk's mission to Dragonstone. Was he sent to kill Rhaenyra, or to murder her sons Jacaerys and Joffrey (Oscar Eskinazi)? House of the Dragon decides on the latter. It also moves the battle from "deep in the heart of Dragonstone" to Rhaenyra's chambers, putting her in more danger than in Fire & Blood. Here, she witnesses firsthand the kinslaying that will continue to take place should she and Aegon go to war outright. Will this prompt her to take swifter action, or will she stay her cautious course?
Perhaps the most interesting development in the Cargyll fight is the involvement of Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), who alerts Dragonstone to Arryk's presence. By this point in Fire & Blood, Mysaria and Rhaenyra haven't interacted much, although Mysaria does become Rhaenyra's unofficial mistress of whispers later on. However, Rhaenyra now owes Mysaria her life. Could this signal a greater (and earlier) partnership between the two, especially now that Daemon is gone?
Episode three: The Battle of the Burning Mill and the Taking of Stone Hedge.
The first major battle of the Dance of the Dragons comes at the start of Season 2's third episode, when the long-feuding Blackwoods and Brackens take up arms against each other. The result is a slaughter, and while House of the Dragon doesn't show us the actual bloodshed, the field of corpses stretching as far as the eye can see is more than enough to get the job done. In Fire & Blood, the clash between the Blackwoods and Brackens becomes known as the Battle of the Burning Mill. The episode's opening shot of a turning mill (later seen burned to a crisp) is a solid nod to that.
However, House of the Dragon cuts the follow-up to the Battle of the Burning Mill entirely. Martin's work sees what's left of the Bracken forces return to their seat at Stone Hedge, only to discover that Daemon, Caraxes, and several armies have taken it over in their absence. Getting rid of the Taking of Stone Hedge in the show isn't the greatest loss: Daemon has only just arrived in Harrenhal, meaning he hasn't had much time to assemble a host for Rhaenyra. Plus, the show appears to be saving up the first major dragon attack for a larger turning point, as Rhaenyra and Rhaenys (Eve Best) would rather opt for caution than unleashing a bloody war between dragons.
Episode three: Daemon gets spooky visions at Harrenhal.
Speaking of Daemon at Harrenhal, let's talk about the vision he gets of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) on his first night there. These visions are show-only additions, but they're rooted in book-specific lore. Harrenhal is basically Westeros' biggest haunted house, widely believed to be cursed since every House that runs it goes extinct. So how better to play up that cursed nature than with a series of strange nightmares that will force Daemon to confront his greatest mistakes and fears?
Episode three: Rhaena oversees the dragon eggs.
Following the attempt on her life in episode 2, Rhaenyra makes the painful decision to send her youngest children away to the Vale (and hopefully later to Pentos). Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) will accompany them, their hatchling dragons, and four unhatched dragon eggs. In Fire & Blood, it's Jacaerys who makes this call, as Rhaenyra is still grieving Lucerys. House of the Dragon brings Rhaenyra back into action much sooner, giving her the space to rule and make these decisions herself.
The most interesting change here involves the dragon eggs, three of which will look very familiar to Game of Thrones fans. Episode director Geeta Vasant Patel confirmed to Mashable that the red, gold, and green eggs are the ones that will eventually find their way to Daenerys Targaryen. This confirmation marks a minor deviation from Fire & Blood, which heavily implies that Daenerys's eggs were stolen by a character named Elissa Farman during the reign of Jaehaerys I. Overall, though, the origin of Daenerys's eggs is left somewhat ambiguous, so their inclusion here is more of a fun (and literal) Easter egg. Plus, there's a sweetness to the fact that these eggs are the Targaryens' "hope for the future." From an audience standpoint, we know that they do find their way to the last Targaryen, centuries down the line.
Episode three: Rhaenyra and Alicent reunite.
In the biggest book-to-show change this season so far, Rhaenyra travels to King's Landing to speak directly to Alicent. The two don't interact until much later in the Dance in Fire & Blood, but given how much House of the Dragon has centered their relationship, their meeting here is necessary — and electric.
On one level, this is Rhaenyra's last-ditch attempt to stop war from escalating. But on a deeper level, it's two friends trying to get through to one another, with Rhaenyra in particular trying to understand whether her father really changed his mind about having her as his successor. Alicent details how Viserys named Aegon as the Prince That Was Promised in his dying breath. Alarm bells immediately sound in Rhaenyra's head: This has all been a big misunderstanding about Aegon's dream of the Song of Ice and Fire! Viserys never doubted Rhaenyra.
Back in Season 1, I found myself frustrated by the first mention of the Song of Ice and Fire, seeing it as cheap fan service for Game of Thrones fans. But with Viserys's last words, and with Rhaenyra's realization in her conversation with Alicent, House of the Dragon truly justifies its use of Aegon's dream. It's not just an attempt to connect to a series that came before. It's the point around which so much of this war revolves. (Also, just a cautionary tale about naming everyone in the family the same thing.)
Following Rhaenyra's revelation, a new question arises: How will Alicent act going forward, now that she knows she's made a grave error?
We'll be updating this article as House of the Dragon Season 2 continues airing, so check back weekly for more differences between the show and Fire & Blood.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
]]>House of the Dragon Season 2 delivered some of its most gripping dragon action yet in episode 3, with Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) and her dragon Moondancer chasing down Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). While HBO teased the scene heavily in trailers, it almost didn't make it to the screen in the first place.
As episode 3 director Geeta Vasant Patel told Mashable, her first reading of the scene left her confused. "One of my notes was, 'I don't understand why this scene is here. I can take it out and nothing changes,'" Patel said, noting there was discussion of cutting the scene altogether. However, collaboration saved this thrilling sequence.
"I worked together with David Hancock [episode writer], Catherine Goldschmidt [cinematographer] and Jason Rickwood [assistant director] to find ways to further Baela's pursuit of Criston and make it feel absolutely necessary to the story," she explained, "The starting point became getting Baela just right."
"One of the reasons I didn't care about the scene at first was I didn't care about Baela, because I didn't know her," said Patel. "We had to build her character, then get to that scene."
Season 2 marks a big turning point for Baela and her twin sister Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), with both taking on larger roles in their service to Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy). "Yet we didn't know much about them," Patel said. "One of the great things about the writing of this show is that [the writers] don't like exposition. They don't have characters come and go, 'This is who I am,' for an entire scene. So the challenge of working on this show is actually bringing exposition in between sentences, and I felt like the challenge with Rhaena and Baela was introducing them without words."
To gain a better understanding of Baela and Rhaena, and to bring that understanding to the screen, Patel, Antonia, and Campbell spent time together improvising the characters' entire backstories. What pain do they carry? What are the defining moments in their lives? While the audience might not see these moments play out on-screen, sensing the weight of them in the interactions between Rhaena and Baela would prove crucial.
"By the end of that workshop, we felt like we had found and birthed these two characters in a way that we didn't need to in Season 1," Patel said. "It was absolutely brilliant, the way the two of them were able to improvise."
Having a more concrete sense of Baela as a character helped cement her motivations in the Criston chase. "As we were figuring out how to introduce Baela, [showrunner] Ryan [Condal] said, 'She's Maverick from Top Gun,' and that crystallized it. When that decision was made, we could run with it," Patel explained.
Aside from being an ace dragonrider, Baela shares quite a bit of the confidence — and rashness — that characterizes Tom Cruise's Top Gun pilot. As we learn later in the episode, Rhaenyra is concerned that Baela disobeyed her orders to fly at a great height and not engage anyone she saw while patrolling the mainland. With a bit of cheekiness, Baela responds that she "didn't engage. Not exactly." It's the kind of defiance and "I know what I'm doing" attitude one would typically associate with Daemon (Matt Smith). Like father, like daughter! Plus, who wouldn't take an opportunity to scare the armor off of Criston Cole?
We wouldn't have gotten these character-building moments had Baela's encounter with Criston been cut entirely. Nor would we have gotten a fairly sizable plot development: After facing danger with an exposed host, Criston is now going to be leading his troops under the trees, marking a shift in how wartime will be playing out going forward.
With these elements secure, Patel felt far more confident about keeping Baela and Moondancer's flight in the episode. "We spent the time to really perfect it, even reshoot parts of it to make sure Baela was crystal clear to everyone," she said. "We worked so hard on that sequence, and it finally made it back in."
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2024, 6:46 p.m. EDT This interview has been updated, clarifying how the sequence came together.
]]>After several episodes apart, House of the Dragon's Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) finally reunite onscreen in Season 2, episode 3. Given that their relationship is at the heart of the series — and the civil war that looms over Westeros — episode director Geeta Vasant Patel knew that this meeting had to be unforgettable.
"We wanted it to feel monumental," Patel told Mashable.
Achieving that monumental effect started with the sequence in which Rhaenyra sneaks into King's Landing disguised as a septa and makes her way to the Grand Sept. Originally running three lines long in the script and scheduled to be shot over three to four hours, Patel and showrunner Ryan Condal decided to expand upon it in order to build suspense.
"We got every angle to really give it the treatment of a thriller," Patel said of filming Rhaenyra and Alicent's arrival in the sept, which ended up taking a whole day of shooting. "It's almost like an Ocean's scene."
Beyond thrillers, Patel also drew inspiration from a major Game of Thrones moment: Cersei Lannister's Walk of Shame from the Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep. "This was something similar in that you have someone looking at where they need to get and are holding their breath hoping they get there," Patel explained. "So when she arrives in the Sept, we're already charged."
Patel described the actual conversation between Rhaenyra and Alicent as "a litmus test of what came before," with her, D'Arcy, and Cooke drawing on their prior work together in Season 1, episode 8, "The Lord of the Tides," in preparation for the shoot. That episode brings us the closest we've ever been to Rhaenyra and Alicent reconciling, with Rhaenyra thanking Alicent for her loyalty to Viserys (Paddy Considine), and Alicent declaring that Rhaenyra will make "a fine queen." In their final scene together, Rhaenyra says she'll return to King's Landing on dragonback, hinting at a renewed bond between the two.
"In ["The Lord of the Tides"], these two women made a promise to each other," Patel said. "But Rhaenyra also saw her father prove that he loved her, and that she was his heir."
However, Alicent betrayed that promise and newfound trust when she had Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) crowned king, upending Rhaenyra's perception of her relationship with her father in the process. After standing by her side for so long, did he actually abandon her in his last breath?
That question hangs over Rhaenyra as she reunites with Alicent. "Even though it seems like Rhaenyra is coming to [King's Landing] to stop the war, what she's really coming for is to know if her father loved her, to look into Alicent's eyes and ask, 'did he really change his mind?'" Patel said.
The conversation is also a chance for both Rhaenyra and Alicent to remind one another of the love you once shared. "[The scene] is really all about the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent," said Patel. "It's Rhaenyra saying, 'you promised me you wouldn't turn on me,' and also Alicent wanting to tell her friend, 'I didn't mean to do all that. This isn't my fault. I had every intention of making you queen.'"
Still, the character-driven drama of the scene leads to a revelation that may have sizable repercussions for the entire realm. In her efforts to assure Rhaenyra that Viserys wanted Aegon to succeed, Alicent tells Rhaenyra her late husband's dying words. Rhaenyra immediately recognizes that Alicent misinterpreted a reference to Aegon the Conqueror's prophetic dream of the Song of Ice and Fire. Now that Alicent has learned of her grave error, how will she proceed?
"Alicent getting this new information is a very important moment that she will process in episodes to come," Patel said. "In the moment, she stands by her argument and holds fast to it. I think it's quite human in that way. Sometimes, someone tells us we're wrong, and in the moment, you think, 'no I'm not.' Then a day later, you realize, 'I was wrong.' This is one of those human moments where the writers did a really great job of allowing it to have this nuance that we all understand."
As for Rhaenyra, the knowledge that Alicent won't budge galvanizes her in the war effort going forward. "When Rhaenyra came [to King's Landing], she wanted Alicent to make a deal with her. The problem is that she didn't offer Alicent anything. There was no collaboration, nothing that they did to work together," Patel said. "So coming out of that scene, Rhaenyra is thinking, 'I have no choice. I must go to war with you.'"
To quote Aegon II: "To war, then."
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
]]>Fans of Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) are in for a treat with House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 3.
The episode sees Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) send her youngest children to the Vale for safety, with the hope that her sons Aegon and Viserys can travel even farther to Pentos later on. She asks Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) to accompany them, along with their fledgling dragons, Tyraxes and Stormcloud, and four very fragile dragon eggs.
Three of the eggs — one gold, one green, and one reddish-black — look very familiar, matching up with the colors of the eggs Daenerys receives from Illyrio Mopatis (Roger Allam) in the pilot of Game of Thrones. Could Rhaena be guarding these same eggs, over a century before they reach Daenerys?
The answer, according to episode 3 director Geeta Vasant Patel, is yes. "Those are Daenerys' eggs," Patel confirmed to Mashable. "All of us who work on this show are big Game of Thrones fans, so it was very exciting to shoot that scene."
These being Daenerys' eggs does mark a bit of a change from House of the Dragon's source material, Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin. In the book, Martin highly implies that Daenerys' eggs made their way to Essos long before the Dance of the Dragons, during the reign of Jaehaerys I. The person responsible was noblewomen Elissa Farman, gifted sailor and lover of Princess Rhaena Targaryen (not to be confused with House of the Dragon's Rhaena). After Rhaena and Elissa's relationship soured, Elissa stole three dragon eggs from Dragonstone and sailed to Braavos. There, she sold the eggs to the Sealord of Braavos and used the gold to fund further sailing adventures.
Elissa's time in Braavos is where mention of those three eggs ends, but given the number of eggs and the fact that they end up in Essos, it's not hard to believe that these eggs could have been passed around for generations before finding their way to Daenerys. Like so much of Fire & Blood, though, there's enough historical ambiguity here to leave things uncertain and make space for House of the Dragon to play around.
Rhaena chaperoning Daenerys' eggs does create some interesting opportunities. For starters, it's not entirely out of keeping with the books. She does take three eggs with her to the Vale, where one of them hatches into her dragon, Morning. (Perhaps Morning will hatch from the fourth, silvery blue egg we see in House of the Dragon?) Adding a fourth egg to that nest isn't the wildest change in the world. The question becomes: How do these eggs make their way from the Vale to Essos? Will Rhaena, Aegon, and Viserys make their way to Pentos? Will someone steal them away, following in Elissa Farman's footsteps?
Thematically, Rhaena's proximity to Daenerys' eggs also makes sense. As Rhaenyra tells her, these eggs are the Targaryens' "hope for the future." Even if war with Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) goes horribly wrong (which it certainly does), these eggs represent a chance for the Targaryen dragonriding tradition to continue. It's comforting, then, to know that these eggs eventually make their way to Daenerys.
Rhaena's involvement here also points to how she and her twin sister Baela (Bethany Antonia) are taking on a bigger role this season. "The other part of [the egg scene] is Rhaena saying goodbye and giving up her family in order to be a leader," Patel explained.
And what better way to be a leader than to usher in the next generation of House Targaryen and their dragons?
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
]]>As of House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 3, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) officially holds Harrenhal. That can mean only one thing: The show is about to get a whole lot spookier.
Harrenhal isn't just the largest castle in Westeros — it's also the most cursed. Long before the events of House of the Dragon, Harren Hoare, King of the Islands and the Riverlands, oversaw Harrenhal's 40-year-long construction. Thousands of laborers died during the process, and Harren's armies even cut down swaths of sacred weirwood trees to furnish the castle. Yet Harren's massive monument to himself (and his own greed) proved no match for the fiery breath of Aegon the Conqueror's dragon Balerion, which snuffed out House Hoare for good.
Since then, Harrenhal is said to be cursed, as every House that has held it since has gone extinct or suffered great misfortune. Now that Daemon's in charge of the castle, he's about to witness the effects of that curse firsthand.
We get teases of Harrenhal's creepiness throughout Daemon's first night in the castle in episode 3. As if Harrenhal's leaking, craggy ruins weren't enough, Daemon also has to contend with an unknown force rattling at his bedroom door, and with Alys Rivers' (Gayle Rankin) mysterious assertion that he's going to die in this place. Most memorable, however, is a vision Daemon has of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock, reprising her role from the first half of Season 1) sewing Prince Jaehaerys's decapitated head back onto his body.
"Always coming and going, aren't you?" Rhaenyra reprimands him. "And I have to clean up afterwards."
What does Daemon's vision of young Rhaenyra mean?
For episode 3 director Geeta Vasant Patel, this vision and adolescent Rhaenyra's role in it presented a rich opportunity for Daemon to reckon with the events of the past two episodes, starting with his falling-out with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) in episode 2.
"The most important thing about Rhaenyra in this scene was that she knows him," Patel told Mashable. "He just got rejected by older Rhaenyra, who he feels he doesn't know any more. The Rhaenyra he really knows is the young Rhaenyra, who he fell in love with and who worshiped him. So when he goes into that room and young Rhaenyra looks at him with judgment and with critique, that is a sword through his trust. That's where his fear lies, that the one person he's let down his guard with actually doesn't believe in him and thinks he's a monster."
There's also the Blood and Cheese of it all, as Daemon is confronted with a physical reminder of his role in orchestrating Jaehaerys's murder. "When Rhaenyra tells him, 'you just killed a kid,' that's the first time he's processing," Patel explained. "A lot of times none of us change, unless we care about someone and they make us change. And to me, that's what that scene was about."
Patel continued: "When Matt did the scene over and over again, and we kept going deeper and deeper into it, there was one moment where I saw his entire face shake with pain, because he was realizing what he did. He was that connected to Daemon. We all had tears in our eyes in that moment."
This is just the start of Daemon's Harrenhal visions.
With Daemon remaining at Harrenhal as he raises an army for Rhaenyra, you can bet we'll see more visions. And given that episode 3 kicks off the presence of these dreams, Patel, showrunner Ryan Condal, and the rest of the show's team had many conversations about what these visions should look like.
"Many fantasy shows have visions that are processed in so many ways. They have a lot of sound, maybe different lenses. There's different levels you can go," Patel said. Style-wise, Patel pushed for the visions to reflect everyday life.
"When it comes to House of the Dragon, in my opinion, the vision is a dream," she explained. "When we dream, it's so real. That's what's frightening about a dream. You don't know if you're dreaming."
Because of this, Smith and the actors he interacts with in various visions were encouraged to keep their performances grounded in reality. But as we see in episode 3, that boosts the uncanniness of the dreams. The image of Rhaenyra humming while sewing Jaehaerys' head in place is especially chilling, an introduction to Harrenhal as a haunted house that has only just begun to sink its claws into Daemon.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
]]>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 July 1'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:
An old saying.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?
The letter A appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...
Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.
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 #1108 is...
ADAGE.
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.
]]>If there's one thing we can never let slide on House of the Dragon, it's a letter that only flashes up on the screen for a few seconds.
Season 2, episode 3 provided one such opportunity, with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) unrolling a little scroll that was sent to her by her former childhood friend Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), whose son Aegon currently sits on Rhaenyra's throne.
So what does the thing say, and what does it mean? Let's take a closer look.
What does Rhaenyra's scroll say?
The first thing to note is that when Rhaenyra takes the scroll from her lockbox at Dragonstone, it's still sealed. The letter from Alicent has so far gone unread, presumably because Rhaenyra was too angry/grief stricken over the death of her son Lucerys to want to look at it.
When she does open it, though, here's the partial message we can make out:
Rhaenyra, I write [...]
lest the [...]
battling all the hours [...]
might also wish to [speak?] [...]
to the Mother for [...]
along with the hope [...]
From the amount of unrolled scroll we can see before the camera cuts away, that appears to be about two thirds of Alicent's message, with the last third of each line cut off.
As tricky as this makes it to decipher the message in full, though, we don't really need to read much more than that to get a sense of what Alicent is trying to say.
What's the meaning of the scroll?
Context is key here, and we know from our insight into Team Green's small council meetings that Alicent wants to put a stop to the war before it even begins. Since Lucerys' death at the hands of her son Aemond's dragon Vhagar, she's been reaching out to her former bestie to try and build a bridge, or at least a dialogue.
The line "might also wish to speak" is the clearest indication of this, while the last two lines imply she's been praying to the Mother (one of the Seven Gods) and hoping that Rhaenyra will respond to her.
Unfortunately for both of them, based on the covert meeting they do end up having at the end of the episode, it may be too little, too late.
House of the Dragon Season 2 airs Sundays on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET.
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