To stream as their ethereal alter ego, Mai, a VTuber known as M41H41, typically had to juggle at least four to seven different programs. Running all of them […]
7 Games For Good Vibes
We arrive at the end of another week, ready for some R&R and some gaming. Weâve gathered together seven wonderful games that have our attention. We think youâll enjoy them as well.
Crunchyroll is adding mobile games to its subscription service
Anime streamer Crunchyroll is adding free mobile games for some of its subscribers.
Crunchyroll is getting into gaming. On Tuesday, the anime streaming service launched Crunchyroll Game Vault, a destination for mobile games, for both its Mega and Ultimate Fan subscribers.
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The best gaming deals for Nov. 2023, from ‘Elden Ring’ to the Nintendo Switch holiday bundle
The best gaming deals for Nov. 2023, from ‘Elden Ring’ to the Nintendo Switch holiday bundle
The company said the Game Vault is now available for Android users and will be available on iOS “very soon.” The Game Vault launched with five titles — Captain Velvet: The Jump+ Dimensions, River City Girls, Wolfstride, Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery, and Inbento — and won’t have in-app purchases. The games will also be “free,” although you’d already be paying either $10 or $15 for a Crunchyroll subscription.
The Verge noted that Crunchyroll’s gaming offering looks to be more focused on “premium mobile games specifically for fans of anime and anime-inspired entertainment.”
That feels like a no-brainer considering folks in those subscription tiers are already shelling out good money for an anime service. It also feels like a natural choice, considering streamers like Netflix are already experimenting with gaming.
How to watch US Netflix: Best VPN for Netflix in 2023
Unblock and watch U.S. Netflix from anywhere in the world with a streaming-friendly VPN.
Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.
We are a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can quickly get to a point when it feels like there’s nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don’t panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.
If you’ve reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.
The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.
Do you need a VPN?
VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn’t the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.
By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.
Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.
How to unblock U.S. Netflix
If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It’s actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:
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Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
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Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library
If you’re worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It’s currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in “improper” use. We’re not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.
We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you’re subscribed.
Should you use free VPNs?
There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.
There is always a catch with free versions, and it’s normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you’re just an occasional user, but if you’re going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn’t going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don’t tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn’t a long-term solution.
To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.
What is the best VPN for Netflix?
There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn’t want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we’ve handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it’s all about finding something that works for you.
ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We’ve highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.
These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2023.
How to watch college football without cable in 2023
Here’s your full guide on how to watch college football games without cable, including the best streaming deals.
Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options:
BEST INTRODUCTORY OFFER
YouTube TV
free trial up to 14 days, then $52.99/month for 3 months ($72.99/month thereafter)
(save $60)
(save $60)
MOST COMPLETE COVERAGE
FuboTV
free 7-day trial, then $74.99/month
MOST AFFORDABLE CABLE REPLACEMENT
Sling TV Orange + Blue
$27.50/month for your first month, then $55/month
BEST FOR SEC ON CBS BROADCASTS
Paramount+ with Showtime
$119.99/year
(save $23.89)
(save $23.89)
BEST FOR NBC BROADCASTS
Peacock Premium
$5.99/month
The 2023 college football season is officially in session.
This NCAAF season marks the end of an era — it’s the last chance to watch the traditional, regional conferences and rivalries before they see a major shake-up. We saw some messy conference scrambling during the offseason, which essentially ended in the dismantling of the PAC-12 and the forming of a “super league” of sorts. Starting next year, USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington are headed to the Big Ten alongside Ohio State, Penn State, and other top teams, while Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah are joining the Big 12 with TCU, Oklahoma, and Texas as potential new rivals. That leaves just four schools in the PAC-12. It’s also the last year that there will be just four playoff teams. In other words, college football is about to look a whole lot different.
If you want to enjoy the last year before things go haywire, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to learn how to watch college football without cable in 2023, which channels you’re going to need, and the best ways to get them.
Can I watch college football games without cable?
The 2023 college football season will be broadcast across an array of local channels, specialty sports networks, and even a couple streaming services. If you don’t have cable, you have plenty of options to tune into games, but deciding which works best for you is tricky.
A live TV streaming service or cable replacement like YouTube TV or FuboTV will give you the most comprehensive channel selection, but will also cost you the most money. However, the good news is that you can cancel at any time, unlike cable. A single streaming service like Paramount Plus will give you access to a slim number of games, but will only cost you a few bucks per month. (TL;DR: you get what you pay for.)
What are the best games to watch?
For the weekend of Nov. 4, here’s our must-see lineup:
What channels are college football games on?
Before you decide on which live TV service or streaming app you need to watch NCAA college football games, you need to know which networks your team(s) plays on. Below, we’ve compiled a list of each conference and the channels and streamers that will air games for each conference in 2023. Not sure which conference your team is in? Check out this list over at ESPN.com.
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American Athletic Conference (AAC) — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+
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Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) — ABC, ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, The CW
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Big 12 — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Longhorn Network (Texas only)
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Big Ten — Big Ten Network, CBS, Fox, Fox Sports 1, NBC, Peacock
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Conference USA — CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+
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FBS independents — CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN+, NBC, Peacock
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Mid-American Conference (MAC) — CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+
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Mountain West Conference (MW) — CBS, CBS Sports Network, Fox, Fox Sports 1
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Pac-12 Conference — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Pac-12 Network
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Southeastern Conference (SEC) — CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, SEC Network, SEC+
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Sun Belt Conference — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+
What are the best streaming services for college football?
As noted above, the best streaming service for college football depends on what team you root for, how many games you want access to, and how much you’re willing to pay. The best streaming apps for live sports below run the gamut of pricing — from six bucks per month to a whopping $100 per month. Don’t worry; if you want to know how to watch college football live in 2023, we’ve broken it all down for you. You can also check out the complete broadcast schedule on the NCAAF website to plan your viewing.
Best introductory offer: YouTube TV
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Credit: YouTube TV
“Arguably the best premium live TV streaming service out there,” according to Mashable shopping reporter Leah Stodart, YouTube TV is a well-rounded cable alternative that gives you access to plenty of college football games. With over 100 live channels included, you can watch games on ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, SEC Network, The CW, and more (see full list below). On top of that, YouTube TV is now the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, so it’s the all-around best option for football fans.
And most importantly, the streamer offers an excellent introductory period for newbies. You can watch for 20 minutes with no commitment, then start your free trial, which is generally about 10 days, but often up to 14. Once your trial is up, you’ll pay just $52.99/month for your first three months ($72.99/month thereafter) for a limited time.
Note: Hulu + Live TV has a similar channel lineup for a cheaper monthly price, but offers no free trial period or introductory rate.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, SEC Network, and The CW
Most complete coverage: FuboTV
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Credit: FuboTV
FuboTV takes sports seriously — although it offers a wide variety of channels, its claim to fame is its commitment-free live sports streaming. With a Pro subscription (the most affordable tier), you’ll get access to most college football broadcasts for $74.99/month. But hardcore fans will probably want to upgrade to the Elite plan for $84.99/month, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network as well. Either way, you can test the waters for seven days before you pay.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW
Most affordable cable replacement: Sling TV Orange + Blue
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Credit: Sling TV
Another one of our favorite live TV streamers is Sling TV. Though it offers fewer channels compared to YouTube TV, it’s still a solid choice for streaming college football. Plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper than our other cable replacement picks. Your best bet for NCAA football broadcasts is to sign up for the Orange + Blue package for $55/month ($27.50 for your first month). This gives you access to ABC and ESPN networks in the Orange package and NBC and NFL Networks in the Blue package. If you want even more sports channels, you can also tack on the Sports Extra add-on for another $11/month or Sports Extras for $15/month.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
Best for CBS broadcasts: Paramount+ with Showtime
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Credit: Paramount+
What are the best streaming apps for watching college football online this year? Casual college football viewers can enjoy simulcasts from CBS networks on Paramount+ for a very low cost compared to some of the other options on this list. The premium tier, Paramount+ with Showtime, streams games airing on CBS and CBS Sports Network, including nationally-televised SEC and Big 10 showdowns. Paramount+ with Showtime costs $11.99/month, but you can get a free 30-day trial with the code REDEEM30. Also, if you commit to an entire year, you can save $1.99 per month and pay just $119.99 total (reg. $143.88).
Best for NBC broadcasts: Peacock Premium
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Credit: Peacock
Similar to Paramount+, Peacock offers simulcasts of games airing on NBC throughout the 2023 season. Plus, Peacock offers exclusive broadcasts of 10 college football games, which includes the showdown between Notre Dame and Southern California on Oct. 14. Like Paramount+, Peacock Premium also costs $5.99/month or $59.99/year.
Best for casual viewers: ESPN+
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Credit: ESPN+
It’s not the best choice if you’re hoping to watch every single game, but if you’re a casual viewer, ESPN+ covers a handful of broadcasts for a relatively low price. You’ll get access to some simulcasts from ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, plus all of the ESPN+ exclusive games. ESPN+ also gives subscribers access to exclusive original series, premium articles, and more. It costs $9.99/month on its own or can be bundled with Hulu and Disney+ for $12.99/month.
It’s also worth noting that the college football playoffs will air on ESPN, so if you want to enjoy the post-season action, you’ll need access to this channel to watch the semifinals and finals in January 2024.
Note: You may need to show proof of subscription to another service, such as YouTube TV or Fubo TV, to stream some of the ESPN or ABC simulcast games.
Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN+
Honorable mentions
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DirecTV Stream (Channels: ABC, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, Fox, FS1, NBC, and The CW) — free 5-day trial, then $99.99/month
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Hulu + Live TV (Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and The CW) — $69.99/month
Fortnite’s OG Map Update Bring Back Millions Of Players
Just over a month after Epic Games cut nearly 900 employees, players have come roaring back to Fortnite to play its new nostalgia trip through the battle royale’s original map. Player count trackers like Fortnite.gg estimate the hit free-to-play game peaked at over 5 million concurrent players in the last 24 hours…
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 livestream: How to watch Cricket World Cup for free
Watch the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Watch the Cricket World Cup for free on 9Now with a streaming-friendly VPN. ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking free streaming sites.
This has been a massive year for cricket. Fans have been treated to The Ashes, the Asia Cup, and some high-quality series between the best teams in the world. And it gets better, because the flagship event of the international cricket calendar is finally here: the ICC Cricket World Cup.
If you’re interested in watching the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch the Cricket World Cup for free
The best free streaming platform for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is 9Now.
This Australian streaming service is offering free coverage of every Australia game, plus the tournament’s biggest match-ups and every finals fixture. This schedule has included games involving India, Pakistan, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Here’s everything still to come:
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Nov. 4 — Australia vs. England
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Nov. 5 — India vs. South Africa
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Nov. 7 — Australia vs. Afghanistan
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Nov. 11 — Australia vs. Bangladesh
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Nov. 15 — Semi-Final 1
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Nov. 16 — Semi-Final 2
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Nov. 19 — Final
That’s an impressive list, especially when you consider that it’s all available for free.
The catch is that 9Now is only available to streamers connecting from Australia. You’ll be blocked if you attempt to connect from outside the country. That is unless you’re using a VPN. With a VPN, you can hide your digital location and connect to a secure server in Australia. This quick and easy process tricks platforms like 9Now into providing you with access.
Unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world by following these steps:
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Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
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Sign up for 9Now
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Watch the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup from anywhere in the world
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Credit: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)
£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)
Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock 9Now without committing with your cash. This isn’t a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch most of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup for free. This is a sneaky trick, but it works.
What is the Cricket World Cup?
The Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The event is held every four years and is organised by the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).
England are the current champions after winning the 2019 World Cup on home soil. Australia have won the tournament five times. India and West Indies have both won twice, while Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England have won the competition once each.
When is the Cricket World Cup 2023?
The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is the 13th edition of the competition. India is hosting this year’s event from Oct. 5 to Nov. 19.
Where else can you watch the Cricket World Cup in 2023?
The good news is that many broadcasters are offering coverage of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup:
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Australia — Foxtel Sports, Kayo Sports, 9Now (free and recommended)
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Canada — Willow TV, Disney+ Hotstar
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India — Disney+ Hotstar
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New Zealand — Sky Sport
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Pakistan — Tapmad
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South Africa — SuperSport
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United Kingdom — Sky Sports, Channel 5 (highlights)
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United States — WillowTV, ESPN+
Unfortunately, most of these services are not free. And those that are available for free are geo-restricted. This is frustrating for dedicated followers of the game, but all is not lost, because you can bypass geo-restrictions with the help of a streaming-friendly VPN.
What is the best VPN for 9Now?
There are many VPNs that can reliably unblock free streaming sites from around the world, including popular services like NordVPN and Surfshark. These VPNs won’t let you down, but ExpressVPN is tough to beat.
This high-speed VPN is the best service for streaming sport, for a number of reasons:
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Servers in 94 countries including Australia
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Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
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Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
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Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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Up to five simultaneous connections
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30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up to unblock 9Now, and then recover your investment after the Cricket World Cup final.
Watch the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
Stream like a pro with this $60 Windows tool
Save 70% on a lifetime subscription to XSplit Broadcaster Premium at the Mashable Shop.
TL;DR: Through Nov. 9, you can sign up for a lifetime subscription to XSplit Broadcaster — a streaming and screen-recording tool that helps you create engaging content — for just $59.99 instead of $200. That’s 70% in savings.
If you’ve been thinking of starting a gaming channel on Twitch or a video podcast but don’t have the equipment to get started, think again: XSplit Broadcaster is a streaming tool and screen recorder that turns your PC into a full video mixing board.
This Windows application retails for $200, but, as we countdown to Black Friday, a lifetime subscription is on sale for $59.99 through November 9.
Stream your content your way
XSplit is completely customizable to your content needs. Those who want to livestream games can show their gaming scene and interpolate their webcam onto the screen. You can even add Zoom or Discord calls if you’re playing with fellow streamers.
Here’s a look at what other tools you’ll have at your fingertips:
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Add and resize videos, images, GIFs, and web pages.
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Change the shape of any camera or media.
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Build custom transitions or loops for a “BRB” screen and sponsored messages.
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Adjust audio levels for individual scenes.
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Reduce background noise.
Manage everything from a single monitor with a digital panel that doesn’t make you leave your game. You may also use multiple displays with projector mode.
Stream it live or record it for later
XSplit works with top broadcast platforms, has built-in plugins, and supports the option for custom RTMP to stream to other platforms like social media. You also have the option to record content instead of streaming it live.
Whether you want to create YouTube podcasts, stream games, or create a video presentation for school or work, XSplit packs in tools that make it simple.
Take advantage of this limited-time price drop and get a lifetime subscription to XSplit Broadcaster for $59.99 (reg. $200) until November 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with no coupon needed.
Prices subject to change.
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Credit: Splitmedialabs
Switch Loses Twitch App Most People Didn’t Even Know Existed
While it does have a handful of consumption apps like YouTube, Hulu, and Crunchyroll in the eShop, the Nintendo Switch is typically used for gaming and little else. That became a bit more true today, as the official Twitch app is getting tossed from Nintendo’s hybrid console.
Plex becomes a social network with public debut of ‘Discover Together’
Media software startup and streamer Plex is expanding its service to become more of a social network, not just a way to organize your home media or stream […]