OUR TOP PICKS:

• FOR STUDYING: 13-inch MacBook Air with free AirPods — save $100

• FOR WORKING OUT: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — save $30

• FOR THE DORM: Insignia Smart HD Fire TV — save $70

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Even though summer vacation isn’t quite over yet, the back-to-school deals are already coming in hot. As students prepare to go back to in-person classes for the first time in over a year, this back-to-school season is expected to fuel lots of spending — and even more deals.

Last fall’s back-to-school season was way different than years past. There was much more emphasis on tech due to remote learning, and most physical school supplies became obsolete in the face of virtual Zoom school. Think about it: You didn’t need pens, backpacks, or new school clothes just to sit in front of the computer at home all day.

With students going back to full-time — or at minimum, hybrid — in-person learning, we’ll see more deals on traditional physical school supplies. Expect to see online discounts on everything from pens and pencils to planners and backpacks, as retailers get students excited to return to their classrooms. Amazon is already leading the pack with deals that give $10 off purchases of $25 or $100 worth of select school supplies.

Even though most schools are expected to return to in-person learning per the new CDC guidance, there’s a chance that hybrid models will be implemented for colleges, high schools, and even elementary schools. In short, we’re thinking that tech-forward learning is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.

With the flexibility of going remote at a moment’s notice and easy (or easier) communication between students and schools, having a good laptop or tablet on hand is almost a necessity. Luckily, back-to-school season is one of the best times to purchase laptops and tablets without completely draining your bank account, thanks to widespread deals. We’re already seeing Apple’s yearly education pricing, with free AirPods offered with the purchase of select MacBooks and iPads.

Whether you’re a parent looking to check crayons off an elementary school supply list or you’re a college student looking for a laptop that will take you through four years at a university, we’ve rounded up the best sales for the upcoming school year. This list will be regularly updated, so check back frequently for even more deals.

LAPTOPS

MacBook Pro with free AirPods — Starting at $1,199

The MacBook Pro is the laptop of choice for most college students, and for good reason. While it’s pricey, the latest edition with Apple’s exclusive M1 chip is the most powerful laptop Apple has put out to date — making it a worthy investment for your college career. With super-fast performance and graphics that beat out previous MacBook generations by a landslide, the MacBook Pro is ideal for completing assignments, running large apps, editing photos and videos, and more.

You’ll be able to choose from 13-inch or 16-inch models and customize your storage. As an added bonus, if you buy your MacBook Pro from the Apple Store, you’ll score a free pair of AirPods with purchase.

13-inch MacBook Air with free AirPods — Starting at $899

Don’t need all the bells and whistles of a MacBook Pro? Get the lighter, cheaper MacBook Air for $100 off the regular price, and score a free pair of AirPods while you’re at it. Choose the 8-Core CPU, 7-Core GPU model with 256GB storage for $899, or select the 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU version with 512GB Storage for $1,149. You’ll also score three months of Apple TV plus with purchase of either configuration, so you’ll have something to watch when you’re taking breaks from doing homework.

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop — $445.97

A 2-in-1 laptop offers the most versatility and portability for college students, and this Asus Chromebook Flip is a great option. It has a 14-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge, and a quick processor for solid multitasking. It’s also super lightweight at only three pounds, so taking it from the dorm to class and back again won’t break your back.

Dell New Inspiron 15 Laptop — $599 with code STUDENT50

A great mid-priced option, the Inspiron 15 runs on an 11th Gen Intel Core processor, making multitasking a breeze. The interior fan design has been optimized from previous generations, so it’s ultra-quiet and keeps the laptop running quickly. It also has basically every port you’ll ever need (including an SD card reader, multiple USBs, and a USB-C) so it’s a good option for any student who will be transferring lots of files.

Samsung CB4 11.6″ Celeron 4GB/32GB Chromebook — $129

At only $129, this Samsung Chromebook is a great budget laptop option for younger students who still need solid tech at home. It’s completely Google Classroom compatible, has a compact 13.3-inch display, and gets up to 12.5 hours of battery life — so it will hold up to full days of remote learning for kids who end up on a hybrid schedule for the upcoming school year.

TABLETS

iPad Air — Starting at $549

Portability is the name of the game with the iPad Air. Students who are constantly on the go will appreciate the lightweight design — it’s perfect for taking to class instead of lugging around a full-sized laptop. The upgraded 7MP FaceTime HD camera has improved low-light performance too, so if you end up in Zoom school again, you’re covered.

iPad Pro — Starting at $749

The iPad Pro is ideal for anyone studying digital art, graphic design, or other creative pursuits in college. The M1 chip makes for speedy performance and an ultra-long battery life, while Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard compatibility mean that you basically won’t need a laptop ever again.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 — $699

For students studying art and graphic design, a high-quality tablet is non-negotiable. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is endlessly versatile — it can go from your desk, to class, to the couch, to bed with ease. It boasts all-day battery life, so it will hold up to long school days, and the 10th Gen Intel Core processor will ensure all your multitasking is seamless.

HEADPHONES

AirPods Pro — $197

The beloved AirPods Pro are once again nearly $60 off, just in time for back-to-school season. With a compact design, active noise canceling, and a customizable fit thanks to multiple silicone tip options, it’s no wonder everyone either has or wants a pair.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones — $249

If tiny wireless earbuds just aren’t your jam, the Bose QC 35’s have great noise cancellation technology and a comfy, padded fit for a solid price. You’ll score three levels of active noise canceling, sound customization through the paired app, and the high-quality audio that Bose is known for.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — $169.99

If the college student in your life needs to stay on task from class to the gym to the library, grab them these Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. You’ll get active noise cancellation, immersive sound, water resistance, a compact charging case, and a long battery life — all in a size that’s perfect to toss in a backpack.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones — $249.99

Named the model with the best smart features in our noise canceling headphones roundup, the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones offer superb noise cancellation, hands-free controls, and crisp, clear audio. The built-in atmospheric pressure optimizer controls sound at high altitudes, so they’re ideal for college students who will be taking frequent flights back home and need to get work done on the way. They also feature up to 30 hours of battery life, voice control capabilities, and a smartphone app that allows you to customize your sound.

DORM ESSENTIALS

Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV — $129.99

For weekend Netflix marathons and kicking back after long study sessions, a TV is a must for college students. This 32-inch Insignia TV is the perfect size to fit in small dorm rooms, and it comes equipped with Fire TV smart integration, giving you easy access to all your favorite streaming sites.

Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker — $60

Balancing college classes, work, internships, and a social life is hard, but that’s why there’s coffee. Stock up your dorm with this compact single-serve Keurig to quench your caffeine habit. It will fit in even the smallest corner, makes cups up to 12 ounces, and can brew directly into most travel mugs. Your drink will also be ready in just two minutes — so you’ll never be late to class because you were waiting in line at Starbucks.

Galanz Two Door Compact Refrigerator with Freezer — $149

Many traditional dorms don’t have kitchens, so you have to get creative if you want to eat anything other than dining hall food during your first few years of college. Getting a mini-fridge means you can store all your favorite snacks and drinks in your room — perfect for when a late-night snack attack hits. This one has a freezer, two shelves, a vegetable crisper drawer, a can dispenser, and storage for two-liter bottles.

Ninja CE251 Programmable Coffee Brewer — $79.99

College and coffee go hand-in-hand. This programmable coffee maker can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance, so the student in your life can have hot coffee before every morning class (and they’ll never be late because of it).

Wayfair Dorm Decor and Essentials —Get up to 70% off

From microwaves to bathroom decor, Wayfair has everything you need to make your dorm room feel like a home. Score pillows and mattress toppers that will make the hard dorm bed more comfy, show off your personal style with printed duvet covers and sheet sets, or grab some organizational tools to help you keep all your belongings in order.

The Container Store — Students get 15% off purchases through Aug. 15

Dorm rooms aren’t known for being the most spacious, and if you’re sharing a room with someone else, it’s important to stay neat and organized. The Container Store has college students covered this back-to-school season, and they’re currently offering 15% off all purchases through Aug. 15 when you sign up on their website. With that being said, feel free to go crazy with under-bed storage, closet solutions, and bathroom organization — you’ll be the most put-together student in your dorm.

Headspace annual membership — $34.99

College can be rough, and students should definitely prioritize their mental health. A Headpsace membership will offer college kids the tools they need to relax and remain mindful, even when they’re cramming for a big test or writing those long research papers. Currently, annual memberships are half off, so they’re price-accessible for college students, too.

Hulu student membership — $1.99 per month

Let’s be real, college isn’t all studying and going to class — students deserve to stream their favorite shows and movies, too. Hulu offers $1.99 monthly memberships to folks who are enrolled in a college or university, so even if you’re a broke college kid, you can still watch and rewatch all the episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

16 Count EXPO Chisel Tip Dry Erase and Expo Whiteboard Board Eraser — $21.55

Teachers and students alike know that dry-erase markers get pricey. This bundle deal gives you 16 chisel-tipped Expo markers in vibrant colors and a whiteboard eraser for over 50% off — perfect for stocking the classroom.

Save $10 when you buy $25 in select school supplies from Amazon

Just need a few things for this school year? This Amazon promo will give you $25 worth of select school supplies for just $15. Save on dry-erase markers, felt tip pens, mechanical pencils, and so much more.

Get $10 off when you purchase $100 or more in school supplies from Amazon

If you’re buying supplies for multiple kids or just have an extra-long school supply list this year, this Amazon promo will save you a bit of cash. When you add $100 worth of select school supplies to your cart, you’ll automatically get a $10 discount. There are over 100 qualifying items (You’ll find everything from glue sticks to highlighters), and most of them are on sale, too.

PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box — Starting at $15.83

Keep your food cool until lunchtime with a PackIt lunch box. Select patterns are up to 28% off on Amazon, and they’re perfect for anyone who takes their own lunch to school. Just toss the whole lunch box in the freezer the night before and sandwiches, snacks, and drinks will stay cold all day — no extra ice packs needed.

Purell Hand Sanitizer and Wipes — Starting at $11.99

Disinfecting products are now school essentials, so stock up while you can get a discount. Amazon is offering 20% off a slew of Purell products — from classic hand sanitizer to bulk hand sanitizing wipes — that will keep things safe and clean in the classroom.

JanSport Cortlandt 15-inch Laptop Backpack — $26.93

JanSport is the go-to student backpack brand for a reason, and this one is an upgrade from the classic style. The Cortlandt pack caters to college and tech-forward students with a padded laptop sleeve that fits computers up to 15 inches, and it has multiple organization compartments. You’ll get the sturdy functionality that JanSport is known for, plus a little bit of added style with a vegan leather base and trim details.

Explore related content:

• Best laptops for students: See where the MacBook falls on our list

• 13 of the best laptop backpacks, based on Amazon reviews

• The best tablet to buy for your kid

Zoombombing is about to cost the popular video conferencing company a large amount of money.

According to a report by Techcrunch, Zoom agreed on Monday to settle a lawsuit against the company for violating users’ privacy. The cost of that settlement for Zoom: $85 million.

At the heart of the lawsuit, which was filed in March 2020, is Zoombombing, which is when uninvited users would gain entry into a Zoom meeting and, often, try to interrupt it.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of the video conferencing service suddenly exploded. Zoom basically went from being a mostly business-to-business application to becoming a customer-oriented household name overnight.

However, problems quickly rose due to this sudden burst in popularity. Exploits that previously went unnoticed were being weaponized by nefarious actors. Malicious users were quickly finding how easy it was to gain access into any Zoom meeting by just finding or figuring out the private URL for a session.

Business calls were interrupted by trolls, online classrooms were spammed with pornography. The privacy situation became such a big problem that Zoom suspended development of new features and solely focused on fixing security issues.

Along with Zoombombing, the lawsuit also mentions security issues related to the service’s sharing of personal data with third party companies. Zoom was found to be secretly sharing data with platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook last year.

The settlement still requires approval from a U.S. District judge. If approved, Zoom customers may receive a partial refund of 15 percent of their subscription or $25. Other users can also receive up to $15.

In addition to the monetary settlement, Zoom has also agreed to improve security on their platform and let meeting hosts know when an attendee is using third-party apps.

Zoom previously settled a complaint from the FTC late last year over its privacy and security issues. However, the FTC settlement did not require that Zoom compensate its customers or even pay a monetary fine at all.

These days, you can’t watch anything on a free YouTube account without being interrupted 27 times by the same Eugene Levy car commercial. For those of us who would rather endure that than pay $11.99 per month for YouTube Premium to get rid of ads, YouTube is testing an interesting alternative in parts of Europe.

First spotted on ResetEra and confirmed by The Verge, there’s a new, cheaper version of Premium called YouTube Premium Lite that select users in places like Finland, Norway, and Luxembourg can test out. It cuts the monthly European price of Premium nearly in half, from €11.99 to €6.99, and rids subscribers of advertising. The only problem is that it doesn’t do anything else.

A full Premium subscription offers not only an ad-free viewing experience, but also offline downloads, YouTube Music perks, and the ability to keep a YouTube video playing in the background while another app is open. To echo an important point made by The Verge, Premium Lite cuts out almost all of the Premium perks with only a 40 percent reduction in price. If this service makes its way to the U.S. with the same price drop, it might not be an especially great value.

Considering it’s still in limited regional testing, however, that’s a big “if.” Premium Lite might never come out at all, or it might come out with a couple extra features or a cheaper price. At the very least, it’s good that YouTube is looking at different ways to free us from the clutches of terrible commercials.

Itching for a binge watch? You crave a story that will sweep you up, characters who will captivate, and a runtime that will wash away more hours than your average movie but not an entire weekend. Then, you want the cozy comforts of a mini-series. Within a few episodes, such televisions shows can unfurl rich tales, horrific, historic, heady, or even hilarious. Whether you’re in the mood for gripping thrillers, poignant dramas, royal romance, iconoclastic humor, or wild adventure, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the best mini-series now available on HBO Max:

1. Watchmen

In this 2019 superhero show, Damon Lindelof boldly re-imagines the iconic comic book series from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Taking place decades after the events in the comics, this Watchmen centers on Sister Night (Regina King), a Tulsa Police detective who wears a nun-like costume to fight crime. In this striking guise, she combats the rising power of a white supremacist group known as the Seventh Kavalry. Thankfully, she won’t have to do it alone, as she’s got some super friends of her own. Tim Blake Nelson, Jean Smart, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jeremy Irons, and Hong Chau co-star, playing characters complex, outrageous, and absolutely riveting. Weaving mature themes with graphic violence and daring socio-political commentary, this audacious adaptation won critical acclaim, a vociferous fan following, and a whopping 11 Emmy Awards, including one for King.

How to watch: Watchmen is streaming on HBO Max.

2. Angels in America

This moving 2003 mini-series is adapted from Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning two-part stage play, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. Combining fictional characters, historical figures, and ardent symbolism, this ambitious drama was a brazen condemnation of homophobia and America’s handling of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Its story follows several gay men, some suffering from AIDS, some suffering from shame, and most suffering from heartbreak. All of whom are played with soul-gripping conviction. Director Mike Nichols brought together an impeccable ensemble, boasting Broadway stars and movie legends like Patrick Wilson, Justin Kirk, Jeffrey Wright, Emma Thompson, Mary-Louise Parker, Al Pacino, and Meryl Streep. Their efforts combined led not only to radiant critical praise but also 11 Emmy awards, including acting honors Wright, Parker, Streep, and Pacino.

How to watch: Angels in America is streaming on HBO Max.

3. Mare of Easttown

25 years ago, Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) was a star high school athlete with a promising future ahead of her. Nowadays, she’s a bitter, divorced detective whose name is being dragged through the mud over a missing persons case she couldn’t solve. When another local girl vanishes, Mare must push aside personal dramas—and inner demons—to crack the case. This small but gruff blue-collar town outside of Philadelphia is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. So, surely someone must know something. Creator Brad Ingelsby brings together a crackling cast that includes Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart, Angourie Rice, Guy Pearce, and Evan Peters. Together, they build an enveloping atmosphere of snark and suspicion and a darkly amusing crime drama that had tongues wagging, critics cheering, and jaws dropped. It’s no mystery how Mare of Easttown earned 16 Emmy nominations in 2021.

How to watch: Mare of Easttown is streaming on HBO Max.

4. The Lady and the Dale

HBO has a library of sensational true crime offerings, yet this 2021 mini-series is uniquely fascinating. Directors Nick Cammilleri and Zackary Drucker unfurl the times and trials of Elizabeth Carmichael, who was not only a nationally recognized automobile executive and infamous con artist, but also a wife, mother, and transgender trailblazer. For decades, her story has been framed by those who despise her, resulting in a narrative rife with speculation and transphobia. In this challenging and boldly funny four-episode documentary mini-series, Carmichael’s story is reclaimed by balancing the perspective of her haters with in-depth interviews with those who knew her best. With animated photography, a playful soundtrack, and a cheeky sense of adventure, The Lady and The Dale aims not only to showcase the complexity of the late Carmichael, but also to capture her spirit. All this makes for a watch that is surprising, thrilling, and unforgettable.

How to watch: The Lady and the Dale is streaming on HBO Max.

5. From the Earth to the Moon

Based on Andrew Chaikin’s non-fiction book A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts, this stellar mini-series rocketed audiences back to the ‘60s and ‘70s to reveal the incredible true stories within NASA’s Apollo program. Produced by Tom Hanks, From The Earth To The Moon was beyond ambitious. Over the course of 12 episodes, it told numerous stories, folding in decades of aeronautics history and heroics, as well as 30 portrayals of the astronauts who flew—or were ready to fly—on the Apollo missions. On top of that, remarkable special effects were created to make these trips to the stars feel real to a home audience, putting is in the shoes—or space suits—of these legendary explorers. This 1998 event launched as “TV’s Biggest Mini-Series” and soon landed the Primetime Emmy win for Best Mini-series. So, take a trip back to see what all the buzz was about.

How to watch: From the Earth to the Moon is streaming on HBO Max.

6. Elizabeth I

The daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, Elizabeth I of England was born into royally outrageous drama, which would define her whole life. This heralded 2005 mini-series focuses on the last 24 years of her 45-year reign, beginning as the so-called Virgin Queen approached middle age. Don’t be fooled by her nickname. This 16th-century monarch had a healthy appetite for sex and romance. But to marry—as her advisors pressure—would mean surrendering her throne to some man who would-be king. Dame Helen Mirren brings the fire of passion and fury to her vibrant portrayal of Elizabeth. Lending support as her leading men are the dashing Jeremy Irons and the dreamy-eyed Hugh Dancy. Under the helm of Tom Hooper, history comes alive in a sweeping two-part mini-series that won 9 Emmys. This included honors for Irons, Hooper, and Mirren as well as Best Mini-series. From its rich production design to its heart-pounding performances and rousing drama, it’s easy to see why.

How to watch: Elizabeth I is streaming on HBO Max.

7. True Detective

From the moment Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson were cast as a duo of detectives on the hunt for an elusive killer, this 2014 show screamed “prestige TV.” Shortly after its debut, this neo-noir mini-series had audiences screaming too, hollering in horror of the unnerving visuals, cheering over its immersive cinematography, and yarn-walling over how it might end. Heralded filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga helmed the entire premiere season with aplomb, creating a rich world of Southern-fried intrigue, blood-curdling violence, and mind-bending philosophy. Critics cheered. Audiences tuned in, and the Primetime Emmys presented five awards to this daring drama. Sure, all that success led to writer Nic Pizzolatto spinning new stories for successive seasons. But it all began as one damn fine mini-series.

How to watch: True Detective is streaming on HBO Max.

8. Miracle Workers

While mini-series are often dramas, occasionally a comedy breaks through. And no comedy compares with the outside-the-box antics of 2019’s Miracle Workers. It began as a seven-episode arc about two bumbling angels trying to save the world from annihilation by winning a bet with a frustrated God. This might sound like a premise ripe for an epic quest! Instead, creator Simon Rich imagined an office comedy where angels are listless, irritable, or incompetent, and God is a needy, fitful oaf who can’t even impress his parents. “Irreverent” doesn’t even begin to describe the jokes at play here, and the cast—centered around Daniel Radcliffe, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Steve Buscemi—makes a meal of every absurd turn, goofy visual gag, and jolting one-liner. Like True Detective, this mini-series was so great that it upgraded to anthology with its following seasons. Thankfully, Miracle Workers’ kept its cast through a second season in a merciless medieval setting and a third upon the treacherous Oregon Trail. That this bonkers but brilliant show exists is a miracle.

How to watch: Miracle Workers is streaming on HBO Max.

9. I May Destroy You

English writer/actress/producer Michaela Coel first broke-through with her cheeky, sex-centric comedy series Chewing Gum. With this addictive follow-up, her provocative humor oozes to darker corners, exploring the issues of social media influence, anti-Black racism, consent, and rape culture. In I May Destroy You, Coel stars as Arabella Essiedu, a twenty-something writer who relishes a wild night out on the town. But when one such night ends with a blackout, bloody forehead, and troubling flashbacks, Arabella turns to her friends, new lovers, and lots of dubious distractions to cope. Surrounded by a suitably superb cast, which includes Weruche Opia and Paapa Essiedu, Coel delivers an electrifying portrayal of a woman on the verge. Her critically heralded 12-part creation has won two BAFTAs, one for her lead performance, the other for Best Mini-Series. Plus, it has earned 9 Primetime Emmy nominations for 2021.

How to watch: I May Destroy You is streaming on HBO Max.

10. Over the Garden Wall

Adventure Time creative director Patrick McHale dreamed up this distinctive animated mini-series, which first debuted on Cartoon Network in the fall of 2014. Deep in a mysterious forest, two half-brothers, the plucky Greg (Collin Dean) and fretful Wirt (Elijah Wood), are terribly lost. To find their way home, this bickering duo must trust in the kindness of strangers, like a harrowed woodsman (Christopher Lloyd), a batty baron (John Cleese), a demanding witch (Tim Curry), and a backtalking bluebird (Melanie Lynskey). But all the while, they must avoid the shadowy, deceitful Beast (Samuel Ramey), who would make them a meal for his terrible hunger. Influenced by folk lore and the Rubber Hose animation aesthetic, Over The Garden Wall paints an enchanting yet unnerving world of wonders and perils. With untamed imagination, an enthralling voice cast, and ten 11-minute episodes, its story is unfurled swiftly and satisfyingly, making it an easy and excellent binge.

How to watch: Over the Garden Wall is streaming on HBO Max.

Call it a game, call it a platform, call it a metaverse, call it whatever you want, really. Fortnite is a huge stage for all sorts of shenanigans, and that stage will soon host Ariana Grande.

She’s kicking off the Rift Tour on Aug. 6, with a full weekend of events planned to ensure that Fortnite fans of all ages and time zones can have a chance to check it out. Epic Games announced the news on Sunday alongside a short trailer hyping the event.

Tweet may have been deleted

Epic recommends that fans plan to arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled start times for each event. Then, 30 minutes before showtime, the “Rift Tour Playlist” of Fortnite-themed experiences “pairing popular tracks with moments based on elements from the game” will go live.

Assuming the Rift Tour follows the lead of past Fortnite engagements with music stars, Grande will show up and perform a short, likely pre-recorded concert. There will be five shows in all between Friday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 8. (You can find the full schedule here.)

Of course, no Fortnite event is truly complete without Epic giving fans the opportunity to spend money on themed digital items. Grande’s “Icon Series” in the Fortnite Item Shop will include an outfit and “Piggy Smallz Back Bling.” Everyone who attends one of the shows will also receive a free “Cuddly Cloudcruiser” umbrella in-game, to snazz up their journeys from the Battle Bus to the ground.

These in-game Fortnite events tend to be cool experiences where the game piece of the experience falls by the wayside as fans gather to just soak in the vibe. Epic’s decision to stage multiple shows over the course of the weekend, and at wildly different times, should give everyone a chance to hop in and watch things “live.” Just make sure your copy of Fortnite is up-to-date well in advance.

Lil Nas X hit yet another monumental milestone, and though this one’s not as, uh, positive as past milestones, he’s still celebrating with a tweet.

The 22-year-old rapper consistently slays the charts and captures hearts on Twitter, but now he’s finally surpassed one million dislikes on a YouTube video for the first time. Congrats, king.

On Saturday, a fan account tweeted a screenshot of Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” music video and announced that the video had surpassed one million dislikes.

“It becomes his first video on Youtube to reach this milestone. Congrats @LilNasX,” the user wrote.

Staying true to his remarkably sassy, quick-witted Twitter persona, Lil Nas X quote tweeted the piece of news and wrote, “thank u to everyone who made this possible. i am nothing without you guys lack of support.”

Iconic.

Tweet may have been deleted

Lil Nas X has recently been making headlines because of his latest music video, “Industry Baby,” which comments on his success and sexuality while taking viewers through a narrative set in the fictional Montero State Prison. Lil Nas X partnered with The Bail Project, a national nonprofit that seeks to end cash bail, ahead of the video’s launch to raise funds to help financially assist those who are incarcerated.

But “Industry Baby” is only the rapper’s latest video to receive backlash.

Prior to “Industry Baby,” conservatives were outraged over the rapper’s milestone-reaching “Montero (CMBYM)” music video, which features themes related to religion and sexuality. If you’re unfamiliar with “Montero,” it’s the video that shows the rapper pole dancing his way to hell and giving the devil a lap dance. Here, see for yourself.

A controversial “Satan Shoes” collaboration with art brand MSCHF also accompanied the music video release, though the shoes have since been recalled after a lawsuit from Nike, which reached a settlement in April.

Lil Nas X stayed strong and committed to himself and the video’s messaging during heavy “Montero (CMBYN)” backlash from religious conservatives, but the recent one million dislikes milestone shows that some people might not be ready to get over the video just yet.

Oh well. “Montero (CMBYN)” haters may think that one million dislikes is a damning number, but it’s nowhere near as impressive a count as the 8.2 million likes the music video has.

Looks like Lil Nas X won another round.

Many people consider the Olympics to be the ultimate platform for competition, and though that may be true, some of the best Olympic moments happen when athletes work together.

On Sunday, for instance, not one but two athletes from competing countries took home an Olympic gold medal after a competition resulted in a rare but heartwarming tie. How? Well, Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi — who happen to be friends on and off the track —agreed to share a gold medal in the men’s high jump.

Both athletes performed successful high jumps at 2.37 meters (7 feet, 8 inches) but each missed the Olympic-record high jump of 2.39 meters (7 feet, 10 inches) three times. Rather than embarking on another tie-breaking jump-off, the two decided to be co-gold medalists.

During the deciding huddle, Barshim asked a track official if they could each have a gold medal. After learning that a tie was possible, the competitors agreed, embraced, and went on to celebrate with their fans.

Peacock’s official Twitter account tweeted a clip of the special moment, and we’re not going to lie, you may get emotional.

Tweet may have been deleted

“Talk about Olympic spirit. The Olympic spirit is to build a peaceful and better world in the Olympic sphere which requires mutual understanding with the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play,” a commentator can be heard saying during the clip. “And we see this explained today so beautifully as they both get to share this gold medal moment.”

“I still can’t believe it happened,” Tamberi told the Associated Press. “Sharing with a friend is even more beautiful. … It was just magical.”

“For me, coming here, I know for a fact that for the performance I did, I deserve that gold,” Barshim said. “He did the same thing, so I know he deserved that gold.”

This gold will be Barshim’s third medal (all in the high jump), and Tamberi’s first Olympic medal.

“I was in ecstasy. My heart was exploding,” Tamberi told the AP. “I was just full of emotions and I just screamed at him before he got in the blocks and I just supported him. I’m the captain of the national team so I just felt to do something.”

Barshim was thrilled as well and hopes this tie sent a positive message to younger generations.

“He’s one of my best friends. Not only on the track but outside of the track,” Barshim told the AP. “We’re always together almost. True spirit, sportsmen spirit, coming here and delivering this message.”

“[I] appreciate what he’s done, he appreciates what I’ve done. This is amazing.”

As fun as it is to blast your favorite songs (or Netflix shows) from your PC speakers, it’s generally a no-no for those of us who live with others. That’s where a good pair of Bluetooth headphones comes in.

Connecting a pair of Bluetooth headphones to a Windows PC is, thankfully, incredibly easy and comes with a few upsides. For starters, you won’t need to run a cable from your head to your laptop or desktop tower, plus you might even be able to get up and go over to the next room without pausing playback if need be.

So let’s walk through this fairly simple connection process.

Make sure your PC has Bluetooth

It would be pretty embarrassing to sit down with a nice, new pair of Bluetooth headphones and find out that the PC you’re using can’t even natively support them. So before you go out and buy those headphones you’ve been coveting, let’s do the bare minimum and make sure they’ll actually work with the computer you use every day.

The good news is that it takes just a few seconds to do that. On Windows 10, mouse over to the lower-right corner of the screen, to the right of the date and time on the taskbar. This is where system-level notifications usually show up, but if you click on it, it should open something called the “action center” with a few options along the bottom. One of those should be to toggle Bluetooth on or off. Simply put, if you see that, you have Bluetooth. Congratulations!

Another way to do this, on both Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, is to open the Start menu and type “Bluetooth” into the search bar. If that takes you to a menu called something like “Bluetooth and other devices,” you’re good to go. To be honest, Windows laptop and desktop owners shouldn’t have to worry about this unless they bought their device several years ago. If you fall into the no-Bluetooth camp, you can get a USB Bluetooth transmitter for less than $15.

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a PC

This is the fun part. Alright, not really, but at least if you’ve been following along, you should be able to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your PC in a jiffy. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps in Windows 10 and you should be able to enjoy your music without bothering your roommates or neighbors:

1. Navigate to the Windows Bluetooth menu using either the action center next to the date and time on the taskbar (right-click the Bluetooth toggle and click “Go to Settings”), or by searching for “Bluetooth” in the Start menu. If Bluetooth is toggled off, make sure to turn it on.

2. Make sure your headphones are in pairing mode. They may have a dedicated button for this, or it might be a more arcane command. If you don’t know how, consult the device manual.

3. Click “Add Bluetooth or other device.” On the following screen, select “Bluetooth.”

4. If everything has gone according to plan, your headphones should be in pairing mode and they should show up on the list of Bluetooth devices your PC recognizes in the vicinity. Click the device name and then click “Connect.”

In Windows 8.1, the process is marginally different, though similarly simple. Put the headphones in pairing mode, type “Bluetooth” into the Start menu field, head to the Bluetooth settings menu, and select the headphones to connect them to the PC.

Assuming nothing went wrong, your Bluetooth headphones should now be paired to your PC. It’s that easy, folks. Even better is the fact that you should only need to go through those steps once; turn on the headphones in the vicinity of that PC again, and they should automatically connect.

The Olympic games last more than two weeks, which means even the most dedicated fans are bound to miss something. Thanks to Peacock, however, Olympics FOMO is a thing of the past. The streaming service enlisted two of the funniest commentators in history, Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart, to catch everyone up on the most memorable moments — both good and not so good — from the games.

Since the Tokyo Olympics started, one participant in particular has really caught the attention of Snoop Dogg. It’s not a human athlete, though. It’s a *checks notes* horse. Yes, that’s right. When watching a clip from an Olympics event — Equestrian Dressage, if you’re curious — Snoop took a moment to express deep admiration for a horse that appeared to be Crip Walking.

“The horse crip-walking! You see that? That’s sick,” he exclaimed. “This horse is off the chain! I gotta get this motherfucker in a video,” the rapper continued, to Hart’s delightThe iconic duo not only has remarkable chemistry behind the desk, but they both conduct in-person and virtual interviews during their segments.

They’ve already chatted with track and field star Will Claye, skateboarder Nyjah Huston, and the star of the opening ceremony, Pita Taufatofua, the beloved shirtless flagbearer from Tonga.

Someone give these two a gold medal for Olympics commentary, please.

So, you want a fresh start.

Maybe you’re sick of the way your iPhone is set up, or you’re sick of being confronted with the realities of the past four years every time you unlock your home screen. Perhaps you just want a change of pace.

There are plenty of reasons to want to reset your iPhone — including wanting to give your phone to someone else or get rid of it altogether without fearing someone will gain access to everything you’ve said or done on the device since you bought it.

In order to fully reset your iPhone to factory settings, you’ll need your device’s passcode to unlock it and the iCloud account password and information. Before you reset your phone, you might also want to back it up, just in case. That way, if you want to use another iPhone in the future, it’ll be easier to transfer over all of your settings. Backing up your phone will also ensure access to your photos and data in the future, too.

It will take a few steps to reset your phone completely, but here’s how you can do it:

Turn off Find My

Navigate to your main settings on your phone and click your name at the top. This will take you to a page with your Apple ID and iCloud information, along with information about your media and purchases. Scroll down and click Find My. At the top of the page, click Find My iPhone. Then, turn Find My iPhone and Find My network off.

Turn off iCloud

You’re going to repeat a bit of what you did in the first step, here. You’ll want to navigate to your main settings on your phone and click your name at the top. This will, once again, take you to a page with your Apple ID and iCloud information, along with information about your media and purchases. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page, which says Apple ID at the top, and click Sign Out. Now, you’ll enter your Apple ID Password, and sign out.

Reset your iPhone

Now it’s time to fully reset your iPhone. Go to the main settings page on your phone and scroll down to General. Scroll all the way to the bottom of this page, click Reset and then click Erase All Content and Settings. It will ask you to confirm this decision a few times, and once you’ve selected it, it will take a bit to fully reset. Then, you’ll be navigated back to that famous welcome screen.