Mashable

I’ve spent the last decade of my life hopelessly devoted to Apple products. From my first iPhone to (finally) splurging on my first Macbook, I’ve always been committed — aside from my week-long attempt at switching to a Blackberry — and happy with my decision to purchase Apple products…until I tried the new Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.

Here’s the thing. I know this is going to sound wild. It’s going to sound like I’m exaggerating somehow, like I’m trying to get clicks on this article, but I need you to understand that I’ve been obsessed with Apple for as long as I can remember. My trusty iPhone 11 Pro? Love it. Well-worn iPad? Obsessed. The AirPods Pro I’ve owned for exactly four years? Fantastic. You can even read some of my past reviews to see that I don’t pull my punches, and I’ve given some incredibly popular products a resounding “meh” review.

But these tiny little earbuds from Samsung have put a chink in my Apple-plated armor, so I’ll ask you to suspend your disbelief for a few more paragraphs while I tell you why.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about the Samsung Unpacked event First Impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE I was impressed unboxing these earbuds. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

Before I opened the box, I was prepared to be underwhelmed by the Galaxy Buds FE. I’ve always preferred the look and feel of AirPods, so there was a definite bias against the wingtip design of the Buds FE that — in all honestly — I still hold to this day. Something about them looks a little silly, at least in my ultra-small ears, so I wasn’t prepared to love (let alone like) these earbuds straight away. 

And then I did. The packaging was fantastic, simple, and streamlined, and the glossy white charging case is a bit smaller, lighter, and shinier than my AirPods Pro case. With three different ear tips, the Buds FE are also easily customizable to get that perfect fit — and include a second size of wingtip — so it only took me a few tries to find what works for me. 

The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is unreal

Once I connected the Buds FE to my iPhone, I experienced a full jaw-drop moment, which is surprisingly rare for someone who loves reviewing products. It’s uncommon for something to truly blow me away, but the Buds FE truly did. Over the next few minutes, I found myself frantically switching between my AirPods Pro, JBL Vibe Beam, and the Buds FE so I could marvel over the difference in sound quality — and even did several rounds of telling my partner, “Hold on, hold on, now listen to the same song on these.”

Not only is the sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE robust, crisp, and surprisingly bass-heavy, these tiny earbuds almost rivaled the sound quality of my beloved Bose QuietComfort 45s — something no earbud has ever done before. From podcasts to EDM, hip-hop, Top 40, and classical, the sound quality blew my AirPods Pro out of the water, so much so that I haven’t reached for my AirPods at all since that first day. 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE converted me from a die-hard AirPods user. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

The active noise cancellation (ANC) was also pretty good and comparable to my Airpods Pro, which was a nice bonus. It was also super easy to switch between ANC and ambient mode with a single long press of the touchpad, so I was able to toggle between listening to music and having a conversation without any extra hassle. 

Now, I will say that the one area where the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE don’t perform quite as well as the Apple AirPods Pro is the microphone quality. Everything sounded a bit fuzzy and far away, which was kind of a bummer, but it wasn’t bad enough to make phone calls super difficult. 

SEE ALSO: The best headphones for 2024 (and why they've made our list) The initial pairing was easy, but swapping between devices was annoying

Straight out of the box, I was able to pair the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE to my iPhone within seconds. I just opened the charging case to put the buds into pairing mode, navigated to my Bluetooth settings on my iPhone, and selected the Galaxy Buds FE. Unfortunately, while the initial pairing was surprisingly effortless, I did have some struggles from that point on.

Because the Buds FE are a Samsung product, I wasn’t able to use Samsung’s companion app on my iPhone to customize my Buds FE experience — which was understandable — so the AutoSwitch functionality didn’t work with my Apple devices at all. If I wanted to switch between my iPhone and Macbook, for example, I’d have to turn off Bluetooth or forget the Buds FE on my iPhone, put them into pairing mode, and connect them with my Macbook in a separate step. 

Even switching between my Samsung M7 Smart Monitor and my Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ gave me the same issue, which was pretty disappointing. I was expecting difficulty with my Apple products, but struggling with my Samsung ones was a surprise. That being said, I am pretty new to Samsung products, so I’m willing to admit that it could’ve been user error. 

I did consider using the Galaxy Wearable App on my Samsung Tab, but after learning it required permission to access pretty much everything on my device (including my calendar, calls, contacts, and even my files), I decided to ditch it. Apparently, the app does make some things easier — like switching between devices, accessing an equalizer, and changing the touchpad actions — but using the Buds FE without the app was a pretty solid experience. 

Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE worth the price? 

At $99, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are absolutely worth purchasing — unless you’re an Apple user who relies on easy switching between devices or you’re someone who wants a better microphone. 

The sound quality is unreal for a sub-$100 earbud (especially considering they’re frequently on sale for $79), and the overall product quality is top-notch. The Buds FE are also available in two different color options, solid black or solid white, which is a nice perk. Compared to my Apple AirPods Pro, which retail at $249, switching to the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE feels like a no-brainer. 

Aside from the microphone quality and the ease of switching between devices, the Buds FE either match — or surpass — my original AirPods Pro in every single way. The sound quality is noticeably better, but features and specs like active noise cancellation and battery life are on par. In fact, the battery life is slightly better than my original AirPods Pro, which advertised five hours of playtime, with the Buds FE offering six hours of playtime with ANC or 8.5 with it off — as well as an additional 21 to 30 hours of playtime from the charging case depending on whether or not you’re using noise cancellation. 

Honestly, Samsung has delivered an excellent product with the Galaxy Buds FE, so much so that this lifelong Apple user is starting to have serious doubts about whether only owning Apple products — and paying their high price tags — is actually worth it anymore.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is an absolute mouthful. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Tab S9 while still touting a durable IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating, as well as a 12.4-inch screen, 20-hour battery life, and an included S Pen…all for a decently affordable price of $599. But is it worth it? 

As a long-time Apple user who is tip-toeing into the world of Android, I was eager to try out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ for myself to see if it was worth the hype — and maybe even worth the switch. 

SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else? Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ specs

Priced at $599, the FE+ packs some pretty impressive specs into a decently affordable tablet. A few highlights include: 

• Screen Size: 12.4-inch TFT LCD display

• Refresh Rate: 90 Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1600

• Storage: 128GB with 8GB of RAM (with the option to upgrade to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for an additional $100)

• CPU: Samsung Exynos 1380 processor 

• Cameras: 12MP (front camera), 8MP and 8MP ultra-wide (rear cameras)

• Operating System: Android 13

• Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth v5.3

• Battery life: up to 20 hours

And if you’re someone who doesn’t care much about specs? The biggest differences between the S9 FE+ and the S9+ are the display and the CPU, which will be noticeable for hardcore users, but probably won’t make a difference for first-time buyers or casual users. And I have to mention the $400 price difference.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about the Samsung Unpacked event What I liked about the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

I’m not going to lie; this was my first time using an Android device. I’ve dabbled in Samsung products in the past, like the Samsung M7 Smart Monitor and my much-loved Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, but I was nervous about using a Samsung tablet after a lifetime of using Apple products. 

The S Pen is a very welcome addition to the tablet. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

Thankfully, making the switch was easier than I anticipated. The S9 FE+ is a fantastic tablet that functions as a great little productivity device — it boasts the ability to use as many as three apps on the screen at once, with two in split screen view and one in pop-up view, and the entire experience was way more intuitive than using Split View on my eighth generation iPad. 

I also loved the fact that the S9 FE+ came with an S Pen, which is Samsung’s version of the Apple Pencil, and the tablet has a magnetic strip under the back cameras to store your S Pen. While I love my Apple Pencil, using the S Pen felt far more natural — especially when it came to jotting down notes — and I found myself reaching for it more than I expected. Plus, the S9 FE+ offers a pretty solid gaming experience for casual gamers. While it’s certainly not a hardcore gaming machine, I was surprised to discover how much I loved playing chill games on this tablet — something I’ve never really done before — but it was the perfect tablet for scrolling through social media, playing a relaxing game, or watching a movie on the go. 

What I didn’t love about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

First and foremost, the S9 FE+ is big. The 12.4-inch display is pretty hefty, and — as a casual user — it felt a little too big for my taste. However, screen size is definitely a personal preference, and someone who enjoys a larger display might feel otherwise. I will admit that the large screen did come in handy when I was doing some light graphic design work on Canva or doodling on Infinite Painter, but I never felt like I truly needed that much screen real estate.

That being said, as an Apple user who was experiencing Samsung products for the first time, I did love being able to use Samsung DeX on the S9 FE+. The ability to convert the tablet into a laptop-like device was wonderful, and I was tempted to splurge on Samsung’s $299 Book Cover Keyboard. 

However, while Samsung DeX is pretty freakin’ cool to use, it’s also fairly limited when it comes to the S9 FE+, which is my biggest disappointment with this tablet. The Tab S9 FE series doesn’t support DisplayPort Out, so you can’t use any external displays through wired or wireless DeX. This is a major missing feature, especially considering older models of Samsung tablets like the S7 FE included wireless DeX, and it doesn’t quite make sense why Samsung would remove this functionality from the S9 FE lineup. 

And, I’ve got to add, as someone who has heard wonderful things about Samsung’s devices and their cameras, the built-in cameras on the S9 FE+ were also pretty underwhelming. The 8MP front camera does a decent job, and it’s a solid camera for things like video conferencing, but the 8MP back camera and the 8MP ultra-wide back camera both fell pretty flat. The placement of the front camera was pretty interesting, considering it’s in the center of the right side of the tablet, perfect for when you’re using your tablet in landscape mode, but all things considered, I don’t really see myself using the cameras on this tablet unless my iPhone isn’t nearby.

The rear cameras just weren't that impressive. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ worth the price? 

At $599, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ definitely isn’t cheap, but it’s also way more affordable than some of the other tablets on the market. If you’re a casual user who is looking to invest in a tablet for things like note-taking, reading, watching movies, or light gaming, then the S9 FE+ might be a great option for you. If you want to save a few bucks and don’t care about the display size, you might even want to consider the S9 FE, which touts similar specs — 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and one back camera instead of two — as well as a 10.9-inch screen and a $449 price tag. 

If you’re a hardcore tablet user who is looking for something that packs a bit more punch, you might want to stick with Samsung’s Tab S9 or S9+. They’re a lot pricier, with the S9+ clocking in at $999 for the base specs, but the S9 also boasts a dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and the ability to use DeX to connect your tablet to an external monitor — which is something many users might be on the lookout for in their tablet.

As far as Apple versus Samsung? It’s still too hard for me to decide. There are definite perks to each, and I still use my iPad just as much as I use the S9 FE+, so deciding between the two is probably going to be more of a personal preference. There are probably some good reasons to choose one over the other, but at the end of the day, it comes down to price, functionality, and convenience. If you’re looking for a cheaper tablet that is great for most users, Samsung generally offers a slightly lower price point for a pretty great product. If you’re looking for an Apple-specific functionality, or it’s important for you that your devices connect easily within the Apple ecosystem (like via iCloud), then you should probably stick with an iPad. If you’re like me and can’t decide? Pick one, try it out, and see what you like best.

TL;DR: As of January 17, get a lifetime subscription to Write Bot™ AI Content Creation for just $29.97 — usually $539.

Writing may sound easy on paper, but chipping away at writer's block one word at a time can be tough and time-consuming. When you have a ton of other things you need to get done, you might not have time to do the job justice. 

Generative AI writing tools may be able to speed things up. While its no replacement for your own human brain, an AI content generator could help you quickly get the bulk of the work done so you can focus on fine-tuning. With Write Bot™, that means you can use AI to quickly come up with ideas, outlines, drafts, and more, and a lifetime Pro subscription is $29.97 instead of $539 but only until January 21. 

Is Write Bot™ the right bot for the job?

Write Bot™ is an AI-powered content generator that could help you craft quality content magnitudes faster. This Generative AI lets you choose from various use cases like blog ideas, business proposals, social media ads, product descriptions, and more when you're ready to craft a new text. Then you just fill in some information and let the AI do the rest. It may only take seconds for the AI to generate what could have taken hours otherwise. You can even edit and polish the final document right there. 

The Premium plan lets you generate up to 1,000,000 words per month across 12+ use cases. You also get access to priority email and chat support. Plus, you can access Write Bot™ from all your devices, so you can use it at work, at home, or on the go. It's accessible through any modern browser on desktop or mobile devices. This subscription is only available to new users. 

Goodbye rough draft, hello robot draft

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Opens in a new window Credit: Write Bot Write Bot™ Harness the Power of AI Content Creation: Lifetime Pro Subscription $29.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 17, get this Wolfgang Puck Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven and Grill for just $149.99 — a 65% discount.

Is cooking good food at home on your list of goals for 2024? While there are plenty of ways you can improve — like with cookbooks and YouTube tutorials — sometimes you just need to invest in some equipment. And if you or your family happen to be pizza lovers, there's currently a great tool you can score for a steal.

This Wolfgang Puck Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven and Grill is an open-box item, which means it has likely been returned from a retail store back to the warehouse, and is being sold at a significant discount This particular model typically retails for $437, but you can snag this one in near-mint condition for only $149.99 right here for a limited time. 

Who's ready for pizza night? It can be every night at your house with help from the Wolfgang Puck Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven and Grill. This handy appliance is portable and ready to install easily anywhere outdoors, letting you whip up some yummy wood-fired pizza anywhere. It can cook up to 12" fresh pizzas in just 90 seconds — and can make a frozen pizza a little more glamorous in just under four minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. 

Made of high-quality stainless-steel construction, this oven is durable and versatile, as it can also grill steak, fish, wings, or chicken thanks to the reversible pizza stone that includes a glazed grill surface on the other side. This particular model hails from 2023 and has gone through verification that it's still in new condition, and has been placed in clean packaging for your peace of mind. 

Become a pizza-making extraordinaire with this Wolfgang Puck Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven and Grill, just $149.99 (reg. $437) right here for a limited time. 

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Opens in a new window Credit: Wolfgang Puck Wolfgang Puck Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven and Grill $149.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 17, get this Python for Software Engineering course bundle for just $24.99 — a 94% discount.

Learning to code can be daunting, but you don't have to wait for an in-person class or a tutor to get started. If you want to try your hand at Python, you could start from the beginning with this Python for Software Engineering bundle while it's on sale for $24.99. 

This eLearning course pack starts at the beginning with the absolute basics of Python in seven courses covering 165.5 hours of content, and there's no time limit once you have it. All course materials are yours for life. 

Learn Python on your schedule

Beginner programmer? Start at the beginning. This Python eLearning bundle opens up with a 35-hour overview course to help you cultivate effective habits as a Python developer. No experience is needed for this course, but later courses may be easier if you have this introduction to the language. If you want a quicker intro, the Quick Jump Start Course is only 4.5 hours and also covers the basics. 

After you have the basics down, you can move on to more advanced topics like concurrent and parallel programming or Python for machine learning if you're interested in AI. This bundle even has you put your skills to the test with two different courses that have you craft actual projects. Just keep in mind that the certification is only a certificate of completion, but the skills are real. 

Programming beginner no more

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Get this Python for Software Engineering Bootcamp Certification Bundle on sale for $24.99 (reg. $420). 

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TL;DR: Through Jan. 21, get a lifetime subscription to the OneAir Elite Plan for only $79.97 — normally $790.

Got a lot of travel plans in 2024? Whether you're hoping to see more of the world or fit in more family time, you can get deals on big travel expenses — from your flights to your hotel fares — with a subscription to OneAir Elite Plan.

You could save big on your upcoming trips, as you can book business, first, and premium class flights in 2024 and beyond with this lifetime subscription to a OneAir Elite Plan. Though it typically retails for $790, it can be yours for just $79.97 through January 21.

Though it sounds too good to be true, OneAir uses the power of artificial intelligence to help you save big on all kinds of travel expenses. This members-only app's AI-powered scans track airline rates and let you know when you can score a great deal, sending a blast to your email and mobile so you can take advantage of the low prices. 

Not only can OneAir help you save on flights, but rental cars and hotels as well. You can set up destination-specific deal alerts and pick 10 different departure airports to monitor. OneAir also makes sure you're not hit with hidden fees or extra costs thanks to their all-inclusive prices, and you'll have added peace of mind with 24 hours of cancellation available. 

Until January 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, save big on a lifetime subscription to a OneAir Elite Plan, now just $79.97 (reg. $790).

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It’s hard to watch your business’ property at all times. But with a total of 606,282 crimes against businesses in England and Wales occurring every year, it’s easy to understand why you want eyes and ears on everything. 

Having an all-encompassing, reliable security system for your business not only prevents you from being a victim of crime, but actually improves the performance of your business. So when it comes to choosing your business’ security technology, you shouldn’t ever have to compromise. 

Rather, you deserve a range of surveillance cameras, access control, intercom, and audio systems engineered to withstand a wide range of extreme conditions and situations. Whatever the environment, you should always feel safe and be able to rely on your security systems. 

That’s what Axis Communications has created their products for since 1984. Part of Canon Group, Axis enables a smarter and safer world by creating solutions for improving security and business performance. Their systems are designed to push us forward - taking business safety to a whole new level.

They create security technology that withstands a range of complicated environments. Whether there’s a wildfire outbreak, a flood, or all manner of extreme environments, Axis Communications equipment is designed to persevere and continue protecting your people, your property, and the performance of your business. 

Using network video technology, they film every single moment for your viewing - the good and the bad - in a crisp picture quality that never wavers - even if extreme weather strikes. 

And to truly put this technology to the test, Axis has demonstrated their elevated picture abilities and the robustness of their equipment in a fun and unexpected way: by filming a hockey game from underneath the ice. Yes, really. 

The Impossible Angle 

Fans of ice hockey will know there’s one angle of the game you never get to see: the underneath. It’s never before been possible to film from this perspective. After all, there’s a pretty hefty (40 mm thick) block of ice you have to deal with to be able to make it happen.

But the modular cameras from Axis Communications literally change the game. 

With ice hockey being such a lively game of bold colours, fast movements and intense play, Axis knew it would pose a real challenge to test the quality of their products, but result in some exciting gameplay footage. 

It was no easy feat, though. To pull off filming a hockey game from beneath the rink, the Axis team knew the equipment would need to be perfectly waterproof and not only robust enough to withstand a large amount of ice weighing it down, but the players who’d be skating right above it too. 

Though there were clear difficulties involved with the experiment, the potential for pay off was worth it, and so the team got to work. With this innovative technology made to withstand any and all weathers, the modular cameras from Axis Communications should be able to sit within the rink, encased in ice, and still record footage of the game from every angle. 

So, they tested it out. But it took a lot of work to mount the camera beneath a hockey rink. Together with an ice hockey team and a film crew, engineers from Axis Communications performed the experiment.  

A modular setup was chosen for the experiment: One AXIS F2135-RE Fisheye Sensor was frozen in the ice together with a cable connecting it to AXIS F9114 Main Unit outside the rink, which provided power to the camera – as well as processing the video feed coming off the sensor.

Despite the small size of the sensor, it still would not fit underneath the surface of the ice. So, the camera was mounted horizontally, leaving enough space for the camera to be completely covered in the ice, and a mirror was used to reflect the action above the ice into the camera. To keep everything in place during the freezing process a 3D printed jig was created, and the right lens adjustment was selected before freezing the camera away in a completely solid block of ice - where players would be slamming into each other over the top.

Content Captured without Compromise 

Would the camera still operate efficiently and work despite these extreme conditions and difficulties getting it beneath the ice? It was a novel but tough experiment to test the camera's capabilities, but it performed brilliantly- capturing every swipe of the puck, each slice of the player’s boots crunching against the ice, and every slide the player’s faces sliding against the ice post-injury. All the stuff you usually miss, immortalised in film.

For the camera to still do its job - and a stellar one at that, catching hockey from all angles, showed its true hardiness and adaptability. 

The final result: a vibrant and unique capturing of a very intense game that offers a unique viewing experience for hockey fans.

This kind of imaginative, innovative technology is behind all security cameras at Axis, creating a safer and smarter world. If Axis Communications cameras can deliver excellent, high-quality footage that shows every detail of a scene while encased in thick ice, it can certainly provide the security measures you need for your properties. 

Cross one worry off the list for your business by setting up a security system that not only withstands tricky situations but offers succinct and versatile solutions. Axis Communications are consistently using sight and sound mixed with detailed analytics and intelligence to continually improve the security systems on offer and keep businesses everywhere safe. 

Whether you’re looking after a business susceptible to extreme weather or filming a hockey game from every angle, Axis cameras will capture every moment without faltering - no matter what interruptions you might face. 

To find out more, please visit AXIS

TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. Sonego in the Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are plenty of intriguing matchups in the second round of the Australian Open, including Alcaraz vs. Sonego. They've only played each other once before, and Sonego won in straight sets. But Alcaraz is seen by many as the greatest threat to Djokovic this year, so fans will be expecting the young star to come through this game unscathed.

If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. Sonego in the Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Alcaraz vs. Sonego?

Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Sonego will face off on Jan. 18.

How to watch Alcaraz vs. Sonego for free

Every match from the Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including Alcaraz vs. Sonego.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can gain access to this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can connect to 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access 9Now by following these simple steps:

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5. Steam Alcaraz vs. Sonego for free

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 9Now without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Alcaraz vs. Sonego for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Emma Raducanu vs. Wang Yafan in the Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Emma Raducanu cruised through the first round of the Australian Open against Shelby Rogers, but the next matchup promises to be challenging. Wang Yafan began her campaign with a stunning victory over 22nd seed Sorana Cirstea, so she'll be coming into this match with a lot of belief.

If you want to watch Raducanu vs. Wang in the Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Raducanu vs. Wang?

Emma Raducanu and Wang Yafan will battle it out on Jan. 18.

How to watch Raducanu vs. Wang for free

Every match from the Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including Raducanu vs. Wang.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can gain access to this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can connect to 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access 9Now from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit 9Now

5. Steam Raducanu vs. Wang for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 9Now without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Raducanu vs. Wang before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Raducanu vs. Wang for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Sale Sharks vs. La Rochelle in the Champions Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The European Rugby Champions Cup brings together some of the best teams and players in the world. And if you're looking for the very best, you should check out the team that is going for its third title in a row.

Can anyone stop La Rochelle from winning the Champions Cup this year? They've not exactly had it all their own way so far, so they'll be looking for a comprehensive victory over Sale Sharks in their next fixture.

If you want to watch Sale Sharks vs. La Rochelle for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sale Sharks v La Rochelle?

Sale Sharks and La Rochelle will kick off at 1 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. This key fixture will take place at the AJ Bell Stadium.

How to watch Sale Sharks v La Rochelle for free

You can watch the Champions Cup fixture between Sale Sharks and La Rochelle live on ITV1, with coverage starting from 12:30 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

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

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Steam Sale Sharks vs. La Rochelle for free

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The best VPNs are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Sale Sharks vs. La Rochelle before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing ITVX from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Sale Sharks vs. La Rochelle for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Women's Super League continues to grow in popularity, and it's clear to see why. The quality improves every year, the rivalries become more and more heated, and the best players in the world join the competition to see what all the fuss it about.

It seems like there are massive games lined up every week, but it doesn't get much bigger than Chelsea vs. Manchester United. First meets fourth in this key fixture, and you can catch all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women?

Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women kicks off at 12:30 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. This fixture will take place at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women for free

The match between Chelsea Women and Manchester United Women will be broadcast live on BBC Two, with coverage starting from 12:15 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Steam Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women without actually spending anything.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Chelsea Women vs. Manchester United Women for free with ExpressVPN.

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Jan. 17's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for Jan. 16.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

A place of law and order.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #942 is...

COURT.

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for January 17's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Intro to stats

• Green: Intro to chemistry

• Blue: English lit

• Purple: Disc jockeys

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

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

• Yellow: Data Set Data

• Green: Chemistry Terms

• Blue: Adjective Intensifiers

• Purple: Radio Hall of Fame Members

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for December 28

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #220 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Data Set Data: MEAN, MEDIUM, MODE, RANGE

• Chemistry Terms: BASE, BOND, ELEMENT, SOLUTION

• Adjective Intensifiers: AWFUL, PRETTY, RATHER, REAL

• Radio Hall of Fame Members: GLASS, GROSS, KING, STERN

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

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

MrBeast may be the king of YouTube, but now he's trying out something new with his content: Cross-posting his YouTube videos directly to Elon Musk's social media platform, X.

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On Monday night, MrBeast, who is also known by his real name Jimmy Donaldson, uploaded a video directly to the Musk-owned social media platform for the very first time.

"$1 Car vs $100,000,000 Car!!!" posted MrBeast, sharing the title of the video alongside the full 16 and a half minute upload. "I’m curious how much ad revenue a video on X would make so I’m reuploading this to test it. Will share ad rev next week."

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Musk immediately shared MrBeast's post to his more than 169 million followers.

"First MrBeast video posted directly on 𝕏!" Musk posted. 

MrBeast's about-face

The owner of the platform formerly known as Twitter has been quite active over the past year in reaching out to notable creators, podcasters, and political commentators on X, and asking that they upload their content to the site. In fact, Musk has previously replied to a few public posts from other users who had asked MrBeast to upload his videos to X, adding extra encouragement to their requests.

SEE ALSO: YouTuber Rosanna Pansino claims MrBeast 'lied and edited [her] out' of a video

MrBeast's recent decision to upload directly to X is an interesting one as he had been vocal about why he had not previously done so. In one post on X from Dec. 30, MrBeast replied directly to Musk and explained why he was hesitant to upload his content to the site.

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"My videos cost millions to make and even if they got a billion views on X it wouldn’t fund a fraction of it," MrBeast said, adding a frowning smiley face. "I’m down though to test stuff once monetization is really cranking!"

YouTube has long-been the best platform for creators looking to directly monetize their content based on revenue share. As of now, no other social platform – and X is certainly included – has been able to provide its users with such a lucrative revenue model based on ad share monetization.

But, roughly two weeks later, MrBeast is now running such a test.

The results for MrBeast are "fixed"

It certainly will be interesting to see how MrBeast fares when it comes to monetization on X. As of publication, MrBeast's video upload post has over 27,000 retweets and more than 277,000 likes. The MrBeast post containing the video embed has been viewed more than 68 million times as of this writing. (Note: X does not show how many times the video itself has been viewed. Musk removed this metric, which was previously public, last Spring.)

However, X's monetization rules only count views from X Premium subscribers. This means that unless a user who views the content is paying $8 per month (or $16 per month for X Premium+) for X's subscription service, a view from that user will not count towards a creators' monetization.

With all that said, MrBeast will very likely receive a large payout from X. 

Due to that monetization policy, payout amounts seem arbitrarily counted on the platform. For example, when the monetization program first launched, Musk's favorite accounts, a group made up primarily of right-wing political commentators, influencers, and meme accounts, made as much as tens of thousands of dollars from a single payout. 

On the contrary, when the monetization program widened to a broader pool of users, even popular accounts on the platform found that their highly viewed content generated much less than those highly publicized large payouts to Musk's favorite posters.

Musk has a lot riding on the idea that MrBeast's content will thrive on X, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the platform paying him out beyond what revenue is actually generated from the revenue share.

In addition, MrBeast has pre-roll video ads displayed on his uploaded content. This is part of a pre-Musk program known as Amplify that's not available for most X users. Before Musk came along with his own monetization program, selected publishers were getting paid by then-Twitter for running video ads that displayed before their own video content. X has continued running that program, and it still appears to be unavailable for most users.

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Furthermore, the ecommerce company Shopify has shared that they are running video ads specifically on MrBeast's X video. This basically guarantees MrBeast's X video will be monetized on multiple fronts, and in ways that most creators cannot monetize on X.

However, while this experiment will have enlightening results for MrBeast, it's very clearly not an example of the broader creator monetization experience on X.

As if artificial intelligence wasn't already scary enough, ChatGPT will get video capabilities. This comes directly from recently reinstated OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who spoke with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on his Unconfuse Me podcast.

This nightmare blunt rotation of tech overlords sat down on the pod to discuss the future of ChatGPT and the upcoming update, GPT-5. Altman says that this new generation of the lauded language model that powers ChatGPT will be "fully multimodal with speech, image, code, and video support."

The most interesting bit of news from this podcast is the aforementioned video capabilities, on top of the GPT-5 release confirmation. The current version of ChatGPT already supports image and audio but with video, the breadth of what generative AI can do will massively expand.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI policies got a quiet update, removing ban on military and warfare applications

The potential use cases for an AI system like ChatGPT that can perform video analysis could lead to more reliability, and create a contextually aware chatbot, but applications for this new version could also be rife with misuse — especially in terms of privacy, which OpenAI has not had a great track record in. A lawsuit filed in June claims that OpenAI's models were trained with "stolen" data.

When is GPT-5 coming out

Users can expect GPT-5 to drop sometime this year, according to Altman.

Altman has made it clear that he hopes to push ChatGPT's capabilities further and further. The dizzying speed of these developments was rumored to be part of the reason Altman was briefly ousted as CEO by the nonprofit board of directors at OpenAI amid concerns about the ethical dilemmas and potential far-reaching implications of these technologies.

Microsoft, the company that generated Gates' enormous fortune, has invested billions into OpenAI, integrating its models into its Copilot product, which offers a hint as to why Altman may have chosen this podcast as a place to break news. Altman said during his sit-down with Gates that as of right now, the current interactions of ChatGPT "is the stupidest these models will ever be." The goal with GPT-5 then, Altman elaborated, is that this new model will be able to reason better and be more reliable — particularly in light of the application's famous "hallucinations," in which the chatbot confidently blurts out untrue statements. Altman wants this more accurate ChatGPT, then, to know everything about you and your data — to a degree that sounds eerily personal.

"People want very different things out of GPT-4," Altman said on the podcast. "We’ll make all that possible, and then also the ability to have it use your own data."

He added that a crucial part of the development of his company's products will be the ability to deeply understand personal details — things like emails and calendars, as well as further connection to "outside data sources" so that ChatGPT gets the full scope of you.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, OpenAI knows its tech is in the hot seat. The Washington Post dubbed this year's race the "AI Election," and the World Economic Forum’s recent "Global Risks Report 2024" ranked AI-derived misinformation and disinformation alongside challenges like climate change.

In a blog post shared today, OpenAI outlined the ways it intends to protect the integrity of elections and handle election interference, including "misleading 'deepfakes', scaled influence operations, or chatbots impersonating candidates" on its platforms.

DALL-E Images

In its post, OpenAI notes that "tools to improve factual accuracy, reduce bias, and decline certain requests" already exist. DALL-E, for example, can decline "requests that ask for image generation of real people, including candidates," though the blog post doesn't specify if or when DALL-E makes that decision.

SEE ALSO: Just how restrictive is OpenAI's DALL-E 3 on ChatGPT?

OpenAI also promises better transparency around the origin of images and what tools used to create them. By the time DALL-E 3 rolls out later this year, the company says, it plans to implement an image encoding approach that will store details of the content’s provenance.

OpenAI is also testing a new tool that can detect whether or not an image was generated by DALL·E, even when the image has been "subject to common types of modifications."

Chat GPT content

OpenAI doesn't announce anything too new when it comes to ChatGPT and instead points to its existing usage policies for the platform and its API.

They do not currently allow people to build applications for political campaigning and lobbying, for example, or to create chatbots that pretend to be real people, including candidates or governments. It is also against ChatGPT's usage policies to create applications "that deter people from participation in democratic processes" or that discourage voting.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft's Bing AI chatbot Copilot gives wrong election information

The blog post does promise that ChatGPT will soon offer users greater levels of transparency by providing access to real-time global news reporting that includes attributions and links. The platform is also improving access to authoritative voting information by teaming up with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and directing users to CanIVote.org when asked "certain procedural election-related questions" like "where to vote?"

Users should also be empowered to report potential violations while using the platform, an option available on the company's "new GPTs."

Be safe out there and use your best judgment as the election approaches. If you'd like to learn more about how to identify how to spot election misinformation, check out ProPublica's guide.

Ayo Edebiri is a supremely talented actor and comedian. She's quickly become a person whose mere presence in a project likely makes it worth watching.

The Bear? Beautiful, moving, stressful, and, at times, hilarious. Theater Camp? No business being as stupendously funny as it was. Bottoms? Fantastic film.

But she's also funny in a way that comic geniuses from a different era might not be able to pull off. She's clearly a person well-versed in how the internet works who enjoys a good online bit. She has a sense of humor that works on the internet. And, importantly, she understands that committing to a bit only makes it funnier.

And that's how we got to Ayo Edebiri being Ireland's favorite daughter. You see, back in March, Edebiri joked with a Letterboxd interviewer that she played Jenny the donkey in the Irish film The Banshees of Inisherin. Edebiri, slipping into a pretty solid Irish accent, joked about spending months on all fours, working her, ahem, tail off in the role. This, of course, was just a bit. But a funny one.

"I lived in Ireland for about four months, and I got really in character, and I was on all fours for four months, and it was really painful, but beautiful, as well," she joked.

But she has stuck with that bit. And Irish folks have loved it. Edebiri, who is actually from Boston, thanked the country after winning a Critics' Choice award. She also shouted out Irish cities and her Irish brethren at the Emmys this week, which is how a lot of people learned about the bit.

"Shoutout to my people! Shoutout to Derry! Shoutout to Cork! Shoutout to Killarney! Shoutout to Dublin!" Edebiri said in an interview.

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The bit has fully caught on. When Edebiri was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award, for instance, the Twitter / X account @filmindublin ran with the joke, claiming her as an Irish great.

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From there the jokes have kept on coming. It's a good bit, and honestly, some wholesome internet fun.

And it's not the first time Edebiri pulled off something like this. She had large swaths of the world believing she was the showrunner behind FX's Kominsky Method simply because it seemed like a funny idea. Edebiri sort of just mentioned it in interviews and her bio and...it worked.

"I just thought what an incredible world that would be if a young Black woman in her mid-20s created this show where Michael Douglas and Allan Arkin are acting," she said on The Late Show. "Have I watched a single episode? No. But I already get the gist, you know what I mean?"

So if you see Edebiri in a project you should probably watch it, but just maybe don't believe all of her supposed biographical information on the internet.

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The Marvels, the latest theatrical MCU release, is already headed to the small screen. While the film only flew into theaters in November, it's making its streaming debut this month — well, kind of. It won't be available on Disney+ quite yet, but it will be available to watch on digital video-on-demand (VOD) services like Apple TV and Prime Video starting Jan. 16. Physical DVD and Blu-Ray editions will also be landing in stores Feb. 13. Here's what you need to know.

What is The Marvels about?

A superheroine-stuffed sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel, The Marvels' premise centers on Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) learning her powers have become entangled with those of Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and super-fan Kamala "Ms. Marvel" Khan (Iman Vellani). Of course, there's a space baddie causing the character collision named Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Dar-Benn is determined to save her dying planet by stealing the atmosphere and life-sustaining resources from others. The Marvels must get it together and join forces to stop her.

Like most films in the MCU, a little back story could help you get a better grip on the plotline of The Marvels. You should definitely watch Captain Marvel beforehand, and the shows WandaVision and Ms. Marvel are recommended.

Get a sneak peek at the story in the trailer below.

Is The Marvels worth watching?

The Marvels is the shortest Marvel flick to date, coming in at one hour and 45 minutes. You'd think that would be a welcome relief, but alas, Mashable's Kristy Puchko notes in her review that its length might actually be its biggest blunder. She writes that the "space-trekking romp with action, comedy, charm, cameos, and a cat that spews tentacles" unfortunately is riddled by a "panicked pacing that doesn't so much reflect the characters onscreen battling for their lives, but the Disney execs desperate to battle off the audience's superhero fatigue."

"The Marvels is at its best when it takes a breath to let its heroines have fun. A training montage of transporting while playing double-dutch, cutaways to a gawking Monica and agog Kamala while Carol sings to a dazzling prince — these are when this movie comes alive," Puchko concludes in her review, adding that Vellani's Kamala is a "ray of light" and a stand-out in the film. All in all, it's a short and sweet film with a lot of star power, but once again MCU compromises tend to weigh it down.

When is The Marvels coming to Disney+?

The Marvels will definitely be headed to Disney+ at some point, but that day is not today. While we await its appearance on the streaming service, you can still watch the film via digital VOD services like Apple TV or Prime Video starting Jan. 16. The Disney+ release will most likely be shortly after its Blu-Ray and DVD release on Feb. 13. We'll keep you updated when we get the deets.

How to watch The Marvels at home

In the meantime, those who are dying to see the superheroines take on a space baddie in The Marvels can add the film to their digital film collection beginning Jan. 16. With your purchase, you'll also get access to some fun exclusive bonus content, including bloopers, behind-the-scenes making-of content, and other Easter eggs.

Here are the best digital platforms for purchasing the film.

• Buy in UHD on Amazon Prime Video — $19.99

• Buy in 4K UHD on Vudu — $19.99

• Buy in 4K on Apple TV+ — $19.99

• Buy in 4K on Google Play — $19.99

• Buy in 4K on YouTube — $19.99

Best Disney+ deals for those who can wait

If you can wait a month or so until the Disney+ streaming release date to watch The Marvels, you'll undoubtedly save some money. Below, we've rounded up the best ways to sign up for Disney+ and keep some extra cash in your pocket.

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You can secure a Disney+ subscription for a single month for only $7.99, as long as you don't mind watching a few ads throughout the film. Technically, you won't save any money, but you also won't waste any if you remember to cancel your subscription immediately after watching The Marvels. If you can't bear the interruptions caused by ads, you'll have to pay $13.99/month instead.

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Already have a Hulu account? Bundle it with Disney+ for just $2 more per month and save 37% compared to paying for each separately. That brings your grand total to just $9.99/month for both. You could also throw ESPN+ in the mix for another few bucks and pay just $14.99/month for all three (with ads). Once again, you'll have to deal with ads interrupting your viewing experience, but since you'll technically be getting Disney+ for only $2 per month (depending on how you look at it), it's really not so bad. Ads just give you time for discussion or bathroom breaks, obviously.

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Extended free trial alert: Verizon Wireless customers with eligible unlimited plans can score six free months of Disney+ Premium (no ads) as well. While most of these eligible plans are no longer available, you can still activate your free trial if you signed up previously. The following accounts are eligible for the free six-month Disney+ promotion:

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If you're on the 5G Get More or 5G Play More plan, you're also eligible for the Disney Bundle for free. Check your plan and learn more about eligibility and terms over at the Verizon website. The Disney+ promo through Verizon is only available through midnight on May 17, 2024, so be sure to activate your free trial before that date.

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As long as you're on the $60/month prepaid unlimited plan through Total by Verizon, you can access Disney+ Premium (no ads) completely free. No fancy eligibility terms; just keep your account in good standing. If you cancel or switch, your Disney+ subscription is no longer valid. Those on the $50/month prepaid unlimited plan can also score six free months of Disney+ as well, which is plenty of time to watch The Marvels and other MCU favorites.

Private Facebook groups can be the most fun places to exist online — but they can also be a bit dangerous.

The "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" Facebook group is a page designed for women who date men to get references on their male partners, warn other women about "red flags," and see if they're dating the same guy. But that page is a lot less fun if you're one of the guys. So much less fun that one of the aforementioned guys is suing.

SEE ALSO: Are we dating the same guy? This Facebook group might know.

Nikko D'Ambrosio, a Chicago man, is suing 27 women, one man, and multiple social media platforms including Meta for "false and defamatory statements." While the Facebook group describes itself as a "Red Flag Awareness group across the country where women can empower each other and keep each other safe from toxic men," the complaint filed last week in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleges that it maintains "a platform to permit women to anonymously dox, defame, and attack the moral character of men they've met online."

D'Ambrosio went on a few dates and had consensual sex with a defendant — a relationship the complaint calls "unremarkable." She posted him in the group asking for info from other women. In response, some women called him "very clingy" and a "psycho." One woman said they went out but he ghosted her after they slept together. He and his attorneys asked the defendant to delete the post, and she did. But, the complaint alleges, she reposted it under an anonymous handle.

He is seeking $75,000 and also to stop the defendants from continuing to post in the "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" Facebook page, Business Insider reported.

No one outside the group is ever supposed to know about the goings on inside the group — but, as it is the internet, that hasn't stopped them. Nothing said in these posts is verifiable, and, as we know, the posts themselves can have an effect on a person's reputation, which, as Mashable previously reported, "seems to be the whole point, for better or worse."

It's not clear how this suit will play out, but it'll be interesting to see who is held accountable for what is said in private groups online — and what kind of effect this will have on public speech and safety on social media.