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  • Spotify Music Videos Are Launching. Here’s Everything to Know

    Spotify Music Videos Are Launching. Here’s Everything to Know

    Music streaming service Spotify is adding full music videos to its platform, the company said Wednesday, but not everyone will be able to access the new feature just yet. For now, it’s available in beta for Premium subscribers in about a dozen countries across mobile, desktop and TV devices.

    Now those subscribers will be able to hit Switch to Video when listening to a track to open up the music video. Turning your phone to landscape mode will open up full-screen videos, similar to the experience on YouTube. Tapping Switch to Audio will take you back to just the music.

    “Music videos play a key role in hooking you: Taking you from being a listener to leaning in and becoming a fan,” Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s vice president and head of music product, said in a release. “They’re an important part of so many artists’ tool kits, and it’s a natural fit for them to live in the same place that more than half a billion people choose to listen to music.”

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    Here’s everything we know so far about the new feature.

    Where are Spotify music videos available?

    The Premium add-on is limited to users in the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Philippines, Indonesia and Kenya, but not yet in the US.

    Which artists are included?

    Spotify says it’s starting out with a smaller catalog of artists, including Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat and Ice Spice. CNET also found music videos from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Jack Harlow and Tate McRae.

    When will Spotify music videos be coming to the US?

    That remains to be seen. Spotify hasn’t shared details on that yet, but we’ll update this story as soon as we know more.

    What does this mean for YouTube?

    The addition of music videos pits Spotify against YouTube, which has dominated the music video scene for almost two decades. YouTube Music also offers listeners the option to toggle between audio and music videos. Music streaming competitor Apple Music has a section for watching an artist’s music videos, too.

    Spotify’s superpower is its user base; the company says it has more than 602 million users, which includes 236 million paid subscribers. YouTube Music and YouTube’s paid Premium tier, by comparison, has 100 million subscribers. But the perk of the baseline YouTube app and site is that you can watch music videos for free (you may just need to sit through some ads if you don’t subscribe to Premium).

    Last year, Spotify rolled out Clips, which are 30-second vertical videos artists can create to connect with fans. They resemble videos on TikTok — a platform where music also takes center stage.

    Read more: Best Music Streaming Service of 2024

  • Google I/O 2024 Set for May 14

    Google I/O 2024 Set for May 14

    This year’s Google I/O, the company’s annual developers conference, is set to take place on May 14, per the company’s event website, which went live on Thursday.

    Details are slim as to what Google will show off at this year’s I/O, but if last year was any indication, it’ll continue to focus on its advancements in AI.

    Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Google I/O is the company’s main annual event where it shows off new goals, products and future projections. It’s also a time for developers to come together to learn more about what Google is bringing to the Chrome, Android and other Google products. Apart from a main keynote, headed by CEO Sundar Pichai, there are other developer-focused talks that discuss the finer details of app and product development.

    Given how much focus Google put on AI last year, it’s safe to assume the company will continue to double-down on AI developments. The company might also address its rollout of Gemini, a text-based AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT.

    Gemini has had a rocky start since its launch last year. Soon after Google’s AI chatbot launched, it was found to be spitting out incorrect information, which led to Google stock losing $100 billion in value. More recently, Gemini’s AI image generation tool incorrectly portrayed historical figures as people of color, which led to both outcry and mockery. It was deemed as “unacceptable” by Pichai. Even Google co-founder Sergey Brin spoke about the incident, saying “we definitely messed up.”

    Last year’s I/O also saw the unveiling of the Pixel Fold, Google’s first foldable phone, and a revamp of the Pixel Tablet with increased focus as an at-home smart display. Google also showed off the more affordable Pixel 7A, meaning that it’s likely the Pixel 8A will make its debut this year. Like with every I/O, Google takes time to dive into the next version of Android, as did with Android 14 last year. So it’s fair to assume that more Android 15 details will be shared in May.

  • Watch Europa League Soccer: Livestream Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague From Anywhere

    Watch Europa League Soccer: Livestream Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague From Anywhere

    Having done the hard work in Czechia last week, Liverpool will look to get the job done at home today as they host Sparta Prague in this Europa League last-16 second-leg fixture.

    Jurgen Klopp’s Reds take a comfortable 5-1 lead into this game, after a near-perfect showing in Prague in the first leg at Letná Stadium, with Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai all getting on the scoresheet.

    Mohamed Salah is ready to start for the hosts, while Jakub Posek, David Pavelka and Asger Sorensen are all rated as doubtful for Sparta.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every game live wherever you are in the world.

    Mohamed Salah of Liverpool wincing and holding his ankle while sitting on the pitch.

    Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague: When and where?

    Liverpool host Sparta Prague at Anfield on Thursday, March 14. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, which is 4 p.m. ET or 1 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Friday, March 15 in Australia.

    How to watch Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague online from anywhere using a VPN

    If you find yourself unable to view Europa League matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the action; that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic. It’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

    With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

    Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

    Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

    Livestream Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague in the US

    American soccer fans can stream this fixture via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the Europa League.

    Livestream Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague in the UK

    Europa League live broadcast rights in the UK are held by TNT Sports.

    Livestream Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague in Canada

    If you want to stream Europa League games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the tournament this season.

    Livestream Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague in Australia

    Football fans Down Under can watch Europa League matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the competition live in Australia this season.

    Quick tips for streaming UEFA Europa League matches using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Europa League games may vary.
    • If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
    • If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
    • All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
    • Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
  • Watch Europa Conference League Soccer: Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax From Anywhere

    Watch Europa Conference League Soccer: Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax From Anywhere

    After a week of disappointing results, tournament favorites Aston Villa will be hoping to keep their season on track as they host Ajax in this Europa Conference League last-16, second-leg tie.

    The two sides played out a stalemate at the Johan Cruyff Arena last week, in an at times tempestuous affair which saw defender Ezri Konsa sent off for Villa, and Tristan Gooijer also given his marching orders for Ajax.

    Full-back Devyne Rensch returns for the Dutch side after serving a suspension, while Jacob Ramsey is a major doubt for the home side.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every game live wherever you are in the world.

    Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn running towards the camera.

    Aston Villa vs. Ajax: When and where?

    Aston Villa host Ajax at Villa Park on Thursday, March 14. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, which is 4 p.m. ET or 1 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Friday, March 15 in Australia.

    How to watch Aston Villa vs. Ajax online from anywhere using a VPN

    If you find yourself unable to view Europa Conference League matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the action — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic. It’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

    With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

    Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

    Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

    Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in the US

    American soccer fans can stream this fixture via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the Europa Conference League.

    Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in the UK

    Europa League live broadcast rights in the UK are held by TNT Sports.

    Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in Canada

    If you want to stream Europa Conference League games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the tournament this season.

    Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in Australia

    Football fans Down Under can watch Europa Conference League matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the competition live in Australia this season.

    Quick tips for streaming Europa Conference League matches using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Europa Conference League games may vary.
    • If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
    • If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
    • All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
    • Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
  • Get the Babbel Language App for Life While It’s Still Just $150

    Get the Babbel Language App for Life While It’s Still Just $150

    Ready to learn a new language? Finding the right resources on your own can be a challenge, and traditional classes can cost a significant sum of money. But thankfully there are language-learning apps like Babbel that can provide you with guided lessons you can access on your own schedule. A lifetime subscription to Babbel could run you as much as $599, but from now until March 18, StackSocial is offering a limited-time discount that knocks that down to just $150. And because your subscription won’t expire, you can make your way through as many of the 14 language selections as you want, all without pesky deadlines or costly recurring fees.

    Babbel’s extensive language software includes Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Swedish, Indonesian, Portuguese and more. The lessons are short and to the point, allowing you to practice in 10- to 15-minute intervals that can fit into any schedule. Real-life topics include travel, family, business, food and others. A variety of skill levels are available, ranging from beginner to advanced, so the program can grow with you as you improve.

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    The speech-recognition technology will give you immediate feedback on pronunciation, so you don’t just learn to read and write but how to listen and speak, as well. You’ll also get personalized review sessions to reinforce what you’ve learned. The program works across desktop and mobile devices. And though the internet is required most of the time, there is also an offline mode available where you can access courses, lessons and reviews without Wi-Fi, so long as you download them beforehand. Babbel also syncs your progress across your devices so that you can jump in from wherever is most convenient.

    Becoming fluent in a new language is a great way to stay engaged in learning, and the transferable skills you gain can open a lot of doors for leisure, work and beyond. Note that while you can access this program on as many devices as you want, this subscription offer is available only for new users.

    Babbel is a great value when compared with other online courses, especially with this current discount. So whether you’re a lifelong learner or just want to pick up some basics for your globetrotting adventures, this is a solid deal.

    Read more: 11 Items to Add to Your Travel Checklist for a Smooth Trip

  • Power Book II: Ghost: Starz Drops Trailer for Final Season

    Power Book II: Ghost: Starz Drops Trailer for Final Season

    Power Book II: Ghost will wrap up Tariq St. Patrick’s story arc, Starz announced on Thursday. The company released a new teaser trailer that shows Tariq appearing to be cornered and in over his head — again — with other characters caught up in the mix. Season 4 is set to debut on June 7, and will be the final installment in the crime drama.

    Longtime Power fans may recall how Tariq’s father, James St. Patrick — aka Ghost — made arrangements in his will for his son to only receive his inheritance on the condition that he completes a four-year degree. That stipulation set up the story premise for the Power Book II spinoff, starting Tariq on a path of attending Stansfield University while juggling duties as a budding drug dealer. By the end of season 3, chaos broke out. Saxe was dead, Tommy took out Tasha, and Tariq kicked off an all-out war with former allies Effie and Monet Tejada’s family.

    This sequel series received an early season 4 renewal in 2023 ahead of its season 3 premiere, and this final batch of episodes is set to air in two parts. Part one will debut on Friday, June 7 in celebration of the original Power series’ 10th anniversary, and part two will premiere on Sept. 6.

    Season 4 will see Michael Ealy join the cast as Detective Don Carter, as well as returning cast members Michael Rainey (Tariq), Gianni Paolo as Brayden, Mary J. Blige as Monet Tejada, Method Man (Davis MacLean), Woody McClain as Cane Tejada and Alix Lapri as Effie.

  • Nab a Windows 11 Pro License for Just $30 With This Limited-Time Deal

    Nab a Windows 11 Pro License for Just $30 With This Limited-Time Deal

    Buying a new laptop or computer means that you might end up getting the Home edition of Windows 11, which locks a few good features that some might find useful. You could upgrade to a Pro license that unlocks these features, but that usually costs $200 direct from Microsoft, which is a lot of money to pay. On the other hand, you could grab this deal from StackSocial, which discounts the license down to just $30, a staggering difference from the full price.

    This is a great price, but it’s important to note that not every computer out there can run Windows 11, so before you buy it, you’re going to want to ensure that your machine will meet the requirements for the operating system. Additionally, the listing says that if you have a PC that’s already running Windows 10, and Windows Update doesn’t let you install the free Windows 11 upgrade, your computer won’t be compatible with this version either.

    After you’ve bought the license, you’ll get an activation key that you can use to install and activate Windows 11 Pro on one computer. To be clear, purchases like this are generally intended for advanced users — folks who are building a new computer or who want to dual-boot an existing computer with a second OS. If you’re doing that, you’ll need a secondary PC to access and download the files, so be sure you can access everything from another computer in your home, or that you have a friend’s machine you can use temporarily. Also, note that you’ll want to have a USB thumb drive available to transfer the file.

  • Secure a Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription at Over 50% Off While This Deal Lasts

    Secure a Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription at Over 50% Off While This Deal Lasts

    Whether you plan to travel or just like learning new languages, grabbing an easy-to-use language learning app is essential for keeping you engaged. Of course, they do tend to be expensive, and one of the best, Rosetta Stone, is currently having a big sale that’s worth grabbing. You get 25 languages to pick from, and you can learn at your own pace since it’s a lifetime subscription, so if pressure tends to put you off learning things, this deal is perfect.

    While it usually goes for $399, StackSocial has discounted it heavily down to just $190. That’s 52% off the the usual price and even undercuts the discount Rosetta Stone is offering at its own site right now.

    Rosetta Stone is our favorite language learning app for auditory learners and this membership gives you access to 25 different languages, from Spanish to Korean, allowing you to better communicate with locals on your travels and increase your comfort level in international settings. Even if you don’t plan on traveling far from home, improving your language skills has plenty of benefits. Whether you want to speak with international neighbors or enjoy movies and TV shows from other places, hobbyists can also take advantage of this deal.

    Every single lesson — no matter the language — is broken up into manageable chunks, both online and offline. You also have access to an immersive learning environment that will keep you interested throughout the course to keep your mind on perfecting your studies. Plus, you can even practice your accent using speech recognition technology.

  • Watch Europa League Soccer: Livestream West Ham United vs. Freiburg From Anywhere

    Watch Europa League Soccer: Livestream West Ham United vs. Freiburg From Anywhere

    West Ham must claw back a one-goal deficit if they are to progress into the Europa League quarterfinals, as they host Freiburg at the London Stadium on Thursday.

    The Hammers have already beaten the German side twice in the group stage, but were left disappointed after last week’s knockout stage first leg clash at the Europa-Park Stadion, with Michael Gregoritsch’s second-half strike the difference between the two sides coming into today’s game.

    The closing stages of that match were mired in controversy after West Ham were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when Freiburg midfielder Noah Weisshaupt appeared to touch the ball with an outstretched arm deep into injury time — an incident that will likely place further scrutiny on referee Marco Guida’s handling of this decisive fixture.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every game live wherever you are in the world.

    Side on image of West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta looking leftwards, surrounded by bubbles.

    West Ham vs. Freiburg: When and where?

    West Ham host Freiburg at the London Stadium on Thursday, March 14. Kickoff is set for 5:45 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, which is 1:45 p.m. ET or 10:45 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 4:45 a.m. AEDT on Friday, March 15 in Australia.

    How to watch West Ham vs. Freiburg online from anywhere using a VPN

    If you find yourself unable to view Europa League matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the action — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

    With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

    Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

    Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

    Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in the US

    American soccer fans can stream this fixture via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the Europa League.

    Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in the UK

    Europa League live broadcast rights in the UK are held by TNT Sports.

    Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in Canada

    If you want to stream Europa League games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the tournament this season.

    Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in Australia

    Football fans Down Under can watch Europa League matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the competition live in Australia this season.

    Quick tips for streaming UEFA Europa League matches using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Europa League games may vary.
    • If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
    • If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
    • All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
    • And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
  • Game and Save: This Deal Nets You a $25 Gift Card When You Buy a Nintendo Switch

    Game and Save: This Deal Nets You a $25 Gift Card When You Buy a Nintendo Switch

    If you want versatile gaming you can take on the go, the Nintendo Switch remains a solid option. Nintendo has had plenty of popular gaming systems over the years, and variants like the Nintendo Switch Lite and the Nintendo Switch OLED continue to offer different gaming experiences. But right now, you can get a deal on the original Nintendo Switch at Amazon. Just use promo code NSWNEON25 at checkout and you’ll get a $25 digital Amazon credit to use towards a future purchase, essentially scoring you the device for $275. That’s $1 less than the lowest price we’ve seen.

    The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that you can use as a handheld gaming device or in conjunction with your TV. Not only does it boast a ton of great games in its arsenal, but it also won an Editors’ Choice Award and remains our top pick for the best handheld game console on the market. While the OLED model does offer some upgrades worth considering if you primarily use it as a handheld, the credit on this model definitely makes it a solid deal — especially for users who typically play in docked mode.

    If you’re looking for savings on other models or games and accessories for your Switch, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch deals happening now.

    Read more: Is a New Nintendo Switch Coming?