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Microsoft Bing amps up its ability to stop explicit deepfake images from appearing in Search results

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:42

Microsoft Bing now has more power to scrub AI-generated or deepfake images, a form of nonconsensual intimate image (NCII) abuse, from appearing on the search engine, as the company announces a new nonprofit partnership.

A collaboration with victim advocacy tool StopNCII, Microsoft is supplementing its user-reporting with a more "victim-centered" approach incorporating a more in-depth detection process, the company explained. StopNCII, a platform ran by UK nonprofit SWGfl and the Revenge Porn Helpline, offers individuals the ability to create and add digital fingerprints (also known as a "hash") to intimate images, which can then be tracked to remove images as they appear on certain platforms.

Based on a pilot that ran through August, Microsoft's new system harnesses StopNCII's database to immediately flag intimate images and prevent them being surfaced in Bing results. Microsoft says it has already "taken action" on 268,000 explicit images.

StopNCII's hashes are used by social sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Snapchat, and Reddit, as well as platforms like Bumble, OnlyFans, Aylo (owner of several popular pornography sites, including PornHub), and even Niantic, the AR developer behind Pokémon Go. Bing is the first search engine to join the partner coalition.

SEE ALSO: Scammers are using pictures of your home to amplify sextortion threats

Google, also struggling with nonconsensual deepfake content, has taken similar steps to address the appearance of deepfake images in Search results, in addition to nonconsensual real images. Over the last year, the company has been revamping its Search ranking system to lower explicit synthetic content in results, replacing the surfaced results with "high-quality, non-explicit content," the company explained, such as news articles. Google announced it was also streamlining its reporting and review process to help expedite removal of such content — the search platform already has a similar system for removal of nonconsensual real images, or deepfake porn.

But it has yet to join StopNCII and utilize its hashing tech. "Search engines are inevitably the gateway for images to be found, so this proactive step from Bing is putting the wellbeing of those directly affected front and center," said Sophie Mortimer, manager of the Revenge Porn Helpline.

Microsoft has similar reporting processes for real-images based NCII abuse, as well as strict conduct policies against intimate extortion, also known as sextortion. Earlier this year, Microsoft provided StopNCII with its in-house PhotoDNA technology, a similar "fingerprinting" tool that has been used to detect and help remove child sexual abuse material.

SEE ALSO: How Big Tech is approaching explicit, nonconsensual deepfakes How to report intimate images with StopNCII

If you believe your image (explicit or non-explicit) is at risk of being released or manipulated by bad actors, you can add your own fingerprint to StopNCII for future detection. The tool does not require you to upload or store personal photos or videos to the site. Instead, images are retained on your personal device.

  1. Visit Stopncii.org.

  2. Click on "Create your case" in the top right corner.

  3. Navigate through the personalized prompts, which gathers information about the content of the image or video.

  4. The website will then ask you to select photos or videos from your device's photo library. StopNCII then scans the content and creates hashes for each image. The hashes are then sent to participating platforms. No images or videos will be shared.

  5. Save your case number, which will allow you to check if your image or video has been detected online.

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' star Winona Ryder reveals Lydia Deetz's full character arc leading up to the sequel

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:57
Winona Ryder fills in the gaps for her iconic character, Lydia Deetz, between the original Beetlejuice and the long-awaited sequel.

The best laptop deals for September: Shop Acer, Apple, HP, and more

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:50

UPDATE: Sep. 6, 2024, 12:45 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with new laptop deals plus current pricing and availability.

The very best laptop deals at a glance: Best laptop deal under $300 Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $269.99 at Dell.com (save $60) Get Deal Best laptop deal under $600 Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $549 at Best Buy (save $100) Get Deal Best laptop deal under $900 HP OmniBook X 14-fe0013dx (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899.99 at HP.com (save $250) Get Deal Best laptop deal under $1,200 Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

A new laptop is almost certainly a splurge, but keeping your eyes peeled for deals can make it much easier to take the leap on an upgrade. The good news is that you've got options at a variety of price points via Best Buy, Amazon, and beyond, whether you're looking for an everyday workhorse, a cheap Chromebook for homework, a 2-in-1 Windows PC for drawing, or a powerful premium gaming laptop.

Read on for our running list of the best laptop deals as of Sept. 6. (And if you don't see any models that check all the boxes on your spec wish list, come back soon: We add new picks every other week.)

Note: Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart occasionally list incorrect MSRPs for laptops, making deals appear better or worse than they really are. If an MSRP you see below differs from the one shown on the laptop's product page, it's because we cross-checked it with the machine's manufacturer and corrected it.

Best laptop deal under $300 Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Our pick: Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $269.99 at Dell.com
$329.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This entry-level Dell laptop features a 12th-generation (2022) Intel Core i3 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch non-touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's nothing spectacular and a little outdated, but this is a spec sheet we rarely see at this price point. (Hell, even some nicer laptops don't have 120Hz refresh rates — M3 Apple MacBook Air included!)

It's marked down to $269.99 during a limited-time sale on Dell's website, which is 18% off and the lowest price we've ever seen it hit.

More laptop deals under $300Best laptop deal under $600 Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Our pick: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $549.00 at Best Buy
$649.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's guide to the best gaming laptops.

A great pick for entry-level gamers, this slick cloud gaming laptop features an Intel Core 5 120U CPU, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of SSD storage, plus support for some newer Google AI features. We haven't had a chance to try it just yet — our review's in the works — but we loved its predecessor, which had the same 16-inch, 120Hz 1660p display, 1080p webcam, and RGB anti-ghosting keyboard.

Best Buy currently has it on sale for $549 (normally $649), which is 15% off and a match of its all-time low during the retailer's Black Friday in July sale this past summer.

More laptop deals under $600Best laptop deal under $900 Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook X 14-fe0013dx (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899.99 at HP.com
$1,199.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook X 14.

This Mashable Choice Award-winning Copilot+ PC is one of the best Windows laptops we've tested all year — it's "a serious MacBook competitor" that's faster and longer-lasting than Apple's 15-inch M3 Air, said Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon.

The Meteor Silver model with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage has fallen to a new record-low of $899.99 on HP's website (down 21% from its usual $1,149.99) as part of its extended Labor Day sale.

More laptop deals under $900Best laptop deal under $1,200 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,099.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air.

Apple's latest MacBook Air takes the excellent design of its predecessor and upgrades it with a faster processor, support for WiFi 6E, and the ability to drive two external displays with its lid closed. It's our current favorite MacBook for most people and another Mashable Choice Award winner.

The base configuration of the 15-inch model (which has two more speakers than the 13-inch version) normally retails for $1,299, but you can order it from Amazon for $1,099. That's 15% off, and $50 away from its all-time low price from Amazon Prime Day 2024.

More laptop deals under $1,200

Freshen up your home with 22% off a Levoit air purifier

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:48

22% OFF: As of Sep. 6, get a Levoit Air Purifier for just $69.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 22% and $20 off its regular price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Levoit Air Purifier $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Waking up with a stuffy nose? Having trouble breathing around your home? You might be in need of an air purifier. These handy devices can cut allergens and pollen from the air in your house and help you breathe easier. Whether you want to filter out things like smoke or pet dander or you just want to have a more sanitary environment, an air purifier is a great buy for anyone. And there's one on sale right now that's well worth bringing into your home.

As of Sep. 6, you can get the Levoit Air Purifier at Amazon for just $69.99. That's $20 off its normal price of $89.99 and a discount of 22%.

This particular model is a fantastic choice for larger rooms and areas. It can clean up to 915 sq. ft., which means it's best for positioning in living rooms, larger bedrooms, or areas where there's a lot of foot traffic in and out of the house. It refreshes air 5 times per hour and uses an activated carbon filter to trap 99.97% of dust, pollen, and airborne particles. Plus, it's super quiet, going down as low as 24dB so it won't disturb you when it's running. You can even turn off all the onboard lights when it's time for bed so the display won't disturb you as well.

Control the unit with the accompanying VeSync app so you can set it and forget it no matter where you are in the world. Plus, it's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can go hands-free without even having to use the app if you don't want to. It's all meant to be extremely convenient so you can just focus on having a fresher, cleaner home.

Breathe in that crisp air now that fall is on the way, but don't dilly-dally on snagging this deal. It likely won't be around for long.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max leak: Video camera rumored to get this upgrade

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:35

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are reportedly getting a video quality boost.

According to 9to9Mac, the iPhone 16 Pro will shoot videos in 4K resolution at 120fps (frames per second).

This is a boost from the iPhone 15 Pro, which shoots 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max reportedly come with the same camera setup, so both versions of the Pro will have this video quality as well.

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

Furthermore, the outlet reports that the iPhone 16 Pro will shoot ProRes 4K at 120fps when connected to external storage, which is a professional-grade video format. Apple is also updating its QuickTake feature for capturing photos while in video mode from 1080p to 4K.

What else Apple is cooking up for the iPhone 16 series?

Apple's iPhone 16 event is merely days away, and we're already expecting several camera upgrades.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to have a 48MP main lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom.

All iPhone 16 models are expected to come with a new dedicated capture button on the side that activates various features based on the types of presses on the touch-sensitive button.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will reportedly have a larger display thanks to thinner — possibly record-breaking — bezels. Color-wise, Apple is ditching the Titanium Blue, and instead opting for a bronze-ish color rumored to be called "Desert Titanium."

Thanks to the flurry of rumors that come before every Apple event, we have a sense of what to expect from the iPhone 16 series. But we'll have to wait until September 9 to get confirmation.

Want more iPhone 16 news? Check out our oft-updated live blog that will track all rumors up until the big Sept. 9 Glowtime event.

How Elon Musk Is Influencing Donald Trump

NYT Technology - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:21
Their fast-evolving political friendship has become a potential minefield, as Mr. Musk’s sprawling businesses may present conflicts of interest if Mr. Trump is elected in November.

'Challengers' soundtrack preorders are live — here's how to get the iconic score on vinyl

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:09

PRE-ORDER HERE: As of Sept. 6, the soundtrack for the hit film Challengers is available for preorder on vinyl. The bundle costs $33.98 and comes with some extras in addition to the vinyl disc, including collectible trading cards, set photos, and more. Pick up yours today and get it on Nov. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony 'Challengers' Original Score vinyl at Amazon
Pre-Order Here

Challengers was an amazing film in its own right, but how can you talk about everyone's favorite horny tennis movie without mentioning that incredible score? Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have once again served us an absolute ace.

If you also can't get enough of those high-energy synths during the film's title track, we think you'll be excited for this: You can now pre-order the Challengers Original Score on vinyl. Pick up a copy today and get it delivered on release day, Nov. 1.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Sinner vs. Draper in the 2024 US Open online for free

This vinyl bundle not only comes with the iconic score, but also with some fun little extras. You'll get some cool on-set photos from the movies' shooting process, collectible trading cards for each of the films' main characters, and a Phil's Tire Town bumper sticker. For $34, that's not a bad deal. At the time of this writing, you can pre-order your vinyl at Amazon, Rough Trade, Milan Records, and Black Screen Records. Get yours today and channel your inner Tashi, Art, or Patrick on Nov. 1.

Is the male sex toy revolution upon us?

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:08

Sex toys have undergone an impressive rebrand over the last decade. Once hidden in back rooms, vibrators and other toys are now proudly displayed in UK stores like Tesco and Boots, sold by online retailers ASOS and Boohoo, and found on the nightstands of 82 percent of women, according to a report by Bedbible. Famous women from Dakota Johnson to Lily Allen have endorsed them, too.

Men, however, don't seem to be as involved in the sexual wellness revolution. There is a dearth of stats on how many men use sex toys for solo pleasure. You'd be hard-pressed finding a penis stroker in your local supermarket, and I doubt Hollywood actors will be lining up to endorse Fleshlight any time soon. So why is there such a cultural difference between gendered toys? 

SEE ALSO: Predictions for sex in the future that some will love — and some will hate

The sex tech market is now worth over $35 billion, but until recently, something was missing from the conversation: sex toys for men. Sure, the likes of sex dolls and Fleshlights have been knocking around for a while, but they don't hold a candle to the female sex tech advancements of the last few years. Even Lovehoney, the UK's biggest adult toy retailer, offers only 332 men's toys out of 1,052 listed online. 

Enter: Tokyo-born Tenga, a brand eager to change this, bringing Japan's celebrated male sex toy culture to the US and U.S.

Male masturbation shame

The desire for men to self-pleasure with toys is undeniably there. Tenga — who mainly make sex toys for men (women's toys are sold via their sister brand Iroha) —  found that 44 percent of British men want to give them a go for solo play. 

Rather, the problem lies in the stigma attached. Tom, a 27-year-old warehouse manager, loves using sex toys but keeps it a secret from his girlfriend. "It's a weird thing. My girlfriend wouldn't mind me masturbating, but I think she'd freak out if I told her I used a Fleshlight," he says. "There's a massive double standard with sex toys. It's not weird for her to own one."

Zachary Zane, author of memoir and manifesto Boyslut and a sex educator at Fun Factory, agrees. "[Male] sex toys often get a bad rep, especially for solo male masturbation. There's this idea that only perverts, losers, or guys who can't get laid use male masturbators, but this is ridiculous."

Elisabeth Neumann, a sexologist and user research manager at Lovehoney says the reason Lovehoney don't have as many sex toys for men as women is partly because they centred their offering around problems in the bedroom, like the orgasm gap. This is fair enough, since that gap is a wide one. 

Lovehoney did tell Mashable they're expanding their male sex toy range with four new launches planned in the coming years, but this cultural shame stigma surrounding men using sex toys even impacts research and development. 

There's this idea that only perverts, losers, or guys who can't get laid use male masturbators, but this is ridiculous. - Zachary Zane

Neumann explains that test panels and feedback is a huge part of developing new toys at Lovehoney, but in some of their trials, "men have shared feelings around the negative connections they feel are associated with them using sex toys. Whilst women link sex toys to 'self-care,' they view men using them as 'lonely' or 'needy', which is a shame to hear."

She notes, like Zane, that this notion is also ridiculous. "We know [from internal research] that less than one in five people buying a male sex toy are single, so male sex toy use has nothing to do with loneliness." 

Topher Taylor, a sex toy developer, sex educator and brand manager at Clonezone, says that an aversion to solo sex toy use (or talking about it) has a lot to do with gender roles — the cultural scripts we're assigned to follow in society based on our assigned genders. An aversion to using male sex toys or even talking about them is wrapped up in toxic masculinity, he says, because men are not encouraged to embrace sensuality, tenderness, or even just pleasure.

This is perhaps why gay and bisexual men do not share this problem, with 78.5 percent of queer men using sex toys, either alone or with other men. "A lot of sex toy shops are at the centre of the LGBTQ+ community or are owned by queer people," Taylor explains, adding that queer people often have to explore their sexuality alone as they learn who they are, which makes them generally more sexually open. To be queer is to have already broken gender roles; they don't quite apply. 

Men's gender roles don't allow for self expression or playfulness — both required for making masturbation truly fun — so the idea of treating yourself to a toy-based solo session is pretty hard to get your head around. So, how do we change that? 

Normalising male pleasure 

In Tokyo, the situation couldn't be more different. Tenga is a relatively well-known brand in Japan for a masturbator, with its brand recognition rate of around 80 percent in Japan, which is comparable to Apple's brand recognition in the UK. "Most people in the city either own a Tenga toy or know all about them," says CEO Koichi Matsumoto.

Male masturbation and the toys that enhance it are normalised across Tokyo's sex shops. From Wild One in Shibuya to M's Adult Department Store and even the convenience store chain Don Quixote, sex toys are on display next to household items. Tokyo feels like a parallel universe where sex toys aren't shameful, and straight men embrace them for their sexual pleasure.

Wild One owner Atsushi Naito notes that Tokyo's sex toy industry has almost the opposite problem. The city has long had a positive outlook on sex and self-pleasure for men. "Before sex toys were a thing, men were always using something extra to masturbate. They used to take old, congealed pot noodles and use them as a sex toy," he laughs. "We've come a long way since then."

He adds that it's less common to see women shopping for sex toys on their own; they usually purchase with a male partner, whereas men of all ages shop for their own toys.

Naito is working to make his shop more inclusive by advertising female toys and creating a welcoming atmosphere for women and queer people. The shop's entrance, a striking half-vulva, half-penis sculpture surrounded by pride flags, reflects this effort.

While other countries like the USA and most of Europe see a lot of love for sex toys for masturbation from men as well (that's according to Tenga and sex toy brand Hot Octopuss), Britain's male sex toy industry is lagging behind. 

SEE ALSO: Etsy to ban sale of most sex toys, explicit content, and more

Part of the deal with getting British men into sex toys is encouraging them to think beyond just cumming from masturbation, Zane says. "There's this 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' idea where if you can successfully orgasm by using your hand, why would you purchase a toy?" 

So men are missing out on the enhanced self-care and self-pleasure experience many women use masturbation for. "Sex toys feel absolutely freakin' incredible and can enhance all aspects of masturbation, not just the orgasm," he adds. And men can start to look at masturbation as an experience rather than a means to an end. 

Sex toys in relationships 

It's worth noting that this celebratory ethos didn't emerge from nowhere. Sure, Tokyo has long had a positive sex culture for men but designers like Matsumoto have also taken specific steps to cultivate it. There are the crazier ideas like filling a rocket with Tenga cups and launching it into space for publicity, to creating a sex education platform for teens, and even ditching the Japanese word for masturbation at their HQ — "Onanī" — because its linked to shameful Christianity-based sex ideas, instead opting for the English. Education extends to the shopfloor too, with staff at Tenga's own stores trained to speak sensitively to customers. It's efforts like these that create a movement. 

Sex toys are on most guys' nightstands in the country — as standard as a lamp or a book. "Most women would not be bothered about seeing a Tenga toy in their boyfriend's bathroom," Matsumoto says. "They have come to expect it." 

This is another moment where Britain can take a leaf out of Japan's book. Another part of the problem is women feeling uncomfortable with their partners using toys, according to both Taylor and Zane. There are no statistics available on how many women feel discomfort with their male partner's sex toy use, but it feels like a Mumsnet complaint about a woman finding their husband's sex toy goes viral for all the wrong reasons every few months.

Tom added that he thinks his girlfriend would be upset about his sex toys because "there's something seedy about toy use for men. It's like I'm wanking into a fake vagina, and that's an uncomfy thing for some women to think about."

SEE ALSO: Most adult creators use AI in their work, new data says

33-year-old customer support agent Ben* also tells Mashable his girlfriend "straight up kicked off" when she found his Fleshlight. "It was one of their porn star ranges [where the 'vagina' of the Fleshlight mimics that of a famous porn star's] and she felt like it was cheating," he tells Mashable.  

Taylor points out that "a good person should never shame their partner for communicating a consensual and safe desire" and anyone who disallows or expresses disgust in their partner's masturbation habits (regardless of gender) urgently needs to interrogate those thoughts. However, the way male sex toys are typically designed can give every right to complain.

Sex toy design differences 

Matsumoto says male sex toys, including in Japan, typically look like a "vagina in a can." 

"It's an uncomfortable thing," he adds. The look and function of these gadgets, which reduced women to body parts, are just for the one percent," he explains. "I wanted to create something that would appeal to the other 99." 

That's why Tenga's packaging for their disposable range of 'unis', 'cups', and 'eggs' as well as their reusable products ('puffy', 'bobble', 'flip' and 'orb') are technology-based, more reminiscent of a fancy car part than a genital, inspired by Mastumoto's background as a mechanic. 

Taylor says these choices make a huge difference, adding that brands like Tenga as well as Hot Octopuss and Lovense have also done a great job of adopting sleek designs that remind you of tech items like headphones or smart speakers. "It's more appealing and stops the idea that you can [commodify and] objectify [female genitalia]. And they sell really well," he says.  

It's something Lovehoney is carrying into future male sex toy designs too, with Neumann adding they want to "think broader and move away from the simple idea of reenacting penetration and encouraging male testers to not see their toy as a replacement for a companion."

A better future for male sexual wellness is certainly taking shape. Tenga has ramped up its efforts in the UK, setting up pop-ups in various stores, including Selfridges, which they say are more about changing attitudes towards male toys than anything else. Outside of sex toys, startups like Mojo (a community for men overcoming erectile dysfunction) and GASM (an app for male sex and dating advice) are blooming. More men are also practising self-care than ever, of which masturbation is a staple. All this points to a very welcome positive outlook for male sexuality. And the less shame men have around sex toy use, the more options they'll have available. 

* Names of some contributors have been changed to protect their identities.

Amazon deal of the day: Our favorite budget noise-cancelling headphones for travel are down to a record-low price

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:02
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 6: OUR TOP PICK Soundcore Life Q20 noise-cancelling headphones $39.90 at Amazon (save $20.09) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Shark AI Ultra Self-Empty XL robot vacuum $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST TRAVEL DEAL Tile Mate $17.99 at Amazon (save $7) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Soundcore Space A40 earbuds $50.15 at Amazon (save $29.84 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

Plenty of Labor Day deals lingered at Amazon well into the week, but as we head into the weekend, things are a bit more scarce. Not to worry — we still found a few discounts worth adding to your cart.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Sept. 6, including top brands like Anker Soundcore and Shark.

If none of these particularly speak to you, be sure to check back at our picks from Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. Many of those are still live — including $130 off the Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED Fire TV and a record-low price on our favorite budget-friendly gaming laptop.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 noise-cancelling headphones $39.90 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.09 Get Deal

Our favorite budget noise-cancelling headphones for travel, Anker's Soundcore Life Q20s are already a fraction of the price of most noise-cancelling headphones. But with this 33% discount, they're practically a steal at just $39.90. That's a new record low (by a whole eight cents). The Q20s may not have the best noise cancellation on the market, but what they lack in ANC power, they make up for in actual power. These babies will last you up to 40 hours in ANC mode and 60 in standard mode. As Mashable's Bethany Allard put it, "Overall, these headphones epitomize the word decent — but that's not a knock against them at all."

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Self-Empty XL robot vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Join in the robot vacuum revolution without breaking the bank by snagging this half-price deal on the Shark AI Ultra. It's our favorite budget Shark vacuum with a self-empty dock, and it's back on sale for just $299.99 at Amazon. Equipped with LiDAR vision, it can map each room in your home for a precise clean that avoids obstacles. Plus, its self-cleaning brushroll will prevent pet hair from getting tangled up. The included XL base can also hold up to 60 days of dirt and debris (the largest capacity in the Shark lineup), keeping your cleaning routine hands-off for a couple of months at a time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile Mate $17.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $7.00 Get Deal

Traveling this fall? Do yourself a favor and grab the Tile Mate to accompany your luggage. It's one of our favorite Bluetooth trackers, and it's on sale for $17.99 as of Sept. 6. That's 28% in savings. Attach it to your suitcase, camera bag, keys, phone, wallet, or anything else you'd rather not lose and keep eyes on your gear from afar. We've tested these tiny squares and found that they excel as Bluetooth item finders for both iOS and Android users. If you decide to pay for a Tile Premium subscription, you can even unlock extra features, like notifications when you leave items behind and item reimbursement for things that remain lost.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds $50.15 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.84 with on-page coupon Get Deal

With 50 hours of battery life, customizable adaptive noise cancellation, and a fast-charging feature that gives you four extra hours of listening in 10 minutes, the Soundcore Space A40 are pretty powerful at full price. On sale, they're a total steal. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) tested them and found that they "fit securely, deliver strong audio performance, and offer excellent battery life," ultimately outshining Anker's older top-rated models. As of Sept. 6, they're down to just $50.15 with an on-page coupon — that's just a dollar shy of the lowest price on record.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Stave off election season stress with 50% off Calm Premium

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 11:57

50% OFF: As of Sep. 6, get 50% off Calm Premium. Alternatively, new Calm Premium users can try 4 months for free through LinkedIn.

Opens in a new window Credit: Calm Calm $34.99
$69.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Stressing out about the upcoming election? Feeling not so great emotionally in general? There's an app for that. No, really. Calm is an app that exists to help you do just that: calm down and de-stress. This self-care service is all about helping you take care of yourself so you can take a minute to relax, stay centered, mindful and not lose your head. And right now is the perfect time to try it out thanks to a great deal you can snap up.

As of September 6, you can get 50% off a year of Calm Premium, which makes it just $34.99, down from its usual price of $69.99. Alternatively, if you've never tried Calm Premium before, you can try it for 4 months for free thanks to an offer from LinkedIn. From now through October 30, you can experience what the app has to offer by signing up for the trial through your LinkedIn account. When the offer ends, your membership will auto-renew for $69.99 yearly, so if you're not interested in staying with Calm, be sure you remember to cancel it.

Calm gives you access to over 50,000 minutes of content and tools created to help you better manage anxiety and stress. You get narrated stories and exercises taught by experts and content creators with soothing, warm voices that may even help you get better sleep, with specialized Sleep Stories created just for that purpose. If you've ever wanted to fall asleep to the dulcet tones of Harry Styles' voice, Calm has you covered there too. Create healthy mindfulness habits, take care of your body, and much more with premium Calm.

Grab this discount while you can, as it looks to be a limited-time deal. It's time to start prioritizing your mental health and taking care of you.

Get an LG 27-inch monitor on sale for $100

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 11:44

SAVE $80: As of Sept. 6, you can get an LG 27-inch monitor (27MP400-B) for just $99.99, down from the MSRP of $179.99, at Amazon. That's a 44% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27-inch monitor (27MP400-B) $99.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Sometimes, your laptop screen just won’t cut it (think design projects, video editing, or long work hours). Thankfully, we live in a tech-first society where you can transform your tiny laptop screen into a full-on desktop computer by hooking it up to a standalone monitor.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming monitor for upgrading your visuals

Right now, you can get an LG 27-inch monitor (27MP400-B) for just $99.99 at Amazon. The listing price is $129.99, but we found this same monitor on the LG site for $179.99, so you’re actually saving $80. That's 44% off.

This monitor features a three-sided, virtually borderless design, a 75 Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, and a special reader mode to reduce eye strain. It’s also wall-mountable for a more flexible setup.

Score 25% off a Ninja Air fryer Pro just in time for game day

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 11:29

GET $30 OFF: As of Sept. 5, you can get a Ninja Air Fryer Pro for just $89.99, down from $119.99, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount of $30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (5QT) $89.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

With football season in full swing, you might be wondering how you’ll feed your crew without missing the game. Pizza delivery is always an option, but what if you’re hungry right now? With an air fryer, you can whip up crispy, mouthwatering snacks in a fraction of the time it takes to wait for delivery.

As of Sept. 5, you can get a Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (5QT) for 25% off at Amazon, bringing the price down to $89.99 from $119.99. That’s a $30 discount.

SEE ALSO: These air fryer Super Bowl recipes will keep you stuffed during the Big Game

This air fryer features air crisp technology so you can have your faves frozen to crisp without the oil in minutes. It also has a 5-quart capacity — big enough to cook up to four pounds of French fries or chicken wings. The 4-in-1 functionality means it can air fry, broil, roast, and dehydrate.

You’ll also get a recipe book with 20 air fry recipes right out of the box and corresponding cooking charts.

'Starve Acre's disturbing ending, explained

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 11:13

Plenty of horror films have moments that stay with you, but there aren't many with final images as disturbing as Starve Acre's.

The entire last act of Daniel Kokotajlo's movie — based on Andrew Michael Hurley's novel of the same name — is intense, so much so that you may be struggling to make sense of what in the rabbit-nurturing heck you just witnessed.

To try and help piece together the final happenings of this '70s Yorkshire-set horror, we've broken down all the key questions below, from the legend of Dandelion Jack to what really happened to that poor little boy.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best horror movies of 2023, and where to watch them What's Starve Acre about?

After their young son Owen (Arthur Shaw) dies from an asthma attack, Richard (Matt Smith) and Juliette (Morfydd Clark) both experience strange happenings while struggling to deal with their overwhelming grief. On a sabbatical from the university where he teaches, Richard digs in a nearby field to try and uncover the remaining roots of a legendary tree written about in his abusive father's diaries.

While digging Richard discovers the skeleton of a hare, which he boxes up and takes home — only to find that the creature seems to be slowly regenerating itself whenever he looks at its remains alone.

Juliette, meanwhile, is haunted by depression, guilt, and visions of her son, leading her to be open to a visit from local medium Mrs Forde (Melanie Kilburn).

A troubled family. Credit: BFI What happens at the end of Starve Acre?

The remains of the hare completely regenerate, and the now-living creature comes back to the house after Richard and Juliette try to release it into the wild. Juliette becomes obsessed with it, believing it to be the manifestation of a Pagan spirit the locals called Dandelion Jack.

Richard, meanwhile, uncovers the remains of the perfectly preserved "Whistling Tree" that his father was obsessed with. His colleague Steven (Robert Emms) comes to help him dig, but Juliette has a vision that Steven has come to take the hare away from her. She takes a knife and murders Steven, before persuading Richard that Dandelion Jack has come to give them a second chance after their son's death.

In the final moments of the film, Richard kills Juliette's visiting sister Harrie (Erin Richards), providing Dandelion Jack with the third sacrifice needed to complete the legend and cross over from the spirit world.

What's the local legend about Dandelion Jack?

Hang on a minute — who's Dandelion Jack? And what exactly is this local legend? We get glimpses of the story in the writings of Richard's father Neil, but the most concise explanation comes from Richard himself when he tells his colleague what the Whistling Tree is meant to be.

"The womb of nature," says Richard. "The pagan's entrance to the spirit world."

One of these spirits is Dandelion Jack. The legend goes that three human sacrifices are needed to open the doorway and let him in: a child, a woman, and a man. In this case Owen is the first sacrifice, then Steven, and then finally Harrie.

What really happened to their son, Owen?

Before he dies, Owen speaks about Dandelion Jack, using the spirit's other name, Jack Grey. He says Jack Grey has been "whistling" to him. The implication is that Dandelion Jack's spirit is able to influence and communicate with members of Richard's family in an attempt to free himself from the spirit world, first telling Owen to do bad things and then causing his mother not to intervene while he's having an asthma attack.

"When Owen had the asthma attack, I didn't freeze up," Juliette tells Richard towards the end of the film. "I had a moment of clarity that we'd be better off without him. And that was thanks to Jack."

It seems as though Dandelion Jack's spirit was pulling the strings all along, with the goal being to make Owen his first sacrifice.

Juliette treats the hare like a new child. Credit: BFI What's the deal with the hare?

The hare seems to be a physical manifestation of Dandelion Jack. Richard discovers the remains while digging near the buried Whistling Tree (the doorway to Jack's spirit world), and the hare regenerates after Owen — the first sacrifice — has been made.

Whether the hare is Jack's final form is unclear. The film ends at the moment when all three sacrifices have been made, and Juliette has just begun to "nurture" (ick) the hare like a child.

Maybe it's for the best that we don't stick around to find out what happens next.

Starve Acre is currently showing at UK theatres.

Score $50 off NFL Sunday Ticket and set yourself up for the season

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 10:56

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 6, football fans can shave $50 off an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription by using promo code TICKET50. You can also bundle it with YouTube TV and save $85.

Opens in a new window Credit: NFL NFL Sunday Ticket subscription $429.00 at YouTube
$479.00 Save $50.00 Save $50 with code TICKET50 Get Deal

Fall is almost officially here, so it's time to start getting excited for all your favorite autumnal staples: Light jackets, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course, football. If you're a football fan, you know there are many options for watching the big games in the age of streaming, and none of them are cheap. That's why you should take advantage of a good deal when you come across one, like a cool $50 off NFL Sunday Ticket.

For a limited time, new NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers can get their first year of the service for $50 off using code TICKET50. You can also bundle your Sunday Ticket with a YouTube TV membership and save $85 in total using the same code. If you choose not to go for the bundle, you can still get $35 applied to your first 4 months of YouTube TV (then pay $72.99 per month after that). Be quick, though, because this flash deal is only live while supplies last.

SEE ALSO: All of the best football streaming deals for the 2024–2025 NFL season

What exactly do you get with NFL Sunday Ticket? Quite a bit, actually. The big draw is that you'll have access to all the out-of-market Sunday football games that you want to watch, with no restrictions based on your location. Bundled with YouTube TV, you'll be able to watch all the local and national NFL games, meaning you'll have pretty much every live game in one place without having to swap streaming apps constantly. Another cool perk is the multiview feature, which lets you stream up to four games at once on one screen so you're never missing any action. You'll also get unlimited streams at home across multiple devices, plus access to highlights from each game.

The best TV deals from Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 10:24

SAVE UP TO $200: Here are the best deals from Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale. But you'd better hurry; the sale ends today.

Our top picks: Best TV deal overall Insignia 65-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $319.99 at Best Buy (save $130 ) Get Deal Best runner-up TV deal TCL 65-inch Class Q7 Q-Class QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2023) $599.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best budget TV deal Hisense 43-inch Class A6 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $179.99 at Best Buy (save $60) Get Deal

Football season is here again, and if you’re trying to impress your friends with the ultimate game-day setup, Best Buy is throwing a 48-hour flash sale where you can save hundreds on some of the best TVs on the market.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

If you’re not into football (I get it, it’s not for everyone), it might be nice to curl up on the couch and binge-watch your favorite shows or movies on a brand-new, high-quality TV. (Think cozy nights with Practical Magic, Gilmore Girls, and Schitt's Creek.)

As of Sept 6, you can score up to $200 off select Samsung, Toshiba, and Insignia 4K smart TVs during the sale. But you'll want to act fast because once these deals are gone, they're gone.

Here are some of the best TV deals we could find from Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Our pick: Insignia 65-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $319.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Insignia 65-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is $130 off and has everything you’d want from a smart TV, including Alexa voice control, built-in Fire TV, DTS studio sound (with two-speaker playback), and a 4K UHD display for a crisp, clear picture. And at 65 inches, you won’t miss a single play, no matter where you're sitting in the room.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 65-inch Class Q7 Q-Class QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2023) $599.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re willing to spend a little more, the TCL 65-inch Class Q7 Q-Class QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2023) offers a few more features, including a 120 Hz panel refresh rate (ideal for action-heavy movies or gaming), motion rate 480 with MEMC frame insertion, and HDR Ultra (Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG). This TV also has IMAX enhanced certification, an auto game mode with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, four HDMI ports, and Google TV Smart OS.

This TV is a step up from the Insignia feature-wise and great for gaming, streaming, and movies.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Our pick: Hisense 43-inch Class A6 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $179.99 at Best Buy
$239.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a TV for basic streaming, the Hisense 43-inch Class A6 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) is under $200 and has a 4K AI upscaler (so classics, home movies, and even the news look better), game mode plus, DTS virtual: X technology, an AI sports mode, and Google TV. It's a bit smaller than the other TVs, but it's an affordable option with smart features and a 4K display. And for less than $200, you can't beat the value.

How to watch the NFL with a Game Pass

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 09:38

TL;DR: Every 2024 NFL regular season and playoff game — including the Super Bowl — is available to watch worldwide (except the U.S and China) with an NFL Game Pass.

American Football is the nation's favorite game, but interest in this electric sport has been steadily growing around the world in recent years. You can find fans of the NFL in every corner of the globe nowadays, and we can't see things changing anytime soon.

The good news for this dedicated group of fans is that it has never been easier to follow the NFL. If you want to watch every second of the action this season, we have all the information you need.

What is an NFL Game Pass?

The NFL Game Pass offers comprehensive coverage of every single game this season live and on-demand, including the preseason, regular season, postseason, and the Super Bowl. That's a lot of content, but there's actually more. Subscribers also get access to NFL Network, NFL Redzone, NFL originals, highlights, and documentaries.

The NFL Game Pass is available through the DAZN app. Fans can either sign up as a standalone subscription or as an add-on to an existing DAZN package.

Where is the NFL Game Pass available?

The NFL Game Pass is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the U.S. and China.

Usually we would suggest using a VPN (like ExpressVPN) to subscribe to the NFL Game Pass from excluded locations like the U.S. and China, but it looks like DAZN has a block in place. DAZN states that "using a VPN to subscribe to NFL GPI from another country is against DAZN’s terms and conditions and will be blocked by our technology." 

How much does the NFL Game Pass cost?

The NFL Game Pass price differs around the world:

  • Australia — AU$289.99

  • Brazil — R$399.90

  • Denmark — DKK 2,049

  • France — €209.99

  • Germany — €179.99

  • Italy — €199.99

  • Japan — ¥28,800

  • Mexico — MXN 2,700

  • Spain — €179.99

  • UK — £159.99

We would usually suggest using a streaming-friendly VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access a better rate from another country, but due to DAZN's strict block on using VPNs to subscribe to the Game Pass, this doesn't look like an effective tactic at the time of writing.

How to use the NFL Game Pass in the U.S.

The NFL Game Pass is available all around the world, except the U.S. and China. This poses a problem for subscribers traveling through the U.S. If you want to access your subscription in an excluded location, you'll need to use a VPN.

VPNs can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your NFL Game Pass from the U.S. (or China). It sounds complicated, but the process is actually really simple:

  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 any location (except the U.S. or China)

  4. Sign in to NFL Game Pass

  5. Access your NFL Game Pass subscription from the U.S.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for NFL Game Pass?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live 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 so your data is secure

  • Fast connection 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.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 6

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 09:31

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, September 6, 2024:

AcrossPioneering video game in which you slither around and eat apples

  • The answer is Snake.

Mailing alternative to a home address

  • The answer is PObox.

Grammy winner Hayes

  • The answer is Isaac.

Words on a book's spine

  • The answer is title.

Bona fide

  • The answer is real.

Down___ valve (drainage feature on a brass instrument)

  • The answer is spit.

Respectful denial

  • The answer is nosir.

Subside

  • The answer is abate.

Animal whose closest living relative is the wombat

  • The answer is koala.

Microsoft's alternative to Google Sheets

  • The answer is Excel.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

'Presence' review: Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp deliver a uniquely thrilling ghost story

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 07:56

What if a ghost could tell its own story but not speak? That is the wildly compelling premise of Presence. Director Steven Soderbergh reteams with Kimi screenwriter David Koepp for an unconventional haunted house story, creating a film that is sharply funny, beguiling, a bit chilling, and ultimately sweet.

And it all begins with a dizzying opening shot.

SEE ALSO: Steven Soderbergh's 'Kimi' is an electric thriller with an encrypted message of hope The camera is a character in Presence

Presence opens within a house on the break of sunrise. It's still dark inside as the camera swans around from kitchen to hallway, up the stairs and through the bedrooms and back again. There's a slight fish-eye lens effect, even in the darkness, turning the corners of a house into ominous shadows. And the movement of the camera suggests not some passive viewer, but a perspective, a presence.

The next scene is established with daylight. The presence watches (as do we) as a posh real estate agent (Julia Fox) arrives to show the space to the Payne family. The mother, Rebecca (Lucy Liu), is immediately sold, gushing about how the location means her golden child Tyler (newcomer Eddy Maday) could be in the best school district to follow his trajectory as a trophy-winning swimmer. Meanwhile, dad Chris (This is Us' Chris Sullivan) worries the move would be hard on their other teen, Chloe (Foundation's Callina Liang), who has recently lost her best friend to a presumed drug overdose. 

The inherent conflict between Lui's smothering Boy Mom and Sullivan's earnestly vulnerable Girl Dad plays out in passive aggression and outright arguments, all with the wandering eye of the presence floating around as a silent witness. But this being, whose identity, name, and gender are unclear for much of the movie, is most focused on Chloe, who is alone in her grief — until she's not. 

Featured Video For You 'Cuckoo' is Hunter Schafer's first movie. How that helped ground her performance.

The point-of-view perspective in horror is chiefly used to inspire fear in the audience, implying a sinister force or slasher is sizing up a potential victim. But here, the camera's movement conveys no ill intent, in part because of the way the presence tends to hide in Chloe's closet, as if it is scared, not aiming to scare. Props to Soderbergh, who also serves as the film's editor and cinematographer. Long takes that move from one room to another, following conflict and conversation, create a pulsing vulnerability for a character we cannot see or hear, yet understand all the same. I was in awe that when the camera pans from one hurting family member to another, I could feel the yearning of the presence to be seen, to join in, to scream. Presence is extraordinary for all it tells through its moving camerawork alone. 

Presence's cast is extraordinary

Of course, all Soderbergh's sublime cinematography could have been for nought if it weren't for a cast that could grasp the concept. As it is, I'll be absolutely shocked if Presence doesn't get a Best Cinematography Oscar nomination. 

The film demands actors play out long takes that sometimes involve complex choreography. Within that, they need their lines to land on camera but casually. And beyond that, there's the creeping shift in behavior as the presence makes itself known. Some in the house begin to sense it, and their gaze must connect to the lens in a way that is present but not concrete. This way we believe that what they see appears as nothing, as the camera will never leave the presence's perspective to reveal the living's. Liang has the heaviest lift here, as she engages most directly with the ghost, sometimes sensing it, but also realizing how it has the power to move things in her room. Sharing this revelation with her family only sparks a fight and more violent paranormal activity.

SEE ALSO: TIFF 2024 preview: 15 movies you ought to know about

For her part, Liu is perfectly cold as a corporate shark with a ruthless sense of right and wrong, delivering a monologue to her smirking son that's so electrifyingly frank it sparked laughs from a shocked audience. Sullivan is her foil, playing a human teddy bear desperate to save his daughter from a despair he grapples to comprehend. Maday sizzles as a cruel jock who has little patience for his freaky sister, while Liang shoulders the bulk of the film, balancing her scenes of ghostly intrusion with meditations on grief and a budding secret romance with "the coolest guy in school" (West Mulholland in Jared Leto circa My So-Called Life mode). Together, they feel like a real family, the dialogue current and crisply natural, grounding the real so the uncanny hits all the harder. 

Presence is a welcomed genre twist

Soderbergh has played in various genres from heist movies like Ocean's Eleven and Logan Lucky, to psychological thrillers like Unsane and Kimi, the espionage actioner Haywire, and the sexy comedies that make up the Magic Mike trilogy. While technically Presence is a horror movie in conceit, Soderbergh doesn't feel bound by the demands to make it spooky. In fact, the house is not remotely creepy. Admittedly, the music has a flare of whining instruments that recall gothic horror movies of the the 1940s, but this clashes with the girly-pop aesthetic of Chloe's bedroom, effectively underlining how the presence feels out of place here. 

Credit to Koepp, who like Soderbergh has lept from one genre to another, with screenplay credits on everything from Jurassic Park to Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and my personal favorite, the dark diva comedy Death Becomes Her. But his most relevant work to Presence is the woefully underrated Stir of Echoes, a 1999 horror movie, where Kevin Bacon plays a man with newly awakened abilities to commune with the dead. Now, Presence isn't as overtly eerie as Stir of Echoes, which is a more traditional ghost story in that sense. But they share a similar sensibility in Koepp's carefully constructed characters and final act twist. Essentially, his thumb print is clear. 

Koepp employs genre conventions like poltergeist activity: objects moved when the living aren't looking or rooms trashed before their very eyes. But because of Soderbergh's committed POV shots, these actions don't feel like they're intended to scare as much as they are to express a wordless frustration. Likewise, when the family brings in a medium, Lisa (Natalie Woolams-Torres), she looks nothing like you might expect. Rather than a frail white woman in black witchy attire, this supernatural communicator is a robust woman of color, wearing a warm flannel and jeans, as if she's just come from her job as a barista or a kindergarten teacher. These subtle tweaks give a thrilling sense of possibility to Presence, promising the audience it won't play by the rules and so the film could go anywhere. And where it goes it is not only satisfyingly surprising, but smartly sentimental. 

In the end, Presence is a remarkable union of a clever concept and a superb execution. In the wrong hands, fumbled or flashy camerawork could have crushed the character building of the ghost. Soderbergh's steady hand is so mindful in its performance that you can practically feel the expressions of a face you cannot see. The cast expertly builds a believable and complex family bond while effortlessly completing choreographed blocking. And Koepp delivers a final act that is stomach-churningly tense yet tender. All of this collides to make a sublimely realized ghost story that is easily one of the best films of the year. 

Shame you'll have to wait until next year to see it. 

Presence was reviewed out of its international premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the US Jan. 17, 2025. 

Stephen King posts his 'The Life of Chuck' review on X

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 07:22

We already know that Stephen King thinks his latest story adaptation is "a happiness machine", but his latest post about The Life of Chuck is even more glowing.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on Mike Flanagan's upcoming adaptation of his novella of the same name, King described it as "one of the good ones."

Tweet may have been deleted

"It's sad, has a touch of the paranormal, but it's also joyful and life-affirming," said King. "Maybe not what you'd expect from me, but there ya go."

It's not such a surprise if you've read the story – a novella in King's If It Bleeds collection – which follows a man whose world falls apart when he starts to see the same mysterious image of a man called Chuck popping up everywhere.

Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, and Mark Hamill star in the adaptation, which will like have Being John Malkovich surreal mystery vibes.

The Life of Chuck's release date is TBC.

Stephen Colbert re-enacts JD Vance's impossibly awkward donut shop encounter

Mashable - Fri, 09/06/2024 - 06:15
Stephen Colbert has mocked footage of JD Vance's recent appearance in a donut shop.

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