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Yelp reviews are getting the AI treatment.

Today, the OG online review platform announced AI-powered business summaries in addition to a slew of other features for businesses and users alike.

Yelp's large language models (LLMs) parse through recent reviews, condensing them into short summaries that offer accurate depictions of what each business is known for — and what to expect, such as atmosphere, service, amenities, popular dish to try, etc.

SEE ALSO: Yelp using AI to enhance search features and recommendations

Businesses have been seeking to capitalize on the hype of ChatGPT, which is the fastest-growing app in internet history. This includes leveraging generative AI's abilities like writing and summarizing into time-saving tools for work and life.

As more companies put out consumer-facing AI features, it also means more AI-generated content circulating, which is an entirely new territory for life on the web.

Get a quick summary of the best insights from Yelpers at the top of the page. Credit: Yelp

Yelp's AI-powered business summary is reminiscent of a recent Amazon feature that provides summaries of product reviews. Both use LLMs to ingest possibly thousands of reviews, condensing them into 3-4 sentences to save users time and effort.

Mashable hasn't had the chance to test out Yelp's AI summaries, but found some errors and inaccuracies with the Amazon feature that all LLMs are prone to.

To address such issues, Yelp only uses recent reviews to train the LLM and has safety framework in place to "mitigate incorrect and inappropriate content," said a spokesperson. Business owners can always contact Yelp Support if they believe a summary is inaccurate. The business summaries also have a disclosure letting users know it's AI-generated and will be monitoring user feedback and engagement.

Yelp AI-generated business summaries are available on iOS and will roll out to Android and desktop later this year.

ADAM, the humanoid robot bartender and barista made an appearance at CES this year. Developed by Richtech Robotics, ADAM lets you choose from over 100 drink recipes.

Popularized in China during the pandemic, ReelShort and other apps are hoping to bring minute-by-minute melodramas to the United States.

"What's your love language?"

It's a question you've likely heard on and offline, with an answer many have seriously contemplated about themselves and their partners. As the theory goes, there are only five options for how people supposedly demonstrate and desire love: is it words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, receiving gifts, or acts of service?

The theory of love languages, coined by Baptist preacher Gary Chapman in a book written over thirty years ago, is ubiquitous on the internet and IRL. The phrase is often used in conversations about love, TikTok quizzes have been dedicated to the question, and apps like Hinge have concocted romantic theories based on the idea.

SEE ALSO: TikTok has an obsession with testing friends and partners — and it needs to stop

But the idea of love languages may be largely unfounded, with little empirical backing, according to a new paper from researchers at the University of Toronto and York University. The study set out to unpack the heart of the love languages theory, based on Chapman's argument that the key to a successful romantic relationship is for partners to understand and speak each other's respective love languages. The five languages theory also assumes that each person has a primary love language, which means that they prioritize one way of expressing love over others.

The researchers found, however, that people tend to value each of the five languages in different contexts. They also emphasized that the languages "may not encompass all the meaningful ways that people express and feel love". Finally, the paper found "very little evidence" that partners with matching love languages fostered better relationships.

Featured Video For You How Tinder and other dating apps use algorithms to find your match — Horny on Main

Chapman's credibility has been questioned before, largely because his notions are limited and constructed to apply only to heterosexual, cisgender, Caucasian, and Christian couples aligned with conservative, patriarchal gender roles. Emily Impett, one of the researchers from the University of Toronto, highlighted this: "One key thing to remember is that Chapman developed the five love languages by working with a sample of white, religious, mixed-gender, traditional couples. There are certain things that are left out, such as affirming a partner's personal goals outside of the relationship, which might be significant to couples with more egalitarian values."

The preacher has also been called out for instances of homophobia and aligning his theories with embedded misogyny.

And yet, love languages remain wildly popular. Chapman's book on the subject sold over 20 million copies worldwide. In online spaces, the theory has proliferated discourse on modern relationships. On TikTok, the hashtag #lovelanguage had over 3 billion views last year.

Credit: TikTok / @gbay_beee. Credit: TikTok / @jjulestok.

There could be a number of reasons why. For one thing, decades-old arguments on the keys to successful relationships have sparked newfound curiosity on the internet. Ideologies from the 2000s self-help guides – like Sherry Argov's 2002 book Why Men Love Bitches and John Gray's 1992 bestseller Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus – have racked up millions of views on TikTok. Videos show TikTokkers reading out sections from these dating manuals, sometimes challenging outdated notions of dating but oftentimes reviving the rules that they tout.

For another, TikTok users simply love theories on love, from the invisible string theory to the moon phase trend to the latest orange peel theory. Each of these ideas question compatibility and a relationship's longevity, with catchy phrases to accompany them. But these philosophies can be inherently problematic, confining all relationships to boxed-in notions on what works and what doesn't.

As the latest research points out, people appreciate advice on improving relationships. There are so many ways to love and be loved, and TikTok pseudoscience can't encompass one of life's biggest mysteries.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Finding your soulmate is worth every penny, but do you really need to use a paid site to find a real relationship? Does a monthly fee really weed out people who aren't taking the process seriously?

This wasn't really an issue before 2012, but the Tinder-led surge of 30-second profiles and instant access to all single folks within 10 miles gave sites with tedious personality analyses and upscale subscriptions a run for their money — literally.

Vox said what we're all really thinking: "At what point in the completely nightmarish process of online dating does one decide that it’s worth spending money on making that experience slightly less terrible?"

Should you use free dating sites?

According to Reddit and Consumer Reports, not really. This Consumer Reports survey found that free sites actually scored better than paid sites on this when it came to overall satisfaction because they're "better value." Unless you're absolutely lost without those heavy-duty matchmaking algorithms, many free sites still offer the questionnaires, detailed bios, and compatibility ratings that indicate red flags and users you wouldn't get along with.

There's no one dating site that everyone is particularly pumped about. Swiping exhaustion and creepily persistent users are an omnipresent part of all online dating. Sorry, but a paid subscription isn't a metal detector that pulls all of the upstanding, faithful singles up out of the crowd. When there are sites that can offer millions of users for free and success stories to prove they work, why not try them before spending £20 per month elsewhere?

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

A hefty price point doesn't guarantee the absence of fakes or catfishes, either. Many free sites are just as big on privacy and safety, requiring users to verify themselves through Facebook to increase transparency about age and first names. No paid sites have the safety features that Tinder does, which is the first of the Match Group apps to offer 911 assistance and location services to make meeting a stranger safer.

The aesthetic experience certainly isn't what your money is going toward, either. Many of the older, subscription-based sites have been slow to modernise their UX designs, still relying on the very 2000s style of bombarding you with notifications for every wink, message, and whatever else.

Can you find a serious relationship online?

We've all accepted that online dating is great for finding a friend with benefits, but telling family members that it's getting serious with that person you met online still takes convincing. However, recent studies show that meeting online can foster a pretty reliable romantic foundation.

A 2017 study cited in the MIT Technology Review found that people who meet online are more likely to be compatible and have a better chance at a healthy marriage if they decide to get hitched. Another study found that heterosexual couples who met online were quicker to tie the knot. These stats don't take anything from correlation to causation, but they do make the case that people who sign up for dating sites that require thoughtful responses are in a better spot to settle down.

There's an unspoken assumption that people on free dating sites are young, horny people with no disposable income and that people on paid dating sites are mature, employed individuals who are ready to settle down. But eharmony, Match, Tinder, and OkCupid have rather similar age demographics, all with surprisingly close splits between people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Which dating sites are actually free?

Waters get muddied when basically every dating site has some sort of paid and free version. True free apps let users do all of this as a baseline, and then offer paid perks such as the ability to see everyone who has swiped right on you or boosting your profile for a certain amount of time. Free-but-not-really apps are the ones that are technically free to use, but you have to pay to do just about anything including read or respond to messages.

Premium memberships of free apps are an affordable way to give more control over your pool of potential partners, but they probably don't do much to expedite the grueling swiping process. When Tinder released Tinder Gold, it beat Candy Crush as the Apple Store's top-grossing app. People were that willing to pay to see who swiped right on them. That might be handy knowledge if you're looking to get laid, but it's hard to tell if it would help find someone that you like enough to share your life with. No one I know has kept a paid version of a free app for more than a month. 

At any rate, there's a certain serendipitous feeling that comes with the possibility that, out of the millions of users Hinge could have shown you that day, your soulmate popped up in the crowd of 10 likes you can give out per day (compared to the unlimited likes that come with Hinge Preferred). 

What is the best free dating site?

To help you find the perfect free dating site for a serious relationship, we have lined up a selection of the best dating sites and apps for you to consider. There is something for everyone in this list, including seriously popular sites like Hinge and OkCupid.

We recommend talking some time to seriously check out everything in this roundup, and consider which site fits your preferences most closely. Once you have made that decision, all you need to do is actually go online and find love. Easy, right?

These are the best free dating sites for finding a serious relationship in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Dating over the age of 40 may seem intimidating. Unlike your 20s or 30s, you can't assume everyone your age is single and looking.

While meeting people organically in public still happens, it can be easier to meet potential partners where they're actively seeking a romantic connection — on dating sites. There's a comfort in knowing that the people you find on dating apps are single and looking for a romantic relationship, so at least you're both on the same page from the start.

What we're trying to say is that there is nothing to fear about dating again at 40.

How do you start dating again at 40?

The first step to start dating after a break is simply acknowledging that you're ready. From there, you can decide how and where you want to try to meet people. Dating apps have been around for decades, which means they are totally normal and shouldn't be a last resort.

You'll also want to be direct with what you're hoping to achieve. A serious relationship? Casual hookup? Friendship that might lead to more? Whatever it is, be upfront because you don't want to fall for someone who isn't looking for the same thing. Honesty is always the best policy.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

Dating in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or older can feel lonely when all your friends are married or in relationships. If you want to find a community of people experiencing the same things as you, we recommend visiting the subreddit r/datingoverforty — it's full of people sharing stories of success, heartbreak, bad dates, good dates, and more. It's worth checking out, especially if you're stepping back into the world of online dating for the first time in years.

Can you find a serious relationship with dating apps?

According to Pew Research Centre, 57% of online daters describe their overall experience as positive. A lot of factors add up to whether online dating will be successful for you. Some apps use super in-depth compatibility quizzes that lead to really specific matches, whilst others just present you with a bunch of singles in your area within your specified age range. Both methods have their perks. 

One thing to remember is to have patience. Finding a partner who ticks most of your boxes doesn't happen overnight. You will most likely go through some duds and have some bad dates, but hopefully that will lead you to a healthy and happy relationship.

What is the best dating site for singles over 40?

The best dating site for you depends on your set of personal preferences. If you want something serious, Match will help you find someone compatible who is also looking for a serious relationship. eharmony also specialises in serious relationships, but the site is really for people who want to marry their next partner, so it really isn't for something casual.

People who don't want to jump into anything too serious just yet should utilise Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble. There really is a dating site for everybody, but it just might take some time to find the one that strikes gold for you. We have tried to highlight a selection of dating sites and apps that should appeal to everyone, with popular names like Match, eharmony, and EliteSingles making the cut. You just need to pick a favourite, and get back out there.

These are the best dating sites if you're 40 or older in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Most seasoned singles know that dating culture can be broken up into hookup culture and something much more serious. Most online dating sites are a mix of both, and after living with online dating as an increasingly ubiquitous option for the past 20 years, the general public tends to see dating sites as a normal means of finding casual dates or a hookup.

But what if you're looking for a serious relationship that lasts? What if you just don't want to be alone on Valentine's Day ever again? What if you're over casual dating and just want someone consistent to hang out with? What if you have no idea where to start? Big names like match and eharmony likely come to mind, but they're not interchangeable — nor are they your only options.

Can you find something serious with someone online?

The long-term potential of online dating is still met with a cloud of doubt. However, new evidence is proving that relationships that started online might have a stronger foundation than those that started offline. A 2017 study cited in the MIT Technology Review found that people who meet online are more likely to be compatible and have a higher chance of a healthy marriage if they decide to get hitched. If marriage is your goal, you'll be glad to know that another more recent study found that heterosexual couples who met online were quicker to tie the knot than couples who met offline. Either way, online dating seems to be a good recipe for a satisfying, long-term relationship whether it involves marriage or not.

No one is saying that online dating is the variable that changes everything, but the research does point to the fact that people who sign up for dating sites that require thoughtful responses are more ready to settle down. Plus, an uptick in dating app sign-ups — due to sheer boredom or the forced realisation that it'd actually be pretty nice to spoon on a nightly basis — mathematically upped your chances of meeting someone special.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

It's important to note that Covid has changed dating forever. Communication skills were forced to evolve in the year that most human connection was facilitated through a screen. People learned to voice their boundaries and have serious talks (like about social distancing) early on. Coronavirus anxiety became a natural conversation starter and universal way to bond. More single people may now be more comfortable with delving into deeper subjects with someone they met online — a great thing for serious relationship hunters, if true. Tinder thinks the honesty will carry over when things are back to normal, and hopefully the aggressively horny people will continue to weed themselves out. At the very least, isolation may have simply forced more people to realise that they do, in fact, crave more company than a booty call. Tinder says that more daters are open to "seeing where things go" than they were before the pandemic.

We should also remember what we learned while dating in the era of social distancing: You're never required to meet up with a match in person immediately. Someone's willingness to date you via texting or FaceTime is a pretty clear sign that they're genuinely interested in learning more about you. Even if and when social distancing isn't as believable of an excuse as it was at the start of the pandemic, someone who pressures you to hang out before you're ready probably isn't long-term material.

Divorcees and single parents have particularly high untapped potential on online dating sites, too. True, being in the over-60 group may mean that more people your age are already off the market — but online dating can prove that the mature dating pool isn't as bleak as you think, even if your local one is. People over 50 actually have an advantage over the younger crowd: Many people in their 20s and 30s just aren't ready to settle down. Developing a crush on someone is more likely to end with an awkward "situation-ship" rather than something serious. Most older folks have been figuring this whole "love" thing out for longer than millennials have been alive. With life experience and possible previous marriages under your belt, you know the red flags and you know what you want. If you want commitment, a site with a high barrier to entry — like eharmony, match, or Elite Singles — could help to weed out people who aren't about to pay a high monthly price just to mess around. 

What makes a dating site good for serious relationships?

Do we even need to get into why Tinder is a long shot? Is being introduced to nearly every person in a 10-mile radius worth the cliché bios or how they're "not looking for commitment?" Sure, Tinder has its fair share of those lucky success stories, but it's also the dating app where ghosting, breadcrumbing, and every other disheartening dating trend flourish.

Singles looking for something serious might get frustrated with sites that only give a limited number of matches per day. But choosing sites that force you to be selective really heightens the focus on what you're truly looking for in a perfect match — and gets you closer to cuffing status. 

For online daters who want the power to peruse the dating pool, you need to seek out detailed, high-energy profiles that give a well-rounded idea of who you're messaging. Swiping is guided by the compatibility ranking that most sites offer, which predicts how well you'll get along with other daters based on how you both answered questions. Plus, you can tell how much other daters care about the process by how much effort they put into their profile. If a single sentence about being drama free is the extent of someone's bio, you can assume that they're not taking this seriously and that they almost definitely create drama.

What should you include on your dating profile?

On its face, it makes sense to question the legitimacy of a connection with someone who is only showcasing their best self. But how much more information are you really getting from the tipsy person hitting on you at the bar aside from what they look like in reality? The dating sites that let users express themselves with prompts — from favourite movies to where you want to retire — are setting you up for success by avoiding an unnecessary argument six months in.

The best way to attract genuine people? Be authentic yourself. That's easier said than done when your biggest worry is that a truthful answer — like the fact that you might not be as good of a communicator as you would like — will deter "the one" from swiping right. But deep down, you know that lying on a compatibility questionnaire probably won't lead to a healthy relationship. It's crucial to remind yourself that people who get freaked out by your honesty aren't ideal potential partners, anyway. We've left out the dating sites that get torn apart in reviews for being ravaged by scammers and fake profiles, but asking to video chat before meeting up in real life is a smart way to confirm that the photos match the person behind them.

What is the best dating site for finding a serious relationship?

There are dating sites for hooking up, dating sites for women, dating sites for men, dating sites for satisfying every kink, and everything in between. What we're saying is that there are a lot of options out there, so we've tried to make your life that little bit easier by shortlisting the best options for finding someone who's in it for the long haul.

We've lined up a selection of top dating apps and sites, including big names like eharmony and Match. We recommend taking your time and properly considering all of your options, and then picking a favourite. Then you'll need to actually start dating, but we'll leave that to you.

These are the best dating sites for finding a serious relationship in 2024.

The only people more dedicated to caffeine than regular coffee lovers are the espresso-obsessed. If you’re not one yourself, you definitely know one.

People who already drink espresso know that it’s all about quality, which means if you’re not getting your tiny cup of life from your local barista, you best do your research and invest in a worthy espresso machine to make it at home. 

To save you some time on your search, we put together a list of the best espresso makers from across the internet. But first, here’s an espresso-like shot of need-to-know information.

What is espresso?

Espresso, which originated in Italy, is a finely ground, highly concentrated version of coffee that packs a serious punch of caffeine into a single shot (or two, if you’d like a double-shot), making it richer and stronger than a regular cup of coffee. It’s made by forcing very hot water at a high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans.

What are the different types of espresso machine?

Ah yes, that’s an important question. It’s not just a case of buying a good espresso machine, but choosing which type of machine. Because there are plenty to consider.

These are the main types that you’ll come across when shopping:

• Pod Machines — These are automatic machines. Just pop in the pod or capsule and push the button. They’re space-saving and affordable, and fast and easy to use. Though buying pods can get pricey in the long run and they do create waste.

• Bean-to-Cup Machines — This is a bit like having a barista-coffee machine combo. Add beans as you need them, adjust your preferred pressure and coarseness settings, and its internal grinder goes to work. It then blasts in hot water in to deliver a perfect cup of coffee. They’re usually big, bulky, expensive machines.

• Manual Machines — These machines put the power of good taste in your hands. You pull a lever to make your espresso, deciding on the level of pressure. That allows you to experiment with pressure and taste. They’re worth it in the long run, but hard to use at first and take some practice to get right.

Keep these categories in mind when shopping around for your perfect machine.

What is the best pressure for coffee?

A bar is a metric unit of pressure — a means of measuring how much pressure you put on those coffee beans. The higher the pressure, the faster the coffee is extracted from the grounds. Experts agree that 9 bars is perfect for great tasting espresso. Anything above or below 9 bars will push the water through too quickly or slowly, making it weak or overly thick and strong. Machines go up to 15 bars, but 9 is enough.

What is the best temperature for making espresso?

Like pressure, the temperature as which espresso is made will affect the taste. Most coffee experts would aim between 90-95°C, though there’s a wide flavour spectrum within that range. Higher and lower temperatures will affect the extraction of the ground coffee. Other factors affected include the time of extraction, the water to coffee ratio, and the coarseness of the ground beans. It's all about variables.

Do you need a milk frother?

It really depends how you like your coffee, but if you enjoy some foam with your espresso, a milk frother is a must-have accessory for espresso lovers. They’re best used with whole milk, for a richer, creamier foam. Some espresso machines come with a frother or built-in milk wand. Otherwise, this Nespresso frother is excellent.

What is the best espresso machine?

It’s all down to taste. Your taste, to be a bit more specific. We’ve tried to help by pulling together a good selection of machines at a range of prices, which should help you pick the perfect option. Not to mention help you make the perfect espresso.

These are the best espresso machines for 2024.

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 January 30 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for January 30

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024:

AcrossMuch physical mail, depressingly

• The answer is bills.

Dummy

• The answer is idiot.

Final animal on the ark, if Noah went by alphabetical order

• The answer is zebra.

"Darn it!"

• The answer is drat.

Deodorant brand

• The answer is axe.

DownShow ___ (Hollywood industry)

• The answer is biz.

Carded outside a club, for short

• The answer is IDed.

October zodiac sign

• The answer is Libra.

Environmental Seuss character, with "the"

• The answer is Lorax.

U.S. department headed by Antony Blinken

• The answer is state.

It's been nine months since the final episode of The Late Late Show aired, and James Corden is now back in London — but what's his life been like since trading in the world of late night TV for more family time?

In the Tonight Show clip above Corden talks about the "darkest moment" he's experienced since leaving the show, which happened to be at a water park ("Disney World but everyone's in their underwear," is how Corden describes it, "and everyone's peeing").

"If you're asking me, was there a moment where I missed the show, it was standing in this tight thing, covered in water, everyone's peeing, I'm holding a half-eaten hot dog of my daughter's, and a man walks past and goes, 'Aren't you the guy that used to sing in the car with people?'," Corden says, before staring off into the middle distance. "Sorry, it's actually made me go to quite a dark place thinking about it."

Best deals on Bluetooth speakers this week

• Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $169.99 (List Price $199)
• JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker — $69.99 (List Price $129.95)
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Using your smartphone or tablet's built-in speakers should only ever be a last resort if you want to listen to your favorite playlists on the go. Instead, you're going to want a great pair of headphones — or if you're more inclined to listen to your tunes out loud (or even with friends), a nice portable speaker. Plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers are high-quality, while also offering the flexibility of enhanced battery life and convenience. These are great for taking out with you while you're hiking, or simply for when you're traveling and you still want to listen to your tunes on the go.

Keep reading for our guide to the best portable Bluetooth speakers available in 2024.

Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other tech companies have been on a layoff spree this month, with the latest cuts differing from last year’s mass reductions.

Some tech workers are filming their layoffs and sharing them on social media. They say it’s part catharsis, part transparency.

Need a gift idea for your beau but can't think of anything? Don't be too hard on yourself. Picking out the perfect gifts for boyfriends takes some trial and error.

And between Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and the gift-giving holidays, there are a lot of chances to pick the wrong gift. Ideally, you want to get him something that demonstrates your love (or affection, if you're not quite ready for the "L" word), your appreciation, and the fact that you know exactly what he likes. But striking the perfect balance can be tricky, whether you're a new couple that hasn't discussed gift guidelines yet *or* you're running low on boyfriend gift ideas after dating for a while.

Fortunately, you can still get your boyfriend a present he'll love even if you don't pride yourself on your gifting abilities — we're here to make sure of it. No matter what your boyfriend likes — gadgets, grooming, gaming, or gear — there's probably something on this gift guide he'll love and cherish. After all, your name will be on the card.

After taking 72 flights into the Martian sky, NASA's Mars helicopter won't fly again. The craft's own images show why.

Ingenuity — the first craft to ever make a powered, controlled flight on another planet — recently suffered significant damage to some of its four-foot-long rotors, which are essential for lifting the helicopter into the air. The pictures below, taken by a navigation camera affixed to Ingenuity's toaster-sized fuselage, show several broken tips. The sun cast the broken rotors' shadows onto the desert surface.

SEE ALSO: NASA's car-sized rover spots strong evidence of gushing water on Mars

These rotors can't fly damaged. Compared to Earth, the Martian atmosphere is quite thin. Its density is about one percent of Earth's, making it difficult to generate the lift needed for flight. To take to the air, Ingenuity spun its rotor blades at a blazing 2,400 revolutions every minute. It flew distances as far as 2,315 feet.

But as you can see, controlled flight isn't possible anymore.

Ingenuity's shadow on the ground reveals two broken rotors. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech A broken Ingenuity rotor tip's shadow cast onto the Martian ground. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

The NASA craft didn't simply prove that flight on Mars was possible. It showed the future of planetary exploration. The extraterrestrial chopper served as a "scout" for the space agency's Perseverance rover, as the two Martian robots sleuthed for places that might have preserved signs of past primitive life on the dry desert surface. This could mean telltale pieces of genetic material, or parts of a degraded cell.

No evidence of life has been found — but the robots did identify places where primitive life could have once thrived, like in moist sediments along lakeshores and Martian rivers.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Future Martian exploration might not just involve robotic helicopters. NASA is investigating the potential for a compact Mars plane, a craft that might one day swoop at some 135 mph over the Martian desert. If it does, such a mission would have Ingenuity to thank.

"That remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA do what we do best — make the impossible, possible," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said last week.

TL;DR: As of January 30, get this refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro 13.3-inch for just $419.97 — that's 35% off.

Valentine’s Day is only two weeks away — do you know what you’re getting for your significant other? If you want to make a bigger statement than chocolates or flowers, you could go the practical route and get them a laptop, and there’s no better charmer than the MacBook Pro.

While you might not be able to swing the price tag on a brand-new model, this refurbished 2017 13.3-inch MacBook Pro is only $419.97 ($649.99) for a limited time. Order on or before February 4 for guaranteed delivery by the special day. 

Refurbished tech: A win-win for you and your wallet

Buying a refurbished MacBook is like making a trade: In exchange for a far lower price, the laptop is a slightly older model year with some minor cosmetic wear. This MacBook Pro in particular was given a grade “B” rating, signifying only light to normal wear on the body — many savvy shoppers just cover it with a case.

You (or your valentine) might not even care that it’s an older model since it updates to macOS Ventura, which is still being maintained by Apple. Also, MacBooks have that timeless aesthetic that truly never goes out of style.

A V-Day treat that lasts longer than chocolates or roses

Here’s what else this MacBook Pro has to offer:

• 256GB of SSD storage for adding apps and saving photos and files.

• 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM for snappy functionality and multitasking.

• 10-hour battery life on a single charge, excellent for commuters and frequent travelers.

• Force Touch trackpad for smart navigation and controls.

• Intel Iris Graphics 640 for clear visuals when streaming and browsing.

Spoil your valentine (or yourself) with this refurbished 2017 13.3-inch MacBook Pro on sale for $419.97 (reg. $649.99) with on-time delivery when ordered by February 4 at 11:59  p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13.3" (2017) Core i5, 2.3GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD (Grade B Refurbished) $419.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 30, get the Mymanu CLIK S Translation Earbuds for just $129.97 — normally $157.

Don't let language barriers slow down your travel experiences. Check out these groundbreaking Mymanu CLIK S Translation Earbuds, featuring the innovative MyJuno translation app developed by Mymanu.

You can now revolutionize the way you connect with natives in foreign countries as you explore over 2 billion individuals across 37 languages. You’ll be able to involve yourself in new cultures, make meaningful connections, and navigate unfamiliar territories with help from these earbuds. Whether you're asking for directions, ordering food, or making new friends, these wireless earbuds have got you covered.

Aside from their translation capabilities, these earbuds also offer crystal-clear HD sound for your favorite music and phone calls and provide easy access to virtual assistants like Siri or Google. Thanks to these, you can keep in touch with loved ones or handle important business calls without missing a beat.

These earbuds are built to provide you with 30 hours of battery life in the charging case and 10 hours on a single charge, making them a terrific travel companion. Aside from delivering high-quality audio, they are water resistant, making them safe from sweat, moisture, and light rain. Travel confidently, knowing your earbuds are designed to endure the elements.

Connect with people, explore new cultures, and navigate diverse landscapes with confidence, knowing that communication is no longer a barrier.

Get the Mymanu CLIK S Translation Earbuds at their discounted price of $129.97 (reg. $157) until February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mymanu Mymanu CLIK S Translation Earbuds $129.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 30, get this Microsoft Project 2021 lifetime license for only $29.99 — that's an 88% discount.

Think of an album or song that you feel is painfully underrated — that’s exactly how we feel about Microsoft Project. While apps like Word and Excel get all the hype, Project is an all-in-one tool for managing and organizing, well, projects. And you don’t even have to pay subscription fees to use it with this Project 2021 lifetime license at just $29.99 (reg. $249.99).

Microsoft Project: Your key to organization and success

Since Microsoft Project offers so much versatility and customization, it’s not exactly easy to explain what it is and does. So, instead, we’ll walk through how Project could be used to help you start an ice cream truck business:

1. Set milestones and deadlines. Use premade templates to outline key phases like setup, branding, and an opening date.

2. Plan budgets. Manage funds for purchasing the truck, ingredients, and other expenses.

3. Assign tasks to yourself or employees. From large milestones, break down small steps that must come first like acquiring licenses and creating a menu.

4. Automate scheduling. After inputting factors like priorities and limitations, you could generate a timeline for staff training, market research, or taste testing.

5. Run “what-if” scenarios. Estimate end dates or budgets based on dependent factors, such as varying locations or number of employees.

6. Visualize schedules and progress at a glance. View completed and upcoming tasks, generate reports, and so much more.

Of course, you could use Microsoft Project for organizing smaller personal goals or larger team-wide tasks and projects. With so many tools and options at your fingertips, you just might be the boss of any future project.

Check out the highly underrated Microsoft Project application yourself with a 2021 lifetime license at only $29.99 (reg. $249.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Project 2021 Professional (PC) $29.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 30, get this Kodak Slide N Scan film scanner for only $179.99 — a 20% discount.

Remember way back, before we used digital cameras or our smartphones as cameras, and had to get our photos developed? How the times have changed… If you still have your negatives or film slides lying around or safely kept in storage somewhere, you can scan them to your computer as well as edit them to your liking. The scanner offers features such as color adjustment, image rotation, and more.

No more struggling with the old negatives and slides as the convenient film adapters allow you to effortlessly view, edit, and convert them into a digital format. The large 5" liquid-crystal display ensures a crisp, clear view of your images, while the easy-load film inserts make loading slides and films super convenient. The quick-feeding tray technology offers hassle-free loading.

Connect our scanner directly to your TV or PC/Mac for an impressive slideshow experience and relive your cherished moments on the big screen or share them with loved ones through seamless connectivity. Say goodbye to squinting at tiny screens. Power the scanner up easily with multiple options, one of them being the USB port on your computer or a power bank for portable scanning (the 5V/1A power adapter not included).

In this deal, you'll receive a 50x50mm Slide Holder, 135 Film Adapter, 110 Film Adapter, 126 Film Adapter, Cleaning Brush, USB Cable, HDMI Cable, and user guide.

Start digitizing your memories so you can relive them and post them online whenever you please.

Get the Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner in time for Valentine's Day at its sale price of $179.99 (reg. $224.99) with no coupon required if you order by February 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $179.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

While the Oscar nominations have sparked a new round of debate over the best films of 2023, the Sundance Film Festival is the start of 2024's cinema conversation. This year, the prestigious event offered dazzling documentaries, tender dramas, riveting horror, and an action-comedy that asks, "What if Tom Cruise inspired a 93-year-old woman to get revenge with her own hands?"

Last year our best of the fest list included such gems as Rye Lane, Birth/Rebirth, and Talk to Me. This year, we've got a mix of docs, narrative features, and even a TV pilot that hit so good. Whether you're craving Kristen Stewart in an unconventional romance, a true story of a life lived well and full online, an unnerving exploration of AI's possibilities, or comedies as touching as they are creative, we've got you covered.

Here are the best things we saw at Sundance 2024, and where you can watch them.

SEE ALSO: The movies we can't wait to see in 2024 Love Me Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun play lovers in "Love Me." Credit: Sundance

Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun star as will-they-won't-they lovers in a post-apocalyptic Earth in Love Me. But not in any way you might imagine based on this official still. Written and directed by Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero, Love Me is a romance not between two impossibly beautiful humans, but between two AI robots who cross paths long after humanity's left the chat. One is a buoy programmed to learn. The other is a satellite equipped with a deep vault of information about mankind — including the cached videos of a couple of influencers who relish silly onesies, date night, Friends, and Blue Apron. Naturally, these long-dead lovers become the model upon which robots try to understand relationships. It may sound bonkers or even cynical. But, incredibly, Love Me is warm, funny, and occasionally shocking, finding not only the humanity in its AI bots, but also what's real in the virtual.

 How to watch: Love Me release plans are currently TBD.

I Saw the TV Glow Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine in "I Saw the TV Glow." Credit: A24

One of the most buzzed-about titles out of Sundance 2024 was Jane Schoenbrun's much anticipated follow-up to their 2021 Sundance stunner, We're All Going to the World's Fair. "I Saw the TV Glow picks up that baton and charges headfirst through the screen," Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review. Starring Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine, the avant-garde horror film follows two teens who share a passion for a supernatural TV show — and are shaken when it is inexplicably canceled. Through this plotline, Schoenrun offers vignettes and clips of the fictional show to offer a coming-of-age story for trans youth. The surreal imagery and offbeat approach might alienate some viewers. But for those on its wavelength, it is being heralded as "a new queer and transgender classic."

 How to watch: I Saw The TV Glow will be released by A24.

Ibelin Mats Steen playing video games in "Ibelin." Credit: Sundance

In 2020, documentarian Benjamin Ree awed critics with his complicated and compelling portrait of an unusual friendship in The Painter and the Thief. Now, he's turned his attention to the online communities that can thrive in games like World of Warcraft. Specifically, he explores the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer whose degenerative muscular disease made socializing in-person difficult and intimidating. But online, he found friends, love, and much more under his WOW avatar, Ibelin. It was a world his family knew little about until after he died at 25. With the family and his WOW guild's participation, the documentary guides audiences through Mats' inner life, relying on chat archives and animation. The result is a real tear-jerker of a doc that is ultimately feel-good, validating that the connections we make online may matter more than we could ever imagine.

How to watch: Ibelin was acquired by Netflix out of Sundance. Release plans are TBD.

Kneecap Kneecap the band in "Kneecap" the movie. Credit: Sundance

Winner of the audience award in the NEXT slate, Kneecap is a raucous comedy that unfurls the stranger-than-fiction origins of the Irish hip-hop band for which it's named. Big picture, the Belfast band Kneecap was coming up as the debate around their mother tongue was becoming a hot topic. Their rap lyrics, which integrated English and Irish with a flurry of curse words and references to sex and hard drugs, became an unexpected point of pride for the "ceasefire babies." But don't let the political element of this movie fool you. In his directorial debut, writer/helmer Richard Peppiatt brings early Guy Ritchie energy (think Lock, Stock, and Two Smokin' Barrels) to his high-energy romp. Even more compelling, band members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí play themselves in the film, and do a bang-up job — even when appearing opposite a sneering Michael Fassbender as a tough-as-nails dad.

How to watch: Kneecap was acquired by Sony Pictures Classic out of Sundance. Release plans are TBD.

The Greatest Night in Pop Musicians of every kind got together for "We Are the World." Credit: Netflix

Not the strongest doc out of Sundance 2024 but definitely the most fun, The Greatest Night in Pop takes audiences back to 1985, when some of the biggest names in music — Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles — came together for a charity single in hopes of making a better world. Centering on interviews of the artists and technicians who made "We Are the World" together, this delightful doc is full of flashy anecdotes, zinging one-liners, and even some heartache. (You deserved better, Sheila E!) While plenty of interviewees offer fun and insights, Lionel Richie, who also produced the doc, proves the MVP, providing not only plenty of context, but also some stellar impressions of Michael Jackson and his exotic pets.

How to watch: The Greatest Night in Pop is now streaming on Netflix.

Seeking Mavis Beacon  Who is the real Mavis Beacon? Credit: NEON

For generations of school kids, Mavis Beacon was our mentor in learning how to type through a series of educational video games. But who is the woman behind the memorable mascot? Self-proclaimed e-girl detectives Jazmin Jones and Olivia McKayla Ross set out to seek out the model who became a tech icon. But along the way, they discovered their documentary may be less about the mysterious Mavis and more about misogynoir in tech. A challenging film that grapples with Gen Z's relationship with internet culture, anti-Black racism, hidden histories, and parasocial relationships, Seeking Mavis Beacon is a wild ride. 

How to watch: Seeking Mavis Beacon's release plans are currently TBD.

Thelma  June Squibb and Richard Roundtree kick butt and take names in "Thelma." Credit: David Bolen

Inspired by his own beloved and spunky grandmother, writer/director Josh Margolin created an action-comedy centered around a 93-year-old widow (Academy Award nominee June Squibb) dead-set on besting the crooks who scammed her out of thousands. With the help of an old friend (Shaft's Richard Roundtree in his final film performance)and her doting grandson (Fear Street's Fred Hechinger), Thelma will take on Los Angeles, racing in a mobility scooter, throwing her concerned daughter (Parker Posey) off her trail, and confronting a scowling foe (Malcolm McDowell). As hilarious as it is heartwarming, this is a low-stakes comedy that is sure to thrill.

How to watch: Thelma's release plans are currently TBD. 

SEE ALSO: 'Thelma' review: June Squibb lives her 'Mission: Impossible' fantasy Eternal You A virtual baby looks upset in "Eternal You." Credit: Sundance

Séances meet artificial intelligence in Eternal You. Directors Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck explore the places where technology and grief collide in this documentary that is equal parts informative and infuriating. Invited into the offices, homes, and studio space of innovating tech developers for Project December, YOV, and the South Korean TV show Meeting You, the documentarians explore how AI might be used to bring the dead back in some form — be that by texts, AI-generated audio messages, or even CGI avatars of the dead. While these tech guys talk of magic and motivations, interviews with journalists, a psychologist, and users of these groundbreaking apps give a full and at times heartbreaking picture of death capitalism in the modern age. You may well relate to the user's desire to hear from their dearly departed. But when Project December co-founder Jason Rohrer cackles over his AI cursing at a grieving subscriber, your blood may well run cold. A thoughtful look into not just the tech, but the people who made it and the people who are turning to it, makes Eternal You essential viewing.

How to watch: Eternal You's release plans are currently TBD. 

Penelope  Megan Stott wanders off in "Penelope." Credit: Sundance

Have you ever dreamed of ditching your tech and ties and wandering into the woods? That's the impulse followed by the eponymous heroine of Penelope. This YA TV-drama created by Biosphere's Mel Eslyn and Mark Duplass centers on a 16-year-old girl who ditches a family camping trip to strike out on her own. Far from the trauma bomb this setup might have you expecting, the pilot of Penelope offers a winsome story of self-discovery, where a stranger's just a friend you haven't met yet. Tender and captivating, the world premiere of this poetic TV show has us eager to see what comes next. 

How to watch: Penelope's release plans are currently TBD. 

Between the Temples

Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane co-star in a cringe comedy that's good for the soul. Written by C. Mason Wells and Nathan Silver — the latter of whom also directs — Between the Temples centers on the relationship that blooms between Ben (Schwartzman), a middle-aged cantor who is reeling from being recently widowed, and Carla (Kane), the lively retired music teacher who gives him a new lease on life. He's lost the spirit to sing. She's full of it, and interesting in having her long-denied bat mitzvah. In studying Judaism together, they slowly discover their kindred spirits. But along the way, Silver suspends his audience in claustrophobic close-ups, meandering pacing, and skin-crawlingly awkward moments so we can really experience the harried protagonist's discomfort. Thankfully, once Ben and Carla begin to click, it's like a deep, calming breath, that gives peace and hope. While a willfully rocky ride, Between the Temples offers a journey that is aching, funny, and ultimately feel-good.

How to watch: Between the Temple's release plans are currently TBD. 

SEE ALSO: 'Penelope' review: Teen girl logs off to touch grass, literally