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Google's officially retiring its Assistant tool, instead migrating users to its AI-powered Gemini.
In a blog post announcement, Google wrote: "Over the coming months, we’re upgrading more users on mobile devices from Google Assistant to Gemini; and later this year, the classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads on mobile app stores."
9to5 Google reported that most people with newer phones and upgraded software will be moved to Gemini. Assistant will remain only on phones running Android 9 or earlier that don't have at least 2 GB of RAM.
SEE ALSO: Google is testing AI-only search results, expands AI OverviewsGoogle has recently made a concerted effort to get people to use Gemini. Last month, it pulled the tool from its search app, for instance, and redirected users to the standalone Gemini app. And it's not just phones that'll be migrating to Gemini.
Wrote Google in the blog post:
"Additionally, we’ll be upgrading tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches, to Gemini. We're also bringing a new experience, powered by Gemini, to home devices like speakers, displays and TVs. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the next few months. Until then, Google Assistant will continue to operate on these devices."
In short: So long Assistant, hello Gemini.
Identity theft in Australia is a serious issue. While the digital age has revolutionised the way we communicate, shop, and manage our finances, it has also introduced new vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are constantly finding ways to exploit individuals, making identity theft more prevalent than ever.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 199,100 Australians aged 15 and over experienced identity theft during the 2022-23 financial year.
With new technology and the vast amount of personal information shared online, the damage caused by identity fraud can be extensive and devastating.
To effectively combat identity theft, it’s essential to understand how it occurs, its impact, and the proactive steps you can take to protect yourself.
What is identity theft?Identity theft occurs when criminals steal personal information to commit fraud, whether by taking over existing accounts or opening new ones in your name.
The Australian Federal Police highlight several ways criminals can misuse stolen identities:
Apply for a credit card in your name
Open a bank or building society account
Obtain loans or other financial services
Run up debts
Apply for government benefits
Obtain a driver’s license or register a vehicle
Apply for a job or passport
Sign up for a mobile phone contract
Victims often suffer significant financial distress, as identity theft can lead to drained accounts, mounting debt, and damaged credit scores.
How does identity theft happen?There are various ways cybercriminals obtain and misuse personal information. Some of the most common methods include:
Data Breaches
Hackers target businesses and institutions to access sensitive customer data. If your details are compromised in a breach, criminals may use them for fraudulent activities.
ATM Overlays
Skimming devices placed on ATMs can capture card details and PINs, which criminals then use to access bank accounts.
Malware & Viruses
Malicious software can infect computers and mobile devices, capturing login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive information.
Mail Theft
Stolen mail containing bank statements, credit card offers, or personal documents can provide criminals with enough information to commit fraud.
Dumpster Diving
Discarded documents containing personal data can be retrieved and misused by identity thieves.
Change of Address Fraud
Fraudsters may redirect your mail to another location, gaining access to personal and financial information.
The effects of identity theft can be severe, leading to financial, legal, and emotional distress.
Consider the case of Australian Sarah Luke, who fell victim to a data breach in 2022. The first signs of trouble emerged in December when cybercriminals took control of her PayPal account in a credential stuffing attack. Over two days, they used her account to buy and sell counterfeit Adidas and NBA merchandise worth over $1 million.
How can you protect yourself against identity theft?To minimise your risk and help protect your identity in the digital age, follow these essential security practices:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security helps prevent unauthorised access.
Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for suspicious transactions.
Secure Personal Documents: Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them, and store important paperwork securely.
Beware of Phishing Scams: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources.
Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi: Encrypt your internet connection to prevent data theft.
Regularly Update Software: Keeping your devices and apps updated helps protect against vulnerabilities.
As an additional layer of protection, identity protection services such as Norton Identity Advisor Plus not only assist in recovering from identity theft but also help serve as a preventive measure.
Comprehensive identity protection, such as Norton Identity Advisor Plus, includes financial and social media monitoring to help monitor suspicious activity across your bank accounts and popular social media accounts, dark web monitoring to notify you if your personal information has been found on the dark web, as well as identity restoration support and identity theft insurance providing guidance and financial support in the case of identity theft.
Identity restoration supportIf your identity is stolen, an identity restoration specialist will provide advice and support to help you resolve your identity theft issue by:
Evaluating your claim of potential identity theft to provide relevant guidance
Help guide you to resolve your identity theft issue with relevant parties, including merchants, credit card companies, financial institutions, collection agencies, government agencies or other parties and if needed make three-way mediation calls with you and relevant parties.
Accessing over 7,000 verified merchant fraud processes worldwide, and a helping hand to get your identity theft case started
Personal care from Restoration Specialists dedicated to your case from beginning to end, until it is resolved.
Having a dedicated identity restoration specialist can make the recovery process more manageable and help you prevent further damage.
Financial monitoringFinancial monitoring services can help you catch unknown transactions, which could be a sign of potential fraud. These services help track suspicious activity, flagging potential risks before they further escalate.
Cybercriminals frequently trade stolen credit card numbers, and data breaches often lead to millions of exposed records. Hackers use advanced tools to steal data, making financial monitoring a crucial line of defence against fraud.
Dark web monitoringDark web monitoring is a service that continuously searches underground online marketplaces, data dumps, and hacker forums where stolen information is traded. It notifies you if your personal information is found in these locations, giving you the chance to take preventive action.
Social media monitoringMany individuals share personal information on social media, making them easy targets for identity theft. Social Media Monitoring service monitors your accounts across popular social media platforms, alerting you to suspicious activity, such as unauthorised logins or attempts to impersonate you.¹
Identity theft insuranceIdentity theft protection services often include coverage for financial losses and legal fees related to identity theft. The aforementioned Norton Identity Advisor Plus provides Australians with:
Up to $58K AUD in total identity-theft insurance coverage in your name:²
Up to $25K AUD for legal expense reimbursement
Up to $25K AUD in obligation to pay cover
Up to $3K AUD for lost income
Up to $5K AUD for miscellaneous expenses
Having a financial cushion can help mitigate the impact of identity fraud and ease the burden of recovery.
Take control of your digital identityIdentity theft is a growing threat in the digital age, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can help safeguard your identity. By staying vigilant, using robust security measures, and leveraging identity protection services, you can reduce your identity theft risk and navigate the digital world more confidently.
Investing in a trusted identity protection service like Norton Identity Advisor Plus provides an extra layer of security and more peace of mind in an increasingly connected world.
¹ Social Media Monitoring is not available on all social media platforms and the features differ between platforms, for details go to: Norton.com/smm. Does not include monitoring of chats or direct messages. May not identify all cyberbullying, explicit or illegal content or hate speech.
² Terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations apply. See the Identity Theft Insurance Australia Policy Information Booklet found on https://www.nortonlifelock.com/au/en/legal/ for details. Coverage provided by AIG Australia Limited AFSL 381686 (AIG). NortonLifeLock Australia Pty Ltd (Norton) act as a group purchasing body in acquiring and arranging the insurance coverage under a group policy issued by AIG to Norton. Norton does not hold an Australian financial services licence. Please obtain your own financial product advice about our services and consider the policy information booklet to determine if the coverage is right for you.
TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. Pakistan 1st T20 for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has kept fans entertained over the last few weeks, but the international cricket doesn't end there. Pakistan are heading to New Zealand to compete in a series of T20 and ODI games. Can they give their fans something to cheer for after an incredibly disappointing showing in the ICC Champions Trophy?
If you want to watch New Zealand vs. Pakistan (1st T20) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is New Zealand vs. Pakistan (1st T20)?The 1st T20 between New Zealand and Pakistan takes place at 9:15 p.m. ET on March 15. This ODI takes place at Hagley Oval.
How to watch New Zealand vs. Pakistan for freeNew Zealand vs. Pakistan (1st T20) is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.
TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access a free live stream of New Zealand vs. Pakistan from anywhere in the world.
Live stream New Zealand vs. Pakistan 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 New Zealand
Visit TVNZ+
Stream New Zealand vs. Pakistan for free from anywhere in the world
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 New Zealand vs. Pakistan (1st T20) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on TVNZ+, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand
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Live stream New Zealand vs. Pakistan (1st T20) for free with ExpressVPN.
Considering humans don't have a spacecraft capable of traveling to planets beyond the solar system, scientists have to get creative if they want to find clues of life existing light-years away.
Now a group of scientists is proposing a new way for astronomers to look for signs of aliens using the James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration of NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies: look for methyl halides.
These gases — composed of carbon, hydrogen, and a halogen, like chlorine — are mostly made by bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants. The chemicals are particularly intriguing as a potential sign of life because they can be detected in infrared light, which is Webb's viewing specialty.
Furthermore, scientists think the gases may show up in higher concentrations around worlds with hydrogen-thick atmospheres, a type of planet Webb scientists are hunting for. These worlds, thought to have seas, are called "Hycean," combining the words "hydrogen" and "ocean." They would be among a class of planets called sub-Neptunes: smaller than Neptune but larger than Earth.
Their larger size is what makes them easier targets to observe than small rocky worlds like Earth.
"One of the great benefits of looking for methyl halides is you could potentially find them in as few as 13 hours with James Webb. That is similar or lower, by a lot, to how much telescope time you’d need to find gases like oxygen or methane," said Michaela Leung, a planetary scientist at the University of California in Riverside, in a statement. "Less time with the telescope means it’s less expensive."
SEE ALSO: Scientists haven't found a rocky exoplanet with air. But now they have a plan. A Hycean world is thought to have a hydrogen-thick atmosphere over an ocean. Credit: Pablo Carlos Budassi illustrationThe paper, published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, follows a controversial study in 2023, wherein another team used Webb to study the planet K2-18 b's atmosphere and found a tenuous, unconfirmed chemical signal for dimethyl sulfide gas. That molecule is produced by phytoplankton, or microalgae, in Earth's waters, and because it's believed the substance is only produced by living things, the previous team suggested it could be an indication of life.
The report created a lot of hubbub among habitable world experts. Skeptics criticized the weakness of the signal and other claims in the research, such as the belief that the planet is a water world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. The team was convinced it was a Hycean world because Webb detected other molecules, such as methane and carbon dioxide, and no signs of ammonia, consistent with predictions for these planets.
A study on exoplanet K2-18 b, which orbits a cool dwarf star in its so-called "habitable zone," incited controversy in 2023. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Joseph Olmsted illustrationBut one thing the debate emphasized was the need for more research on what kinds of gases Webb could be well-suited to detect, as well as which ones are good bets for biological activity. Oxygen, for example, might be impossible to detect, due to current technological constraints.
The new paper from the UC Riverside team posits Webb could detect one particular methyl halide, methyl chloride, on Hycean planets. The amount needed for detection is about 10 parts per million, which is similar to what is found in some areas on Earth. Computer simulations showed the telescope could detect it in as few as 14 observations.
Webb observes exoplanet atmospheres using a technique called transmission spectroscopy. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustrationWebb conducts atmosphere studies using a technique called transmission spectroscopy. When planets cross in front of their host stars, starlight is filtered through their air. Molecules within the atmosphere absorb certain light wavelengths, or colors, so by splitting the star’s light into its basic parts — a rainbow — astronomers can detect which light segments are missing to discern the molecular makeup of an atmosphere.
One thing to note about the theorized Hycean worlds: Although scientists are curious if microbes could exist on such planets, humans would not be able to breathe in that environment. Still, if astronomers began to find methyl halides in several exoplanets' atmospheres, it could mean microbial life isn't rare in the galaxy.
"That would reshape our understanding of life’s distribution and the processes that lead to the origins of life," Leung said.
Andrew Patterson's sophomore feature The Rivals of Amziah King is a comedic modern Western that swerves headfirst into lurid revenge drama — all while featuring soulful musical interludes, centering on a story about stolen bees. It runs the emotional and tonal gamut akin to a South Indian blockbuster, with the requisite stylizations that make it feel enormous in scope. It's country maximalism, with a highly controlled visual approach that feels liberated, to the point of overcoming even the movie's most noticeable flaws.
It starts out incredibly strong, fumbles along the way, but recovers magnificently by throwing off the shackles of expectation (not to mention, of consistent morality). There are times when its tale of a kindly apiarist and mandolin strummer, Amziah King (Matthew McConaughey), verges on outsider art — given its whizbang unfurling and rosy view of disquieting character turns — which only makes it more meaningful when it maintains an unwavering focus on community.
In that vein, the film is equally about Amziah's foster daughter, a young Choctaw girl named Kateri (Angelina LookingGlass), who returns to their rural Oklahoma town after years away, and slowly begins to feel at home. After establishing a wistful, folksy emotional core told with the broadness of soap opera, The Rivals of Amziah King earns the right to fly off the rails, since it also earns its audience's trust enough to know they'll follow.
What is The Rivals of Amziah King about?It's incredibly appropriate that such delicious junk food cinema opens in the dusty parking lot of a fried steak sandwich shack, where a group of musicians tunes up in preparation for the arrival of their ostensible leader. A cowboy boot hits the ground as the camera tilts up and reveals Amziah — bearded and bandanna'd, much like the film's director — joining his troupe to lead a delightful, impassioned bluegrass number.
The Rivals of Amziah King is as much about its rural setting as it is about its rollicking, Simpsons-esque plot, which builds with detailed absurdity. Soon after the movie's musical intro, Amziah — known to process and harvest honey — is sought out by the local sheriff to consult on the origins of several recovered barrels of the sugary substance.
The movie treats honey, its sale, and its manufacture with the same somberness and gravity as Breaking Bad does crystal meth. This approach becomes even more amusing when Amziah's attempts to discern the barrels' owner — with the help of some blue collar musicians looking for extra cash — results in a gory industrial accident, shot and edited with casual flair. This tips the movie over into a riotous slapstick comedy, whose premise becomes increasingly more difficult to explain to each character Amziah encounters.
As Amziah recovers from the evening's madness in a diner booth at dawn, one of the onlookers he runs into happens to be Kateri, a Native teen who once lived with him when he and his late wife fostered vulnerable youth, now working as a waitress. The realization puts the most loving smiles on both their faces. Much of the movie's first half follows Amziah not only reintroducing Kateri to the community but making her feel a part of it, regaling her with idiosyncratic stories through both speech and song.
The Rivals of Amziah King is a movie about community.The film's musical numbers are all diegetic, and they all fit within the narrow confines of what Amziah and his band are capable of playing. However, The Rivals of Amziah King has all the energy and heightened reality of a traditional movie musical, whether or not it technically is one. You could make the argument either way, but its songs prove to be a meaningful dramatic venue for how much the reluctant Kateri does or does not feel connected to those around her, as Amziah playfully convinces her to join in the song and dance.
His rustic Southern storytelling borders on folkloric, especially how he ties bees and beekeeping into his nostalgic view of communal bonds. So, it follows that Kateri would find belonging in his employ. During this first hour, the movie's lack of overarching conflict is never a hurdle, given its good-natured allure. However, a sudden turn midway through leads to the disappearance of Amizah's entire bee colony, leaving Kateri as the center of both the narrative and a vigilante investigation into those responsible.
Up to that point, Amziah, and the film at large, have framed the bees not only as a metaphor for their town but an integral part of it as well, by approaching labor as an act of mutual good. Every element of the movie is geared towards ensuring its fabric feels collectivist and communal, even while its colorful individual characters stand out, from Owen Teague's eager fiddler, to Rob Morgan's lawyer-pianist, to Cole Sprouse's fast-food worker and tech sleuth. Perhaps the most lovable among the merry supporting cast is Amziah's buddy and beekeeping handyman played by Scott Shepherd, whose slurred speech is initially impenetrable to outsiders. But as the film goes on, both Kateria and the audience begin to understand him more clearly — as though we'd been welcomed into the community.
The Rivals of Amziah King is filled with the kind of sugary, "aww, shucks" goodness you could see McConaughey using to launch a heartland political career, but at the same time, there's nothing cynical about it. When the film eventually takes its midpoint turn, during which the bees disappear and Amziah is sidelined from the narrative, their absence is palpable. By this point, we understand intuitively how tight-knit the bonds of this small town are, from their potlucks to their gatherings to watch musical performances, and anything that hurts one of them ends up hurting them all.
This detour comes with a few downsides, including a visual language that doesn't immediately match the verve of its first half. However, the impact of those initial scenes continue to ripple and resonate, propelling The Rivals of Amziah King even during its less engaging moments.
The Rivals of Amziah King is an audio-visual treat.Even when The Rivals of Amziah King shifts into dour territory, forcing Kateri to perform bafflingly malicious actions, the film's communal justifications remain at the back of our minds. This is in part because LookingGlass delivers such a sincere, wide-eyed performance even when turning to ostensible evil — that a turn this ludicrous works is a wonder! — but it's also owed to how unflinchingly the camera captures every physical and ethical dimension.
The film has no qualms about how destructive Kateri becomes during her revenge mission. Her actions aren't violently over the top, but they exist in the shadows and have disturbing ripple effects; at one point, she even considers poisoning a dog to get what she wants. And yet, the camera retains its adoration for her. While this more serious, straightforward second half slows down for a breather, the heroic aesthetic language it uses to capture LookingGlass seldom deviates from how Patterson shoots McConaughey in initial scenes, framing Kateri as a worthy spiritual successor to Amziah.
There's a mythic quality to both lead characters, owed to both subtle push-ins, as well as overt visual swings like speed-ramping and slow-motion during musical scenes, as well as still snapshots during energetic frolic. Each visual detail stands out, from the texture of food to the stomping of boots around the table to create rhythm — even the arhythmic sound Amziah's wedding ring makes when he taps it on the table, drawing attention to a void in his life. The film is in a state of perpetual motion and constant transformation.
Together, all these moments make The Rivals of Amziah King feel like it's floating on air. All the while, it takes you with it, making you feel like you're being lifted out of your seat, thanks to the high of a riotously funny, expertly sappy musical melodrama that borrows from the mythical image-making of traditional Westerns, but creates something wholly new.
The Rivals of Amziah King was reviewed out of its world premiere at 2025 SXSW.
Consequences, they say, collect in low places.
A new NASA analysis, using data collected from different specialized satellites, reports that sea levels rose more than expected in 2024. But as any earth scientist will emphasize, the data in any particular year isn't nearly as important as the long-term trend. And the agency's analysis shows that global sea levels have gone up over 10 centimeters, or about four inches, since 1993 when satellites started measuring ocean height, and this rate is increasing. (Overall, sea levels have risen some eight to nine inches since 1880.)
“Every year is a little bit different, but what’s clear is that the ocean continues to rise, and the rate of rise is getting faster and faster," Josh Willis, who researches sea level rise at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: What will happen when the next supervolcano erupts, according to NASAAfter reporting on sea level rise — which stokes increased flooding and storm damage while threatening coastal infrastructure from sewage plants to water supplies — over the past decade, the most common responses I receive on the topic (beyond the unprintable) are either essentially "that's barely any sea level rise" or "stop sensationalizing sea level rise." It's true that four inches of sea level rise over the last few decades may not be concerning or noticeable to some people. And just four inches itself, occurring in a temporal vacuum, doesn't spell a serious problem. The problem, however, is it's not stopping at four inches.
In a previous report authored by top researchers at a diversity of U.S. agencies — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, the Department of Defense, and beyond — scientists project sea levels will rise by some 10 inches to a foot along the U.S. coast over just the next three decades. And again, it won't stop there, either. The U.S. could see several feet of sea level rise by the century's end. (Different longer-range sea level rise scenarios are shown later in this story.)
The new NASA graphic below shows the picture captured by satellites since 1993. Importantly, the rate of sea level rise increase has doubled over this period. Satellites, like the Sentinel-6/Michael Freilich spacecraft, use radar altimeters to observe sea level rise by beaming radio waves from space to the surface, which reflect off the ocean and return to the satellite.
Sea level rise as measured by earth-observing satellites since 1993. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.There are two main contributors to sea level rise. The largest contributor, at some two-thirds, is melting ice. Globally, nearly all mountain glaciers are shrinking, and much glacial water ultimately enters the ocean. What's more, the colossal ice stores on Greenland and Antarctica are melting enormous amounts of water into the sea. (The Greenland Ice Sheet, about three times the size of Texas, lost some 200 gigatons annually between 2003 and 2019. A gigaton equals 1 billion metric tonnes.) The second is thermal expansion: As the seas absorb more heat, they expand.
In 2024, however, thermal expansion played a larger role, which is little surprise as 2024 was Earth's hottest year on record (the seas absorb over 90 percent of the heat humans trap on Earth). This boosted sea level rise a bit above current annual expectations, to nearly a quarter inch. (Rising surface temperatures are part of another clear trend: The last 10 consecutive years have been the warmest 10 on record, NASA says.)
In the coming years, however, Earth's melting ice sheets will play an outsized role in sea level rise. "The ice sheets are just getting warmed up," NASA's Willis previously told Mashable.
"The ice sheets are just getting warmed up."There is uncertainty about how much sea levels will rise by the century's end because humanity has never seen such human-caused melting before. How much water, for example, will Antarctica's destabilized, Florida-sized Thwaites Glacier dump into the oceans in the coming years? "Thwaites is the one spot in Antarctica that has the potential to dump an enormous amount of water into the ocean over the next decades," Sridhar Anandakrishnan, a professor of glaciology at Penn State University who researches Thwaites, told Mashable in 2021.
Four inches since 1993 is really just the beginning as Earth continues to warm.
The following five long-term (2050-2150) sea level rise scenarios, compiled by U.S. agencies in the comprehensive report cited above, cover a wide range of possibilities. The "low" scenario — involving an extremely ambitious climate target — requires global nations to stabilize Earth's warming at around 1.6 degrees Celsius (2.8 degrees Fahrenheit) above 19th-century temperature levels by mid-century. Compared to sea levels in 2000, the "Intermediate" scenario for the U.S. below, which projects 1.3 feet of sea level rise by 2050 and several feet by 2100, is a world warmed by around 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) by mid-century.
Five potential sea level rise scenarios for both the U.S. and the globe. Credit: NOAA 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical ReportUltimately, the amount of sea level rise experienced by our descendants is up to the choices made by the most unpredictable part of the climate equation — us.
Matt Damon better watch his back, because Jon Bernthal has such electric bro-y chemistry with Ben Affleck in The Accountant 2 that the Matt-and-Ben days may be firmly behind us.
Astonishingly, this sequel to Gavin O'Connor's hit 2016 action film is rip-roaringly funny, thanks to this unexpected comedy duo. Sure, Affleck and Bernthal are both reprising their respective roles as autistic accountant Christian Wolff and his mercenary brother Braxton. But the first film kept them apart for much of its runtime. In The Accountant 2 (pronounced The Accountant Squared, according to O'Connor), Christian and Braxton are thrust together in a chaotic buddy-cop mission that makes for comical clashing along with cheer-worthy fight scenes.
Props to O'Connor. The heralded helmer behind such popular sports dramas as Warrior and Miracle has made one of the most entertaining comedies 2025 is likely to deliver.
The Accountant 2 offers a killer new enemy, a vengeance mission, and line dancing.True to the first film, The Accountant 2 presents a confounding puzzle for Christian to solve. Eight years after the events of the first film, his friend from the Treasury Department, Raymond King (J.K. Simmons) winds up dead after meeting with a stoic assassin (a cool-as-ice Daniella Pineda). To achieve justice, Ray's protege Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) reaches out to the accountant for help, but her by-the-book ways instantly clash with his neurodivergent reasoning. Matters only get more explosive when Christian calls on his powder keg brother Braxton to join their squad.
While Pineda's mysterious assassin is on a mission of her own, the brothers bicker and battle, wringing excitement out of every fight scene and laughs out of every jibe. As established in The Accountant, Christian has a very regimented way of living in his trusty Airstream RV, relying on his ever-on-call assistant Justine (Alison Wright) for research or advice on how to dress for a speed-dating event. Where Christian is the brains, trying to outwit everything, including online dating algorithms, Braxton is brawn, fueled by impulse. But both are lonely. So The Accountant 2 — on top of all its espionage rigamarole — is about their reconnecting.
Fans of superhero movies might most relish when the former Batman and Punisher stars barrel into a high-stakes climax with many lives on the line. But anyone could be charmed by the sequence at a Los Angeles honky-tonk bar, where Braxton urges Christian to flirt back with a cute cowgirl.
Props to Affleck, who told the SXSW audience at the film's world premiere that he practiced line dancing for months to get it right. It's not just the dance moves that his intensely focused anti-hero masters, it's the expression on his face of discovery and bubbling excitement that Christian can break out of his protective shell. And just when you think this sequence can't get anymore enthralling, a fight breaks out that leads to a freeze-frame of a brawl-ready Braxton, evoking not only '80s action nostalgia but also screams of laughter from the SXSW audience.
Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are hilarious in The Accountant sequel.There are moments where The Accountant 2 feels unreal. I don't mean the movie's world feels false. I mean, it seems impossible that a studio sequel like this can exist.
On one hand, screenwriter Bill Dubuque smartly delivers on the expectations of a sequel to The Accountant, which he also penned. Essential is a fresh mystery for his unconventional sleuth to solve with a mix of brains and blood shed. Forgotten is the clumsy romance subplot with Anna Kendrick's law-abiding accountant, replaced by charmingly awkward bids to find a suitable romantic partner. Dubuque also leaned hard into the screen chemistry between Braxton and Christian, which only only became apparent in the first film's climax. And he did it with eccentric setups no one could have seen coming.
On paper, an action movie with Bernthal and Affleck should almost be guaranteed to be deeply serious, leaning into the brooding both mastered in their respective superhero projects. But we've been there, done that! What O'Connor and Dubuque tap into here is the comic brilliance of their famously intense leading men.
Affleck has gamely played a pompous clown in Matt Damon movies like The Last Duel, Air, and Good Will Hunting. But as Christian, he is solidly the straight man, vaguely bewildered by his brother's overwhelming emotions and flare for the dramatic. Yet Affleck weaves in self-satisfied smiles that give the audience a conspiratorial thrill as if we're all in on the same joke when Christian revels in his own cleverness.
Less known for comedy, Bernthal has nonetheless becomes a fan favorite as the mercurial older brother in The Bear. As Braxton, he brings a kinetic little brother energy to his natural machismo, making a dynamic foil to Christian's reservedness. Their conflict is sparkily funny, whether they're bickering about being a dog person versus a cat person or the best course of action for an ambush.
Within that, O'Connor masterfully chisels a story of two brothers, long estranged, who teach each other how to open themselves up to a world that has frequently been a bully to them. Dubuque gives them a map of brotherly love and rivalry, providing challenges and treasure, like a daring rescue mission and a stray cat. But Affleck and Bernthal give it dimension with each shared glare, awkward back slap, and childish retort.
That O'Connor delivered another terrifically tense thriller is no surprise. That he wove kidnapping, vengeance, action, and brotherly bonding into a wonderful feel-good movie is stunning. As was made clear at the SXSW premiere, where the audience roared with laughter and cheers throughout, The Accountant 2 is an undisputed crowdpleaser. You won't want to miss it.
The Accountant 2 was reviewed out its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW film and television festival. The movie opens only in theaters on April 25.
Andor, which returns to Disney+ for its second and final season in April, has a reputation for being the most mature Star Wars TV show yet — not just in its concept, but in its language.
You can see that clearly in a new official Andor season 1 recap video, which contains multiple references to the "bastards" of the Empire. You can see it in the first known use of "shit" in the galaxy far, far away. But you almost saw more extreme language in the season finale speech from Maarva (Fiona Shaw), adopted mother of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna).
"Fight the Empire," Maarva says in one of the show's most emotive scenes, rousing a riot via her pre-recorded holographic self-eulogy. But as Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy confirmed to Mashable, his script actually called for Maarva to say, "Fuck the Empire" — and that was a problem for the stewards of the Star Wars brand at Lucasfilm.
"That one word... It was always like, 'Hey, we're going to put it in there, it kind of works, and here's why we think you should do it," Gilroy told Mashable.
The famed Hollywood director even wrote a memo so extensive that he has previously described it as "a legal brief" laying out the reasons why this particular expletive would be appropriate at this pivotal point in his story.
But Lucasfilm held firm. Unlike the Star Trek franchise, Star Wars has never dropped an f-bomb — and introducing it might also introduce too many questions in fans' minds.
For example, if this word exists in the Star Wars universe, how come it was never heard in the cantina on Tatooine, that supposed "hive of scum and villainy"?
SEE ALSO: F-bombs on the starboard bow! 'Star Trek' swears for the first time ever"It wasn't a fight," Gilroy said of his tangle with Lucasfilm over the memo. "It was a discussion, the way it should be." Now, looking back on this debate and its relative merits, Gilroy admitted, "they were right" to focus on the fight.
"The whole experience with Kathy [Kennedy, Lucasfilm president] and Lucasfilm and Disney, all the way through from Rogue One... I mean, nobody has ever messed with us at all," Gilroy said. "The gamble they've taken with us, the way they've backed our play, it's extraordinary. It's the thing every filmmaker dreams about.
"They've been unbelievable. So yeah, they were right."
No word yet on the amount of cursing in Andor season 2. But you can guarantee there isn't a single f-bomb as Cassian travels down the road of rebellion towards the explosion that kills him at the end of Rogue One.
TL;DR: Own Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and Windows 11 Pro for life — no subscriptions, no hidden costs — for just $54.97 (reg. $438) through March 30.
Why pay for software over and over again when you can make a one-time purchase and own it forever? For a limited time, you can grab Microsoft Office Professional 2021 + Windows 11 Pro for just $54.97 (reg. $438) through March 30 at 11:59 p.m.
This two-piece offer eliminates the need for monthly subscriptions and recurring payments. It gives you lifetime access to Microsoft’s most essential productivity suite and its most advanced operating system in one affordable package.
With this bundle, you get Microsoft Office 2021 Professional, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, Access, and Publisher — the complete set of tools for work, school, or business.
On top of that, you get Windows 11 Pro, a powerful operating system built for productivity, security, and seamless multitasking. This is an easy way to upgrade your workflow, future-proof your setup, and enjoy AI-powered features without the hassle of ongoing payments.
Windows 11 Pro adds another layer of efficiency with a sleek, modern design and powerful features. Copilot AI helps automate tasks, organize work, and boost productivity, while advanced security settings like BitLocker encryption and biometrics login keep your data safe.
With enhanced multitasking tools like Snap Layouts and seamless redocking, you can keep multiple projects running smoothly without losing your place. This is Microsoft’s most advanced OS yet, designed to keep up with professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who needs a reliable, secure system.
Unlike Microsoft 365, this isn’t a subscription that will keep charging you indefinitely. Once you buy it, it’s yours. There are no price hikes, no unexpected auto-renewals, and no losing access if you forget to pay. It’s a predictable, cost-effective way to own Microsoft’s best tools without sweating over the price.
At just $54.97 for both Microsoft Office Professional 2021 + Windows 11 Pro, you'll save hundreds of dollars compared to buying Office and Windows separately.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $54.97TL;DR: The NanoPhone is a fully functional, credit card-sized smartphone that's now just $99.97 (reg. $199.99) until March 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Ever wished you could carry a backup phone without feeling like you're lugging around a brick? It would def come in handy for things like weddings or nights out at the bar when you don't want to stash it in your pocket. Well, friends, the NanoPhone is a credit card-sized smartphone that’s so compact, it’ll have people doing double takes when you pull it out.
It may be small, but this isn’t some novelty gadget—it’s a fully functional 4G smartphone. With dual SIM support, Wi-Fi, voice and video calls, and even a front and rear camera, the NanoPhone is a lightweight device for travel, nights out, or as a reliable backup phone. And for a limited time, it’s just $99.97 (reg. $199.99) through March 16 at 11:59 p.m.—no coupon needed.
Despite its tiny footprint, the NanoPhone handles essential tasks effortlessly. Need to make calls, send messages, browse the web, or check WhatsApp and Instagram? No problem. The 3.0-inch HD touchscreen keeps everything accessible, and with 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, you’ll always be just a tap away from your contacts, notifications, and social feeds.
Even better, it supports dual SIM cards, so you can run two numbers on one device—ideal for separating work and personal calls or keeping an international SIM for travel. And yes, it even has cameras for quick snapshots and video chats.
Sometimes, carrying your full-sized smartphone just isn’t practical. Maybe you’re at a concert or sporting event and don’t want to risk losing your expensive phone. Or perhaps you need a backup device for emergencies that won’t take up much space.
And it’s also a great conversation starter. People will gawk at how tiny and functional it is, making it a fun and useful gadget to have on hand.
For just two days, you can snag this ultra-portable NanoPhone smartphone for only $99.97 (reg. $199.99) through March 16 at 11:59 p.m.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: NanoPhone NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $99.97TL;DR: Own Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac forever with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more—all for a one-time payment of just $79.97 (reg. $219.99) through March 30.
If you’re tired of pricey subscriptions and just want the classic Microsoft Office apps on your Mac without the extra fluff, this offer is for you. For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for just $79.97 (reg. $219.99) through March 30 at 11:59 p.m.
This one-time purchase gives you permanent access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote — the essential tools for writing, crunching numbers, creating presentations, managing emails, and staying organized. It’s a straightforward solution for professionals, students, and small business owners who need reliable software without AI-driven distractions or subscription headaches.
Yes, Microsoft Office 2024 exists, but sometimes newer isn’t better. With Office 2021, you get eight classic apps instead of just the five in the latest version. And the interface is familiar, so you won’t waste time re-learning where everything is.
Plus, if you don’t want AI writing your emails or changing how you work, Office 2021 keeps things efficient, intuitive, and distraction-free. There are no recurring fees or surprises — just the productivity suite you know and trust.
Note: This license requires macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura, or macOS 14 Sonoma, so make sure your Mac is up to date before purchasing.
Unlike Microsoft 365, which locks you into monthly or annual fees, this one-time payment lets you own Office 2021 forever. That means no auto-renewal charges or worrying about price hikes. It also means no unnecessary software changes disrupting your workflow.
You get reliable apps that make your workdays easier — whether you're drafting reports in Word, analyzing data in Excel, or running a business with Outlook and Teams.
For just $79.97, this limited-time offer saves you over 60% on Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac. But don’t wait — this deal disappears after March 30 at 11:59 p.m.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $79.97TL;DR: Surf the web safely and without restrictions with the Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router, now only $149.97 (reg. $219) through March 30.
Whether you want to watch an exotic version of "Love Island" or are a stickler for online security and looking to beef up your privacy, portable VPN routers are great for many reasons.
The Deeper Connect Air plugs right into your laptop and offers all the perks of a VPN without the hefty subscription fees. And right now, it's just $149.97 — $70 off the usual price — for life through March 30.
This VPN router provides security and freedomVPNs can be intimidating, but the Deeper Connect Air keeps things super simple. Just plug the router's USB-C output directly into your laptop, then pick a server from over 150,000 worldwide options. There's no configuration needed.
Once you're up and running, you can wirelessly pair up to five devices. This lets you share the safety, as Deeper Connect Air offers military-grade encryption that protects your important data anywhere... even on public Wi-Fi.
Unlike traditional VPNs, Deeper Connect Air uses a decentralized network of nodes. This means instead of connecting via one server, it connects via a network of independent users, offering better privacy, faster speeds, and improved reliability.
Another cool perk over your old VPN? There are no subscription fees. Pay just once and enjoy a lifetime of safe, free internet browsing.
If you're a frequent flier, Deeper Connect Air is an excellent option for travelers. It is portable enough to pack for a flight at just 26g and offers global connectivity to bypass geo-restrictions. This means you can keep watching your comfort show on Netflix no matter what country you visit.
Stay safer and feel freer online with the Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router, now $149.97 through March 30.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Network Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router $149.97TL;DR: Learn Spanish, French, German, and more with Babbel — lifetime access is just $129.99 with code LEARN40—exclusively through StackSocial until March 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Close your eyes and imagine this lovely scenario: you’re strolling through the streets of Paris, café au lait in hand, when you lock eyes with a charmingly mysterious local. You muster up the courage to say something — only to realize your French is limited to bonjour and whatever you remember from high school.
Don’t let your dream romance (or even just a friendly conversation) fizzle out because of language barriers. With Babbel’s lifetime language learning subscription, you can confidently chat and connect—without awkward translation app moments.
And for a limited time, StackSocial is offering lifetime access to Babbel for just $129.99 (reg. $169.99) when you use code LEARN40 at checkout—but only until March 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Babbel isn’t about random vocabulary drills or memorizing words you’ll never actually use. The linguist-designed curriculum focuses on real-world conversations, so you’ll quickly learn practical phrases for introductions, socializing, and yes—even flirting.
Instead of fumbling through Google Translate, you’ll be able to charm your way through dinner dates, compliment a stranger’s outfit, or effortlessly order a glass of Bordeaux at a Parisian bar. And with Babbel’s speech recognition technology, you’ll sound more like a local and less like a lost tourist.
Unlike other language apps that rely on basic memorization, Babbel uses proven cognitive techniques to help you retain new words and phrases long-term. Lessons are just 10 to 15 minutes, meaning you can practice during your morning coffee, on your commute, or while daydreaming about your next European getaway.
You also get access to 14 languages, so if you decide to switch from flirting in French to making friends in Spanish, you can do that too. And since you can use Babbel on your phone, tablet, or desktop, you can learn anytime, anywhere—on Wi-Fi or offline.
Don't miss getting lifetime access to all of Babbel's languages while it's just $129.99 with code LEARN40 through March 23 at 11:59 p.m.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $129.99Dating is a fertile ground for pulse-racing horror. The thrill of falling for someone new and hot can turn scary if they become obsessive, as seen in Fear or The Boy Next Door. Messy romantic attachments can turn us into ravenous monsters, like in Jennifer's Body, Bones and All, or Only Lovers Left Alive. The very threat of trusting someone new with your heart — and your life — can trigger true terror, like in Fresh, Ready or Not, and the recently released slasher Heart Eyes. So where does Drop, which is helmed by Heart Eyes screenwriter Christopher Landon, fit into this enticing subgenre? By unfurling a tech-savvy metaphor for abusive dynamics.
Landon — who has written and/or directed a string of hit high-concept horror movies, including the time-loop slasher Happy Death Day, its sequel Happy Death Day 2, and the body-swap slasher Freaky — brings his skill for suspense and love of genre-blending to Drop.
The setup seems the stuff of a touching romantic comedy. White Lotus' Meghann Fahy stars as Violet, a hopeful single mom who's going on her first date in years with a dashing photographer named Henry (Brandon Sklenar). But not long after they've met up at a chic high-rise restaurant, she begins getting pinged by harassing airdropped memes. Here, the terror of the psychological thriller sinks in, pushing its bright heroine to make life-or-death choices while an aggressively chipper waiter (Jeffery Self) provides manic comic relief.
But what does Drop have to say about the dangers of dating in the era of being chronically online? Plenty — and subtly.
Drop parallels two abusive relationships as a warning to filmgoers.Written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, Drop begins in the middle of a brutal battle between Violet and a violent man with a gun. It seems certain someone will die in this conflict, and the audience is pitched into confusion. Are we in media res — starting in the middle of the story, film noir-style, to tease the tension of assured danger? Or is this a past incident that will inform the film's present?
The answer is revealed as Violet's pleasant veneer breaks in the face of traumatizing flashbacks. Because she was once the victim of domestic violence, her IRL date with a man she's been talking with online for months comes with a lot of anxiety. However, she and Henry hit it off, joking, flirting, and deciding to share a bottle of wine and truffled mashed potatoes with their entrees. Their carefree connection is threatened when someone with the username lets_play begins to airdrop Violet some menacing memes, demanding her undivided attention.
At first, these memes are a welcome talking point that she shares with her date. He's game to figure out who might be toying with her. Could it be the friendly bartender (Gabrielle Ryan), the sleazy piano player (Ed Weeks), or the gaggle of prom night teens giggling at a table nearby? But things turns deadly serious once Violet sees on her nanny cam livestream that there's a masked intruder in her home, lurking behind her oblivious sister (Violett Beane) and up the stairs to her little boy's bedroom.
The anonymous cyberstalker texts that if she doesn't do as they say, her son will be killed. This bid for control forces Violet to put up a wall between her and Henry. Her new abuser is swiftly isolating her, cutting her off from calling out for help while exerting threats of violence. Understandably, she feels trapped, as it's clear this stalker is watching her every move. Yet beyond this cyber-interpretation of an abusive relationship, Drop proves a smartly plotted cat-and-mouse thriller — even when it gets pretty dumb.
Meghann Fahy is a terrific leading lady in Drop.In White Lotus, Fahy awed audiences as a blithe wife confronted by her husband's infidelity. In Drop, her character is far more guarded, motivated to protect her heart from breaking and her son from another bad father figure. There's an aching earnestness as Violet approaches the bar, desperate to have fun and exude hopefulness and happiness. So, when the texts go from goofy to gruesome, the terror in her eyes hits all the harder. It's like Violet's very worst fears couldn't come close to her vile reality.
But a fire within Fahy's eyes signals her audience she won't go down without a fight. Lending support to her riveting performance — and her character's harrowing quest — is a gaggle of terrific supporting players who bring the colorful world of this restaurant to life. As her debonair date, Sklenar gives a strong jaw and sincere gazes. As the aforementioned piano player and bartender, Weeks and Ryan prove sharp foils. Where he is swaggering with an ooze of seediness, she is no-nonsense with a kind smile that speaks to a girl's girl awareness. As a bumbling boomer on a blind date, Reed Diamond brings a comic awkwardness, but Self as the overly enthusiastic waiter had the audience at the SXSW world premiere in stitches. If you've ever had a delicate conversation intruded on by an overeager waiter, you'll chuckle. If you've been that waiter, you may well cackle.
And a special shout-out is deserved for Violett Beane, who perfectly captures cool aunt energy as she watches over the heroine's bespectacled 5-year-old son, Toby (Jacob Robinson). Beane swiftly establishes the family dynamic by swapping from razzing her sister's abysmal fashion choices ("Did you mean to dress like a candy cane?") to lunging into play with her little nephew. And when the masked man comes creeping in, she'll give Final Girl energy, bringing jaw-dropping suspense to Drop's final act.
Solidly fun, Drop is a great date night movie.Jacobs and Roach's script is so full of twists that while you may see some coming, others will undoubtedly catch you by sweet surprise. The ensemble Landon has brought together is as entertainingly lively as those he directed in Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2U, and Freaky. Whether relishing in the situational comedy of an awkward first date or combatting mysterious and malevolent forces, Drop's characters are a demented pleasure to watch.
All of these successes mean that Drop is charming enough to make up for its biggest flaw. In the climax, when the plot takes a big swing with a dubious but pivotal kill, you might well eye-roll over the unlikelihood of such a demise, but you won't get the ick.
Drop was reviewed out the 2025 SXSW film and television festival; the movie will open in theaters April 11.
Among Amazon's flagship devices like Kindles and Fire TVs, Echos are the star of the show. These multitasking smart home devices do a little bit of everything in nearly every room in the house. Whether you need a smart speaker, alarm clock, or hub for your other smart devices, there's an echo to help you out. Amazon's list of devices is ever-growing, so we've tested them to find the best Echo devices for your smart home.
Plus, with the announcement of Alexa+, Echo devices are now getting supercharged with extra AI features. Alexa+ will soon be available to Prime members on all Echo devices, making these smart home devices more capable than ever.
If you're ready to invest in an Echo, you don't need to buy these devices at full price. They're almost guaranteed to go on sale during events like Prime Day and Black Friday. Last Prime Day, we saw discounts of up to 58% on devices including the Echo Pop, Dot, and Spot. So if you are going to buy an Amazon smart home device, it's worth holding out until the next sale.
What can an Echo smart speaker do? Trying out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableAll Echo devices utilize Amazon Alexa's AI superpowers — it's just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The Echo and Echo Dot are smart speakers that you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as stationary, more affordable tablets, essentially.
Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.
What can Alexa+ do?Alexa is to Amazon as Siri is to Apple, and is the driving force behind every Echo. But Alexa just got a big upgrade. Now there's Alexa+, a new AI-powered version of Alexa coming to Echo devices in March 2025. (Amazon provided only a loose timeframe for the launch, but Alexa+ early access will roll out to Echo Show devices first.) For Prime subscribers, Alexa+ will be included in membership, and non-subscribers will have to pay $19.99 a month for the service.
Alexa has an answer to almost anything you ask. Just by shouting out, you can play music, adjust the volume, and set an alarm or timer. And that's just naming a few options. On devices like the Echo Show, you can also ask Alexa to pull up recipes or answer questions that come up while cooking. With Alexa+, the AI agent doesn't just respond to commands but can actually engage in conversation.
Here's a short list of what Alexa+ can do:
Provide a highlight reel of the day's security footage
Read stories to kids
Plan a date night
Book restaurant reservations
Control your smart home technology from one central hub
Access your calendars and set reminders
Get answers to any question you can think of
Make phone calls (and video calls with an Echo Show)
Get the latest weather and news
Follow recipes
Shop on Amazon
Stream music (and video on an Amazon Echo Show)
Play games
There are more than 100,000 Alexa skills that you can utilize via an Echo device, and Amazon is always adding more.
Alexa gets supercharged when other smart home tech comes into the picture. If you have a smart thermostat or smart light bulbs, as long as they're compatible with the Alexa system, you can create routines through your Echo. That can be as simple as telling Alexa to turn on the lights in one room or programming Alexa to turn the thermostat down before you come home.
If you're ready for an Alexa-powered home, read on for the 10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2025.
Want to be a hero but don’t want to get off your couch? No worries! You can help get more movies made by women greenlit by the simple act of streaming great female-helmed flicks available to you right now. OK, feminist icon, have you solved sexism now???
No, you haven’t. But it’s actually not a bad first step — streaming data is a huge part of studio decisions for future projects. To help you start saving the world, we’ve put together a list of the best and most loved movies on Disney+ written, directed, and/or produced by female-identifying creatives. Thank you for your service!
1. Black Widow Credit: Walt Disney Studios / Moviestore / ShutterstockBefore her standalone movie in 2021, Scarlett Johansson's iconic ass-kicking Black Widow character had appeared in eight Marvel movies: Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and a Captain Marvel end credits scene. But after all that time in the MCU, her origin story was still nebulous. How did she become a human that holds her own alongside superpowered heroes? What led her to become a Black Widow assassin, and why did she defect? Does she have any family? Black Widow, directed by Cate Shortland, answers all these questions and more with a funny, engaging script and a knockout cast that includes Florence Pugh and David Harbour.
How to watch: Black Widow is now streaming on Disney+.
2. Inside OutInside Out takes all the complexities of human consciousness and manifests them into a physical plane. Our main character, Riley, has five emotions — Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger — who each monitor and control Riley's reactions throughout the day from a futuristic control panel in her brain. For the past 11 years of Riley's life, Joy has been running the show. But when Riley's family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, Sadness starts inserting herself more. Joy cannot stand this. Joy cannot see the point of any emotion other than Joy… and her stubbornness puts Riley at risk.
Director Pete Docter came up with the idea for Inside Out while noting how his daughter's personality changed as she got older, contending with more emotional nuance than she did as a child. And while that may sound pretty dry, do not fear, Inside Out is an adventure and a half, a roller coaster through a pun-filled wonderland (Joy and Sadness ride the literal train of thought). It's exhilarating, laugh-out-loud funny, and deeply moving. And thanks to an Academy Award-nominated script by Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley, it might even have you thinking about your own emotional depths.
How to watch: Inside Out is now streaming on Disney+.
3. The Lion King (1994)Who could have predicted Hamlet with lions would be the movie gift that keeps on giving? 1994's The Lion King is one for the history books. The story of Simba, a young lion trying to save his pride from his usurping Uncle Scar, won two Academy Awards and spawned two sequels, a live action remake AND prequel, a Beyoncé album, and a jaw-dropping Broadway musical — and it's as universally beloved as ever. Elton John and Tim Rice's iconic soundtrack paired with Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton's airtight script created not just a movie, but a moment in cinema history.
How to watch: The Lion King is now streaming on Disney+.
4. Turning Red Credit: Disney / PixarPixar's Turning Red is one of its best. Like so many Pixar classics before it, it perfectly explores the big feelings that come with growing up — only this time, there's a red panda-shaped twist.
Meilin Lee may seem like your average 13-year-old girl, but she's got a secret: When her emotions grow too strong, she turns into a giant, fluffy, adorable red panda. As Mei balances gaining her mother's approval and obsessing over boy band 4*Town with her friends, it gets harder to keep the panda under control. Written by Domee Shi and Julia Cho, directed by Shi herself, and produced by Lindsey Collins, Turning Red is a thoughtful and groundbreaking take on puberty that is relatable, hilarious, and sob-worthy all at once. Plus, it's got some killer boy band tunes: Good luck getting "Nobody Like U" out of your head.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Turning Red is now streaming on Disney+.
5. Bend It Like BeckhamJesminder "Jess" Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is an 18-year-old in London whose only outlet for her love of soccer is pickup games in the park with a bunch of guys. So when Jules (Keira Knightley's breakthrough role) convinces her to try out for an amateur women's soccer team — coached by a handsome Irishman (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) — Jess goes for it, even though she knows her Punjabi family would not approve.
Directed by Gurinder Chadha and written by Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges, and Guljit Bindra, 2002's Bend It Like Beckham is an effortlessly charming sports flick about culture clash, sporting a soundtrack that boasts both bhangra and the Spice Girls. The humor here is lived-in, with palpable affection for its characters. This is joy in movie form.
How to watch: Bend It Like Beckham is now streaming on Disney+.
6. 10 Things I Hate About You10 Things I Hate About You, written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, is teen movie perfection, putting a '90s twist on The Taming of the Shrew with excellent results.
The students at Padua High School weave a tangled romantic web: Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is besotted with Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), but she can't date anyone until her intelligent yet abrasive older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) starts dating. In order to ask out the girl of his dreams, Cameron enlists the help of bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger) to woo Kat. What starts as a contentious courtship quickly evolves into something more, with Stiles giving us an independent rom-com heroine for the ages and Ledger in full dreamboat mode.* — B.E.
How to watch: 10 Things I Hate About You is now streaming on Disney+.
7. Black Is King Credit: DisneyWritten, directed, and produced by Beyoncé, Black Is King is a stunning visual album and a companion to 2019’s The Lion King. But this immersive, moving film is more than just a gorgeous retelling of the story we know and love — it is an artistic triumph.
Mashable’s Alexis Nedd writes, “[Black Is King] recontextualizes the metaphor of Simba’s journey to that of the African diaspora — removed from the homeland, denied the memory of our royalty, and rising to retake our cultural legacy. Set with music from Beyoncé’s curated 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, Black Is King is an invitation to revel in the diversity and beauty of the African continent and a celebration of thriving through survival.”
How to watch: Black Is King is now streaming on Disney+.
8. Free SoloA truly staggering feat in front of and behind the camera, Free Solo will deprive you of your fingernails — it's that nervous-making. This Oscar-winning documentary is a stunning portrait of free soloist climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to climb the 3,000-feet-high El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, "the most impressive wall on Earth," with no rope. His painstakingly planned journey is boldly captured by co-directors (and spouses) Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, along with a team of professional climbers and filmmakers.
You'll follow Honnold as he plans every move before heading up the wall of El Cap without that all-important rope. "There’s no margin for error," big-wall free climbing legend Tommy Caldwell says in the doc of his friend's task. "Imagine an Olympic gold medal-level athletic achievement that, if you don't get that golden medal, you're gonna die. That's pretty much what free soloing El Cap is like. You have to do it perfectly."* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: Free Solo is now streaming on Disney+.
9. Saving Mr. BanksThere’s nothing Hollywood loves more than movies about making movies — and 2013’s Saving Mr. Banks is one of the best of the bunch. Written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith, Banks tells the surprisingly life-affirming story of how Disney, in the 1960s, finally secured the rights to Mary Poppins, then a wildly popular children’s book.
Emma Thompson is superb as the cantankerous British author P. L. Travers, who was deeply averse to any changes made to her original material whatsoever. Tom Hanks exudes comforting charm as Walt Disney himself, determined to follow through on a promise to his kids to make a movie from their favorite book. However different they may seem, these two creative giants form an unlikely bond when they discover how their similar upbringings are informing their lives in the present. Saving Mr. Banks hits all the right notes for a light-hearted drama; it’s nostalgic, it’s touching, and it’s full of delightful British disdain for American cheeriness.
How to watch: Saving Mr. Banks is now streaming on Disney+.
10. Freaky Friday Credit: Ron Batzdorff / Walt Disney / Kobal / ShutterstockAnna is a rebellious teen, and you know that because she has thick highlights, a choker necklace, and a crush on a guy with a motorcycle. Her band has a big audition coming up, but she can't go because it falls on the same night as her mother Tess's wedding rehearsal — and Tess does not approve of most of Anna's choices. The two get in a huge fight, and thanks to some reductive and vaguely racist, 2000s-era exotic mysticism, they wake up in each other's bodies! Uh oh! Looks like we're going to walk a mile in each other's shoes, literally!
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are simply perfect here, both embodying a headstrong teen and a reserved middle-aged mom with cheeky aplomb. Written by Heather Hach and Leslie Dixon, 2002's Freaky Friday is a warm and playful comedy that will delight the whole family.
How to watch: Freaky Friday is now streaming on Disney+.
11. EncantoWe may not talk about Bruno, but we do talk about Encanto, written by Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush. This Disney animated film introduces us to the magical Madrigal family, whose special gifts turn out to be burdens as well as blessings. Encanto is a powerful examination of familial bonds and generational trauma, accompanied by gorgeous animation and catchy tunes courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda, including "Surface Pressure" and "We Don't Talk About Bruno."* — B.E.
How to watch: Encanto is now streaming on Disney+.
12. The Rescue Credit: National GeographicIn 2018, a rescue mission captured the attention of the world when 12 boys and their football coach were trapped deep inside a flooded cave in northern Thailand. Monsoon rains had cut off the group, who were stranded in the dark two kilometers into the cave — a labyrinth of tunnels completely filled with water. Against all odds, an incredibly high-risk, complicated rescue effort was formed, and The Rescue, from Free Solo directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, tracks it all.
"At its core, 'The Rescue' is a story about a collection of people of all different nationalities, languages, and cultures working together to achieve a common goal," said Vasarhelyi and Chin in a press statement. "In making the film, we were reminded of the beauty of humanity, especially after the last several years where the world has seemed more divided than ever before." It's a claustrophobic, stressful watch for the most part, and for everyone glued to the news when it was happening, it'll bring back all those emotions of anticipation, stress, and finally, relief. The moment when British divers Richard Stanton and John Volanthen first find all 13 in the cave is astounding and deeply moving. But it's just the beginning of a perilous mission.* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: The Rescue is now streaming on Disney+.
13. The Parent TrapDid you know The Parent Trap is a Nancy Meyers movie? One more reason to love the film that launched Lindsay Lohan’s career and sent a generation of kids into a feverish obsession with overly intricate handshakes. The Parent Trap, a remake of the 1961 classic, tells the story of two girls who meet at summer camp and realize they are twins separated at birth by their now-divorced parents. Nothing left to do in this situation but switch places and try to get Mom and Dad back together, right?
Lindsay Lohan is precocious and adorable, doing double-duty as both of the twins with the help of (now-commonplace) movie magic. She fits right in alongside the veteran cast, which includes a glowing Natasha Richardson, Dennis Quaid at his dreamiest, and iconic '90s villain Elaine Hendrix absolutely stealing the screen. The Parent Trap is as charming now as it was 20 years ago, though hopefully fewer children of divorce will be using it as a blueprint to lock their parents in a room together while giggling mischievously just outside the door. It’s just a movie, kids.*
How to watch: The Parent Trap is now streaming on Disney+.
14. Queen of KatweIf you’re looking for an aspirational family film, look no further than Queen of Katwe, directed by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake). Phiona is a 10-year-old girl living in Katwe, a poor town in Uganda. Her life is mostly caring for her younger siblings and helping her mother (Lupita Nyong'o) at the market until she stumbles upon a chess class at a local mission. The teacher soon recognizes that Phiona is an extremely gifted chess player, and she begins to pursue the game, both for herself and as a possible avenue to lift her family out of poverty. Based on a true story, Queen of Katwe is a well-acted, deeply moving, and ultimately optimistic movie that will stay with you for days.
How to watch: Queen of Katwe is now streaming on Disney+.
15. Becoming Cousteau Credit: National GeographicA deep dive by definition, Becoming Cousteau explores the depths of the legendary oceanic explorer and filmmaker. Director Liz Garbus delves into the life of Jacques Cousteau, whose documentation of ocean creatures with newly adapted equipment changed the game — all aboard his boat, the Calypso. His work, including 50 books, award-winning films, and long-running television shows, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau and The Cousteau Odyssey, was highly influential on aquatic exploration. If you've seen Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic, you're gotten a taste of the signature aesthetic. Garbus was granted access to 550 hours of archival material — including over 100 hours of audio journal entries and interviews from collaborators and crew members — to create this documentary, and she brings to life his innovation and dedication to environmentalism, alongside his family life and creation of The Cousteau Society.* — S.C.
How to watch: Becoming Cousteau is now streaming on Disney+.
16. The Princess DiariesAnne Hathaway’s career skyrocketed after her charismatic performance as Mia, a gawky high schooler in San Francisco who suddenly discovers she’s the heir to the throne of Genovia, a fictional European country full of fairy tale castles and makeover montages. Before she can ascend the throne, she’ll have to impress her austere grandmother, the Queen, played by an absolutely perfect Julie Andrews. Written by Gina Wendkos and adapted from the Meg Cabot novel of the same name, The Princess Diaries is a feel-good family comedy brimming with warmth. An absolute winner.
How to watch: The Princess Diaries is now streaming on Disney+.
17. EternalsMarvel strayed a bit from its standard movie formula with 2021’s moody Eternals, which features celestial beings who’ve been stuck on Earth for centuries but were forbidden to intervene in human dramas. They have only one mission: to fight mysterious space creatures called Deviants. So, even though the Eternals are technically more powerful than any being we’ve met before in the MCU, they mostly just sat around while Thanos wiped out half of existence.
However, when the first Deviant is seen after decades of peace, the now-scattered group must come together (and work through centuries' worth of baggage!) to save the planet they were sworn to protect. Directed by the Academy Award–winning Chloé Zhao, Eternals boasts a sweeping, millennia-spanning story; an impossibly beautiful cast (Angelia Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani, to name a few); and the MCU’s first openly gay superhero!
How to watch: Eternals is now streaming on Disney+.
18. Guardians of the Galaxy Credit: Marvel Studios / Kobal / ShutterstockPeter Quill is a charismatic and irreverent human being who grew up in the stars surrounded by aliens and spaceships — hence his self-styled nickname, Star-Lord. The only thing he has from home is a Sony Walkman and a cassette mix tape of 1980s hits, which he regularly listens to while picking up odd jobs like stealing an orb from an abandoned planet. Unfortunately, this particular orb means a lot to someone, and Peter is chased across the galaxy by a ragtag host of bounty hunters. But, Peter included, they soon find they each have something to gain by working together.
Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn and written by Gunn and Nicole Perlman, broke the MCU mold wide open on its 2014 release. Here was a superhero movie that was genuinely funny, that poked fun at itself without sacrificing plot complexity or a deep emotional core. It's why a decade and more than 30 MCU movies later, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 remains one of the best entries in the canon.
How to watch: Guardians of the Galaxy is now streaming on Disney+.
19. Beauty and the BeastIt may be a "tale as old as time," but Beauty and the Beast stills rocks any day. Who can forget Belle's keen intelligence, the Beast's compelling change of heart, or Gaston's tendency to eat far too many eggs? These characters stick with you, as do the many earworms they belt throughout the movie. For fairy tale romance, dancing furniture, and captivating songs, you really can't go wrong with this classic, written by Disney juggernaut Linda Woolverton.* — B.E.
How to watch: Beauty and the Beast is now streaming on Disney+.
20. FrozenDon't pretend you don't know what Frozen is. Since its premiere in 2013, we haven't been able to go a week without someone mentioning Olaf or Elsa or singing "Let it gooooooooo." This superb animated musical about a sister relationship, not a romantic relationship, changed the Disney princess game altogether, and it has dominated the family movie space ever since. And you know what? That's fine with us! Frozen is great! It's both silly and heartfelt, exciting and affecting, magical and very, very human. Written by Jennifer Lee, and directed by Lee and Chris Buck, this story about two sisters, one burdened with secret icy powers, has captured the hearts and minds of the world. Is it time to build a snowman?
How to watch: Frozen is now streaming on Disney+.
* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list.
UPDATE: Mar. 14, 2025, 3:04 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on Oct. 8, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current streaming options.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Sports on/in water
Green: Baseball-related
Blue: Share a first name
Purple: Not a ball
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Boat sports
Green: Baseball terms that are also food
Blue: Famous sporting Tims
Purple: Sports that don't use a ball
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #173 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayBoat sports - CANOEING, KAYAKING, ROWING, SAILING
Baseball terms that are also food - CAN OF CORN, JAM, PICKLE, TATER
Famous sporting Tims - BROWN, DUNCAN, HORTON, SALMON
Sports that don't use a ball - BADMINTON, CURLING, DARTS, ICE HOCKEY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Scotland in the 2025 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
France delivered the performance of the 2025 Six Nations against Ireland to secure 42-27 victory away from home, and now Les Bleus hold all the cards. They can win the Six Nations with a victory over Scotland in the final round of the competition.
If you want to watch France vs. Scotland in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is France vs. Scotland?France vs. Scotland in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 8 p.m. GMT on March 15. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.
How to watch France vs. Scotland for freeFrance vs. Scotland in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Live stream France vs. Scotland from anywhere in the world 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 the UK
Visit ITVX
Live stream France vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world
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 France vs. Scotland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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 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.
Live stream France vs. Scotland in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Ireland may have blown their chance at winning the 2025 Six Nations, but they'll want to finish this year's competition on a high. Of course, Italy will do everything they can to upset the odds in Rome.
If you want to watch Italy vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Italy vs. Ireland?Italy vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 2:15 p.m. GMT on March 15. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Olimpico.
How to watch Italy vs. Ireland for freeItaly vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Italy vs. Ireland from anywhere in the world 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 the UK
Visit ITVX
Live stream Italy vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world
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 Italy vs. Ireland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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 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.
Live stream Italy vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Wales vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
England responded to losing their opening 2025 Six Nations game against Ireland by winning the next three against France, Scotland, and Italy. Can they finish on a high against Wales and give themselves a chance of winning the tournament? You can find out without spending anything.
If you want to watch Wales vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Wales vs. England?Wales vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 4:45 p.m. GMT on March 15. This fixture takes place at the Millennium Stadium.
How to watch Wales vs. England for freeWales vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream 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 handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Access a free live stream of Wales vs. England 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 the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wales vs. England for free from anywhere in the world
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 Wales vs. England without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 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.
Live stream Wales vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
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