IT General

How to watch Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors online for free

Mashable - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of huge rugby fixtures taking place this weekend, but Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors might be the biggest of the bunch. It's a battle at the top of the United Rugby Championship standings between two talented sides.

If you want to watch Munster vs. Ulster in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors?

Munster vs. Ulster starts at 7:35 p.m. BST on May 17. This fixture takes place at thr Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors for free

Munster vs. Ulster in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on RTÉ Player from any location.

Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

  5. Live stream Munster vs. Ulster for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Munster vs. Ulster (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

  • 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months of coverage for free — 61% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Munster vs. Ulster for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Montana

Mashable - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Montana with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

In the early stages of 2025, the world of porn was rocked after a number of states introduced laws that required visitors to upload ID before accessing sites. Pornhub responded by banning visitors from these states from accessing their website.

These restrictions are still in place. That's frustrating for potential users in impacted locations, but fortunately, a simple workaround exists.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Montana, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Montana

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

  4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free in Montana with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock porn for free

Mashable - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free porn sites is ExpressVPN.

You access to porn sites is restricted in many locations around the world, and we're not talking about far away places with no connection to you. We're talking close to home.

A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website, and there's no guarantee that things will stop there.

There are valid reasons for restricting access to porn, but there is also something to be said for protecting online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to access all your favorite porn sites without hassle. Fortunately, there is a simple workaround for these online restrictions.

Want to unblock porn sites for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

How to unblock porn for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This quick and easy process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite porn sites from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to porn

  4. Watch porn from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites in an unsupported location.

If you want to retain permanent access to all your favorite sites, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking porn sites, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock porn for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest online for free

Mashable - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You can feel the excitement building. The biggest international song competition in the world is fast approaching, so clear your calendar, prepare food from across the continent, and dress to impress.

The Eurovision Song Contest is back once again, promising incredible performances, dazzling choreography, and moments that you really can't explain. There isn't anything else like the Eurovision Song Contest. You just know it's going to be beautifully mad. We can't wait to watch, and you can do the same without spending anything.

Want to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is Eurovision?

The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union. This popular competition primarily features entries from European countries, with each participating nation submitting an original song to be performed on live TV. Competing countries cast votes to pick a winner.

Eurovision has a reputation for delivering truly memorable performances, and not always in a good way. Rules and convention go out the window with Eurovision, resulting in some absolutely unmissable moments.

Where is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is the 69th edition of the event. This year's competition will take place in St. Jakobshalle, Basel.

When is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

The full schedule for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest can be found right here:

  • First Semi-Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 13

  • Second Semi-Final 9 p.m. CEST on May 15

  • Grand Final 9 p.m. CEST on May 17

Keep these times and dates in mind. No excuses.

How to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free

Audiences from all participating countries should be able to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on local broadcasting services:

If you are based in a country not on this list, you will need to use a VPN to live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country. This simple process makes it look like you're connecting from a country with free access to Eurovision, so you can live stream the event for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access to Eurovision

  4. Visit your favorite free streaming platform listed above

  5. Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Something to note is that the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can live stream Eurovision without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream the event before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free streaming services, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 17, 2025

Mashable - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 04:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for May 17 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.

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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Heightened.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GROWN.

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 17

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GTA VI Is Delayed, but You Can Play These Similar Games Right Now

How-To Geek - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 00:00

Disappointed that you have to wait another 12 months to explore the state of Leonida and the iconic Vice City in GTA VI? Me too, but these 13 games should soothe your hunger for GTA VI and then some.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I Bought 25 PC Games for Just $16 (And You Can Too)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 23:00

For the rest of May, Fanatical is offering a special bundle that will allow you to buy dozens of random games for as little as $1. Not only is this the cheapest you can get almost any game, but you may also be able to score VR headsets, a Steam Deck, or AAA titles for that price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mac's Upcoming AFP Removal Will Break Some NAS Drives and Network Shares

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 22:33

Apple has officially deprecated the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) client in the latest update for Mac computers, and the feature will be “removed in a future version of macOS.” The change will break file sharing with many old network drives and Mac models, including Apple’s discontinued Time Capsule.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Caring for ourselves amid the Diddy trial and collective trauma exposure

Mashable - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 21:40

In recent days, it has become nearly impossible to move through the world without being confronted by the latest high-profile case of interpersonal violence — the ongoing trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, following the harrowing testimony of singer Cassie Ventura, Diddy's ex-partner. Ventura's detailed allegations of prolonged abuse, coercion, and exploitation have dominated headlines and social media feeds, making the coverage inescapable. For many, this constant exposure brings up waves of complex feelings, including pain, anger, confusion, or even numbness. And for those of us with a personal history of trauma, these waves may at times feel like a tsunami.

This collective reaction is not only understandable, it’s deeply human.

As a trauma therapist and mental health professional who has worked alongside hundreds of survivors of interpersonal violence with a focus on human trafficking and sexual violence, I want to offer a framework for understanding what many of us are experiencing, and gentle tools for protecting our mental health as we navigate this moment.

Our reactions are personal and valid

There is no single way to respond to trauma exposure. Our reactions are shaped by our own lived experiences, including any past histories of violence. They are intersectional based on our identities, the communities we belong to, and the broader histories of injustice we carry. They are also adaptive as our minds are constantly working to make meaning, to find understanding, and ultimately, to protect us.

Sometimes, this means we feel an intense pull to learn more. We read every article, scroll through every comment thread, or watch every video in the hope that information might help us feel a little safer, more in control, or closer to justice. This search for meaning is not a flaw; it is a natural function of a brain seeking safety and clarity in a world that can often feel unsafe and chaotic.

When meaning-making becomes overexposure

There can be a point where our quest for meaning tips into overexposure, sending us into a state of disregulation. Even when we’re not seeking it out, constant exposure to the Diddy trial coverage can have an impact on our mental health. As we find ourselves reading one more post, watching one more reel, and clicking one more headline, the exposure adds up and our nervous system, especially those who have experienced past trauma, becomes activated. 

We begin to move outside our "window of tolerance,” a concept in trauma healing that describes the range of emotional states where we feel grounded and able to respond effectively to stress. When we're pushed beyond that range, we may shift into hyper-arousal, where we feel speedy, agitated, angry, panicked, or unable to stop scrolling. Or we might move into hypo-arousal, where we feel numb, detached, exhausted, or checked out.

In hyper-arousal, we might feel compelled to argue with strangers in the comments section or rapidly consume articles. In hypo-arousal, we might shut down, avoid contact with others, or feel disconnected from our bodies and emotions. Both are nervous system responses to overwhelming situations, and both are signs that we need care, not judgment.

Recognizing disregulation

Here are a few signs that our media consumption may be impacting our mental health:

  • Losing track of time while reading about the case

  • Feeling emotionally exhausted or detached after reading updates

  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating after trial exposure 

  • Thoughts of our own past experiences of violence arising 

  • Spiraling into despair, hopelessness, rage, or any intense emotional state

  • Feeling disconnected from your body

If you recognize yourself in any of these, you are not alone. This response is an adaptive human reaction to graphic trauma exposure.

Tools for regulation and grounding 

Caring for ourselves in the face of the Diddy trial coverage means tending to our nervous systems. Here are a few ways to support our well-being:

  • Create social media boundaries. Consider limiting screen time, setting app timers, or pausing before engaging with sensitive content. 

  • Check in with your body. Are you breathing shallowly? Clenching your jaw? Holding tension? Gentle movement, deep breathing, or stretching can help regulate our nervous system and bring us back into the present moment. 

  • Name your feelings. Say them out loud or write them down. Naming emotions helps us metabolize them. If you’re having trouble identifying them, try looking at the emotions wheel

  • Protect your peace in comment sections. Online space, especially comment threads, can reflect common misconceptions about violence that place undue scrutiny on survivors rather than those who caused harm. It’s okay to disengage from these conversations. Preserving your mental health does not mean you care any less; it means you are choosing where to place your energy.  

  • Reach out. Talk to someone you trust. Community care is essential to healing.

  • Practice grounding. Sensory-based techniques like holding a cold object, naming five things you see, and engaging your full five senses can bring you back into your body.

  • Seek support. Whether through therapy, community support, or a trusted friend, reaching out to others to process what is happening can be an important lifeline. At the Sanar Institute, we specialize in providing this type of trauma-specific care to ensure that individuals and communities that have experienced interpersonal violence have access to life-changing support.

A call for collective compassion

As we navigate through this trial, this is an invitation to us all: we do not need to consume every update to care deeply about what happened. We are allowed to set boundaries. We are allowed to care for our bodies, our spirits, and to prioritize our psychological safety.

Each of us processes trauma exposure differently. Let’s offer compassion for our own responses and grace for the ways others may be showing up. The goal isn’t to disconnect from the world but to stay rooted in it, with care.

Kate Keisel, LCSW is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of the Sanar Institute, which creates holistic access to trauma-conscious and person-centered care to support individuals and communities healing from the traumatic events of interpersonal violence. This column represents the opinion of the author.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11 Has a New Way to Open the Emoji Picker

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 21:37

You know that feeling when you want to drop an emoji or GIF into a conversation, but you can't quite remember the keyboard shortcut? Microsoft hears that pain, which is why there’s a subtle but significant change brewing that should make it that much easier.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Epic Games: Fortnite is offline for Apple devices worldwide after app store rejection [updated]

Mashable - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 21:20

Updated on Friday, May 16 at 3:15 p.m. ET: On Friday afternoon, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (who has a history of getting inside scoops from Apple) reported that Apple denies blocking the Fortnite app from iOS devices in Europe. Further, Gurman reported that Apple asked Epic Games to resubmit the app for approval in the EU. We still haven't heard anything from Apple directly, and we'll continue to monitor the situation.

You can read our original story below.

Introducing Fortnite v. Apple, Part Infinity: App Approval Thunderdome.

In case you couldn't tell from the catchy title, the Epic Games v. Apple legal drama has been an ongoing drama in the tech world. And in the latest news, Epic Games reports that Apple has rejected Fortnite's attempted return to the App Store.

"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," posted the official Fortnite account on X today. "Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."

Mashable reached out to Apple to ask about the situation, and we'll update this article if we learn any new information.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: You can finally buy books in the Kindle app, thanks to a California judge

Exactly a week ago, Epic Games delighted gamers by announcing it had officially resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store. But after the latest rejection, Fortnite has become unavailable for all iOS users worldwide.

Previously, iOS gamers in the EU were at least able to download Fortnite, but now, even that is unavailable. On top of that, Fortnite can't even be downloaded through a third-party app store in the European Union, for reasons that are unclear.

One possible explanation? We know that Epic Games resubmitted Fortnite for approval in the United States using its European developer account. If the submission was rejected as Epic Games claims, that could have triggered a wider problem for the company. Epic Games may have also pulled the app from third-party stores itself.

Here in the United States, iOS gamers have been unable to download Fortnite on Apple devices for years, which is what kicked off the legal case in the first place. Here's the tl;dr version from Mashable's Alex Perry:

Fortnite has been unavailable to play natively on iPhones since 2020 because of a still-ongoing legal dispute between Apple and developer Epic Games. The short version is that Apple likes to take a 30 percent commission on in-app purchases in iOS apps, and Epic didn't like that. One thing led to another, and now there's a bona fide antitrust case against Apple. That case recently resulted in the company being named in contempt of court, forcing the company to stop collecting fees from off-app purchases.

The return of Fortnite to the App Store has been a long time coming, but gamers will have to wait even longer to try and talk to Darth Vader in the game, at least on Apple devices.

On X, Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney suggested that Apple had "weaponized" the app review process, framing this as a free speech issue.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Categories: IT General, Technology

8BitDo's New Wireless Arcade Controller Costs Just $89

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 21:02

Budget controller brand 8BitDo just opened preorders for its new Arcade Controller, an impressively thin and customizable gamepad that costs just $89.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Proton VPN for 2 Years for 66% Off Today

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 20:56

Right now, you can buy two years of Proton VPN’s premium plan for $81.36 on the official website. This comes out to $3.39 per month, and if you don't want to commit for that long, the 1-year plan is also on sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your emoji choices may look different on Android soon

Mashable - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 19:53

Get ready for your emoji to change if you use Gboard on an Android phone.

Google's emoji keyboard is undergoing a design change that'll hopefully make things cleaner and easier to use. Gboard removed the "All" interface. In its place, Gboard redesigned the emoji, sticker, and GIF icons, enlarging them and making your choices more clear. 9to5Google spotted the change and published images showing the differences. Right now the changes are only in Gboard's latest beta.

You can see on the new Gboard, on the right, that the bottom buttons are bigger and easier to select. Credit: 9to5Google

9to5Google also spotted some other minor changes, such as a flat toolbar instead of an elevated one. Overall the changes are pretty small, but they're the kinds of thing that'll make you go, "Hmm, this is weird!" when you go to find an emoji.

So your emoji world won't be turned upside down, but it might be shifted a bit.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Steam Will Now Show You Best-Sellers Going Back 21 Years

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 19:43

Steam has been around for over 21 years, and it's turning 22 in a few months. That's a big number. And a lot of releases have debuted on the platform through that timeframe. Now, Steam is gaining a bestsellers list that goes back until the launch of Half-Life 2—the first in-house game Valve debuted on Steam.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bring the bass to your living room with $300 off the Sonos Arc soundbar

Mashable - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 19:07

SAVE $300: As of May 16, get the Sonos Arc soundbar for $599 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sonos Arc $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time enjoying movies and TV from the comfort of your living room, you should make sure you've got great sound that complements your area nicely. You can do that with your built-in TV speakers, sure, but a soundbar can make a huge world of difference.

As of May 16, get the Sonos Arc soundbar for $599 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's $300 off and a 33% discount.

This user-friendly soundbar is a minimalist's dream that offers excellent sound to punch up your TV setup. It's meant to provide a more theater-centric experience that can add booming bass and crisp treble to your living room, with 11 drivers and Dolby Atmos support so you can really feel as though you're immersed in what's happening on-screen.

Setup is simple by way of a Bluetooth connection if you prefer, and the soundbar itself is small and unobtrusive, so you can place it just about anywhere, whether that's near your TV or mounted somewhere for better reach and still have great sound wherever you decide to sit.

With plenty of blockbusters hitting streaming after leaving theaters this year, you might decide to spend some money and watch them at home, so make sure you have decent audio to go with the superhero flicks and other box office hits while you kick back, relax, and think about how great it is that you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom and miss something since you're watching at home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why One of Gaming's Most Influential Genres Went Extinct

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 19:00

Few gaming genres are as massively popular as shooter games. Whether it's because of their exciting campaigns or competitive multiplayer, no other genre has come close to replicating the widespread appeal of shooters. However, almost all modern shooters owe their success to a forgotten retro genre.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung Jet 60 vacuum is less than $200 at Best Buy, but you have to act fast

Mashable - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 18:31

SAVE $130: The Samsung Jet 60 Pet cordless stick vacuum is on sale for just $199.99 at Best Buy as a Deal of the Day on May 16. That's about 39% in savings, but you have to act fast.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Jet 60 Pet $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130 Get Deal

If you're not completely sold on robot vacuums, but still want to make your cleaning experience less of a chore, a cordless stick vacuum is your best bet. But before you splurge on an outrageously expensive Dyson, check out this deal on a Samsung (yes, Samsung makes vacuums).

As of May 16, the Samsung Jet 60 Pet is on sale for only $199.99 as one of Best Buy's Deals of the Day. That's nearly 40% or $130 off its list price of $329.99. It's also $60 cheaper than Amazon has it at the moment. You'll have to act fast, though, as it's only around until the end of the day today (roughly 13 hours or so).

The Jet 60 Pet offers a sleek and slim aesthetic in an eye-catching rose gold finish and its Jet Cyclone technology operates similarly to Dyson's, keeping dust and debris from clogging up the filter. It's also extremely light and easy to maneuver at just five pounds. While it's dubbed the "Pet" model, it's worth noting that at only 150 air watts, it's not as powerful as some folks with heavy pet hair problems may need. However, the included mini motorized tool will help you get those fine particles and pet hair on furniture, rugs, and other surfaces. It runs for about 40 minutes on a single charge and comes with a spare battery, so you can swap it out and get up to 80 minutes of cleaning time total.

Ultimately, the Samsung Jet 60 Pet puts an enjoyable cleaning experience in your hands (instead of a robot's). And at less than $200, it's hard to get hung up on any flaws.

The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Music Can Now Import Playlists From Spotify, YouTube Music, and More

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 18:27

Apple Music now lets you import libraries and playlists from Spotify and other competing services. However, the feature is currently limited to Australia and New Zealand.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You can talk to Darth Vader in Fortnite now thanks to generative AI

Mashable - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 18:22

Fortnite is now in the business of resurrecting the dead, apparently.

On Friday, developer Epic Games announced in a blog post that Darth Vader is back in Fortnite as a recruitable boss character in the game's primary Battle Royale mode. He can be recruited to fight alongside you and your friends, but here's where things get strange: You can voice chat with Darth Vader and he'll respond using an AI approximation of the late James Earl Jones' voice. According to Epic, the Jones estate signed off on this, providing a statement in the blog post:

James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.

The ethical concerns here are numerous and obvious, but it should be noted that Jones himself signed off on his voice being used in this exact manner back in 2022, before his death. Mashable recently reported on a similar case involving the voice and likeness of Agatha Christie.

Credit: Epic Games SEE ALSO: The Sabrina Carpenter 'Fortnite' skin is everywhere, and it's pretty funny

Anyway, Epic said you can ask him questions about the Galactic Empire or the Force and he'll answer them. Of course, it took about 30 seconds for someone to make the AI bot say something it shouldn't say:

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Epic Games did program the Vader character with safeguards in place (read more about parental controls in this FAQ), and he'll reportedly refuse to engage in romantic talk or discuss killing younglings. If a user discusses self-harm or mental health, Vader will direct the user to seek help.

Right now, the AI Darth Vader only speaks English, and Epic Games says they used a combination of Google Gemini 2.0 Flash and ElevenLabs' Flash v2.5 AI models.

You can check out the AI Darth Vader in Fortnite now, unless you're on iPhone.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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