Wednesday, November 20, 2024

It's not just free VPNs, these premium services may be bad for your privacy

Not all premium VPN services protect your privacy equally, with over half of the most popular services suffering some form of data leak. At least three apps also shared your personal information "in a way that put user privacy at risk."

These are the main findings from new research conducted by Top10VPN based on the 30 most popular premium providers for Android devices. These include some of the best VPN apps on the market, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark.

"I don’t want to exaggerate the level of risk. For most users, it is fairly low, but it does depend on your threat model," Simon Migliano, Head of Research at Top10VPN, told TechRadar, noting Avira Phantom VPN and FastestVPN as the paid Android VPNs to "absolutely" avoid.

As mentioned, Migliano conducted testing on the 30 most popular paid Android VPNs to identify potential safety issues within the apps – you can find the full list of services analyzed here.

These tests focused on different areas, namely DNS and other data leaks, VPN encryption, VPN tunnel stability, risky app permissions, risky use of device hardware features, and data collection and sharing.

The most surprising result for Migliano was that half of the top paid VPNs tested (15) failed to ensure SNI (Server Name Indication) was encrypted for all server connections the apps make. SNI is an extension to the TLS protocol that a client needs to indicate the hostname of the server it’s trying to connect to during the handshake process.

While this leak may be relatively minor for most people, "It’s an oversight that could land someone in trouble with their school or workplace if VPNs aren’t allowed on the network, or even in legal trouble somewhere like Turkey or China, where VPNs are heavily regulated," he added.

According to Migliano's data, Surfshark, Private Internet Access (PIA) and PrivadoVPN were some of the apps still overlooking SNI encryption.

Did you know?

VPN encrypting a flow of data

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A virtual private network (VPN) is security software that encrypts your internet connection to prevent third parties from accessing your data in transit and snooping on your online activities. At the same time, it also spoofs your real IP address location for maximum anonymity, granting you access to otherwise geo-restricted content.

At least seven Android VPNs also leaked DNS requests – meaning the device's request to a Domain Name System server to provide an IP address for a given hostname.

Again, these data leaks aren't critical and happen only under very specific circumstances, so it won't be a big issue for most users. That said, Migliano believes that "a properly configured VPN should terminate all existing network connections to prevent this from happening."

This is why, if private browsing is crucial for you, he suggests avoiding the VPNs impacted by this issue, namely HMA!, Private VPN, Mozilla VPN, Privado, VyprVPN, X-VPN, and Avira Phantom.

FastestVPN was another big no for Migliano on this front. He said: "I could never recommend FastestVPN after it exposed my email address in clear text in the headers of a server request to a geolocation API, which is unforgivable."

While way better than free VPN apps, data collection and sharing may also be an issue for some providers. Migliano found seven apps out of 30 analyzed to pose a potential privacy risk due to embedded tracking code from advertisers and data brokers. Yet, only two VPNs (VPN Unlimited and Hotspot Shield) were found guilty of actually sharing data in practice, while X-VPN employed poor data-sharing practices.

VPN encryption for paid services was good overall. Yet, while seven apps failed to use the latest version of TLS to establish the VPN tunnel (AES-256), Avira Phantom made use of the deprecated SSLv2 protocol which, Migliano noted, has long been considered insecure.



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These Bissell Vacuums Are on Sale Ahead of Black Friday (and They're All Great)

I never imagined that as I grew older and more mature, I would develop into someone with a "favorite vacuum," but that's where I'm at. I am loyal to Bissell. In a world where vacuums from companies like Dyson and Shark can inexplicably cost over $500, Bissell provides more accessible price points without compromising on quality; every Bissell I've ever had has had intense suction power, innovative features, and a solid user experience. And ahead of Black Friday, a bunch of them are on sale at Amazon. If nothing says "I'm an adult" more than having a vacuum-brand preference, waiting to get a new one until you can save some cash is a close second.

Early Black Friday deals on Bissell vacuums

These are some of the Bissell vacuums you can grab at a steep discount right now.

BISSELL CrossWave OmniFind Cordless Multi-Surface Hard Floor Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum with FurFinder Headlights
BISSELL CrossWave OmniFind Cordless Multi-Surface Hard Floor Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum with FurFinder Headlights
$199.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$299.99 Save $100.00
BISSELL Cleanview Compact Upright Vacuum
BISSELL Cleanview Compact Upright Vacuum
$49.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$59.99 Save $10.00
Bissell Little Green Pro
Bissell SpotClean Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner
$119.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$164.79 Save $44.80
Bissell Little Green Machine
Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
$81.49 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$123.59 Save $42.10
BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, Upholstery Tough Stain Tool & Formula included, 3746
BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, Upholstery Tough Stain Tool & Formula included, 3746
$149.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$169.99 Save $20.00

CrossWave OmniFind Wet/Dry vacuum

I'm a well-documented fan of the CrossWave OmniForce, but the CrossWave OmniFind is very similar and, ahead of Black Friday, about $30 cheaper than the OmniForce. Right now, it's $199.99 and, like the OmniForce, is a wet/dry machine, meaning that both dry and wet messes are no issue here. This one is more tailored to pet hair and even includes lights designed to identify it so you can suck it up faster.

Cleanview Compact Upright

In my journey to becoming a Bissell loyalist, I learned a lesson: Even the cheapest options are still great vacuums. I'll never forsake my $33 Featherweight, but if you want a little bit more than that, the Cleanview Compact Upright is on sale for just $49.99. It features an extension wand and a brush attachment, has a larger capacity than my beloved Featherweight, and still weighs less than eight pounds. It's a perfect middle-ground machine.

Little Green Pro

The Little Green Pro (which is not always green, for the record, and can also go by the name SpotClean Pro) is a compact, portable machine that is ideal for small messes or detailing, especially in your car. It looks like a tiny shop vac, which makes it great for hauling around, setting down, and using with its extendable hose. It's a pet-focused stain remover that combines scrubbing and suction with a powerful cleaning solution to extract stains and dirt—and right now, it's $119.99.

Little Green Machine

The Little Green Machine is just $81.49 right now, which is good news for anyone who has seen seen it all over social media. This widely loved machine is very small, comes with a crevice tool and other accessories, and also uses powerful cleaning solutions to quickly detail and clean small spaces.

TurboClean Pet XL

Those little machines are great, but if you need a heavier-duty carpet cleaner, the TurboClean Pet XL might be your best option—and at $149.99, it's priced right at the moment. It has a 10-inch cleaning path and a gallon tank, both designed to help you clean more, clean faster, and clean longer. With four rows of brushes, it's helpful for pet owners who need to tackle stains and dander-related allergens, but even if you don't have a dog and just want your carpets cleaned, this is a worthwhile investment.



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Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Google might have a radical plan to beat Apple’s iPad – turn ChromeOS into Android and take over the tablet world

  • Google is apparently planning to transform ChromeOS into Android
  • This new OS could be the best of both worlds for tablets
  • It could be the OS to power a rumored Pixelbook laptop

Google could be planning to completely change ChromeOS and essentially turn it into Android, in an effort to build an operating system that’s better suited to tablets – and poaching iPad buyers from Apple.

Android Authority claims to have a source (as ever, an anonymous one) who describes a fresh initiative underway at Google which is a multi-year project to effectively transform ChromeOS into Android.

This would come with some obvious benefits – instead of working across two operating systems, desktop (well, laptop) and mobile, Google would just have to develop the one multi-platform OS.

And it’d address a serious problem Google has faced: Android’s failure, as it stands, to capture enough tablet market share, and specifically premium tablets, where Apple’s iPad very much holds court. This is an area where hybrid 2-in-1 Chromebooks have failed to make a meaningful impact, too.

So, the idea would be to forge a new path forward, one that makes better use of the development resources at Google.

It’s debatable exactly what the end result might look like, mainly because it’s still early days, and Google probably doesn’t know itself yet – assuming this rumor is true in the first place. Or it's an idea that Google is currently kicking around, but will eventually boot out of play.

As Android Authority expects it to happen, this is about migrating ChromeOS to the Android platform – while obviously keeping enough of the desktop flavor of the current incarnation of ChromeOS to make it suitable for laptops and tablets.

Analysis: An AI-infused Pixel laptop running Android?

Pixelbook Go

(Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, we recently heard a separate rumor about Google mulling the resurrection of its Chromebook Pixel laptop range, which was canned a while ago now. So, the further theory is that this future laptop might run the new Android take on ChromeOS, when (or if, rather) it eventually arrives.

How likely does this new rumor seem? It’s perhaps a firmer prospect than it would be otherwise simply due to the fact that Google is already moving in this direction. We saw evidence of this earlier in 2024 when the company merged parts of the Android OS with ChromeOS.

So, the Android-ification of ChromeOS is already underway, in fact, and guess what one of the major drivers is here? If you said AI then award yourself with a pat on the back, because yes, what’s being ported over currently – which includes building the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks into ChromeOS – is about ensuring AI features can benefit Chromebooks. More broadly, though, it’s easy to imagine this is leading down the very road this rumor pins down as Google’s ultimate destination.

So, if we imagine a future Chromebook Pixel, or Pixelbook perhaps, it might run on what’s essentially a desktop-oriented flavor of Android, and it’ll likely bristle with AI features. With Google also getting the benefit of an OS that really fits a tablet – and doesn’t miss the mark in some respects, like Android for tablets, or Chromebook hybrid tablets (2-in-1 devices) on ChromeOS, neither of which are ideal for a slate.

At that point, the battle to challenge the iPad could step up a gear. (Apple holds over half the tablet market, at around 55%, going by the latest global market figures from Statcounter – but the higher-end will be even more pronounced a win for Tim Cook’s firm).

This seems to be the working theory for now at least, but it’s early days for these rumors – and even if Google is thinking along those lines, who knows where development of these projects might lead (if anywhere).

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Why Black Friday Is a Bad Day to Impulse Buy Electronics

Food, clothes, home goods: If you can buy it, chances are there’s a Black Friday deal being advertised for it. But just because you’re snagging something with a so-called Black Friday markdown doesn’t mean you’re actually getting the best deal in the long run. With electronics in particular, that fresh price tag might mean getting tricked into buying a cheaper model of the thing you actually want. Here’s how to avoid misleading Black Friday “deals” and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

How to tell if a Black Friday sale is a good deal

When you see a clothing item or kid’s toy with a big ol’ Black Friday tag slapped on it, it makes sense to take advantage of that deal. Chances are it is the same exact product you'd find on other days of the year. The same can’t be said for a TV, though. Stores often take cheaper, shoddier versions of the same electronics and mix them in with the legit offers. You might end up purchasing a Black Friday “deal” that actually has inferior components.

So sure, you can go with the cheaper TV on Black Friday, but think about the value of what you’re buying. As the Motley Fool puts it, “You may be better off spending $1,200 on a TV that lasts for eight years versus an $800 Black Friday special that only lasts half as long.”

In order to avoid a low-key scam, you should do your research. The easiest way to tell that you’re getting the correct product is by checking the model or serial number. And with online shopping, finding and double-checking those numbers is quick and easy.

On that note, when it comes to electronics, you might be better off holding off a bit; according to CBS News, it could pay to wait for the five-day span between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, when electronics could be discounted by as much as 30%. Then again, you risk more “out-of-stock” results if you wait, so the risk is up to you, depending on the popularity of the item you’re eyeing (and how badly you want it).

At the end of the day, retailers are selling items at a price point that still benefits them over you. Don’t fall victim to a falsely-advertised lower-quality product, and make the most of holiday deals by doing a little research ahead of time.



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Monday, November 18, 2024

All hail our new leader — AMD-powered El Capitan becomes officially the world’s fastest supercomputer

  • El Capitan is the new world leader in raw computing power
  • It is situated at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
  • El Capitan is powered by AMD instinct MI300A APUs

The global supercomputing leaderboard has a new presence at top spot, as the AMD-powered El Capitan takes over prime position to become the world's most powerful setup.

With a sustained compute power of 1.7 exaflops and a peak of over 2.7 exaflops, El Capitan knocks previous leader Frontier to second on the list of the most powerful supercomputers in the world.

El Capitan was built by HPE for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to simulate nuclear weapons tests. It is powered by AMD instinct MI300A APUs and is not only the fastest but also in the top 20 of the greenest computers too.

Computations reduced from months to weeks

For perspective, El Capitan can achieve a task in less than one second that requires one human to do one calculation every second since the earth formed and then again for nine more earths.

The supercomputer will enable LLNL to significantly improve the ability to predict and model nuclear weapon performance as the stockpile gets older and new systems are introduced.

This will help LLNL to better understand and make informed decisions for safety. It will also be leveraged for a range of other missions to help understand emergencies such as natural disasters and manmade crises.

It does this by providing higher resolutions in 3D modelling that were either not possible with previous machines or too computationally expensive to regularly run.

More accurate replication of physics allows the analysis of components to be of higher quality, helping scientists incorporate more real-world factors such as material and manufacturing imperfections and environmental conditions.

Previously these calculations were either impossible or would take weeks or months on LLNLs current systems - which has now been reduced down to days or even hours.

"Leveraging the AMD Instinct MI300A APUs, we've built a system that was once unimaginable, pushing the absolute boundaries of computational performance while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency," noted Bronis R. de Supinski, LLNL’s chief technology officer for Livermore Computing.

“With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in our field, El Capitan allows us to integrate AI with our traditional simulation and modeling workloads, opening new avenues for discovery across various scientific disciplines."

AMD now powers both of the two most powerful supercomputers in the world, with a combined power of over 3 exaflops totalling 61% of the performance of the entire top 10.

Of the top 10, AMD now powers five devices, including El Capitan, Frontier, HPC6 from ENI, LUMI, and Tuolumne.

“We are thrilled to see El Capitan become the second AMD powered supercomputer to break the exaflop barrier and become the fastest supercomputer in the world. Showcasing the incredible performance and efficiency of the AMD Instinct MI300 APUs, this groundbreaking machine is a testament to the dedicated work between AMD, LLNL and HPE,” said Forrest Norrod, executive vice president and general manager, AMD.

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How to Speak With a Real Person at Target Customer Service

The craziness of the Black Friday shopping season is upon us, with early deals rolling in from many retailers already, including Target's holiday sale. If you're here, you've likely had a hard time trying to get ahold of someone with a conscience on the other line. It's not easy, but here is the best way I found to get a real customer service representative from Target on the phone.

The best phone number for Target's customer service department

If you Google Target's customer service number, the first number you'll see at the top of the search result is 1-800-440-0680. However, it's hard or even impossible to reach a real person using that number. However, in my experience, if you call 1-800-591-3869, you can eventually reach a customer service agent. The pre-recorded message will automatically pull up your last order from Target.com and ask if you need help with it. Regardless of why you're calling, press 1 to confirm you need help with it. You'll be given additional options to narrow down the reason for your call, but if you don't select an option, Target will automatically connect you with a live agent on the phone who can help you with anything related to your account.

Unlike Amazon, there is no call-back service provided by Target, so calling their Contact Us number is the quickest way to get a hold of a real person.



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Sunday, November 17, 2024

Quordle today – hints and answers for Monday, November 18 (game #1029)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1029) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1029) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1029) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1029) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1029) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• B

• W

• H

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1029) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1029 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1029, are…

  • ASCOT
  • BRINK
  • WEIRD
  • HOMER

Arrggghhh! What a disaster. Yes, I lost my streak today, courtesy of some really slapdash play by me when I was in a rush. A couple of the words were tricky, admittedly, but I still should have done better.

Three of the four words gave me problems; ASCOT is a common word in Quordle, even if not in general life, and I should have guessed that before TACOS, which is a plural and therefore won't be an answer. D'oh! I guess my stomach got the better of me there.

HOMER, meanwhile, was a word that gave me all kinds of trouble in Wordle when it appeared early on in the game's run, and here I needed two stabs at it, going for HOVER first. That left me a 50/50 between BRING and BRINK, with no way for me to know which it was. And here my luck ran out – I went for BRING, but the answer was BRINK and I lost for the first time in a couple of months.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Daily Sequence today (game #1029) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1029 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1029, are…

  • VILLA
  • TESTY
  • AMISS
  • ODDER

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1028, Sunday 17 November: STATE, BRAWN, SWORE, URBAN
  • Quordle #1027, Saturday 16 November: NOTCH, BENCH, BUSED, FOUND
  • Quordle #1026, Friday 15 November: PURER, TRUSS, TORCH, FORUM
  • Quordle #1025, Thursday 14 November: EXALT, TASTE, CRONY, CLOUT
  • Quordle #1024, Wednesday 13 November: YEARN, ELBOW, SURGE, PINEY
  • Quordle #1023, Tuesday 12 November: CHORD, ATTIC, OLIVE, EIGHT
  • Quordle #1022, Monday 11 November: COPSE, REGAL, GRUNT, GOODY
  • Quordle #1021, Sunday 10 November: GROIN, FAULT, FERRY, SUITE
  • Quordle #1020, Saturday 9 November: FLUME, THERE, ATOLL, SANER
  • Quordle #1019, Friday 8 November: DELAY, NAVAL, MOLAR, SWARM
  • Quordle #1018, Thursday 7 November: REPAY, SYNOD, LOATH, PITHY
  • Quordle #1017, Wednesday 6 November: SASSY, DRUID, THREW, SLOSH
  • Quordle #1016, Tuesday 5 November: BEGET, AMUSE, STONY, LOUSY
  • Quordle #1015, Monday 4 November: CHILL, TACKY, GRAPH, PLAZA
  • Quordle #1014, Sunday 3 November: QUIRK, HEART, ELBOW, KNOWN
  • Quordle #1013, Saturday 2 November: SWUNG, FLOOR, PARER, CRUST
  • Quordle #1012, Friday 1 November: FIFTY, GULCH, RECUT, TWEET
  • Quordle #1011, Thursday 31 October: TWINE, RIGID, BELCH, AMEND
  • Quordle #1010, Wednesday 30 October: SLOOP, BRINE, BROOD, FLUID
  • Quordle #1009, Tuesday 29 October: CLIFF, BURNT, SNAKY, POLYP


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The ultimate steampunk machine? Toshiba glued an old-school dot matrix printer with a DVD drive, a touchscreen display and a PC with two SSDs — and it even runs Windows 10

  • Toshiba’s Jimucon SJ-9500 combines a mix of retro hardware
  • Features include dot matrix printing, DVD drive, touchscreen, SSDs
  • Customizable for industries, offers broad connectivity and energy efficiency

Toshiba has rolled out the Jimucon SJ-9500, an office computer that looks like it emerged from a retro-futuristic design lab.

This all-in-one device, the successor to the SJ-9100, throws together an eclectic mix of hardware: a dot matrix printer, a DVD drive, a touchscreen, and dual SSDs, all running on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021.

Billed as a tool for boosting business efficiency, it’s a curious blend of legacy and modern tech that feels like something straight out of the '80s with a 2024 twist.

An eccentric addition to any workspace

It’s probably no surprise that, according to PC Watch, Toshiba has been manufacturing its "Jimucon" series since 1982.

This office "workhorse" incorporates a 24-pin dot matrix printer, allowing it to churn out forms at a standard rate of 180 characters per second, with speeds hitting 240 characters per second if you’re in a hurry.

The printer can handle wide-format paper (up to 304.8mm) and tackle multi-copy tasks, producing an original plus up to seven carbon copies, all with a reliable smack of impact printing that would make any old-school office proud.

The machine’s 15-inch color touchscreen (1024x768 resolution) and touch pen support offer a touch of modern convenience. The device is loaded with 8GB of memory and dual 240GB SSDs (one for active tasks and one for storage), and the design even has a slot to stash the keyboard on the main unit to save space.

Functionality-wise, the SJ-9500 is designed with business continuity in mind. Toshiba has included a three-minute battery backup, so even if the power cuts out, you can wrap up whatever task you’re working on.

There’s also a generation management feature that lets users trace data from a few days back, and an optional online backup service acts as a safety net for any crucial data you want to preserve.

The SJ-9500 can be customized to handle industry-specific tasks, making it adaptable for everything from industrial waste management to order processing. And thanks to its range of connectivity options - six USB ports, serial ports, DisplayPort, and Gigabit Ethernet - this machine can link up with everything from barcode scanners to external monitors, making it a versatile, if eccentric, addition to any workspace.

Measuring 538×658×418 mm and weighing in at a hefty 23 kg, the SJ-9500 is no sleek desktop, but Toshiba’s Frankenstein creation manages to cram a full business setup into one unit, and with a power consumption reduced by 7% compared to previous models, it’s designed with some energy efficiency in mind.

For businesses looking for something both functional and unforgettable, the Jimucon SJ-9500 is available to buy across Japan now, although there’s no word on pricing. Toshiba says it plans to sell 1,000 units a year.

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How to watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 online from anywhere today – stream new series for free, meet the celebrities

Watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 online

Ant, Dec and a whole lot of creepy crawlies are back, as the 24th series of British TV institution I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! returns to screens today. UK viewers can catch episodes live and on demand on the free-to-air ITV and ITVX and you can watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 online from anywhere with a VPN.

As promised, there are no politicians on the show this year. But otherwise, it's business as usual as 10 familiar faces head to the Australian jungle to take part in all manner of stomach-turning Bushtucker Trials. If you somehow haven't seen the show before, expect spiders to be crawled through, snakes to be wrestled and a smorgasbord of kangaroo innards to be eaten.

Among this year's contestants are Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, McFly singer Danny Jones, boxing hall-of-famer Barry McGuigan and, after radio presenter Sam Thompson's success last year, DJs Dean McCullough and Melvin Odoom.

The celebrity making most pre-jungle headlines this year, however, is Coleen Rooney. Wife of retired England football star Wayne Rooney, she's been a fixture of tabloid newspapers over the last few years thanks to her involvement in the infamous 'Wagatha Christie' libel case with Rebekah Vardy.

Ready to go back to the jungle? We’ve got all the information on where to watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 online and stream every episode from wherever you are.

Can I watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 for FREE?

As has always been the case, viewers in the UK can watch series 24 of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! completely FREE on ITV1 on TV and its ITVX streaming service online.

Use a VPN to access you usual streaming services from abroad. Full details on how follow...

How to watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 online from outside your country

If you’re traveling abroad when I'm a Celebrity 2024 airs, you’ll be unable to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Use a VPN to watch I'm a Celebrity from anywhere.

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uk flag

How to watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 online in the UK

Brits can watch I'm a Celebrity 2024 episodes every night of the week at 9pm GMT on ITV1.

It will also be available to stream for FREE both live and on demand on the ITVX streaming platform.

Its revamped sister show – I'm a Celebrity... Unpacked – goes out immediately after on ITV2 and will also be available to stream online in the same way on ITVX.

Away from the UK right now? Just use a VPN to alter your IP address so you can stream your favorite TV shows and films online just like you would at home. More details above.

Can I watch I'm a Celebrity online in the US, Canada or Australia?

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! only airs in the UK, so you won't find it in your TV listings or on streaming services if you're overseas.

That means that the only way that Brits abroad can watch episodes is by using a VPN. We've explained above how to do that and what service we recommend.

I'm a Celebrity 2024 cast

  • Alan Halsall – actor
  • Barry McGuigan – former boxer
  • Coleen Rooney – media personality
  • Danny Jones – musician
  • Dean McCullough – radio presenter
  • GK Barry – social media personality
  • Jane Moore – journalist and TV panellist
  • Melvin Odoom – TV and radio presenter
  • Oti Mabuse – dancer
  • Tulisa – singer


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After iPhone and iMac, Apple may be courting Foxconn to build AI servers based on its M-series CPU to accelerate Apple Intelligence potential

  • Apple reportedly seeking Foxconn support for AI servers in Taiwan
  • Foxconn is already the primary manufacturer of Nvidia AI servers
  • Limited Foxconn capacity prompts partnerships with other suppliers

Apple has reporterdly approached long-term Foxconn about building artificial intelligence servers in Taiwan as part of its efforts to boost its AI computing capabilities.

A report from Nikkei Asia claims Apple is reportedly keen on using its in-house Apple M-series silicon chips for these servers, which will power Apple Intelligence features on its latest generation of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

Although Foxconn has been a long-time supplier for Apple’s iPhones, sources familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia that Foxconn’s capacity to accommodate Apple’s request may be limited due to existing commitments. Foxconn is a primary manufacturer of Nvidia’s AI servers.

Engaging other partners

"One of the reasons Apple wants Foxconn to make servers in Taiwan is in the hope to tap the engineering talent and R&D resources that work for the Nvidia projects," a source told the news site. Because Apple intends to produce these servers for its own needs, the volume required would be relatively low compared to the large-scale demand for Nvidia’s powerful GB200 AI servers.

Apple’s limited experience in server design, particularly for data centers, means it would likely require additional engineering and design support from its suppliers. In light of this, the firm is reportedly talking to other partners, including Lenovo’s subsidiary LCFC, to assist with certain server designs.

Nikkei Asia reports that these negotiations include exploring new production capacities outside China, specifically in Southeast Asia, and collaborating with smaller suppliers like Universal Scientific Industrial for production services.

While companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are ramping up investments in AI data centers, Apple is working to catch up as its Apple Intelligence features roll out to new devices. This push to boost its AI capabilities underscores the company’s increasing need for expanded data center infrastructure.

Nikkei Asia notes that Foxconn and Universal Scientific Industrial declined to comment on the story, while Apple and Lenovo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Saturday, November 16, 2024

NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, November 17 (game #259)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #259) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Would you look at that?

NYT Strands today (game #259) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • STACK
  • LEAP
  • PALE
  • MACE
  • PACE
  • MEND

NYT Strands today (game #259) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Sightseeing favorites

NYT Strands today (game #259) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First: right, 3rd row

Last: left, 3rd row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #259) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 259 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #259, are…

  • TOWER
  • CASTLE
  • BRIDGE
  • FORT
  • PALACE
  • MONUMENT
  • ARCH
  • SPANGRAM: LANDMARKS
  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: Perfect

Cameras at the ready? Then off you go in search of LANDMARKS. These days you'll need to take a selfie in front of them, thus proving to the world that you were there, because that's the important thing, right? And do make sure you share it with everyone too, rather than enjoying the CASTLE, PALACE or MONUMENT for its own aesthetic value.

I'm not sure why this Strands triggered me to this extent – probably I'm just grumpy this morning – but I have no such problems with the puzzle itself, which is just fine. Not very difficult, admittedly, once I'd got started. But that was itself a simple task, given that TOWER sat prominently on the left side of the grid. An easy day.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 16 November, game #258)

  • DROLL
  • LAUGHABLE
  • AMUSING
  • WITTY
  • COMIC
  • RIOTOUS
  • SPANGRAM: THATSFUNNY

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.



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Reviews show the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor excels at productivity and creative tasks — making it a formidable rival to its Threadripper and Ryzen Pro siblings

  • Reviews claim AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels across productivity, creative, and gaming tasks
  • Innovative cache design improves cooling and multi-threaded efficiency
  • Eight cores, 16 threads, and 96MB L3 cache for $480

AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor has impressed tech reviewers across the board, with media outlets highlighting its adeptness in handling productivity and creative workloads, as well as gaming.

Price at $480, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers eight Zen 5 cores, 16 threads, and an expanded 96MB L3 cache. Its design achieves better thermal handling by placing the cache beneath the compute die, allowing for higher sustained clock speeds. This approach not only keeps the processor cooler but also optimizes data flow, making it more efficient for multi-threaded applications.

Notebookcheck noted the processor’s increased IPC performance makes it, “a good basis for creative tasks,” adding, “Compared to its predecessor, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers up to 25 percent more performance depending on the scenario - without an increase in its power consumption.”

Full overclocking support

In its review, TechPowerUp said, “While general application performance isn't the main focus of the 9800X3D, it's still something that's important to test. Many creators don't just game, but they also run compute-intensive applications, which was a bit of a weakness of the X3D family, because Intel's Raptor Lake offered better application performance and close-enough gaming perf. With the 9800X3D, AMD has successfully addressed that. The 9800X3D is 18% faster than its predecessor, which is a significant improvement. In some applications, the gains are even more substantial.”

The reviewer added, “In certain compute-heavy tasks, we're seeing improvements of 25 to 30% - very impressive. Compared to the 9700X, the 9800X3D is 6% faster, and it's just 12% behind the 9900X.”

Tom’s Hardware sounded a note of caution, however, saying, “The Core i9-14900K is a closer competitor for the 9800X3D due to its lower $440 price tag, and it does provide better performance in productivity workloads at its price point than the 9800X3D, beating it by 41% and 10% in multi- and single-threaded workloads, respectively. If you’re more interested in productivity work in this price range, the 14900K is a solid contender, albeit one that typically draws more power (except at idle).”

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D provides full overclocking support, with AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive feature offering an accessible route to extract even more performance.

Users can fine-tune core and memory speeds, maximizing the CPU’s potential for both gaming and creative work. This flexibility in performance tuning fits well with AMD’s strategy of offering processors that suit a range of demanding tasks.

Tom’s Hardware concluded its glowing review with a nod to the processor’s versatility, saying, “The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the fastest gaming chip on the market by a large margin, easily beating Intel's competing processors. AMD has significantly improved performance in productivity workloads, too, helping to eliminate some of the trade-offs of selecting a gaming-optimized X3D chip.”

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This obscure rugged tablet beats Samsung, Apple iPad featurewise — sporting a 30,000mAh battery, dual 5G SIM and 108-megapixel camera sensor

  • Active 10 Pro from Blackview is a durable tablet for extreme environments
  • Equipped with a 30,000mAh battery and 55W fast charging
  • Features include 108MP camera, glove mode, and camping light

You may not be too familiar with Blackview, but this Hong Kong-based technology brand has been producing rugged smartphones and tablets for over 11 years. The company’s BV9900 Pro is one of our favorite rugged smartphones, notable for its FLIR thermal imaging camera, among other features.

Now, Blackview’s new Active 10 Pro rugged tablet is (on paper at least) an equally impressive piece of tech, designed specifically for demanding environments.

The Active 10 Pro is available in black and orange and weighs 1214g. With dimensions of 267.6 x 179 x 19.5 mm, it’s a solidly built device rated IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions.

30,000mAh battery

Running on DokeOS_P 4.0 based on Android 14, the tablet features a 10.95-inch FHD+ IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 , along with a 90Hz dynamic refresh rate for smooth visuals.

The Active 10 Pro is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, reaching speeds up to 2.5GHz. It offers 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, expandable up to 2TB via TF card.

The Active 10 Pro boasts a substantial 30,000mAh battery with 55W fast charging, far surpassing most tablets, including Apple’s iPad lineup. For example, the iPad Pro 13-inch model, Apple’s most advanced tablet, has a 10,340mAh battery - significantly smaller than the Active 10 Pro's.

The tablet’s camera setup includes a 50MP Samsung JN1 front camera and a 108MP Samsung HM6 rear camera, plus an additional 20MP Sony night vision camera, promising high-quality imaging in various lighting conditions.

Audio is provided by dual Harman Kardon stereo speakers, and for connectivity it supports dual SIM cards and covers a wide range of network bands, from 2G to 5G. The device also offers NFC, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and compatibility with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou navigation systems.

The tablet includes an upgraded glove mode with 30% higher sensitivity, making it easier to use in harsh environments (the tablet can operate in temperatures from -40°C to +60°C). Additionally, it’s equipped with a 400lx super-bright camping light, providing illumination in low-light or outdoor situations.

There's no word on cost or availability for the Active 10 Pro yet, but Blackview's rugged products do tend to be competitively priced, offering good value for those seeking durability, functionality, and a really big battery.

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Friday, November 15, 2024

Teenage Engineering's OP-XY sequencer brings loads of new functions and looks club-ready in all black – but boy, does it cost a lot

  • Teenage Engineering has launched its new OP-XY sequencer, synthesizer, and sequencer.
  • The new device costs more than the company's OP-Z sequencer and OP-1 audio workstation
  • The OP-XY costs $2,299 / £1,899.

Teenage Engineering has revealed the latest addition to its famed OP lineup of portable synthesizers and sequencers, the OP-XY.

The OP-XY is a sequel of sorts to the OP-Z compact sequencer, adding an OLED screen and an expanded array of controls in the same compact form factor as the company’s legendary OP-1 audio workstation.

At its core, the OP-XY is a 64-step sequencer, and working with it revolves around step-sequencing notes, with 24 voices of polyphony.

You can use these sequences to control multiple internal synth engines or up to eight pieces of outboard gear, like synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modular synths.

The OP-XY side-on

(Image credit: OP-XY)

Along with a vast array of physical controls compared to the OP-Z, the OP-XY packs in a new sampler, a selection of punch-in effects for live performance, and a new “brain chord” feature that Teenage Engineering hasn’t really explained. Based on the name, it’s possible this is some kind of melody generator.

The OP-XY comes in a single monochrome black color with gray and white accents. In a clear reference to techno and club culture, its product page is covered in German phrases and pictures of straight-faced dancers in black leather outfits.

And in typical Teenage Engineering style, there are a few just-for-fun features like a gyroscope that lets you fade tracks in and out and a built-in speaker for jam sessions on the move.

Overall, the OP-XY seems to be one of the most feature-rich products Teenage Engineering has ever released, and its price tag reflects this (and then some).

You can purchase the OP-XY right now for a whopping price of $2,299 / £1,899 – drastically more expensive than the OP-Z ($499 / £499) and even a bit pricier than the OP-1 ($1,999 / £1,799).

So, is this Teenage Engineering getting serious about music, or is this another case of paying extra for a chic design from music tech’s coolest brand?

Who is the OP-XY for?

The OP-Z has earned a great reputation in the music gear scene for its relatively affordable price, expansive functionality, and portability, but it also garnered criticism for its cramped workflow and reliance on button combinations.

The OP-XY seems to fix this by adopting the chassis of the OP-1 workstation, but for more than four times the price, there needs to be more that justifies buying one.

What’s more, the internal synth engines and sampler seem to encroach on the song-making capabilities of the OP-1.

However, the OP-XY seems to pack more external connectivity and live performance functions than the OP-1, which mimics a tape machine in how songs are recorded and is generally quite intentional in its workflow.

The OP-XY could therefore be imagined as a live-focused reflection of the OP-1, and a straight-up big sibling to the OP-Z (though it does lose the OP-Z’s video sequencing function).

Whether that’s enough to justify such an eye-wateringly high price is ultimately up to you.

The OP-XY is available now from Teenage Engineering. For the latest on the trendiest music and audio gear, be sure to keep up with our audio coverage.

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This 75-Inch Hisense ULED 4K TV Is $500 Off Right Now

If you're looking for a solid mid-range TV that delivers great visuals and gaming features without breaking the bank, the 75'' Hisense U7 ULED 4K TV is worth a serious look. Currently priced at $897.99 (down from $1,397.99), it’s at its lowest-ever price, according to price-tracking tools. It has four HDMI ports (two supporting 4K 144Hz, one with eARC), two USB ports, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet port—giving you plenty of connectivity options for all your gaming and streaming needs.

Hisense 75U7N
Hisense 75-inch U7 TV
$897.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$1,397.99 Save $500.00

Speaking of streaming, Google TV powers the U7, offering easy access to all the major streaming services, alongside Google Cast and Apple AirPlay (so you can stream straight from your Android or Apple devices without any fuss). Plus, its built-in far-field microphones let you use Google Assistant hands-free for everything from searching for shows to controlling smart home devices with just your voice. You can always use the included remote if you prefer a more hands-on approach.

The U7 brings a lot to the table when it comes to both picture quality and gaming. Its 4K QLED panel supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and more, delivering rich colors and excellent contrast. That said, the greens and yellows might not fully nail the DCI-P3 color space, and shadow details in high-contrast scenes could be sharper, but the overall image quality remains stellar—especially at this price point, according to this PCMag review. Add in its 144Hz refresh rate, Wifi 6E, and ATSC 3.0 tuner for 4K broadcasts, and you’ve got a TV that’s pretty much future-proof.

Gamers won’t be disappointed either—the U7 clocks in with a 6.2ms input lag in Game mode, a hair faster than its more expensive sibling, the U8N, and comfortably below the 10ms benchmark for gaming TVs (it might not match the sub-millisecond latency of pricier OLEDs like the LG Evo G4, but it more than holds its own for a fraction of the cost). Plus, with features like VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and a Game Bar for quick setting adjustments, this TV keeps up with the demands of modern consoles.

The Roku Pro Smart TV at $898 (down from $1,199) is another excellent choice for those focused on streaming and overall usability.



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