Feed aggregator

On paper, Orion and the Dark sounds like a Film Twitter joke. Charlie Kaufman writes a screenplay for a kids' movie about a young boy confronting his fear of the dark — and German director/oddball pop culture icon Werner Herzog pops up along the way, playing himself. 

In execution, this inventive animated adventure is just as weird as Kaufman fans would hope. It's also far sweeter than they might expect from the screenwriter behind such anxiety-inducing cinema as Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Anomalisa, and I'm Thinking of Ending Things. 

Now on Netflix, Orion and the Dark is a colorful and creative movie that offers a quest full of quirky characters and unexpected turns, which are sure to amuse kids. But Kaufman also weaves in more mature content, ranging from a throwaway joke about David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest to explorations of anxiety, existential dread, self-doubt, and generational trauma. While all that might seem a lot for kids to handle, Kaufman's latest speaks to Generation Alpha where they are: smart, understandably scared, and eager for their parents to level with them. 

What's Orion and the Dark about?  Credit: Netlix

Based on Emma Yarlett's children's book of the same name, Orion and the Dark centers on a fearful 11-year-old boy (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) who is white-knuckling it through school every day and scared to go to sleep every night. Everything from talking to his crush to far-out what-ifs about public humiliation, cancer, and death terrifies Orion into petrified isolation, making him an easy target for bullies. 

Director Sean Charmatz brings these fears to life, intercutting the smoothly CG-animated adventure with hand-drawn-style cartoons from Orion's journal. Bees, dogs, bullies, and "murder clowns" are colorful scribbles, easy to understand but not frightening in their rendering. Orion is the most scared in the dark, where his imagination can run wild with terror. And frankly, Dark has had enough of that. 

Voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, Dark is a sentient creature in a long black cloak who challenges Orion to accompany him on his night's rotation around the Earth to prove this infinite darkness is nothing to be scared of. Along the way, they'll hang out with Dark's co-workers: Sleep (What We Do In the Shadow's Natasia Demetriou), Unexplained Noises (Bridgerton's Golda Rosheuvel), Quiet (Aparna Nancherla), Insomnia (Disenchantment's Nat Faxon), and Sweet Dreams (Angela Bassett) — as well as his nemesis Light, presented as a gratingly upbeat gym bro voiced by Ike Barinholtz. 

Together, both Orion and Dark will spark an unlikely friendship that helps each confront their fears, along with some twists that fit right into Kaufman's live-action oeuvre. 

Orion and the Dark favors the complicated over the clear-cut.  Credit: Netflix

Partway through the movie, young Orion casually mentions his daughter, which confounds Dark. It turns out that this story is a bedtime tale being told by grown-up Orion (Colin Hanks) to his kid Hypatia (Mia Akemi Brown), who, 20 years later, is also spooked by the dark. From there, the adventure between young Orion and Dark evolves under collaboration, with Hypatia giving notes about what's working and what's too much. (Good news: She's onboard with Herzog popping in to narrate a doc short about Dark.) 

Far from demanding an outright happy ending with life lessons and a "dance party" — a seeming dig at unabashedly gleeful kids' fare like the Trolls franchise — Hypatia urges her dad to confront the truth. All these years later, there are still times he's afraid of the dark. 

By breaking outside of its initial conceit to a future beyond it, Orion and the Dark urges grown-ups to not only to reflect on how their fears shaped them as a child or how childhood fears may be shaping their own brood, but how as adults we can connect through openness and honesty about these fears. As Orion and the Dark shows, you may never be able to fully overcome a big fear, but you can learn to cope through bringing it into the light. Orion and Hypatia connect by voicing their fears aloud, seeing they are not alone in them. And from there, the story gets willfully silly to explore the power of growth, which in turn allows us to break the cycle of generational trauma. But to explain all that would mean major spoilers, so let's move on. 

Orion and the Dark is wacky and cathartic.  Credit: Netflix

There's a collision of style and content in Orion and the Dark that can be downright dizzying. The animation is built on rounded characters whose design undercut the jagged fears of its fretful protagonists. Though much of the film is set at night, the gloom is alight with stars — and with Dark’s neon-colored besties, who glow in blues, greens, and purple. The metaphor of the darkness allowing us to see such splendors' light is explained clearly, inviting kiddos easily into the concept. However, these cuddly creatures of the night do some downright deranged things, like when Sleep (who looks like a Sesame Street native all fluffy, soft, and blue) sends a human to slumber by forcing a "magic pillow" over his face. 

Now, parents and guardians may gasp here, fearing that kids will reenact what they see. (Maybe just like our parents feared us mimicking the foul mouth of Bart Simpson or the violence of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?) However, I suspect such dark elements of Orion are a feature, not a glitch, urging grown-ups to watch this movie with the kids in their lives, as it could be a launchpad for conversation — not just about cautions but also connections. 

Where parents and guardians yearn to be endlessly supportive and positive and protective of their children, Orion in the Dark shines a light on how it can also be helpful to admit adults are flawed and vulnerable too. Rather than suggesting you overcome a problem and it's never a problem again, this enchanting adventure shows the more complicated truth. Fears may resurface. Problems may transform. But if you have someone by your side to talk it out with, it's a lot easier to get through the dark times. 

This makes Orion and the Dark an astonishing story to come from Kaufman, whose most acclaimed films feature protagonists wallowing in cycles of self-doubt, sabotage, and obsession. Orion is able to disrupt his cycle by looking forward, to the future, to his daughter, and beyond. And so his story plays like the charming bedtime story it is within the film: weird and sometimes messy, but ultimately comforting with a happy ending.    

Whether you have a kid in your life who could use some catharsis or an inner child in need of a lullaby, check out the chaotic yet comforting Orion and the Dark. 

How to watch: Orion and the Dark is now streaming on Netflix. 

Normally I'd bemoan any TV show that seems like a run-of-the-mill movie reboot, but when it comes to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, all my skepticism has gone flying out the window.

The only thing this Prime Video series has in common with Doug Liman's 2005 film is its name. Co-created by Francesca Sloane (Atlanta, Fargo) and Donald Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Smith is more of a delightful reinvention than a stale remake. (In that way, it's similar to 2023's Dead Ringers, another astounding film-based series from the streaming service.)

SEE ALSO: 38 TV shows we can't wait to see in 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Smith turns the movie's plot on its head. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Credit: David Lee / Prime Video

Whereas the film introduced a pair of married assassins unaware they're working for opposing spy operations, the show throws two strangers together in a fake marriage as a cover for secret missions. Think of it like The Americans, only with a funnier tone.

Our newlywed strangers are John (Glover) and Jane (Pen15's Maya Erskine). He describes himself as "too competitive," she describes herself as "secretive." Both are willing to relocate for a new job with a mysterious intelligence company, one whose head honcho only communicates with them via cryptic text messages and the occasional gifted bottle of wine. Upon recruitment, they receive new identities, a new life in a gorgeous Manhattan brownstone, and the opportunity to go on the high-risk missions they so desperately crave. Of course, with their new positions meaning they're always working in close proximity to one another, how long will it take the fake-married Smiths to develop real feelings?

SEE ALSO: 12 best romantic comedies on Prime Video perfect for cuddle season

Their job provides Mr. & Mrs. Smith with its "mission of the week" structure, resulting in refreshingly episodic television that stands out in today's binge-heavy streaming landscape. It's a shame, then, that Prime Video is dropping all eight episodes of Mr. & Mrs. Smith at once. Each mission and the show's cavalcade of impressive guests — Parker Posey! Paul Dano! Alexander Skarsgård! — deserve to be savored from week to week.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a charming spy thriller with sizzling chemistry. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Credit: David Lee / Prime Video

John and Jane's missions offer plenty of opportunities for exciting set pieces, ranging from suspenseful to bombastic. Tense tailing assignments, classy silent auctions, and high-speed car chases create even more variety from episode to episode, with series directors like Hiro Murai and Amy Seimetz delivering sleek work worthy of a big-budget spy flick.

But the main focus of every installment of Mr. & Mrs. Smith is less the mission and more the ways in which it allows John and Jane to connect. With episode titles like "First Date" and "First Vacation," the show frames each mission as a relationship milestone, toggling between rom-com and spy thriller at a moment's notice. Take the first episode, which sees John and Jane staking out a cafe. To pass the time, they inevitably turn to small talk — although Jane is somewhat resistant — and eventual flirtation.

Later episodes examine their relationship further as their connection deepens. Questions of children and parental relations come up, along with double dates with other couples in a seeming bid for some kind of normalcy. On one mission to a glamorous ski resort, John and Jane spy on a couple on the rocks (Sharon Horgan and Billy Campbell) and vent their own relationship frustrations through the lens of their targets. It's a clever way of combining the show's various genres and getting at its main questions about the intersections between work, love, and marriage.

These sequences would fall apart without rock-solid chemistry, but luckily Glover and Erskine deliver in abundance. From the initial stages of courtship to their later intimacy, they have a rapport that is at once funny, sexy, and sweet, but never forced. They're able to bring a sense of real love and concern to even the most heightened spy situations, which only makes Mr. & Mrs. Smith funnier. The results are nothing short of electric, with Glover's charm pairing perfectly with Erskine's more guarded deadpan.

With Glover and Erskine as great as they are, and with a story that's wonderfully self-assured in its own identity outside of the 2005 film, Mr. & Mrs. Smith makes for a darkly funny treat. Trust me, with Valentine's Day coming up, there are no better spies to spend it with than John and Jane Smith.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is now streaming on Prime Video.

Let me show you how to edit videos.

The internet landscape has become so video-focused, having an understanding of video editing is essential. Of course, you don’t have to be an editing wizard, but it’s a nice skill to have under your belt. 

Whether it's for work, for social media, or your compiling clips from your latest vacation, there’s no shortage of reasons why one may want to edit a video. Thankfully, there are so many pieces of software available. 

How to edit videos

Mashable can’t help but recommend Adobe Premiere, which is the standard among many professionals.

Not only is it intuitive for those dipping their feet into video editing, but it also has a wide array of toolsets.

Step 1: Open Adobe Premiere. Import your video clips by selecting File at the top menu bar. Next, click Import and choose the clips you’d like to use.

Step 2: Drag-and-drop one clip at a time into the Main Sequence bar in the bottom center of your screen.

Step 3: To edit and refine each video clip, click on the Razer Tool (or C key). Use the playhead at the top of the Main Sequence bar to find the start and ending moments of your clip. Select each one individually. 

Credit: Steve Vegvari

Hit the Selection Tool (or V key) and use your mouse to select each unwanted clip and hit the Delete button on your keyboard.

Step 4: To add new audio or music, import the audio files by dragging them into the Project panel. You can then add each one onto the Main Sequence and assort them accordingly. 

You can also mute the original audio from the video clips by clicking the ‘M’ symbol on the original audio track in the Main Sequence (likely designated as Audio 1).

Step 5: Rearrange and organize your clips and audio by dragging each clip in the Main Sequence.

Credit: Steve Vegvari

Once you are done, head to Sequence in the top menu bar and select Close Gap to remove any gaps in your timeline.

Step 6: If you’d like to add a title or onscreen text, hit the Text tool (or CRTL + T key). Then clip on the Program monitor above. Begin typing the text you wish to use. 

Credit: Steve Vegvari

Adjust how long you’d like the text to stay on screen by adjusting its clip duration on the timeline. 

Use the Effects Control panel on the top left-hand side to adjust font, sizing, positioning, etc. 

Step 7: Use your mouse to highlight all the clips from beginning to end on the Main Sequence. Navigate to ‘File in the top menu and Export.

Select Media and name the file. Choose its export destination and format. In most cases, YouTube 1080p Full HD is a good preset to choose because it will be compatible with many platforms. 

From there, you can take your clip and use it as you see fit. Upload it to YouTube, show it off on TikTok, share it on Instagram, or throw it in a Google Drive.

TL;DR: As of February 2, get one year of Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for only $39.99, or get Skoove Piano lessons for life for $149.99.

The key to learning piano might be your teacher, but nobody said your teacher has to be human. Skoove is an AI-powered piano tutoring app that listens as you play and makes recommendations based on your expertise. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience tapping the ivory, you might find something useful from hundreds of lessons and thousands of instructional piano videos. You can get your Valentine Skoove for a year for $39.99 or for life for $149.99, but both these prices are only here for a little bit longer, so take note. 

A unique and musical Valentine's Day gift

Skoove gives piano students the chance to learn from AI, whether they're beginners, intermediate players, or advanced. Just like a real piano teacher, Skoove listens while you play, but it uses AI to recognize each note and provide real-time feedback and personalized lessons. It's kind of like a teacher you can keep on your iPhone or iPad. There are over 400 lessons to choose from and thousands of instructional videos. Skoove even shows you how to play everything from contemporary songs to classical pieces from composers like Bach and Beethoven. 

Both subscriptions come with one-on-one support from instructors along with updated lessons and special courses. Skoove works with all pianos and keyboards, so you can get this for your loved one whether they're using a classic piano or a USB/MIDI keyboard.

A valentine for someone who loves you 'Bach'

Until February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get these AI-powered piano lessons on sale:

• One year of Skoove Premium Piano Lessons, on sale for for $39.99

• Lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for $149.99

StackSocial Prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: SKoove One year of Skoove Premium Piano Lessons $39.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons $149.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of February 2, you can get the Chounette L'Etonnante 4 Preserved Roses Box for just $28.88 instead of $89.88 — that's 67% in savings ahead of Valentine's Day.

We've made it through the month of January, which feels like a month and a half. That means Valentine's Day is around the corner. And if you are sick of spending money on flowers that only wind up in the trash every February, this Chounette L' Etonnante Four Preserved Roses Box might be a terrific alternative. They are forever-preserved roses that can last forever — and the box of four is just $28.88 shipped.

Here's how you can get this beautiful keepsake for this sale price:

1. Purchase the digital voucher here.

2. Simply redeem the voucher code on the Chounette website and choose your shipping date. (it is recommended that you select a delivery date one or two days before the occasion or event, just in case)

At redemption, you can choose between beautiful colors in a white or black box. All four roses will be the same color and come in an elegant display box. Please note that shipping is only available to the continental U.S. and excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

Your loved one can place them on their desk, coffee table, or dining room table as a centerpiece. And, the best part is, they never die, so your special someone can be reminded of your thoughtfulness and love for years to come.

Specially curated to be 'forever' blooms, this four-inch keepsake rose box would make a lovely gift for a significant other, parent, friend, and anyone in your life who enjoys the look of flowers in their home.

Get this voucher for the Chounette L' Etonnante Box of Four Preserved Roses for just $28.88 shipped, and surprise someone in your life with a token of your love and appreciation.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chounette Chounette L'Etonnante 4 Preserved Roses Box $28.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Through February 4, get the BirdBike eBike for only $929.97 — that's 59% off.

Looking for a Valentine's Day gift that helps your loved one kick their year into a new gear? How about a budget-friendly eBike with a max distance of 50 miles on pedal assist mode? The BirdBike is a sleek, powerful e-Bike with a 500W motor and a max speed of 20 miles per hour. And instead of paying $2,299, you can get one of these awesome eBikes for just $929.97. 

Get an e-Bike for under $1,000

The BirdBike is a commuter, mountain, and electric bike, This e-Bike could be a fun fit for outdoor athletes, commuters, or anyone who wants to ride up to 50 miles on a single battery. That's in pedal assist mode, but you could go up to 20 miles using only the 500W motor. The advanced carbon drive train helps keep your ride smooth, even on rough roads, and you don't have to worry about a chain. The BirdBike battery can charge while it's on the bike or off. 

Powering up a hill and need a little help? The instant e-Boost is built into the handlebar throttle and gives you a quick burst of speed. And you won't have to worry much about it getting stolen, as this one comes with its own alarm system. Activate and deactivate through the app unless you want to hear a 120-decibel alarm. 

Zip around town and get some fresh air

Whether you're shopping for a hard-core rider, a cycle commuter, or someone who just wants to get out more, this Valentine's Day present could be the answer. 

February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get the BirdBike eBike (A-Frame/Stealth Black) for just $929.97. No coupon needed. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bird BirdBike eBike $929.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Through February 4, get this refurbished iPad Pro for only $165.97 — it's usually $599.

Not everyone needs an iPad that can fully replace their laptop or desktop. If you're Valentine's Day shopping for someone who just wants a lightweight device for browsing social media, streaming movies, or traveling, refurbished could be a much cheaper option that doesn't pack more power than you need. 

This refurbished iPad only has minor cosmetic signs of use, and it even comes with a case, screen protector, and Lightning Cable. All that is marked down for Valentine's Day from $599 to $165.97. No coupon needed. 

A budget-friendly gift for Apple lovers

This refurbished iPad Pro has a sleek design, 32GB of internal storage, and a stunning 9.7-inch Retina display. That combination of hardware could be great for streaming, browsing, or even staying connected while you're traveling the globe. This tablet has a 12MP iSight rear camera and a 5MP FaceTime HD front camera. Frequent travelers could snap photos of their adventures or FaceTime with family back home. 

Between the Apple A9X processor and 2GB of RAM, this model year 2016 iPad could be equipped to handle a variety of tasks, even light productivity apps. Or if your loved one just wants to stream a movie, they can use the built-in speakers or connect wireless headphones with Bluetooth. They could marathon a few flicks with a battery that may last up to 10 hours fully charged, and a cable is even included along with a snap-on case and tempered glass screen protector. 

Save on an iPad refurb for Valentine's Day

Instead of breaking the bank and grabbing a brand-new iPad for Valentine's Day, go for a refurbished tablet that could still be a great match for casual browsing, streaming, and more. 

Until February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get this refurbished 32GB iPad Pro for $165.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch A1673 32GB WiFi Silver Bundle (Refurbished) $165.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for February 2 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for February 2

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Feb. 2, 2024:

AcrossBottle top

• The answer is caps.

C, D, E, F, G, A, B, e.g.

• The answer is scale.

See 1-Down

• The answer is humps.

"Give it ___" ("Hush!")

• The answer is arest.

Director Brooks

• The answer is Mel.

DownWith 6-Across, "peaks" on a desert mount

• The answer is camel.

Major mountain range of Europe

• The answer is Alps.

Annoying bug

• The answer is pest.

Phony, fake, bogus

• The answer is sham.

Glass of water, for a hangover

• The answer is cure.

Apple is almost ready to show us what it can do in the artificial intelligence space.

During Apple's earnings call on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the company will make an AI announcement sometime in 2024.

“As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in these and other technologies that shape our future. That includes AI, where we continue to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort and we’re excited to share details of our ongoing work in that space later this year," said Cook.

As is typical of Cook, who is always extremely careful not to unveil anything in advance, almost all details were absent. But he did confirm he's talking about generative AI, best known to most folks through OpenAI's super-smart assistant, ChatGPT.

“Let me just say that I think there’s a huge opportunity for Apple with generative AI and with AI, without getting into many more details or getting out ahead of myself," said Cook.

SEE ALSO: Vision Pro apps are now visible on Apple's App Store website

Cook's remarks seemingly confirm Bloomberg's recent report, which claimed that the company's upcoming iOS 18 will be one of the biggest iOS updates in the company's history. The update, which will likely be announced during Apple's WWDC conference in June, will reportedly include a smarter Siri, as well as more AI integration into basic iOS features including Messages and Apple Music.

Cook's announcement also comes on the eve of an incredibly important product launch for Apple. The company's first spatial computer, the $3,499 Vision Pro, launches on Friday. The VR/AR headset comes with some AI features; for example, Personas – the virtualized versions of headset's wearers – are created using AI models. But some analysts believe that the Vision Pro will mark Apple's biggest Apple push into AI yet, which will eventually include a separate AI App Store.

TL;DR: Stream France vs. Ireland in the Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Six Nations brings together some of the best international rugby sides in the world, and whilst France and Ireland came up short in their pursuit of the World Cup last year, they remain two of the most formidable teams on the planet. And it's the Six Nations, so you know it's going to be a good watch regardless of the quality on display.

If you want to watch France vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Ireland?

France vs. Ireland kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 2. This fixture takes place at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France.

How to watch France vs. Ireland for free

The match between France and Ireland will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage starting from 7:15 p.m. GMT on Feb. 2. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access ITVX to stream the Six Nations by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream France vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the Six Nations before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch France vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Congo DR vs. Guinea in AFCON for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Africa Cup of Nations has been full of surprises. If anyone was able to correctly predict the teams left in the quarter-finals, we would like to talk to them about lottery tickets.

What has been more predictable is the level of entertainment provided by this tournament. You never know what's going to happen next, and that makes for a very watchable competition. And you can see for yourself without spending anything.

If you want to watch Congo DR vs. Guinea for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Congo DR vs. Guinea?

Congo DR vs. Guinea kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 2. This fixture takes place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

How to watch Congo DR vs. Guinea for free

The match between Congo DR and Guinea will be broadcast live on BBC Three, with coverage starting from 7:50 p.m. GMT on Feb. 2. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer to stream AFCON 2023 by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Congo DR vs. Guinea for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch key AFCON knockout games before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Congo DR vs. Guinea for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Certification Training Bundle is on sale for £39.34, saving you 88% on list price.

Shuddering at the thought of crunching numbers on Excel? You may want to change that. Apparently, data science remains the most appealing job in the 21st century, and if you want to be a data scientist who takes home a cushy paycheck, you have to be comfortable with analysing data on the popular spreadsheet software, Excel.

Granted, navigating the app alone and getting to grips with its many functionalities are overwhelming for any beginner, which is why receiving proper training is a must. This Excel, VBA, and data science certification training bundle can help you on that front, and you can get it on sale for £39.34 for a limited time.

This instructional package, put together by Mammoth Interactive, a company that specialises in programming, design, and project management, contains 13 comprehensive courses and 52 hours of expert-led training. It touches on the basics and intricacies of Excel, as well as the ins and outs of the Python programming language. At the start, you can expect to gain a fundamental understanding of how Excel works and how it relates to synthesising and analysing data, and receive a primer on the syntax of Python and how it can create databases and perform data manipulation.

Once you've familiarised yourself with the building blocks of both tools, you'll proceed with learning how to apply them in data science. For instance, with Excel, you'll be trained on how to manage and sort data, visualise mounds of information, and do financial analysis. With Python, you'll learn how to automate tasks, build a tool that scrapes data from a page, and put together charts.

All lessons included are beginner-friendly, so you don't have to worry about not having any prior experience. You can also access the courses anytime, anywhere, using any device, so you can learn at your own pace, on your own time.

For a limited time, you can get this Excel, VBA, and data science certification training bundle on sale for just £39.34.

Opens in a new window Credit: Your First Program Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Certification Training Bundle £39.34 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Stream Australia vs. South Korea for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The AFC Asian Cup is reaching a dramatic climax, with only the very best teams still competing for the trophy. Australia have cruised through the competition so far, but South Korea are going to give the Socceroos a serious challenge at the quarter-final stage.

If you want to watch Australia vs. South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. South Korea?

Australia vs. South Korea kicks off at 3:30 p.m. GMT on Feb. 2. This fixture will take place at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, Qatar.

How to watch Australia vs. South Korea for free

You can watch Australia vs. South Korea live and free across Network 10, with free live streaming also available on 10Play.

10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access 10Play from anywhere in the world.

Access 10Play to stream Australia vs. South Korea by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 10Play

5. Steam Australia vs. South Korea for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 10Play without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Australia vs. South Korea in the Asian Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 10Play?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking 10Play, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Australia vs. South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Feb. 2's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A split chin.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #958 is...

CLEFT.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Hot Ones has finally come for Last Week Tonight host John Oliver. It is unclear why he agreed to subject his mild British palate to Sean Evans' infamous gauntlet of spicy sauces, but one might speculate it's some sort of self-flagellation.

Though Oliver immediately expressed concern upon sampling the first and mildest condiment (Hot Ones' Original Buffalo Hot Sauce), he pushed through with both good humour and an air of resignation. He did have a few choice words for some of the sauces, though.

"That is just an objectionable thing for humanity to do," Oliver declared upon trying Da Bomb Beyond Insanity. "It's not the worst thing we've ever done, but it's part of our worst instincts."

Expressing increasing apprehension as he worked his way through Evans' collection of hot sauces, Oliver explained why Last Week Tonight is able to delve into less popular topics, recounted being tricked into believing he was meeting Louis Theroux, and recalled bombing so spectacularly at a standup show that an audience member threatened to stab him.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for February 2's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Vacation

• Green: Belt lingo

• Blue: Pear pairs

• Purple: Types of wood

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Time Off

• Green: Features of a Belt

• Blue: Homophones

• Purple: ___Wood

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #236 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Time Off: BREAK, HOLIDAY, LEAVE, RECESS

• Features of a Belt: BUCKLE, HOLE, LOOP, STRAP

• Homophones: HOLEY, HOLI, HOLY, WHOLLY

• ___Wood: DOG, DRIFT, HOLLY, SANDAL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

The company’s quarterly revenue rose 25% as its costs fell after layoffs last year.

The iPhone maker’s share price dropped in after-hour trading even though sales and profit topped Wall Street expectations.

The tech giant introduced the Rufus chatbot. It has lagged behind others on introducing consumer-facing generative artificial intelligence.

The Vision Pro's official debut is just hours away, so Apple updated the App Store website to reflect that.

As noted by MacRumors, the web version of the App Store now showcases Vision Pro compatibility for apps that support the new headset.

If you want to find out whether or not an app supports Vision Pro or even seen what the app looks like on Vision Pro, you can head to the website and do so now.

SEE ALSO: What’s inside the Apple Vision Pro box? 9 things that come with the headset. Here's Zoom on the Vision Pro. Credit: Zoom/App Store

For instance, there's a special Vision Pro version of Zoom with a bunch of features unique to that device. If you want to see how Zoom looks through the lens of a Vision Pro, there are now some images on its App Store page.

This isn't a revolutionary, massive change, but it does make the impending release of Apple's $3,500 headset feel all the more real.

Perhaps this is the beginning of the future of computing — or maybe this will be Apple's biggest failure yet.