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In Janet Planet, silence is everything. Playwright Annie Baker's directorial debut thrives in the stretches of time between words, entire scenes sometimes playing out solely accompanied by ambient noise.

That focus on silence comes as no surprise given Baker's previous work. Pick up any of her plays, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Flick to The Aliens, and you'll find meticulously scripted pauses, right down to how long they should last. However, these pauses are by no means dead space; they are intentional opportunities for characters to fully inhabit their worlds, to consider their thoughts and go about their everyday actions. They're just one of the many ways in which Baker so thoroughly captures how people actually speak to and interact with one another — an ability she carries from the stage to the screen with Janet Planet.

SEE ALSO: 11 films you'll want to see out of NYFF 2023 What's Janet Planet about?

Janet Planet introduces us to rising sixth grader Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) and her mother, the eponymous Janet (Julianne Nicholson). The two are practically inseparable, mostly by Lacy's doing. At summer camp, she threatens to kill herself unless Janet picks her up. Upon returning home, Lacy demands Janet sleep in her bed with her, then asks to keep "a little piece" of her mom when Janet tries to return to her own room. (Janet hands over a strand of hair.)

In the time she can't spend with Janet, such as when Janet is seeing her acupuncture clients, Lacy busies herself with piano lessons and tending to a diorama she's built in her room. She also acts as a quiet observer of her mother's life, watching Janet connect with romantic interests and friends despite not fully understanding the ins and outs of adulthood herself.

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Among the figures who come into Janet and Lacy's lives are Janet's boyfriend, Wayne (Will Patton); her old friend Regina (Sophie Okonedo), who's just left a commune of actors and farmers that may or may not be a cult; and Avi (Elias Koteas), the leader of said commune who takes a liking to Janet. Janet Planet announces these characters' arrivals (and departures) with matter-of-fact title cards that both give the film a wry sense of structure and mirror how Lacy marks time based on her mother's own relationships.

The strength of each "section" of Janet Planet varies, with my personal favorite being the one that centers on Regina. Instead of focusing on romantic connections, this portion of the film dives deeper into female friendship. Nicholson and Okonedo share a great rapport while talking about their past mistakes and what's happened in their lives since they last spoke. Plus, Lacy gets more of a chance to interact with Regina than she does with Wayne or Avi, revealing some of her stronger opinions and thoughts about her mother that she can't share directly with her.

SEE ALSO: ‘All of Us Strangers’ review: Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal lead the hottest, saddest movie this year.

Otherwise, Lacy remains less an active participant than an onlooker throughout, something Baker establishes through long, static shots of other characters from Lacy's point of view and through her trademark silences. Here, Lacy takes in the people around her, examining them before asking the occasional pointed question. Elsewhere, Baker shows people speaking but removes the sound of their dialogue, making us infer their words from Lacy's facial expressions. Newcomer Ziegler's reactions are revelatory in themselves, as is her entire performance, complementing Baker's strong yet quietly sparse directorial vision. The film sometimes shifts to Janet's perspective, but it's certainly at its strongest and most developed while we're seeing the world through Lacy's inquisitive, if sometimes bewildered, eyes.

Janet Planet is a moving snapshot of a mother-daughter relationship.

Wayne, Regina, and Avi may come and go, but the heart of Janet Planet is undeniably the relationship between Janet and Lacy. There's an easy intimacy here, glimpsed in scenes where Janet combs Lacy's hair or takes care of her when she's sick. But there's also a tension: Lacy is attached to Janet to the point of codependency, while Janet sometimes appears to be stifled by Lacy's constant closeness, even though she loves her daughter.

Wayne, Regina, and Avi may come and go, but the heart of 'Janet Planet' is undeniably the relationship between Janet and Lacy.

These are feelings that Janet can't quite express to Lacy, and they aren't the only ones. One night, while the two lie in bed together, Lacy confides in Janet, "Every moment of my life is hell." Obviously, these are the last words Janet wants to hear from her daughter — especially as the moment in which Lacy speaks them is a non-hellish instance of calm. Yet Janet seems to find some truth in them too, confessing that she doesn't feel happy either, that her ability to make men fall in love with her sometimes scares her.

Janet's confession is a rare instance of her truly letting Lacy in. At other moments, she keeps Lacy at arm's length, becoming a somewhat unknowable figure to a daughter who just wants to understand her. Nicholson sinks naturally into the sometimes mystifying version of Janet that Lacy sees, but she also imbues Janet with enough warmth, fatigue, and desire that it's clear we're watching a well-rounded person, and not just the socially permeated idea of a mother.

In many ways, Janet Planet and the mother-daughter relationship at its core are reminiscent of another equally stunning, introspective debut: Charlotte Wells's Aftersun. Both films center on only children trying desperately to comprehend their inscrutable parents, and both carry the sense of painful nostalgia that comes with a formative summer vacation.

But while Wells's film weaves between its characters' past and future, Baker's film anchors itself firmly in their present. Every line, every beat of Ziegler and Nicholson's performances — and yes, every silence — contributes to this thoroughly grounded, thoroughly in-the-moment portrait of Janet and Lacy's lives. This is a film that washes over you in a wave of quiet subtleties, marking a profoundly striking debut.

Janet Planet is in theaters in New York June 21, 2024, and opens nationwide June 28.

UPDATE: Jun. 20, 2024, 5:22 p.m. EDT "Janet Planet" was reviewed out of the New York Film Festival in this article, published October 2023. The review was updated to include information about its theatrical release.

Being a teen girl can be a real horror show. Films like Jennifer's Body, Ginger Snaps, The Craft, Bones and All, Blue My Mind, and The Lure have made this point with various forms of horrific heroines, from the demonic to the lycanthropic, all faced with gore, body horror, and passions that threaten to destroy them. Into their sisterhood now shuffles a sheepish vampire who winces at the thought of causing pain. And yet, Sasha (Sara Montpetit) yearns for blood in the sickly hilarious and surprisingly sweet Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person.

Canadian filmmaker Ariane Louis-Seize makes her feature-length directorial debut with this daring and daffy horror-comedy that plays like Romeo and Juliet meets Beetlejuice and Amelie.

What's Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person about?

As titles go, this one is pretty revealing, not only setting up the central plotline but also suggesting a "lonely hearts" ad with a dark sense of humor. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (aka Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant in its native Québécois) begins with Sasha, a teen vampire who is a late bloomer, much to the dismay of her family. Though her fangs have come in, she fails to even take a bite of her birthday treat — which is not a cake but a clueless party clown who becomes a family platter for the rest of her blood-sucking brood.

Like in many vampire films, drinking blood is tied to sex. While her fellow vamps are more or less turned on by causing terror and pain in their human prey, Sasha flees from it. Still, she needs blood to "live," so her perplexed parents provide her baggies of blood to suckle on, much like a kid with a Capri Sun. But Sasha feels an unfamiliar stirring in her fangs when she crosses paths with Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), a human high schooler and a mournful misfit who daydreams about death.

Not many movies could pull off a romantic encounter at a suicide prevention group therapy session, but Louis-Seize manages it by leaning keenly into the offbeat but undeniable chemistry between Montpetit and Bénard. There's an enchanting tenderness between the vampire girl who doesn't want to hurt anyone and the teen boy who would die to feel his life had been worthwhile.

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person proves a savage parody of teen romance.

From group therapy, the peculiar pair wanders into the night to have one of those first dates that goes on for hours, tugging them in chaotically entertaining misadventures. (Think Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist but morbid.) Sure, the plan is to end the night with him being her first (consensual victim). But before they get down to brass tacks, Sasha insists Paul should fulfill his last wish, which is to get back at the school bullies who made his life hell.

It's easy to imagine how this premise in a horror-comedy context could lead to some truly gruesome antics. However, Louis-Seize's film is restrained on gore, saving it for splashes of blood and viscera that attract yet frighten her harried heroine. Instead, the French-Canadian Humanist Vampire has a gnarly sense of whimsy that recalls the French romance Amelie, where the heroine knew great tragedy yet found compelling pleasures. This movie veers away from charming cafes and quaint fantasy in favor of the lightly macabre — chucking a dead bat at a callous authority figure and cursing out a classmate while running away flipping the bird. Paul's revenge is so juvenile, so toothless, that it's almost adorable.

In these childish yet thrilling scraps, Sasha and Paul discover the partner in petty crime they've been yearning for. Theirs is the escapist freedom found in the montages of those romantic dramas in which two terminally ill teens connect through cutesy shenanigans that rebel against their doom. Yet here, bathed in the dark shadows and vivid hues of red, orange, and deep blues, these star-crossed lovers have a greater buoyancy, and, weirdly enough, the potential to hope for more than one great night together. Dare we dream with them?

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person gets that parents are a teenager's worst nightmare.

Amid the awkward humor of misfit teens acting out and the comedic killing of birthday clowns, Louis-Seize and Christine Doyon's sharply witty screenplay also skewers the family dynamics that traditionally torture high school heroes in movies and TV.

Sasha's father (Steve Laplante) is doting, coddling her refusal to hunt — which mirrors the many fathers who fear ever losing their little girl. Her mother, meanwhile, grows to resent having to hunt for the sulking blood-sucker, scolding that she won't be doing this for the next 300 years! Sasha's affluent and outspoken aunt, ever clutching a pocketbook and scowling, delivers sharper judgment with hilariously brutal barbs. But most cutting may be her older cousin Denise (Noémie O'Farrell), a bohemian vamp who feeds on the blood of belligerent bro-dudes and has snatched her mercurial charisma from Angelina Jolie circa Girl, Interrupted.

Collectively, this band of vampires creates a family dynamic that is hilariously ghoulish but also joltingly familiar. It's easy to imagine them strolling into a John Hughes movie, perhaps to wipe the smirk off Ferris Bueller's face or show Sixteen Candles' Samantha Baker how a real party is done. This genre collision between teen comedy, with its overeager romance, rampant horniness, and family hijinks, and coming-of-age horror, with its throbbing sexual threat, hungry heart, and potential for carnage, makes for an unpredictable and intoxicating experience.

Ultimately, Humanist Vampire is more teen comedy than vampire horror. Its fanged heroine is more at peace listening to records with her crush than being the creature going bump in the night. Yet, by employing elements of vampire lore, Louis-Seize manages to creatively express the unique torment that is being a teen girl coming to understand her changing body and growling new desires. Rather than revel in the horror of these changes, this filmmaker sinks into the uneasy sweetness of discovering flirtation, lust, and other prickly pleasures of growing up.

You probably wouldn't expect a movie that begins with clown slaughter to be so sweet. Yet Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person neatly knits together its darkest elements with threads of whimsy, humor, and tremulous romance to create a vampire tale that is uniquely thrilling and a bloody good time.

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person opens in NYC and L.A. on June 21, followed by a nationwide rollout.

UPDATE: Jun. 20, 2024, 5:30 p.m. EDT "Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person" was reviewed out of its North American Premiere at 2023's Toronto International Film Festival in this article, published in September 2023. The review was updated to include information about its theatrical release.

TikTok has submitted its opening brief in its legal fight to remain in the U.S., arguing that the government's ban on the app violates the First Amendment right to free speech. It has also explained why divestment from Chinese parent company ByteDance simply isn't possible "technologically, commercially, and legally."

Filed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals on Thursday, TikTok's 99-page filing calls for a review of the constitutionality of the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in April.

SEE ALSO: TikTok child privacy complaint sent to U.S. Dept. of Justice

The legislation introduces a U.S. ban on "foreign adversary controlled applications," and specifically includes both TikTok and ByteDance by name. The companies have consistently maintained that they are independent of the Chinese government and have not furnished it with Americans' data.

"Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act," TikTok's filing alleges. "The Act is unconstitutional and must be enjoined."

U.S. TikTok ban accused of violating the right to free speech

In the filing, TikTok notes that laws which restrict free speech are subject to "strict scrutiny." Under this standard, the U.S. government must prove the legislation is narrowly tailored to advance a compelling governmental interest, and that said law is the least restrictive way this objective can be achieved.

Basically, the government can't bluntly bulldoze free speech to achieve its goals when a surgical strike would suffice.

TikTok argues that Congress has failed to meet this requirement, as it did not consider less restrictive alternatives before passing a law to ban the app. Such options allegedly included a 90-page National Security Agreement that TikTok negotiated with the U.S. government, which featured "multi-layered safeguards and enforcement mechanisms." Project Texas, TikTok's $2 billion effort to wall off U.S. users' data, was allegedly the company's effort to start implementing parts of the agreement prior to it being finalised.

"The Act cannot survive First Amendment scrutiny at any step of the analysis: it advances no compelling interests, is not tailored, and disregards less restrictive alternatives," TikTok's filing reads.

"There is no indication Congress even considered TikTok Inc.’s exhaustive, multi-year efforts to address the government’s concerns that Chinese subsidiaries of its privately owned parent company, ByteDance Ltd., support the TikTok platform — concerns that would also apply to many other companies operating in China."

SEE ALSO: Is the White House being hypocritical about TikTok?

TikTok further objected to PAFACA's "two-tiered system of speech regulation" which it claims unfairly singles the company out. Noting that the legislation automatically considers an app to be "foreign adversary controlled" if it operated by ByteDance or TikTok, the filing alleges that the law imposes "one standard for TikTok and a different standard for everyone else." 

Last year TikTok successfully fought off a ban in Montana, a judge finding the law unconstitutional on the basis that it restricted free speech and imposed a punishment on the company without a trial.

TikTok claims divestment is 'infeasible'

Thursday's filing also addressed claims that the ban isn't really a ban because ByteDance could just sell TikTok to a corporation the U.S. approves of. According to TikTok, such divestment within the time frame imposed cannot practically be done within the timeframe afforded to them. The ban is currently scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 19 next year, nine months after the bill was signed.

"Executing a 'qualified divestiture' is technologically, commercially, and legally infeasible, particularly on the Act’s timeframe of 270 days (or 360 days with a discretionary extension)," wrote TikTok, adding that it has "repeatedly" explained this to the government. "The effect of the Act is therefore a ban."

Even if divestment from ByteDance was possible, Thursday's briefing claimed such a move would transform TikTok in the U.S. into "a shell of its former self."

According to TikTok, the app runs on "billions of lines of code" which are developed and maintained by thousands of employees across the globe. Divestment would require new engineers to be adequately trained in said code, the company said, a process which would likely take years. Further, TikTok uses custom ByteDance software tools — tools which the new legislation would prohibit it from accessing once divested.

Even if divestment from ByteDance was possible, Thursday's briefing claimed such a move would transform TikTok in the U.S. into "a shell of its former self." A U.S.-exclusive TikTok would need to be separated and isolated from all other users across the globe, making it much less engaging and significantly decreasing its commercial value.

Finally, TikTok stated that it cannot legally pursue a sale because the Chinese government will not allow a forced divestment of the app's recommendation engine. 

"Just as the United States restricts the export of U.S.-origin technologies (e.g., certain computer chips), the Chinese government regulates the transfer of technologies developed in China," reads the briefing. The U.S. has prohibited the sale of computing chips to companies in China, including advanced AI chips.

Mashable has reached out to TikTok for comment.

It will be a while before we find out the result of TikTok's legal challenge. Oral arguments are currently scheduled to be held in three months on Sept. 16, four months before the ban is set to come into effect.

The U.S. TikTok ban follows ongoing concern from lawmakers that the Chinese government is covertly spying on users through the popular app, as well as manipulating its algorithm to show China in a favourable light. No public evidence has yet been produced to prove this is actually happening. Senators have also accused TikTok of deliberately promoting support for Palestine to young people in order to cause societal division in the U.S.

If TikTok's challenge fails, PAFACA could fine the company up to $5,000 for each U.S. user. TikTok has 170 million users in the U.S. (which hypocritically includes both President Biden and former president Donald Trump), meaning it could be hit with a whopping fine of approximately $850 billion if it continues to operate in the country. ByteDance was valued at $223 billion last October.

TL;DR: Watch Peru vs. Chile in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's time for 2024 Copa America, which is as close as it gets to the World Cup for the football teams of the Americas. Things kick off with the group stages. And as football fans will know, anything can happen in these early games.

This Group A clash features two of South America's top teams. Chile reached the quarter finals in the last Copa America tournament, while Peru went to the semis.

Both teams want to make a statement in their opening match, particularly with tough competition elsewhere in Group A from defending Copa America champs, Argentina.

If you want to watch Peru vs. Chile in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Peru vs. Chile?

Peru vs. Chile in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on June 21. This fixture takes place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

How to watch Peru vs. Chile for free

Peru vs. Chile in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is a free streaming platform based in Italy. That means it's geo-blocked outside of Italy, but anyone can access it by using a VPN. A VPN is a handy tool that can hide your real IP address, and therefore your location, and connect you to a secure server within Italy, meaning you can access Sportitalia from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy

4. Visit Sportitalia

5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming aren't technically free. But leading VPN providers usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without spending any money. Sure, it's not a long-term solution, but it will give you enough time to watch Peru vs. Chile — as well as every other game in the 2024 Copa America — before getting your money back.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for just $99.95 — an overall saving of 49% — which includes an extra three months for free along with a year of free unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Don't miss out — it's a limited time offer.

Live stream Peru vs. Chile for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch England vs. South Africa in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're finally in the Super Eights stage of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and the next fixture will see England and South Africa going head-to-head.

In the Super Eights, each team will play the others in their group once, and the top two teams from each of these groups progress to the semi-finals - who will make it through?

Want to tune in? You can watch England vs. South Africa in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, and we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. South Africa?

England vs. South Africa in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. BST on June 21. This fixture takes place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.

How to watch England vs. South Africa for free

It couldn't be easier to livestream England vs. South Africa. For smartphone users in India, you can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar app.

This free content is geo-restricted to India, so for fans elsewhere in the world, you'll need a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in India

4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

5. Watch England vs. South Africa in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are generally not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers to can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch England vs. South Africa (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including India

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch England vs. South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Through June 26, learn AI and automation skills with this online learning bundle for just £47.39 (reg. £184.86).

It's no secret that artificial intelligence and automation have taken the world by storm. These tools are being used across industries worldwide to help streamline processes, generate content, and generally support businesses large and small. 

Because of this, jobs in AI and automation development are booming. According to the Hostinger website, "The global AI market size is expected to grow 37% every year from 2023 to 2030." And the world is going to need developers.

This bundle can help budding or current developers get involved in AI and automation. It has thirteen courses covering 46 hours of material. 

A good place to begin could be the "Introduction to the Latest Artificial Intelligence Tools" course. This 20-lesson course covers how AI is changing everything, discussing more than 1,000 of the latest AI tools. It also covers solving problems and supportive decision-making using these tools.

Of course, there are courses covering ChatGPT. You'll get lessons on using this tool to create blog posts, write technical material, and use it for LinkedIn and other platforms.

Other courses go on to explore Python automation, C++, Java, Google Assistant automation, and more. And with lifetime access to the course materials, you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, from anywhere in the world. Whether you prefer to study in the comfort of your home or during your lunch break, this bundle makes it easy to fit learning into your busy lifestyle.

These thirteen courses could benefit anyone interested in AI, automation, and development, especially while the bundle is on sale.

Until June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get this Artificial Intelligence and Automation Developer bundle on sale for just £47.39 (reg. £184.86).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The Ultimate Artificial Intelligence & Automation Developer Bundle £47.39 at the Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: Watch Netherlands vs. France in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Euro 2024 group games are well underway and the tournament is shaping up nicely.

Fixtures such as Netherlands vs. France are absolute must-watch games. With superstar players such as Kylian Mbappe in the squad, France are one of the best teams in the world — while the Netherlands are always contenders to go far on the international stage. Poland and Austria are also in Group D, so both France and Netherlands will fancy their chances to advance to the knockout rounds. But anything can happen in an international tournament and this game could prove absolutely crucial.

Euro 2024 might be the biggest football event in Europe, but that doesn't mean you need to be in Europe to watch it for free. Here's how to access this fixture without spending anything.

When is Netherlands vs. France?

Netherlands vs. France in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on June 21. This fixture in hosted by the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig, Germany.

How to watch Netherlands vs. France for free

Netherlands vs. France in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by the BBC and will stream live on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a streaming service for UK viewers. It's geo-blocked outside of the UK but you'll be able to access its content by using a VPN. These tools can mask your IP address and connect your computer to a server in the UK, allowing you to live stream Euro 2024 games on BBC iPlayer — no matter where you are around the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Netherlands vs. France in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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Connecting to overseas streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer with a VPN is free of charge, but VPNs for streaming aren't free to use themselves. They do have try-before-you-buy incentives though, such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. That means you can sign up and watch Euro 2024, then cancel your plan. In other words, you can watch all the football action without spending a dime.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN is currently offering a 49% discount for a limited time. For $99.95 you'll get a one-year subscription, three bonus months at no extra cost, a year's worth of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money back guarantee. That's all the reassurance you need to sign up and enjoy the football at Euro 2024 for free.

Stream Netherlands vs. France in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Poland vs. Austria in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Euro 2024 is now well underway, with the first round of group games in the bag — or in the back of the net, if you like. And next up is a Group D clash between Poland and Austria.

Poland have never won a European Championship, but the Poles know how to cause problems for the biggest teams in Europe. They're stacked with a solid squad, including Aston Villa's Matty Cash and Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski. Austria are entering their fifth consecutive Euros tournament. So far they've only reached the round of 16. Could Euro 2024 be the event where the Austrians progress even further? Anything's possible at this stage in the tournament.

If you want to watch Poland vs. Austria in Euro 2024, no matter where you are in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Poland vs. Austria?

Poland vs. Austria in Euro 2024 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST on June 21. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

How to watch Poland vs. Austria for free

Poland vs. Austria in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by ITV, with free live streaming available on ITVX.

ITVX is a free streaming platform for viewers in the UK. That means it's geo-blocked, preventing anyone outside the UK from watching. For anyone watching from abroad, a VPN will help you access ITVX. A VPN can mask your IP address and real-world location by connecting with a UK server, allowing you to bypass any geo-restrictions wherever you are around the globe, as long as you have a decent internet connection.

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Poland vs. Austria in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but you can still sign up for long enough to watch Euro 2024 without parting with any cash. VPN providers generally offer free trials and money-back guarantees. Sign up, take advantage, and cancel before losing a dime. And who knows, maybe you'll decide to keep the VPN. There are lots of additional benefits — particularly online security and anonymity.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is now on sale for $99.95, which means an impressive 49% saving for a limited time only. The package includes a bonus three months for free, a year's worth of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Poland vs. Austria in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Slovakia vs. Ukraine in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're now well into the group games but the excitement around Euro 2024 hasn't dropped a bit. That's why football fans love these international tournaments. They wait a full four years for a month of sheer footballing bliss.

Sure, this Group E match between Slovakia and Ukraine isn't one of the biggest fixtures. But Ukraine have shown some good form in recent competitions, reaching the quarter finals at the last tournament. Slovakia meanwhile are entering the Euros for only the third time. Could they score an upset against the Ukrainians and edge closer to reaching the knockout stages?

You don't have to be in the host country of Germany — or even in Europe — to watch this fixture for free. Read below for information on how to watch the game free worldwide.

When is Slovakia vs. Ukraine?

Slovakia vs. Ukraine in Euro 2024 kicks off at 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST on June 21. This fixture in hosted by the Dusseldorf Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

How to watch Slovakia vs. Ukraine for free

Slovakia vs. Ukraine in Euro 2024 will be broadcast by the BBC, with free live streaming on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is intended for UK viewers only, which means the platform is geo-blocked outside of the UK. But you can still access it using a VPN. A VPN is a must-have tool if you get frustrated with content being locked behind geo-restrictions. The VPN hides your real-world location and hooks you up with a UK-based server, so BBC iPlayer thinks you're based in the UK. That means you can watch Slovakia vs. Ukraine — and any other Euro 2024 fixture streamed on BBC iPlayer — wherever you are in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Slovakia vs. Ukraine in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't technically free, but they do offer ways of negating the cost and accessing overseas content with spending anything. VPN providers tend to have incentive offers such as free-trial periods and money-back guarantees, which will give you access to BBC iPlayer and other international platforms for long enough to watch Euro 2024 — and you shouldn't have to part with any cash.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is available on offer for $99.95. That's an impressive discount of 49% on list price. This also includes an extra three months for free, plus a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. A great deal for accessing Euro 2024.

Stream Slovakia vs. Ukraine in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

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 June 21'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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Mixture used to color things.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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 Wordle #1098 is...

PAINT.

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.

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

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 June 21'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.

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: At the carnival

• Green: Getting the okay

• Blue: Dark horse

• Purple: Slang for behind

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: Amusement Park Rides

• Green: Approval

• Blue: Types of Come-From-Behind-Stories

• Purple: Beginning with Synonyms for Rear End

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 Connections #376 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Amusement Park Rides: FERRIS WHEEL, MERRY-GO-ROUND, ROLLER COASTER, TILT-A-WHIRL

• Approval: CLEARANCE, GO-AHEAD, GREEN LIGHT, THUMBS-UP

• Types of Come-From-Behind-Stories: CINDERELLA, DAVID-AND-GOLIATH, RAGS-TO-RICHES, UNDERDOG

• Beginning with Synonyms for Rear End: BUMPER-TO-BUMPER, BUTTERMILK, RUMPELSTILTSKIN, TAILGATE

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.

Justin Timberlake was arrested this week on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, and it was only mere moments before it became a meme.

There's pretty good standing for this meme creation. The police officer who arrested him allegedly didn't know who he was (funny). A source told Page Six that he muttered, "This is going to ruin the tour," to which the cop responded: "What tour?"

"The world tour," Timberlake allegedly responded.

SEE ALSO: The best memes of 2024 (so far)

We don't know a ton of details about the arrest. It looks like no one was hurt, and Timberlake told the police that he only had one martini before he went driving. The cop disagreed and said he performed poorly on his field sobriety tests. Timberlake pleaded not guilty, and he'll have to appear in court next month.

Driving under the influence is not a joke. But we should use every opportunity to make fun of Timberlake, the man who has recently come under fire for his treatment of Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Janet Jackson, and other women. And my God, the internet is taking advantage of this moment.

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His mugshot has also turned into a meme in its own right.

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A new feature just launched on Instagram, and it's about to make Close Friends way closer.

On Thursday, the Meta-owned app introduced the ability to restrict your live broadcast to your Close Friends list only. You can still go live with up to three people, but they must all be in your Close Friends circle. 

It's cool to be able to control who sees what you post in any format, but I'm unsure what this might be used for specifically. Instagram told TechCrunch that users could use it to "share what’s on your mind, spontaneously catch up with friends, share memes, plan trips, do homework together, or just hang out casually in real-time."

SEE ALSO: Instagram teens now have the option to interact with only their 'close friends'

But there are already really great apps and platforms out there that allow you to do those things better. We share memes and plan trips in group chats, we do homework together over FaceTime, and we hang out casually in real life in real-time. So, this new update does feel somewhat like a solution looking for a problem. 

Live broadcasts, a feature that was launched in 2016, are predominantly used by public figures, celebrities, and influencers to connect with fans. Regular users don't really use the feature much because it implies an immediacy that isn't always a natural parking with the platform. It seems like the platform is betting on the change, enticing regular folks to use the feature as social media users become more and more interested in individualized and private ways to connect.

If you want to try it out for yourself, click the "+" button to share on Instagram and scroll over to live. At the top of your screen, it will say something like "Share with Followers" with a down arrow. Click that, choose "Close Friends," and start recording to go live.

In an increasingly competitive and inaccessible ticketing market, fans have long demanded artists do something to protect them against bots and exorbitant pricing. Rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter is offering a solution ahead of her Short n' Sweet Tour.

SEE ALSO: Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' is the internet's Song of the Summer

The "Espresso" singer is partnering with Spotify and AEG to create a Spotify Top Listener Pit at concert venues across North America. Top listeners of Carpenters' music on Spotify will receive an exclusive presale code through the newly launched Fans First Front Row. In addition, the music giant will continue to do the Spotify Fans First presale, which launched in 2018, giving early access to a broader group of top listeners.

Ticketing practices came under fire when tickets for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour — Carpenter opened for Swift during the Latin American leg — went on sale in 2022. Ticketmaster crashed ahead of the Verified Fan Presale, and tickets sold out before the general scale, resulting in many fans failing to get tickets. The uproar led to a Senate hearing investigating Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, and the lack of competition in the music industry. Ultimately, the U.S. Justice Department moved to break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation over antitrust violations.

Swifties complained about the unfair ticketing process at the time, suggesting a remedy similar to what Carpenter is piloting. One fan posted a popular meme format of a utopia with the caption, "Society if eras tour tickets were offered to top Spotify listeners instead of already rich influencers" on X / Twitter. The post garnered 11,000 likes.

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Spotify has previously experimented with rewarding top listeners. For example, last summer, it partnered with The 1975, offering tickets to the band's top North American listeners.

These sorts of partnerships incentivize more time spent on the app and further encourage Spotify statistics as a fandom status symbol. But is Spotify moving more into the ticketing space the solution to a problem many — including the U.S. Justice Department — attribute to monopolies in the music industry? The results of Carpenter's experiment will be our first answer.

The company said the disclosures support its argument that a law signed by President Biden in May is unconstitutional.

Not every Android software update is going to be big, but that doesn't mean they aren't worthwhile.

The third beta for Android 15 launched this week and it brought with it a handful of interface tweaks, but also one handy new feature for those looking to save on battery life. Without wasting any more time, here's what you can expect from Android 15's third beta.

SEE ALSO: Google is working on generative AI soundtracks and dialogue for videos Android 15 beta 3: 3 new features

The list of tweaks, per 9to5Google, isn't very long. But there are a couple of nice touches in there.

Easier wallpaper editing for Pixel Fold

Last year's Google Pixel Fold was a solid first try at a foldable for Google, but nothing can ever be perfect. That's what software updates are for, though.

To be more specific, the wallpaper editor for Pixel Fold devices has been changed in the newest Android 15 beta to let users simultaneously preview edits to the inner and outer displays. It's not a huge change, but it's a very welcome one.

Adaptive timeout

Originally leaked back in April, it appears the "adaptive timeout" feature has finally made its way to the Android 15 beta. This is a new toggle in the "Screen timeout" settings menu that claims to "automatically [turn] off your screen if you're not using your device." You can also just set a static timeout time like always, but this could potentially be a little more intuitive if it just shuts the display off every time you set the phone down.

Android Safe Browsing

Lastly, there appears to be a new "Android Safe Browsing" feature coming to Android. This feature purports to send website and app info to Google to make sure everything is on the up-and-up and that you're not in any danger. This feature apparently doesn't have any way to track your browsing activity, in case you were worried about that.

Among the iOS 18 features Apple announced at WWDC 2024, the ability to lock and hide apps was a standout.

Well, in a sense, it's the opposite of standing out because it means users can prevent people from accessing certain apps or hide them altogether. Locking and hiding apps are related features that require Face ID to open them. It's a welcome update for the privacy-minded, or users who are keeping their app behavior under wraps for more devious purposes.

SEE ALSO: You will finally be able to schedule texts on iOS 18

In fact, Google searches for "How to hide apps on iOS" increased by 1,250 percent according to a Slash Gear report, and similar queries like "How can I find out if my husband is cheating" spiked by 200 percent and "How to unhide apps on iPhone" spiked by 80 percent within hours of the WWDC announcement.

Whatever the reason for hiding and locking your apps here's how to do it. Note: iOS 18 is currently in developer beta, which is available for anyone to download. But be warned that all betas can be buggy, so make sure to back up your data. If you need a quick primer on how to install the iOS 18 developer beta, head over to this guide.

How to lock your apps

On the home screen, long press on the app you want to lock, just like you would for rearranging or editing apps. From the list of options, there's a new option on the bottom that says "Require Face ID." Tap this option. Next a window pops up asking if you want to require Face ID or hide the app and require Face ID. Tap "Require Face ID to confirm your choice.

You can now lock your Photos app and require Face ID to open it. Credit: Apple

Your app is now locked to anyone else. You'll notice this because the next time you open the app, Face ID does a quick scan to confirm your identity before granting access to the app.

How to hide your apps

Just like you would for locking an app, long press on the app you want to hide and find the option that says "Require Face ID." Instead of tapping "Require Face ID," tap "Hide and Require Face ID." You'll receive a notice saying the app will no longer be visible on your home screen. Tap "Hide App" to confirm.

The option to hide apps isn't currently available for all apps — namely the Photos app. Credit: Apple

Voila, the app magically disappears from your home screen. But it's not entirely invisible. The hidden app is still accessible in a "Hidden Apps" folder. This can be found at the bottom of the "Apps" page.

In case you're wondering, all iPhones with the iOS 18 update have the Hidden Apps folder, so even if you haven't hidden any apps, the folder still exists. This should obscure any lingering questions about whether or not you have hidden apps. To open the Hidden Apps folder and access these apps, Face ID is required.

All iOS 18 users have the Hidden App library, so fear not! Credit: Apple

We've noticed that certain apps are unhide-able, so when you long press on an app, you might not have the option to hide it. So far, we've discovered this to be the case for built-in apps like Calculator, Maps, Clock, Stocks, and most notably, Photos.

So if you're trying to hide certain, ahem, explicit, photos, you'll have to choose and hide them the old fashioned way. It's unclear whether this is a permanent choice or will come later with a new iOS 18 version. That said, you can hide most third party apps like Spotify, Venmo, and mobile banking apps.

How to unlock or unhide your apps

To unlock an app, simply long press again and tap "Don't Require Face ID" from the app shortcuts.

To unhide an app, swipe through to the App Library and scroll down to the Hidden Apps folder. This requires Face ID to open. Once your identity has been verified, it'll show your hidden apps. Long press on the app you want to unhide and tap "Don't Require Face ID."

Unfortunately, the app you just unhid doesn't automatically reappear on the home screen, so you'll have to manually add it back in. It's unclear if this is a bug or if un-hidden apps will automatically reappear in a future update.

Cleaning your laptop screen is more important than you might think. Besides getting dirty from fingerprints, your screen can also collect dust and bacteria fairly quickly, especially if you travel with it!

Don’t worry about figuring out how to clean your laptop screen. We’ve got you covered.

SEE ALSO: How to properly clean your AirPods 6 ways to clean your laptop screen 

1. Disinfecting wipes can be used with laptops that have glass screens like MacBooks.

2. Microfiber cloths are great for all computer types, but you should still be gentle.

3. LCD-safe cleaners, in combination with a microfiber cloth, are great for laptops that don’t have a glass screen.

4. Distilled water, and don’t forget the microfiber cloth.

5. Diluted white vinegar

6. Rubbing alcohol, but only for laptops that don’t have glass screens

No matter what method you use to clean your laptop screen, here are some products to avoid.

• Paper towels

• Household cleaners (i.e. Window cleaner, kitchen cleaner)

• Soap (including dish soap, hand soap, and bar soap)

• Makeup remover

9 Elements All Purpose Cleaner $39.99 at Amazon
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A new startup called Daydream wants to use AI to make your fashion fantasies a reality. The tool purportedly analyzes a user's natural language prompt — for example, "Bright colored sneakers that feel old school and classic" — and finds matching pieces of clothing in its database of participating brands.

SEE ALSO: Viral fashion company Selkie is being slammed for using AI art

The startup promises "the largest high-quality branded fashion catalog found anywhere," so it may not be helpful for everyone looking for new threads on a budget. According to Vogue Business, some of the more than 2,000 brands in Daydream's catalog include Altuzarra, Jimmy Choo, Dôen, Everlane, and Alo Yoga. The cheapest of those — Everlane — sells $40 tank tops and $128 jeans. Folks looking for more affordable pieces will probably have to stick with Google search. Thankfully, Google already has a similar tool — "multisearch"— built in.

Daydream has raised $50 million in seed funding from leading firms, including Forerunner Ventures, Index Ventures, Google Ventures, and True Ventures, as part of a more significant trend across the industry. A Pitchbook analysis of generative AI deals showed a 268.4 percent increase in AI deal value in 2023 compared to 2024.

Daydream's founder, Julie Bornstein, was COO at StitchFix and co-founded fashion discovery platform The Yes in 2018 (Forerunner Ventures and True Ventures were investors in that company, too), which was acquired by Pinterest in 2022.

Those interested in being one of the first to try Daydream can visit its website to register for its public beta later this year.

Ready to buy a new smartphone? You can scoop up two models of the Google Pixel line for less today at Amazon and Best Buy:

Best Google Pixel Smartphone Deals Best Google Pixel 8 Pro deal Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB) $749 at Best Buy (Save $250) Get Deal Best Google Pixel 7 Pro deal Google Pixel 7 Pro (256GB) $435 at Amazon (Save $564) Get Deal

Need a new phone, but not interested in a new iPhone or Samsung's Galaxy lineup? There are other options out there that can fit your needs just as well, if not better in some cases, like the Google Pixel smartphone line. You can get some killer camera performance, stunning displays and more out of the Pro models, and you can save some money while doing so. Both the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Google Pixel 8 Pro are on sale today for great prices, so you can expedite that new smartphone buying decision you were putting off if cutting costs is a factor.

Best Google Pixel 8 Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB) $749.00 at Best Buy
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is is the newest flagship Google phone, and it sports a beautiful 120Hz display, a fantastic camera array with a 50MP main rear lens and 10.5MP front lens as well as a 48MP ultra-wide and telephoto lens as well as incredible editing effects. Powered by the new Tensor G3 processor and backed by a lengthy battery life, this model is the best you can buy right now, and it'll last you all day long even with heavy use. It comes with a slew of AI features to play around with as well, including the ability to create quick summaries, call screening, and other abilities that utilize machine learning. Though an iterative release over the previous Pixel 7 Pro according to reviewer Alex Perry, this is still very much an exciting phone that'll tick all the boxes you're looking for in an Android device and then some.

Best Google Pixel 7 Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Pixel 7 Pro (256GB) $435.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $564.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is is nearly as great as the Pixel 8 Pro, though it isn't the newest kid on the block, if that bothers you. It's just as capable, however, for hundreds less than you can expect to spend on the new model. It's powered by a previous-generation Tensor G2 chip, feature many of the excellent camera effects that the Pixel 8 Pro improved on, and comes with a nearly as long-lasting battery for all-day use. It can handle some AI features with fewer than its newer sibling, though you won't get the full array. Still, it's nearly just as good in most ways as the new Pixel 8 Pro, just significantly cheaper. There's no real need to pay more if you don't need the very best camera, the very best processor, or the very best battery life when this one will do you just fine.