Mashable

With Valentine's Day coming up, there's no better time to invest in pleasure. From Feb. 7 through Feb. 15, sex toy brand Ava is offering 20% off its entire Amazon storefront.

Ava Sex Toy Sale Best Ava sex toy deal overall Ava Vivv $17.95 at Amazon (save $12) Get Deal Best dual-function sex toy deal Ava Lolli $24.47 at Amazon (save $5.52) Get Deal Best large wand sex toy deal Ava Evo $26.23 at Amazon (save $3.76) Get Deal

It's always important to take time out for pleasure, whether that means spending some solo time or experiencing it with a partner. Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and sex toy brand Ava, formerly known as Luna, wants to help you tap into that feeling in time for the most romantic holiday of the year.

As of Feb. 7, Ava is offering 20% off its entire Amazon storefront — that means all of its available sex toys — so you can save some cash when grabbing a new vibrator, clitoral stimulator, or whatever makes you tick. That means you can rack up on some great picks, including one of our favorites, the Ava Vivv wand, and much more, for less.

Take advantage of this sexy sale before it ends on Feb. 15, and grab something for you or your partner (or partners).

Best Ava sex toy deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ava Vivv $17.95 at Amazon (save $12) Get Deal

Mashable Associate Editor Anna Iovine named the Ava Vivv the "best vibrator under $30," especially for new vibrator users. It's also a great pick for experienced buyers looking for a cheaper wand to add to their collection. It's light but surprisingly powerful, and it can use "intuitive memory" to pick up where you left off after your previous session. It's an intelligent and inexpensive option that should suit most users just fine.

Best dual-function sex toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ava Lolli $24.47 at Amazon (save $5.52) Get Deal

The Ava Lolli is a dual-function vibrator that's a massager with a suction option for clitoral stimulation. It offers a variety of gentle pulses that you can ease in with and deep, satisfying vibrations to finish off, plus other patterns you can play with to see what works best for you. It has a sleek, contoured head that you can bend up to 50 degrees, and it's super quiet at just 45 decibels. It might be quieter than you, which is always a plus when you want to keep things a bit more discreet. Powerful and pleasurable, you'll want this bad boy at your side.

Best large wand sex toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ava Evo $26.23 at Amazon (save $3.76) Get Deal

The Ava Evo massage wand goes beyond your everyday vibrator and adds a bit of texture to your massage. It has 20 different patterns with eight different intensities and uses "Intuitive Memory" tech that can recall your favorites and how often you use them. It'll also last for a whopping six hours, so if you or your partner want to go long, you've got the option to do so.

Other Ava sex toy deals

• Ava Vivvo Vibrating Wand – $21.96 $31.95 at Amazon (save $9.99)

• Ava Bullet Hum Massager – $11.99 $14.99 at Amazon (save $3)

• Ava Fliq Dual-Function Bending Vibrator – $27.99 $34.99 at Amazon (save $7)

• Ava Mini Go Massager – $19.96 $24.95 at Amazon (save $4.99)

Netflix has always been a trendsetter in the online streaming arena, but this latest trend is the worst one yet.

Almost a year after Netflix started cracking down on password sharing in the U.S., Disney+ (Disney Plus) is set to do the same, per The Verge. Subscribers expect to receive an email with more information about the change, which restricts Disney+ usage to devices in the home of the person who pays the monthly bill. This move was first announced last August and then implemented in Canada by September.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Disney's 'Wish' at home and online

Per the Verge, these new rules are already in place for new subscribers, but existing Disney+ customers have until March 14 to get their affairs in order.

As for how one would get their affairs in order to prepare for this, that's not entirely clear. The Disney+ help site offers only the following on how account sharing works now:

You may not share your subscription outside of your household. "Household" means the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside therein.

Unlike Netflix, there doesn't appear to be a way to pay extra to add users from outside the household. It's possible that could exist in the future, but at present, the Disney+ pricing tiers page doesn't address that whatsoever.

It seems like, for now, the best way to circumvent these rules is to just pony up for your own account. Bummer.

Images created with DALL-E 3 on ChatGPT and the OpenAI API will now have watermarks.

On Tuesday, the company shared the announcement in a post on X, saying images "now include metadata using C2PA specifications."

Tweet may have been deleted

C2PA, which stands for Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, is a technical standard used by Adobe, Microsoft, BBC, and other companies and publishers to address the prevalence of deepfakes and misinformation "by certifying the source and history (or provenance) of media content," as explained on the C2PA site.

SEE ALSO: Bard creates Taylor Swift image despite Google implying it won't

Images generated on ChatGPT and the OpenAI API will contain metadata including the source of the AI tool and the date it was generated. Metadata can be viewed by uploading the image to sites like Content Credentials. C2PA metadata adds a small increase in file size, but OpenAI says it will not affect the quality of the image.

With AI image generating tools like DALL-E 3, Midjourney, Bard, and Copilot, it's easier than ever to create deepfakes, proliferate misleading information, and publish images that infringe on copyrighted works. Recently, pornographic deepfakes of Taylor Swift went viral, underscoring the need for verifying images and sufficient guardrails to prevent such harms — especially involving public figures. An executive order from President Biden announced in Oct. 2023 specifically mandated the enforcement of labeling AI-generated content as such. Guidance for watermarking content is being carried out by the Department of Commerce, which has also been tasked with requiring makers of AI foundations models to inform the government about their development.

Although watermarking images is a step in the right direction towards verifying AI-generated images, it isn't foolproof since metadata can be easily removed. "For example, most social media platforms today remove metadata from uploaded images, and actions like taking a screenshot can also remove it," said the OpenAI policy page detailing the C2PA standard. "Therefore, an image lacking this metadata may or may not have been generated with ChatGPT or our API."

The OpenAI policy page also specifies that C2PA embedded watermarks are only applied to image generation, not voice or text generation created through ChatGPT or the OpenAI API.

SAVE $49.01: The Apple MagSafe Duo charger is on sale for $79.99 at Woot as of Feb. 7. That's 38% off its $129 MSRP and its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MagSafe Duo charger $79.99 at Woot (save $49.01) Get Deal

Eons ago (back in 2020), when Apple first introduced its MagSafe Duo 2-in-1 wireless charger, Mashable recommended that you pass on it for one key reason: "At $129, it's already pretty pricey," wrote tech and games reporter Alex Perry, "and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted that you need to supply your own power adapter, with Apple's 30W USB-C adapter delivering a total of 'up to' 14W wireless charging on MagSafe Duo for an extra $50." It was basically a $180 accessory.

Cut to now: The Amazon-owned deals site Woot has the MagSafe Duo on sale for just $79.99 (as of Feb. 7), taking $49.01 off its $129 sticker price. Not only is that discount its biggest yet, but it effectively nullifies the cost of an extra $50 adapter. We now finally recommend buying it.

SEE ALSO: Apple is still working on a foldable iPhone, report says

The fine print here (and the presumed reason why it's so cheap) is that Apple quietly discontinued the MagSafe Duo back in fall 2023, right after announcing the iPhone 15 line. This is probably because the MagSafe Duo has a Lightning port, per 9to5Mac, whereas Apple's latest smartphones feature USB-C ports. That said, the MagSafe Duo should still work with the iPhone 15 as well as older models (including the iPhone 12, 13, and 14), according to an Apple Support page dated Dec. 27, 2023.

As a quick refresher, the MagSafe Duo is a foldable wireless charging mat that lets you wirelessly juice up two devices at the same time: It works with recent iPhones, all Apple Watches, wireless charging cases for AirPods, Apple's MagSafe accessories, and other Qi-certified devices. Its previous record-low price was $94.99, which it hit back in September 2023.

Imagine for a moment the teen dreams of John Hughes collided with the goth and gunk of '80s-era Tim Burton, and you'll have an inkling of what Lisa Frankenstein has in store for you. 

Heavy influenced by '80s comedies from both of these iconic filmmakers as well as Mary Shelley's horror-spawning novel Frankenstein, screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Zelda Williams have birthed a coming-of-age romance where weird girl meets undead boy that’s as unholy as it is hilarious. 

Cody, who scribed the Oscar-winning teen comedy Juno and the cult-adored horror comedy Jennifer's Body, has forged her career in tales of misfit girls coming of age through cutting jokes, clever catchphrases, and carnage — be it emotional, psychological, bloody, or all of the above. Lisa Frankenstein is the sister film halfway between Juno's folk-pop quirkiness and Jennifer's Body's gnarly, boy-eating wrath. In Lisa Frankenstein, the titular heroine is allowed to be charming, messy, horny, and even murderous. And we're invited along for the wild ride. 

Lisa Frankenstein re-imagines Mary Shelley with '80s weirdness. Credit: Michele K. Short / Focus Features

The '80s were lush with absolutely bonkers comedies, ranging from the horny sci-fi of Hughes' Weird Science and Julien Temple's Earth Girls Are Easy to the macabre humor of Joe Dante's The 'Burbs and Michael Lehmann's Heathers to the goth and gross splendor of Burton's Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands (which yes, was technically 1990). All of these were movies that sunk their teeth into concepts of love, sex, and death with relish. Nothing was sacred, so teen boys might accidentally turn a bullying brother into a literal pile of shit, and teen girls might retort, "Fuck me gently with a chainsaw."

This is the era for which Lisa Frankenstein pines. And though the movie's set is peppered with more cheery iconography from the era, like sneaker phones, REO Speedwagon sheet music, and Care Bears, this gleefully fucked-up comedy walks solidly in the footsteps of those that come before. For here is a movie that isn't afraid to wear its oddball heart on its sleeve, combining the horny and horrific, the goofy and the gross, to dynamic effect. 

Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse make a monstrous power couple.  Credit: Michele K. Short / Focus Features

The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania actress stars as Lisa Swallows, a new kid in high school who's struggling to make friends, despite the earnest efforts of her stepsister Taffy (a winsome Liza Soberano), a chipper cheerleader reminiscent of Juno's perky bestie, Leah. Because of a dark event in her past, Lisa doesn't share the joie de vivre of her classmates, and so imagines she might be better understood by the long-dead bachelor buried in a nearby abandoned cemetery. (She likes the look of his headstone.)

What might have only been the stuff of confusing sex dreams becomes a bit of a nightmare when The Creature (Sprouse, caked in mud, bugs, and decay) rises from the grave to help Lisa find her bliss. 

Teen girls' paths of self-discovery are often winding and dramatic, but Lisa swiftly moves from pining and peer pressure to mayhem and murder. You see, The Creature's happy to lend Lisa a figurative hand in terms of fashion tips and self-preservation. But when he literally needs a hand, homicide is a homespun solution that catches on — with Lisa finding her inner Dr. Frankenstein, stitching fresh corpse bits to her beastly bestie. 

Lisa Frankenstein is wonky, weird, and wondrous.  Credit: Michele K. Short / Focus Features

Making her feature directorial debut, Williams gets off to a wobbly start. The film finds its footing through a barrage: There’s a flashback, a drug trip, an allusion-studded dream sequence, and a clunky meet-cute. It can be tricky to get a beat on who Lisa is beyond all the flare. But Newton and Sprouse find their rhythm. She evolves into a cocky big mouth with grand ideas and even grander gestures; he gives a nearly wordless performance that relies heavily on physical comedy with some nuanced grunting. (As May December has shown, Riverdale is truly a masterclass for young actors.) 

Lisa's world is brought to brilliant life not only by a candy-colored, neon-streaked, and gore-stained production design, but also by some stellar supporting turns. The Fall of the House of Usher's Carla Gugino seems to be channeling John Waters' Serial Mom as a menacing stepmother who spouts insults along with misapplied new-age terminology. With a dopey grin and an unflappable pluckiness, Joe Chrest is a pitch-perfect parody of many an '80s dad: nice and oblivious. Then there's Soberano, who nearly steals the show. 

Credit: Michele K. Short / Focus Features

Because Taffy is pretty, peppy, and popular, teen movies have trained us to hate her. But Soberano complicates matters by making Taffy a undeniable delight. Though the character seem like a throwback bimbo, Cody's script has a sex-positive and empathetic approach that embraces this smiling stepsister into the sisterhood of misfit teens. She may not be a weirdo, but generously offering her wardrobe, her optimism, and her tanning bed, Taffy is more than just an ally or plot device. While the romance between Lisa and the Creature gets daffy and deranged, it is unexpectedly this big-hearted cheerleader who keeps the film's stakes grounded. As Lisa Frankenstein frolics into a truly bonkers third act, a single long shot of Taffy's reaction lingers on, as do some of Cody's sharpest one-liners. 

Colorful and chaotic, Lisa Frankenstein might look like a quirky confection perfect for Valentine's Day. But Cody rarely delivers something so simple or safe. Be it Juno's purposefully alarming love triangle, Jennifer's Body's complicated portrait of female friendship (and queer girl lust), or Young Adult's anti-heroine's determined refusal to grow the fuck up, Diablo is a provocateur who delights in pop culture. This time, her teen tale collides with horror, trauma, and putrid vomit, making a rom-com that is at times messy — but is ultimately a delightfully deranged treat. 

In that way, she and Williams have hit the sweet spot of those '80s comedies that have come before. Because, if we're honest, many of them have wonky bits. But we loved them just the same. And just as the children of the '80s claimed those creepy comedies as our own, I suspect the new generation will clutch Lisa Frankenstein, seeing every wart as a jewel in its crown. 

Lisa Frankenstein opens in theaters Feb. 9. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking artificial intelligence experts to help harness AI to advance its mission.

These recruitment efforts come a day after House Republicans narrowly failed to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of Homeland Security, claiming he refused to enforce immigration law and had therefore "breached the public trust". This is being seen by the GOP as a failure to deliver on a key promise to their key voters.

This same day, Mayorkas, along with Eric Hysen, DHS chief information officer, ventured to Silicon Valley to recruit AI experts for the department. Hysen also serves as Homeland Security's chief artificial intelligence officer.

"We want to lead the federal government in harnessing AI to advance our mission," Mayorkas said at the event in Mountain View, California, adding that using AI ethically and responsibly is paramount. "It is incredibly important that we build confidence in how we are using AI."

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT is writing legislation now

The hires will be known as the AI Corps, modeled after the U.S. Digital Service, a technology unit housed within the Executive Office of the President (EOP).

The agency is looking to recruit 50 employees in this space over the next year. Mayorkas emphasized at the event that they are open to remote employees, a sentiment reiterated on a DHS hiring page.

In an official press release, Mayorkas says that the AI Corps will work "on a variety projects."

"The DHS AI Corps will enable the Department of Homeland Security to keep up with the pace of innovation as we enhance our work combating fentanyl traffickers, rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation, countering cyberattacks, assessing disaster damage, and much more," reads the statement. Already, AI has been used to

The key areas and roles that AI will likely be utilized by Homeland Security were further listed on the official hiring page:

• Enhance border security

• Make air travel easier and safer

• Combat online child exploitation

• Enhance customer service

• Support disaster survivors

• Defend against cyber threats

• Lead AI research, development, and deployment

• Combat the malicious use of AI

Tweet may have been deleted

For each mission, different AI-based skills are in demand, including machine vision, facial comparison, facial recognition, natural language processing, and research and development. Haysen added in a statement that the AI team will be deployed "to solve problems and modernize the delivery of services to the public."

SEE ALSO: New York City's AI plan: These are the key takeaways

"We are recruiting faster than ever because the need is urgent," he said.

At the event, Mayorkas acknowledged that AI is a polarizing matter within politics. However, he praised the potential of AI, saying, "There is an underlying impatience on my part to demonstrate [that the] government can do everything the private sector can."

Government and legal bodies are grappling with the proliferation of AI, whether that comes to tackling an epidemic of deepfakes or even the case that saw legislation written by ChatGPT was enacted by a country's lawmakers. Cities like New York have, too, announced that their own plans for advancing AI, signaling newfound territory for authorities to consider.

Still dreaming of a foldable iPhone? We've got good news and bad news for you.

According to a new report by The Information (via 9to5Mac), Apple is actively developing several foldable devices, and has at least two prototypes of clamshell folding models.

The bad news: The foldable iPhone appears to be in early development, and it may not launch very soon. Worse news: Apple still seems to be hitting all the old roadblocks that cause the company to halt the foldable phone development back in 2020.

According to the report, Apple wanted this phone to be really thin when unfolded, about half the thickness of the current phone models, and the company also looked into adding an outward-facing display. But it appears the company's designers and engineers were unable to achieve these goals. They're also working on a way for the phone's display to be fully flat when unfolded, but there's no word on whether they've achieved this, either.

All of this means that the foldable iPhone likely isn't coming this year or the next. Maybe 2026 is the year?

SEE ALSO: 7 things you shouldn't do while wearing Apple Vision Pro

Apple is also reportedly working on a larger device, a foldable iPad if you will. The report says that this device would have an 8-inch, inward folding display; so you'd get something that's as large as an iPad mini when folded, and close to the larger iPad Pro when unfolded. Such a device might actually be closer to production than the iPhone, as Apple's standards regarding thickness may not be as strict when it comes to a larger, tablet-like device.

Martin Scorsese's first-ever alien movie is here — and it's a Super Bowl commercial for Squarespace.

The ad, teased in a funny short film starring Scorsese and his daughter Francesca Scorsese, reveals that aliens have finally arrived on Earth. The only problem? Humans are too busy staring at our phones to look up and take in the news!

Frustrated, the aliens adapt, building a website that advertises their arrival to the world's unsuspecting humans. The plan works, and humanity finally greets its new visitors in their glorious flying saucers. Stick around to the end to see a Scorsese cameo, where he complains about — what else? — New York City traffic.

SEE ALSO: How to stream Super Bowl LVIII for free, without cable

A Quiet Place introduced us to a world where making sound was a death sentence. In the upcoming A Quiet Place: Day One, we get to see how that apocalyptic future came to be. For this prequel, director Michael Sarnoski takes the reins from A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II director John Krasinski, who still helped with Day One's story.

Based on the film's first trailer, the invasion of A Quiet Place's sound-sensitive aliens comes seemingly out of nowhere. Everything is business as usual on the streets of New York City until meteor fragments rain from the sky, bringing hostile life forms with them. In the fallout, we follow a crew of survivors — played by Lupita Nyong'o, carrying a very brave cat; Joseph Quinn, Stranger Things' own Eddie Munson; and Djimon Hounsou, reprising his role from A Quiet Place Part II — as they brave abandoned subway tunnels and collapsing skyscrapers. Here's hoping they're quiet enough to make it out of New York City alive.

A Quiet Place: Day One opens in theaters June 28.

This story has been updated to reflect the Luna Massage Wand's rebrand to Ava Vivv.

I never thought I'd love a vibrator I could buy on Amazon, but the Ava Vivv wand (formerly Luna Massage Wand) has proven me wrong. I shouldn't have been too surprised, though: At the time of writing, the wand has more than 44,000 reviews, with 70 percent being five-star endorsements. 

Still, I was skeptical when I received my purple wand in the mail. As it's cute and lightweight, I assumed it wouldn't pack too much of a punch — but I happily stand corrected. The Ava Vivv is an inexpensive, easily-accessible vibrator that's perfect for new and experienced users alike. 

Deets on the Ava Vivv wand

Before the rebrand to Ava, the vibrator's price depended on which color you chose (there used to be nine options). Now, there are fewer colors and they all sit at $29.95 — though, they're often on sale for even less. The Vivv wand is cheaper than most of the options Mashable named best budget sex toys under $50.

Ava's wand is only sold on Amazon as of this publication, and is available for Prime delivery. It's important to note, however, that not all sex toys on the site are alike. Illegitimate sex toys have been found on Amazon, so be mindful if you're buying another brand.

The wand comes in a sleek box, with a travel pouch as well as a small sheet with information on how to work and care for the vibe. It's USB chargeable and only needs an hour to reach a full charge for 1.5 hours of battery life. 

Further, the vibe is made of medical-grade silicone and is 100 percent waterproof; this means you're free to wash the toy or use it in the shower without worry, but don't submerge it in water or take it in the bath with you.

What struck me beyond the wide color choice and cheap pricing is how light the toy is. At 4.7 ounces, it weighs less than an iPhone 12. It's also smaller than the other wand vibrators in my collection at less than eight inches tall (while the others can tower over it at over a foot long). 

As such, the head of the wand is also smaller than that of other wand vibes like the Hitachi. This isn't a setback at all, but something to keep in mind especially if you use your wand with a partner. I'd say, given that the Vivv's head is less than two inches wide, this wand is better used solo. But feel free to prove me wrong!

The Ava Vivv experience

The Ava Vivv is perfect for people who love choice. The wand boasts eight intensities and an impressive 20 vibrating patterns. Unfortunately there's no breakdown online or in the given materials that explains all these, but there's an array of pulse patterns from short bursts to long, torturous (in a good way) pauses. Another setting is the classic steady vibration wands are known for.

For such a small toy, the Ava Vivv is powerful. At full charge, the lowest setting is stronger than the highest on some of my older or cheap vibrators. The highest can probably take you into another dimension within seconds if you'd like. Because the vibrations are so intense, I recommend experimenting with the pulse patterns; they're perfect for edging (almost reaching climax, then pulling back) and thus prolonging your session. Trust me, you'll want to.

Perhaps my favorite part about the wand even beyond the intensities and patterns is the wand's "intuitive memory." Instead of reverting to a starting pattern, Ava Vivv picks up where you left off when you turn it back on. Not only that, but I found that the wand recognized the patterns I played with most often and I didn't need to cycle through all 20 to find them. 

The neck of the vibrator is also flexible, so the toy contorts to your movements.

Ava Vivv has a smaller head than larger wands like the Hitachi. Credit: Ava Is the Ava Vivv worth it?

Despite all its pros, no toy is perfect. The box claims the wand is silent and portable. While the lowest intensity is a low hum, the vibrator still makes noise. 

As for portable, the wand is compact and comes with a travel bag…but doesn't appear to have a travel lock. A travel setting on a sex toy allows users to lock the toy so it doesn't, say, accidentally go off at airport security. This lack isn't the worst thing in the world, but if you want to travel with the Ava Vivv wand (and why wouldn't you), I'd recommend tossing it in a backpack or another piece of luggage you'll have on you in case it goes off.

Still, none of these small drawbacks deter my enjoyment of the wand — and by no stretch of the imagination make the toy not worth purchasing. The only reason I harp on the travel lock is because I wish it had one! I'd love to jet off with the wand, being so small yet mighty.

The Ava Vivv wand is the best toy I've tried at this low price point, and I'm happy it's so accessible for folks who want to try a wand but can't spend upwards of $100 on one. If appropriate, this can also make a great gift due to its affordability and fast shipping.

At such a bang for your buck, Ava Vivv is worth a try whether you're new to wand vibrators or already know you love them.

A new trailer for A24's retro romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding is here, teasing a cute gym romance about masc women macking on each other. Unfortunately, it all seems doomed to go inevitably, horribly wrong.

Set in the '80s, Love Lies Bleeding follows the budding relationship between introverted gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) and impressively muscular amateur bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian). The course of true love never did run smooth though, and in this case is met with the sizeable obstacle of Lou's father Lou Sr. (Ed Harris), a dangerous criminal who has caught the FBI's attention.

It's only a matter of time before things turn bloody, but here's hoping it somehow works out for the couple.

How to watch: Love Lies Bleeding arrives in theatres Mar. 8.

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 7 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for February 7

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024:

AcrossAmorphous shape

• The answer is blob.

Ingredient in bibimbap and congee

• The answer is rice.

Major work of fiction

• The answer is novel.

Furniture chain with a blue-and-yellow logo

• The answer is Ikea.

"Feel the ___" (slogan for Sanders' 2016 campaign)

• The answer is Bern.

DownAll out of money

• The answer is broke.

It helps detoxify blood

• The answer is liver.

Subject of David Attenborough's "Blue Planet" series

• The answer is ocean.

___ Air, neighborhood in Los Angeles

• The answer is Bel.

Pen tip

• The answer is nib.

Porsche was one of the first traditional sports car manufacturers to jump on the EV bandwagon with its Taycan, which was launched in 2019. The original Taycan was a good looking car with lots of power, though still behind far cheaper rivals such as Tesla Model 3 in terms of range and even acceleration unless you went for the priciest, Turbo S model.

With a refreshed version of the Taycan for 2025, Porsche aims to fix all that in a big way.

On the outside, the new Taycan is quite similar to its predecessor, though it has slightly upgraded, high-res LED Matrix headlights, as well as refreshed taillights.

The differences aren't huge, but the taillight and the headlights have been redesigned. Credit: Porsche

But the Taycan delivers when it comes to power and range. Porsche says the car has a new powertrain with a new rear-axle motor that delivers up to 80 kW more power than the earlier variant on all models. The rear-wheel drive Taycan goes from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (0.6 seconds quicker than before), while the Taycan Turbo S achieves the same feat in 2.3 seconds, which makes it the "quickest production car Porsche has ever offered to date."

There's also a boost function which gives your Taycan additional power for 10 seconds, though just how much power you get depends on the model. Porsche says that the base Taycan gets 60 kW extra power, while the top-tier Turbo S gets an additional 140kW when using Launch Control, which gives it a maximum output of 700kW or 938hp. According to the company, that makes it the "most powerful production Porsche" ever released.

The Cross Turismo variant will arrive this fall. Credit: Porsche

Perhaps most importantly, the battery on the Taycan has been increased (with the Performance Battery Plus package) from 93 kWh to 105 kWh. According to Porsche, the Taycan now has up to 587 kilometers (364 miles) of range, as measured during a recent test in California. Charging is faster, too; under ideal conditions, owners will be able to charge their Taycans at up to 320 kW at 800-volt DC charging stations.

Additionally, Porsche now offers a 150 kW DC/DC convertor which should optimize charging speeds on 400-volt networks. All in all, Porsche says charging from 10 to 80 percent should take just 18 minutes under ideal conditions. Finally, recuperation capacity during deceleration has gone up from 290 to 400 kW, a 30 percent increase, which should further help owners squeeze a bit more range out of the Taycan.

Apple CarPlay has been more deeply integrated into the car's displays and functions, Porsche says. Credit: Porsche

On the inside, you'll still find lots of screens, but Porsche says it has optimized the user interface and added a new control level behind the steering wheel, allowing for easier control of driver assistance systems.

Other tidbits of note include improved thermal management, better CarPlay integration, a new active chassis with adaptive air suspension coming as standard, more design and customization options, and a longer list of standard improvement, which now includes stuff like Lane Change Assist, ambient lighting, wireless charging tray for phones, and electrically folding mirrors.

SEE ALSO: Porsche's fancy EV charging lounge has snacks and a smart mirror for workouts

Pricing starts at $99,400 for the entry-level model, and goes up to $211,700 if you choose the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo variant. The 2025 Taycan sedan and Cross Turismo can be ordered now, with deliveries starting this summer for the sedan and in the fall for the Cross Turismo.

Amazon Flex is piloting new safety features for its drivers, according to a report from The Information.

This follows a series of incidents in which Flex drivers, who use their own cars for deliveries, have reportedly been met with violence or threat by residents: since 2022, five Flex drivers have been shot in four different incidents and five others said they have had guns drawn on them. In many of these incidents, home owners were reported to have mistaken delivery drivers for intruders due to their cars being unmarked.

Amazon is now implementing measures to prevent this, including a feature in its app that would display a Flex driver's name and photograph to customers awaiting delivery. At this time, the company does not provide customers with any information about who is delivering their packages.

In addition, a select group of Flex drivers is being given Amazon-branded merchandise to display on their cars, such as magnets and lights. These will be handed out to drivers beginning this month. Amazon is also working on a text feature automatically alerting customers when a delivery is about to be made. Drivers currently have the option of independently texting customers themselves.

SEE ALSO: John Oliver slams Amazon over its treatment of delivery drivers

Launched in 2015, Flex is a program where independent contractors can sign up to make Amazon deliveries in their own vehicles. Drivers can work according to their own schedules and availability, with Amazon pitching the program as a side hustle and a way to earn extra money: "Choose the blocks that fit your schedule, then get back to living your life," reads the website. The company says that most of their gig drivers earn between $18 to $25 per hour for their deliveries.

When reached for comment by Mashable, Amazon pointed us to the safety section for Flex. Amazon's current safety recommendations for Flex drivers include wearing a high visibility safety vest, and slip-resistant, closed-heel, and closed-toe shoes. The company also offers free Amazon-branded vests for drivers at their delivery stations.

Back in 2019, Amazon implemented facial recognition via selfies to verify the identities of Flex drivers, as a means to protect customers, reduce fraud, and guarantee that only people authorized to deliver packages were able to do so. The new pilot features are more geared towards protecting drivers. Amazon spokesperson Maya Vautier told The Information that the measures are part of the company's "ongoing comprehensive safety efforts."

"We'll keep listening to Amazon Flex delivery partners, inventing on their behalf," said Vautier, "and piloting new products and services to help improve their experience."

If you count The Last of Us Part II Remastered to the list, this marks the fifth different remake or remaster in Naughty Dog's The Last of Us franchise. Oddly, the studio decided to drop a remaster for its critically acclaimed sequel nearly three years after its initial 2020 release.

However, this isn't to say Part II Remastered isn't worth a buy.

In fact, after having spent some time with the game, you should know that the improved graphics are just the cherry on top of an excellent remaster that's locked and loaded with extra features and game modes. It also doesn't hurt that if you purchased Part II for the PS4 in 2020, you can grab the remaster for just $10 (as opposed to the full price of $49.99).

Here at Mashable, we believe that Part II Remastered is the definitive way to play Part II, and if you're a fan of the game, story, and cast of characters, you won't be disappointed by this remaster. If you need more convincing, we broke down experience with some of the new features and extras added by the developers.

1. The Last of Us Rougelike Violence begets violence or whatever the saying is. Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

"No Return" is the headline feature of the remastered version of Part II. It's a combat-focused roguelike mode that sees players in randomly generated encounters to get as far as they can without dying. Throughout each run, players can unlock new gear, weapons, upgrades, and additional characters to play with in future runs.

It's a different flavor for the game, specifically designed for those who enjoyed the combat mechanics of Part II. Having played through the story of Part II a couple of times, I can say the combat is not for the faint of heart. It's excruciatingly and unflinchingly graphic to the point, where, throughout my playthroughs of the campaign I've had to stop and take breaks cause the constant agonizing screaming of the NPCs after you kill a comrade or blow a leg off was uncomfortable.

That's kind of the point though, as one of the narrative throughlines of the campaign is the destructive nature of revenge and how it perpetuates a cycle of violence. This, and I'm not the first to point this out, makes it strange that the most marketed feature of Part II Remaster is a game mode that is nothing but a mindless cycle of violence—something that stands at odds with the story the developers were trying to tell.

However, if you're looking for a way to play the game and maximize the potential and efficiency of its combat mechanics, you'd enjoy "No Return." There's no story here to get in the way of all the fighting, with "No Return" offering several different combat scenarios like fighting off waves of enemies or timed-survival trials. There's even a heist scenario that prompts you to break into guarded safes.

If you like the grim combat of Part II, then the remaster is worth it for this alone. But there are other modes for the less violence-inclined TLOU enjoyers.

2. Guitar-free play Honestly the best addition to the game. Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Some would call this icing on the cake for players, but let's be honest, this is the main attraction. If you're unfamiliar, there are a few sections within the campaign of Part II that let you play the guitar using the DualShock controller's touchpad to strum the guitar and the bumpers to change the chords. They're neat interactive sections that have been let loose for players in the remaster, so you can skip all the bleak and depressing story beats and get to the real gameplay.

You can swap between several characters and even play the banjo. Additionally, Naughty Dog added the option to play as series composer Gustavo Santaolalla.

Tweet may have been deleted 3. Lost Levels Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

One thing that buying DVDs has over video games is the inclusion of behind-the-scenes featurettes and director's commentary. It's rare in the gaming space, which is known for its secretive development cycles, so it was a surprise to see just how much BTS content is available for players who purchase Part II Remastered.

The meat of the BTS content is the lost levels — three cut sections of gameplay from the original story all in various states of completion, complete with an intro by director Neil Druckmann before each level and developer commentary throughout. Players can walk through these levels, although they are missing animations and have close to no voice acting.

As explained by the devs, a lot of the cuts had to do with pacing issues. One level involves a leisurely trek through Jackson, Wyoming, the settlement Ellie and Joel reside in at the start of the game. Another is an additional sewer section during the Seattle Day Two portion of the game. The last follows Ellie as she hunts a boar near– an endeavor that triggers her PTSD.

Players can trigger the developer's commentary that explains the various minutiae behind object placement, story beats, and why every little thing was either cut or kept. It's a captivating addition that delves into what it's like to develop a game of this caliber and a welcome one for any hardcore fans of the franchise.

The second story in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series is almost here, with Rebirth set to release on Feb. 29 — but you can watch an exhilarating 11-minute demo of the RPG already.

In the video above, released Tuesday, you'll join up with Cloud and the gang through all those stunning regions — in Grasslands south of Midgar, through the Junon metropolis, the resort town of Costa del Sol, the glitzy Gold Saucer, and more. You'll get a good look at the gameplay, characters, abilities, combat, and party dynamics, and the developer says it's "fleshed out some of the minigames".

Plus, you'll get to peek at Rebirth's elevated, PS5-ready graphics and visual modes, as well as a listen at the newly recorded music for the game. There's a bigger preview over at IGN if you're keen for more.

Haven't played the first Final Fantasy VII Remake? Check out Mashable's review.

Space intersects with family drama in Netflix's The Signal, a four-part mystery about a vanished astronaut.

After Paula (Peri Baumeister) disappears during a space mission, her husband Sven (Florian David Fitz) must try to get to the bottom of what's happened while navigating strange signals and a fractured home life.

The series was written by Fitz with Nadine Gottmann, and Kim Zimmermann, and directed by Sebastian Hilger and Philipp Leinemann.

Looks intriguing.

How to watch: The Signal is streaming on Netflix from March 7.

We've nearly made it the most relationship-centric day of the year, but year-round, casual dating, hookup culture, and no-strings-attached relationships deserve their flowers too. In this new era of dating, hookup apps are on just about everyone's smartphone. And for good reason. You watch TV on demand (thank you Netflix) and your food can be ordered and delivered to your door while you sit on the couch (hello DoorDash), so why would finding a potential hookup partner be any different?

UPDATE: Dec. 7, 2023, 2:33 p.m. EST We are in the process of reevaluating Feeld's place among our recommendations after the app's recent update arrived with bugs and location-related safety concerns.

What is hookup culture?

The phrase "hookup culture" refers to casual sex or uncommitted sexual encounters — you know, good old-fashioned consensual sex just for the sake of it.

Way back when, before dating apps became a thing, people would rely on chance encounters or social gatherings (mainly parties or bars) to meet someone new to have a casual fling with. But now, with the huge pool of dating and hookup apps available, we've found ourselves firmly in what we'd like to call our hookup culture era, and finding a partner is as easy as swiping right on a profile photo.

The dedicated hookup app is a gateway to hot instant gratification, and the coolest thing is that you can decide where to find your fling and how much or little you'd like to know about the person before getting down and dirty.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What makes a good hookup app?

The best hookup apps don't have to be a one-and-done situation. Sure, things can be kept as anonymous as taking a nameless person home from the bar, but there's also nothing wrong with ensuring that the person getting to see you naked doesn't have the world's worst sense of humor. Plus, getting along well with a hookup, even if you're not looking for anything serious or exclusive, can help if you are looking for a regular friends-with-benefits situation.

Though many of these hookup apps make it obvious that people are looking for *that,* people on more generalized dating apps can avoid a lot of messiness if a heads-up about intentions is given within the first few DMs. Many apps even include an option to mark what you're looking for so your intentions can be clear from the get-go.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for safe, NSFW fun in 2024 How do I find people to hook up with?

Basically, there's no one "best hookup app" you can use to find guaranteed partners, but you'll probably also want to skip any apps that feature a 10-minute questionnaire about romance and future families or ones that require expensive subscriptions intended for people who want long-term relationships.

Photos are also a huge factor in good hookup apps. Some apps and dating sites hide people's pics unless you have a paid subscription, and we don't really love that — for physical attraction reasons and safety reasons. Apps that show the full view of someone's profile are the way to go.

Whether you want to pay for a hookup app is totally up to you, but we will say Tinder and Hinge have great free versions. You can likely find a hookup by the weekend without paying a cent.

Whether you're looking for casual sex or are simply looking to exchange nudes, here are our picks for the best hookup apps right now:

Have you ever wondered which of the big three — T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T — is the fastest mobile network? Fortunately, we've got the scoop, thanks to a report from Ookla.

In case you missed it, Ookla, a Mashable sister site, recently released data about which mobile network delivers the zippiest upload and download speeds. The analysis even delves into video performance and 5G prowess.

Which is the fastest mobile network for phones?

According to Ookla, T-Mobile is the mobile network you should have on your radar.

As of Q4 of 2023, with its median download speed of 188.96, T-Mobile is the fastest mobile network. Verizon is a distant second at 91.62. AT&T is third at 90.82.

T-Mobile beats the other two by a landslide. Credit: Ookla

When it comes to uploads, it's the same story. T-Mobile led the pack with 12 megabytes per second, and Verizon and AT&T, with less than 10 MBps each, followed not-so-closely behind.

T-Mobile wins again. Credit: Ookla Video performance

Unsurprisingly, T-Mobile took the crown again in the video performance round, delivering better marks for its propensity to run visual content better than the rest.

T-Mobile should be your preferred network for video performance. Credit: Ookla 5G performance

Among phones on 5G networks, guess who knocked it out of the park? You guessed it: T-Mobile once again.

"T-Mobile had the fastest median 5G download speed in the U.S. at 238.87 Mbps during Q4 2023, an improvement on its performance during Q3 2023," Ookla reported.

T-Mobile nailed it in 5G performance, too. Credit: Ookla

T-Mobile also beat its two rivals at a slew of other benchmarks as well, including consistency and latency. Check out the full report here. This analysis is based on mobile devices that run speed tests at Ookla.

TL;DR: As of February 7, get The Ultimate White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle for only $39.99 — you'll save 63%.

Whether you're studying for school or for a tech job, it can be daunting when you're first learning the basics of IT, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity. There's a lot to learn and a ton of complex material, but it could be easier to manage with a reliable instructor. This White Hat Hacker certification bundle is an online training with 10 courses and expert instructors, and it's also on sale for $39.99. 

Lessons on Python, ethical hacking, and more

If you're interested in cybersecurity, this bundle is a great place to start. Not only are there 98 hours of material talking about key concepts and skills in the field but there's also a clear progression to many of the courses, so you could start as a beginner in The Complete Cyber Security Course, Vol.1 and work your way through to Vol.4 for an introduction to End-Point Protection. 

Though these courses do not give their own certification, the CompTIA prep courses could be invaluable resources if you want to seek out certification elsewhere. And courses like Python 3 for Offensive PenTest break down other common skills in the field. 

All courses are available for life once redeemed, so you can study at your own pace, whether that means racing through or browsing the concepts for one that stands out. 

A comprehensive intro to cybersecurity 

You don't need to wait for college to start your IT training, and you don't need to scour the web looking for reliable resources. 

Check out this White Hat Hacker certification bundle for $39.99 for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Nathan House The Ultimate White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle $39.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal