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Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 10, but we now know a bit more about the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 phones, likely to be launched during the event.
Leaker Evan Blass shared official-looking images of the new phones on X (plus more images to his Substack subscribers, via 9to5Google), and we have little reason to believe they're not the real thing.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Unpacked: Every announcement expected at July eventThe images reveal that the Galaxy Z Fold has a triple camera system on the back, and a new, wider aspect ratio both on the inner and the outer display. The device is shown in two colors: Silver and navy blue.
Tweet may have been deletedAs for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, it's shown in slightly darker silver and lighter blue. It looks fairly similar to its predecessor, with a dual camera system on the outside.
Both the Fold 6 and Flip 6 appear to have a slimmer hinge, and the Fold 6 overall looks thinner than before.
The devices are rumored to come with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, but they will also reportedly be pricier than before. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in particular is rumored to come with a beefier battery and a big camera upgrade.
Tweet may have been deletedOn Thursday, Blass also shared images of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Watch 7. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7's specs were apparently leaked a few days ago in an early Amazon Canada listing.
On June 24, TikTok user @carolinerened shared a video of a man on a United Airlines flight. Not much can be ascertained from the video itself, but the user's caption has caused an internet storm. This lengthy explanation included flight details, names, and alleged this man was cheating on his wife.
"I wouldn't have known he was married if he hadn't been wearing his wedding ring," the user writes. "Do your thing TikTok," she continued, in a now-deleted video which had over a million likes.
TikTok did, in fact, do its thing, with thousands of views and comments leading to the man and his wife being doxxed, and the man since deleting his social media profiles.
SEE ALSO: Cheating has become the ultimate crime onlineThis is the latest incident of cheaters being exposed on TikTok, and with the help of strangers online. The cheaters are inevitably shamed, their partners are informed, and the whole world can watch the breakdown of a relationship on their feeds. What would ordinarily be a private situation is suddenly more public than ever.
TikTok sleuthing is a steadfast phenomenon, seemingly and increasingly pervasive on the app. Not only is it indicative of a certain kind of voyeurism that accompanies TikTok, the trend spells out one of the graver consequences of digital culture today: a lack of empathy and nuance beyond the confines of a phone screen.
And people don't seem to be on board any longer.
While some users say they stand by exposing cheaters, and helping out their apparently unknowing partners, an overwhelming majority have said this post took it too far, even while agreeing with the universal rule that cheating is wrong.
"You guys are loving this, you cannot get enough." - @prettycriticalAcross X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, users have pointed out the moral wrongdoing in this kind of exposure, largely in context to the "airplane guy" cheating. Their qualms include how public sleuthing is a severe betrayal of privacy, and how it can (and most likely will) subject a couple to public interrogation and even ridicule.
"You guys are loving this, you cannot get enough," TikTok user @prettycritical said in a video about "the married man on the plane", which garnered over 200k views. "Although you're the exact demographic is to call yourself 'girl's girls', your only allegiance is to your own entertainment." The creator pointed out that some relationships have different rules, that we can't know for certain how strangers choose to live their lives, and we certainly can't decide if this is how a person wanted to find out about their husband committing infidelity.
"Posts like these fundamentally value entertainment over privacy but position themselves as forms of activism or justice," wrote one user on X. "This is psychotic behavior. It is actually not normal or 'accountability reporting' to spy on strangers and try to expose them to loved ones," said another.
In essence: this isn't the internet's business, says the internet.
The situation is reminiscent of Couch Guy, the college student who was surprised by his long-distance girlfriend and inadvertently turned into a TikTok fascination, accused of infidelity and being a "red flag". The man himself, Robert McCoy, wrote about how the internet conducted an ongoing, invasive, and boundary-less investigation of him:
Given the apparent tendency of the TikTok algorithm to present viral spectacles to a user base increasingly hungry for content to analyze forensically, there will inevitably be more Couch Guys or [Sabrina] Praters in the future. When they appear on your For You page, I implore you to remember that they are people, not mysteries for you to solve.
McCoy said "it felt like the entertainment value of the meme began to overshadow our humanity" – and that seems to be the case all over again.
TikTok has the potential to create collective change and spark important conversations, but the problem with TikTok detectives is entirely separate. Using a guise of justice and righteousness does not excuse the reality that a person's extremely private life is being made public domain, without any consent of their own. What may have begun with good intentions has morphed into an obsession with information, attention, and becoming a public "savior". Ultimately, holding others accountable can be noble, but this method seems to be anything but.
TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
F1 race weekends come thick and fast in June, which is great news for fans. The other welcome news for dedicated followers of F1 is that you don't need to spend anything to watch all the action from the Austrian Grand Prix.
If you're interested in watching the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix?The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix takes place over 71 laps of the 4,318-kilometre Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. The full schedule can be found here:
Practice 1 — 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. ET on June 28
Sprint Qualifying — 10:30 a.m. to 11:14 a.m. ET on June 28
Sprint — 6 to 7 a.m. ET on June 29
Qualifying — 10 to 11 a.m. ET on June 29
Race — 9 a.m. ET on June 30
The good news is that it's possible to stream the Austrian Grand Prix without spending anything.
How to watch the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix for freeYou can live stream the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix for free on these streaming platforms:
ORF, ServusTV, and RTBF are geo-restricted, but anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world.
Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria or Belgium
Watch the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams for free. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix without actually spending anything.
What is the best VPN for F1?ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Austria and Belgium
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected
Fast streaming speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Retain access to your favorite free porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking sites like Pornhub, XVideos, and Xnxx is ExpressVPN.
There's no judgement here, but there is a time and a place for visiting your favorite porn sites. There are a lot of locations around the world that block access to sites like Pornhub and xHamster, and that's probably a good idea. That being said, the ability to retain your online freedom is important (when the time is right).
We're not suggesting that you bypass online restrictions to access porn sites in inappropriate moments, but sometimes you'll want to access your favorite sites in a totally appropriate time and place, but won't be able to do that because a block is in place. In this situation, you should consider using a VPN.
If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock Xnxx for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This simple process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.
The process is actually really straightforward. Unblock Xnxx by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Xnxx
Watch Xnxx videos from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx and then recover your investment at a later date. While this obviously isn't a long-term solution, it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home.
What is the best VPN for porn?ExpressVPN remains the top pick when it comes to unblocking porn sites like Xnxx, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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 streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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.
Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.
NASA captured an expansive view of the largest volcano known to humanity.
The space agency used its 23-year-old Mars Odyssey orbiter to capture a never-before-seen view of Olympus Mons — a vista similar to how astronauts in a hypothetical orbiting space station might view the behemoth mountain. It's 373 miles (600 kilometers) wide — about the size of Arizona — and 17 miles (27 kilometers) tall. That's over twice as high as commercial airliners fly.
"Normally we see Olympus Mons in narrow strips from above, but by turning the spacecraft toward the horizon we can see in a single image how large it looms over the landscape," NASA's Odyssey project scientist, Jeffrey Plaut, said in a statement. "Not only is the image spectacular, it also provides us with unique science data."
By volume, the Martian volcano is 100 times larger than Earth's biggest volcano, Hawaii's Mauna Loa. If one were to summit this mountain, the curvature of the Red Planet would be visible.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.The wide panorama image, visible in the imagery below, shows sprawling Olympus Mons at bottom with its caldera (a collapsed pit) atop the volcano. As you can see, it's not a sharply peaked mountain, but is a gradually sloping "shield volcano," similar to the Hawaiian volcanoes. It was formed by progressive lava flows, as thick oozing lava layered upon earlier lava flows.
Above Olympus you can see three colorful bands. The bottom bluish-white band is dust in the Martian atmosphere, as the Red Planet's giant dust storms had begun picking up in March, when the image was taken. The purple layer is likely a mix of water-ice clouds and red dust. And the top blue-green layer is composed of water-ice clouds (they reach 31 miles, or 50 kilometers, high).
Olympus Mons captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter on March 11, 2024. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU Tweet may have been deletedThe Odyssey spacecraft arrived at Mars in 2001, with the primary mission of detecting water ice buried near Mars' surface and observing other Martian environs. To gain this perspective, NASA engineers fired thrusters to reorient the spacecraft so its camera faced the horizon rather than peering down at the surface.
Beyond capturing such a unique view of the Red Planet, Odyssey has now made over 100,000 orbits around Mars, and has snapped a whopping 1.4 million images.
The solar-powered craft is now the longest-operating mission around another planet. Godspeed, Odyssey.
If you're due for a phone upgrade, Amazon Prime Day could be the perfect opportunity to scoop one up for a steep discount. Snagging an unlocked phone at Amazon eliminates the aggravation of coordinating a trade-in or new data plan at a specific carrier. Plus, you can usually find better deals.
Prime Day doesn't officially kick off until July 16, but in true Amazon fashion, deals are already popping up weeks ahead of time — particularly on Samsung Galaxy and Motorola phones. Apple iPhone and Google Pixel deals are no-shows so far, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled as we inch closer to the big day.
For now, here are the best unlocked phone deals we could find at Amazon ahead of the official shopping event. We'll be refreshing the list regularly as Prime Day nears — and will keep you posted when Amazon makes the official switch to early Prime Day deals.
Samsung Galaxy deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) + $250 Amazon gift card $1,299.99 at AmazonJust released in January, Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra has plenty of selling points. Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon claimed that it "takes the throne as the best Android phone." The S24 Ultra is a close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and packs a rear telephoto lens with insane zoom capabilities, a bunch of nifty AI features, and a durable titanium design. Plus, you get the fantastic S Pen stylus that double as a remote. At $1,299.99, the 256GB configuration isn't technically on sale. However, that price includes a free $250 Amazon gift card, adding a pretty sweet incentive to purchase it. A similar offer was available earlier this year, but the gift card was only valued at $200.
Read Mashable's full review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
More Samsung Galaxy dealsSamsung Galaxy A35 (128GB) — $359.99 $399.99 (save $40)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (256GB) — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (512GB) — $849.99 $1,119.99 (save $270)
Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB) + $200 Amazon gift card — $999.99 $1,119.99 (save $200)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) + $250 Amazon gift card — $1,299.99 $1,549.99 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (256GB) — $1,399.99 $1,799.99 (save $400)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (512GB) — $1,519.99 $1,919.99 (save $400)
On sale for an all-time low $649.99 (reg. $999.99), last year's Motorola razr+ is a budget-friendly alternative to other foldable flip phones like the Google Pixel Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed the razr+ with an excellent rating, crediting its larger 3.6-inch outer screen and striking 6.9-inch internal display. While it comes in several different colors, only the black and blue variants are down to a record-low at Amazon.
More Motorola dealsMoto G Play (32GB) — $99 $169.99 (save $70.99)
Motorola Moto G 5G (128GB) — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Motorola Moto G Power (128GB) — $241.04 $299.99 (save $58.95)
Motorola Edge (256GB) — $349.99 $599.99 (save $250)
Motorola razr (128GB) — $449.99 $699.99 (save $250)
Motorola razr+ (256GB) — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)
TL;DR: Get 20TB of Prism Drive secure cloud storage for life for just $79.97 (reg. $1,494) when you order through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Prism Drive Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $79.97 at The Mashable ShopWhether you're running a small business or a large family, hardly any of us can get away with not having a decent digital storage solution. There are many different ways to backup or store your important personal or business files, but one popular option is heading to the cloud.
Prism Drive secure cloud storage offers a fast, simple, and affordable solution to help keep your data safe and accessible from anywhere. Through July 21, get 20TB of Prism Drive secure cloud storage for life for just $79.97 (reg. $1,494).
Prism Drive is designed with user convenience in mind. Its intuitive interface is built to make it easier to organize and access your files. It features easy mobile uploading, a drag-and-drop design, large file support, and progress monitoring. You should also be able to preview the documents before downloading, which can be a big time saver.
With just a few clicks, you can store documents, photos, videos, and more from any device and retrieve them whenever needed. The AES 256-bit and HTTPS high-level encryption is designed to keep your important files secure. If you want to share files with family, friends, or your work team, it's as simple as sharing a link.
This offer includes cross-device compatibility as well as updates, and should make your cloud storage available to use on unlimited devices. Don't miss getting 20TB of Prism Drive secure cloud storage for life for just $79.97 you order through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed for this price drop.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Grab a pair of mini digital night vision binoculars with 1080p HD recording capabilities on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Mini Dual Tube Digital Night Vision Binoculars with 1080p HD Recording $89.97 at The Mashable ShopThere are many different ways to enjoy the outdoors. From watching a ball game to camping, hiking, and bird watching, there's a long list of ways to take in the fresh air and sunshine. But what if you could see in the dark and peep nocturnal nature as well?
Through July 21, grab a pair of mini digital night vision binoculars with 1080p HD recording capabilities on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99).
Binoculars have become tech-forward, as seen in the features of these digital ones that have a 2.4-inch viewing screen. Built to be able to record your cherished sights through HD photos or videos (sound included) to share with others or on social media.
The 850nm infrared illuminator assists in observing wildlife, landscapes, or plant life in low light or 100 percent darkness. They also feature a 10x lens magnification and 4x digital zoom to help you see your subjects in greater detail, whether it's the bump-skin of a gator or the facial expression of your kiddo as she catches a fly ball.
These binoculars were made with convenience in mind. A terrific on-the-go addition for any outdoorsy person, they're small enough to fit in a backpack or pocket. Plus, the silicone buttons should make it easier to manipulate the controls while you're busy watching the world.
Whether you’re capturing wildlife, stargazing, or even ensuring security, the advanced features and compact design make these binoculars a helpful tool for both nighttime and daytime exploration. Pick up these mini digital binoculars while they are on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed for this price drop.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: A lifetime license for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is on sale for just $22.97 (reg. $199) through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $22.97 at The Mashable ShopIn the ever-evolving world of technology, staying updated with the latest software is a wise idea. Whether you’re a professional looking to boost productivity, a student, or a home techie who wants to explore new tools, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is packed with features designed to enhance your computing experience. And for a limited time, a lifetime license is on sale for less than the price of a meal out.
Through July 21, a lifetime license for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is on sale for just $22.97 (reg. $199).
One of the most exciting features in the latest update of Windows 11 Pro is the Copilot AI assistant. This smart tool is designed to help you navigate your computer more efficiently, streamline tasks, and provide quick access to the information you need.
Open Copilot using the Windows key + C. It uses GPT-4 Turbo, which is an advanced, custom version of ChatGPT-4, to help streamline your work. Have Copilot summarize documents, start a playlist, answer questions to help you with a project, create content, change settings, and more. You can even use voice commands to get help with tasks. The Paint app also has new AI features in this update, designed to easily remove backgrounds and create AI-generated images of your own.
Windows 11 Pro also prioritizes your security with advanced encryption methods built to safeguard your files and sensitive information from unauthorized access. It also features biometrics login, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and more, offering you a robust security system.
Upgrade to a smarter, more secure, and technologically advanced operating system while the price is right. Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro on sale for just $22.97 (reg. $199) through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed for this price drop.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably engaged in a few conversations about the new Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
SEE ALSO: Return to the Lands Between with 10% off the new 'Elden Ring' Shadow of the Erdtree DLCThe latest game in the Elden Ring series was released on June 21 and received a lot of polarizing feedback. Some people say the game is too hard, and others say reviewers don’t have what it takes to play it. Don't worry: Bandai Namco is launching a calibration update that will reduce the difficulty and make players stronger.
Elden Ring (PlayStation 5) $49.94 at AmazonEither way, it might help to have guidance. So here are nine Twitch streamers who can help guide you through the game.
Kai Cenat (@kaicenat)Kai Cenat is what some may call a household name among streamers. Her streams on Twitch to his 11.7 million followers, sometimes accompanied by celebrity guests. He's gained recognition for his methods for beating the critically denounced game, which includes hiring a therapist!
Perri Karyal (@perrikaryal)Perri Karyal is a Twitch partner based in the United Kingdom with 42.3k followers on the streaming platform. She recently made headlines for her experimentation with a hands-free, mind-control game controller.
Point Crow (@pointcrow)Eric Morino, known to the internet as Point Crow, is a video game streamer with 661k followers on Twitch and 2.28 million followers on YouTube. He describes himself as "aggressively mediocre" when playing games.
Shroud (@shroud)Michael Grzesiek, better known by his streaming handle @shroud, is another well-known name in the streaming world. He has 10.9 million followers on Twitch and 6.8 million subscribers on YouTube. His following has grown because of his educational yet entertaining streaming videos, which can last hours. For example, one of his streams of the Elden Ring DLC lasted 13 hours.
FaZe Sway (@fazesway)FaZe Sway has 1.3 million followers on Twitch and almost 4 million subscribers on YouTube. Earlier this year, he announced that he had joined the gaming council of the web3 technology company Yuga Labs.
NickMercs (@nickmercs)Nick Kolcheff, known in gaming as @NickMercs has 6.7 million followers on Twitch. He is a former Major League Gaming champion and co-owner of the professional esports company FaZe Clan.
MoonMoon (@moonmoon)Twitch Streamer Jessie Anime, better known as MoonMoon, has 1.2 million followers on the platform and is known for engaging with his audience.
OhnePixel (@ohnepixel)Twitch streamer Ohne Pixel has a 1.3 million-following on the platform. He often streams the Counter-Strike gaming series.
Elias Löon (@Elajjaz)Elias Löon, a Swedish gamer better known online as Elajjaz, has 485k followers on Twitch and is considered a variety streamer.
TL;DR: Lean into your personal and professional growth with a lifetime of book, podcast, and TED Talk summaries with a lifetime of HappyLife Knowledge Summaries, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $149).
Opens in a new window Credit: HappyLife HappyLife Knowledge Summaries Lifetime Subscription $39.99 at The Mashable ShopMost of us lead busy lives. Between work and family obligations, there isn't much downtime, let alone time to do some side learning. While many of us aspire to grow, learn, and better ourselves, often, the time and money required to pursue continuous education can be a barrier.
However, online learning has changed the game, and the HappyLife Knowledge Summaries app offers those with a thirst for knowledge a way to learn without having to devote too much time or funds to the cause. Lean into your personal and professional growth with a lifetime of book, podcast, and TED Talk summaries with a lifetime of HappyLife Knowledge Summaries, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $149).
The term micro-learning has emerged as a way to fit small doses of knowledge into even the busiest lives. HappyLife offers you fifteen-minute summaries that allow you to ingest some of the world's best and most current ideas in one sitting. It also gives you personalized recommendations and self-growth challenges.
It gives you access to thousands of summaries that span a variety of book categories, including entrepreneurship, economics, history, management and leadership, creativity, biographies and memoirs, and more. The summaries of books offered are available in text or audio format.
HappyLife also offers you quick summaries of popular podcasts in under ten minutes. TED Talks are included among the offered podcasts and provide the main highlights of each talk, which is a fantastic way to see if certain presenters are for you.
Investing in your personal and professional development doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Hack your knowledge journey with a HappyLife Knowledge Summaries lifetime subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $149).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
It's nothing new that women have to play by amorphous yet damning societal rules. Hell, that's the plot of everything from the Regency-era-set Bridgerton to the modern-day Barbie, and now The Devil's Bath. But where the first two candy-coat their patriarchal conflict with feminine fashion, pop bangers, and beguiling bursts of colors, the third is a haunting historical drama from the makers of Goodnight Mommy, and the only burst of color is spurting blood.
Ten years ago, Austrian writers/directors Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz broke through with the gruesome and great Goodnight Mommy, which focused on a pair of young twin boys convinced their mother had been replaced by a cruel imitator. The Austrian film proved such a hit with critics and horror fans that it got an English-language remake and the daring duo a star-studded English-language follow-up, the chilly Riley Keough–fronted psychological thriller, The Lodge. With their latest, Fiala and Franz channel their skills for crafting character-driven twisted tales into a drama that has the heady, unnerving atmosphere of religious horror.
But be warned. The Devil's Bath is not for the faint of heart.
What's The Devil's Bath about? Anja Plaschg and David Scheid in Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s "The Devil's Bath." Credit: Ulrich Seid Film Produktion and Heimatfilm / ShudderInspired by a disturbing real-life court case, The Devil's Bath unfurls a harrowing tale in 1750 Upper Austria. There, a devout young woman named Agnes (Anja Plaschg) dreams of being a good wife to her new husband. Their wedding day is one of celebration and joy. But their wedding night turns chilly and unsatisfying.
Unfortunately, her husband Wolf (David Scheid) is an oaf with a coldly domineering mother (Maria Hofstätter). Their marriage has knitted Agnes into a community rank with religious superstition that isolates her at every turn. Her body yearns for the touch and the baby her husband will not provide. Her soul aches for a kind word, but her mother-in-law only offers insults and scolding. If she brings a bouquet of flowers into the house, she's chided for "dirtying" up the place. If she helps a neighbor at an arduous task, she's accused of foisting bad luck on the whole village.
Punished grotesquely both mentally and physically for any perceived transgression, Agnes grows only in agony. Fiala and Franz turn the screw with a slow-burn pacing (and a runtime of two hours and 10 minutes), making the audience a helpless hostage of their protagonist's gnawing loneliness. A score made up of yawning strings and indistinct human voices — crying out as if from a great distance — plays as an echo to her pain, making it almost tangible. The worlds around her, made of clawing thorns, sucking mud, suffocating caves, and ever-encroaching gloom, give her no peace. This combination of immersive sound design, relentless cruelty, and claustrophobic visuals push us to feel not only for Agnes, but also, like her, to feel desperate for escape. But that's precisely the point.
Trigger warning: The Devil's Bath deals in murder and suicide. Natalija Baranova in Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s "The Devil's Bath." Credit: Ulrich Seid Film Produktion and Heimatfilm / ShudderThe opening sequence serves as a litmus test for whether or not viewers can stomach this movie. (Though if you liked Goodnight Mommy, you already know.) The Devil's Bath begins when a peasant woman plucks a baby from its woven cradle. Matter-of-factly, she walks the child to the edge of a waterfall, where she chucks it to its death. We witness the bundled baby tumble down the hard precipice in a resolute wide shot. Then, this woman promptly surrenders herself to the authorities, confessing to the crime. Her reward is execution, but her decapitated head seems to smile.
Though presented with a frankness that is itself unnerving, this horrific sequence is not for shock value. Here, Fiala and Franz swiftly set up the concept of suicide by proxy, an extreme escape hatch for these tormented Christians. Within this cruel world in which Agnes struggles, priests declare that suicide is the worst sin, because even murderers have a chance to confess before they face their maker. And so an idea is born … eventually.
The Devil's Bath is wickedly clever and patient. Anja Plaschg in Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s "The Devil's Bath." Credit: Ulrich Seid Film Produktion and Heimatfilm / ShudderAs the title subtly suggests, The Devil's Bath is about the slow but sinister marinating in misery that leads to such an appalling crime. While the opening sequence clearly lays down the moral quandary the tormented Agnes will face, her arguably evil epiphany happens deep into the film. We know where she's going far before she does. And maybe we wish to judge her, just as you'd understandably pass a snap judgment on the baby-killer from the opening. But as the filmmakers bind the viewer to Agnes in her torture and indignities, they urge us to understand the seemingly impossible decision — which was so common there is a hidden history about this perturbing practice.
As with Goodnight Mommy and The Lodge, Fiala and Franz hook us with a character in peril, and then push us to empathize even when things go from uncomfortable to repugnant. To their credit, the filmmakers do not shy away from the violence or viciousness. They don't let their antihero or their audience off the hook.
The screams are earnest. The sounds of sliced flesh are sharp. Yet through this depiction of inhumanity, Fiala and Franz delicately and dedicatedly lace a humane empathy, urging you to see the hurting sinner past the horrid sin. Like its more overt horror sisters, Immaculate and The First Omen, The Devil's Bath presents us with a protagonist who strives for godliness but finds the concept of religion so corrupted by those in power that violent revolt is the only escape. And like the nun-centered movies, this one has a third act that will have you gasping in shock and awe.
Far from the 'Ton and BarbieLand, The Devil's Bath urges viewers to turn up the heat as they consider the sins of the patriarchy, which pushes women into roles of suffering, cruel complicity, or shocking rebellion. Though not a horror movie in the traditional sense, Fiala and Franz's latest delivers an unblinking portrait of inhumanity and festered faith. Yet for all its bleakness, this is not a nihilistic film, but an urgent warning. With a final act that is as grisly as it is thought-provoking, these fearsome filmmakers urge us to consider legacy as we decide how hot we'll let the waters get before we do something drastic.
The Devil's Bath premieres on Shudder June 28.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
In the year 2024, you can't rely on your device's built-in speakers for much. Even if you're on a tight budget, a Bluetooth speaker will significantly up the quality of your listening experience, whether you're hosting a party or listening to a podcast while cooking dinner. And because the best Bluetooth speakers are easy to lug around, they're also great for outdoor hang sessions or listening to your tunes on the go while traveling.
SEE ALSO: The best headphones for 2024 (and why they made our list)You might be wondering if it's worth splurging on an expensive speaker, buying a durable outdoor speaker, or if there's a smart speaker that works well within the existing sound system in your home. Whatever your needs may be, we've researched and tested the most popular Bluetooth speakers to come up with our recommendations.
Which brand makes the best Bluetooth speakers?Bose, JBL, Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Sonos tend to be the most popular Bluetooth speaker brands. It's hard to say one brand's speakers are definitively the best, especially because there can be a variety in performance within a brand's lineup. Obviously, you shouldn't expect a $40 speaker to sound the same as the $180 JBL Charge 5, but that doesn't mean you have to blow out your budget to get high-quality sound. What we can say is that these brands tend to be popular for a reason.
For our guide, we put together the standouts from each brand. All of the speakers we chose offer good value, portability, smart home compatibility, and durability. Most importantly, they sound fantastic, with deep bass and high fidelity.
Keep reading for our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers available in 2024.
Adobe has rolled out a new addition to its Lightroom photo editing platform called Generative Remove. It leverages Firefly, Adobe's generative AI model, to enable novice and hobbyist photo editors alike to select and erase elements from pictures, where the replacement content seamlessly fits in with its surroundings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Adobe Lightroom £7.90 at AdobeWith the recent arrival of Generative Remove, three major reasons emerge that make Lightroom a powerful photo editing suite for non-pros:
Easy clean-upWith Generative Remove, Lightroom users can simply mouse or swipe over objects, people — whatever is interfering with their otherwise well-composed photo, and the tool will automatically recognize the thing that doesn’t belong and wipe it from the image. You don’t need to define the element by outlining it. Generative Remove just knows what you’re pointing out and how to get rid of it.
Plus, the AI engine can generate ultra-realistic backgrounds or mimic complex patterns like paisley based on a photo’s visual information.
Studio-level lens effectsLightroom comes with Lens Blur, a tool for adding professional-grade lens effects to your photos in post-production. With this feature, you can achieve the soft focus and macro-lens look and feel associated with studio shooting with the output of any camera or smartphone.
There are also seven presets to choose from, giving novices an easy way to apply these dreamy effects to their photos.
Mobile-friendly workflow Credit: AdobeAdobe knows that so much of today's photography is captured and viewed by smartphones. The company has built out a truly mobile-optimized UI for its Lightroom app so that creators can manage their photo production from start to finish, all in the mobile app. This includes Generative Remove.
If you're ready to try your hand at the latest AI-enhanced Lightroom, Adobe is offering a seven-day free trial. Get started here.
TL;DR: Through July 11, save a little money by getting the 2019 version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows or Mac. A lifetime license is on sale for just £19.75 (reg. £181.15).
If you could use some productivity support, a tried-and-true suite of apps from a big name in software could help. Create, organise, and present with the assistance of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows (the Mac Home & Business version is available at the same price), now on sale for just £19.75 through July 11.
Get access to tools to help you perform your best, whether professionally or personally. This 2019 version of Office might be slightly older than the most current version on the market, but it still features most of what many expect from Office.
You'll get the 2019 version of Word for document creation, Excel to access spreadsheets, PowerPoint to make killer slides, Outlook for email and calendar management, Access to build databases, OneNote to take digital notes, and Publisher for personal publications. (However, it should be noted that it does not include Teams.)
All of these apps combine to help keep you moving more efficiently. You will need to be running Windows 10 or 11 to use this software.
Because you only pay a one-time price for a license that never expires, you won't need to worry about any recurring fees like you would with Microsoft 365. This license is good on one PC for life.
Office Professional Plus 2019 is tailored for enhanced productivity with rich features that provide business users, professionals, and home users alike with most of the functions they need to work at their best.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 at this reduced price.
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for just £19.75 (reg. £181.15) until July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows £19.75 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: Live stream Glastonbury 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's all about Worthy Farm this weekend, with some of the biggest musical acts in the world and around 200,000 very excited fans in attendance. Glastonbury is one of the biggest festivals on the music calendar, and whilst nothing can compare to actually being there, you don't need a ticket to enjoy some of the best moments this year.
If you're interested in watching Glastonbury for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
What is Glastonbury?Glastonbury is a seriously popular five-day festival of contemporary performing arts that takes place at Worthy Farm in Somerset (UK). In addition to the biggest names in the music game, the festival hosts dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other artistic acts all weekend.
When is Glastonbury in 2024?Glastonbury 2024 takes place from June 26 to June 30, but most of the live music performances take place between June 29 and June 30.
How to watch Glastonbury 2024 for freeThe good news is that you can live stream Glastonbury 2024 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 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 live stream Glastonbury 2024 by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Connect to BBC iPlayer
Watch Glastonbury Festival from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By leveraging these guarantees, you can watch Glastonbury Festival without fully committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch Glastonbury 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?There are plenty of impressive VPNs that can reliably unblock BBC iPlayer, but ExpressVPN continues to lead the way. It's tough to beat for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 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 protected
Fast streaming speeds without buffering
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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 30-day money-back guarantee. The money-back guarantee means you can sign up to watch Glastonbury from anywhere in the world, and then recover your investment after the festival wraps up.
Live stream Glastonbury 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 WNBA season from anywhere in the world with WNBA League Pass or Prime Video. Access WNBA live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The WNBA is having a moment right now. A seriously big moment.
The league was already stacked with genuine superstars like A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu, but everything has exploded since the introduction of young ballers like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. Stadiums are full, clips are going viral, and everyone seems to be talking about the WNBA.
Interested in seeing what all the fuss is about? We have lined up everything you need to know to watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world.
What is the WNBA?Founded in 1996, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a women's professional basketball league based in the United States. The league is made up of 12 teams, including the Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, and Phoenix Mercury.
When is the WNBA in 2024?The 2024 season is the 28th edition of the WNBA, with the regular season taking place from May 14 to September 19. Each of the 12 teams play 40 games — four games against five teams from the same conference and two teams from the other conference, plus three games against the remaining four teams.
The eight teams with the best regular season records qualify for the WNBA Playoffs to determine the league's champion.
How to watch the WNBA with WNBA League PassFans can live stream the 2024 WNBA season from anywhere in the world with WNBA League Pass. This service provides access to live out-of-market games, every game on-demand, plus literally hundreds of games from the archives.
The added benefit of subscribing to WNBA League Pass from outside the U.S. is that you can avoid blackouts. In the U.S., certain nationally televised games are not available live on WNBA League Pass. But if your IP address is outside the U.S (with no broadcast deals for the game), you can bypass blackouts to watch every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video).
In the U.S., subscribers can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and secure access to extra games through WNBA League Pass. VPNs can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. This straightforward process masks your real location so you can avoid WNBA blackouts.
Access extra WNBA League Pass games by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
Prime Video is the exclusive national streaming partner of 21 WNBA games, including the Commissioner’s Cup championship game. Prime members in the U.S. can watch WNBA games simply by accessing their account, but there's no need for a subscription. Instead, basketball fans can watch the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the WNBA for free on Prime Video:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Watch select WNBA fixtures for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream a bunch of matches before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for streaming sport?ExpressVPN is the top choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 for a limited time — a saving of 49% on list price. This deal includes three extra months for free, a whole year of unlimited backup via the cloud, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied with the service.
Live stream the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
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