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A review of 19 billion passwords reveals people are still bad at them

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:37

Your password probably stinks. At least that's what a new study shows.

Researchers at Cybernews studied more than 19 billion leaked passwords, and of those just 6 percent were identified as unique, meaning they weren't re-used or duplicated. To make matters worse, the most common passwords are way too simple. Four percent of all passwords studied by Cybernews — meaning roughly 727 million total passwords — included the phrase "1234." Phrases like "password" and "admin" were also quite common, meaning folks are still relying on pre-set passwords.

“The ‘default password’ problem remains one of the most persistent and dangerous patterns in leaked credential datasets. Entries ‘password’ (56M) and ‘admin’ (53M) reveal that users overwhelmingly rely on simple, predictable defaults,” said Neringa Macijauskaitė, information security researcher at Cybernews, in a statement. “Attackers, too, prioritize them, making these passwords among the least secure.”

The researchers also discovered lots of passwords that relied on names or, funnily enough, curse words. Sixteen million passwords included the F-bomb, for instance.

Studies have show time and again that we suck at creating passwords. As Mashable covered at the end of last year, for instance, a study from NordPass found the most common passwords are wildly simple.

Here were 2024's top 10 most-used passwords globally, according to NordPass:

  1. 123456

  2. 123456789

  3. 12345678

  4. password

  5. qwerty123

  6. qwerty1

  7. 111111

  8. 12345

  9. secret

  10. 123123

So if you read this article and it seemed...a little too familiar, perhaps it's time to update your passwords. At the very least, don't use "123456."

Sign up for 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for less than $3

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:26

SAVE $41.88: New (or returning) to Audible? Through May 6, you can get your first three months of Audible Premium Plus for only $0.99 per month (a grand total of $2.97). Usually $14.95 per month, that's a total of $41.88 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Premium Plus $0.99/month for three months (save $13.96/month) Get Deal

Craving some screen-free entertainment? I highly recommend audiobooks. Listening to a book still feeds your imagination like traditional reading, but it doesn't tie you down to one place. You have the freedom to multitask as you take in the content. Just pop in some earbuds and open the Audible app to escape the mundanity of ordinary tasks like cleaning and cooking.

If you're new to the audiobook world, Audible is running its outrageous introductory offer again. Through Tuesday, May 6 at 2:59 a.m. ET, new (and eligible returning) subscribers can get three months of Audible Premium Plus for only $0.99 per month. The Premium Plus membership usually costs $14.95 per month, so you'll save about $13.96 or 93% monthly — a grand total of $41.88 in savings.

A Premium Plus membership unlocks access to hundreds of Audible Original audiobooks for free, as well as a monthly credit you can use to purchase titles in the premium collection (regardless of price) and exclusive access to members-only sales. Most recently, members could use a single credit to purchase two select titles in an exclusive BOGO sale.

If you need a break from screens, Audible's Premium Plus catalog will keep you endlessly entertained. It includes bestsellers and new releases like The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, as well as BookTok faves like Intermezzo by Sally Rooney and Funny Story by Emily Henry. Turn off Netflix and tune into many of the books that inspired the shows in the first place — it'll cost you less than $3.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is 20% off at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:20

SAVE 20%: As of May 2, you can get the Garmin Forerunner 165 running smartwatch for $199.99, down from $249.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and a $50 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen on this model since November.

Garmin Forerunner 165 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that can handle your fitness routine, you might want to hop on this deal.

As of May 2, you can get the Garmin Forerunner 165 for $199.99, down from $249.99, at Amazon. That’s a 20% discount for $50 in savings. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this model since November.

SEE ALSO: Garmin’s epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire smartwatch is $362 off, and yes, it’s as stacked as it sounds

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is tough enough to handle any workout and comes with 25+ built-in activity profiles, including running, cycling, swimming, strength training, and more. With an 11-day battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, you could go backpacking for a whole weekend without having to charge it. That’s more battery life than most Apple Watches, which only last up to 18 hours.

The Forerunner 165 can monitor your heart rate, sleep, stress, and blood oxygen levels. Plus, each morning you'll get a report that summarizes how you slept and what your training outlook is for the day ahead.

Get $250 off this AI-powered Shark robot vacuum and let it handle the chores

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:15

SAVE $250: As of May 2, get the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum (AV2501S) for $299.99, down from its usual price of $549.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 45%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum (AV2501S) $299.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250 Get Deal

A robot vacuum is something that still seems like it came out of a sci-fi movie. You mean this machine is going to tidy up the house all on its own? Like it's sentient or something? Whether you know how much fun it can be to slap a pair of googly eyes on yours or revel in the feeling of a house successfully cleaned with little or no input form you, you should consider getting a robot vacuum, especially when it's a great model at an even better price.

As of May 2, get the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum (AV2501S) for $299.99, down from its usual price of $549.99 at Amazon. That's $250 off and a discount of 45%.

This robot vacuum is a serious multitasker that you can leave largely on its own to handle all types of messes, whether that's pet hair or tough, ground-in dirt or crumbs left on the kitchen floor. It works on all floor types, so you're covered there. It cleans in a special grid pattern so it can take multiple passes over your house, and then it empties itself. Its self-emptying base can hold up to 30 days of dirt, and when that time is up, you just need to empty it.

The vacuum uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to get around your home while creating a map to avoid accidental bumps and other setbacks that keep it from doing an efficient job. And if you're someone who suffers from allergies, its HEPA filter claims to capture and trap about 99.97% of dust and allergens to reduce all that sneezing.

If you're ready to leave the cleaning to your ever-present robot vacuum companion, be sure to snag this one while it's on sale, since this is such a great discount.

Oof: Grand Theft Auto VI delayed to May 2026

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:06

You'll have to wait a little bit longer for that video game you've been waiting 12 years for already.

Rockstar Games posted a message on its website on Friday morning confirming the news that you may have seen coming, but didn't want to hear: Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed. The game, which until now had a vague release window of late 2025, is now confirmed for launch on May 26, 2026. The full message from Rockstar is as follows:

Hi everyone,

Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026.

We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.

With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.

We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Sincerely,
Rockstar Games

SEE ALSO: The 5 Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles I can't wait to play (besides 'Mario Kart World')

The story of GTA VI has been a long and winding one. Its predecessor came out in 2013, long enough ago that it was originally an Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game. I was in college when I played GTA V, and now I'm in my 30s. The incredible financial success of GTA Online and Red Dead Redemption 2 in the meantime meant Rockstar had no incentive to rush the next GTA to market, so after a decade of rumors and leaks, we got one lone trailer in late 2023. This delay announcement is the first thing we've heard from GTA VI since then.

All we really know about the game is that its set in a modern-day rendition of Vice City, the GTA universe's take on Miami. It has two central playable characters, who appear to be in a Bonnie & Clyde kind of relationship with one another, and it generally looks very expensive and pretty. And that's probably all we'll continue to know about GTA VI for a while longer.

At least we have a date now!

Ireland fines TikTok $600 million for sharing user data with China

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:01

Ireland slapped TikTok with serious fines and, perhaps more worrying for the social media company, allegations of questionable data practices. That's a major issue for TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, which has been attempting to convince the West, most notably the U.S., that its users are safe from their data being shared with China.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined TikTok 530 million euros — roughly $600 million — because it could not guarantee that users' data was being stored in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. The DPC also said that TikTok admitted it had stored limited European user data in China, which it had previously denied. TikTok told the DPC it had since deleted that data.

"The GDPR requires that the high level of protection provided within the European Union continues where personal data is transferred to other countries," DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said in a statement.

"TikTok’s personal data transfers to China infringed the GDPR because TikTok failed to verify, guarantee, and demonstrate that the personal data of [European Economic Area] users, remotely accessed by staff in China, was afforded a level of protection essentially equivalent to that guaranteed within the EU."

SEE ALSO: Trump delays TikTok ban for another 75 days

The fines from Ireland's privacy watchdog could prove damaging for TikTok, especially amid its fight to remain available in the U.S. A renewed U.S. TikTok ban was averted in early April after President Donald Trump once again issued a 75-day extension.

The U.S. law that would ban TikTok does so, in part, over concerns quite similar to those laid out by Ireland's DPC. The U.S. does not want its citizens' data in the hands of China's government. TikTok has insisted it doesn't share U.S. user data with China.

Still, U.S. companies are lining up to purchase TikTok, which may be necessary for the platform to remain in the States.

Snag the Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum cleaner for $50 less at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 10:40

SAVE 25%: As of May 2, you can get the Levoit LVAC-200 for $149.99, down from $199.99, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and a $50 savings.

LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Stick Vac with Tangle-Resistant Design, Up to 50 Minutes, Powerful Suction, Rechargeable, Lightweight, and Versatile for Carpet, Hard Floor, Pet Hair, Black & White $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Stick vacuums are pretty much hit or miss. There’s nothing worse than spending $300 on something that only works for a few weeks before crapping out on you. But there are ways to get around paying a fortune for a top-notch cordless vacuum.

As of May 2, you can get a Levoit LVAC-200 for $149.99, down from $199.99, at Amazon. That’s a 25% discount and a $50 savings.

SEE ALSO: The best cordless vacuums include 3 Dyson models (and 1 alternative)

This vacuum’s built to clean up pet hair, dust, and crumbs from your hardwood floors, rugs, tile, and carpets. It has a 50-minute run time with the Crevice or Pet Tool in Eco Mode, 30 minutes with just the vacuum head, and 12 minutes in Turbo Mode. Plus, the flexible and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, even up and down stairs.

With three LED lights, an anti-tangle brush head, and a five-stage filtration system, this budget-friendly vac is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cleaning routine.

Play your favorite games on the go with $50 off the Razer Kishi Ultra

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 10:34

SAVE $50: As of May 2, get the Razer Kishi Ultra for $99.99, down from its usual price of $149.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Razer Kishi Ultra $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you're a big fan of gaming on the go, you probably know how touch controls can be more frustrating than enjoyable. If you're playing on a small screen, you can deal with overcrowding and pressing the wrong button. Depending on what kind of phone you're using, it might feel awkward holding your phone while trying to play, too. That's where a mobile controller comes in. And right now, you can score a discount on one that should make your games feel much more fun to play.

As of May 2, get the Razer Kishi Ultra for $99.99, down from its usual price of $149.99, at Amazon. That's $50 off and a discount of 33%.

The Razer Kishi Ultra works with iPhone 15 and 16 series devices, Android, iPad Mini A17 Pro, and a variety of other mobile gadgets, so you should be covered even if you aren't using the latest and greatest tech. The controller can be fitted directly on the side of your device, so it looks like it's been cut in half, but it's a full-size option that works the same as using a regular controller.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $90

Once attached, you can use physical controls with your favorite games, so tapping around on the screen is a thing of the past. The controller uses a tactile 8-way D-pad with action buttons, Hall Effect triggers, programmable buttons and durable analog sticks. It also has Razer Sensa haptic on board so you can feel rumbling when it matters. To make things a bit more fun and exciting, it also has Chroma RGB lighting that you can customize.

You can use Virtual Controller Mode to remap touch screen controls as well, so if a game previously did not offer controller support, you can bypass this and make a custom setup. This is for Android users only, but it's a super useful feature. If you're ready to change the way you experience mobile gaming, grab one before it goes back up in price.

The Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum is a spring cleaning steal at under $150

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 10:15

SAVE $110: As of May 2, the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum is down to just $149.99 at Amazon instead of $259.99. That's 42% in savings and just 99 cents shy of its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110 Get Deal

If you're still lugging a heavy upright vacuum from room to room in your home, it might be time to cut the cord. Untether yourself from outlets and invest in a stick vacuum instead. You don't have to spend a fortune; the Shark Pet IX141 cordless stick vacuum is on sale for under $150.

As of May 2, you can grab the Shark Pet cordless vacuum on sale for just $149.99 instead of the usual $259.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Shark's own website. That's $110 off its MSRP and a 42% discount overall. Not to mention, it's just 99 cents shy of the lowest price we've ever seen on this model.

Light enough to maneuver with one hand, yet powerful enough to tackle pet hair, the Shark IX141 is a solid choice for pet parents looking to streamline their cleaning routine. The mid-level stick vacuum features an anti-allergen complete seal, an XL 0.83-quart dust bin, a 40-minute run time on a full charge, and an included crevice tool to help you tackle tough corners and cracks. It also includes built-in LED headlights to illuminate all the dust and debris your naked eye misses. While it's not quite as high-tech as the laser-equipped Dysons, it's still a welcome feature that helps you get a more thorough clean.

Of course, it can also transform into a hand vac, which gives you deep-cleaning freedom just about anywhere — your car, the top of the curtains, under the couch, etc. For a cordless stick vacuum that's tough enough to handle your pet's endless shedding, this deal on the Shark Pet IX141 is hard to beat.

Spotifys iPhone app now lets you choose how you want to pay

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 09:27

Spotify's iPhone app in the U.S. now offers its users new payment and subscription options — and some of them could save you money.

The move follows a new decision in Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple, in which a California judge ordered that Apple must allow third-party app developers to direct customers to external payment sites.

Following the ruling, Spotify submitted a new version of its iPhone app, which was approved by Apple on Friday.

"In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s U.S. app update," wrote Spotify in a blog post. "After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase, fostering transparency and choice for U.S. consumers. We can now give consumers lower prices, more control, and easier access to the Spotify experience."

SEE ALSO: Apple held in contempt for violating court order in Epic Games' antitrust case

In practice, this means that Spotify's iPhone app in the U.S. can now show users pricing details on all of Spotify subscriptions, including promotions that can save users money. Users can more easily switch from one type of account to another, and they can use payment options other than what Apple is offering.

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

Prior to this change, Spotify was not allowed to show users that they can get a cheaper subscription option by purchasing directly on Spotify's website.

"The fact that we haven’t been able to deliver these basic services, which were permitted by the judge’s order four years ago, is absurd," said the company in its blog post.

Other publishers, including Epic Games and Patreon, have also submitted updated iPhone apps with new payment options to Apple's App Store.

Get 33% off the Beats Pill portable speaker at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 08:51

SAVE $49.96: As of May 2, the Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian portable speaker is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's 33% off its list price of $149.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian $99.99 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal

Summer is fast approaching, and if you're gearing up for some exciting trips and outdoor adventures, it's worth picking up a portable speaker. With this, you can take your favorite tunes on the go. And there are some great discounts available on a few different models right now, including the Beats Pill.

A couple of the Beats Pill models made in collaboration with Kim Kardashian are on sale for $99.99 right now at Amazon. This includes the colors light gray and dark gray. A few other Beats Pill models are on sale as well, but for more. The champagne gold and matte black speakers are down to $129.95 while the statement red speaker is on sale for $126.99.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best Bluetooth speakers, tested

The compact design of the Beats Pill makes it perfect for packing up and taking on the go. And with great sound quality alongside up to 24 hours of battery life, you can keep the tunes playing all day. It's even IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, so no matter where your journeys take you, it can handle the environment.

With the weather getting warmer, there's no better time than now to pick up a portable speaker. Don't miss out on 33% off the Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian portable speaker at Amazon.

Another great portable speaker deal we've come across recently that's worth checking out is on the JBL Flip 6, which has also dropped below $100 at Amazon.

Thunderbolts* cast and director unpack that Emperors New Groove-style stunt

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 08:50

The 36th chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe throws together a band of misfits to f*** around and find out. 

Thunderbolts* sees Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and a guy named Bob (Lewis Pullman) all somehow working together, but the film digs into some deeper themes of loneliness and despair.

With Beef director Jake Schreier at the helm, Thunderbolts*  finds human moments for these super-powered individuals. Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan sat down with the director, as well as John-Kamen and Pullman, to unpack some of the underlying concepts at play amongst the action.

"I brought in a lot of collaborators who can connect with that loneliness, and they're also some of the funniest people I know," said Schreier, who worked on Thunderbolts* with Beef writers Lee Sung Jin (aka Sonny Lee) and Joanna Calo, as well as editor Harry Yoon and production designer Grace Yun.

"I think we always felt like those two things could coexist, that you didn't have to sacrifice comedy or fun to address a sense of emptiness or darkness. Those were themes that we really explored on Beef," he added. "It seems odd to make a summer blockbuster that has those ideas in it, [but] it's not actually any smaller of an idea than anything else you would make a summer blockbuster about."

Schreier, John-Kamen, and Pullman also unpacked one of the best scenes in Thunderbolts*, a life-or-death "team-building exercise" in which Yelena, Bob, John, and Ghost (aka Ava) must shimmy back-to-back up a towering shaft — a scene Schreier said came from one of his earliest pitch meetings to Marvel.

"We always described it in shooting as probably maybe the least-dynamic action sequence in Marvel history, probably," he said.

"It's just such a juxtaposition of what Marvel is," said John-Kamen. "I mean, it's the only way we can get out."

Thunderbolts* is now showing in cinemas.

TikTok Fined $600 Million for Sending European User Data to China

NYT Technology - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 07:45
Irish investigators said TikTok did not protect the data of users in the European Union, improperly transferring some of it to China. TikTok said it would appeal.

The best budget TVs for gaming, according to the experts

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 07:30

We all own so many tech gadgets these days that combining functions is always welcomed. You probably have a TV at home for streaming your favorite shows, but is it good enough for gaming? If you’re not one to game on your laptop or you like to spend the weekend with friends playing co-op games in the living room, your TV needs to be up to snuff in terms of performance. Not all TVs are worthy of your gaming skills, and many top-of-the-line models come with a hefty price tag.

If you’re not in the mood to spend thousands on a new TV but you also intend to game in the living room, some of the best budget-friendly TV brands make a few models that are great for gaming.

How to choose a budget-friendly gaming TV

TV jargon is notoriously confusing, and new acronyms pop up often. Instead of leaving you overwhelmed with the decision, we asked PCMag’s Will Greenwald to help out. Greenwald serves as a lead analyst, having tested over 170 TVs for PCMag, which is also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis. Here’s the thing about testing TVs — it takes deeply advanced technology that most of us don’t have.

SEE ALSO: I bent LG's new 5K2K bendable gaming monitor at CES 2025

When it comes to TVs capable of handling gaming without costing over $1,000, Greenwald says, “Several of Hisense and TCL's TVs are excellent for gaming on a budget.” Both brands stand out as leaders when it comes to offering a solid price-to-quality ratio.

Gaming must-haves

Gaming, or rather gaming efficiently, means your TV needs to tick a few boxes. We’re looking at the refresh rate and input lag when finding a TV that’s well-equipped for gaming. Without scoring decent numbers on those elements, your gaming experience could be stuttery and interrupted. If your game happens to be full of quick action, you’ll want a TV that can keep up, instead of leaving you in sticky situations.

“For gaming, you should look for a TV with at least a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR, at the very least,” according to Greenwald. Refresh rate refers to how many times per second your TV updates the image, measured in hertz. VRR refers to variable refresh rate, and VRR-equipped TVs are able to match the game’s FPS (frames per second) up to the max refresh rate. For this feature, Greenwald says you want to look out for a gaming TV that comes with AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync. 

And then there’s input lag, which is "the amount of time between when the TV receives a signal and the screen updates,” according to Greenwald. This is where the PCMag expert testing proves essential because TVs don’t include input lag info in their stats, and you won’t be able to tell when buying a TV online or even when it’s displayed in a store.

In real-life terms, input lag is how long it takes the TV to reflect what happened IRL. Say you press the jump button in the game. Input lag measures how much time it takes for the TV to get that info and show it on screen. As you can imagine, this is a big deal when it comes to gaming.

Since buying a gaming-worthy TV can be overwhelming, we’ve intentionally kept this short and sweet — only selecting a few models that should work well for everyone, following Greenwald’s guidance and expert testing. 

Best overall TCL QM6K (65-inch) $749.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $250 Shop Now Why we like it

The TCL QM6K is Greenwald’s top pick for buying a budget-friendly gaming TV. The refresh rate comes in at 144 Hz and you’ll get AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to tick off that VRR requirement. “The TCL QM6K is a very good value and a strong performer for the price,” said Greenwald in his review. “While it isn’t the brightest TV available, its mini-LED backlight enables deep black levels for excellent contrast, its colors are wide and accurate, and it's packed with features for streaming and gaming.”

Greenwald’s measurements showed the TCL QM6K has an input lag of 7.5 milliseconds when in Game Mode, and anything under 10 milliseconds is considered good for gaming with Greenwald’s advanced equipment.

The TCL QM6K's overall design is also nice, with a slim design that looks modern. Its Google TV platform is one of the best options around, thanks to an intuitive design that keeps all of your streaming options nicely arranged and easy to access. Google Cast lets you stream from an Android device or a Chrome tab, and Apple AirPlay means Apple’s ecosystem can easily push to the TV. While it’s a small detail, the backlighting on the included remote control is really helpful for movie nights.

The 4K QLED display on the TCL QM6K is impressive when it comes to contrast, according to Greenwald, giving off accurate colors and deep blacks. “By the numbers, the QM6K’s contrast is excellent, though it only gets modestly bright compared with slightly more expensive TVs,” Greenwald found after extensive testing. But what makes the TCL QM6K our top pick is the combination of picture quality with gaming features at an affordable price.

If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly option, consider the 55-inch version of the TCL QM6K, which usually knocks about $200 off the price of the 65-inch. You could also go bigger and grab an 85 or 98-inch model. While the price increases with size, it remains a good value for the cost across the entire line.

Other sizes: 

The TCL QM6K comes in 55, 65, 75, 85, and 98 inches.

Runner up Hisense U8N (65-inch) $947.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $552 Shop Now Why we like it

In addition to TCL, Hisense is a strong contender when it comes to manufacturing TVs with impressive specs for the price point. The Hisense U8N is one of Greenwald’s top picks for budget-friendly TVs that don’t skimp out on quality, and this model comes with gaming stats that should work well for all but the most serious of gamers. For starters, the Hisense U8N comes with a 144 Hz refresh rate in Game Mode Pro, which is more than acceptable. Plus, it comes equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which will give you a better experience in terms of VRR.

When Greenwald tested the Hisense U8N for input lag, his equipment showed a 7.4 millisecond lag when in Game Mode Pro with Instant Game Response enabled. This is pretty quick, according to Greenwald, since anything under 10 milliseconds is PCMag’s threshold for what makes a TV suitable for gaming. Greenwald further explains that a 7.4 millisecond lag works out to just one frame drop per second at the Hisense U8N’s 144 Hz refresh rate.

The one disclaimer with the Hisense U8N’s Game Mode is that Greenwald suggests you turn that feature off once you’re done gaming and switch to watching TV. “Make sure you turn off Game Mode when not playing games, though, because I saw significant clipping in highlights (where very bright parts of the screen blend together and become indistinct) with it turned on,” he noted in his review of the TV.

Greenwald also praises the Hisense U8N’s brightness, which comes from the 4K QLED display. He was impressed with the U8N’s off-angle viewing, which didn’t have color skewing or desaturation. This off-angle viewing experience can be a big factor if you host a gaming night for friends, where not everyone will be directly in front of the TV.

With a 144 Hz refresh rate, low input lag, nice display, and budget-friendly price, the U8N is a great option. “It can put out a nearly blinding amount of light, it’s loaded with features, and it’s very affordable for the performance it offers,” Greenwald noted.

Other sizes:

The Hisense U8N comes in 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches.

Honorable mention Vizio Quantum Pro (65-inch) $698 at Walmart
$1,644.56 Save $946.56 Shop Now Why we like it

Also hanging out under the $1,000 mark, the Vizio Quantum Pro could work well as your affordable gaming TV. CNET, another Mashable sister publication also owned by Ziff Davis, considers the Vizio Quantum Pro to be a nice mid-range option. “In our tests over the years, Vizio TVs have consistently produced excellent picture quality at a more affordable price,” according to the CNET review. “The Vizio Quantum Pro continues this trend and holds up as a solid mid-priced TV option, particularly for gamers looking for a high-performance gaming TV without breaking the bank.”

It comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is lower than our top two choices, but is still perfectly acceptable for gaming. That’s especially true if your video game preferences are on the more chill side, like spending the weekend with Animal Crossing or endless rounds of Balatro. It’s also worth noting some consoles top out at 120 Hz, including the Nintendo Switch 2, which means you might not require a 240 Hz+ TV. Regarding VRR, you’ll be in good shape with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

A slight limitation comes from the single HDMI port on the Quantum Pro that can support 4K 120 Hz. This means you can only have one console connected at a time. The other three HDMI ports cannot support these specs.

Other sizes:

The Vision Quantum Pro comes in 65 and 75 inches.

MoviePass launches fantasy movie platform where you build your own studio

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 07:24

There are fantasy leagues out there for pretty much every sport under the sun, but so far there's been a stark lack of fantasy-based entertainment for those of us who prefer the dimly-lit indoors.

That all may be about to change, though, as film subscription ticketing service MoviePass has announced the launch of Mogul, "the first fantasy league for Hollywood."

SEE ALSO: MoviePass is officially back, for better or worse

Built on the Sui cryptocurrency blockchain, the game will allow users to draft actors, directors, and movies from a set budget in order to build their own studio. Like in other fantasy sports, your performance in the game will then be determined by real world results (in this case those of the daily box office).

Mogul, which launched its beta version on Thursday, shared the following teaser on X.

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Per the site's FAQs, the game is free to play and you don't need to hold cryptocurrency — although there's a $5 "Battle Pass" which unlocks "deeper rewards". The action will run in "seasons" of about six weeks, tied to the movie release calendar. Players can make swaps to their team/studio on a weekly basis.

If you want to play, you can sign up with an email address on the Mogul site. It's worth noting that although the beta is live, new users who sign up now will be added "in the coming weeks."

MoviePass, the company behind the platform, has its own complicated history. After surging in popularity in 2017 the site was mired in a number of scandals, including a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaint that alleged MoviePass made it hard for users to redeem tickets. The whole thing eventually shut down in 2019, before relaunching again in 2022.

Apple isnt overly worried about Trumps tariffs. Heres why.

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 07:23

Despite all the uncertainties in the global market and an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China (and everyone else, to a lesser degree), Apple just booked another solid quarter, and it doesn't seem too phased about the future.

The company's quarterly revenue was 95.4 billion, up 5 percent year-over-year, with a $24.78 billion net income, a 4.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The company's next quarter will be a tricky one, given that the Trump's administration levied high tariffs on China, where Apple produces most of its iPhones. But it seems that the company is well positioned to weather any negative impacts from tariffs.

Apple CEO Tim Cook told CNBC that the company is sourcing "about half" of the iPhones that it sells in the U.S. from India. As far as other U.S.-bound products go, including Macs, iPads and AirPods, and the Apple Watch, Cook says that for "almost all" of them the country of origin is Vietnam.

Of course, this doesn't mean Apple doesn't need to worry about tariffs at all. The U.S. also recently levied tariffs on Vietnam and India, and Cook said that Apple still produces the "vast majority" of its products bound for countries other than the U.S. in China. All in all, Apple expects tariffs to add $900 million in costs for the current quarter, though Cook said these costs are "very difficult" to predict.

SEE ALSO: Apple held in contempt for violating court order in Epic Games' antitrust case

Cook's statement is interesting given the Financial Times' recent report that Apple plans to manufacture all of its U.S.-bound iPhones in India by the end of 2026. It appears that the company is well on its way to achieving that goal.

The Dangers of A.I. Flattery + Kevin Meets the Orb + Group Chat Chat

NYT Technology - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 07:00
“A.I.s are getting more persuasive and they are learning how to manipulate human behavior.”

Who has the most TikTok followers? See the top 10.

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 06:46

With billions of users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet. Viral trends, trending sounds, and popular dances, there's no limit to what can kick off on TikTok.

But while anyone can go viral, some creators have racked up millions of loyal followers. Check out our list of the top TikTok accounts with the most followers.

1. Khaby Lame – 162.5 million followers

TikTok's most followed account is none other than the king of the deadpan facial expression, Khaby Lame. His video content primarily involves duets and stitches to over-complicated life "hacks."

2. Charli D'Amelio – 157 million followers

Charli D’Amelio rose to TikTok fame during lockdown for her viral dance videos. She very quickly became one of the platform’s most-followed creators and is still holding strong today.

3. MrBeast – 115.3 million followers

Also one of the most subscribed YouTube accounts, MrBeast holds the number three position for TikTok. His content is full of crazy challenges and huge giveaways. His over-the-top generosity has amassed him millions of followers. He also recently went viral for offering to buy TikTok amid the recent ban in America.

4. Bella Poarch – 94 million followers

Bella Poarch skyrocketed to TikTok fame during the 2020 lockdown when her lip-sync video to M to the B became the platform’s most-liked video. Since then, she has remained popular on the app, even releasing her own single in 2021, Build A B****.

5. TikTok – 89.5 million followers

Taking the 5th spot on the most followed accounts is TikTok's own account. It posts celeb interviews, tips and tricks and updates from the CEO, Shou.

6. Addison Rae – 88.4 million followers

Addison Rae is another TikToker who blew up during the 2020 lockdown. Her viral dance videos made her one of the platform's biggest stars, a position she still holds strong today. She's now better known for her hit songs, releasing her debut single, Obsessed, in 2021.

7. Kimberly Loaiza – 83.4 million followers

Kimberly Loaiza is a popular Mexican influencer with tens of millions of followers across not just TikTok, but also YouTube and Instagram. Loaiza has also branched out into music, releasing multiple singles and touring.

8. Zach King – 82.3 million followers

Zach King's content is a must watch if you love magic tricks, optical illusions and clever editing. One of his videos even became the most viewed. The video made it appear as if he was flying on a broomstick. It became the most-viewed TikTok video in 2019.

9. The Rock – 80.5 million followers

The Rock takes position eight for most followers on TikTok. Much like his famous YouTube account, he shares a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of his life, workouts and even fitness tips for you to follow at home.

10. Will Smith – 79.6 million followers

Will Smith's TikTok is the perfect peep behind the scenes for fans to follow along with his life. He posts regularly, sharing day-today snippets of his life, memes and generally hilarious content. He even participated in the recent "anxiety" dance trend, which is based on his Fresh Prince Of Bel Air moves.

The Lego Star Wars Droideka set is 20% off right now at Amazon — buy and build it before May 4

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 06:15

SAVE OVER $10: As of May 2, the Lego Star Wars Droideka is on sale for $51.95 at Amazon. That's 20% off its list price of $64.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Star Wars Droideka $51.95 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $13.04 Get Deal

May 4 is coming up this weekend, and if you're on the hunt for deals on Star Wars-related goodies, you're in luck. Quite a few items are already on sale, including a variety of Lego sets. One of our favorite Lego Star Wars deals is on this Droideka model, which has received a 20% discount ahead of the big day.

This has dropped the price of the Lego Droideka set from $64.99 to $51.95, allowing you to save over $10. It's an incredibly cool model to add to any collection.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free Grogu models on Star Wars Day. Here’s how to get yours.

The Lego Droideka set has 583 pieces that come together to make an awesome looking Droideka droid model. The Droideka’s arms even move and the legs can be reattached to transform it into a ball. It also comes with a stand, an information plaque, and a Lego Star Wars 25th anniversary brick alongside a mini Droideka figure.

Don't miss out on 20% off the Lego Droideka set at Amazon.

There are a few more Lego Star Wars sets that are worth a look right now. Also at Amazon, you can save on the R2-D2 set, The Phantom Menace Mos Espa Podrace Diorama, and the Darth Vader Helmet.

How to watch Draper vs. Musetti online for free

Mashable - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 06:01

TL;DR: Live stream Draper vs. Musetti in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The second 2025 Madrid Open semi final in the men's draw sees Draper take on Musetti. The Brit has been particularly impressive moving through the rounds, but Musetti is going to be a really tough matchup. A place in this weekend's final is up for grabs.

If you want to watch Draper vs. Musetti in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Draper vs. Musetti for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Draper vs. Musetti.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit RTVE

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

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Diallo without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Draper vs. Musetti in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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