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Instagram said it’s expanding your control over direct messages, including the ability to edit already sent messages and pin important conversations to the top of your DMs. But the new feature I’m most excited about is that you can finally toggle off read receipts — meaning other users won’t know whether you’ve read their messages.

The purpose of read receipts is to let the people you talk to know when you’ve read their messages, and vice versa. But there are haters, including myself, who aren’t big fans of the feature: I don’t always want others to know if I’ve read their message, especially if I’m busy and forget to respond or simply need more time to come up with a reply. For other folks, it sparks anxiety or stress if they know that someone has read their message and not responded.

And so for a plethora of reasons, you too may not be fond of read receipts, and if you aren’t, you can finally disable them on Instagram, thanks to the new updates pushed this week. Here’s how.

For more, check out the feature you need to disable to stop app tracking on your iPhone and how to turn off NameDrop on iOS.

How to disable read receipts on Instagram

Whether you’re on iOS or Android, open the Instagram app and go to your profile, which you can access by tapping the profile icon on the bottom-right of the navigation bar. Once you’re on your profile, hit the three-dash menu and go into Settings and privacy. Next, scroll down and go into Messages and story replies under How others can interact with you. Finally, go into Show read receipts and toggle off Read receipts.

Once it’s toggled off, nobody you send a direct message to on Instagram will be able to see whether or not you’ve read their message. Instead, the message will just show as sent. And it’s also important to note that disabling read receipts for yourself will also disable read receipts on the other end, meaning you won’t know if someone reads a message you send them, which will show simply as sent, even if they’ve read it.

If you want to disable read receipts for only a specific person and not everyone you talk to, go into your DMs, go into a conversation, tap the other person’s name at the top of the chat, hit Privacy & security and toggle off Read receipts.

For more, check out the hidden setting that lets you fix blurry videos on Instagram.

Misplacing your keys or losing your wallet can be a hassle, but modern technology has come up with ways to help us keep track of our most essential items, so you’re not scrambling to find what you need as you’re heading out the door. Investing in Apple’s AirTags can help ensure that you need never go hunting around the house last-minute for anything ever again.

AirTags are some of our favorite item trackers and now you can pick up a pack of four for just $79. That’s $20 off the usual $99 asking price and just $4 more than the all-time lowest price we’ve seen for the set. There are no coupons or discount codes, but we don’t know how long we should expect this deal to last, which means placing an order sooner rather than later is the best way to go.

Apple’s AirTag trackers work seamlessly with your iPhone and the Find My app, with a simple one-tap pairing process. You can then throw a tracker into a pocket as it is, or grab an AirTag accessory to clip them to keys, hook them onto a bag, stick them to your bike or attach them to anything else you want to keep tabs on.

Once set up, the AirTags will show up in the Find My app and display your items on a map so you can easily find them. If an item is in your vicinity, you can use the app to play a sound on the AirTag’s tiny speaker to help you find it and use the Precision Finding feature to be guided to your lost possession. This is handy if you’re just looking for your keys or wallet around the house, for example. If you lose an item farther afield, you can put it in Lost Mode, which will then ping you if the AirTag is detected on the Find My network and allow you to add a message and include your phone number or email address.

Read more: Got Apple AirTags? 5 Unexpected Places to Put Them

Each AirTag is powered by a CR2032 coin battery, four of which are included with your purchase. The batteries last around a year before you need to replace them. AirTags are IP67 water- and dust-resistant too, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged if exposed to the elements.

For more savings on top-rated Apple products, check out our roundups of Apple Watch deals, MacBook deals and iPhone deals currently available.

American consumers and businesses lost a record $12.5 billion to internet crimes in 2023, according to an annual report from the FBI.

Last year’s loss total marks a 22% jump from 2022. Meanwhile, the number of complaints covered in the 2023 Internet Crime Report rose nearly 10% to more than 880,000. In the report, the FBI stressed that the numbers are probably on the low side, given that many internet crimes still go unreported.

Investment scams again accounted for the largest percentage of internet crime last year, with related losses jumping 38% to $4.57 billion. And the majority of the losses from those scams — which ask for an up-front investment with the promise of big returns that never actually materialize — involved cryptocurrency, the FBI said. Crypto-related investment scam losses jumped 53% $3.94 billion in 2023.

Business-email compromise crimes, where criminals usually compromise a legitimate business account, then use it to trick people into handing over money or information, ranked second again last year with reported losses of $2.9 billion.

Losses from tech support scams, where targets are often duped into believing that their computer is full of malware or that their antivirus or other software licenses have expired, rose 15% to nearly $1 billion, while reported losses related to ransomware complaints jumped 74% to $59.6 million.

Sunday’s Oscars ceremony will bring out people passionate about the films of 2023, whether they’re big fans of Barbie, can’t stop thinking about Anatomy of a Fall, or insist that movies don’t get any better than Oppenheimer.

Hosted for a fourth time by Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars will honor flicks like Christopher Nolan’s film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, which collected the most nominations out of the bunch — 13. The next most-nominated flick is Yorgos Lanthimos’ dark comedy Poor Things, with 11 nods, followed by Martin Scorsese’s epic drama Killers of the Flower Moon, with 10.

The 96th Academy Awards will feature musical performances for each of the five nominees for best original song, including the Ryan Gosling-sung power ballad I’m Just Ken. In other Barbie-related news, there’s a nearly-five-minute-long Oscars promo you can watch right now that features Kimmel and members of the Barbie cast.

Stay tuned for how to watch the Oscars, whether or not you have cable. If you want to watch and stream the nominated flicks, here’s a roundup for that.

How to watch the Oscars

The 96th Academy Awards will air on ABC on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

It’s difficult to really get work done these days without using the Microsoft Office suite of apps, but Microsoft software can be so expensive that some might resort to doing a monthly subscription instead. Thankfully, there are other ways to get your hands on Microsoft Office without a monthly subscription if you know where to look. And right now, you need look no further.

StackSocial is offering a massive discount that knocks Microsoft’s Office Professional 2021 price down to just $56, so long as you remember to enter the discount code ENJOY20 when checking out. Keep in mind that we don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

It’s also important to note that this deal is for the Windows version, so those who live in the Apple world will need to look elsewhere. And if this deal is still more costly than what you’d like to pay, you could always grab the Office Pro Plus 2019 version instead.

StackSocial’s deal is a great bargain when compared with the online Microsoft 365 subscription suite, which starts at $7 a month or $70 a year for individuals. There’s a free online version of Microsoft Office that you can use as well, but it isn’t nearly as feature-complete. (Separately — and notably — Apple users should be aware that Outlook is now a free app for the Mac.)

Now, a deal this good comes with some caveats. First, the code provided can be used one time for a single computer, so you won’t be able to install it on multiple machines in your home, and if your current computer happens to die, you could run into a snag when trying to transfer it. Likewise, you’re passing up on other benefits you’d get as a 365 subscriber. You won’t get any OneDrive Cloud Storage, nor will you get the fancy new cloud-based AI features like Microsoft Copilot. While the apps should continue to work as long as your computer does, Microsoft’s support for this version of Office ends on Oct. 13, 2026.

To that last point: Though this is listed as a “lifetime license” — that is, the lifetime of the computer you installed it on — it’s worth noting there’s always a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license. Versions of StackSocial’s deal have been running for more than a year; the one we bought in early 2022, for instance, still works fine.

Sling TV, the live TV streaming service, announced the launch of 10 free video games for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. The company introduced Sling Arcade on Wednesday, sharing in a press release that the gaming experience is for all customers with Sling Freestream or a paid Sling subscription.

Simply open the app, choose a game and use your remote control to play games, including Tetris, Centipede, Solitaire Clash, Neon Rider, Wheel of Fortune, Sweet Sugar or Pixel Dash. Though you can enjoy gameplay on full screen, one of Arcade’s features is the option to play picture-in-picture while watching something else. Sling plans to add more supported devices and bulk up its game lineup in the coming months. You can look out for new releases ahead of major television events.

Sling TV offers multiple options for live TV streaming, including its free platform, Sling Freestream, and three paid tiers. Sling Orange and Sling Blue start at $40 per month, and Sling Orange & Blue costs $60 a month.

Sling isn’t the first streaming service to fold video game access into its app. Netflix first launched its slate of mobile games in 2021, and has grown its suite to more than 70 titles. For now, you can only play on mobile iOS or Android devices, but the streamer has been testing out gameplay on TVs, PCs and Macs. Selections include branded releases tied to Netflix original shows such as Stranger Things, and licensed franchise titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Microsoft Visio Pro 2021 is one of the must-have apps for professionals who need to create complex diagrams of all kinds. Whether you’re someone who needs to draw a network diagram to plan things out or you want to lay out a storyboard, Microsoft’s software has you covered. The app would normally cost around $310 — but if you place an order today, that price will drastically drop to just $24 when you enter the discount code ENJOY20.

We don’t know how long this deal is going to last, but StackSocial deals don’t tend to hang around for long, so be sure to place your order sooner rather than later.

Lifetime access to Visio Pro 2021 will cost you a whopping $310 if you purchase it through Microsoft directly, but with this deal, you only have to pay a fraction of that. The app features hundreds of templates and thousands of shapes and stencils for flow charts, timelines, floor plans and much more so you can distill complex processes into simple, easy-to-follow visual guides. Plus, it allows you to import data from other Microsoft programs like Excel.

Just note that this deal is only available to new users, and the license can only be used for a single PC running Windows 10 or 11. You’ll also need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription and access to the desktop version of Microsoft 365 apps, along with a Power BI and Power Automate subscription. And you’ll have to redeem this offer within 30 days of the purchase. Be sure to check out the full list of requirements on the StackSocial page if you’re at all unsure. And while you’re in a money-saving mood, maybe now is the perfect time to check out our list of the best laptop deals as well — go on, you deserve it.

It’s roll call time for anyone who grew up as a comic book kid in the ’90s with the release of the highly-anticipated X-Men ’97 on Disney Plus.

The new show is being pitched as a continuation of the hugely popular X-Men: The Animated Series which ran for five successful seasons. A stalwart of the Fox Kids Saturday morning lineup in the US, the cartoon provided a gateway into the Marvel universe for millions of youngsters.

As well as maintaining the look and feel of the original series — and that theme tune — the reboot is also set to feature much of the original voice talent, including Cal Dodd as Wolverine and Alison-Sealy Smith as Storm.

A recently-released trailer has thrown up a few clues as to what fans can expect of the 10-episode series.

Seemingly picking up from the finale of the original show, which concluded on the downbeat note with X-Men leader Charles Xavier on the brink of death, the teaser suggests that Cyclops has taken on the mantle of figurehead for the superhero cadre. Telepathic team member Jean Grey meanwhile appears to be pregnant, while there’s also a strong hint of an appearance from a friendly neighbourhood crime-fighter, with once scene showing a copy of the Daily Bugle with the headline “Is Spider-Man A Mutant?”

Follow our guide on how to watch X-Men ’97 and why a VPN could be a useful tool.

How to watch X-Men ’97 on Disney Plus

X-Men ’97 is set to premiere on Disney Plus with a double bill of episodeson Wednesday, March 20. A new episode is set to follow on March 27, with the remaining episodes released weekly from then on.

Release times haven’t been confirmed by Disney Plus, but the streaming service tends to make shows available at 12 a.m. PT, which is 3 a.m. ET, 8 a.m. GMT in the UK and 7 p.m. AEDT in Australia.

Disney Plus’ ad-free service costs more in the US, but you can also try out the new ad-free Disney bundle, which launched in September. The service’s ad-free tier increased to $140 a year or $14 a month, and there’s also an ad-based tier that costs $8 per month (no option to pay annually). Read more on how we tested Disney Plus’ ad-supported tier and what came with the price hike.

How to watch X-Men ’97 from anywhere using a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Disney Plus while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the series from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.

A VPN is the best way to encrypt your traffic and stop your ISP from throttling your speeds. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation and choose a country where X-Men ’97 is streaming on Disney Plus. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream the TV show on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you’re signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Disney Plus to stream.

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.

The next time you open the Max streaming service, music and chocolate may be on the menu.

Tomorrow, the 2023 film Wonka will join the spread of options on Max. The musical fantasy chronicles the early days of Roald Dahl’s iconic chocolatier, with Timothée Chalamet specializing in sweets as the young Willy Wonka. Paul King directs the song and sugar-filled spectacle (as he did the Paddington films), and the flick also stars Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Colman, Calah Lane and Rowan Atkinson.

Wonka, which received generally favorable reviews, according to Metacritic, could be the next streaming film to satisfy your palate. Here’s when you can watch the candy-coated flick on Max in the US, plus why a VPN may be worth considering.

When to watch Wonka on Max

Wonka will bring the sugar-fueled singing and dancing to Max in the early morning hours of March 8 (12:01 a.m. PT, 3:01 a.m. ET, to be exact).

If you aren’t a Max subscriber, you can get access to the ad-supported version of the service for $10 a month. That’s the cheapest tier Max offers, but opting for a higher priced tier removes commercials and adds the ability to download movies and shows. While you’re browsing Max, you can also stream Dune before you go see the Chalamet-starring sequel.

If you’d rather pass on subscribing, you can also buy Wonka for $20 from services such as Amazon and Vudu.

How to watch Wonka from anywhere with a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Max while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to access the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming, too.

A VPN is the best way to encrypt your traffic to stop your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and meets our security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose the US, where Wonka will be streaming on Max. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Wonka on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you’re signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Max to stream.

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services will restrict VPN access.

We all have plenty of devices to keep powered up every day, so a good charging station is an essential purchase these days. And right now, you can pick one up from one of the biggest names in power-related accessories with the Anker MagGo Qi2 magnetic charging station discounted by 20% at Amazon. This device was only recently released, unveiled in January at CES, and today’s price is the lowest we’ve seen it go. Just be sure to clip the on-page coupon for the 20% discount and grab this eight-in-one device for $80 when you do.

Wireless chargers are ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of having to constantly plug your phone into charge, especially if you tend to lose cables a lot. Anker’s magnetic charging station offers you auto-aligning magnetic charging, plus it also provides you with seven other ports and plugs for you to power up devices with. Those seven other charging options include three AC outlets, two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, and you can use all eight at once.

That means you can plop it on your desk and charge everything, from your phone to your laptop. In fact, with up to 67-watt charging available, you can get a MacBook Air up to 50% in around 25 minutes using the high-powered USB-C slot, so it’s quite handy. Note that the charging speeds per port vary depending on how many other ports are in use, so you’ll experience slower charging speeds per device the more you plug in at once.

As for the wireless charger, it’s Qi2-certified, meaning you get speedy 15-watt charging, and it works with the latest iPhones as well, so you have no worries there. The whole thing is run by Anker’s internal chip, which optimizes charging and makes sure it’s safe and efficient and with heat dissipation considerations prevent overheating.

Overall, it’s a solid pick if you’re looking for something that can handle multiple devices and charge at a high capacity. So if you’ve recently nabbed a new phone deal and want a modern charging station to go with it, this Anker device is a great option.