PervertsEthel CainDaughters of CainReleased January 8An hour and fifteen minutes into a long winding video tour of her art books on YouTube, Hayden Anhedniabetter known by her stage name Ethel Cainlifts up Etienne-Louis Boulle. 1728-1799. Theoretician of Revolutionary Architecture for the camera. She flips through pages of works by the French Neoclassicist before pausing on Cenotaph to Newton and holding the page to the screen. The familiar sectionincidentally the first building that will appear on slides to my modern history students this spring semesteris shown to the viewers. The massive, implied sphere of the drawing is flattened into a dark ring on the page: a directionless gyre, a black pit that pulls in the eye, and what seems to be a diagram for Cains new EP, Perverts. The follow-up to her hit album, Preachers Daughter, Perverts trades storytelling for spacemaking. Layering instrumental loops and often-lyricless vocals over pink noise and found-sound recordings from southwestern Pennsylvania and the eastern Great Lakes, each track on Perverts feels expansive, nearing on the sublime. The EPs scale and affect is so jarringly different from the emotional intimacy of her debut that the EP might be read as a way to shed fans for a more hardcore audiencea goal that some of the few legible lyrics on Perverts seem to confirm: if you love me, keep it to yourself she repeats on Vacillator, and Such is the consequence of audience, I will claw my way back to the Great Dark and we will not speak of this place again she reads on Pulldrone.Ethel Cain discussing tienne-Louis Boulle (Via Youtube)But rather than an outright rejection of audience, the EP and Cains recent writings on her Tumblr seem more to be rejecting the constant exegesis of contemporary fandom, the seemingly inherent need to say something about everything one experiences. As Anhednia says in the Youtube video reflecting on Boulles work: I dont really care about reasons, I care about does it feel good, does it feel true, does it invigorate, does it inspire, does it captivate, does it enrapture? Sometimes reading the explanations for certain things makes me like it less.The Stars are as Beams Shining through the WheelAttempting to review an album like Perverts that asks so plainly not to be interpreted feels like an imposition on the work. Its clear that Cains intent is to clear space for experience rather than produce content to be read. The expansive scale of the tracks leaves room for personal interpretation and claiming specific meaning feels like a betrayal of the projects desires, like the pin-pricked spherical void of Boulles Cenotaphwhere the stars are as beams shining through the wheelPerverts also leaves the listener to feel their way through the dark. Where Preachers Daughters narrative was analyzed and over analyzed to the point of exhaustion by fans tracking down every reference, Perverts rejects content for pure affect, offering a night and day inversion of the earlier work reminiscent of the interior effect of Boulles Cenotaph. But, the shift from a dark Americana road trip to a noise project pulled from the remains of Pittsburghs rotting industry doesnt seem to play a part in this apparent rejection. It seems more like a shift in priorities, an adjustment toward the undertones of Preachers Daughter that doesnt allow for the cathartic release of analysis or ironic meme-making, and a genuine request for an increasingly rare earnest engagement with art.Perverts album art (Marlee Kula)The ambient turn of Perverts reveals a side of Anhednia that has been running in parallel to her work as Ethel Cain through her side project Ashmedai. Indeed, some of the tracks on Perverts feel directly in line with the full ambient work of Ashmedai (Perverts, HousofPsychoticWomn, and Pulldrone), while others take a more drone/doom sound (Onanist and Thatorchia), or walk between the sounds of this EP and her other work at Ethel Cain (Punish, Vacillator, and Amber Waves). The seventh track, Etienne, named for Boulle, fully erases the boundaries between Anhednias production as Ethel Cain and her other projects by directly sampling Ashmedais track 006, tying the two projects together like a self-cannibalizing ouroboros. So, rather than try to peel apart the few legible lyrics (though the typical richness of Cains writing on the spoken word monologue on Pulldrone begs for interpretation), it feels most appropriate to bring the album into relation with other work on meditation, personal subjectivity, and even death. For an EP that is built both figuratively (via Boulle) and literally (through field recordings) on architecture, it feels most appropriate to search for some other architectural perverts.PervertsBy resurrecting Boulle and invoking a negative sublime via the death rattle hums of southwestern Pennsylvanias industrial behemoths, Cain delivers a project very much in line with the technoclassical aesthetic of Douglas Dardens Condemned Buildings from 1993. These ten buildings explored the possibilities of an architectural anti-canon by cutting into the soft underbelly of the foundational myths of a discipline that Darden perceived as built on falsehoods. Architecture objectifiesdesire, he writes to frame his Sex Shop project that distends the bodies of Adam and Eve through an architecture that works more like a sadomasochistic voyeurs fantasy than a building.Like Dardens allegorical constructions, some explicitly reflecting on his ultimately fatal battle with leukemia, each track on Perverts operates as a meditation on the edges of life and death: religious, emotional, industrial. And like Dardens concept of the underbelly, Cain turns fully away from any mistaken optimism for a full look at the sublime and obscene. There are even times where Cains Pulldrone manifesto seems to be speaking in tandem with Dardens Condemned aphorisms:I. Architecture is the meditation on finitude and failure. (Douglas Darden, Condemned Buildings)Ten, degradation. Nature chews on me. (Ethel Cain, Pulldrone)III. Architecture is the execution of exquisite barriers. (Darden, Condemned Buildings)Three, curiosity. I have always possessed the insatiable need to see what happens inside the room. (Cain, Pulldrone)In her attempt to produce a musical project as a space to host a personally inflected meditation for each listener, Cains work intentionally fades into setting. Resting over ambient noise, the drawn out instrumental loops slowly became background themselves. Cains compositional prowess is on full display here as the hour and a half EP, and multiple 10-minute plus songs are both eminently relistenable and never seem to drag. Tying the work to another spatial pervert, her conceptual intent mirrors that of the Japanese architect Hiromis Fujiis Existential Architecture, best exemplified in the built Todoroki House or his religiously named 1989 exhibition Nave of Signs. Like Cain, Fujiis relentless nesting grids attempted to produce space without content in order to shock the inhabitant into a metaphysical experience of the self. In 1987, Fujii wrote, Thus, the self which drifts about in the hollow interior of the object because of the loss of its perceptual identity will eventuallyfind itself pinned in mid-air, creating a poetic image for architecture that always reminded me of free floating in the Cenotaphs void.Section through Cnotaphe Newton circa 1784 (Etienne-Louis Boulle/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain)The list of perverts could go on: the mute critique of Alexander Brodsky and Ilya Utkins late-Soviet illustrations; the othered, fleshy allo-gore-y of Jennifer Bloomers Tabbles of Bower; or even the literary tunnels of Kafkas The Burrow all come to mind. Cains EP finds good company in spatial precedent.On its own, the EP creates a vision for art that stands apart from cultural context without being disconnected. It rejects the easy didacticism of the content mill, and works to expand the aesthetic repertoire of Cains more-mainstream audience. Where Boulles century-late tombs day/night inversion hints toward the sublime horror of Modernitys supersession of Nature, Perverts invites its listener to look at the mounting horrors of the many intersecting crises and to genuinely experience the emotional landscapes they engender. It cuts through the noise of easy answers to edge nearer to a kind of abject myth-making that crafts an aesthetic politics sorely needed.Adrienne Economos-Miller is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she researches ruins, trans femininity, and other obscene matters.

In about 1850, William Hopkins Harrison (1813-1878) purchased farmland from the Pierce Family of Cornwall, Connecticut, and built this stately Greek Revival style home upon it. The house was built around the same time as its neighbor, the Dwight W. Pierce House (last post), also an example of the Greek Revival style, but in a very different finish. The seven-bay residence has its main block at the end with a shallow hip roof and overhanging eaves, showcasing the emergence of the Italianate style form to come into popularity. The solidly Classical pilaster and entablature surround at the entry firmly places the house in the Greek Revival style.

All images courtesy of Malena MartinezEmpty Sneakers Dance in a Stop-Motion Film Honoring the 20th Anniversary of a Buenos Aires TragedyJanuary 14, 2025AnimationHistoryKate MothesIn late December 2004, at the Republica de la Cromagon nightclub in Buenos Aires, more than 4,000 fans gathered for a performance by the rock band Los Callejeros. The space was well over the clubs capacity of 1,500, while a number of routes were padlocked or blocked to prevent people from entering without paying.When a fan shot a flare into the airsomething Argentinian fans regularly do at large eventsthe pyrotechnic ignited the interiors decor, comprised predominantly of highly flammable materials like styrofoam. The building erupted in a blaze that claimed 194 lives and injured nearly 1,500 more. With few available escape routes, little to no fire mitigation systems, and a packed club, pandemonium broke out at Cromagon.The fire quickly turned into one of the most devastating tragedies in Argentinian history. To mark 20 years since the disaster, a stop-motion short titled LONA poignantly memorializes the communitys loss. The title refers to canvas, like sneakers, and Malena Martinez directed and animated the film.Focusing on pairs of shoes that dance to cheerful music, the work evokes joyful gatherings with friends to let loose and enjoy a concert. As the camaraderie continues, flowers begin to sprout from inside each sneaker, blossoming into a vibrant reminder of the lives lost in the fire.Next article

What is the best VPN for the Apple TV right now?The best VPN for Apple TV is NordVPN. NordVPN offers a native Apple TV app, removing the hassle of installing a VPN directly on your router. Furthermore, this VPN provides excellent speeds, performance, and an expansive server network.Also:Best free VPNs of 2025The ZDNET team has decades of combined experience in testing VPN services, and we strive to provide you with the best options on the market, depending on your needs. We have tested over a dozen VPNs over the years, and we understand what functions and features are the most important when you are looking for a new service. Sort by All Countries and servers Usability Speed and performance Security Price The best VPNs for Apple TV in 2025 Show less View now at NordVPN NordVPN is one of the best Apple TV VPNs available.The NordVPN user interface is clear and attractively laid out, and it couldn't be easier to install and set up. In the past, NordVPN limited its customers to six simultaneous connections but has since increased the limit to 10 devices under one account.NordVPN, based in Panama, has 111 countries within its server network, giving you plenty of options for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content. Available add-ons include browsing protection, anti-malware scanners, ad blockers, cloud storage, and a password manager.This VPN is compatible with Apple TV and doesn't require any tampering with DNS settings to implement. The company operates NordVPN for tvOS, a native Apple TV appthat you can downloadhere.Review:NordVPNPrices start from $3.39 per month if you sign up for two years of service, $4.99 per month for a one-year plan, or a standard month-to-month subscription comes in at $12.99 for basic protection.Customers say they like the speed and stability of the VPN, and say support is top-notch. During our testing, we consistently found this VPN to be one of the fastest available with excellent streaming capabilities.NordVPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Smart DNS: Yes |Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android|Trustpilot rating: 4.2 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.7 Countries and servers 10 Usability 9 Speed and performance 10 Security 8 Price 7 Pros Solid speed and performance Extensive server network Native Apple TV app 24/7 support Cons Expensive premium plans Price $13 per month, $60 for the first year or $84 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $140 per year)Latest tests No leaks detected, 11% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 6,300-plus servers in 111 countriesJurisdiction Panama NordVPN Best Apple TV VPN overall 4.4 / 5 Score NordVPN is one of the best Apple TV VPNs available.The NordVPN user interface is clear and attractively laid out, and it couldn't be easier to install and set up. In the past, NordVPN limited its customers to six simultaneous connections but has since increased the limit to 10 devices under one account.NordVPN, based in Panama, has 111 countries within its server network, giving you plenty of options for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content. Available add-ons include browsing protection, anti-malware scanners, ad blockers, cloud storage, and a password manager.This VPN is compatible with Apple TV and doesn't require any tampering with DNS settings to implement. The company operates NordVPN for tvOS, a native Apple TV appthat you can downloadhere.Review:NordVPNPrices start from $3.39 per month if you sign up for two years of service, $4.99 per month for a one-year plan, or a standard month-to-month subscription comes in at $12.99 for basic protection.Customers say they like the speed and stability of the VPN, and say support is top-notch. During our testing, we consistently found this VPN to be one of the fastest available with excellent streaming capabilities.NordVPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Smart DNS: Yes |Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android|Trustpilot rating: 4.2 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that consistently provides strong stability and performance and is our top pick for speed.ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries and offers up to eight simultaneous connections -- that is, you can protect up to eight devices simultaneously -- although we'd like to see this become unlimited considering its price point.With the launch of tvOS 17, this VPN received a dedicated app for Apple TV. The software can be quickly downloaded from the App Store and installed on your device. If you have an older version of tvOS and cannot or do not want to update, you can use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer service as an alternative.Review: ExpressVPNSubscriptions usually begin at $6.67/month, but ExpressVPN is currently running a rare promotion for two-year contracts that brings down the cost to $4.99/month with four months of free access added to the length of the contract. Other plans available include $6.67 per month on an annual plan (three months free) and one month of access for $12.95.Customers say they typically have a positive experience with this VPN provider and customer support is excellent. Some, however, also report automatic billing issues. During testing, we found ExpressVPN to be a speedy, solid service, although on rare occasions, we did run up against IP-based website blocks.ExpressVPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app| Smart DNS: Yes |Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.3 |Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4.7 Pros Rapid connections Large server network No logs Fast Native Apple TV app Cons Expensive ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that consistently provides strong stability and performance and is our top pick for speed.ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries and offers up to eight simultaneous connections -- that is, you can protect up to eight devices simultaneously -- although we'd like to see this become unlimited considering its price point.With the launch of tvOS 17, this VPN received a dedicated app for Apple TV. The software can be quickly downloaded from the App Store and installed on your device. If you have an older version of tvOS and cannot or do not want to update, you can use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer service as an alternative.Review: ExpressVPNSubscriptions usually begin at $6.67/month, but ExpressVPN is currently running a rare promotion for two-year contracts that brings down the cost to $4.99/month with four months of free access added to the length of the contract. Other plans available include $6.67 per month on an annual plan (three months free) and one month of access for $12.95.Customers say they typically have a positive experience with this VPN provider and customer support is excellent. Some, however, also report automatic billing issues. During testing, we found ExpressVPN to be a speedy, solid service, although on rare occasions, we did run up against IP-based website blocks.ExpressVPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app| Smart DNS: Yes |Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.3 |Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4.7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Surfshark Surfshark is the best option if you want a cheap VPN to disguise your activities and help you access geo-restricted content when using Apple TV.Surfshark provides 3,200 servers in 100 countries with unlimited connections. The companyreleaseda native Apple TV app in April 2024 for tvOS 17 and up. Alternatively, you can use Surfshark's Smart DNS feature, but keep in mind that this option is limited to a US location.Review: Surfshark VPNSurfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. Two-year plans start at $2.19/month and come with three months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months, beginning at $3.19 per month. Monthly signups are expensive, with pricing starting at $15.45. Saily eSIM vouchers are also available for new subscribers of two-year plans.Surfshark customers say the service is easy to use and customer support is excellent. In our speed testing, we found Surfshark's performance reasonable, especially considering the price point. We also like the engaging user interface and the handy pause function, which allows you to stop your VPN for five minutes or longer.Surfshark VPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Smart DNS: Yes |Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication |Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.4 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.8 Countries and servers 8 Usability 9 Speed and performance 6 Security 8 Price 9 Pros Unlimited simultaneous connections Variety of useful features Affordable Cons Average download speeds Price $15.45 per month, $45 for the first year or $60 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $60 per year)Latest Tests No leaks detected, 17% speed loss in 2023 testsNetwork 3,200-plus servers in 100 countriesJurisdiction Netherlands Surfshark VPN Best budget Apple TV VPN 4 / 5 Score Surfshark is the best option if you want a cheap VPN to disguise your activities and help you access geo-restricted content when using Apple TV.Surfshark provides 3,200 servers in 100 countries with unlimited connections. The companyreleaseda native Apple TV app in April 2024 for tvOS 17 and up. Alternatively, you can use Surfshark's Smart DNS feature, but keep in mind that this option is limited to a US location.Review: Surfshark VPNSurfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. Two-year plans start at $2.19/month and come with three months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months, beginning at $3.19 per month. Monthly signups are expensive, with pricing starting at $15.45. Saily eSIM vouchers are also available for new subscribers of two-year plans.Surfshark customers say the service is easy to use and customer support is excellent. In our speed testing, we found Surfshark's performance reasonable, especially considering the price point. We also like the engaging user interface and the handy pause function, which allows you to stop your VPN for five minutes or longer.Surfshark VPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Smart DNS: Yes |Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication |Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.4 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.8 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ProtonVPN Proton VPN, developed by engineers dedicated to online security, uses robust protocols and strong encryption to help mask your online activities.Proton VPN offers a kill switch, the benefit of open-source technologies, and a server network including 91 countries. Our tests revealed no DNS leaks and reasonable speeds. Proton VPN released its Apple TV app in October 2024.This VPN is protected by Swiss privacy laws and it is independently audited. A strict no-logs policy is also in place, making it a top choice for security-conscious users.Review:Proton VPNThe best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. Alternatively, Proton VPN's plans include 12 months for $4.99 per month, while one month of access costs $9.99.A free plan is also available, with limited server access. This option isn't suitable for streaming, however, so you should opt for a paid plan if your primary reason for using a VPN is streaming, Apple TV use, or gaming.Proton VPNfeatures: Apple TV compatibility: Yes| Smart DNS: Smart Routing |Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on the plan |Countries: 117 |Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 2.3 |Google Play rating: 4.5 |App Store rating: 4.6 Countries and servers 8 Usability 6 Speed and performance 7 Security 9 Price 6 Pros Reasonable speeds Native Apple TV app Strong security Cons Limited free plan Latest tests No leaks detected, 21% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 8,100-plus servers in 112 countriesJurisdiction SwitzerlandPrice $10 a month, $60 for the first year or $108 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $80 per year) Proton VPN Best Apple TV VPN for security 3.6 / 5 Score Proton VPN, developed by engineers dedicated to online security, uses robust protocols and strong encryption to help mask your online activities.Proton VPN offers a kill switch, the benefit of open-source technologies, and a server network including 91 countries. Our tests revealed no DNS leaks and reasonable speeds. Proton VPN released its Apple TV app in October 2024.This VPN is protected by Swiss privacy laws and it is independently audited. A strict no-logs policy is also in place, making it a top choice for security-conscious users.Review:Proton VPNThe best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. Alternatively, Proton VPN's plans include 12 months for $4.99 per month, while one month of access costs $9.99.A free plan is also available, with limited server access. This option isn't suitable for streaming, however, so you should opt for a paid plan if your primary reason for using a VPN is streaming, Apple TV use, or gaming.Proton VPNfeatures: Apple TV compatibility: Yes| Smart DNS: Smart Routing |Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on the plan |Countries: 117 |Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 2.3 |Google Play rating: 4.5 |App Store rating: 4.6 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at IPVanish IPVanish is a strong contender in the VPN space and is a popular option for streaming and day-to-day VPN use.IPVanish released an Apple TV-compatible app with the launch of tvOS 17. Across the board, it is a highly customizable option with fast connection speeds and solid transfers. The IKEv2 protocol is used to handle Apple TV connections. However, our frequent speed tests indicate this option can lag behind some of its competitors.Other features include a Kill Switch, ad and tracker blocking, encrypted storage, and unlimited simultaneous connections.Review: IPVanishIf you commit to two years, IPVanish offers a discounted plan for $2.19 per month. This increases to $3.33 per month for a yearly plan and $12.99 for a month-to-month subscription.IPVanish delivers a solid user experience overall. According to customer feedback, this VPN works well when streaming and while customers are abroad. We've also found this VPN to be very reliable.Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more, see ourEditorial Guidelines.IPVanish VPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Smart DNS: Yes|Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers |Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 130 (103 countries) |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.3|Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4.5 Pros Unlimited connections Native Apple TV app Mobile trials available Cons Price increases after subscription ends IPVanish is a strong contender in the VPN space and is a popular option for streaming and day-to-day VPN use.IPVanish released an Apple TV-compatible app with the launch of tvOS 17. Across the board, it is a highly customizable option with fast connection speeds and solid transfers. The IKEv2 protocol is used to handle Apple TV connections. However, our frequent speed tests indicate this option can lag behind some of its competitors.Other features include a Kill Switch, ad and tracker blocking, encrypted storage, and unlimited simultaneous connections.Review: IPVanishIf you commit to two years, IPVanish offers a discounted plan for $2.19 per month. This increases to $3.33 per month for a yearly plan and $12.99 for a month-to-month subscription.IPVanish delivers a solid user experience overall. According to customer feedback, this VPN works well when streaming and while customers are abroad. We've also found this VPN to be very reliable.Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more, see ourEditorial Guidelines.IPVanish VPN features:Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Smart DNS: Yes|Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers |Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 130 (103 countries) |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.3|Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4.5 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Apple TV VPNs, compared VPNPriceSimultaneous connectionsNative Apple TV app?NordVPN$3.39+ per month10YesExpress VPN$4.99+ per month8YesSurfshark$2.19+ per monthUnlimitedYesProton VPN$4.49+ per month10YesIPVanish$2.19+ per monthUnlimitedYes Show more What is an Apple TV VPN service and why should you use one? VPNs that provide a native app for Apple TV can be used to disguise your original IP address, giving you a relatively anonymous connection and the ability to access geo-restricted content.Your VPN can also help disguise your activities from your ISP. This can be especially important if you are on a plan that throttles your traffic when your ISP detects streaming.See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one? Show more How to set up an Apple TV VPN There are different ways to use a VPN with your Apple TV setup. After Apple announced support for third-party VPNs with the release of tvOS 17 in 2023, many VPN providers began developing native apps for use with the operating system -- but not all of them.If your chosen VPN provider offers a native Apple TV app, the process is simple. Head to Apple's App Store and select the search function to find your VPN app. Download the app, install it, and provide the VPN with any requested device permissions. Open the app and log in to the service via your Apple TV remote with your username, email, and password you created when you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs allow you to log in through a QR code or access code on another device.See also:How to set up a VPN on your routerYou also need to ensure that your Apple TV is up-to-date. To update your Apple TV, go to settings and find the software updates tab. Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or choose quick connect, and you should be good to go.If there is no native Apple TV app available, you may have to set up a VPN service on your router instead. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites detailing how to complete a manual setup. It's best to reference those instructions for the specific VPN you're using, and to contact support if you have any issues. Alternatively, you can try a Smart DNS workaround. Smart DNS attempts to unblock geo-restricted content and services, even when there is no native VPN support available. Smart DNS is a feature made available by top VPN providers, but enabling it to work with your Apple TV will vary by provider.For example, if you want to use NordVPN's Smart DNS feature on your Apple TV rather than its native app, open the app, navigate to the Services section, select Smart DNS, and hit Activate. Go into your Apple TV dashboard, head to network settings, and choose Configure DNS, Manual. Input NordVPN's smart DNS server addresses, and select submit. The app will either generate Smart DNS settings for you, or you'll have to look up the addresses provided by your VPN service.How we test VPNs Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of the ZDNET team. We've been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.We analyzed the best VPNs for Apple TV using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:Performance:Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming.Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our Apple TV VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware.Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page. Show more Choosing the right Apple TV VPN Choose this Apple TV VPN...If you want...NordVPNA do-it-all secure VPN with Apple TV compatibility. NordVPN is a speedy and reliable VPN service that offers plenty of simultaneous connections and 111 countries in its server network.ExpressVPNA fast service. ExpressVPN offers a native tvOS app and provides you with a simple interface, stable connectivity, and an expansive server network.SurfsharkTo pay less. Surfshark is an affordable VPN option that provides a range of useful features, including a dedicated tvOS app. You can also enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.Proton VPNTo put security first. Proton VPN now has a native app available for Apple TV and you can benefit from its wide range of security features while streaming.IPVanishA configurable VPN service. IPVanish is designed to be easy to set up and use, with unlimited connections and fast connection speeds. A native app is available for Apple TV. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an Apple TV VPN When you are selecting your new Apple TV VPN, you need to consider the following factors:Price: One of the most significant factors in choosing a new VPN is the price. You tend to get the best deals on longer contracts, but you can still sign up for a month or so to try out a service if you prefer. We recommend avoiding free VPNs -- with a few exceptions -- as they may sell your data or bombard you with ads. Plans from reputable VPNs can often be as little as a few dollars per month, although you might have to pay tax on top.Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN suitable for your Apple TV, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC or laptop. We recommend you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.Contract length: You must also decide how long you want a VPN. A two-year term tends to secure the best prices, but other options are available, including month-to-month plans, one-year terms, or, sometimes, even five-year contracts or lifetime subscriptions. After you've made a selection, there's typically a 30-day money-back guarantee.Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it first to ensure you like its accompanying app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but might not have a native Apple TV app available. If possible, select a VPN with a native Apple TV app to save you finding a workaround.Servers: When you are looking for a VPN to use with your Apple TV, it may be that the main reason is to access different libraries. So, check that the VPN you want to use has servers in the country or location you want before signing up. Show more FAQs on VPNs Does Apple ban VPN use? No. Since 2023, Apple has provided support for third-party VPN providers, allowing these services to develop native applications compatible with its set-top box. Apple said the support was made available "to benefit enterprise and education users wanting to access content on their private networks, allowing Apple TV to be a great office and conference room solution in even more places," but it was also good news for consumers who want the additional features and security of a VPN. Show more Is Smart DNS the same as a VPN? On their own, Smart DNS services offered by VPNs do not provide the same protection or security as a VPN. A VPN allows you to change your location and IP address while creating an encrypted tunnel to mask your online activities and improve your online security. By comparison, Smart DNS only changes your IP address to hopefully unblock geo-restricted content. Show more Is it worth getting a VPN just for my Apple TV? Probably not. Unless you want a VPN to access geo-blocked content libraries, paying for a VPN service just for your Apple TV might not be worth your money. That said, the majority of VPN providers will give you more than one connection at a time (known as simultaneous connections), and so you can use your VPN to protect your PC, smartphone, and other devices at the same time. Show more Do I have to pay for an Apple TV VPN? While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, the majority will come with speed, server, or device connection restrictions. For your Apple TV, we recommend that you sign up for a paid VPN plan so you don't have issues with Smart DNS functionality, speed, or security. Show more How do I tell if my VPN is safe? First, choose a reputable VPN vendor with a strong security background. Then, to check that your VPN is working properly, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this in your device's settings (typically under Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If you see the same IP address, your VPN is probably not working properly, as a VPN should assign you a new IP address.You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks have been detected while using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.Finally, be careful with free VPNs offered by unknown or shady companies, especially if they are outside of official app repositories. This could open your device up to surveillance or malware. Show more Are Apple TV VPN services legal? Apple TV VPN services are legal in the US, but the legality of using VPNs varies from country to country.Some countries, including North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq, ban VPNs outright, whereas others, such as Russia and China, do not approve of the use of non-state-controlled VPNs.If you intend to use a VPN in another country, and you are unsure of its legality, you can check out NordVPN's guide. Show more Other VPNs to consider Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

With their huge channel counts, vast amounts of power and peerless knack for creating ultra-immersive three-dimensional surround sound stages from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, Samsungs flagship soundbars have been firm favourites with AV fans for years now. For the past two or three generations, though, while there have always been improvements, the annual changes have been relatively small. For its 2025 models, though, the brand is ringing in some truly significant changes.The Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar features a radical new subwoofer design and new AI sound optimisation ... [+] feature.Photo: SamsungAt the very top of Samsungs 2025 soundbar tree will be the HW-Q990F. This successor to the multi award-winning HW-Q990D marks a major departure from its predecessor by swapping Samsungs usual hefty, acoustic lens-sporting subwoofer with a single 8-inch driver for a new 300W cubic bass speaker design that carries an 8-inch dual active unit, where the two drivers sit on opposing sides. This new design results, Samsung claims, in reduced unwanted resonance and a frequency response as low as 32Hz from a unit thats only around half the size of its predecessor.As well as hopefully improving the Q990Fs low frequency performance, the new subwoofers much smaller design obviously makes it easier to tuck its away out of sight in your designer living room. Though if you cant completely hide it away, it also features a smoother, more refined finish than its predecessors.Detail of the newly designed main bar component for the Q990F soundbar.Photo: SamsungThe Q990F system benefits, too, from Samsungs obsession with AI by introducing a number of AI-based sound optimisation features. A Dynamic Bass Control system enhances low frequency clarity by constantly applying non-linear bass management, while an AI-updated version of Samsungs Active Voice Amplifier Pro system uses real-time content analysis to reduce background noise and make dialogue clearer.MORE FOR YOUSamsungs Q-Symphony feature, where the soundbar can share audio duties with the speakers in compatible Samsung TVs, has also been AI-enhanced for Samsungs 2025 soundbars so that it can take on three additional wireless speakers rather than two, and autodetect the position of those other wireless speakers such as Samsungs Music Frames in order to optimize the sound stage to take account of each speakers distance from and relative angle to a Samsung TV.The latest Q-Symphony system also enables the Q990F to draw on a new Neural Processing Unit in Samsungs latest TVs to further enhance dialogue and improve synchronisation between the growing number of audio components the soundbar can combine with.In its solo form, the Q990F will continue to deliver an 11.1.4 channel count from its combination of a main soundbar, the new subwoofer, and two multi-channel wireless rears that include up- and side-firing drivers alongside the regular forward-facing driver.The new Samsung HW-QS700F soundbar can be hung vertically on the wall or placed horizontally on a ... [+] desktop, adjusting the way its speakers work accordingly.Photo: SamsungThe 2025 HW-QS700F lifestyle soundbar, meanwhile, brings new versatility to Samsungs 2025 range thanks to an all-new rotatable design that allows it to be mounted either horizontally or vertically, depending on whether you want to place it under a TV on a piece of furniture, or hang it in a slim vertical profile beneath a wall-mounted TV.Its sleek design looks elegant in either orientation, with gyro sensor technology in the soundbar enabling it to automatically detect whether its hanging vertically or lying horizontally, adjusting the output of its speakers and 3.1.2 channel count accordingly.The HW-QS700F in its horizontal desktop mode.Photo: SamsungThe QS700Fs lifestyle design focus means that it doesnt ship with any rear speakers included, but as Id expect with a soundbar designed with such a slim profile it does ship with an external wireless subwoofer that uses a similar cubic design to the sub provided with the Q990F.Both of Samsungs new premium soundbars will support the new YouTube targeted Eclipsa 3D sound format discussed in this previous story alongside Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and are expected to launch in the spring, with pricing yet to be confirmed.Related ReadingSamsung Goes Big On Vision AI, 8K And Lifestyle TVs At CESSamsung Adds New 3D Sound Technology To 2025 TV And Soundbar RangeSamsung TVs Hit Ground-Breaking Security Standard With New Encryption Certification

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhy you should buy the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TVSecurity software deal worth checking out: 55% off IncogniThere are TV deals for those who want a new screen while on a tight budget, but if youre willing to spend a hefty sum to create the most amazing home theater setup possible, there are options for you too. We highly recommend setting your sights on this one from Best Buy: the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV with a $603 discount that brings its price down from $5,000 to $4,397. Its definitely still not what we would call affordable, but if you want one of the best premium TVs money can buy, this is an offer you shouldnt miss.With a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a spot in our list of the best OLED TVs, its safe to say we think very highly of the Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV. Its 77-inch screen features the QD-OLED technology, which combines the intense brightness levels and wide color gamut of QLED TVs with the ability to achieve perfect black levels of OLED TVs. If youre stuck deciding between QLED TVs versus OLED TVs, you wont need to make that choice with the Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV.The 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV is powered by the brands Cognitive Processor XR, which handles everything from 4K upscaling to frame-to-frame improvements, and its equipped with the Pentonic 1000 HDMI chipset that enables Dolby Vision gameplay at an up to 120Hz refresh rate. The TV also runs on the Google TV platform, for access to all of the popular streaming services and Google Assistant through its included voice remote.RelatedWith all of its fantastic features and topnotch technology, the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV is simply a screen that should be near the top of the wish list for anybody who can afford it. If youre fine with splurging on Sony TV deals for this awesome display, you can currently get it from Best Buy for $4,397 instead of $5,000 the $603 in savings is definitely not nothing, so you might as well take advantage of it while its available. Were not sure how much longer the discount will remain online though, so if youre interested, you should push through with your purchase of the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV immediately.How many scam calls have you gotten this week? Scam calls are getting so common that a lot of people have opted to stop answering the phone if they dont recognize the number on caller ID. These scammers are finding you because your data leaked somewhere. What if we told you there was a way to get your personal data removed from the internet?Thats what Incogni does. It removes your information from data broker databases. Throughout your yearly subscription, Incogni will continuously check for your data and scrub it away. Youll start getting fewer scam calls within a week.Right now, a year of Incogni is 50% off. That means removing your data will only cost you $90 for a full year, or $7.49 per month. Use code DIGITALDEAL at checkout.Editors Recommendations

The lawsuit accused Musk of misleading shareholders by not reporting his 2022 investment in the social-media company in a timely manner.

Canadian singer-songwriter Tamara Lindemans folk-rock project returns on a beautifully orchestrated album that deftly moves between personal observations and cosmic questions.

250x There was a straight shot from Earth to the Moon and Mars last night Even at its closest point to Earth, Mars looms 250 times farther than the Moon. Stephen Clark Jan 14, 2025 6:21 pm | 8 As seen from East Texas, Mars reappeared from behind the Moon at approximately 9 pm CST (10 pm EST) Monday night. Credit: Stephen Clark/Ars Technica As seen from East Texas, Mars reappeared from behind the Moon at approximately 9 pm CST (10 pm EST) Monday night. Credit: Stephen Clark/Ars Technica Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreI almost missed it. Amid a bout of prime-time doomscrolling, a social media post reminded me there was something worth seeing in the sky. Mars disappeared behind the full Moon for a little more than an hour Monday night, an event visible across most of North America and parts of Africa.So I grabbed my camera, ran outside, and looked up just as Mars was supposed to emerge from the Moon's curved horizon. Seen with the naked eye, the Moon's brightness far outshined Mars, casting soft shadows on a cold winter evening in East Texas.Viewing the Moon through binoculars, the red planet appeared just above several large partially shadowed craters at the edge of the Moon's curved limb. I quickly snapped dozens of photos with my handheld Canon 80D fitted with a 600 mm lens. Within a few minutes, Mars rose farther above the Moon's horizon. Thanks to the parallax effect, the Moon's relative motion in its orbit around Earth appears significantly faster than the movement of Mars in its orbit around the Sun.There are undoubtedly sharper images of Monday night's cosmic conjunction. I rushed to take as many pictures as possible with only a couple of minutes of preparation, so I didn't use a tripod. There are many wonderful astrophotographers with the skill and equipment to capture better views than I did. You can see the work of one of these astrophotographers, Andrew McCarthy, in this image from a 2022 lunar occultation.But I hope my experience conveys the accessibility of the sky's wonders if you know when and where to look.Scale and grandeurThe red planet is currently about 250 times more distant than the Moon. As of Tuesday, Mars is roughly 60 million miles (96 million kilometers) away, about as close as it ever gets to Earth. Mars reaches opposition, or its closest approach to our planet, on Wednesday night. This happens once every 26 months, and it always comes a few months after the ideal launch window for spacecraft traveling from the Earth to Mars.The most recent lunar occultation of Mars that was visible from the United States occurred on December 7, 2022. A handful of these events occur every few years around each Martian opposition, but they are usually only visible from a small portion of Earth, often over the ocean or in polar regions. The next lunar occultation of Mars visible across most of the United States will happen on the night of February 45, 2042. There are similar occultations of Mars in 2035, 2038, and 2039 visible in narrow swaths of South Florida and the Pacific Northwest. This photo was taken with a handheld Canon 80D and a 600 mm lens. Settings were 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 400. The image was cropped and lightly edited in Adobe Lightroom. The Moon also periodically covers Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Solar System's more distant planets. A good resource on lunar occultations is In-The-Sky.org, which lists events where the Moon will block out a planet or a bright star. Be sure you choose your location on the upper right corner of the page and toggle year by year to plan out future viewing opportunities.Viewing these kinds of events can be breathtaking and humbling. In 2012, I was lucky enough to observe the transit of Venus in front of the Sun, something that only happens twice every 121 years.Seeing Mars, twice the size of the Moon, rising above the lunar horizon like a rusty BB pellet next to a dusty volleyball provided a perfect illustration of the scale and grandeur of the Solar System. Similarly, viewing Venus dwarfed by the Sun was a revealing moment. The worlds accompanying Earth around the Sun are varied in size, shape, color, and composition.In one glance, an observer can see the barren, airless lunar surface and a cold, desert planet that once harbored rivers, lakes, and potentially life, all while standing on our own planet, an oasis in the cosmos. One thing that connects them all is humanity's quest for exploration. Today, robots are operating on or around the Moon and Mars. Governments and private companies are preparing to return astronauts to the lunar surface within a few years, then moving on to dispatch human expeditions to the red planet.Plans to land astronauts on the Moon are already in motion, but significant financial and technological hurdles remain for a crew mission to put humans on Mars. But for a short time Monday night, it looked like there was a direct path.Stephen ClarkSpace ReporterStephen ClarkSpace Reporter Stephen Clark is a space reporter at Ars Technica, covering private space companies and the worlds space agencies. Stephen writes about the nexus of technology, science, policy, and business on and off the planet. 8 Comments

Erta Ale Volcano in EthiopiaShutterstock/Tatyana DruzhininaThis is an extract from Our Human Story, our newsletter about the revolution in archaeology.Sign up to receive it in your inbox every month.So, volcanoes are scary.I have vivid memories of visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum with my parents and seeing the twisted preserved corpses of people that were buried under the pyroclastic flow from Vesuvius. The people in question lived in what was, at the time, one of the most technologically advanced societies on the planet yet they died in their thousands. Volcanoes are one of those