Feed aggregator

Sean Baker's five-time Academy Award-winning Anora is like Pretty Woman at the harried pace of Uncut Gems — until the ending. 

The film's final moments are silent, which is a direct contrast to the chaotic journey Ani (Mikey Madison) has just been on. After a whirlwind marriage to a rich client and son of a Russian oligarch (Vanya, played by Mark Eydelshteyn), she's spent the runtime of the movie chasing her new husband all around New York City with the oligarch's employees, flying to Vegas to annul the marriage at the forced hand of Vanya's parents, before finding herself on the way home to her apartment in a henchman's beat-up car.

SEE ALSO: Top 5 digital security tips from sex workers

Parked outside of Ani's apartment, Igor (said henchman, played by Yura Borisov) gives Ani the ill-fated wedding ring the family forced her to give up. Ani climbs on top of him and they start to have sex in the front seat, but Ani refuses to let Igor kiss her. Instead, she breaks down crying. They say nothing during this exchange, and the film ends.

Sean Baker leaves Anora's ending up to interpretation. Yura Borisov as Igor Credit: NEON

Anora's writer and director Sean Baker told Mashable that the way he wrote the ending left it up to the audience's interpretation — so much so that he didn't want to share his thoughts.

"I'm worried about giving my opinion on it in any way, shape, or form because then it's taking away from…what my intention of the ending was," Baker said in an interview with Mashable.

"We [Madison and I] felt that it was always going to be a disservice to Ani to discuss it publicly," he continued. Ani's mindset at the end of the film isn't spelled out. There's no music to manipulate the audience, no dialogue, no epilogue, and that's on purpose. 

What Baker did share was how the ending came about. "I need to know I have a solid ending before writing a screenplay," he said of his process, and he knew early on that the protagonist and one of her captors were going to gravitate toward each other. 

"Recently, we actually looked back at our first draft, and it is pretty much dead-on from what we have in the final film." The only difference? The last shot originally had small talk. Baker and the actors decided to scrap that in rehearsals.

"It just took away from the moment," Baker explained. "And then we realized, I think especially Mikey and I realized, that this was one of the first times that she's actually communicating with somebody else in the film and being heard. And we thought it would be much more interesting if that was a non-verbal communication, and so we cut all the dialogue out of that last shot."

Sex workers are mixed on Anora's ending. Credit: NEON

Since Baker has spoken about consulting with sex workers when developing the script, we decided to reach out to some folks with real-life experience for their opinions on whether or not Anora rang true to them.

"I thought it was beautiful," said Kaytlin Bailey, host of The Oldest Profession Podcast and founder and executive director of non-profit media organization Old Pros, of the silence at the end of Anora. (Bailey, who's unaffiliated with the film, recently saw and enjoyed the movie.) "I love that he allows the viewer to fill in that space."

"She's talking, self-advocating — at times screaming — arguing the whole film, and they [Ani and Igor] don't need any of that," said Bailey, who's currently touring Whore's Eye View, a show about the history of sex work.

When Ani and Igor first meet, he is literally restraining her in the scene at the family's home. He is also the only man who realizes what she's capable of. But in the final scene, Igor can hold space for Ani for the first time, Bailey said. 

"For him to hold still and allow her to come to him in this deeply, deeply vulnerable moment of exhausted need, it's almost like an extension of the space that you could tell throughout the film that he wanted to be holding for her," Bailey continued. Igor works for this "fucked-up family" and does fucked-up things for them — but in that moment he finally gets to be there for Ani.

Ani is only able to be so vulnerable in that moment because Igor is holding that space for her, said Bailey, who believes this final scene makes the whole film. 

Writer and stripper Reese Piper (who has written for Mashable) thought differently of Anora. Ani's lack of backstory made it hard for Piper to believe how quickly and hard she fell for the fantasy of being married to Vanya. What also stopped Piper from suspending disbelief was Ani's lack of professional persona. 

"She performs under her real name, and at no point do we see the mask she wears to make money," Piper told Mashable over email. "Some dancers perform as themselves, or a version of themselves, but it’s always our job to fake or find something attractive about clients that we may not have necessary feel without money. Ani goes over to his house for paid sex, but at what point does she stop working?"

Piper (who is also unaffiliated with the making of Anora) wasn't sure what Baker was trying to portray in the final scene. "Was [Ani], in an effort to hide from her pain, reaching for her sexualized self (maybe her mask) and then breaking down when Igor kept reaching for intimacy?" 

If so, the ending fell flat for Piper. "We never saw her mask. We never saw stripping as something she used to hide," she said.

The film's ending for Ani is indeed internal, but the viewer isn't privy to her inner thoughts — and this landed for some, but not others. As Baker told Mashable, "It really comes down to the individual audience member to take away what they will from it."

How to watch: Anora is available on Prime Video for rent or purchase.

UPDATE: Mar. 3, 2025, 9:11 a.m. EST Originally published on November 11, 2024, tied to Anora's release, this article has been updated to reflect Anora's Oscar wins and its current digital viewing options.

The Oscars has wrapped for another year, with Anora taking home Best Picture and three other trophies, including a surprise Best Actress win for Mikey Madison.

But aside from the winners and losers, which moments stood out at the 97th Academy Awards? What were some of the highlights and lowlights?

SEE ALSO: 2025 Oscar winners: See the full list

From Conan O'Brien's hilarious hosting to livestream technical issues, we've rounded up the best and worst Oscars 2025 moments below.

The bestConan O'Brien as Oscars host A great host! Credit: Frank Micelotta / Disney via Getty Images

A surprise song, a Substance-skit, and back-and-forths with both Adam Sandler and Nick Offerman were just some of the elements that made Conan O'Brien's hosting so much fun to watch. You can catch up on his full opening monologue, which included jabs at AI and Netflix and plenty of O'Brien's trademark self-deprecation.

A Wicked opening number

Wicked stars and Oscar nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo kicked off the Oscars in monumental fashion, with an homage to The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked, ending with a duet of "Defying Gravity," ending with Erivo's major moment.

Featured Video For You After the Oscars, we hold space for 'Wicked' John Lithgow's disappointed face This is not John Lithgow's disappointed face. You'll know it when you see it. Credit: Rich Polk / Penske Media via Getty Images

"If your acceptance speech goes too long, instead of playing you off with music, we have something much more powerful," O'Brien said during his monologue. "We'll cut to John Lithgow in the audience looking not angry, but slightly disappointed."

Conclave star Lithgow's resulting expression was frankly award-worthy in and of itself.

Colman Domingo hyping up the crowd Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

The Oscars is a long ceremony, so what better way to inject a bit of life into the audience than with an impromptu dance party? This is exactly what Sing Sing star and Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo did during an ad break, taking to the stage and getting the room up and dancing while swigging Champagne.

Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham's No Other Land speech

When No Other Land took home Best Documentary, the film's directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham (a Palestinian and Israeli journalist, respectively) made one of the best and most political acceptance speeches of the night.

"About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter that she will not have to live the same life I am living now, always fearing settlers, violence, home demolitions and forcible displacements that my community Masafer Yatta is living and tasting every day under Israeli occupation," said Adra.

"We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together we are stronger," said Abraham. "When I look at Basel, I see my brother, but we are unequal."

Kieran Culkin shouting out Jeremy Strong

They may have been at each other's throats in Succession, but onscreen brothers Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong had a lot of love for each other at the Oscars. The stars of A Real Pain and The Apprentice shared a sweet moment on the red carpet, and then Culkin shouted out his former co-star and fellow Oscar nominee after he picked up the award for Best Supporting Actor.

The musical sandworm Go sandworm! Credit: Rich Polk / Penske Media via Getty Images

Sandworms have been catapulted to deserving levels of fame thanks to the Dune movies and that ensuing popcorn bucket. During the Oscars, the colossal creatures of Denis Villeneuve's nominated film got their moment in the sun. Said moment? Someone in a sandworm costume playing piano, and then later playing the harp.

"When you spend that much money on a bit," said O'Brien. "You have to do it twice."

The worstSome glaring In Memoriam omissions

There were some big names in this year's In Memoriam segment, including Dame Maggie Smith, David Lynch, James Earl Jones, and Gene Hackman. But as many people pointed out online, there were also some strange omissions, such as Candyman actor Tony Todd and Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg.

The Hulu livestream cutting off

Technical issues are the bane of any live event, and Sunday night's awards proved a nightmare for anyone watching the Hulu livestream — which cut off before Best Actress and Best Picture had been announced. People were John Lithgow levels of disappointed, although the mishap did serve to underline Sean Baker's Best Director speech about the importance of the big screen.

Tweet may have been deleted The failed Emilia Perez sing-a-long

It's fairly easy for an awards show speech to be remembered for the wrong reasons, and attempting to lead a non-committal audience in a sing-a-long is one surefire way to do it. Unfortunately that was the slightly uncomfortable outcome when Emilia Pérez's "El Mal" songwriters Clement Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard took to the stage to pick up the award for Best Song. Ouch.

Adrien Brody's lengthy speech

Talking of acceptance speeches, The Brutalist star Adrien Brody took a solid six minutes — filled with pauses aplenty and one attempted music play-off — when collecting his Best Actor award, and social media was having none of it.

Tweet may have been deleted

Where's John Lithgow when you need him?

Check out the full list of Oscar winners on Mashable.

Rally every White Lotus guest, recruit every staff member, and protect Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) at all costs. Because what on Earth was that noise in the dark?

At the end of The White Lotus Season 3, episode 3, our beloved spa manager is winding down from a delightful dinner when she hears something strange in her hotel room. What could that rattling be? Is Belinda in danger?

SEE ALSO: 'The White Lotus' Season 3, episode 3: What does Victoria's tsunami dream mean?

Let's not panic (yet) and map this out for some half-baked j'accuse-ing.

What happens at the end of The White Lotus, Season 3, episode 3?

After a butterfly-inducing dinner with her colleague, White Lotus wellness expert Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul), the pair walk back to Belinda's hotel room. After Pornchai bids her goodnight with booze-confident romantic overtones and dreamy words, Belinda is left to buzz over their obvious chemistry alone. But then she hears a rattling noise in the dark, as the camera pivots to her point of view, staring into the unlit corners of her room.

"Fuck was that?" she utters. My sentiments exactly.

What could the noise in Belinda's room be? It better not be this guy snoopin' around. Credit: Courtesy of HBO

The show sets up the lowest hanging conclusion, the Bad Guy elephant in the room: Greg (Jon Gries). The former husband of Tanya "These Gays Are Trying to Murder Me" McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge), Greg had put a hit out on his heiress wife while holidaying in Sicily in Season 2. And though it didn't quite go to plan, he ended up with a fortune due to Tanya's accidental death. Now, he's living it up as "Gary" in a mountaintop Koh Samui mansion with his girlfriend Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and dropping bank on nightly dinners at The White Lotus.

Featured Video For You Yellowjackets Season 2 Recap: Everything you need to remember before watching season 3

Unfortunately for Greg, Belinda recognised him at the hotel, having met him personally at the White Lotus in Maui and having spent a week with Tanya during their courtship in Season 1. Visiting Greg's table during her dinner with Pornchai, she insisted on knowing him from Maui — in front of Chloe and new acquaintances Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and Rick (Walton Goggins). Greg played dumb and Belinda reluctantly retreated. But despite Belinda not appearing to know Tanya's fate or the fact they were married, she could be a threat to Greg's facade. He appeared nervous following the interaction, so could he be skulking about near her hotel room after dinner?

Second possibility: It's the thief from episode 2, snooping around for more valuables. But we don't know the identity of the thief yet, and stealth was not really their style with the smash-and-grab robbery we saw.

Third possibility: Pornchai's uncharacteristic alcohol intake caught up with him and he had a stumble into the bushes. However, the mystery rattling sounds more careful than a drunken careen into hotel shrubbery.

Fourth possibility: It's the White Lotus' resident monitor lizard and a totally bright red herring? It scared Belinda earlier in the episode, perhaps it thought it'd keep it up.

Whoever it is, lock those doors, Belinda!

The White Lotus is streaming now on Max, with new episodes dropping weekly.

Xiaomi's got a new electric car, and it's very, very quick.

The SU7 Ultra was officially made available a few days ago, but the company brought it to Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, giving us the first in-person glimpse of what is probably the cheapest car with sub-2 second 0-100km/h time.

SEE ALSO: Hands-on: Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a monster, 200-megapixel periscope camera That's a lot of carbon fiber. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

According to Xiaomi, the SU7 Ultra can go from zero to 100 km/h in 1.98 seconds, with a top speed of 350km/h. It comes with three-motor configuration, which features two Xiaomi V8s electric motors and one Xiaomi V6s motor, and has a whopping 1,527 horsepower.

Via Giphy

Such performance requires some top-level brakes and Xiaomi delivered with massive, 430-millimeter carbon ceramic brake discs. To reduce weight, Xiaomi has liberally used a bunch of carbon fiber elements, including the car's roof, which is basically a 1.7 square meter slab of carbon fiber.

Seeing the car in person, the entire design looks like one of those extreme tune-ups for the race track, but Xiaomi still calls this a regular, mass-produced four-door sedan, albeit of a "high-performance luxury" variety.

Xiaomi isn't joking around with those brakes. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Xiaomi wouldn't let us peek inside the vehicle, but the company says the interior is all lined up with Alcantara fabric, while the dashboard is dominated by a massive central display.

Best view of the car's interior I could get. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The car that was shown in Barcelona was in Lightning Yellow, but Xiaomi also sells the car in four other colors: Space Silver, Verdant Green, Pearl White, and Obsidian Black. Optional configurations (read: even more sporty stuff) will also be available, including the "Racing Package" and the "Nürburgring Nordschleife Limited Edition".

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is the price. In China, it starts at 529,900 RMB ($72,750), which sounds very, very reasonable for a car like this. For example, the list of electric cars that can do 0-100km/h in less than two seconds is extremely short and includes the $2.2 million Rimac Nevera and the equally pricey Pininfarina Battista.

As for availability, the car is now available in China; we're not sure when it'll become available in other markets.

SAVE $70: As of March 3, the Beats Solo 4 headphones are on sale for $129.99 at Best Buy. That's 35% off their retail price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 True Wireless On-Ear Headphones $129.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you've been looking to invest in new headphones, there have been plenty of great deals around lately. At the moment, you can score a sweet $70 off the Beats Solo 4 at Best Buy. A great deal if you're looking to upgrade your audio game for under $150.

More specifically, the Beats Solo 4 have dropped to $129.99. Normally they retail for $199.99, so this is a great deal to jump on while it's still available. There are three color options on sale as well, so you can choose between cloud pink, slate blue, and matte black. As a nice bonus, your purchase also comes with Apple Fitness+ for free for three months if you're a new subscriber and up to three months of Apple Music for free if you're a new or returning subscriber. What better way to start putting your new headphones to use?

SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2025

Alongside a comfortable fit that makes wearing them for long periods of time feel like a breeze, these headphones boast great sound quality thanks to a custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers. Not to mention, they also feature Personalized Spatial Audio that creates a more immersive listening experience as you kick back and enjoy your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks. They also offer up to 50 hours of battery life, so you can listen for longer between charges.

Don't miss out on $70 off the Beats Solo 4 headphones at Best Buy.

If you're looking for even more deals in the world of Beats, there are plenty more to check out right now. The Beats Fit Pro are currently on sale at Amazon and you can save on the Beats Studio Pro headphones at Best Buy as well.

SAVE $70: As of March 3, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) speaker is on sale at Amazon for $229, That's 23% off its list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Portable speakers are a great investment, whether you want to play your music out loud at home or take your tunes on the go.

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) is a speaker we think very highly of, particularly for its volume as noted in our roundup of the best portable Bluetooth speakers. And you can even pick it up at a discounted rate right now.

SEE ALSO: The best outdoor speakers in 2025

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) is on sale for $229 at Amazon, 23% off its list price of $299. Both available colors are discounted as well, so you can save on the black or silver speaker. This is marked as a limited-time deal, so act fast to scoop it up at this price.

Alongside its sleek design that's perfect for taking on the go — and a durable build that's dust and water resistant, making it perfect for the outdoors — this speaker boasts big sound. As mentioned before, we included it in our roundup of the best portable Bluetooth speakers as the best pick for volume because, "It's handily portable and delivers true 360-degree surround sound for an all-round listening experience. Quite literally." It also, "packs plenty of volume. It's made to go loud, with zero distortion at top volume."

If you've been on the hunt for a high-quality portable speaker, look no further than this deal on the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) at Amazon.

If you prefer to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more on your own, there are plenty of headphone and earbud deals to check out right now, too. Some of our favorites include this discount on the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones at Amazon and $30 off the Beats Fit Pro at Amazon.

Google is rolling out new features to its continuous conversational AI Gemini Live, including live video and screen sharing abilities to really go real-time with your chats.

Announced during Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the company's ChatGPT Voice Mode competitor will now let you share your screen or switch to live video on your phone. This will allow you to ask the AI chatbot questions about your immediate surrounds or the website you're currently on with real-time visuals.

SEE ALSO: Google Gemini can remember your past conversations now

Google teased Gemini Live's ability to "see" when it launched in August 2024. Now, the live video features will start rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android devices later in March.

The company posted a video (via The Verge) showing the new live video feature in action, with a ceramicist asking Gemini Live which glazes it would recommend for newly fired vases, aiming for a "mid-century modern look." Yes, it's a marketing video so take it with a grain of salt, but the contextual continuity here is pretty impressive as the camera moves around.

The news comes a month after Google released a whole slew of updates including Gemini 2.0 Pro and "enhanced reasoning model" Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental which is "capable of showing its thoughts to improve performance and explainability," according to the company.

Google's not the only tech giant showcasing at MWC this week, and Mashable's on the ground covering the best tech products that have Barcelona abuzz.

SAVE $20: As of March 3, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at the retailer. That's 33% off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you're looking to upgrade your streaming setup but don't want to shell out a ton of cash, Amazon's here to help with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. This streaming stick is a great budget pick, and now its price has dropped even lower so you can set yourself up with 4K quality streaming for even less.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is currently on sale for $39.99, 33% off its list price of $59.99. This lets you pocket $20, which is a very nice deal to take advantage of while it's still live. It's worth keeping in mind that Amazon has it listed as a limited-time deal, so it may not stick around for long. Act fast to pick it up at this price.

SEE ALSO: Best streaming services: We compare Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and more

This streaming stick offers 4K Ultra HD resolution so your favorite shows and films will look crisp and clear. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio to create an immersive listening experience. Not to mention, it features Fire TV Ambient Experience that allows you to display pieces of art on your TV in a similar way to the fancy The Frame TVs from Samsung.

If this streaming stick has caught your eye, now's your chance to save 33% on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon before the deal disappears.

There are a few more Amazon device deals that are worth checking out right now, too. If you want to save a little more on a streaming device, the Fire TV Stick 4K is also on sale at the retailer. And, outside of streaming, you can also save on Amazon's Kindle Scribe Essentials bundle right now.

SAVE $105: As of March 3, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 is on sale for $794.99 at Amazon. That's a 12% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Vivobook S 14 $794.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

If a new laptop is on your wishlist, this latest Amazon deal on the ASUS Vivobook S 14 is one you'll not want to miss — currently reduced to its lowest price so far this year.

The Vivobook S is a lightweight but powerful laptop, weighing under 3 lbs. It features a 14-inch OLED display, with bright, vivid colors that stay visible even when outdoors or in bright light.

SEE ALSO: The easiest way to wipe everything from your laptop? You'll want this data shredder stick

It's powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with Intel Arc graphics, so expect speedy processing time for high-resolution streaming, gaming, and editing. So it's really a perfect all-rounder laptop, whether its main use is for work or play.

With 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage, this laptop offers plenty of space for large files and apps. And running on Windows 11 Home, it’s designed for everyday use, whether you’re working, creating, or just browsing.

And as of March 3, you'll save $105 with the new price of $794.99. But this deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon now if you don't want to miss out.

SAVE $700: As of March 3, the roborock S8 Pro Ultra is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock S8 Pro Ultra $899.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $700.00 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum is on your wishlist, you'll love this latest deal on the roborock S8 Pro Ultra. As of March 3, you can grab a 44% discount on this impressive model. Previously priced at $1599.99, it is now down to $899.99.

And for $899.99, you're getting a seriously impressive device. Equipped with a DuoRoller system, this vacuum picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair easily, whether it's on carpet or hard floors. It also boasts a powerful 6000 Pa HyperForce suction power, meaning it can pick up nearly all kinds of dirt.

SEE ALSO: Need a robot vacuum that actually works on carpet? These 3 performed the best in my home.

It's also an incredibly low-maintenance robot vacuum — not only does it self-empty, but you can control it using voice activation. Whether you use Alexa, Google Home, or Siri, it'll work for them all. The dock even cleans itself and refills the robot water tank for you, extending its mopping range up to 3230 square feet.

It even uses PreciSense LiDAR Navigation to map out paths in your home. The clever 3D mapping allows the vacuum to navigate its way around your home with no help, avoiding obstacles and convenient cleaning routes.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon now to avoid missing out.

SAVE $30: As of March 3, the Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's a 15% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $169.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal

If you need a quality pair of earbuds, you need to check out this latest Amazon deal on my favorite pair. One of the most recognizable brands in the headphones and earbuds game, Beats has long been known for its incredible sound quality, and that's exactly what you get with the Beats Fit Pro.

As of March 3, they are currently reduced to $169.95, saving you 15%.

SEE ALSO: Don't miss out on $30 off the Apple Pencil Pro

A small, seemingly unimpressive earbud, don't judge these on first appearances. The sound quality is seriously immersive and the quality is next to none. You can play around with the noise cancellation, with several options of how much you want to block out surrounding noises (full cancellation, transparency, etc.) This is great for outdoor activities such as running when you want to hear your music, but also stay aware of those around you, and one of my favorite features of this earbud.

The Beats Fit Pro also boast a seriously impressive battery life, with a single charge lasting days (sometimes weeks). If you regularly forget to charge your devices like me, you'll be glad you chose these earbuds.

Another selling point for me is the fit. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, lodging in your ear and staying put for all types of activity and all intensities. I've tested these during all kinds of activities, with varying degrees of intensity (think HIIT workouts and marathons as well as yoga and long walks) and have found them to stay perfectly secure.

Convinced yet? Find this great deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $30: As of March 3, the Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Amazon. That's a 23% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $99.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil Pro is the latest in Apple's range of stylus pens. Released in 2024, the new and improved pencil features an impressive list of upgrades and new features. And as of March 3, you can get it for $30 cheaper at Amazon, now just $99.

So, why this model instead of previous additions? The Pro has much more advanced control than the previous Apple Pencils. By just rotating the pencil you can change the brush or pen tool settings mid-drawing. The squeeze interaction is also new and allows users to change modes or activate tools simply by squeezing the pencil.

SEE ALSO: Meta plans to launch standalone Meta AI app. OpenAI's Sam Altman fires back.

The Pencil Pro also includes haptic feedback. This clever feature essentially mimics the feeling of writing or drawing on real paper, delivering subtle vibrations to match the activity being performed on the iPad.

Similar to the Apple Pencil 2, the Pro can be charged wirelessly by magnetically attaching to the side of compatible iPads. According to Apple, the Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), and iPad Air 11-inch (M2).

Find this deal at Amazon now.

Under the new Trump administration, the ability to access medically factual information on abortions online is more difficult and risky than ever. 

Among other pages, the administration has taken down reproductiverights.gov, a 2022 Biden administration website aimed at increasing public awareness around reproductive health services. The withdrawal of funding from the World Health Organization, which launched an app with up-to-date, evidence-based information on comprehensive abortion care for healthcare providers, further threatens digital access to accurate medical information not just in the U.S. but across the globe. Furthermore, a report by reproductive rights organization If/When/How cites an increase in recent years of criminalization using surveillance data from menstrual cycle-tracking apps, cell phone location, and reverse keyword searches, a trend that will likely increase in coming years.

SEE ALSO: Top 5 digital security tips from sex workers

"It is absolutely unconscionable that we live in a country where people are increasingly worried about seeking factual health information," the national director of product innovation at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Ambreen Molitor, tells Mashable. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy when seeking care or information online.

How to stay private when searching for abortion info online

Molitor recommends using privacy-forward browsers like DuckDuckGo. Additionally, Planned Parenthood has an app for period tracking that stores data only on a user's personal device, and never sells it. 

However, many digital security advocates currently suggest against using period-tracking apps at all, since these apps are not subject to medical privacy laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

If you do choose to use a period tracker app, always review app privacy policies, adjust privacy settings to limit data sharing, and avoid logging sensitive information. When deleting any app, consider sending a data deletion request as well.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns, however, that "deleting things from your phone or computer isn't as easy as it sounds" for people seeking an abortion. Always remember to remove images and files from your phone or laptop's "recently deleted" folders. You can also learn how to encrypt your device's hard drive for extra protection. Encryption protects devices from being accessed by unauthorized users.

Get to know your state's laws and regulations around abortion access and digital privacy. "Since there [is] such a wide range of state laws and local procedures, contacting your local health center to understand their privacy practices is the best way to empower yourself to take additional steps to protect your privacy and information security," says Molitor. 

In 2023, New York passed Bill S.4007, which prohibits a party from geofencing (using software to track users' phones when they enter a certain area) around any healthcare facility that the party does not own. This means that anti-abortion organizations and law enforcement agencies cannot digitally monitor which individuals are accessing abortion clinics. 

Washington state passed the first privacy-focused law in the country to protect personal health data that falls outside the scope of HIPAA. 

Fortunately, these laws lay an optimistic groundwork for similar legislation that can and should be passed by other states while abortion access rights are threatened at a federal level.

Resources for private browsing about abortion

The organization Digital Defense Fund's guide to Keep Your Abortion Private & Secure models various types of threats that abortion-seekers might face digitally, including concerns around data collection by tech companies, criminalization by law enforcement, digital harassment by anti-abortion protestors, or safety concerns regarding the person who pays your phone bill seeing your texts. 

The full guide provides tools for increasing security online. It includes detailed instructions on steps like opting out of Google and Meta targeted ads, turning off location data, using an encrypted texting app like Signal, clearing browsing history, and even wearing identity-obscuring sunglasses, hoodies, and hats when walking into an abortion clinic. 

It may seem daunting at first, but practicing better digital security habits can positively impact individuals and their communities beyond the scope of reproductive healthcare.

For local information on your immediate choices when seeking an abortion, the website I Need An A provides secure and private information to help you access the safe abortion care you need. The website asks for your location and age (and does not save that data) to show clinics in your area, and relevant information on parental consent laws or if you are eligible to receive abortion pills by mail. 

I Need An A provides information in a straightforward way to help you plan for your next steps, and you can skip using a search engine like Google to get the information you need. The site also pulls up various abortion funds near you that can help you afford your abortion.

We can help each other stay safe by openly having conversations about abortion access and sharing reputable health information and resources within our communities. For more support, check out Mashable's guide to abortion resources.

Protecting privacy while protesting

In addition to protecting your privacy when actively accessing an abortion, Americans might be concerned about privacy when protesting for reproductive rights. "Speaking up in support of abortion rights is NOT illegal," Molitor reminds us. "However, it's important to protect your privacy and ensure that personal information doesn't fall into the wrong hands, such as anyone who may pose a threat to your safety." 

"As a general rule, avoid sharing sensitive details like your home address, workplace, or current location on social media," she says. Any personally identifiable information online can increase threats to the physical safety of abortion providers, advocates, and patients. Always limit the personal information you share with any website or app.

The website InfosecForActivists additionally provides a comprehensive security checklist for activists to use before, during, and after protests. They recommend using DuckDuckGo's map to find directions to a protest, using the Emergency SOS or Lockdown Mode on your phone, and disabling biometric unlocking on your device. Remember that law enforcement requires a warrant for your phone password, but does not require one if your phone has face or fingerprint unlock.

It's important to remember that, while some loud voices in power are attempting to damage our freedoms, there are countless organizations and individuals fighting for our access to abortions, and there will never be a time when that will stop. While it may feel overwhelming at first to consider these options, remember that digital security isn't a black-and-white decision; it's a process involving risk evaluation and personal choice. 

Regardless of the individual practices you choose to implement, it is still unacceptable that abortion-seekers face any type of risk in this country. We deserve the right to make choices regarding our bodies. These are just a few tools you can consider implementing, while the fight continues until we live in a world where nobody has to look over their shoulder to get the abortions they need.

TL;DR: Save 82% on the award-winning AI photo editor Luminar Neo, which comes with a video training course and six packs of preset photo filters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skylum The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle $119.99 at the Mashable Shop
$682.00 Save $562.01 Get Deal

You've heard of Photoshop, but what is Luminar Neo?

Luminar Neo is an easy-to-use and award-winning AI photo editor that allows everyone to edit their photos with beginner and advanced tools. Instead of spending years mastering Photoshop, spend minutes learning to use this AI photo editing tool.

What can Luminar Neo do?

Start with the bare-bone essentials like layers, masking, and local adjustments, then explore the more advanced AI-powered editing tools:

• Enhance and retouch skin

• Replace skies

• Upscale image quality

• So, so much more

What’s included with this purchase?

There are three components. One: The Luminar Neo photo editor, which is available for Windows, Mac, or as a plugin for Photoshop or Lightroom.

Two, a video training course on photo-editing techniques. You’ll learn how to modify your approach depending on which shots you’re working with, like cityscapes, forests, or portraits, while using Luminar Neo.

Three, six packs of preset photo filters to use with the editor. With just one click, you can instantly transform your photos instead of manually editing them. Try out Frosty Winter or Wintertime this time of year or something like Tender Blushing Skies or Tranquil Dawn Skies this spring. 

Is Luminar Neo good for professionals?

For photographers who don’t want to spend time learning the intricacies of Photoshop, yes. You’ll have advanced tools and the assistance of AI to fill in any knowledge gaps. Plus, this photo editor doesn’t require any subscription fees. With a one-time purchase, you get lifetime access to Luminar Neo.

How much is Luminar Neo’s lifetime subscription?

For everything included in this lifetime bundle — the editing software, video training, and preset filters — you only have to pay $119.99 (regularly a $682 value). That's an 82% discount for Mashable readers.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Improve your job-hunting opportunities and success by getting this AI-powered resume optimization tool, now less than $60 for life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Island Web Apps ResumeFromSpace: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$240.00 Save $180.01 Get Deal

Are you looking for a new job? If you've checked LinkedIn recently, you'll see that job prospects aren't necessarily inspiring, and the job market only seems to be getting more competitive, especially if you haven't gotten positive responses from your applications.

It may be that you don't have the necessary qualifications for your dream role, but it might be your resume preventing you from landing a new job. To sort through qualified applicants, many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter through received resumes. Want to ensure your resume beats the ATS? Have ResumeFromSpace optimize your resume for you. Lifetime access is now $59.99 (reg. $240).

Resume optimization made simple

It might seem nearly impossible to get your resume in front of a hiring manager, but with this AI resume tool, you could improve your chances. 

Whether you have a resume already or want to start a new one from scratch, use ResumeFromSpace's AI-powered resume builder to generate an ATS-friendly resume.

It's designed to offer smart recommendations for rewording and structuring your resume, all while shining the spotlight on your past accomplishments, so your dream company will be impressed. There's also a keyword optimization feature, which could help your resume rank higher in most companies' ATS programs.

Resumes can often be dull, which is why you may want to infuse your resume with some of your own flair. Once you've generated your ATS-friendly resume, use ResumeFromSpace's customizable templates to add some personality to your application. You can also adjust those templates so they align more with your field of work.

The other obstacle to landing your dream job — aside from getting your resume noticed — is preparing for the interview. Need some help? This tool has interview training features that let you practice answering technical or general questions. You'll even receive an interview score at the end of your session.

Boost your resume by optimizing it with this AI-powered resume builder and optimizer, now $59.99 for lifetime access.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Securely shred full hard drives or specific files with this data shredder tool, now 25% off.

It's exciting to finally upgrade an old laptop, but there's one thing you need to remember to do with your device before giving it away, recycling it, or reselling it: deleting all its contents. You may think leaving a few files on your former computer is harmless, but it can be risky to leave files or information on that device.

Instead of manually scouring through all your files and photos to delete them — which comes with the risk of missing some items — let this data shredder stick do the deletion for you. This sleek shredder works with Windows devices and can completely wipe entire hard drives or just specific files. Get it while it's available at this best-of-web pricing: $29.99 (reg. $39).

Full and permanent hard drive wipes 

Rather than wonder if your old PC still has a copy of your passport or medical history on it, you could enjoy greater peace of mind by having this data shredder stick do the job for you. Shredding is not the same as deleting your computer's contents — the space your old data occupied is overwritten, making it impossible to recover once it's been shredded. 

Prevent buyers or bad actors from accessing your personal information once your device has been recycled or resold. Here's how this gadget works:

1. Plug your data shredder stick into your PC and run the app.

2. Use the drag-and-drop functionality to securely shred select files or complete folders.

3. If you'd like to wipe all deleted items from your entire drive, select the drive and watch it get shredded for good.

You can use this data shredder stick an unlimited number of times, whether you're selling your PC because you updated to a new model or you just want to clear digital clutter from your computer. Just keep in mind that this gadget is only compatible with Windows devices.

Enjoy a simpler, more reliable way of complete data deletion for your devices.

Get this PC-compatible data shredder stick, now available at the unbeatable price of $29.99 while supplies last. This price drop only lasts a little while longer.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paraben Consumer Software Data Shredder Stick Secure Data Wiping Tool for Windows $29.99
$39.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Imagine having a phone that can stay charged by simply being exposed to light.

On Sunday, ahead of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Infinix showed me both a solar-powered, wireless charging case that can go on any phone as well as a phone with a mini solar panel built into its back side.

SEE ALSO: What to expect at MWC 2025 from Samsung, TCL, and more

To demonstrate how it works, the Infinix representative merely pointed a (fairly strong) source of light to the phone's rear surface and the device started charging. Magic!

Via Giphy

Of course, to take advantage of the charging case, the phone would have to have wireless charging as there's no other connection from the case to the phone. The advantage of this is that the case, while perhaps not the prettiest out there, is simple, fairly thin, and easily placed on and removed from your device.

Infinix told me that the charging power maxes out at 2W, which means it'll take a couple of days to fully charge a typical phone. While it wasn't clear to me just how much light you need to charge the phone this way, Infinix told me that simply placing the phone face down out in the open on a sunny day should get you some power. This could be great news for adventurers, hikers, and folks who stay in the open without access to electricity for days at a time.

The solar case looks and operates like a regular case, and it isn't even particularly thick. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

If you thought this bit of news would be AI-free, you were wrong, as Infinix's tech uses artificial intelligence to find sources of light and store energy in an optimal way. For the solar bit, the company uses perovskite solar cells — the cool, new, highly efficient cells which everyone is playing with but they're not yet manufactured at large scale.

Right now, the Infinix solar-powered case and phone are just concepts, but the tech could trickle down into a real product down the line.

SAVE OVER $100: As of March 3, the LG 86-inch QNED80T Series Smart TV (2024) is on sale for $1,139.96 at Amazon. That’s down from $1,296.99, a 12% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 86-inch QNED80T Series Smart TV (2024) $1,139.96 at Amazon
$1,296.99 Save $157.03 Get Deal

I don’t know about you, but when I see an 86-inch TV on sale for just over $1,100, I start mentally rearranging my furniture. Amazon has cut $157 off the LG QNED80T Series, making it a solid pickup for anyone looking to go big (literally) without totally breaking the bank.

If you’ve never heard of QNED, think of it as LG’s way of combining Quantum Dots and NanoCell technology to create richer colors and better contrast. Dimming Pro helps keep black levels deep, so you’re not stuck with those weird grayish shadows cheaper LED TVs tend to have. HDR10 Pro kicks things up a notch, making bright scenes brighter and dark scenes actually dark instead of just murky.

SEE ALSO: I have no excuse to skip workouts now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 off

This isn’t an OLED, and the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t going to blow hardcore gamers away. But for movies, sports, and casual gaming, it’s still plenty smooth. The a5 AI Processor Gen 7 helps clean up the picture, upscale lower-resolution content, and even tweak sound quality so dialogue doesn’t get drowned out. Filmmaker Mode is also a nice touch if you’re into watching movies the way directors intended.

Here are the stats that matter:

• Price: $1,139.96 (Was $1,296.99)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 86-inch QNED, 4K UHD

• Processor: a5 AI Processor Gen 7

• HDR: HDR10 Pro

• Refresh Rate: 60Hz

• Smart Features: webOS with 5-year Re:New updates, Alexa built-in

• Audio: Virtual 5.1 surround sound, Filmmaker Mode

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI, USB

I love a good smart TV that doesn’t make me jump through hoops to stream what I want. The webOS Re: New Program promises five years of software updates, so it won’t feel outdated anytime soon. Alexa is built-in, and you’ve got Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and Ethernet connectivity, so you can hook up whatever devices you need without hassle.

If you’ve been waiting for a massive 4K TV price drop, this one is worth a serious look. $1,139 for an 86-inch QNED TV is not a bad deal at all, especially with Amazon’s easy returns. If you’ve got the space, this is a steal.

SAVE $200: As of March 3, the Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 128GB) is available for $599 at Amazon. That’s down from $799, a 25% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google TCL 75-inch Q6-Series QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) $599.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

I wasn't planning on upgrading my phone today, but then I saw that Amazon dropped the Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 128GB) to $599. That's a $200 discount, which is rare for a brand-new flagship device. If you've been eyeing Google's latest AI-powered phone, this might be the perfect time to grab it.

I've tested enough phones to know that not all flagships are created equal. The Pixel 9 stands out because of Google's Gemini AI, which does some seriously cool stuff like editing photos with Magic Editor, rewriting backgrounds, and even making sure everyone in a group photo looks their best with Best Take. The 50MP main camera and 48MP ultrawide sensor make sure your photos always come out crisp, and if you like getting up close, the Macro Focus mode is a nice touch.

SEE ALSO: I have no excuse to skip workouts now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 off

Nobody likes a phone that dies before dinner. Google claims the Pixel 9 lasts 24 hours on a charge, and if you use Extreme Battery Saver, you can stretch that to 72 hours. Under the hood, you're getting 12GB of RAM and a 3.1GHz processor, which means it should handle just about anything you throw at it.

Here's everything that matters about this deal:

• Price: $599 (Was $799)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 6.3-inch Actua, 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: 3.1GHz

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 128GB

• Cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide

• Battery: 24-hour battery, up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver

• AI Features: Gemini AI, Magic Editor, Best Take

• Connectivity: Unlocked (works with major carriers)

One of my biggest pet peeves with budget phones is the sluggish screen. The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch Actua display refreshes at 120Hz, so scrolling feels smooth, and everything looks crisp. Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or just doom-scrolling, it's a big step up from older models.

A flagship phone for $599 is a wild deal, especially since it comes unlocked, so you can use it with Google Fi, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and more. If you've been thinking about upgrading, now's a good time to do it before the price jumps back up.

SAVE $200: As of March 3, the TCL 75-inch Q6-Series QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) is on sale for $499.99 at Best Buy. That’s down from $699.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q6-Series QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) $499.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

I wasn't looking for a new TV today, but now I want one. Best Buy just cut $200 off the TCL 75-inch Q6-Series QLED 4K Smart TV, bringing it down to $499.99. A QLED TV this size for under $500? You don't see that every day.

I've seen a lot of budget TVs, and some of them look like they belong in a waiting room. This one? It's got Quantum Dot technology, so colors actually pop instead of looking dull and washed out. HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision makes everything look sharper and more detailed. At 75 inches, you're basically bringing the movie theater home.

SEE ALSO: I have no excuse to skip workouts now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 off

If you play fast-paced games, you'll appreciate Motion Rate 240 and Game Accelerator 120. They keep things smooth, so you don't have to deal with lag or choppy action. Auto Game Mode also optimizes settings when you fire up a console. Just make sure to use your Xbox Series or PS5 HDR and image settings wizards to get the best out of each console. I love Nintendo Switch, too, but it's a bit behind with this kind of thing.

Here are the specifications that matter:

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Display: 75-inch QLED, 4K UHD

• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

• Motion Tech: Motion Rate 240, MEMC

• Gaming Features: Game Accelerator 120, Auto Game Mode

• Audio: Onkyo 2.1 Speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X

• Smart TV OS: Fire TV with Alexa Support

• Connectivity: 4 HDMI inputs (1 eARC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5

Most built-in TV speakers are trash, but TCL threw in an Onkyo 2.1 speaker system. It's got Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, so the sound has some depth instead of just tinny noise. If you don't want to splurge on a soundbar right away, that's cool. Just be prepared for underwhelming sound via the built-in speakers. Other good options for quality sound here are a decent gaming headset or budget studio monitor speakers.

A 75-inch QLED TV for under $500 is not normal. If you've been holding out for a big-screen upgrade, this is one of the better deals I've seen in a while. I have no idea how long it'll last, so if you're interested, maybe don't wait too long.