Wednesday, 30 June 2021
PS5 restock update: How to buy PlayStation 5 from Target, GameStop and other major retailers - CNET
Where will we see the next restock?from CNET https://ift.tt/2T7IHmt
Black Panther 2 starts filming: Kevin Feige promises to 'make Chad proud' - CNET
Marvel won't recast the T'Challa role originated by the late Chadwick Boseman. What we know so far about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.from CNET https://ift.tt/3y4IWx6
NASA captures stunning view of ISS crossing in front of the sun - CNET
Two astronauts were on a spacewalk outside the station at the time of the image was taken.from CNET https://ift.tt/3ybb3e6
iOS 15 beta is here for everyone. How to download it on your iPhone or iPad right now - CNET
Apple released the first public beta of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. We'll tell you where and how to install the new software for iPhone and iPad.from CNET https://ift.tt/3y8m6F1
Robinhood ordered to pay $70M for misleading info and negligence - CNET
FINRA is fining the brokerage company for showing false information to customers, not reporting complaints and widespread systems failures.from CNET https://ift.tt/3jCd134
2021 Ford Bronco first drive review: Legit Jeep slayer - Roadshow
Yes, it's real and it's spectacular. Here's why Ford's new 4x4 is the smarter hardcore SUV choice for more buyers.from CNET https://ift.tt/3heL7aQ
Amazon: New FTC chief should stay out of antitrust investigations of the company - CNET
Lina Khan has criticized the power of tech giants in the past, Amazon among them.from CNET https://ift.tt/3AeNz9M
How to set up your home before a robot vacuum cleans so it won't get stuck - CNET
Here's how to get rid of the many traps and pitfalls that can stop your Roomba in its tracks while cleaning.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dw4KtJ
Child tax credit FAQ: 2021 payment dates, deadlines to unenroll, IRS portals, eligibility - CNET
July 15 is just first of the several dates to circle on your calendar. Here are other child tax credit payment dates to know, along with payment amounts, eligibility rules and more.from CNET https://ift.tt/3hpNqHU
This colorful set of Cuisinart kitchen knives is just $15 right now - CNET
That amounts to just $3 per knife when you grab these rainbow blades on sale.from CNET https://ift.tt/2UKg52N
NASA's aging Hubble Space Telescope still in safe mode as glitch fixes falter - CNET
Hubble's problems are getting more complicated as a backup computer throws an error.from CNET https://ift.tt/3vLQhjU
How to use Portrait Mode in FaceTime with iOS 15
If you're my best friend, I'm happy to FaceTime you from my most unflattering angle. In fact, I insist on it. But if I'm meeting someone for the first time via video chat, then I'm looking for the best lighting and probably staring at my own little square more than whoever's on the other end.
With iOS 15, the iPhone's latest software update (currently available in beta), we all get one more FaceTime trick to feed our egos and look our best: Portrait Mode.
OK, yes, technically Portrait Mode only changes your background and not your actual face. But something about that smoothed-out scene behind you makes everyone look a little better. Think about how good your Portrait Mode photos look!
Whether you're going on a first date via FaceTime or making a more professional video call, turning on Portrait Mode in FaceTime is worth it and super simple.
Choose your video-chatting partner
On iOS 15, you FaceTime call someone the same ways you always have: Pull up their contact card, find their contact info via iMessage, or go straight into the FaceTime app. There is one slight change: Now when you pull up your texts with someone, the FaceTime icon will display to the right of their name, making FaceTime calls even easier.
Tap on your video feed during calls
A small window of your video feed should appear in the lower righthand corner as it usually does on FaceTime, although the iOS 15 version seems a bit bigger than the previous version.
When you tap on it, it should get even bigger and display four icons in each corner: Portrait Mode, minimize, effects, and camera view.
Turn on Portrait Mode
Tap on the icon in the upper left corner of your video feed, and presto! Your background should immediately blur, effectively hiding any garish details and making your gorgeous face the center of attention.
from Mashable https://ift.tt/3y9pVtv
U.S. to add 'X' gender markers to passports without requiring medical documentation
United States passports and IDs are about to get a long-overdue update.
On Wednesday, just before Pride month came to an end, the Biden administration announced plans to issue passports and IDs that feature "X" gender markers, which can be selected without providing medical documentation.
Per The 19th — a nonprofit that reports on news related to gender, politics, and policy — the American people will soon be able to choose between "M," "F," and "X" on these federal documents. The addition will give transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals the freedom to identify as gender neutral or a gender different from the one listed on their birth certificate. And eliminating the need for transgender people to provide proof of gender transition from a medical professional will allow them to self-identify freely.
Tweet may have been deleted
Those familiar with Joe Biden's LGBTQ policies will recall that he promised to "affirm one's gender marker and expand access to accurate identification documents" during his campaign.
"Transgender and non-binary people without identification documents that accurately reflect their gender identity are often exposed to harassment and violence and denied employment, housing, critical public benefits, and even the right to vote," the president's campaign website JoeBiden.com explains.
Biden promised that as president he would push for gender-neutral IDs, and this is a noteworthy followthrough on that push for equality.
Though the exact timeframe for when people can expect to have access to "X" gender markers on documents remains unclear, per Reuters, the State Department is "evaluating the best approach to achieve this goal."
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Meet the gender-inclusive crew of dummies heading to the moon
Before any humans head back to the moon in the near future, three dummies are testing it out in NASA's Artemis 1 mission. One is a full male-bodied manikin; the other two are female-bodied torsos. The varied manikin bodies — made with materials that simulate the stuff that makes up humans, like our skin, bones, and organs — will provide scientists important, inclusive data about radiation for future Artemis astronauts in 2023 and beyond.
NASA announced the name of the full manikin Tuesday: Commander Moonikin Campos. The name was chosen through a public poll that received more than 300,000 votes. The last name of Campos was picked in honor of Arturo Campos, who helped direct the Apollo 13 astronauts safely back to Earth after an oxygen tank failed on their spacecraft.
Commander Moonikin Campos will be decked out in a full Orion Crew Survival System suit, the same that astronauts will wear in phases of future Artemis missions. Campos is also donning a couple of sensors to detect the amount of radiation that astronauts could encounter inside the Orion spacecraft.
The female-bodied torsos, aka phantoms, were named Helga and Zohar in 2020 by the German Aerospace Center and Israel Space Agency, respectively. With radiation sensors embedded throughout their bodies, they'll be testing out an AstroRad vest designed to protect astronauts' vital organs from radiation. Zohar will be wearing the vest and Helga will not, allowing scientists to determine the effectiveness of the clothing.
Using female-bodied phantoms allows scientists to measure how radiation could effect women, as women tend to have a greater sensitivity to radiation than men, NASA noted in 2020. AstroRad vests have already been worn by astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to test their fit, comfort, and mobility.
NASA has historically failed women in its astronaut program, excluding them entirely in the first 19 years. Astronaut Sally Ride was the first woman selected for the agency's program, becoming the first U.S. woman to enter space in 1983. Of the 339 Americans that have been to space, just 45 have been women.
The Artemis program has been touting that it will send the first woman and person of color to the moon in the coming years. Using female-bodied manikins in the Artemis 1 mission is key to creating inclusive designs and compiling inclusive data for scientists and astronauts going forward, and shows that NASA's promises aren't empty.
Artemis 1, expected to launch later in 2021, will be a three-week trip around the moon and back. Artemis 2, NASA's first crewed mission to the moon since the '70s, is expected to launch in 2023 and will also circle the moon before returning to Earth. The crew for Artemis 2 has not yet been determined.
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Best air fryer for 2021: Ninja, Philips, Dash and more - CNET
To find out which air fryer is worth buying we tested many popular models from Dash, Ninja, Cosori, PowerXL and others.from CNET https://ift.tt/3yIdiXl
Volvo's future EV batteries aim for 1,000 km of real-world range - Roadshow
This tech should begin rolling its way to consumers in the mid-2020s.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dvyKWO
Apple reportedly insists on hybrid work model, says in-person collaboration is 'essential' - CNET
Apple continues its back and forth with employees over remote work requests.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w5qenF
For declining dinosaurs, asteroid was just the knockout punch, study says - CNET
Better to burn out than fade away.from CNET https://ift.tt/3hsky26
Summer means tick season, and your dog is actually at major risk. Here's what to do - CNET
Ticks can easily go unseen in your dog's thick fur and burrow into your home, your pet or even you. We'll tell you what to do.from CNET https://ift.tt/3ybM22K
Samsung's One UI Watch sneak peek video - CNET
Samsung has just given us a sneak peek of the latest One UI Watch interface that will run on the new Google and Samsung unified Wear OS platform. It will make its debut on the new Galaxy Watch later in the summer.from CNET https://ift.tt/3x7QoYd
Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5 review: 1080p gaming with style - CNET
Alienware's former flagship gaming laptop drops comfortably into the midrange slot.from CNET https://ift.tt/3jtQAx7
Rejoice, Toyota's making more old Supra parts for folks - Roadshow
Toyota Gazoo Racing said it will support customers who still want to drive their memory-laden Supras of yore.from CNET https://ift.tt/3juYzdu
Best AV receiver for 2021 - CNET
We compare affordable, feature-filled AV receivers from Denon, Onkyo, Sony and Yamaha. But there's one thing you should know first.from CNET https://ift.tt/2SzeSu7
Tuesday, 29 June 2021
Windows 11: Microsoft drops PC Health Check app. How to see if your laptop works with the new OS - CNET
Find out if your PC will run Windows 11, or if you'll need to buy a new computer to get the new OS. Here's how.from CNET https://ift.tt/2TmN2SB
NBA playoffs: How to watch, stream Bucks vs. Hawks tonight on TNT - CNET
Fans can watch the game live on Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV and more, no cable subscription required.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w0WqIT
Future NASCAR tracks will be designed virtually in iRacing - Roadshow
The popular sim racing video game will be home to NASCAR track design, thanks to a new partnership between the two entities.from CNET https://ift.tt/360rHkL
Indiana to reinstate extra unemployment benefits. Will 25 other states have to follow? - CNET
Indiana workers won a lawsuit against the governor for ending pandemic unemployment compensation early, resulting in a ruling that requires the state to continue paying the bonus federal benefits.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w4Xv2o
Facebook takes on Substack, Twitter with 'Bulletin' newsletter product - CNET
The social network is releasing a way for writers to create and share newsletters.from CNET https://ift.tt/3jm6l9o
Windows 11: Price, compatibility, release date and everything to know about Microsoft's update - CNET
Windows 11 is coming. Here are all of the new features and other details about Microsoft's big update you need to know.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w3ChC3
Windows 11 release date: This is when you can install Microsoft's free update - CNET
When is Windows 11 coming out? We've got the details on when you can finally say goodbye to Windows 10.from CNET https://ift.tt/3Ac0l95
New IRS tool for child tax credit tells you if you're eligible for payments. You can use it today - CNET
The qualification rules for the $3,600 child tax credit can be confusing, depending on the ages of your kids and how many you have. This new IRS tool can help.from CNET https://ift.tt/3hfCQ6A
Researchers made a pacemaker that dissolves into your body — Future Blink
Researchers at Northwestern and George Washington University teamed up to create what they're calling the first transient pacemaker ever.
from Mashable https://ift.tt/3y662nk
Elon Musk says Starlink now has more than 1,500 satellites in orbit
Elon Musk said his satellite internet venture Starlink now has more than 1,500 active satellites in orbit above Earth. He also claimed that by next month, service will encompass the entire globe, minus the poles.
Musk shared the news Tuesday during an interview at Mobile World Congress, touting Starlink's ability to reach individuals who don't have access to decent or affordable internet connections in remote areas.
"It's really meant for sparsely populated areas," he said, noting that Starlink will have to limit users in areas with denser populations.
"We recently passed the strategically notable number of 69,420 active users," Musk said, smiling at his reference to both the sex number and the weed number. "We're, I think, on our way to have a few hundred thousand users, possibly over 500,000 users within 12 months."
Tweet may have been deleted
Next year, the company will start launching version two of its satellite, which Musk described as "significantly more capable" without sharing more details.
Starlink satellites can be seen with the naked eye at night, appearing like a string of lights. While that could be a cool sight for a Starlink user or just fans of orbital infrastructure, it can be frustrating for astronomers both amateur and professional.
Astronomer Samantha Lawler told Gizmodo last week that Starlink constellations will get in the way of observing an object 50 to 230 miles wide that's currently hurtling through our solar system. It's just an icy mass now, but if the sun heats it up enough, it could be the biggest comet ever detected.
"Depressingly, we know now that the Vera Rubin Telescope is going to be severely hampered by megaconstellations of satellites like Starlink, so we might not get as much information on this new object as we hoped, and we might miss discovering many more of them due to light pollution by satellites," she said.
Starlink has plans to launch as many as 30,000 more satellites.
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Sennheiser's new CX True Wireless earbuds impress for $130 - CNET
The company's new entry-level true-wireless earbuds are an improvement over last year's CX 400BT.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w5X9Zw
Best 4K TV for 2021 - CNET
Pretty much every new TV is a 4K TV. Here are our favorites.from CNET https://ift.tt/34zRyPQ
Elon Musk said Starlink will be available worldwide in August - CNET
The company expects to service more than 500,000 customers with its low altitude satellite broadband within a year.from CNET https://ift.tt/3vZV4yh
Uber employees heading back to the office for half the time - CNET
Workers will have the choice of which office they go back to.from CNET https://ift.tt/2Ua0wkW
The F9 Dodge Charger is real and awesome - Roadshow
SpeedKore built the movie cars, but also one for the road.from CNET https://ift.tt/3qA0fDJ
Venus can't sustain life in the clouds, but Jupiter has potential - CNET
It's too dry and too acidic for microbial life to exist above the surface of the hellacious planet, according to a new study.from CNET https://ift.tt/3h4mQ8z
Elon Musk talks Starlink strategy, $5-10 billion investment video - CNET
At Mobile World Congress 2021, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk discusses the overall strategy around the company's Starlink internet service and his goal to reach 500,000 users in the next 12 months.from CNET https://ift.tt/3drugjU
IRS Child tax credit portals: How new tools help you get up to $3,600 per kid - CNET
The first child tax credit check goes out July 15. Use the new IRS portals to check your eligibility, opt out of monthly payments and soon update your household info and add dependents.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w0hvmP
Scientists discover spiders are eating snakes all over the world - CNET
"They can outfight snakes 10 to 30 times their size," says the University of Basel in Switzerland.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w45v3P
You can officially wear a vase now — Future Blink
Designer Evgeniia Kazarezova created a wearable vase that you can fill with your favorite plants (if you happen to want to wear them 24/7).
from Mashable https://ift.tt/3x9fvKg
Facebook UFO group moderators want to know why no one new cares about UFOs
Paul Fanning was waiting for news on UFOs. He, along with the rest of the world interested in life outside of our planet, was anticipating a government drop of info.
"You've got this huge report coming, and I just have a feeling that it's going to change the conversation," Fanning, a 54-year-old who works in IT in Los Angeles and runs the Alien UFO Sightings Video Group on Facebook, told Mashable. "I don't know exactly how or in what context, but what I've been doing in advance of it being released is just really, really, really pulling back. I mean, we got really conservative on what we're posting just until this comes up, because I don't want to muddy the waters. I want to have a bit of a fresh slate."
Then, the news dropped.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a highly anticipated 9-page report on Friday afternoon that, plainly, doesn't say much. The report — "Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena" — says that there are many unidentified aerial phenomena, which the government has analyzed, and have decided that they don't know what they are.
Fanning said he suspected that the drop wouldn't be impressive. But that didn't stop it from disappointing him. When he shared a link of the report to the more than 66,000 members of his Facebook group, he added a note that read: "Well, the much hyped report is out. The same line of bs as when they closed project Blue Book: 'we don’t know, but they are not a threat.' Not a threat when a UFO can shut down a nuclear silo with impunity? 50 years and all the government can produce is 143 we don’t knows? For my part, I’m disappointed and not surprised. They know more. A lot more in my humble opinion. What say you?"
The group responded in kind: They were disappointed. The report was "a joke."
The administrators and moderators who keep UFO Facebook groups running are watching as the U.S. government slowly admits to what they've been studying for years: the existence of UFOs. And they do so on their own time, outside of the jobs, without pay and under intense stress.
"It's a ton of work."
"The time that I've got right now is just to keep up with 65 posts a day, I would say is about the average of what I get," Fanning said. "I'm trying to keep up with those and some of them you have to watch the video and there might be some research. It's a ton of work. It's a ton of work."
Fanning doesn't want to bring on more moderators, either, because he says it's difficult to find people who are consistent, "normal" and have "the same philosophy on these things."
Michael Maddox, a 68-year-old in Washington State, was brought on as a moderator for the UFO Disclosure Group on Facebook, and he told Mashable he checks the group once or twice a day, every day. David Benjamin, a 31-year-old in Michigan who runs the UFOholic website and a Facebook group — Aliens, Alien Abductions, UFOs, and Alien related conspiracies/topics Group — found the constant moderating so challenging that he allows the group to flow a bit more organically now, by predominately stepping in when posts are flagged by Facebook.
But, for all of them, they say the work is worth it.
"The Facebook group is pretty much a reflection of our perception of reality," Maddox said. "But it's the reality that I find much more interesting."
From Maddox's perspective, there are a few kinds of members of his group: people who have been studying UFOs for years, and those who have a new, and more basic interest in them.
"Most people are very primary," Maddox said. "They want to know if they're even real. And the answer is of course."
Maddox's group saw an uptick in posts and people wanting to join after the most recent government drop. But Fanning hasn't seen a big uptick in years — it's been a steady increase for him. And Benjamin saw an increased interest in the group but hasn't seen anything massive. That's the surprising thing about running a thousand-member group on Facebook dedicated to discussing UFOs — the recent deluge of government information isn't necessarily shaking things up.
Fanning's kids, for instance, don't care about aliens. When he told them about the government drop, they shrugged it off.
"There's just such a flood of information out there that it's almost like sensory overload," Fanning said, drawing a potential connection between a 24-hour news cycle, social media, and informational exhaustion and some people's lack of interest in the otherworldly. "I think at some point, you just get numb to it."
The government has been slowly releasing UFO-related findings since April 2020, when the U.S. Department of Defense released three UFO videos taken by U.S. Navy pilots.
And for the folks who have been interested in this all along, they're not particularly happy with the timing. After decades of telling people UFOs are not real, the government releases documents at the tail end of a devastating pandemic.
"I think the perspective of people that are in the know as far as aliens and UFOs — in the know is really just people who have researched and done a lot of reading and watching content, maybe they have their own personal experience of seeing a UFO or whatever it may be — they have a sort of a healthy distrust for the government and media for various reasons," Benjamin said. "So I think in their eyes it's more of a nefarious timing, perhaps."
Poor timing or not, the newest report doesn't give anyone any real answers. It says the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs commonly known as UFOs) are one of five categories:
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"Airborne Clutter," such as birds and balloons
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"Natural Atmospheric Phenomena," including ice crystals
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"USG or Industry Developmental Programs," like secret U.S. military planes
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"Foreign Adversary Systems," like secret foreign government planes
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"Other," which is a catchall for "idk?" and decidedly not a catchall for "aliens, probably."
More than a dozen of the UAP studied "Appear to Demonstrate Advanced Technology."
"Although most of the UAP described in our dataset probably remain unidentified due to limited data or challenges to collection processing or analysis, we may require additional scientific knowledge to successfully collect on, analyze and characterize some of them," reads the report. "We would group such objects in this category pending scientific advances that allowed us to better understand them."
The government says they don't know what some UAPs are, and they'll need more funding and higher technology to even begin discovering it.
But the bottom line is that there's something out there, flying around in the air in ways we don't fully understand. Is it a foreign government? Is it the U.S. government? The mystery continues, but it does feel like the latest dump of information, although answers nothing, is something.
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Miss out on Prime Day? This 55-inch Sony OLED TV is still over $600 off at Amazon.
Save $601.99: The Sony A8H Bravia 55-inch OLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,298 at Amazon as of June 29.
If you somehow slept through two days of Prime Day deals, luck is on your side if you need a new TV. Discounts on some of our top TV picks will appear once again as Fourth of July sales pick up soon. And one popular option, in particular, is available for the taking at one of the lowest prices we've seen.
Upgrade your living room with the Sony A8H 55-inch Bravia OLED 4K smart TV available for $1,298 from Amazon. That's 32% off the original price of a 2020 TV model that still packs the latest technology for a prime viewing experience at home.
The Sony A8H is perfect for all forms of entertainment whether it's movies, video games, or live sports. It provides precise colors and pure blacks for all images thanks to the powerful X1 Ultimate processor that upscales any content to 4K quality. You'll also experience exceptional contrast due to the OLED and the Pixel Contrast Booster feature, which supercharges millions of individual pixels for stunning pictures.
You'll also enjoy many other useful features, such as Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for voice controls. It also works with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit in case you want to integrate your iPhone or other devices to effortlessly control your smart home. And the TV looks just a good as your movies with its slim one-slate design and thin aluminum bezel so it blends in on your TV stand or on the wall.
Thankfully, you're lucky enough to enjoy a lingering Prime Day deal. It's best not to sleep on this Sony TV offer before it disappears.
Explore related content:
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Best 4K TVs for gaming: Samsung QLED, LG OLED, Sony, and more
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For a movie night under the stars, an outdoor projector is your best bet
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'Black Widow' reviews are in: What critics have to say about Marvel's latest
The reviews for Marvel Studios' Black Widow are here, and it seems like the movie, whose release was delayed by over a year due to COVID-19, was worth the wait. Many critics praised it for its strong cast and what may be some of the best action the MCU has ever seen. However, critics also noted that a solo movie for Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), while long overdue, feels like too little, too late after her death in Avengers: Endgame.
Taking place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow delves deeper into Natasha's past and her ties to the insidious Black Widow program. The movie also brings new faces to the MCU with the introduction of Natasha's "family": Yelena (Florence Pugh), Alexei (David Harbour), and Melina (Rachel Weisz).
Here's what critics are saying about Black Widow.
A solid standalone film
Mashable, Angie Han
For long stretches, it's almost possible to forget Black Widow is a Marvel movie at all, and that's a good thing. It's the palate cleanser the franchise needed after the intense cross-pollination of the Phase Three films and Disney+ shows: a self-contained, back-to-basics adventure that works just as well for newbies and casual viewers as it does for longtime fans.
Vanity Fair, Richard Lawson
Black Widow is a prequel of sorts, and an origin story, a robust and satisfying glimpse into a defining interlude in Black Widow’s life that almost, almost pulls off the trick of being wholly its own thing.
IGN, Nicole Clark
The film is, in a word, ambitious. It’s a superhero flick but also an espionage action-thriller, a dysfunctional family drama, a send-off, and overwhelmingly, a film about recovering from abuse. Much of it doesn’t feel like a Marvel film at all, thanks to the darker tone used to tell the story of a Russian program that kidnaps young girls and trains them to become assassins.
Pulse-pounding action
Mashable, Angie Han
With relatively few superpowers or even super-gadgets in play, the action sequences tend more toward the kind of vehicle chases and hand-to-hand combat you might see from a Mission: Impossible or James Bond movie, as opposed to the more overtly fantastical displays of a Thor or Spider-Man movie. It's for the better. The (comparatively) grounded choreography leads to some of Marvel's most thrilling battles since at least Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Actually, an early sequence involving a plane might even be better than anything in that movie.
Vanity Fair, Richard Lawson
[Director Cate Shortland's] action scenes have both gnarly, intimate crunch and dizzyingly zoomed-out sweep. The film is as exciting when it’s two people fighting in a dingy Budapest apartment as it is when it’s gone grand and fiery and skyborn. The physics are different here than in other Marvel movies, more finely attuned to the hardness and weight of things. It all feels a bit more real, I suppose, even when Natasha is accomplishing superhuman feats of endurance and agility.
Strong performances all around
Cinemablend, Sean O'Connell
The familial vibe and the chemistry shared between Johansson, Pugh, Harbour and Weisz ensures that Black Widow stands on its own and thrives when the action slows down...Harbour, specifically, steals the show with his cavalier arrogance, playing a once-significant Soviet spy who’s out of the game but doesn’t yet realize it. But Johansson and Pugh also forge a sisterly bond that sings every time they zing each other with back-handed criticisms in the midst of battle.
IndieWire, Eric Kohn
Pugh has carried the same anxious-tough balance through everything from “Lady Macbeth” to “Midsommar,” and here serves a perfect young foil to Johansson’s soaring overconfidence. Few stories of sibling rivalry include quite as many punches as they do zingers, but this one juggles both with aplomb.
The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney
The remarkable Pugh, who just keeps getting better and better, brings warmth and complexity to that internal conflict of a woman trained to think not emotionally but tactically yet unable to suppress her feelings. Her sparky chemistry with Johansson yields many lovely moments of resilient sisterhood. And while this isn’t quite a Natasha Romanoff origin story, it does dig deep enough into the character’s pre-Red Room history to expose the raw wounds of a stolen childhood, which Johansson plays with touching vulnerability. It’s to her credit though that while the film bears her character’s name, it’s very much an ensemble piece for the four leads.
For Natasha, it's too little, too late
Slashfilm, Hoai-Tran Bui
A prequel film that takes place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow‘s narrative function is mostly to serve as a bridge between the two movies, while working backwards to try to fill in the large gaps in her past thanks to the MCU’s spotty characterization of the character. Which all might have been fine and good if the film had come out 10 years earlier. But, just like Natasha’s senseless, overshadowed death, Black Widow leaves you feeling like she deserves better.
Collider, Matt Goldberg
[Black Widow is] an awkward prequel of sorts that claims to fill in Natasha’s backstory, but really is more of a showcase for her little sister (and likely future holder of the “Black Widow” mantle), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). Yes, we do learn about Natasha’s origins, but there’s a curious, Natasha-shaped hole in Black Widow. Her arc is painfully thin, and it makes Black Widow feel more interested in the character as a brand to be continued than a hero that people, and especially women (as the only female member of the original Avengers), could admire.
IGN, Nicole Clark
While Black Widow eulogizes Natasha Romanoff as a formidable, tough-as-hell hero with the clearest heart, it also intensifies Endgame’s poor handling of her send-off, and the unbalanced level of respect given her male peers.
Black Widow hits theaters and Disney+ (with Premier Access) July 9.
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Monday, 28 June 2021
Tesla issues recall for 250,000 cars in China over assisted driving acceleration - Roadshow
The Model 3 and Y "recalls" will take place entirely remotely, via a software update.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w3t64G
Hulu: 38 of the best TV series to watch this week - CNET
A bunch of South Korean series hit the streamer this week.from CNET https://ift.tt/2T6AYFb
HBO Max: 10 best movies to stream this week - CNET
No Sudden Move, a new film from Steven Soderbergh, arrives this week.from CNET https://ift.tt/3A7aSlP
FTC's antitrust complaint against Facebook dismissed by federal court - CNET
The lawsuit alleged Facebook engaged in illegal anticompetitive practices to hold onto its monopoly power in social networking.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dnC8Ty
HBO Max: 17 best TV shows to watch this week - CNET
The second season of Nancy Drew arrives at the end of the week.from CNET https://ift.tt/2U37XKx
Amazon Prime Video: 25 of the best TV shows to binge this week - CNET
A comedy drama and a crime thriller are your worthwhile viewing choices this week.from CNET https://ift.tt/3hj9swb
Xbox Cloud Gaming hands-on: How to play Xbox games on your iPad or laptop - CNET
You can finally stream Xbox games to iOS and Windows devices.from CNET https://ift.tt/3quRv1U
Amazon Prime Video: 22 of the best films to watch this week - CNET
The Tomorrow War, starring Chris Pratt, is incoming.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dmD3nl
Netflix: 40 of the best movies to stream this week - CNET
Fear Street: 1994 arrives on Friday.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dpkBu9
Best laptop 2021: 15 best laptops we recommend in 2021 - CNET
There are so many to choose from, let our editors help you choose the best laptop.from CNET https://ift.tt/2NCrvlO
The best elliptical for 2021 - CNET
After months of testing, here are my picks for the best ellipticals for home use.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w8EaOA
Netflix: 50 of the best TV series to binge-watch this week - CNET
A fantasy-comedy and supernatural drama arrive this week.from CNET https://ift.tt/36cAi45
5 tips to keep your data safe on your road trips this summer
It’s summer, your office is still doing the remote thing, and you’re ready to hit the road. You’ll soon be firing off emails at your campsite and setting up a makeshift office in your van by the beach, but there’s a downside to this fancy-free mobile lifestyle. As you likely know, your personal information is basically a free-for-all whenever you use your devices over an unsecured network — like the WiFi at a coffeeshop or an airport. So before you hit it, check out these tips and get your devices road-ready.
Create stealth passwords
It seems obvious, but the power of a strong password is not to be underestimated — especially when you’re traveling and someone might be snooping over your shoulder. Create passwords that contain a combination of letters, numbers, and characters — the days of using your pet’s name are so over — and you ideally want to use a different password for every site or app. That’s a lot of passwords, we know, but a password manager can make it a no-brainer.
Block phishers in their tracks
It’s no surprise that phishing is on the rise, and you’re especially vulnerable while traveling. While you can sometimes weed out those wonky emails with their bad grammar giveaways, what if you didn’t have to deal with them at all? A good cybersecurity software like Malwarebytes will tackle phishing, malware, and even ransomware on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. The Premium subscription starts at $39.99 per year — a small price to pay for not getting hacked.
Use secure networks when you can
It’s tempting to hop on the free public WiFi when you’re traveling, but it’s even more important to remember that unsecure networks offer up your personal data to any hacker out there who wants it. If you end up camping out of range for your hotspot or if you simply must use your hotel’s “guest” WiFi, be sure to save the online banking and shopping until you’re back home.
Get a VPN
If you want to hop on any WiFi network from the road and not give it a second thought, a virtual private network, or VPN, can be a real lifesaver. A VPN is basically like your own private internet connection. It acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet, providing an encrypted tunnel that protects you from anyone who wants to spy on you. One tradeoff for using a VPN is often slower internet, but Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers pretty slick browsing speeds.
Dial in your phone security
While you’re planning your on-the-go security strategy, don’t forget about your phone. How many times a day do you use it to check your work email and basically function? It’s perfectly legal for your mobile service carrier to monitor your internet activity and sell it for advertising purposes. If you don’t want this — and who does — using a VPN on your phone in addition to your laptop will protect you against those intrusions. A good anti-malware software will offer you the same VPN privacy boosts on your iOS or Android phone and block annoying spam calls and texts as an added perk.
Sign up for a 7-day free trial Malwarebytes Privacy VPN and protect your data — now available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
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Netflix's first 'Fear Street' movie gets a totally '90s trailer
America Online chat window? Check. Murders at the mall? A check there, too. Blacklights and White Zombie? Yup, checks all around. Fear Street Part 1: 1994, the first part of a Netflix-exclusive trilogy based on teen horror author R.L. Stine's classic series, is out on July 2. Here's a trailer to get you in the mood.
Netflix is taking an aggressive approach with the release schedule for Fear Street. 1994 will kick off a three-week run through the entire trilogy, with Fear Street Part 2: 1978 premiering on July 9 and Fear Street Part 3: 1666 premiering on July 16. This first one stars a young ensemble that includes Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Julia Rehwald, and Fred Hechinger.
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Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS arrives on Game Pass Ultimate for all - CNET
Almost any device running Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Apple Safari -- notably Windows, the iPhone and iPad -- rolls out for all subscribers.from CNET https://ift.tt/3h3Aadn
NBA playoffs: How to watch, stream Clippers vs. Suns tonight on ESPN - CNET
Fans can watch the game live on Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV and more, no cable subscription required.from CNET https://ift.tt/3jjyNJ3
Samsung reveals one unified platform for One UI Watch video - CNET
At Mobile World Congress 2021, Samsung announces a unified platform that combines Tizen, Google and One UI into one smartwatch operating system for its new Galaxy Watch.from CNET https://ift.tt/2TeHXMc
The best office chair of 2021 - CNET
If your office chair is causing you pain, it might be time for an upgrade.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fmlTaw
Best speakers of 2021 - CNET
Whether you're looking for a wireless Bluetooth speaker, a soundbar or loudspeakers for your home theater, these are the best products for the money.from CNET https://ift.tt/3uExBlu
Best mattress for stomach sleepers 2021 - CNET
Get great sleep all night with these top-rated brands for belly sleepers.from CNET https://ift.tt/3jt4Qq5
NASA investigates perplexing mystery of lakes under Mars surface - CNET
A new study finds the possible lakes are more widespread than thought. But are they really liquid water?from CNET https://ift.tt/3dp6V2d
Child tax credit FAQ: What to know about payment schedule, opting out, eligibilty, IRS portals - CNET
You probably have July 15 circled on your calendar. Here are other child tax credit payment dates to know, along with the payment amounts, eligibility rules and more. We'll explain.from CNET https://ift.tt/3qAsDpA
Sunday, 27 June 2021
Best laptop for college 2021 - CNET
Find an affordable laptop for every type of student.from CNET https://ift.tt/3nw6WVW
UFC 264 Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier: When it takes place and how to watch - CNET
Conor McGregor is returning, with plans to avenge his loss against Dustin Poirierfrom CNET https://ift.tt/3dioRvo
The best mattress for 2021 - CNET
Finding the best mattresses is no easy task, especially online. So I did it for you.from CNET https://ift.tt/3hRWF5D
John McAfee's tumultuous life in tech: What you need to know - CNET
McAfee died last week aged 75.from CNET https://ift.tt/3A2d8ed
The best Netflix documentaries to binge watch in 2021 - CNET
Our list of the best docus on Netflix...from CNET https://ift.tt/3gCfcRn
WandaVision has a new post-credits scene: What it means - CNET
The Marvel Disney Plus series might have secretly added Doctor Strange... or it's a clumsy mistake.from CNET https://ift.tt/3h0a1w0
Indiana ordered to reinstate extra unemployment benefits. Could other 25 states follow? - CNET
After workers in Indiana sued the governor for ending pandemic unemployment compensation early, a state court judge ruled that the state must continue paying the bonus federal benefits. We'll explain.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dij7BK
The 41 best tweets of 2021 so far
Ask me how half the year has blown past us and I will not be able to give you a sufficient answer.
Time really is slick, isn't it?
Time during a pandemic? Hang it up. Give up and give in. No controlling that sucker.
So, yes, we are halfway through. How about that?
For six months now — well, longer actually — we've been collecting our favorite tweets of the week. Every seven days or so, I'd parse through Twitter and collect some funny posts because it's nice to laugh at dumb things online.
Since we've reached the midway point of the year, we decided to collect the absolute best of the best through six months of 2021. So, here they are the 41 best tweets of the year, thus far.
1. An absolute genius who must be protected at all costs
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2. Keep me out of ALL situations henceforth, jabroni
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3. The first of a few dril tweets that are simply obligatory
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4. Please, never forget that the members of LMFAO consist of nephew Sky Blu and his uncle Redfoo
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5. Spunch Bop
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6. The pandemic in one sign
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7. Ladies and gentlemen: the Grink
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8. Find me something more impressive that Johnny Knoxville, right after waking up from being knocked out, asking "Is Butterbean OK?" You cannot.
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9. Oh shit
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10. Been thinking about the phrase "smoking the Urkel" for months now
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11. Galaxy brain stuff
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12. The Find Out Century truly freakin' sucks
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13. Lying to yourself truly is a superpower
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14. I hate how this feels like a real headline
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15. My good friend and colleague Nicole Gallucci
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16. Remember the stimmies? What a time
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17. "i am so stressed out from running my pet lizards instagram account i’m about to have a nervous breakdown"
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18. Here's some more dril for you
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19. It is important to be informed
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20. We have to respect Artistry
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21. I think we all get this
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22. No, I want it LARGE, sir
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23. Imagine getting a massive wheel of cheese during a date. What a perfect date.
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24. Honestly the only way to read this
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25. RIP to this person. There is no recovery from toot canal.
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26. These kids who counter protested anti-maskers with Gen Z nonsense are my favorite people ever
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27. This professor has never had a better day. He's been chasing this high ever since, I bet.
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28. Hell yea
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29. Sure I could become self-actualized but I could instead just buy a new couch and save time
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30. Just bury me loose, baby
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31. Just a damn fine joke
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32. More dril
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33. Bigbody
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34. Guess some of you aren't a special little fella and that's fine but it couldn't be me
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35. A lovely find
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36. Yeah...hell yeah... toss the tomato... yes
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37. As a pontoon enthusiast, this boat rules
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38. This is how I desire everyone to wish me a happy birthday from here on out
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39. Hmmmmmmm riddle me this, Fauci
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40. Thank God this shirt exists
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41. And finally, this
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Wikipedia is at war over the coronavirus lab leak theory - CNET
Building a better encyclopedia requires consensus and neutrality, but behind the scenes, editors wrangle with the pandemic's most contentious question.from CNET https://ift.tt/2U879E2
Insane Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is a Le Mans race car turned up to 11 - Roadshow
Aston's now-dead Valkyrie LMDh program spawned the AMR Pro, a track-only hypercar with LMP1-matching performance.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dgKrAj
Does your state owe you hundreds of dollars? How to check in less than 2 minutes - CNET
Billions of dollars' worth of personal property goes unclaimed every year. See if your state is holding money that really belongs to you.from CNET https://ift.tt/3jpPanv
Black Widow on Disney Plus: Release date, time, cost and how to watch - CNET
Here's everything you need to know to watch Marvel's latest on Disney Plus or at the cinema.from CNET https://ift.tt/3d0Hxj1
Listen to sounds from Mars, as recorded by China's Zhurong rover
We’ve got another update from China’s mission to Mars — one you can actually hear.
On Sunday, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) shared new video and, for the first time, audio captured by its Zhurong rover, considered the centerpiece of the country’s Tianwen-1 mission to the Red Planet.
The first clip below shows the rover, which launched from Earth on July 23, 2020 and arrived on Mars in the spring of 2021, traversing a vast crater known as Utopia Planitia, roughly 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles) northeast of NASA’s Perseverance rover.
"The orbiter and the Mars rover are in good working condition, reporting safely from Mars to the party and the motherland, and sending distant blessings on the century of the party's founding," read an official CNSA statement, per BBC.
A diverse landscape with underground ice, volcanoes, sand dunes, and more, Utopia Planitia was selected by the CNSA for Zhurong’s approximately 90-day exploration in furtherance of humanity’s search for signs of ancient life. Another clip shows Zhurong wiggling its wheels next to its landing platform, a key part of its harrowing parachute landing from May 14.
These images were captured using a wireless camera Zhurong is able to deposit on the ground and then pick up back up. But a final clip, captured from a camera attached to Zhurong's center mast, shows the rover first setting its wheels on the Martian surface — and includes audio of the rover's mechanics at work.
CNSA scientists have said they hope to use the audio system to capture wind sounds on Mars, something we'll hopefully hear in a future clip.
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Best student credit card for July 2021 - CNET
The best cards for first-timers and students with a limited credit history.from CNET https://ift.tt/3vY2tyK
Best travel credit cards for July 2021 - CNET
Maximize your travel and dining spending by choosing the right travel rewards credit card.from CNET https://ift.tt/3vlocQX
See Ingenuity on the surface of Mars in NASA's new 3D photo drop
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has completed yet another successful flight on Mars.
On Friday, NASA operations lead Teddy Tzanetos shared details of the Ingenuity's eighth flight across Mars' surface via his team's official status blog. The four-pound helicopter, which arrived attached to the Perseverance rover in mid-February, traveled 525 feet on June 21 — flying south-southeast for just under 78 seconds, and moving roughly 440 feet away from the rover.
"This marks the third flight in the Operations Demonstration Phase of Ingenuity, in which the team will continue to push the flight envelope of the aircraft while learning valuable operational lessons," explained Tzanetos. He added that a recent software upgrade to the helicopter had proven successful during the flight. "Up next for the Ingenuity team is to tackle the only remaining flight software update, which will update a large portion of the Ingenuity’s navigation-computer software."
To commemorate the occasion, NASA also released a new 3D photo of Ingenuity on Mars' surface — taken by two cameras aboard the Perseverance on June 6, between Ingenuity's sixth and seventh flights. You can view the image below, and, if you're so inclined, even enjoy it with those classic, red and blue movie theater glasses.
(NASA has instructions on how to DIY your own 3D glasses here, but you will need colored cellophane to complete the project.)
NASA has been releasing 3D images of Mars for years now, creating a rich catalogue of scenes from the Red Planet dating back to 2012. The images serve to not only satiate our earthbound curiosity about Mars, but to also provide invaluable data for NASA researchers.
The Ingenuity itself is equipped with high-resolution cameras, but has not taken any photographs since Flight 6 on May 23 due to a suspected technical issues. It is expected to attempt more photos on its next flight, which isn't yet publicly scheduled.
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In defense of regularly video chatting with people post-quarantine
Mashable's series Don't @ Me takes unpopular opinions and backs them up with...reasons. We all have our ways, but we may just convince you to change yours. And if not, chill.
Zoom fatigue was real in quarantine, but as people start to leave their homes on a more regular basis and return to in-person socializing, I'm in no hurry to leave video chats behind.
Don't get me wrong: At times I found the seemingly endless stream of Zoom webinars, Google Hangouts meetings, virtual Houseparty get togethers, and spontaneous FaceTime calls draining while in quarantine. But there's no denying that video technology brought us closer together at a time when we had to stay physically distant from one another. I, for one, want that closeness to continue long after quarantine ends.
Though video chats en masse can be overwhelming, the method of communication carries an unmatched convenience and can play a crucial role in strengthening relationships, enhancing your social life, and helping you conserve energy. I know by now you likely never want to video chat again, but I'm here to ask that as we attempt to reacquaint ourselves with something that resembles a pre-COVID routine, we keep video calls as a regular part of our lives.
Learning to love video chats
Before the pandemic — as I imagine was the case with many people — I rarely video chatted with friends, family members, or colleagues. I'd hop on video calls to hear important news (such as an engagement or pregnancy announcement) or exchange heartfelt greetings with out-of-state loved ones on a major holiday. Otherwise, text messages and occasional phone calls were my primary forms of communication.
When the country started to lock down in March 2020 and people became starved for human connection, that changed. During quarantine I took part in dozens of video calls, and as I look back on the ones I enjoyed the most I realize they were with people I never would have seen in person in 2020 anyways — pandemic or no pandemic.
I blew out candles on my birthday cake in front of a laptop screen that displayed smiling faces of family members in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Had we not been in Quarantine Video Chat Mode I never would have seen those aunts, uncles, and cousins that day let alone that year. They would have sent texts or called me, but it was so much nicer to be together — even if only in a digital space.
I had regular video reunions with friends in New Jersey, Florida, and California during quarantine, too. But had it been a normal year, we simply would have communicated via iMessage group chat and waited who knows how long until a mutual event brought us all into the same room. I also video chatted with my fair share of pets in 2020, which I highly recommend to anyone every looking for a quick mood boost.
Aside from my personal life, working remotely has been especially challenging for me, as I live in Connecticut and my office and the majority of my coworkers are in New York. Since restrictions have lifted and people have been vaccinated, many of those coworkers have reunited in person, igniting the return of my FOMO. However, video chats have helped me stay in the loop without having the make my old exhausting commute. And for that I'm grateful.
The point is: While it's incredibly easy to keep in contact with out-of-state loved ones without video chatting, it's nice to physically see them every so often. Video brings an added level of intimacy to conversations, and it's not just beneficial in long-distance relationships.
Some hangouts should definitely just be video chats
You know how people say that some meetings could have very easily been emails? Well, I think the same can be said for certain in-person hangouts. Rather than always getting dressed, traveling to meet up with someone, and spending time and money on lunch, or coffee, or whatever, think to yourself: Should this hangout be a video chat instead?
The pandemic has taught me how crucial it is to practice self-care and conserve your energy for things that really matter, so going forward I'm going to try to be better about canceling plans when I don't feel I have it in me to physically hang out.
I obviously miss spending time with people in person, so that will likely be my first choice, but rather than risking burnout and pushing myself to socialize when I'm tired I'll request a video chat substitution so we'll still have the opportunity to catch up face to face.
Do I want to video chat with people all the time? Hell freaking no! But do I think that video calls should remain a regular part of life post-quarantine and not solely be reserved for life during a pandemic? Absolutely.
The technology proved itself to be indispensable — albeit tiring — in 2020, but if we integrate it into our daily lives on our terms we can find that perfect personal balance.
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Loki release dates: When does episode 4 of the Marvel series hit Disney Plus? - CNET
Here's what time to watch the next episode of the impressive new Marvel series.from CNET https://ift.tt/2T3PYDs
Best balance transfer credit cards for July 2021 - CNET
Get out from under that oppressive annual percentage interest rate.from CNET https://ift.tt/3wC1vbz
IRS sending billions of stimulus dollars and plus-up payments. Here's how to track your money - CNET
Stimulus cash could be on its way, along with child tax credit money and unemployment tax refunds. We'll explain the state of the payments today.from CNET https://ift.tt/3A7VZjw
'F9' opens with the biggest U.S. box office since 2019, a huge win for theaters
I told you at the end of May that F9: The Fast Saga's U.S. release would be a major test for the "post"-pandemic box office. Well, it was exactly that, with theater proprietors and Universal Pictures looking like the big winners.
F9 posted an estimated $70 million at the U.S. box office during its opening weekend, starting Friday, June 25. Just to set the scene a bit more clearly, F9's earnings in the U.S. marks Hollywood's biggest opening weekend box office since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opened in Dec. 2019.
Obviously, the pandemic has everything to do with the amount of time that's passed between then and now. For most of 2020, the theater industry was effectively shut down as the need for social distancing and avoiding crowded indoor spaces became clear.
Bad Boys for Life was 2020's top earner in the U.S., with a box office gross of just over $200 million. It opened in mid-January, which gave it a head-start on Sonic the Hedgehog, Birds of Prey, and the handful of others that hit actual theaters before most of the country shut down in March.
For context: The top five highest-grossing movies of 2019 all made more than $400 million. The year's winner, Avengers: Endgame, came close to $1 billion. The last time Hollywood's top release of the year earned less than $300 million, it was 2001.
Admittedly, F9 opened a bit lower than you'd expect for a mainline Fast/Furious movie. The Fate of the Furious, released in 2017, took in almost $100 million during its opening weekend. Furious 7, released in 2015, fell just short of $150 million. (Hobbs & Shaw, from 2019, opened with just $60 million, but it's also a spinoff.)
But you can't factor out the pandemic here, and $70 million is nothing to dismiss For all intents and purposes, F9 is crushing it. Theaters needed the boost, too. People are still feeling out how and when they'll re-embrace life in public, and a big turnout like this is bound to encourage more people to get out for movies (or whatever else).
This is huge for Universal too, though, make no mistake. Don't forget: F9 was a victim of COVID in its own way. The movie was originally supposed to hit theaters on May 22, 2020. That obviously didn't happen, but where other studios and Hollywood interests explored streaming or other options for getting their 2020 movies out, Universal simply locked F9 up in the vault for a post-pandemic release.
So while some of the biggest releases for summer 2021 — I'm looking at examples like In the Heights, Black Widow, and Jungle Cruise — will be available to stream day-and-date with their upcoming (or just-passed, in the case of Heights) theatrical releases, F9 is a singular example. It's a massive blockbuster that you can't stream; if you want to see it, you've got to plan a trip to the movies.
It's not so much a loss for those other movies or the studios behind them as it is a win for Universal. There's plenty of incentive for Disney and HBO to use their upcoming blockbusters as a selling point for their respective, and still fairly new, streaming platforms. But Universal still ends up looking savvy here; F9 is proving that its patience with holding back big releases may well be rewarded.
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Child tax credit FAQ: What to know about start dates, opting out, eligibilty, IRS portals - CNET
Parents should mark July 15 on their calendar. The other child tax credit payment dates are confusing, and the check amounts are uneven. We'll explain here.from CNET https://ift.tt/3w1glHy
Yes, the IRS is still issuing tax refunds. Here's how to track yours and why there's a delay - CNET
The agency recently announced has yet to process 17.5 million individual tax returns. We'll explain what to do if you haven't received your refund yet.from CNET https://ift.tt/3x48tGE
Saturday, 26 June 2021
Telegram gets group video calls, animations - CNET
The encrypted messaging app serves up some new features.from CNET https://ift.tt/35XJN6O
Best Android VPN 2021 - CNET
These are the best virtual private networks for protecting your privacy on your Android mobile device.from CNET https://ift.tt/34stVZF
Pentagon UFO report: 'UAP threaten flight safety, lack a single explanation' - CNET
Eleven "near misses" have been recorded by pilots, according to the highly anticipated intelligence report.from CNET https://ift.tt/2T9qvZw
Hear what it sounded like as Mars Perseverance rover snapped epic selfie - CNET
NASA goes behind the scenes on the red planet to show how the rover captured a historic selfie.from CNET https://ift.tt/3dg32MU
How to connect your headphones to your TV
There are a number of solid reasons why you might want to connect headphones to your TV.
Perhaps you work in a household with competing schedules, or you have an active gamer whose constant sound effects are driving you mad. Whatever your noise-related issue may be, learning to connect your headphones to your TV is a super simple way to give yourself and the people you live with some much-needed peace.
Using Bluetooth to connect headphones to your TV
For many people, the easiest and most obvious way to connect headphones to a TV is by using Bluetooth. In this scenario, you would follow the device directions to put the headphones in pairing mode and then confirm the connection in your TV settings under Bluetooth Devices. If your TV isn't Bluetooth-enabled, fear not. There are still some options for you.
The first alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter. The smallest of these devices connects to your TV via a 3.5-millimeter jack, then broadcasts the audio to your headphones via their Bluetooth connection. The transmitters can also be found with USB plug-in connections.
Another option for using Bluetooth is to pair the headphones via the set-top box or whatever streaming device is bringing the programing to the screen. In this scenario, you would simply go to Settings on your Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV device and link your headphones using Bluetooth.
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In Apple TV, you want to go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
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For a Roku, you would sync the app on your phone, connect the phone to the same WiFi as your TV, and then connect the headphones to the phone's Bluetooth.
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On an Amazon Fire TV device, you would look for Settings > Controllers and Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices.
Investing in wireless headphones
Though Bluetooth connections may be convenient for some, the best and most reliable way to connect your headphones to a TV may be to invest in a quality pair of wireless headphones or earbuds.
These headphones come with their own base station that can connect to the TV and broadcast via a radio frequency. Another major perk of wireless headphones is since you're not tethered to the TV you can walk around the house a bit without losing audio. The distance you can move while still being able to successfully pick up sound from your TV depends on which wireless headphones you purchase, but you likely won't need to go far.
Connecting via gaming consoles
If you're a gamer who wants to connect your headphones to the TV using your console, you unfortunately don't have many options. PlayStation connects to some Bluetooth headphones, but not all. (You can learn more about connecting wireless headphones to your PS4 here.) And Xbox doesn't allow for any Bluetooth.
For both of these devices, you may find you need to plug headphones or a headset in the old-fashioned way, using a 3.5-millimeter jack, which is oftentimes found on a controller.
Once you're connected, though, you're free to play or watch away, no matter who else may be in the house.
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Google tests new feature that will warn if your search doesn't have reliable results yet
In one of Silicon Valley's latest attempts to tackle our online misinformation crisis, Google announced a new feature that warns U.S. users about trending topics that don't have reliable search results yet.
The prompt cautions users that, "it looks like these results are changing quickly," further explaining that "if this topic is new, it can sometimes take time for results to be added by reliable sources," according to an image on Google's announcement published on Friday.
The tool is designed to detect searches on topics that are "rapidly evolving," like breaking news or other subjects garnering a surge of interest, that "a range of sources" have not weighed in on yet. However, Google's announcement didn't say exactly what would be considered a reliable source nor how it'd assess the reliability of said sources.
The danger of online misinformation has been a widespread concern levied against tech companies for many years now. But tech giants like Google (which also owns YouTube) only began treating it as a pressing issue relatively recently, in large part due to COVID-19 misinformation, disinformation around 2020 election fraud, and renewed government scrutiny in the form of anti-trust investigations by Congress.
Google says the feature has been in testing for about a week now, though only for a small percentage of searches, according to Recode. Mashable was not able to independently verify the prompt, despite searching the same topics Google's search liaison gave as examples to Recode. The examples included a query for a suggested UFO sighting in the UK.
As of this writing, the UFO query directs users to a YouTube video about the alleged sighting, UK tabloids the Sun and Daily Star's coverage, and a Verge article covering the new Google feature.
This could in part be due to the topic surfacing four days prior, which perhaps excludes it from being categorized as a "new" topic that's "changing quickly." But it does call into question whether the tool does much of anything to help users with "media literacy," which Google Search public liaison Danny Sullivan described as its intention, in the medium term — as in after a topic starts to trend but before so-called reliable sites provide deeper context (and on some subjects few may ever do so). Other queries listed as examples by Recode include, "why is britney on lithium" and "black triangle ufo ocean." Mashable didn't get the new Google prompt for those either.
"Whether you see something on social media or are having a conversation with a friend, you might turn to Google to learn more about a developing issue," Sullivan wrote in the announcement post. But, "Sometimes the reliable information you’re searching for just isn’t online yet. This can be particularly true for breaking news or emerging topics, when the information that’s published first may not be the most reliable."
Earlier this year, Google released its About This Result panel beta, which adds context about sources of information that surface in its results. The panel shows a snippet of a Wikipedia entry about a site, if available, to give more context as to what a website is known for.
Both Facebook and Twitter launched similarly well-intentioned tools around online media literacy ahead of the fraught 2020 U.S. election, like labeling posts with "disputed claims" or "misleading information." However, questions remain about how effective these prompts, labels, and warnings to users about potentially unreliable information actually are.
Still, testing a possible fix is better than nothing. But when it comes to misinformation online, cautionary warnings like Google's new one may be flimsy bandaids when we're dealing with a gaping wound.
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The 8 best, most mouthwatering cooking shows on Netflix
In the mood to learn a new recipe or just stare at some beautiful food? Netflix has you covered with a wide slate of excellent cooking shows that will satisfy your every craving.
Cooking shows come in a variety of different forms, including competitions and documentaries. Whatever you're looking for, you can't go wrong with the series on this list. They're all informative, engaging, and full of delicious things to eat. Avoid watching on an empty stomach, otherwise you may find yourself licking your screen.
Here, in no particular order, are the best cooking shows on Netflix.
1. The Great British Baking Show
Few cooking competitions are as comforting as The Great British Baking Show, which is full of challenging bakes, lovable contestants, and so, so many innuendos. What really makes The Great British Baking Show special are the contestants, who are all gifted amateur bakers. Once you see the kinds of elaborate concoctions they’re able to whip up, you’ll be jumping to put on an apron and get baking yourself. Just be sure to avoid the dreaded soggy bottoms.
How to watch: The Great British Baking Show is now streaming on Netflix.
2. Chef’s Table
Each episode of Chef’s Table follows a different world class chef, detailing their relationship to food and their culinary inspirations. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch these masters of their craft do what they do best, and the show’s sumptuous cinematography turns every dish into a work of art. You’ll come away from Chef’s Table with a renewed excitement about food, as well as some ideas for new dishes and extra fancy plating.
How to watch: Chef's Table is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Nadiya’s Time to Eat
Cooking can be time-consuming, and if you have a busy schedule, you might find it impossible to make yourself a full meal. Nadiya Hussain understands and is here to help. Hussain, who won The Great British Baking Show in 2015, shares time-saving recipes that won’t sacrifice flavor throughout this charming series. All of her recipes are designed with ease in mind, and her helpful hosting style makes this one of the most watchable cooking shows on Netflix. If you want more of Hussain’s expertise, check out the equally lovely Nadiya Bakes.
How to watch: Nadiya's Time to Eat is now streaming on Netflix.
4. Salt Fat Acid Heat
Part cooking show, part travel show, Salt Fat Acid Heat is a masterclass in flavor that feels like a warm hug. Join chef and author Samin Nosrat as she explains how mastering the show’s four titular components will make you a better cook. You’ll be treated to mouthwatering shots of some of the world’s best food as the show moves from Italy to Japan to Mexico to the U.S. Nosrat's excitement about good food is infectious. By the time you’ve finished the series, you’ll be savoring everything you make with the same gusto she exhibits when enjoying an aged cheese or an excellent soy sauce.
How to watch: Salt Fat Acid Heat is now streaming on Netflix.
5. The Chef Show
Did you enjoy Jon Favreau’s 2014 film Chef? Do you wish it had a spin-off TV series? Well, you’re in luck, because The Chef Show exists! Favreau stars as himself alongside chef Roy Choi, who co-produced and served as a consultant on Chef. Like Chef, The Chef Show is a tribute to good food and the people who make it, as Favreau and Choi interview and cook with a bevy of talented chefs and celebrity guests. The recipes and cooking segments are chill and relaxed, making it feel like you’re learning from friends instead of being lectured by experts.
How to watch: The Chef Show is now streaming on Netflix.
6. High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
Netflix knows how to make a good cooking show. But High on the Hog is more than that. In this stunning four-part docuseries, food journalist Stephen Satterfield follows the journey of African cuisine across West Africa and the United States. It's a celebration of culture and cultural preservation that not only inspires, but also urges viewers to appreciate the complex origins of food and family tradition as part of our global history. —Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter (*)
How to watch: High on the Hog is now streaming on Netflix.
7. Waffles and Mochi
If you’re looking for a cooking show that’s as informative as it is wholesome, then Waffles and Mochi is the show for you. Waffles and Mochi are food-loving puppets who find themselves working at a supermarket run by former First Lady Michelle Obama. They go on journeys all around the world to learn more about different foods and healthy eating. Along the way, they encounter world-famous chefs and celebrity guests, each with special lessons to impart. Waffles and Mochi is educational, adorable, and perfect for getting kids interested in the food they’re eating.
How to watch: Waffles and Mochi is now streaming on Netflix.
8. Taco Chronicles
Taco Chronicles showcases the versatility of its titular food. Every episode tracks the history and preparation styles of a different kind of taco and includes interviews with food writers, historians, and, of course, taco vendors. The show’s narrower focus allows it to really dig into the nitty-gritty of what makes tacos so amazing and so popular. If you don’t have a hankering for tacos by the end of the first episode, you must be some kind of superhuman.
How to watch: Taco Chronicles is now streaming on Netflix.
Asterisks (*) indicate the entry has been modified from another Mashable streaming list.
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