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A Massachusetts professor has filed a lawsuit against Meta using a novel interpretation of Section 230, a law known primarily for shielding social media companies from liability.

Best Dyson deals the week of August 20 Best cordless Dyson vacuum deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim $449.99 at Dyson (save $200) Get Deal Best Dyson fan deal Dyson Hot+Cool Autoreact HP7A $399.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best Dyson hair care deal Dyson Supersonic (latest gen, refurbished) $209.99 at Walmart (save $290) Get Deal

Late August is prime time to buy a Dyson, and not just because there are several Dyson deals live right now — though that does help.

It's still summer-y enough for playing outside dirt, mowing the lawn grass, and leftover beach sand to make its way onto your floors. However, crunchy leaf season is right around the corner, and having a cordless vacuum at the ready will be a game-changer. Or perhaps you're more so fearing the kickoff to fall allergy season. If you haven't upgraded to an air purifier or a vacuum with a HEPA filter yet, the Dyson models on sale this week are your sign to set yourself up for success already.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

I don't have a seasonal spiel about Dyson's hair tools — having your hair on point is kind of a year round thing, so whenever the urge to upgrade to a Dyson Supersonic, Airwrap, or Corrale strikes, you should just go for it. Luckily, refurbished versions of all three are even more affordable than usual this week.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson V12 Detect Slim $449.99
$649.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This $449.99 sale price is just $50 away from the cheapest we've ever seen on the Mashable Choice-winning V12 Detect Slim — and that record-low has only really made an appearance during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

In my opinion, the V12 Detect Slim is the best Dyson for most people because it packs the most crucial Dyson features into an affordable package that barely weighs more than five pounds — the ideal weight for one hand usage, especially in handheld mode. Easily the best part about the V12 Detect Slim is its inclusion of Dyson's green laser, which highlights microscopic dust on a hard floor that you may have assumed was clean. My other favorite Dyson tool, the mini motorized cleaning tool for tackling pet hair on furniture, is also included.

More deals on cordless Dyson vacuums

• Dyson V7 Advanced — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• Dyson Outsize— $519.99 $599.99 (save $80)

• Dyson Gen5detect — $749.99 $949.99 (save $200)

Upright Dyson deals

• Dyson Ball Animal 3 Complete — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)

Dyson fan deals

• Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 — $299.99 $429.99 (save $130)

• Dyson Hot+Cool Autoreact HP7A — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 — $429.99 $529.99 (save $100)

• Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 — $749.99 $899.99 (save $150)

Dyson hair care deals

• Dyson Corrale (latest gen, refurbished) — $179.99 $399.99 (save $220)

• Dyson Supersonic Origin (latest gen, refurbished) — $199.99 $319.99 (save $120)

• Dyson Supersonic (latest gen, refurbished) — $209.99 $499.99 (save $290)

• Dyson Airwrap Origin Long (latest gen, refurbished) — $279.99 $349.99 (save $160)

• Dyson Airwrap Complete Long (refurbished) — $339.99 $499.99 (save $160)

As a kid, there was nothing I loved more than seeing a handwritten letter arrive on my doormat from one of my pen pals. I treasured every letter and postcard, storing them in a shoe box covered with a collage of my own fabulous design (I still have them to this day).

In my (deeply wholesome) childhood obsession with pen pals, never in a million years would I imagine that my future self would attach a negative meaning to the idea of a pen pal. But here I am: a single woman in her thirties who's found herself in several pen pal situationships on dating apps. And it has brought me nothing but frustration and upset.

SEE ALSO: I got stood up. I refuse to let dating app culture break my spirit.

The most recent experience brought with it several valuable — albeit painful — lessons. I'd matched with a man on Bumble and immediately we got chatting and there was a palpable connection.

We moved the chat over to WhatsApp and spent hours texting about all manner of things. When I went back to look at his profile (OK, to check him out again! He was super handsome!) I noticed he was quite far away and using "Travel Mode" — a Bumble Premium feature that allows you to change your location from your current one. This didn't set off alarm bells — when I'm on holiday or travelling for work, my Bumble profile will appear the same way to anyone swiping in London.

But this connection wasn't travelling, he was working and living in another part of England, hoping to move closer to London at some point. After a week or so of messaging in October, he addressed the elephant in the room: he couldn't come to London until the new year and didn't want to stand in the way of me meeting someone else before then. But he so enjoyed talking to me, he said. I thought about my own situation — I had three months to finish a non-fiction book I was working on (ironically, the book is all about why dating is so hard right now!). My entire life was pretty much consumed by it. I wasn't in a position to go on dates and certainly wouldn't be able to make someone feel like they were my priority (which might not feel great in the early stages of seeing each other).

Asking for clarity in the talking stage

We agreed to keep chatting until we were both in a position to meet up in the new year. For weeks, we texted on a daily basis, we sent voice notes, memes, we sexted, we talked about what we'd do to each other once we finally met up. But that day never came. When December arrived, I mentioned we should start thinking about when we wanted to meet up, but his response was very non-committal. I brought it up again a week later and, again, very little reaction. At this point, I knew it was high time for clarity. I composed a paragraph in my Notes app and plucked up the courage to ask where he was at emotionally. I laid my cards on the table: "I would like to explore this connection in person. But I want to check we're on the same page — if not, I'd rather know." I added: "I'd rather we didn't waste our time / get stuck in a nebulous pen pal thing."

He took 24 excruciating hours to give me a response to that question. In that time, I came to terms with the fact that the answer I'd eventually get would not be the one I wanted. I cried quite a few tears — which surprised me, given that we'd never met. But, that sadness came from feeling stupid for giving so much time to a situation that proved fruitless. For believing in a fantasy and ignoring the reality that had been staring me in the face. For feeling strung along and not seeing it sooner. Eventually, he told me he didn't envisage himself hopping on trains back and forth to London and wanted to spent the next six months focusing on his friendships. He told me he understood if I didn't want to keep chatting, but expressed that he did not like the sound of a "nebulous pen pal".

Featured Video For You How Tinder and other dating apps use algorithms to find your match — Horny on Main

As tears streamed from my eyes, I replied saying I was looking for a relationship and deserved to be with someone who knew what they wanted with me. I wished him well and we parted company. I unfollowed him on social media and archived our chat. Eventually he unfollowed me back on Instagram. But every few weeks, I'd notice him viewing my Instagram Story. Even now, eight months since we last spoke, he still peeks at my Story, despite the fact we no longer follow each other.

Why do people look for pen pals on dating apps?

It's very confusing to spend such a prolonged period of time talking to someone, forming an attachment, only to learn that they likely had no intention of ever meeting up in person. I've learned valuable lessons from my experience with this man. When swiping on apps, I make sure the person lives in the same city as me (important!). I now make sure when I'm talking to someone, we move our connection to real life in the first week or so of texting. I ask for clarity at the first sign of inconsistency. I end things if they admit they're not in the right space for dating.

In the aftermath of that prolonged talking stage, I wondered if the man had only ever intended to be pen pals. Had he, from the very outset, had no intention of ever meeting up with me? I couldn't stop thinking about the "why?" of it all. What was the motivation behind solely messaging and never taking the connection to real life?

When I swipe on dating apps, I often see 'no pen pals' in people's bios — so mine is not a unique experience.

When I swipe on dating apps, I often see "no pen pals" in people's bios — so mine is not a unique experience. What is the reason behind this behaviour? Why do some people seek out — consciously or unconsciously — pen pals on dating apps? Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney, says there's a few reasons for 'pen pal' behaviour on dating apps. "The first is that they simply aren’t ready to date — and they might not even know this themselves; they like the 'idea' of dating, but don’t like the reality of it," says Knight. "The second is that they are struggling with their own issues — like anxiety or poor self-esteem — which would prevent them from wanting to take the next step of meeting up."

The third reason could be that the person is already in a relationship and they are using dating apps as a means of escapism, says Knight. A possible fourth reason could be that the person is trying to meet friends using dating apps.

SEE ALSO: What do we owe our online dating matches?

Anna Hint, dating expert at dating app Pure, also suggested a few explanations for this behaviour. "Some of the few reasons might be boredom, 'testing the waters' before meeting up in real life, seeking validation, or just feeling lonely but not looking to develop the connection further than online chats," says Hint. "Other times someone might be in a committed monogamous relationship and not looking to meet anyone in person but open to connecting virtually — this might or might not be consensual in a couple's relationship dynamics but also a quite common scenario."

There's also the matter of dating apps creating the illusion of seemingly boundless choices. "So why settle for someone at all?" adds Hint. "Situationships, delusionships, and imaginationships are all part of our dating scenarios today. It seems like a real struggle to make up your mind about whom you should meet IRL, maybe for many people it's comfortable enough just to exchange a few texts here and there to feel 'seen' but not take it further."

All these reasons don't make this behaviour OK, but in seeking to understand the motivation behind the pen pal trap, we can take it less personally. And, we can get better at spotting it and nipping it in the bud before we spend time on someone who has no intention of meeting up.

Recognise the signs of breadcrumbing

You might be familiar with the dating term "breadcrumbing" — when a person sends endless flirty messages (akin to dropping a trail of breadcrumbs), except the trail leads to nothing. No date, no in-person meet-up, just a never-ending stream of texts.

Knight recommends learning the signs of breadcrumbing so you're equipped to recognise when it's happening and can put a stop to it if you feel you're being led on.

"Breadcrumbing, whether intentional or not, is a manipulative tactic in a relationship where someone drops vague, intermittent (or only when prompted) and flirtatious messages — quite literally digital crumbs of affection — to keep someone interested without ever intending to commit to a relationship," says Knight. "Typically if someone is vague, doesn’t follow through with their plans, and becomes more interested when you try to withdraw, they may be dropping breadcrumbs."

What to do if you're worried about falling into the pen pal trap

Boundaries are key in these situations. Knight recommends minimising app-based chatting to no more than a few days as "this will allow you to determine a minimum threshold of connection."

To move to a physical, in-person meeting, Knight advises suggesting a specific activity — going to a life drawing class together, trying a new restaurant, going bowling or mini-golfing — as a date, rather than just a generic "want to grab drinks?" "Pretty quickly this will give you an idea about their future intentions to meet up, and you can decide whether or not to proceed with the conversation or cut off contact," says Knight.

Communicating what you're looking for from the get-go is a great way to define your boundaries and to find out what the other person's expectations are too. "If it seems like you are not on the same page in terms of your wants and needs, it's better to cut it off," says Hint.

What if you're only looking for a pen pal on dating apps?

If you're not ready to date in person, or perhaps you want to explore intimacy purely over texting for the time being, honesty is the best policy. Make your intentions clear from the very outset and give the person the choice of whether this arrangement works for them too. "If you really are looking for a pen pal, then you need to signpost this in your bio, and make your feelings clear upfront, so that the other person knows ahead of time what they're signing up for," Knight says.

"You don't want to give any room or time for misunderstanding; even if you have good intentions, if you start talking to someone and let them know you're only looking for a pen pal weeks into a conversation, they could end up developing feelings and getting hurt," she adds.

Knight suggests using apps or websites which are solely for this purpose — InterPals, Global Penfriends, and Slowly, to name a few. On Pure you can list "virtual" as your ideal dating scenario. Similarly, on Feeld, you can add "texting" as a kink.

Hint adds that "if you want to act respectfully and ethically towards your match or chat partner: it's crucial to mention where you are standing from the start when connecting with someone online."

Dating app culture might feel really murky and dispiriting at the moment, but if we treat each other with respect and communicate clearly and honestly, we can avoid leading people on.

The best Shark deals this week save you up to $100 on home cleaning tech. Check out our top picks:

Our top picks: Best Shark air purifier deal Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier Max $179.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Shark vacuum deal Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum $150 at Amazon (save $49.99) Get Deal Best Shark robot vacuum deal Shark UR2500SR AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

It's not common to come across someone who finds household chores to be the highlight of the week. Between work, family, relationships, sleep, and trying to stay active, household chores can get put on the back burner and then become an overall drag to take care of over the weekend. Thankfully, we've been introduced to some reliable brands that make chores much less time-consuming.

Shark has become one of the most well-known home appliance brands, typically offering great features at budget-friendly prices. During the week of August 20, we're seeing some great discounted prices on Shark home appliances like robot vacuums and air purifiers.

Here are some of our top picks:

Best Shark air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier Max $179.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

An air purifier can be one of the best investments for your health, providing clean air to you, your family, and pets while inside. The Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier Max is designed to filter air in spaces as large as 1,200 square feet with HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of particles like pollen, pet dander, and dust. If you deal with allergies or asthma, an air purifier is a must-have. Thanks to today's sale price, you can get the Shark Clean Sense for just $179.99, marked down from the usual price of $279.99. That's a 36% discount or a savings of $100.

Shark mentions this larger filtration size can be perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, or basements. One of the most useful features of the Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier Max is the Clean Sense IQ reading displayed on the front of the purifier, which gives you a percentage readout of real-time air quality. A blue ring with a 100% score indicates air quality is good, which changes to an orange ring if the air quality dips below 70%.

If you live in an area that's prone to late summer smoke, today's sale is a great time to snag this air purifier and breathe easier knowing you're better protected.

Best Shark vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum $150.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $49.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Stick vacuums aren't for everyone and if you prefer an upright model, the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Vacuum could be perfect. As of Aug. 20, the Shark Navigator Lift Away is on sale for $150 at Amazon, down from the list price of $199.99, which means you're getting a 25% discount.

With swivel steering, the Shark vacuum is ideal for cleaning around furniture and hard-to-reach spots. The brush roll automatically detects the floor below and switches from gently cleaning hardwood floors to deep cleaning carpets.

If your cleaning nemesis is vacuuming the stairs, the Shark Navigator Lift Away is here to make the task much easier. The vacuum's detachable pod makes for a lightweight cleaning experience when vacuuming the stairs, blinds, or getting into the nooks of furniture.

Best Shark robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark UR2500SR AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you'd rather never physically push a vacuum again, the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is ready to take over. Thanks to the included charging base which also serves as a self-emptying station, you'll only need to take a few minutes each month to deal with floor maintenance. The bagless base can store up to 30 days worth of debris, which means you'll only need to empty the base once per month. Beyond that, the robot vacuum will use its mapping brains to clean your floors on whatever schedule you desire. The Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum can get up to 120 minutes of runtime before it needs to recharge, so it's capable of cleaning the whole house.

As of Aug. 20, the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is on sale for just $299.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $399.99 which means you'll be getting a 25% discount.

More Shark deals to shop this week

• Shark Wandvac Cordless Hand Vacuum — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)

• Shark Clean Sense IQ Air Purifier (500 square feet) — $149.99 $239.99 (save $90)

• Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Shark FlexStyle Air Drying & Styling System — $279.99 $319.99 (save $40)

• Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• Shark IZ631H Cordless Pro Vacuum — $299.99 $349.99 (save $50)

SAVE 46%: This week, shop major savings on Amazon devices including Echos, Fire TVs, and tablets. Find the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet for just $64.99, saving you 46% for $55 off.

Best Amazon device deals Best Amazon Echo deal Amazon Echo Spot $54.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire TV deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet $64.99 at Amazon (Save $55) Get Deal

Last month, we were all Prime Day, all the time. The biggest sale event of the summer is long gone and in its wake it has left... more deals? Historically, Prime Day brings the lowest prices, especially on Amazon devices. Unfortunately, this year was a little lackluster. Now we're in the thick of August, heading back to school, and Amazon is bringing some extra savings as we wrap up summer.

This week, Amazon has dropped deals across a wide array of its devices. You can find up to 46% off Amazon Echo smart speakers, Fire TVs, and tablets. Unfortunately, you won't find any Kindle deals, not surprising considering the deals during Prime Day weren't anything to write home about.

Here are the best deals to shop on on Amazon devices the week of August 20.

Best Amazon Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $54.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The latest entry into the Echo line-up is the Spot. Having tested this device upon its release last month, I'm a big fan. It has a sleek display that brightly shows the time, weather, and whatever you're listening to. Plus, it has a compact design, perfect for nightstands.

Since it is a recent release, we're stoked whenever it dips in price. At $54.99, it's the lowest price we've seen it since Prime Day. Right now you can score it for 31% off for $25 in savings.

More Echo device deals

• Amazon Echo Pop — $22.99 $39.99 (save $17)

• Amazon Echo Dot — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Echo Auto — $34.99 $54.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)

Best Amazon Fire TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

In terms of streaming devices, Amazon Fire TV Sticks are some of the more affordable on the market. While its listed price is $49.99, typically we see these devices drop to around $30. Now is no different as the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is down to $29.99, saving you $20 for 40% off.

Is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K the best streaming device we've tested? Certainly not. In a head to head test with the Roku Streaming Stick, it didn't stand up to its competition. However, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K still gets the job done. It may run a little slower than other devices, however, if your main streaming service is Prime Video, the Fire TV Stick is great as it makes it easy to continue watching your favorite shows.

More Amazon Fire TV deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Fire 55-inch Omni QLED TV — $429.99 $599.99 (save $170)

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet $64.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Listen, we love iPads too, but the world of tablets is much bigger than Apple's corner. Amazon Fire tablets are worthy competitors, especially because they come at unbeatable prices. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet is similar in size to the iPad Mini, however, it's just a fraction of the price.

Having tested the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet here at Mashable, it certainly isn't as zippy as an iPad. It comes loaded with a lot of Amazon ads. However, it makes it makes for a great e-reader and is currently cheaper than any Amazon Kindle.

Find the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet for $64.99, saving you 46% for $55 off.

More Amazon Fire Tablet deals

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet — $99.99 $179.99 (save $80)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

The G1 will now feature stronger performance, with capabilities such as jumping, walking at over 4.4 mph, and climbing debris-covered stairs.

A24 has released the trailer for nostalgic teen disaster comedy 'Y2K,' featuring Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, and Julian Dennison.

"Daily Show" host Michael Kosta has given a preview of the Democratic National Committee.

The first iPhone Pro models to be made in India could be coming as soon as September or October this year.

According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to start manufacturing iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models in India "as close to the global debut as possible." This could mean a few weeks after launch, which is expected in early September.

SEE ALSO: New iPhone 16 Pro color will reportedly be Desert Titanium

This probably won't mean much for the consumers. The new iPhones will be assembled by Foxconn, the same company that's been Apple's key manufacturing partner for the iPhone for more than a decade. Foxconn, which operates primarily in China, will build the new iPhone Pro models in its factory in India's southernmost state, Tamil Nadu.

A big chunk of iPhone production already resides in India — in April, Bloomberg claimed that one in seven iPhones are built there — mostly by China's Foxconn and Taiwan's Pegatron corporations. But the company reportedly only had its "regular" iPhone models assembled in India; if this new report is accurate, it would be the first time the iPhone Pro models have been made in the country.

The move is an important one for Apple, though. The company plans to build all of the iPhones it sells in India locally to avoid import duties. This should be achieved by the end of 2024, Bloomberg claims.

A six-part Apple TV+ docuseries, "K-Pop Idols" follows rapper/singer Jessi, boy group CRAVITY, and girl group BLACKSWAN.

The trailer for "Azrael", E.L. Katz' post-apocalyptic survival thriller about a religious cult trying to fend off eerie creatures, has dropped.

Watch 'Inside Out 2' at home with these quick links: WATCH AT A LATER DATE Disney+ Basic monthly subscription $7.99 per month Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Disney Duo Basic Bundle: Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) $9.99 per month (save 37%) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON FIOS CUSTOMERS Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $109.99) Get Deal BEST FOR TOTAL BY VERIZON CUSTOMERS Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total by Verizon $60 plan (save $13.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON WIRELESS CUSTOMERS Disney Bundle: Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal WATCH ASAP Purchase 'Inside Out 2' on Prime Video $29.99 Get Deal

In 2015, Inside Out explored the emotions inside the head of a young girl named Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman) as she was trying to cope with moving across the country. Nearly a decade later, Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the crew are back — along with some new emotions — to help Riley deal with puberty in Inside Out 2.

The Pixar blockbuster took the box office by storm this summer and now, as of Aug. 20, you can watch the family friendly film from the comfort of your couch. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Inside Out 2 at home.

What is Inside Out 2 about?

Pixar digs into the human emotion hellscape that is puberty in Inside Out 2, introducing a whole new slate of emotions to Riley's mind. Alongside Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), Fear (voiced by Tony Hale), and Disgust (voiced by Liza Lapira), new emotions have emerged to help Riley navigate this difficult time — Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), Envy (voiced by Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (voiced by Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser). As Riley attends a hockey camp and is forced to confront some tough decisions about friends, the old emotions and new get into a power struggle, which leads to some emotional turmoil for Riley.

Get a sneak peek at the story in the trailer below.

Is Inside Out 2 worth watching?

Mashable's Belen Edwards described the film as "the rare Pixar sequel that truly earns its existence and deepens the message of its first film. And even though it may make you deeply, deeply, deeply anxious, it's also, quite simply, a joy to watch."

Other critics largely agree, with the film earning a 91 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences love it, too; not only did the film bring in a whopping $1.5 billion at the box office, but it also managed to maintain a 95 percent audience rating. Oh, and no biggie, but it also became the highest grossing animated film of all time.

Read our full review of Inside Out 2.

How to watch Inside Out 2 at home

Just two months after Inside Out 2's explosive opening weekend at the theaters, it's available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can purchase the film for your digital library for $29.99. It'll also be available to rent at a later date.

The benefit of purchasing the film, besides being able to watch it at your leisure, is the slew of bonus content you'll have access to. The digital version of the film includes an alternate opening, deleted scenes, behind the scenes of creating the new emotions, and more. However, if you'd rather stream Inside Out 2, keep scrolling to learn more.

As of Aug. 20, you can purchase the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — buy for $29.99

• Apple TV — buy for $29.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $29.99

• YouTube — buy for $29.99

When is Inside Out 2 streaming?

While there's no official streaming date yet, we do know that — like every other Pixar release — Inside Out 2 will be headed to Disney+ eventually. Given its massive success in theaters, there's a good chance Disney will push its streaming debut to late fall 2024. Stay tuned, as we'll update this article when the official date is announced.

If you're not yet a Disney+ subscriber, you can prepare to watch Inside Out 2 or revisit the original film by subscribing ahead of time. Subscriptions start at $7.99 and we've rounded up the best ways you can sign up and save some money below.

The best Disney+ streaming dealsBest Disney+ deal for most people Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ Disney+ monthly subscription $7.99 per month (with ads) or $13.99 per month (ad-free) Watch Now

If you're only interested in watching Inside Out 2 and not sticking around, signing up for a single month of Disney+ is probably your best option. You won't technically save any money, but you also won't continuously waste money either — so long as you remember to cancel your subscription after watching. Disney+ with ads will only cost you $7.99 for a single month. If you want to cut out the ads, it'll cost you $13.99 for the month.

Best Disney+ bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu + Disney+) $9.99 per month (with ads) Watch Now

If you're already a Hulu subscriber, you can bundle it with Disney+ (with ads) for only $9.99 per month. That's basically like getting Disney+ for only $2 per month, saving you 37% compared to paying for each separately. You can take things a step further and add Max into the mix for a grand total of $16.99 per month. Or, if you're more into sports, sub Max for ESPN+ for just $14.99 per month for all three. You'll have to deal with ads, but for the price, it's hard to beat. To watch without ads, you'll have to pay an extra $10 a month for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle and an extra $13 per month for the trio bundle with Max.

Best Disney+ trial Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $109.99) Watch Now

Verizon Fios home internet users on the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete package can score a free year of Disney+ Premium (no ads), while those on the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete package can sign up for six free months. Check your plan and read about eligibility terms over on the Verizon website to activate the offer.

Best Disney+ deal for Verizon Wireless customers Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon / Disney+ Disney Bundle: Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $8.99 per month) Watch Now

Verizon Wireless customers can get a stellar deal on Disney+ through Verizon myPlan. Just add a Disney Bundle to your account through myPlan, which includes Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN (with ads). All three would usually cost you $18.99 per month, but by signing up through this myPlan deal, you'll only pay $10 per month.

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Let's talk about Alien resurrection. No, not the fourth film in the Alien series, but rather the ghoulish real-life resurrection at the heart of Alien: Romulus.

The film, directed by Fede Álvarez, brings a familiar face back to the Alien franchise: that of the late Sir Ian Holm. Holm played the Nostromo's synthetic science officer Ash in 1979's Alien. In Alien: Romulus, he "appears" as Rook, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic who is the same model as Ash, and who serves as the science officer for the Renaissance space station.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Romulus' review: Fan Service Summer continues

I say "appears" because Holm, who passed away in June 2020, is unable to perform in Alien: Romulus. Instead, the film uses an animatronic body and CGI to create a simulacrum of Holm. Actor Daniel Betts also provided facial and vocal performances, which were then altered by generative AI and computer modeling to get closer to Holm's. The result lives in the depths of the uncanny valley, alongside Rogue One's revival of Peter Cushing's Grand Moff Tarkin and The Flash's cameo from Christopher Reeve's Superman.

However, Alien: Romulus's Rook has far more screen time than these prior examples, playing first an expository role, then an antagonistic one for the film's young heroes. Each extended appearance is more unsettling than the last, to the point that I dreaded seeing Rook far more than I dreaded any Xenomorph. Not because Rook is a frightening character, but because his presence here snaps you out of an otherwise very fun movie, pointing instead to a disturbing filmmaking practice that mines cheap nostalgia from a late actor's work — and that could have been entirely avoided in the first place.

Why is Ian Holm's Alien: Romulus resurrection so troubling?

Let's start out with the obvious: No matter what permissions an estate may grant, a late actor cannot consent to having their likeness used in a movie. Doing so is an immediate violation of their personhood. In reviving them for the screen, you're creating a performance in a film they might never have agreed to do, with acting choices they might never have made.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Romulus' has a great Easter egg right at the start

That's because the version of Holm we see in Alien: Romulus isn't really Holm. It's a puppet of a character he once played, being pulled out of the Alien toy box in order to score nostalgia points in a movie that's already too full of callbacks. Like Reeve and Cushing, Holm becomes an avatar for misguided fan service, instead of remaining an actor with agency. No wonder concerns about digital replicas of actors and their use after death became a key part of SAG-AFTRA's 2023 contract.

The presence of Holm's likeness in Alien: Romulus is also a smack in the face to the film's own themes. Here is a movie that criticizes how corporations work employees to death, with one of its first scenes establishing that Weyland-Yutani keeps moving the goalposts of Rain Carradine's (Cailee Spaeny, Civil War, Priscilla) contract until it's effectively a death sentence. Yet Alien: Romulus is awfully comfortable working the image of an actor's body beyond death. Elsewhere, the great horror of the facehuggers and Xenomorphs remains the hijacking of our own bodies for alien needs. Does Alien: Romulus not see how its use of Holm's likeness is a similar kind of hijacking?

Alien: Romulus didn't need Rook in the first place. David Jonsson in "Alien: Romulus." Credit: 20th Century Studios

An extra frustrating element of this situation is the fact that Alien: Romulus didn't even need Rook to be effective. Rain and her companions have no idea about the events of Alien on the Nostromo, or who Ash is, so seeing Rook means nothing to them in-world. His presence here is pure fan service, with no actual depth behind it. Sure, the sentiment would have been the same had Álvarez brought back Bishop (Lance Henriksen) from Aliens and Alien 3 or David (Michael Fassbender) from Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, but at least then the director wouldn't have been manufacturing a performance from a deceased Holm.

Just bring in another version of Andy.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Álvarez pointed to a "limited amount of synthetics" as being the reason why he and producer Ridley Scott decided to bring Rook back. Yet even if that limit prevented the creation of another original synthetic beyond Andy (David Jonsson, Industry, Rye Lane), there is still a solution for who could fulfill Rook's role onboard the Renaissance without stooping to fan service. Just bring in another version of Andy. After all, the movie is named Romulus, after famed Roman twins Remus and Romulus — twin shenanigans would only make sense here!

Yes, the Alien franchise has pulled the synthetic twins trick before, with Walter and David in Alien: Covenant. But out of all the callbacks Alien: Romulus has to other Alien films, I think double Andy has the potential to be the most rewarding.

For starters, another synthetic who looks like Andy would actually mean something to Rain and her companions. They'd have more of a reason to trust him upon first meeting him, just by virtue of his resemblance to Rain's brother alone. That's already a step above fan service.

Then, there's Andy's reaction to his own doppelgänger to consider. Aside from Rain, Andy is fairly isolated from the rest of the anti-synthetic crew, and from the rest of the Jackson's Star Colony. What happens if he sees someone who is exactly like him? Does he form some kind of synthetic kinship with his double, especially after learning that Rain plans to decommission him when she makes it to Yvaga?

If there is any trust there, that adds an extra layer of heartbreak to the moment when Andy switches over to being just another vessel for doing Weyland-Yutani's bidding, powered by Rook's chip. Think of Andy's turn there like a reverse Walter and David situation. While David tried to turn Walter against his crew in order to free him from a life of service, Andy's turned against his crew in order to serve Weyland-Yutani. When it's his lookalike facilitating that turn, it becomes more of a betrayal of self, instead of a possible self-liberation.

Twice the Andy is just one solution to the question of, "which synthetic should be onboard the Renaissance?" (A solution that would give Jonsson even more room to flex his impressive range.) There are countless others, including just making Rook an original synthetic and casting any other actor in the part. But there's only one truly incorrect answer, and that's the route Alien: Romulus takes.

Alien: Romulus is now in theaters.

Stephen Colbert has broken down the big moments from the Democratic National Convention, day one.

TikTok star and creator of the "very demure, very mindful" trend Jools Lebron appeared with guest host RuPaul on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

During WWII, an energy crisis fuelled Peugeot's EV production — including this quirky electric car.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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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.

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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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Whooooosh

• Green: One might spin right round baby right round...

• Blue: What's your star sign?

• Purple: Book characters

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Rush of Wind

• Green: Rotate

• Blue: Zodiac Symbols

• Purple: Dr. Seuss Title Characters

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 #435 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Rush of Wind: BLOW, DRAFT, GUST, PUFF

• Rotate: CRANK, REEL, TURN, WIND

• Yoga Poses: BULL, CRAB, LION, RAM

• Zodiac Symbols: CAT, GRINCH, POP, TURTLE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Hold up.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Not today.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DELAY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Fans of The Acolyte are processing some terrible news this week, with reports of the show's cancellation. As reported by Deadline, Lucasfilm will not continue the Star Wars series into a second season.

Created by Leslye Headland and starring Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto, The Acolyte wrapped up a critically acclaimed, eight-episode first season at the end of July, leaving many narrative questions unanswered.

SEE ALSO: 9 burning questions we have for 'The Acolyte' Season 2

The Acolyte's renewal for a second season was not among the many, many announcements at Disney's biennial D23 expo on Aug. 11, where the company revealed various sequels and spinoffs ahead. As IGN reports, Jacinto was asked on a D23 panel about the possibility of a second Acolyte season, when he said, "Fingers crossed we get to do it again."

Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Launched in June, the first two episodes of The Acolyte received 4.8 million views on Disney+ — making it the streaming service's top series premiere of 2024, according to Disney. After five days, this hit 11.1 million views, and The Acolyte made it to Nielsen's top 10 chart for original series. Deadline reports the show lost momentum after its premiere (like many new shows) but appeared in Nielsen's top originals at number 10 for its showstopping finale. The Acolyte's budget was reportedly $180 million for eight episodes.

Theories and reactions are simmering on social media following the news, and Disney is yet to publicly confirm the show's cancellation. But it's looking like the future for The Acolyte is grim.

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 20, 2024:

Across"That's gonna leave a ___!"

• The answer is Mark.

Great Lake that borders Buffalo

• The answer is Erie.

Bee offensive?

• The answer is Sting.

Greek god of war

• The answer is Ares.

Something you might hold around a dumpster

• The answer is Nose.

DownD.C.'s subway system

• The answer is Metro.

Zodiac sign for Nancy Pelosi and Tim Walz

• The answer is Aries.

Hold under running water

• The answer is Rinse.

Big barrel of Bud

• The answer is Keg.

___ Diego, Calif.

• The answer is San.

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

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