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The iPad mini is back to its best-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:24

SAVE $100: As of June 6, the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's down from its list price of $499, saving you 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

If you've been looking for the right moment to invest in an iPad, this could be your chance to walk away with a great deal. The Apple iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip has dipped below $400 at Amazon.

As of June 6, the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. This is 20% off its list price of $499 and the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are over $50 off at Amazon

This iPad mini packs plenty of power into a small build thanks to the A17 Pro chip. It's a perfect portable pick, and sports an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 128GB of storage so you can stock it up with plenty of apps to keep you busy. We even consider it the best iPad for reading.

Don't miss out on $100 off the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, A17 Pro) at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get off (and save) with the best sex toy deals we could find this month

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:11

SAVE UP TO 80%: We rounded up June's hottest sex toy deals from top brands including Le Wand, Lovers, and others. Shop vibrators, dildos, and more.

The best sexy toy deals in June 2025: Best deal overall The Rose Suction Vibrator $23.99 (save $65) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Lovers Loyal 5.5-Inch Dildo $38.40 (save $9.60) Get Deal Best budget deal ava VIVV massage wand $19.97 (save $5) Get Deal

Masturbation May is behind us, but I’m still seeing tons of sex toy deals across multiple retailers, big and small. Actually, some of these deals are even better than what I saw last month — from Pride sales to summer clearances, there are savings aplenty to be had in June. For example, I’ve seen $100+ vibes (like the Le Wand Grand Bullet, which I have in Rose Gold, and the Le Wand Deux) go for under $40, which is crazy.

Whether you’re looking for a new clit sucker, a couples vibrator, or some BDSM gear, there are tons of ways to save right now. Here are the best sex toy sales I could find this month.

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Le Wand Rose Suction Vibrator (Pink) $23.99 at Le Wand
$99.99 Save $76 Get Deal Why we like it

OK, so I’m talking a lot about Le Wand, but honestly, these are the best deals I’ve ever seen the retailer run. If you don’t know much about Le Wand, they’re known for making luxe sex toys without the pretentious vibe (like LELO, but actually fun). Many of the massagers and vibrators are on the higher end, so I’m always stoked when I see them on sale. I even gifted my sister the Le Wand Little Pleasures Set for her wedding, and she loved it.

And, despite the name, they don’t just sell wand vibrators. For example, I’m choosing the Rose Suction Vibrator as my overall fave because it’s a hot-selling toy that’s now under $30. (The price changes with color option — the mint was $14.99, but it’s sold out now.) This little toy is a clitoral sucker that uses gentle pressure and vibration to give you toe-curling orgasms. At under $30, I’d say to jump on this deal, like, yesterday.

Other must-mention items in Le Wand’s sale include the 9-inch Purple Rose Nubby Dildo (a glass dildo for less than $20, uhm, yes please) and the Le Wand Baton.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lovers Lovers Loyal 5.5-Inch Dildo $38.40 at Lovers
$48 Save $9.60 20% off with code GLOWUP Get Deal Why we like it

Speaking of dildos, one of my all-time faves is on sale at Lovers right now. The Lovers Loyal 5.5-Inch Dildo (exclusively sold at Lovers) is 20% off with the code GLOWUP. That brings the total to $38.40 (saving you $9.60), which is still a great deal for, in my opinion, the softest, most realistic-feeling dildo I’ve ever owned.

I don’t love the look of realistic dildos, and if I had a choice, I probably wouldn’t buy a skin-toned dildo. BUT, I do own and use the Lovers Loyal Dildo because it’s just that good. It has a suction cup base so you can stick it to just about anything, and it’s compatible with most harnesses.

More sex toy deals you should definitely know about
Categories: IT General, Technology

After Pornhub left France, this VPN saw a 1,000% surge in signups in 30 minutes

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:10

UPDATE: Jun. 6, 2025, 12:05 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with comments from Proton VPN.

A popular VPN service reported a 1,000 percent increase in registrations just 30 minutes after Pornhub blocked access in France this week. The adult site reportedly exited its second-biggest market because of a new French age-verification law that has a June 7 compliance deadline, per Mashable's Anna Iovine.

"5PM - PornHub blocks France from accessing its website," Proton VPN tweeted Wednesday. "5.30PM - @ProtonVPN registrations increase by 1,000%[.] For context, this is more than when TikTok blocked Americans."

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

Proton VPN previously documented a 490 percent increase in daily signups in mid-January when TikTok briefly went offline ahead of a possible ban in the U.S.

A Proton spokesperson tells Mashable that when it built its VPN "to help people in authoritarian countries with online censorship, an access gateway for porn was obviously not what we had in mind." Still, they add, "VPN can be used in this way and signups from France have temporarily increased by a factor of 10."

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server before sending it out onto the web. The main purpose of a VPN is to reclaim some online privacy from your ISP and other prying eyes. But they're also commonly used to spoof one's location: A VPN can make it appear as though its user is visiting websites from a country they're not physically in.

SEE ALSO: Why age-verification bills for porn sites won't work

Age-verification laws for adult content have been enacted abroad and in nearly 20 U.S. states. They typically require sites to verify their users' ages via facial recognition or government ID. Such laws are intended to restrict children's access to adult content (and in some cases social media), but experts have flagged free speech and privacy concerns. What's more, technology like VPNs makes enforcement difficult.

For its part, Proton shares these concerns. "There's no such thing as age verification for children only, it's age verification for everyone, and having offshore porn sites or any other third parties collect IDs from adults and becoming a repository of potential blackmail material comes with its own risks," said the company's spokesperson. "A more technically sound approach would be content controls directly implemented on the devices parents chose to give their children."

Founded in 2014, the Swiss-based Proton offers a suite of privacy-centric web services, including email and cloud storage. Its VPN service was launched in 2017 and currently maintains a massive network of more than 13,000 servers in 117 countries worldwide. To date, it's the only VPN we've tested that's won a Mashable Choice Award. Read our full Proton VPN review for more information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AirPods to get 3 exciting new features

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:06

Your AirPods will reportedly get some major upgrades as Apple debuts iOS 26 next week at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC).

While the event is rumored to feature fewer AI advances than expected, WWDC typically brings some big news. Perhaps chief among the expected news is Apple's latest iOS, which will reportedly be called iOS 26, to match the upcoming year, instead of the previously expected iOS 19.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about iOS 26 ahead of Apple WWDC 2025

With that new software could come some big changes for your AirPods. Apple-focused site 9to5Mac exclusively reported this week that some of the AirPods upgrades are expected to come with iOS 26.

Here are three exciting new AirPod features to expect, according to 9to5Mac:

  1. A new head gesture that will end a Conversation Awareness volume adjustment, which, as of now, requires you to press and hold the AirPod stem.

  2. A new camera control feature, where tapping an AirPod stem will take a picture. This might be way easier than using the iPhone's timer feature.

  3. A sleep detection system that'll auto-pause when someone falls asleep while using their AirPods.

Now, keep in mind that the report from 9to5Mac relies on unnamed sources within Apple, so it is not guaranteed that we will get all these features at WWDC. That's not to say the report isn't true; just that Apple can always change course.

We'll just have to wait until Monday's WWDC to see what, exactly, happens for AirPods.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Fix “The Application Can’t Be Opened” on Mac

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:00

Few things are more frustrating than a vague error message, especially if it prevents you from running a game or an app you’ve just installed. macOS likes to throw these errors at you from time to time, in the name of system security. So what can you do about it?

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 Games I Wish I Could Play for the First Time Again

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:31

For many, replayability is often a defining factor of a great game. However, sometimes the most memorable games are the ones that leave you speechless on your first playthrough, whether it's accomplished through gameplay, the narrative, or both.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart expands drone delivery to 5 major cities

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:30

Walmart's futuristic plans to deliver your orders via flying robots are closer to becoming reality, as the mega-retailer expands its drone delivery program to five major cities and more than 100 store locations.

Shoppers in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa will be promised deliveries by air in 30 minutes or less, operated by drone provider Wing. That levels up the program to five states (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas), including existing operations across Texas in partnership with drone company Zipline. According to Walmart, drones have made more than 150,000 deliveries since the program's 2021 launch.

SEE ALSO: New version of Gemini beats other AIs at math, science, and reasoning

Drones can deliver to homes up to six miles from a participating store, and orders must be between 2.4 pounds to 10 pounds, depending on the location's fleet. Customers are notified when their drones are on the way, and packages are slowly lowered to the ground via cable upon arrival.

"As the first retailer to scale drone delivery, Walmart is once again demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance our delivery offerings with a focus on speed," wrote Greg Cathey, senior vice president of Walmart U.S. Transformation and Innovation. "As we look ahead, drone delivery will remain a key part of our commitment to redefining retail."

How to order drone delivery

Drone delivery options should automatically appear for Walmart shoppers in eligible areas once available — users should see a link to the drone landing page at the top of the Walmart homepage after logging in, or can sign up to be notified when the program reaches them.

To get your order from a flying drone:

  1. Log into your Walmart.com account.

  2. Shop as you usually would, then select check out.

  3. Under the order's delivery options, choose Delivery from Store.

  4. Select Drone Delivery from the store options.

  5. Select a day and time, and if you want your delivery dropped off in your front yard, backyard, or driveway.

  6. Proceed with the purchase.

Shoppers are automatically alerted if their order reaches the drone's max weight and carrying capacity.

Categories: IT General, Technology

All the New Cars With a Manual Transmission You Can Buy in 2025

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:16

Manual transmissions are quickly becoming a rarity in today’s auto market, with most manufacturers phasing them out in favor of automatics and electric drivetrains. But for driving purists, there’s still hope as several new cars in 2025 proudly keep the stick shift alive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories include an irresistible Piranha Plant webcam

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:16

UPDATE: Jun. 6, 2025, 9:56 a.m. EDT Updated with additional accessories, including a Joy-Con 2 charging grip, charger, and more.

Sure, you're excited to finally hold your new Switch 2 in your hands, but why stop there? The best Switch 2 accessories will make sure you squeeze every last drop of fun out of the new Nintendo console — if you can get one in the first place.

The buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2 has been exciting, heartbreaking, and chaotic all at the same time. First, we had an announcement, then a tariff delay, and then pandemonium during pre-orders. We also cried about the price ($80 for Mario Kart World?), but got over it once we compared it to our inflated grocery bills. After all, this is our happiness we're talking about, and don't we deserve something nice in 2025?

We commend your valiant efforts if you've been able to secure a Switch 2 pre-order that hasn't been cancelled. If you were less successful with a pre-order, there's always waiting in line at a brick-and-mortar location on launch day. You can also check our guide on where to buy the Switch 2 online now that it's officially out in the wild.

SEE ALSO: 10 Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles I can't wait to play (besides 'Mario Kart World')

Come what may, we'll all eventually get our anxious hands on a new Nintendo Switch 2. And when that day comes, we need accessories. This precious beast isn't getting tossed into any old tote bag unprotected. We also need upgraded storage space and a comfortable way to hold the console, too. Plus, with the new social GameChat features, you'll need a proper webcam to fully enjoy the newest Switch 2 features.

So, here are the best accessories to buy for the Switch 2 that you can buy right now.

Best Switch 2 controller Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller $84.99 at Target
Shop Now Why we like it

For all-day (or night) gaming sessions, you'll want something with a more ergonomic design than the included Joy-Cons. Upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller gives you a more classic gaming feel but with some extras that are new to the Switch 2 model. For starters, there's the "C" button located between the D pad and the right thumbstick. This takes you to the awesome GameChat features that are new with the Switch 2. There's also an audio jack on the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which wasn't found on the original Pro Controller. If you plan on long gaming sessions, an upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will be well worth the price.

Best storage upgrade Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 (256GB) $59.99 at Target
Get Deal Why we like it

Haven't you heard: Your old MicroSD cards won't work with the Switch 2. Yes, Nintendo gave us all a gift of storage with the Switch 2 which has 256GB of internal storage. That's a massive eight times as much compared to the original Nintendo Switch. But is it enough? It might not be if you plan to download all the best games plus bring your old collection too. Upgrading to the officially sanctioned Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 will offer you an additional 256GB of storage space. That means you'll be in much better shape for keeping your gaming library full of titles with room for updates.

Best Switch 2 camera Opens in a new window Credit: Hori Hori Piranha Plant Camera $59 at Walmart
Get Deal Why we like it

Of all the Switch 2 accessories you can buy at launch, this is by far our favorite one. It's adorable, functional, and it celebrates one of the classic characters we all love from Nintendo. The Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a must-have accessory. With it, you can live video chat or capture unforgettable gaming moments with friends. The adjustable clip that sits on the bottom allows you to mount the camera to your TV or the console itself. The USB camera has a flexible neck and mouth, so you can angle it to your choosing and it comes with a USB-C cable and stereo adapter. It's larger than the standard $54.99 camera offered by Nintendo, but this is a Piranha Plant Camera, so we're willing to accommodate the slightly larger size.

Best Switch 2 protective case Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case with Screen Protector $39.99 at Target
Shop Now Why we like it

You went to great lengths to score a new Nintendo Switch 2, and now it's time to treat it like the royalty it is. Instead of tossing it in a bag, keep is safe and secure with the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case, and as a bonus, it comes with a screen protector. The case is durable and sturdy, offering a nice resting place for your Switch 2 while it's not in use or when traveling to a friend's house. Since this is a Nintendo-branded case, it's designed to perfectly fit the Switch 2 dimensions without adding bulk.

Best Switch 2 screen protector Opens in a new window Credit: Spigen Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector (2 pack) $24.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why we like it

Keep the Switch 2's screen protected from scratches and free of fingerprints with a Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector. We all know how useful a screen protector can be, but it's always a stressful event to get the thing on correctly with no bubbles. Spigen addressed our anxiety and designed an auto-alignment installation kit with this two-pack, so you can unclench your jaw while sticking it on the Switch 2. The two-pack is specifically designed to fit the Nintendo Switch 2's dimensions, and its oleophobic coating means you won't ever have to deal with oil or fingerprint marks.

Remember: Do not remove the screen protector that comes pre-installed on the Switch 2.

Best Switch 2 safety accessory Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Straps $13.99 at Target
Get Deal Why we like it

If you'll be using the Joy-Cons for any kind of competitive gaming, you'll need a strap. You never know when a game of Mario Kart World will turn intense, and making sure that Joy-Con isn't gonna go flying at the TV is pretty important. So, snag the set of official Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Straps. They're an inexpensive way of getting some extra reassurance that the TV, room's decor, and your fellow players won't get hit with a flying Joy-Con. Take it from the ceiling of my college rental house, a flying Joy-Con can leave a dent.

Best Switch 2 charging grip Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Joy-Con™ 2 Charging Grip $39.99 at Nintendo
Get Deal Why we like it

The beauty of the Switch 2 is that you can play it on the go while docked. If you decide you want to get your Mario Kart on with friends, you can either play it docked on your TV or by using the kickstand to set up a makeshift gaming station. The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip is perfect for either situation, as it lets you slide both Joy-Con 2 controllers into the grip and charge them while playing. It's a highly necessary accessory if you use your controllers a lot, especially since you can use the controllers while they juice back up.

Bonus pick: Hori Puff Pouch for Switch 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Hori Hori Puff Pouch for Nintendo Switch 2 $29.99 at Best Buy
Release date set for June 17 Learn More Why we like it

For a stylish accessory, the Hori Puff Pouch for Nintendo Switch 2 is an all-around winner. It's compact enough to pack along in a tote bag while serving as protection and organization for the Switch 2 and accessories. The Puff Pouch's compartments have dedicated areas for the console itself, Joy-Cons, and six game cartridges. Plus, a handle on the top and the side of the pouch gives you flexibility in terms of the most convenient carrying method. Plus, the modern design is a major highlight.

Bonus pick: Nintendo GameCube Controller Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo GameCube Controller $64.99 at Nintendo
Get Deal Why we like it

The original GameCube controller is beloved among Nintendo fans for its form factor and versatility, not to mention the fact that it accompanied so many of Nintendo's best titles of the era, like Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 4, and more. With a new set of GameCube titles available on Nintendo Switch Online, it makes sense to snag this retro-flavored controller, which is only available via the Nintendo storefront to those with Nintendo Switch Online memberships. If you're going to play the classics, might as well do so with the original controller.

Bonus pick: Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset $299 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Planning on chatting with friends while gaming on your Switch 2? Consider adding a headset to the mix so you can hear everyone as well as everything going on in your game instead of struggling with a regular open speaker. This headset is premium in all the best ways, and it's compatible with both the Switch and Switch 2. It has 90mm magnetic drivers for ultra crispy audio and deep bass, plush earcups, and a great mic so you can rest assured everyone knows what you're saying when you're in the middle of a heated game of Mario Kart World. Plus, you can use it with the rest of your consoles and PC, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Even More Ads Are Coming to YouTube Premium Lite

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:14

If you've been using the internet for a while, it should be common knowledge that when a product is free, you are the product. But what happens when you're actually paying for it? Google seems to be testing the limits of what paying customers will accept with a recent change to YouTube Premium Lite.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Add Starz to your streaming lineup for just $3 per month

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:04

SAVE UP TO $48: As of June 6, new and returning subscribers can get Starz for just $3 per month when they prepay for six months or $3.99 per month for three months. Typically $10.99 per month, that saves you up to $47.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz Semi-Annual Plan $3 per month when you prepay for 6 months Get Deal

Want to diversify your streaming lineup? Unlock tons of new shows and movies by signing up for Starz while it's only $3 per month.

As of June 6, new and returning subscribers can sign up for a Starz semi-annual plan for only $17.99, which breaks down to just $3 per month for six months. Usually $10.99 per month, that's about $47.95 in savings. Don't want to commit to six months at a time? You can also get a monthly subscription for only $3.99 per month for three months. Once three months comes and goes, it'll revert back to full price unless you cancel. The deal is only around for an unspecified limited time, so you may want to jump on it sooner rather than later to secure the savings.

SEE ALSO: Save $500 on a Hisense 75-inch U8 4K TV and get a free $200 Amazon credit

Starz is home to plenty of original content worth watching, like the historical drama Outlander, the TV adaptation of Lisa Taddeo's book Three Women, and the female serial killer tale Sweetpea. The library is also brimming with theatrical hits like Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The Strangers: Chapter 1, The Exorcist: Believer, and M3GAN. There's enough to keep you entertained all summer long.

If you're sick of Netflix and Hulu, adding more to your entertainment collection doesn't need to cost a fortune. With the latest Starz streaming deal, you can finally diversify your streaming lineup for cheap.

The best TV deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Times closing in on your last chance to get a free TV — this offer ends Saturday

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:03

SAVE $589.99: Now through June 8, Sony is offering a BOGO deal on select TVs. If you buy a 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD-OLED 4K, you'll get a free 55-inch X77L 4K Google TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD-OLED 4K $3,999.99 at Sony
BOGO deal: Buy a 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD-OLED 4K, get a 55-inch X77L 4K Google TV Get Deal

Right now, Sony is practically giving away free TVs, so if you've been looking for an upgrade, now's the time to do it.

Here are the details: If you buy one of Sony's 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD-OLED 4K displays, they'll toss in a free 55-inch X77L 4K Google TV. That's a nearly $600 TV, just for saying "yes" to an even better one. Not big enough? If you opt for the 55-inch Bravia 8 II, you'll still get a free 50-inch Sony X77L, which usually costs around $530.

There are no hidden fees, no weird hoops to jump through. Just add the eligible Bravia to your cart, and voilà, the free TV appears. It's almost too easy.

SEE ALSO: What's the best time of year to buy a TV? Yes, there's an answer.

Sure, the Bravia 8 II QD-OLED 4K TV is almost $4K, but it’s one of Sony’s best TVs. It supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced visuals and Acoustic Surface Audio Plus for sound that comes directly from the screen. With Voice Zoom 3, you’ll be able to hear dialogue clearly without an added soundbar or woofer.

Of course, the free X77L isn't quite as fancy, but it's still a solid 4K TV with Google TV smarts, HDR, and the X1 processor for upscaling.

The best TV deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Sinner vs. Djokovic online for free

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:00

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Djokovic in the 2025 French Open for free on 9Now, France TV, or Servus TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The prospect of Sinner vs. Djokovic in the 2025 French Open semi final is enough to make tennis fans all over the world stop what they're doing and tune in. Can Djokovic turn back the clock and secure a spot in the final? Or will the top seed demonstrate why he's the man to beat?

You can follow all the action from Roland-Garros without spending anything. If you want to watch Sinner vs. Djokovic in the 2025 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Djokovic for free

Sinner vs. Djokovic in the 2025 French Open is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

These services are geo-restricted, but anyone 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 stream the 2025 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia, Austria, or France

  4. Connect to 9Now, Servus TV, France TV

  5. Watch the 2025 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to live stream Sinner vs. Djokovic (plus the rest of the 2025 French Open) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sinner vs. Djokovic in the 2025 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I was ready to dismiss Switch 2 GameChat, but so far I love it

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 16:52

For most of my life, a common refrain about Nintendo has been that the company just doesn't really get the internet. It's been hard to argue against that, really; even on Nintendo Switch 2, you have to exchange arcane friend codes with people to add them to your friends list.

When Nintendo announced that it was going all in on communal voice chat and other social features back in April, it was both easy and perfectly reasonable to scoff at it. GameChat, the catch-all term for the Switch 2's voice chat service, just looked like something that the other consoles have been able to do for nearly 20 years. Besides a couple of superfluous features tacked onto it (and a concerning reliance on open microphones rather than headsets), I was prepared to be underwhelmed.

I came away fairly impressed by a very limited GameChat demo before launch, but after putting it through its paces in a live fire situation, I kinda can't believe how good it is. Nintendo has not only made a (mostly) functional voice chat app, but it is actually more fun to use than the equivalent services on PlayStation and Xbox.

Let me explain.

SEE ALSO: My day one Nintendo Switch 2 review: It's here, and it's awesome GameChat on Switch 2 is way better than it has any right to be

First, a quick refresh: GameChat is an app that Switch 2 users can activate at any time using the new "C" button on whatever Switch 2 controller they happen to be using. Up to 12 people can participate in a voice chat room, while up to four people at a time can stream footage of their gameplay to everyone else or participate in video calls using a USB camera. By default, Nintendo expects people to use the microphone on the Switch console itself and listen to their friends via their TV speakers, but headsets are also supported.

Got it? OK, cool, let's move on.

The noise suppression is great This is what GameChat looks like when everyone is streaming their feeds to each other. Credit: Nintendo

I tried GameChat out for close to two hours with a friend of mine on the Switch 2's launch day. We bounced between a few different games, namely Mario Kart World, Fast Fusion, and Soul Calibur II for GameCube. In almost every instance, it not only worked as intended, but it actually offered a unique, Nintendo-flavored take on party chat.

My biggest concern going into all of this was that the intended chat mechanism of shouting into a microphone that could be several feet away from you depending on your entertainment setup simply wouldn't work. The audio quality would be rough, unwanted outside noises would bleed in, and so on. I'm very pleased to report that this isn't the case. While the mic on the Switch 2 isn't the best in the world, it's more than usable for video game voice chat. But perhaps most impressively, absolutely zero outside noise bled into the feed whatsoever.

On the other end, my friend was outputting audio of both my voice and the games through their TV speakers. I never heard a second of it. On my end, a not-particularly-quiet window air conditioner unit was blasting cool air into my room about six feet away from the Switch 2. My friend claims they never heard it over more than an hour of gameplay. Whatever noise suppression tech Nintendo packed into the Switch 2 must be top-of-the-line stuff, man.

I should also reiterate that you can simply plug a headset into the Pro Controller's headphone jack and chat that way, too. Weirdly, the third-party wired headset I use wouldn't let me input audio through its microphone, but audio would output to the headphones just fine. The Switch 2's onboard mic was luckily there to pick up my voice, and my friend said it sounded fine anyway. I'm going to chalk that up to my particular headset being wonky. Funnily enough, the official wireless PS5 Pulse Elite headset is natively recognized by the Switch 2 and works flawlessly, mic and all.

Speech-to-text is a revelation

GameChat is partially defined by the fact that, by default, it reduces your game's share of the screen in order to put a horizontal row of little windows representing each voice chatter along the bottom of the display. Folks can stream their gameplay to other users through these little windows, and that admittedly looks very choppy. It's actually pretty nice for quickly glancing to see what your friend is up to in Mario Kart, but you wouldn't want to stare at one of those streaming feeds for too long.

However, a less publicized feature that also optionally takes up screen space deserves more shine: the Switch 2's live speech-to-text transcription. This accessibility-minded feature is, I kid you not, maybe the most impressive thing I've seen on Switch 2 so far. The text window sits on the right side of the screen in a way that's shockingly unintrusive. We had it on for more than an hour and, in that time, the only mistakes it made in transcribing our speech were minimal. It's fast and incredibly accurate for what it is, and it labels individual speakers in the text window.

Most unexpected is the fact that it doesn't censor curse words at all. They're written out in all their glory, ensuring those with hearing problems aren't treated like children. Amusingly, whatever dictionary Nintendo fed to this feature includes a ton of properly capitalized brand names, even for those from competing game companies. It properly capitalized "The Last of Us," for example. "Sega Dreamcast" was in there, too. We may or may not have spent like an hour just shouting out proper nouns in the hopes that the Switch 2 would recognize them, which it mostly did.

Sidenote: I'm sorry I can't provide visual proof of all of this. GameChat doesn't allow you to take screenshots.

GameShare feels like magic Don't sleep on 'Fast Fusion.' Credit: Shin'en/Nintendo

Real quick, I'd like to shout out GameShare, a new feature that allows users to digitally "share" a game they own with someone else on a temporary basis so they can play it together. It's up to individual games to support this, you can't do it with anything you want. I tried it with Fast Fusion, a $15 arcade racer that otherwise lacks traditional online play, and the results were nearly unbelievable.

Fast Fusion allows you to GameShare with people in your GameChat session, which is exactly what I did. I expected that my friend would have to wait five minutes for the Switch 2 to download some small vertical slice of the game. I was wrong. Instead, perhaps through some kind of streaming solution, they were in my game and racing with my within seconds. According to my friend, the video feed on their end was a little blurry, but the frame rate was high and gameplay was perfectly responsive.

I'll have to test this out with other games, but at first glance, GameShare might be for real.

Of course, nothing is perfect

I don't want to let Nintendo off the hook entirely here. GameChat made a really strong impression on me for all the reasons described above, but there were also some minor (and one major) hiccups.

There were one or two quick connection errors that probably had a lot to do with the console having just launched hours prior. More problematically, when I tried to close Mario Kart World and switch to the GameCube app with GameChat running, my Switch 2 just straight up froze on me. I also couldn't hear my friend anymore. This was, admittedly, scary. The good news is that holding the Switch 2's power button for about 15 seconds shut it off, and it rebooted seconds later without any problems. Afterward, nothing like that happened again.

While I can't pretend my time with GameChat so far has been perfectly smooth, I also can't lie: I think it's pretty rad. Built-in gameplay streaming, highly accurate speech-to-text, and noise suppression that has to be heard to be believed all make GameChat a force to be reckoned with. Fingers crossed Nintendo keeps releasing games that actually make me want to use it going forward.

Where to buy the Switch 2

Costco and Target were the last retailers to have live Switch 2 inventory. You have to be fast to place an order during these blink-and-you'll-miss-it events, so keep a close eye on Mashable's Switch 2 inventory tracker if you're still trying to get your hands on the new Nintendo console.

You can also check the product listings at the links below:

Categories: IT General, Technology

My Favorite Samsung Galaxy Feature Is Even Better In One UI 8, but I Still Want More

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 16:30

Samsung's new One UI 8 beta (based on Android 16) has a lot to offer, especially on the Galaxy S25 series. While things are still early with this preview of the next version of Android, the "Now Bar" just got even better. Even with two new features, though, I still want more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Low price alert: the vintage amp-inspired Marshall Stanmore III is $80 off

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 16:21

SAVE $80: As of June 6, the Marshall Stanmore III speaker is down to just $299.99 at Amazon. That's 21% off its list price of $379.99 and its best price to date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Stanmore III $299.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $80 Get Deal

Not all Bluetooth speakers are created equal. Some sound great, but look dull, while others are all about aesthetic. The Marshall Stanmore III checks both boxes — and it's on sale for its lowest price on record.

As of June 6, you can get the Marshall Stanmore III for only $299.99 instead of $379.99. That's 21% in savings and the biggest price drop we've seen.

Basically a mini version of the iconic Marshall amps you've seen on stages everywhere, but built for your home, the Marshall Stanmore III is designed with with a retro guitar amp style. But don't worry; it doesn't weigh much more than a pound. While we haven't had a chance to test it out, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) took it for a spin and found that "it delivers rich and bright Bluetooth audio from a familiar retro guitar amp design."

If it doesn't sound quite to your liking at first listen, easy controls on top will help you adjust it to fit your vibe — whether you prefer heavy bass or a more balanced bass and treble. You can also make adjustments in the app, but fair warning: it's extremely limited on features. "The speaker can get quite loud," according to PCMag's reviewer, "and delivers plenty of low-frequency richness and bright clarity."

It's a bit of an investment at full price, but with a 21% price drop, it's a bit more palatable.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Take 20% off the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and share what you see with the world

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 16:18

SAVE $65.80: As of June 6, get the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses for $263.20, down from their usual price of $329, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ray-Ban Meta Glasses $263.20 at Amazon
$329 Save $65.80 Get Deal

If you've ever dreamt about living in the future where you can share your surroundings with friends just by looking around, welcome! You're already living in it. The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses can already do that and more. And if you've had your eye on a pair, now's the time to pounce at Amazon.

As of June 6, get the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses for $263.20, down from their usual price of $329, at Amazon. That's $65.80 off and a 20% discount. This deal applies to the Matte Black/Polarized Gradient and Shiny Caramel colorways currently. Amazon notes that the Matte Black version may arrive after Father's Day if you're getting them as a gift, but the Shiny Caramel option looks like it'll arrive on time for the holiday.

SEE ALSO: Save over $100 on Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones right now at Amazon

What's so special about these glasses? Oh, just about everything if you're into sharing things with smart tech. They come equipped with open-ear speakers, an ultra-wide 12 MP camera, and a five-microphone system so you can experience and interact with what's going on around you effortlessly.

They've added new features ever since their debut, and I've had a pair for quite some time. Upon release, they were relegated to taking photos and videos, livestreaming on Facebook and Instagram, and acting as glorified headphones. Since then, however, they've added several features that make them well worth the purchase, including the ability to use live AI.

That means you can use Meta AI to chat about what you're seeing. It also enables live translation, which lets the glasses translate conversations for you in real time. And if you're like me and need to know what song is playing at all times, you can use Shazam to find out, straight from the glasses.

If you're looking for one of the easiest pieces of smart tech to use, this is it — and it's 20% off.

Best tech deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Video Games You Didn’t Know Were Inspired by Books

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 16:00

The bond between books and video games seems like an obvious one since many games set out to tell a good story. As a result, there are plenty of games that started life as or were directly inspired by words on a page.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Switch 2 Makes Your Old Games Run Better Even Without Updates

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 15:30

Do you love the Nintendo Switch? Do you have a rich library of games, and wish you could play them at smoother frame rates with visual upgrades? Do you have $450? Nintendo has a solution for you!

Categories: IT General, Technology

New version of Gemini beats other AIs at math, science, and reasoning

Mashable - Fri, 06/06/2025 - 15:10

Google's new Gemini Pro is smarter than other AIs at reasoning, science, and coding.

This is according to a series of benchmark results posted by Google on Thursday. In short, Gemini 2.5 Pro beats chief competitors at nearly everything — though we're sure the companies behind those competitors would disagree.

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According to Google's data, Gemini 2.5 Pro has a healthy lead over OpenAI o3, Claude Opus 4, Grok 3 Beta, and DeepSeek R1, in the Humanity's Last Exam benchmark, which evaluates a model's math, science, knowledge, and reasoning. It's also better at code editing (per the Aider Polyglot benchmark), and it wins over all competitors in several factuality benchmarks including FACTS Grounding, meaning it's less likely to provide factually inaccurate text.

The only benchmark in which Gemini 2.5 Pro isn't a clear winner is the mathematics-focused AIME 2025, and even there the differences between results are pretty small.

SEE ALSO: Gemini now autogenerates summaries for long Gmail threads

As a result of all the improvements in Gemini 2.5 Pro, this model is now on top of the LMArena leaderboard with a score of 1470.

There's a catch, though: The final version of Gemini 2.5 Pro isn't widely available yet. Google calls this latest version an "upgraded preview," with a stable version coming "in a couple of weeks." The preview should now be available in the Gemini app, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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