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Whether you’re suffering from “Adolescence,” exploring “The Residence,” or reconciling “Severance,” there are always streaming bangers and cliffhangers to catch up on. But before you start “Daredevil: Born Again,” maybe your setup could use some redemption. Luckily, there are some top-notch lifestyle projectors discounted during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Just think of all the crunchy snacks you can get with the hundreds you saved. But these prices are only good through the end of today, March 31, so act fast.

XGIMI AURA 2 Dolby Vision/IMAX Enhanced 2300 ISO Lumens UST Laser Projector — $2,294 (was $2,699)

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We’ve big fans of the latest generation of XGIMI projectors—and have been particularly impressed by the flagship ultra-short-throw AURA 2. So we can wholeheartedly recommend picking it up while it enjoys its first-ever discount. If you have a blank wall in a room with low light, the AURA 2’s Dual Light 2.0 system (tri-laser + LED) and 2300 ISO Lumens can deliver excellent peak brightness and contrast up to 150 inches of vivid, Dolby Vision/IMAX Enhanced-compatible content with excellent color reproduction and dynamic range, even during the day. (And in a totally dark room, it’s even better.) The picture is pretty accurate even pre-calibration, and there are many ways to optimize the image for your environment. There are ways to adapt to a wall’s color and texture, so a screen isn’t a must … though it’s always preferable. The projector uses pixel-shifting to upscale content to 4K, but it’s still crisp and a noticeable improvement over 1080p. Plentiful inputs allow you to use an Apple TV, Kaleidescape, or whatever type of streamer you prefer (delivering enhanced playback and getting around the Netflix limitations, etc. of Android TV). Accompanying the visuals are equally expressive audio, thanks to a 60W four-speaker Harman Kardon system that creates effective ambience. You won’t even need some of our favorite speakers for projectors (though there’s no shame in wanting the widest soundstage possible to match those cinematic vistas). If you’ve got a wall, the AURA 2 is a winner that’s even sweeter during this sale—the last-minute upgrade that brings lasting enjoyment.

XGIMI MoGo Pro 3 450 ISO Lumens Outdoor Projector with PowerBase Stand, Licensed Netflix — $424 (was $499)

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If you’re looking for a portable projector for movie nights in the backyard, the XGIMI MoGo Pro 3 is a perfect companion for a fire pit and s’mores. Packaged with a PowerBase stand that provides 2.5 hours of battery (and Google TV for Netflix), the MoGo Pro 3 is great for viewing parties with a few friends—whether you’re hanging out on a picnic blanket or in the common room. The built-in stand and auto keystone correction of this Stanley Cup-sized projector mean it’s easy to set up anywhere. You can get a 1080P image up to 120 inches, and dual 5-watt Harman Kardon speakers mean you don’t have to bring along a separate speaker (though you could). And it’s also great for just adding vibe to a house party thanks to its ambient light modes.

Other XGIMI projectors on sale

• XGIMI HORIZON S Max $1,609 (was $1,899)
• XGIMI HORIZON Ultra $1,349 (was $1,699)
• XGIMI Elfin Flip $279 (was $399)
• XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro $275 (was $499)

The post It’s the last day to save hundreds on some of our favorite projectors appeared first on Popular Science.

Variations on the classic Merlin and King Arthur legends span hundreds, if not thousands, of retellings. Many are documented within handwritten medieval manuscripts dating back over a millenia—but some editions are far rarer than others. For example, less than 40 copies are known to exist of a once-popular sequel series, the Suite Vulgate du Merlin. In 2019, researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered fragments of one more copy in their collections, tucked inside the recycled binding of a wealthy family’s property record from the 16th century. But at the time of discovery, the text was impossible to read.

Now after years of painstaking collaborative work with the university’s Cultural Heritage Imaging Laboratory (CHIL), archivists have finally been able to peer inside the obscured texts—without ever needing to physically handle the long-lost pages.

Experts combined multiple conservation tools and techniques to construct a 3D model of the fragments. These included multispectral imaging (MSI), which creates high-resolution images by scanning an artifact with wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to infrared light. After borrowing X-ray and CT machines from Cambridge’s zoology department, the team then examined the parchment layers to map unseen binding structures without the need to deconstruct the delicate material. CT scanning allowed researchers to examine how the pages were stitched together using thin strips of similar parchment.

Some of the Merlin texts were unreadable due to being hidden under folds or stitching, so the team also needed to amass hundreds of images from every angle using an array of magnets, prisms, mirrors, and other tools. The combined result is a high-definition, digitized 3D model of the entire relic that unfolds, allowing experts to analyze it as though reviewing the physical manuscript itself.

“If this had been done 30 years ago, the fragment might have been cut, unfolded, and flattened. But today, preserving it in situ gives us a crucial insight into 16th-century archival practices, as well as access to the medieval story itself,” Irène Fabry-Tehranchi, a French specialist in the Cambridge University Library’s collections department who helped oversee the project, said in a statement.

The results revealed not just a part of Suite Vulgate du Merlin, but insights into the time period in which it existed. Experts now believe the sections originally belonged to a shortened edition of the tale. Given small typographical errors as well as the red and blue ink used in its handwritten decorated initials, historians traced its origins to sometime between 1275–1315 CE.

The original edition was written in Old French, the language used by the medieval aristocracy and courts of England after the Norman Conquest, while the 16th century binding contains two repurposed sections. Fabry-Tehranchi and colleagues at first believed it to be a 14th century story involving Sir Gawain.

“Further examination revealed it to be part of the Old French Vulgate Merlin sequel, a different and extremely significant Arthurian text,” she said.

The first portion recalls the Christians’ victory against the Saxons at the Battle of Cambénic, including a fight involving Gauvain, his brothers, and his father King Loth versus the Saxon Kings Brandalus, Dodalis, Moydas, and Oriancés. The second scene is a courtly sequence that takes place during the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and includes Merlin appearing in Arthur’s court while disguised as a harpist.

With the sections translated and digitally preserved, the team hopes the same techniques can be applied to other conservation projects, particularly those involving delicate and obscured artifacts. Recycling older parchment for new books was a common practice during the medieval era, meaning many other invaluable records are still likely hidden in existing archives.

“This project was not just about unlocking one text—it was about developing a methodology that can be used for other manuscripts,” said Fabry-Tehranchi. “Libraries and archives around the world face similar challenges with fragile fragments embedded in bindings, and our approach provides a model for non-invasive access and study.”

The post Rare Merlin and King Arthur text found hidden in binding of medieval book appeared first on Popular Science.

Itching to hit the green after a long winter? We’re right there with you. But do you remember every bunker, hidden slope, and green undulation on your favorite course? If not, you might be in for an embarrassingly high score. Gaining a competitive edge is as easy as getting this golf smartwatch.

Its 1.3-inch TFT-LCD display is basically a GPS of your golf course right on your wrist. Yeah, you know where the holes are, but this gadget gives you precise distances to the green—and hazards to avoid. Get the GOLFBUDDY Aim W10 golf watch here for $99.99 with free shipping (reg. $209.99).

A hole-in-one deal

Imagine strolling onto the course with this savvy watch on your wrist, your golf buddies having no idea they’re about to get their butts whooped. The Aim W10 is preloaded with over 40,000 courses and automatically recognizes which hole you’re playing.

Before you take each swing, consult your golf GPS watch to make calculations in your head. While it may look like the ground isn’t sloped, the watch’s green undulation information may reveal that it actually is—changing your shot and score entirely.

Another cool feature of the Aim W10 is that it acts as a digital golf scorecard. Yeah, no more carrying around those tiny pencils that just get lost anyway.

And remember that this is a smartwatch, so it’s rechargeable and doesn’t require the replacement of expensive, traditional watch batteries. On a full charge, enjoy up to 13 hours of golf mastery.

Order this smartwatch for golfers while it’s only $99.99 with free shipping (reg. $209.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

 

GOLFBUDDY Aim W10 GPS Golf Watch – $99.99

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The post What if your smartwatch knew the golf course better than you? appeared first on Popular Science.

Rather than pay $10 monthly for Microsoft 365, many users are grabbing a Microsoft Office lifetime license for a one-time $49.97 payment, down from $219.99 for a limited time.

Here’s what you need to know:

• It’s not Microsoft 365: No recurring fees, no frustrating interface updates, and no random app removals like the discontinuation of Publisher.
• Own the essential apps: Download Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access to your PC for lifelong use.
• Work offline: Unlike Microsoft 365, you don’t need to be online or connected to the cloud to get your work done.
• Instant delivery and simple download: You’ll receive an email after purchase containing your download link and activation key to install the app suite on your computer.

Download Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows while it’s on sale for $49.97 (reg. $219.99). No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

 

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License – $54.97

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The post Microsoft 365 charges rent. This version lets you OWN your Office apps. appeared first on Popular Science.

Along with everything else, tech has gotten expensive. Really expensive. And while new gadgets are shiny and tempting, you don’t always need the latest and greatest—especially when a solid, dependable option like this refurbished MacBook Air exists.

For just $199.97 (with free shipping, no less), you can snag a piece of Apple’s famously sleek hardware that’s powerful enough for everyday use and priced low enough not to cause a panic attack if it falls off your coffee table.

This 13.3″ MacBook Air has a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. That’s more than enough horsepower for day-to-day computing tasks—emailing, browsing, writing, streaming, Zooming, maybe a little light photo editing. It boots up quickly and handles multitasking like a champ. 

This refurbished Air is the perfect second laptop. Maybe you work from home on a newer machine and just want a couch-friendly companion for winding down. Or maybe you’re a frequent traveler who wants a lightweight laptop that won’t break your heart (or budget) if it gets scratched up or lost. This MacBook Air weighs just under three pounds and slides into a backpack or tote like it was made for movement.

Plus, it’s ideal for students, teens, retirees—really anyone who wants the Apple experience without the Apple price tag. It has reliable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for your earbuds or wireless mouse, and enough battery life to keep you productive (or distracted) for hours.

Sure, it’s a few years old. But it’s been refurbished to grade A or B standards, meaning it’s fully functional and in great shape with only minor cosmetic wear. It runs macOS, supports essential apps, and gets you online without drama. And unlike flashy new laptops with monthly payments and pricey add-ons, this one’s yours for a single, very reasonable payment.

Get this quality refurbished MacBook Air from mid-2017 for just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping while you can.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

 

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) – $199.97

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What makes this deal special

This refurbished MacBook Air punches way above its price tag. For just $200, you’re getting a lightweight, reliable, and road-ready Apple laptop that’s perfect as a backup computer, home workstation, or travel buddy. It has solid specs for everyday use, a beautiful display, and Apple’s signature minimalist design. You won’t have to baby it, and at this price, you won’t stress over it. It’s a smart buy for anyone who values function, portability, and keeping a few hundred bucks in their pocket.

The post Your expensive laptop doesn’t want to camp—take this $200 MacBook instead appeared first on Popular Science.

Part of the appeal of Google Chrome on the desktop is its simple and intuitive interface—allowing you to focus on the actual webpages you’re looking at. But there are ways to give the browser a fresh lick of digital paint, and customize the look to suit your tastes.

You’re likely to be spending a lot of time looking at your web browser, so it makes sense to take advantage of the personalization options—some of which you may not have realized are available inside Chrome. Here’s everything you can do in the latest version of Google Chrome for Windows and macOS.

Choose a new Chrome theme

The biggest change you can make to Google Chrome is to change its theme: This covers the colors of the tabs and toolbars, the background images and colors on the new tab page, and the accents used in menus and on dialogs. Open a new Chrome tab, then click Customize Chrome (bottom right) to see some color scheme options (with some themes, the Customize Chrome button is just a pencil icon).

Click any color swatch to apply it, and use the Light and Dark options to force Chrome into light or dark mode (the Device setting means Chrome follows the lead of Windows or macOS). If you want to choose your own color, click on the little color picker icon in the bottom-right corner of the grid.

To see even more theme options, choose Change theme. This brings you to a gallery of themes created by artists and picked out by Google. You’ll notice that these themes often come with attractive background images for the new tab page (use the Refresh daily toggle switch to automatically cycle between themes every day). You can also upload an image of your own, or choose a solid color.

Still unable to find something you like? Click the Chrome Web Store link at the bottom of the pop-out panel, and you can browse even more options. Open the Themes tab and you get plenty of choice, including themes developed by Google and themes submitted by other Chrome users. To apply a theme, click on it to see more details, then choose Add to Chrome.

The pop-out customization panel also has a Reset to default Chrome if your interface tweaking gets out of hand. Note that this will wipe out any custom themes you’ve added to the browser, so if you want to get back to them in the future, you might want to bookmark them in the Chrome Web Store.

Set other customization options

Besides theming, you can customize Chrome in a variety of other ways. Click the Customize Chrome button (or the pencil icon) in the bottom-right corner of the new tab page, and if you scroll down you’ll see you can set the shortcuts that appear when you open a new tab: You can curate your own shortcuts, show shortcuts for sites you visit a lot, or hide the shortcuts altogether.

If you’re opting to show your own shortcuts, use the Add shortcut button below the search bar to drop in a new web link. Once links are added, you can click and drag their icons to move them around the new tab page, and click the three dots besides an icon and Remove to delete any of your shortcuts.

Click Toolbar on the pop-out customization panel, and this gives you access to a few options for the toolbar. You’re able to choose which icons appear on the toolbar (from Home to History), and you can rearrange icons by clicking and dragging them on the toolbar itself.

You can find even more options by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner of any Chrome tab, then choosing Settings and Appearance. You can replace the new tab page with a site of your choice from this screen, as well as show or hide the bookmarks bar, customize the fonts used by Chrome, and choose whether the side panel appears on the right or the left.

Finally, it’s well worth browsing through the Chrome Web Store for third-party extensions relating to the user interface. A lot of these extensions enable you to do more with the new tab page and with the way tabs are displayed on screen, though you should be cautious about which extensions you install. To be able to operate effectively and integrate with Chrome, these extensions will need access to data such as your browsing history (each extension comes with user reviews and a privacy policy you can check).

The post How to customize Google Chrome to make it your own appeared first on Popular Science.

There’s nothing quite like when you finally get that perfect ChatGPT prompt and the little robot starts blasting through your work, only to get the notification that you’re out of GPT-4 credits. You could pay for a premium account, but if you do that for every AI tool you rely on, then it starts getting really expensive. 

The alternative is to switch to a platform that gives you lifetime access to the same AI models you’re used to, minus the monthly fee. 1min.AI puts GPT-4.0, Meta AI, Gemini, Midjourney, and more all under one roof, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $29.97. 

No more monthly payments

1min.AI is your hub for some of the most popular AI models around. Not only do you get GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo for advanced content tasks, but you also get access to Claude 3 from Anthropic, including the Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku versions, which are great for nuanced and creative writing.

1min.AI also includes Gemini Pro if the other text generators just aren’t cutting it. 

You’ll have access to Meta’s Llama models, including the latest Llama 3. Plus, 1min.AI brings you the creative firepower of Midjourney for stunning image generation, and it doesn’t stop there. You can switch between all these models for everything from SEO optimization to content creation, image manipulation, and even audio and video editing.

You don’t need separate AI subscriptions anymore. 

March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get a 1min.AI lifetime subscription while it’s on sale for $29.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

 

1min.AI: Lifetime Subscription – $29.97

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What makes this deal special

Many AI tools have free versions, but they’re very limited in scope. Instead of paying monthly for each individual AI tool you rely on, this 1min.AI lets you get all of them for life for a one-time fee. 

The post This is what happens when you fuse ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, and Meta AI appeared first on Popular Science.

Have a gamer in your life that’s hard to get gifts for? Look no further. These Nintendo Switch controllers come in classic blue and red with RGB lights tracking down the sides for a fun, functional present that costs just $30.99 (reg. $42).

Power to the players

Battery power, that is. How frustrating is it to get most of the way through the level only to get a low battery warning? Players go farther with 30 hours of gameplay battery life on these joy-cons. The charger takes about three to four hours to top up the 600mAh battery.

Gamers can commit hours to mastering a level. Help them do it in style with these controllers. Adjust the built-in lighting from monochromatic to a colorful rainbow effect. Players can even shut the lights off if desired. Easily swap mode from TV to desktop to palm mode for the most complete play experience.

In-game control

When having digital control matters most, these controllers bring it. Slap that Turbo button for quick, repetitive actions in the game. Players can even toggle Turbo on an auto mode to multitask.

Experience immersion thanks to a double shock response, with haptic vibration combined with in-game effects. These controllers have all the features needed to beat that next boss, from a non-slip casing to 360-degree joysticks. Players can rely on new chip tech to maintain advanced connectivity even as they put the 6-axis gyroscope to the test. Get bigger wins with better precision and accuracy in-game.

Bring even more fun to gaming with these light-up wireless controllers for Nintendo Switch, now just $30.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

 

Wireless Controllers for Nintendo Switch with RGB Lights (Blue + Red) – $30.99

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The post Gifts for gamers: Light-up Switch controllers level up play for just $30.99 appeared first on Popular Science.

When you have new visitors to your home, requests for the Wi-Fi password are likely to come in sooner rather than later. Such is the importance of staying online at all times in the modern age.

There’s nothing wrong with giving out access to your Wi-Fi network to friends and relatives, but there are reasons to be cautious. It enables your guests to connect to everything else on the network, from printers to security cameras, and it can start to cause congestion for your own devices.

This isn’t to say your guests are untrustworthy, but it’s usually best to err on the side of caution when it comes to internet security—especially if you’re hosting a big group of people that includes some you don’t know very well.

This is where a guest network comes in. It’s a separate network, just for guests, and it means your main Wi-Fi network is reserved for your use only. Everyone who visits can get connected to the web, and you don’t have to worry about what they might be accessing.

Set up a guest network on your router

Many modern routers and mesh network systems come with guest network capabilities built right in: They’re smart enough to set up a secondary Wi-Fi network, which appears under a separate name and has a separate password. This network appears alongside the main one whenever a device tries to get online.

Every router model handles guest networks differently. We can’t go through all of the different variations here, but if the feature is available, you should be able to find the option somewhere prominently in the router settings. Head into the settings through the router’s companion app on your phone, or through a web browser (a quick web search or the router documentation should tell you how to do this).

As an example, Amazon’s Eero range of routers and mesh systems offers guest network capabilities. If you open up the Eero app for Android or iOS, then head to the Settings tab, you can tap Guest network to configure it. With Eero devices, you can set up the name and the password for the network, and turn it on and off.

The app even comes with options for sharing your guest network Wi-Fi details easily—you can tap the buttons at the bottom of the configuration screen to send the login information via a message or QR code. Your guests can then connect in just a few seconds.

Different routers offer different guest network features—you may be able to limit upload and download speeds, for example. As the Eero app explains, your guests will be able to get online, but they won’t be able to access your streaming devices, smart speakers, and other connected gadgets.

Install a second router for a guest network

If your current router doesn’t offer a guest network feature (or even if it does), there’s another option. You can plug in an additional router to one of the Ethernet ports on your current router, and use it to set up a secondary Wi-Fi network that operates independently.

This is ideal if you have an older router lying around not doing anything, but you can also invest in a new model—it doesn’t have to be particularly expensive or capable, because it’s only for guest use. Something like the Tenda AC1200 Smart Wi-Fi Router ($31) or the TP-Link AC1200 Archer A54 Wi-Fi Router ($35) will do the job without breaking the bank.

With the router powered up, connect an Ethernet cable from the internet port on your second router (often labeled WAN or Internet), to a spare wired port on your original router (often labeled LAN). Your original router will automatically handle the job of feeding internet access to the second device, as and when needed.

You can then go through the setup process for the second router just as you would if you were setting it up as your main one. This is now usually done through a mobile app; you may well see a QR code for it on the router or in the instructions that came with it.

As part of the setup process, you’ll be asked to specify a name and password for the guest Wi-Fi network you’re creating— details you’ll then give out to family and friends. As these visitors won’t be on your main Wi-Fi network, which will still run as normal, they’ll be more limited in what they can do.

The post How to set up a separate Wi-Fi network for guests appeared first on Popular Science.

AI should be saving you time, boosting your productivity, and even helping you think more creatively. But if you’re stuck rewriting prompts, dealing with bad responses, or wondering why it feels so basic, here’s a hard truth: it’s not ChatGPT … it’s you.

But getting your skills up to snuff is simple if you enroll in our best-selling e-degree program. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, an aspiring master, or somewhere in between, you’ll learn how to use ChatGPT like an expert for just $19.97 (reg. $790). Don’t worry about fitting time into your schedule—these courses are completely self-paced.

The AI skills everyone wants

Everyone’s on ChatGPT for a different reason—burnout at work, trying to save time, or drumming up inspiration—and these AI training courses acknowledge that with tons of real-world scenarios. 

By example, you’ll learn how to write better ChatGPT prompts. Right now, you’re probably stringing together random words and hoping for a good output, or even fighting with the chatbot. These lectures will help you effectively structure your words to command effective responses.

The courses will also teach you automation tips for visualizing data with AI, whether that’s getting help with Excel or actually generating charts and graphs.

More things you’ll learn:

• Automate the tedious parts of your work
• Create engaging social media content
• Have ChatGPT generate strings of code

Get these ChatGPT training courses on sale for $19.97 (reg. $790). That’s for lifetime access.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

 

ChatGPT & Automation E-Degree – $19.97

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What makes this deal special

AI is quickly becoming a must-have skill in almost every industry, but most people still struggle to use it effectively. Our online ChatGPT courses are only $19.97 and not only show you excellent tips and tricks, but help you build confidence with the AI tool that will certainly only grow in importance in the years to come. In fact, OpenAI plans to release an updated version of ChatGPT (GPT-5) later this year, making now the perfect time to sharpen your AI skills. 

The post Everyone’s using ChatGPT, but most are doing it completely wrong appeared first on Popular Science.