Mashable

Veering away from her comedy comfort zone, Julia Louis-Dreyfus tackles death, loss, and grief in A24's Tuesday — with a deeply moving new trailer out today.

The feature debut from writer/director Daina O. Pusić, Tuesday sees the Veep/Seinfeld star as Zora, whose teen daughter Tuesday (Lola Petticrew) is dying from a terminal illness. A close pair, they're doing the best they can to process it all, when they're suddenly visited by Death (Arinzé Kene), appearing as a talking macaw. The trailer is emotional stuff, hinting at the power of empathy and love, and the difficulties of processing mortality.

Tuesday hits cinemas this summer. Meanwhile, here's how you can stream A24's best at home.

What do you see when you think of a character with asthma on screen? Is it a young nerdy boy who can barely go a minute without wheezing or puffing on his inhaler? Film and television have, for decades, cemented that trope. From Mikey Walsh in The Goonies to Stevie in Malcolm in the Middle, not to mention the animated characters of Milhouse in The Simpsons and Carl Wheezer in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius – having asthma is rarely portrayed as a symbol of cool, rather a pejorative marker of weakness. 

2023's May December, written by a screenwriter with asthma, is changing this trite representation of the condition.

The NHS defines asthma as "a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties." People of all ages can have it. It often starts in childhood but it can also develop for the first time in adults, especially since the pandemic. While there is yet to be a cure, "simple treatments can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life." Yet asthma is frequently played up or down in screen depictions, with many writers and performers showing a clear misunderstanding of what it means to live with the condition. From ill-defined asthma triggers and characters not using their inhalers correctly, to the illness used as a life-threatening plot device or presented as something that can be overcome with the right attitude, there's a real-world effect on how people with asthma deal with their illness or not. 

Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore thrill and chill in "May December." Credit: Francois Duhamel / Netflix

"Depictions of asthma being not being particularly cool have a genuine impact on how people manage this condition," Naomi Bennett-Steele, innovation partnerships manager at charity Asthma + Lung UK tells Mashable. She points to films like the recent Ghosted, in which Chris Evans' character Cole's asthma is briefly used as an excuse for him to stalk Ana De Armas' love interest Sadie via a tracker tile he had stuck on a missing inhaler. "I'm sorry, you did the 'leave behind' with the inhaler," Cole's sister scoffs. "Come on, isn't your asthma sad enough already?" 

SEE ALSO: Does 'May December' snatch from 'All About Eve'? Todd Haynes explains

According to a recent Asthma + Lung UK annual lung health survey, 45 percent of asthma respondents think there is a stigma attached to living with asthma and 60 percent of those who think there is a stigma attached say they have faced stigma or discrimination due to their asthma. "These kinds of social influences can steer people towards not taking their inhaler in public or they don't want to accept that they've got an asthma diagnosis," says Bennett-Steele.

Normalising the asthma experience

As an asthma sufferer since birth, I am extremely cognisant of both the continued stigma as well as the long-running media representations that have perpetuated it. Like Bennett-Steele, I believe that more normalised portrayals can help to ameliorate the image of asthma in the public consciousness. Screenwriter Samy Burch's depiction in this year's award season contender May December is a step in the right direction. Mashable spoke with Burch about her own experience with asthma and how that impacted her writing process.

As an asthma sufferer since birth, I am extremely cognisant of both the continued stigma as well as the long-running media representations that have perpetuated it.

In Todd Hayne's true crime-inspired melodrama, written by first-time screenwriter Burch, Natalie Portman's Hollywood actress Elizabeth arrives in Savannah, Georgia, to shadow the subject of her next film: Julianne Moore's Gracie, a 59-year-old woman who notoriously began a 23-year-long relationship with her now-husband Joe (Charles Melton) when he was just 13 years old. While most of the film is loosely based on the real-life case of Mary Kay Letourneau, Elizabeth's asthma is based on Burch's lived experience; she's a third-generation asthma sufferer whose diagnosis, she says, is "inherent in the way I go through the world."

Burch is very aware of the sickly, neurotic stereotype that often defines characters with asthma. While she does have a soft spot for David Krumholtz's Joel Glicker in Addams Family Values, Elizabeth is very much an outlier. A beautiful woman with a coveted, glamorous job, the actress's asthma experience is refreshingly mundane. In one scene, Portman casually uses her inhaler while chatting on the phone and checking out Gracie's profile on the sex offender register. She's not on the brink of death, just taking her medication like any other asthma sufferer. "With this character, I didn't want it to feel like a metaphor for something," says Burch. "Because of my experience, there's a certain amount of truthfulness." 

SEE ALSO: 15 greatest classic films on Max

That includes the environmental triggers that might not all be explicit but are fundamentally based in fact. So often, stress is the main trigger for an asthma response in a character. A 2012 study found it was the most common scenario (41.5 percent) when examining 66 films from the 1980s to 2007. "That image of someone taking their inhaler because they're feeling a bit nervous? There's so many different things that can trigger people but all the representation that we get is stress or sometimes exercise," notes Bennett-Steele, adding that this in turn can prevent people from being given a formal asthma diagnosis. "The number of people who are who initially told. 'oh, it's just anxiety.' That's denying people the care that they need because there's a misunderstanding of this condition, which is fueled by the kind of tropes that sit around it. Anxiety can be a huge trigger for asthma, but that's not all that it is."

Burch chose to reflect on her own experiences from visits to Southern cities, for example, where the pollen in the air and the heat have affected her ability to breathe. "Something about the air – it's spring and it takes place at graduation time – and Elizabeth's probably in a historic inn, these are all traditional triggers for breathing," she explains. "So I folded those little moments in there so it didn't feel completely out of the blue, like seeing her using her inhaler a few times and her nebulizer at one point at night in the inn."

When it comes to asthma sufferers, "climate change and heat is a huge thing," notes Bennett-Steele as does Harvard's School of Public Health. "Particularly people who are living in cities where it gets significantly hotter. You can have this strange thing where there's a thunderstorm in summer and it zaps the pollen, making it tiny, so people inhale more of it."

The most common triggers for asthma symptoms are colds and viruses, pollution, pet hair, dust mites, physical exertion and cigarette smoke, the latter of which Burch uses to set up a rather droll seduction involving Elizabeth's nebulizer. The breathing tool delivers high doses of medicine in a fine mist to clear a person's airways when inhaled through a face mask or mouthpiece. When the screenwriter needed a nebuliser in real life, she felt amused by the visual smoke mist connection to a dame in a classic crime drama. "There is something so Noir about the way this smoke is falling out of my mouth, you know what I mean?" Burch says. "Like a cigarette, but then it's so medical; there was something very funny to me about that." 

When Elizabeth discovers Joe used to help his sister with her asthma as a kid, she pretends she needs his help to fix her nebulizer, to entice him to come back to her place for a sexual rendezvous. "It's as thinly veiled as, 'Oh, do you want a coffee? Can you change my light bulb?" Burch describes the seduction tactic. "I liked this dynamic of Joe being a caretaker – he has this history, they have this bond because they both have this history, it sort of links them in this weird way over this common childhood affliction – but obviously, adults have it too." 

Using asthma to bed a guy is a pretty original plot device and certainly a tonic compared to the highly dramatic pitfalls the chronic illness is usually associated with. Burch recalls watching a Baywatch rerun with a "very disturbing asthma storyline" involving a child experiencing an attack without their inhaler. "One of the lifeguards takes a water bottle, a cotton T-shirt and a little fan to make a filter for the kid that's having an asthma attack," she recalls. "I've always had that in my head as the worst-case scenario – I don't know if that's real."

Baywatch isn't alone in using the absence of an inhaler for dramatic purposes. In World War Z, Gerry (Brad Pitt) has to make a pitstop in Jersey, while escaping a zombie apocalypse, to loot some inhalers from a pharmacy to help his daughter from an asthma attack. More recently in Scream (2022), Jenna Ortega's Tara realises she left her inhaler at Woodsboro Hospital. Instead of buying a new one from a pharmacy, so they can get away from the murder spree, she, her sister Sam, and Sam's boyfriend Richie put themselves back in danger by heading back to town, to her friend's house to get her spare. It's thanks to Ortega that there's any continued asthma representation in the 2023 sequel as revealed in the DVD commentary: “When Jenna first read the script she was like ‘Where’s my asthma?'” She wanted to keep that alive and a part of Tara’s journey."

"I didn't want this to feel like there's any danger or it's being used as a plot device in a way that's exploiting chronic illness because, for most of us, it's very every day."

There was enough melodrama in May December without going over the top with the asthmatic element. "I didn't want this to feel like there's any danger or it's being used as a plot device in a way that's exploiting chronic illness because, for most of us, it's very every day," she says. "There's a comfortability, especially if you grow up with it."

While some people do live with extreme cases of asthma, it is a completely manageable illness for many more. Yet Benett-Steele says that, shockingly, the UK has one of the worst asthma death rates in Western Europe, and at least half of those deaths belong to people whose asthma is not particularly severe," she says. "People who shouldn't have died essentially."

Combatting harmful stereotypes

Media misconceptions feed into the notion that asthma is a childhood illness you grow out of. In World War Z, another father at the pharmacy suggests it to Brad Pitt's Gerry after handing him some albuterol inhalers. In V for Vendetta, Portman plays Evey, a character who says she used to have asthma as a kid. She mentions the chronic illness when she's struggling to breathe after discovering her torturous imprisonment was at the hands of antihero V. The suggestion is that she stopped having asthma decades ago but she's suddenly re-experiencing the symptoms because of the overwhelming stress and overcomes it with sheer willpower.

Perpetuating the psychosomatic misconception

Several films perpetuate this psychosomatic misconception of asthma, presenting it as a neurotic disease that can be cured by strength of mind. In Hitch, the socially awkward Albert (Kevin James) uses his inhaler whenever he feels nervous, however, he only musters up the courage to kiss his gorgeous love interest after dramatically throwing his medicine away. In The Goonies and It - Chapter One, the asthma diagnosis of Mikey and Eddie, respectively, is tied to overbearing mothers. Hungarian-American psychoanalyst and physician Franz Alexander described asthma as an “unconscious suppressed impulse to cry for the mother’s help.” Mikey's mother tries to prevent him from leaving the house: “If he’s coming down with asthma, I don’t want him out in the rain.” That phrasing shows a complete misunderstanding of how the illness functions. He takes his inhaler around 11 times and throws it away at the end after pulling off a heroic adventure with his friends. Eddie uses his inhaler whenever he's afraid but it turns out his asthma isn't real, just a psychosomatic response to his overprotective mother. His rejection of his mother and the illness is once again seen as a show of strength and perpetuates a concerning image of asthma as a polarising condition that is either extremely debilitating or simply psychological.

One of the better, more recent representations of asthma in a young boy is in the 2021 film Ron's Gone Wrong. Barney is a bit of a loner from a low-income household who manages his asthma throughout but experiences an asthma attack in a climactic finale and relies on the malfunctioning robot Ron to save him. Barney downplays the severity of his asthmatic event, he doesn't want to be a burden, and when his classmates rush to meet him they don't mock him for his weakness. It's also medical treatment that helps him overcome the attack – not a change in attitude. He gets to be heroic and still has asthma at the end. The filmmakers take his condition seriously and highlight how common it is for socially disadvantaged people to be diagnosed with asthma. 

SEE ALSO: January 2024 TV deals include several premium Samsung QLEDs, plus cheap TCL and Hisense QLEDs

"The reality is asthma affects more people who are disadvantaged on multiple levels," says Bennett-Steele. "It affects people who have cold, damp or mouldy houses and kids who have had to grow up in areas with high air pollution. It affects the poorest people in this country more than it affects the richest people in this country."

It can also have an adverse effect in countries where health infrastructures are not accessible. In Arab and Tarzan Nasser's Gaza-set drama Dégradé, a woman experiences breathing difficulties while trapped in a hot beauty salon, along with several other women, as gunfire breaks outside. She has an inhaler but a brief discussion about the struggle to get effective treatment for her respiratory problems highlights one of the many social health issues faced by Palestinians living under Occupation.

There are myriad ways that asthma sufferers live with and manage their illness. While efforts from filmmakers like Burch go a long way to normalise the experience, more can be done to effectively portray asthma without the stigma or inaccuracies but as part of the daily routine of living. "Most people experience maybe a handful of asthma attacks, if any, so if films showed someone waking up, having breakfast, and taking two puffs of their inhaler before brushing their teeth, how normalizing would that be?" Bennett-Steele suggests. "It's a really small change that can potentially save lives." 

Anyone who's every played charades will know how it can go from a casual parlour game to a frenzy of rage in mere minutes, and celebrities are clearly no exception.

In the Tonight Show clip above, Michelle Yeoh teams up with Tariq Trotter to take on Naomi Watts and Jimmy Fallon. From Watts' confusing impression of a bear to the challenge of expressing "Good Vibrations" through mime, things quickly descend into chaos.

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

Mashable's readers (and writers) are known for being obsessive about the things we love. You may say we kind of geek out about things. Okay, fine, we are geeks. We're not bothered by this, because geeks are awesome.

Dating as a geek requires combing through normies and too much dating through the same group of locals. This is where dating sites can help.

Why do people use dating sites?

Even the most awesome geeks can use a bit of assistance in the dating department. Not because there aren't enough geeks out there, but because dating as a geek is tough. For women, it can involve a lot of creepy guys who want their manic pixie dream girl. For men, it can involve a lot of simply trying to not be that guy. If you're in the majority of geeks who are a little bit introverted, dating can be really intimidating.

News flash: Loving sci-fi and being madly in love are not mutually exclusive, and success stories from dating sites prove this. You can still find love out there in the real world, but subscribing to a dating site shortens your odds of making a connection.

Do you need to pay for the best dating apps?

The good news is that there are plenty of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are seriously popular options with huge networks of users. Most of the biggest and best dating sites also offer free versions of their services (with limitations on certain features). You can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything, but sometimes free apps simply don't cut it.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites for gamers

You get what you pay for with dating sites and apps. For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to dig a little deeper in your pockets. The best dating sites don't come cheap, and whilst you can still find a hookup with a free app, you should upgrade is you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control.

What is the best dating site for geeks?

We have compared all of the internet's top dating sites, trendy swiping apps, and geek-specific sites to find the ones where geeks can express themselves and find that special someone. Hidden in the millions of users, you could find that person who hated the Game of Thrones ending as much as you, or someone who dreams of the perfect couples cosplay. Maybe you're a geek in the streets and a freak in the sheets — there are plenty of apps where geeks can just find a hookup, too.

In terms of general dating sites, we really like Match, which has a tried-and-true algorithm and huge user base. Geek-specific dating sites that aren't totally outdated are few and far between, but we were impressed by Gamer Dating. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a handpicked selection of the best dating options for geeks and nerds, including popular services like Match, eharmony, and AdultFriendFinder.

These are the best online dating sites for geeks and nerds in 2024.

TikTok went from short and sweet to YouTube-length videos a while ago. Now, the app may soon increase post limits again — this time to 30 minutes.

The latest option, to upload a video lasting up to half an hour, was spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra on the iOS beta version of the app in the UK, as reported by TechCrunch. The test comes right after TikTok upped its previous 10-minute maximum to 15 minutes, back in October 2023.

Post by @mattnavarra View on Threads

This expansion signals TikTok's intent to be a go-to spot for all content: the app has, for instance, made a major splash in the music industry, even launching in its music streaming service in several countries.

But this latest move seems to indicate TikTok looking beyond YouTube to the broader landscape, with 30-minute videos more aligned with run-times of streaming services, from Netflix to Max. When it comes to longer content, there's a rising group of users watching entire movies and TV shows on TikTok through short snippets. Look no further than Paramount's release of Mean Girls on the app, posting the movie in 23 instalments for fans to devour on "Mean Girls Day", or the official account for The Sopranos posting 25-second episode summaries to mark the show's 25th anniversary.

SEE ALSO: The guilty pleasure of North Sea TikTok and its dystopian oil influencers

With the latest news, it looks like TikTok is coming for more platforms — and more of your time.

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

You know what they say: Don't hate the player, hate the game.

Dating can be difficult, even at the best of times. Whether it's finding common interests and shared passions, or even something as simple as holding a meaningful conversation, it can take a lot of work to find that special someone. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a long-term relationship or more of a fleeting connection. Dating can be awkward, challenging, and even downright stressful.

It's not all bad though, and just because it can be difficult doesn't mean it can't be fun. And for gamers, fun is what really matters. The fun factor of dating apps is part of the reason we keep coming back to them. This is why apps like Tinder, what with its swipe-happy function, have become so popular. Thanks to the digital nature of the modern gaming market, gamers are able to connect with friends from all over the world in whatever they're playing. The right dating apps and sites can offer that same opportunity, allowing you to meet people who share your passions. 

Do you really need to use dating sites?

Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other romantic locations still happens on a regular basis, but you're shortening your odds of finding something special by subscribing to a dating site. Why not give yourself the best chance of success?

Dating sites and apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals, and you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting in real life. Using dating apps is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face.

Should you use free dating apps?

The likes of Tinder and Hinge are seriously popular dating apps with massive networks of users, and they are free. Most of the biggest and best dating sites also have free versions, so yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. There are levels to this game though.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. You can still find love with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What do you need to know before using a dating app?

The first rule of online dating is to just be yourself. By being yourself and presenting yourself accurately and honestly, you open yourself up to the possibility of a great relationship with someone who likes you just the way you are. Also, don't be afraid to make the first move. Forget all those outdated rules that say a man is supposed to make the first move or that a woman can't pay on a first date. Instead, focus on finding an equal partner who helps support your goals, wants to see you succeed, and has dreams of their own.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

Once you decide to meet up, stay open. We often come up with an idea for how someone will be after meeting them online, and it's rare that your expectations sync up with reality. Allow yourself to really get to know this person for who they are rather than who you thought they would be before you make up your mind.

If you really like them after finally meeting in person, set up your next date while you're still hanging out. If you really don't feel a connection, then do the right thing and tell them. Not only will they appreciate your direct approach, but it will alleviate that post-date awkwardness of wondering where you stand.

What is the best dating app for gamers?

Whether it's the tried and tested sites like Match and eharmony, or sites that offer a little more for the gamer in you like GamerDating, there is a site out there that can help you find the perfect player two for life.

We have lined up all the best dating sites for gamers, with something for everyone. All you need to do is check out these options and pick a favourite. Simple, right? Almost. You will then need to actually start dating, but we'll leave that to you.

These are the best dating sites for gamers in 2024.

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

Online dating is now the norm. "We met on Tinder" is the new "we met in a bar." And this isn't going to change any time soon.

Countless children have been born to parents who met via an online dating app like Match or eharmony, and according to eharmony, more than 50% of couples will meet online by 2031. They would say that, but it’s understandable given online dating’s popularity.

The only real problem with online dating is that there are so many services out there to consider. With so many options on the table, it can be difficult to know where to find the best crop of potential lovers. Each dating app will have features that will matter differently to you depending on your lifestyle, what you are actually looking for, and what's most important to you. Looking for Ms. Right? Or perhaps just Mr. Right Now? It's helpful to know how each dating app is different so that you can surround yourself with people who want the same thing as you.

What are the benefits of using a dating site?

Dating sites and apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before actually meeting. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

Should you use free dating apps?

There are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are seriously popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. There are levels to this game though, and sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

This won't be a surprise to hear, but you get what you pay for with dating sites and apps. For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up the cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap.

What is the best dating app?

Whether you're looking for something super specific or have tried every app on the market, we have put together a handy guide that breaks down what the deal is with each of these online dating experiences. We have lined up a selection of your best options for finding love, finding a hookup, and more, including leading services like EliteSingles and AdultFriendFinder.

These are the best dating apps in 2024.

Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are now available in a new color: Mint.

The latest shade comes after a not-so-subtle teaser by Google, with the company announcing that "something fresh is coming" on Jan. 25.

Tweet may have been deleted

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in the new Mint color will be available for purchase in the U.S. on Thursday at 8 a.m. ET.

In Europe, however, the verdant hue is already available. In the UK, for example, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is now available in four colors: Mint, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain, while the Google Pixel 8 comes in Mint, Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose.

Credit: Google

The new color is (unsurprisingly) a gentle, minty green. From pictures alone, it looks to be a little less flashy than the other "colorful" option, which is the blue, Bay color. It's a nice option, though, especially since green in all its shades is sadly underutilized by smartphone makers for some odd reason.

SEE ALSO: Gmail: Google is reportedly adding an AI voice feature

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones in Mint have the same specs as they do in other colors, but are only available from the Google Store.

It's also worth noting that the latest Pixels, regardless of the shade, come with Google's new AI features including Circle to Search.

Copying is the best form of flattery, eh? That calming garbage your parents told you to assuage your annoyance at your BFF stealing your painstakingly crafted look doesn't fly in ADULTHOOD, people.

Nor does it sit well with The Pokémon Company, well aware of a certain game that's been accused of more than sharing a likeness with the franchise: Palworld.

Developed by Japanese developer Pocketpair, the instantly popular, survival crafting game has already sold over 5 million copies in a few days, dropping on Steam, Xbox, and Windows PC on Jan. 18. But as Mashable's Amanda Yeo writes, "Palworld's overwhelming success has been overshadowed by accusations of art theft and plagiarism."

SEE ALSO: The controversy around 'Pokémon with guns' game 'Palworld,' explained

A game that encourages players to catch a range of cute creatures with round "Pal Spheres" in order to battle (among other things), Palworld's likeness to Pokémon has fans understandably mad. There's already a Pokémon mod for the game, which has been reportedly issued with a DMCA takedown by Nintendo.

But Palworld's rise has been clocked by The Pokémon Company itself, which posted a statement on Thursday declaring the company's "intent to investigate" and "address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights"— and without actually naming Palworld itself:

"We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game.

We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future."

One word for Pocketpair: eep.

Ring will no longer facilitate police requests for footage from its cameras without a warrant. At least, not public ones.

The Amazon-owned company announced on Wednesday that it is sunsetting Request for Assistance (RFA), a tool found in its Neighbours app. Introduced in 2021, RFA was designed to let police publicly request information such as doorbell camera footage from Ring users. Such requests couldn't be deleted, meaning there was a public record that the police had asked for footage from a certain area.

SEE ALSO: 14 reasons not to get a Ring camera

RFA wasn't quite enough to allay concerns about Ring's close relationship with law enforcement, but it did provide at least some element of transparency and accountability. If Ring is going to hand over your camera footage to the police, at the very least you'd want to know about it. Unfortunately, that transparency is apparently now a thing of the past.

"Public safety agencies like fire and police departments can still use the Neighbors app to share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events," Ring's Eric Kuhn wrote in a blog post on Wednesday. "They will no longer be able to use the RFA tool to request and receive video in the app. Public safety agency posts are still public, and will be available for users to view on the Neighbors app feed and on the agency's profile."

To be clear, the end of RFA won't prevent police from continuing to request Ring camera footage without a warrant — requests the company has previously demonstrated it's happy to comply with. There will just be no publicly visible record of their interest.

In a statement to The Verge, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed that Ring will continue to comply with police requests for footage without a warrant in "emergency" situations, such as where there is a threat of physical harm or death. Such requests "are reviewed by trained professionals who disclose information only when that legal standard is met."

Basically, it's Ring's decision whether your private security camera footage is given to the police, and you may not even know that it's been handed over. In 2022, Amazon admitted that it had given private Ring security camera footage to police multiple times since RFA had been implemented, despite not having a warrant, nor the knowledge or consent of the cameras' owners.

Mashable has reached out to Ring for comment.

Ring previously came under fire for its relationship with law enforcement after a 2019 report by Motherboard revealed it had secret deals with dozens of US police departments. In exchange for the police advertising Ring to their local community, the company agreed to provide free products as well as a private portal through which law enforcement could request footage from specific users without a warrant.

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

The group stage is over. The comfort of knowing that you don't need to win every game is gone. The knockout stages are here, and it's win or bust in the Africa Cup of Nations.

We're braced for a bunch of big games in the first round of knockout fixtures, but it doesn't get much bigger than Nigeria vs. Cameroon. If you want to watch this huge game for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Nigeria vs. Cameroon?

Nigeria vs. Cameroon kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 27. This fixture takes place at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

How to watch Nigeria vs. Cameroon for free

The match between Nigeria and Cameroon will be broadcast live on BBC Three, with coverage starting from 7:50 p.m. GMT on Jan. 27. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Nigeria vs. Cameroon for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Nigeria vs. Cameroon for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Fulham vs. Newcastle United in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup is all about small clubs taking on the big boys, but we're in the fourth round of the competition now, so it's inevitable that a lot of Premier League teams will be coming together to battle it out.

That's what's going down at Craven Cottage this weekend as Fulham take on Newcastle United. If you want to watch this FA Cup fixture for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Fulham vs. Newcastle United?

Fulham and Newcastle United will kick off at 7 p.m. GMT on Jan. 27 at Craven Cottage.

How to watch Fulham vs. Newcastle United for free

You can watch the FA Cup fixture between Fulham and Newcastle United live on ITV4, with coverage starting from 6:15 p.m. GMT on Jan. 27. 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. Stream Fulham vs. Newcastle United for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By capitalising on 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 Fulham vs. Newcastle United for free.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Fulham vs. Newcastle United for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The fourth-round of the FA Cup is here, with a lot of tantalising fixtures to keep fans entertained all weekend. There are plenty of matchups between Premier League sides, but that's not what the FA Cup is all about. It's about games like Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United.

If you want to watch Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United?

Ipswich Town and Maidstone United will kick off at 12:30 p.m. GMT on Jan. 27 at Portman Road.

How to watch Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United for free

The FA Cup fixture between Ipswich Town and Maidstone United is live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 12:15 p.m. GMT on Jan. 27. 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 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 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. Stream Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs 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 obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream games like Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking 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 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 Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

The first Grand Slam of the year is coming to an end, with only a handful of players left fighting it out for victory. The Australian Open has delivered some truly special tennis, and we're hoping for more of the same between Medvedev and Zverev in their semi-final.

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

When is Medvedev vs. Zverev?

Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev will meet in their semi-final match on Jan. 26 (AEDT).

How to watch Medvedev vs. Zverev for free

Every match from the Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including the semi-final between Medvedev vs. Zverev.

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. Stream Medvedev vs. Zverev 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 top 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

• 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 Medvedev vs. Zverev for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

Is anyone capable of beating Novak Djokovic? We keep asking that same question, but player after player falls short of beating the Serbian. And now we're into the Australian Open semi-finals, so it's looking increasingly likely that Djokovic is on his way to another Grand Slam victory. Unless Sinner can stop him.

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

When is Djokovic vs. Sinner?

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will meet in their semi-final match on Jan. 26 (AEDT).

How to watch Djokovic vs. Sinner for free

Every match from the Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including the semi-final between Djokovic and Sinner.

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. Stream Djokovic vs. Sinner 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 top 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

• 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 Djokovic vs. Sinner for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for £62.97, saving you 80% on list price.

You can drop hundreds (or maybe even thousands) on a PC with the best technology, but you won't be able to get the most out of it without high-quality software and an upgraded operating system.

Pay just £62.97 for a lifetime license to both the Microsoft Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro, discounted for a limited time.

This software package enables you to install the entire MS Office suite on a single computer. You'll get the Pro versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access — tools you could use to increase your productivity. You'll get immediate access to the software license keys and download links upon purchase, plus free customer service for life in case you encounter a problem with any of the programs down the line.

Your experience using the suite is made even better by the included Windows 11 Pro license, which packs your computer with advanced security, management, and productivity features, transforming it into an ideal tool for work and play. Apart from a brand-new interface and a more seamless UX and UI, it comes packed with a variety of security functions, including Windows Information Protection that separates personal and work data, Microsoft Information Protection integration that protects your information from leaks, and BitLocker Encryption that encrypts data on the hard drive.

With both MS Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro, you can enjoy a modern, more secure computing experience. Grab it on sale for just £62.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £62.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

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. 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Cube.

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 B.

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 #950 is...

BLOCK.

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 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Green - Part of a written character

• Blue - Like "to tax"

• Yellow - Huge

• Purple - Starts with anatomy

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:

• Green - PICTOGRAPH

• Blue - IMPOSE AS A PENALTY

• Yellow - OF-THE-MOMENT

• Purple - WORDS BEGINNING WITH BODY PARTS

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #228 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Green - PICTOGRAPH - CHARACTER, GLYPH, ICON, SYMBOL

• Blue - IMPOSE AS A PENALTY - ASSESS, CHARGE, FINE, LEVY

• Yellow - OF-THE-MOMENT - BIG, HOT, IN, POPULAR

• Purple - WORDS BEGINNING WITH BODY PARTS - HANDSOME, HIPPO, LEGEND, LIPID

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.

When Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh computer 40 years ago this week, it seemed like there was no limit to the things this futuristic device could do, or the number of units Apple could shift. Some 72,000 Macs were shipped during its first 100 days on sale, far outstripping Apple's goal of 50,000 Macs — even at a price tag that was the equivalent of $7,300 in today's money.

But if you'd treated those figures as a sign of corporate health, you would have been badly mistaken. Apple couldn't make the machines at scale, and would lose the PC wars to the makers of copycat beige boxes that ran MS-DOS and its successor, Windows. Within a year, Jobs would be ousted in a boardroom feud. His company was destined to spend the next 12 years in the wilderness.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Vision Pro is sold out

History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme, and something similar is happening today with Apple's Vision Pro. The $3,500 augmented reality headset has sold out its preorders. Apple isn't saying how many units that is, but analysts estimate upwards of 160,000. Half the price of that first Macintosh, with more than double the sales, in three days instead of 50? Clear some space on the tech history wall of fame!

The bots are coming

Not so fast. Turns out the deeper we dig into those numbers, the worse they look for Apple. Not only do sales seem to be slowing after the initial rush of early adopters, but not all those early adopters were on the up-and-up. A chunk of them were scalpers, buying large numbers of headsets at a time so they can turn around and sell them on eBay.

Apple's safeguards to prevent unscrupulous actors from buying multiple Vision Pros have failed, and "several thousand" units were sold to bot accounts, according to a report by Kasada, a company that specializes in defending against bots. Technically you can only buy one Vision Pro per Apple ID, but Kasada found a script that can circumvent that limit — and evidence that one bot alone generated multiple IDs to successfully check out 1,592 Vision Pro pre-orders.

Given that eBay sellers are already offering Vision Pros for up to $10,000 — a clear profit of more than $6,000 each — there's a significant incentive for scalpers using bots to break the rules. Even at a more conservative markup of $2,500 per unit, that one bot "would represent $4 million in profit" if it sells the lot, Kasada says. That's quite a payday for one weekend of work.

So the pre-sale numbers were skewed by scalpers. But there may be worse news for Apple in the fact that the ship dates for Vision Pros are holding steady at roughly 5 to 7 weeks out from the time you order. Contrast that with the iPhone, where the number of weeks you have to wait when a new model is released can climb into the double digits.

The steady wait time "indicates that demand may quickly taper off after the core fans and heavy users place their orders," wrote Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities and an expert on Apple's global supply chain. Kuo calls the Vision Pro a "niche product" and points out that it only took 0.007 percent of Apple's global user base to sell out pre-orders of the headset.

So who's it for?

With the Macintosh, the value proposition was clear. Here, for the first time, was a mass-market point-and-click PC designed so that pretty much anyone could use it. Graphic design, word processing, spreadsheets: all were now accessible for the first time.

With the Apple Vision Pro, however, Apple has struggled to explain exactly who needs one or why. The Black Mirror-style launch video is a case in point. Its main character, Will, hasn't used the Vision Pro before, and repeats "oh, wow" several times as an Apple product manager walks him through displaying his photos, entering immersive environments, and firing up an app called Encounter Dinosaurs.

But so what? What is going to keep Will coming back to the Vision Pro after the "oh, wow" factor has faded? Where's the repeatable "must have" aspect, the sales-driving feature we call a killer app? (No, killer dinosaurs don't count).

To be fair to Apple, this is a common problem for VR and AR headset makers. Fun fact: three of the last four most recent citations for "killer app" in Merriam-Webster's online dictionary are all from articles pointing out that neither the Meta Quest 3 nor the Vision Pro have one.

Perhaps the killer app is a game; perhaps it's the fact that you can have multiple virtual monitors open on your real-life desktop. (Although speaking as someone who's bought a couple of external monitors in the past year, I can say I'm heartily glad I don't have to use them with a bulky battery-hogging device strapped to my face.)

While we're waiting for the killer app, the mood of most tech observers is turning hostile. After an initial burst of excitable stories from Apple's hand-picked reviewers, we seem to be in the backlash stage: Witness today's articles on how often headsets end up in closets, and how the Vision Pro's weight might lead to neck pain and muscle fatigue.

All the sales so far has told us is that Apple has successfully appealed to its one-percenters (or its 0.007%-ers), the deep-pocketed hipsters who want to be the first to make their friends go "oh, wow" by showing off new tech. And it has successfully attracted scalpers, who know there's a massive markup to be found in selling headsets to hipsters — the ones who can afford to not wait five weeks to show it off.

Perhaps the killer app will be found, in which case Tim Cook will look like Steve Jobs circa 1997, when the founder returned in triumph. But at the moment, he's looking a little more like Steve Jobs circa 1985 — and these supposedly strong sales figures aren't helping.

UPDATE: Jan. 25, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest streaming deals and streaming service bundles.

Best streaming deals this week: Best Netflix deal One year of Netflix Free for Verizon customers who sign up for a +play annual subscription (save $185) Get Deal Best deal for students Hulu monthly subscription $1.99 per month (eligible college students save $6 per month) Get Deal Best travel and streaming deal combo Up to one year free of Peacock Premium for JetBlue Mosaic members Free (save up to $59.99) Get Deal

Streaming services have become a modern cultural staple: we build them into our monthly bills alongside rent and electricity. However, there are always loopholes to get out of paying full price for the top apps. If you've had your eye on a particular streaming service, see if this week's best streaming deals are the incentive you've been waiting for.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix One year of Netflix Free for Verizon customers who sign up for a +play annual subscription Get Deal Why we like it

Netflix will officially be axing their cheapest ad-free (aka their most affordable) subscription plan. Though there are no details on if or when this will affect U.S. users, folks in the UK and Canada will no longer be able to access the plan in the second quarter of this year.

So how to get around what is essentially a price raise for the service? Go for the deals. Though Netflix's are rare, if you're a Verizon customer, you're in luck. Through +play, (which comes at no additional cost), when you buy one valid seasonal or annual subscription, you get Netflix Premium for a year, cost-free. That's a year of Netflix's highest plan, which usually clocks in at $22.99 per month. You can also bundle Netflix Premium and Starz for $25.99 per month, saving you $6.99 per month (or $83.88 annually).

More streaming deals and bundlesAmazon Prime Video

• Try it with a 30-day free trial

AMC+

• No current standalone deals, but try it with a seven-day free trial

Apple TV+

• Get three free months at Best Buy just because (save $6.99 per month)

• Get three free months with the purchase of an Apple product

• Students get free Apple TV+ along with an Apple Music subscription (save $6.99 per month)

• T-Mobile customers with a Go5G or Go5G Plus plan get a free subscription

Curiosity Stream

• No current standalone deals

DirecTV Stream

• Get three free months of Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax with purchase of an Entertainment, Choice, or Ultimate package (save $161.97)

• Get DirecTV Sports Pack free for two months and save $25 per month with a Choice or Ultimate Plan (save $50)

• Get $200 in Visa Reward cards when you sign up for two years of a Choice package or higher, or get $100 in Visa Reward cards with an Entertainment package

Disney+

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) — $14.99 per month (save 44%)

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (no ads) — $24.99 per month (save 41%)

• Disney+, Hulu (with ads) — $9.99 per month (save 37%)

• Disney+, Hulu (no ads) — $19.99 per month (save 37%)

• Verizon customers with myPlan can add a Disney bundle, that gives them access to Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) for just $10 per month (save $8.99 per month)

discovery+

• No current standalone deals, but try it for free with a seven-day trial

FuboTV

• Try it with a seven-day free trial

• New subscribers get 30 days free of FuboTV Pro if you're a My Best Buy Plus or Total member (save $74.99)

Max

• Max (with ads) — $99.99/year (save $1.66/month)

• Max (no ads) — $149.99/year (save $3.50/month)

• Max Ultimate (no ads) — $199.99/year (save $3.33/month)

Hulu

• Eligible college students can get a monthly subscription for $1.99 per month (save $6 per month)

• Try for free with a 30-day trial

MGM+

• Get six free months when you buy a Fire TV device at Amazon

• Try for free with a seven-day trial

Netflix

• Verizon customers can get a year of Netflix for free when they purchase select annual subscriptions through +play

• Verizon customers with myPlan can add a Netflix and Max bundle (with ads) for $10 per month (save $6.99 per month)

• T-Mobile customers with Go5G and Go5G Plus plans can save between $9.99 and $15.49/month on Netflix Basic or Standard while you maintain at least two qualifying lines

NFL Sunday Ticket

• No current standalone deals.

Paramount+ with Showtime

• Select MyPanera members can get a free three-month Walmart+ subscription and select Verizon MyPlan members can save $2.95/month on a Walmart+ subscription (Walmart+ unlocks Paramount+ Essential)

• AARP members get a 10% discount on monthly and annual Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plans

• Students get a Paramount+ Essential plan for $4.50 per month (save $1.49 per month)

Peacock

• Peacock Premium for students — $1.99/month for 12 months (save $3/month)

• If you're a JetBlue TrueBlue member, get 1,000 TrueBlue points when you sign up for a new Peacock subscription (save $11.98)

• If you have JetBlue Mosaic status, you get one year free of Peacock (a $59.99 value)

• Instacart+ members get a free Peacock Premium annual membership (save $59.99)

Philo

• No current standalone deals, but try it with a seven-day free trial

Sling TV

• Get 50% off your first month of Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or Sling Orange & Blue

Starz

• No current standalone deals.

Vudu

• No current standalone deals.

YouTube TV

• New users can lock in their first three months of the YouTube TV Base Plan for just $62.99 instead of $72.99 (save $30)