Feed aggregator

The U.S. Copyright Office is in the midst of a consequential investigation into copyright law and artificial intelligence, and in a recent interview, a lawyer with the Office said it is already registering works enhanced by AI.

In an April article in WIPO Magazine, Assistant General Counsel Jalyce Mangum said that the "Office has registered more than a thousand works where applicants have followed our guidance to disclose and disclaim AI-generated material." Crucially, Mangum said the office considers "whether AI is enhancing human expression or is the source of the expressive choices."

A January 2025 report from the Office stated that hundreds of AI-enhanced works had been registered, a spokesperson for the U.S. Copyright Office told Mashable. Now, we know that more than 1,000 such works have been registered.

Many artists have taken a hard line against artificial intelligence, protesting its use in any creative endeavor. Mashable has reported on the backlash to the use of AI in films like The Brutalist and Late Night With the Devil, a recent resurrection project that uses the likeness of Agatha Christie, the restoration of The Wizard of Oz for The Sphere, and the controversial Studio Ghibli image trend that utilized ChatGPT.

Previously, the Office determined that material generated by AI tools is eligible for copyright protection only if it's contained in work primarily made by a human. As Mashable reported, that means images generated by tools like DALL-E, ChatGPT, or Midjourney cannot be copyrighted, no matter how much work went into fine-tuning the prompt. The U.S. Copyright Office's full guidance on AI-assisted material is available on its website, a representative told us.

That guidance was included in the second part of a report from the Office on copyright and artificial intelligence. (Part 3, set to be released later this year, will have huge implications for how AI models are trained.) "In Part 2 of our report, the Office affirmed that copyright does not extend to purely AI-generated material or material where there is insufficient human control over the expressive elements," Mangum said in the WIPO article.

However, material that was merely "enhanced" by AI is currently eligible for copyright registration. Part 2 of the report also mentions specific use cases such as "crowd removal from photos, video stabilization tools, and ray tracing."

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko returned to Talking Pictures with Neil Rosen to weigh in on some of the biggest titles in movies and TV.

Alongside fellow film critics Perri Nemiroff, Neil Rosen, and Bill McCuddy, she expressed her praise and critiques for a string of new releases, and answered some burning questions. Like, what's the best episode of Black Mirror Season 7? Does The Ugly Stepsister, the body-horror reimagining of Cinderella, live up to the Sundance hype? And why are critics and audiences alike going wild for writer/director Ryan Coogler's Sinners?

SEE ALSO: Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan on 'Sinners' unique spin on vampirism

On this episode, the panel also reviews Netflix's hit crime drama Adolescence, the music-infused dramedy The Ballad of Wallis Island, the new Prime Video series Étoile from Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the Danish romantic drama The Kiss, and the upcoming biopic about groundbreaking wrestler Mildred Burke, Queen of the Ring.

Which of these are a must-see and which are worthy of missing? Find out by watching the episode above, or by tuning into PBS.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Black Bag' at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'Black Bag' on Prime Video $9.99 or $14.99 Get Deal BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Peacock Premium yearly subscription $79.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for Students $2.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS/MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR MILITARY Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $3.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR TEACHERS Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART USERS Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE TRUEBLUE MEMBERS Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

Director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp (Presence, Kimi) teamed up once more for Black Bag — and unsurprisingly, hit it out of the park again. A sophisticated spy thriller with a twist, Black Bag is about much more than just global dynamics or stealthy stunts. "At its core, it's a story of two people who are still madly in love and fighting for each other. That gives Black Bag an edge," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review.

It stars Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as a British couple who also happen to be intelligence agents. And as any movie lover knows, these two are more than up to the task of playing powerful and sexy spies. Black Bag also stars Marisa Abela (Industry), Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton), Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Naomie Harris (Venom: Let There Be Carnage), and former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.

If you missed out on seeing it in the theater, you can now watch Black Bag at home (maybe even for free). Here's everything you need to know.

What is Black Bag about?

Black Bag follows Kathryn and George Woodhouse (Blanchett and Fassbender), married British intelligence agents. They typically manage to keep their work and their marriage separate, but when Kathryn is suspected of treason, George faces an impossible choice: loyalty to his wife or his country.

"Black Bag is a sexy, smart, and cool movie about marriage," Puchko summed up in her review. "Seriously."

Get a taste of the sexy spy thriller in the official trailer:

Is Black Bag worth watching?

"As soon as Black Bag was over," Puchko wrote in her review, "I felt that dizzying high one gets from a proper spy thriller, the rush of vicarious adrenaline from the case cracked and the day saved. But I also had the deep urge to see this movie again immediately. Because as generous as the filmmaker and stars are with slathering this story in George and Kathryn's mutual attraction, I couldn't get enough. I wanted to go back to feel the thrill of their love for each other all over again."

It appears other critics agree, as the Soderbergh film currently has a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience rating is a bit lower, currently holding at 70 percent, with some reviewers noting that it can be a bit hard to follow at times. Ultimately, however, both critics and audiences agree it's a satisfying watch.

Check out our full review of Black Bag.

How to watch Black Bag at home Credit: Focus Features

After an underwhelming box office performance, despite overwhelming praise, it's time audiences show up for Black Bag at home. There are multiple ways to watch — rent it via digital on demand, purchase it digitally, or stream it beginning May 2. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Black Bag made its at-home debut on major digital platforms (Prime Video, Apple TV+, etc.) on April 1, 2025. The film is available to buy for $24.99 or rent for $19.99. While it's tempting to opt for the rental to save a few bucks, just remember that you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to purchase instead, then it's yours to own and you can watch whenever you please.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase Black Bag:

• Prime Video — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

• Apple TV+ — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

• Google Play — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

Stream it on Peacock

As with other recent Focus Features films (Conclave, Nosferatu, etc.), Black Bag is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, on May 2, 2025.

Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for as low as $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without. But before you jump the gun, be sure to check out the best ways to save money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

While a monthly subscription to Peacock goes for $7.99 or $13.99, you can save about 17% and drop that price to just $6.67 or $11.67 by paying for a year up front. The annual Peacock subscriptions cost just $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without. So, basically, you'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. If you plan on sticking around, this is the best option.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

If you're an Xfinity customer, there's a good chance you can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for the deal:

• Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can get Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025) for free.

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year Get Deal

If you have a student email address, you can verify through SheerID, then you can get a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for only $2.99 per month for 12 months. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just note that it can only be used once.

Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month Get Deal

First responders and medical professionals are also able to score a discounted Peacock Premium subscription. Once you verify your first responder or medical professional status via SheerID, you'll get a unique promo code that will drop the cost of a subscription from $7.99 per month to just $3.99. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. You may just have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code again. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month Get Deal

Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also score a Peacock Premium subscription for $3.99 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month. As with the previous deals, you'll have to prove your military status using SheerID and retrieve a promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal annually.

Best for teachers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months Get Deal

Teachers can also verify their educator status with SheerID to get their bite out of Peacock savings. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code that may only be used once to drop the price of Peacock Premium down to just $3.99 per month for one year. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price, so be sure to cancel before the year ends.

Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

An Instacart+ account ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock subscription. So, beyond free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup order, Instacart+ users can now stream the entire Peacock catalog for free with ads. That's a $79.99 per year value. Better yet, if you're new to Instacart+, you can sign up for a free two-week trial to test things out and watch Black Bag and more for free.

Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Get Deal

Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members can get their first year of Peacock Premium for free ($79.99 value). If you don't have Mosaic status, you can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when you sign up for Peacock. Learn more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

Back in January, Samsung teased a new ultra-thin Galaxy phone. Samsung still hasn't fully lifted the veil off the so-called Galaxy S25 Edge, but it feels like we know everything about it already.

That's because of a steady stream of leaks, including this most recent one from Roland Quandt of WinFuture (via TechRadar). According to Quandt's reporting, the Galaxy S25 Edge will come with a titanium frame, weighing in at 163g (or 5.7 ounces) with just 5.85mm of thickness. That's similar to the rumored size of the yet-to-be-released iPhone 17 Air.

For comparison, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is rumored to be between 8.2mm to 9.55mm thick (and as a foldable, it would be thinner when unfolded). Currently, the thinnest phones in the world come from the company Oppo, including the foldable Oppo Find N5, which is just 4.21mm when unfolded.

Other reported specs for the Galaxy S25 Edge include:

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 Air looks incredibly thin in new video leak

• 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1440x3120 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB or 512GB storage

• 200MP main rear lens

• 12MP ultra-wide lens

• 12MP front-facing lens

• 3,900mAh battery with wireless charging

• IP68 rating for water and dust resistance

A lot of that lines up with previous leaks on the subject, including the phone's dimensions, chipset, and the relatively small battery size. The build materials and presence of wireless charging are new to Quandt's report, though. This seems to be a "where there's smoke, there's fire" situation, in other words, as multiple leaks from entirely disparate sources are reporting the exact same information about this phone.

Quandt also reported some possible pricing information, which is where things get tricky. According to the report, the phone will start at roughly the USD equivalent of $1,400, and would go up higher if you want more storage. Samsung is expected to announce the phone at an event in May, but that hasn't been officially confirmed yet. Stay tuned for more info on all of this.

This week, cybersecurity researchers with Oligo say they identified 23 vulnerabilities related to Apple AirPlay, leading Apple to issue over a dozen fixes.

Dubbed "AirBorne" by the researchers, the security vulnerabilities affect the Apple AirPlay network and could compromise various devices. According to an Oligo blog post, the researchers say the vulnerabilities "enable an array of attack vectors" that could allow "attackers to potentially take control of devices that support AirPlay — including both Apple devices and third-party devices that leverage the AirPlay [Software Development Kit]."

The Oligo blog outlines a number of potential attacks, including Zero-Click RCE, Man-in-the-Middle, and Denial of Service (DOS) attacks. But if you don't know what any of that means, that's OK — the solution for Apple users is fairly straightforward.

Fixing the Apple AirPlay 'AirBorne' flaws

• Update your Apple devices to "mitigate potential security risks".
• Disable the AirPlay receiver when not in use; restrict AirPlay access to trusted devices only.
• In AirPlay settings, "Change the 'Allow AirPlay for' setting to 'Current User'".

Read More

Essentially, as long as you update your devices to the latest versions of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, your devices should be safe. In addition, some cybersecurity experts recommend disabling the AirPlay feature entirely unless you're actively using it.

The "AirBorne" vulnerabilities would allow hackers to infect Apple devices with malware or seize control of the device, whether that's a MacBook or iPhone. They could then deploy malware or steal sensitive information. AirBorne also affected third-party devices connected to AirPlay, leaving smart Internet-of-things (IOT) devices at risk.

SEE ALSO: Apple sends out spyware attack notifications to targeted users

The researchers say they worked with Apple to "identify and address" the flaws, and that Apple issued 17 CVEs in response to the research.

In the cybersecurity world, CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, and it refers to a specific identifying number associated with a publicly disclosed cybersecurity problem. In a national CVE database hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, users can find a number of new CVEs published by Apple on April 28, 2025, such as CVE-2025-24252 and CVE-2025-24206.

The CVE description states that Apple fixed these bugs in "in macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, iPadOS 17.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4."

The tech giant said it would make its Gemini chatbot available to children next week, and warned families in an email about the changes.

In a hearing on Friday, lawyers for the Justice Depart. indicated the government would double down on its requests to break up the tech giant’s business.

Think of something you'll remember forever, something so close to your heart or brain that you wouldn't have to write it down to keep it top of mind. You'll have to type it out every day for 30 days. It has to have 15 characters, an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, a symbol, and a number. The numbers cannot be consecutive. It cannot be similar to anything you've ever said before. You will have to recall this secret code constantly or risk being locked out of every device and subscription you need.

Of course, we're talking about your password, and it is a nightmare. Now, Microsoft wants to get rid of passwords entirely.

The company announced this week that moving forward, all new Microsoft accounts will be "passwordless by default."

SEE ALSO: A review of 19 billion passwords reveals people are still bad at them

According to a May 1 post on Microsoft's blog, the move is part of a "journey toward passwordless sign-in." Instead of using a password to sign on, Microsoft wants you to use a passkey, which could be a PIN or a biometric option such as facial recognition or a fingerprint scan. (That sounds a lot better than Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning machine, The Orb.)

"[Users] signing in with passkeys are three times more successful at getting into their account than password users (about 98% versus 32%)," the blog post reads. "When you use a passkey, you get into your account much quicker too! Passkey sign-ins are eight times faster than a password and multifactor authentication."

So not only will signing in be less annoying, but it will also be more efficient, Microsoft argues.

"As part of this simplified UX, we’re changing the default behavior for new accounts. Brand new Microsoft accounts will now be 'passwordless by default,'" Microsoft wrote in its blog post. "New users will have several passwordless options for signing into their account and they’ll never need to enroll a password. Existing users can visit their account settings to delete their password."

Microsoft isn't the only tech company moving towards passkey-friendly logins. Amazon, Google, and WhatsApp are all also working towards it.

The best gift card deals BEST RIDESHARE GIFT CARD Lyft $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY GIFT CARD Ulta Beauty $50 gift card $42.50 (save $7.50) Get Deal BEST FOOD DELIVERY GIFT CARD DoorDash $50 gift card $42.50 (save $7.50) Get Deal BEST CLOTHING GIFT CARD Fanatics gift card $60 (save $15) Get Deal

Gift cards get a bad rep. While some may see them as the easy way out when gifting, they're more practical and useful than some random trinket or gadget you know will never be used. So, if you're at a loss for gift ideas — whether for Mother's Day, graduation, or any other occasion on the horizon — we say go for the gift card. We even found a few on sale, meaning your giftee will get even more bang from your buck.

From food delivery to rideshare services to cosmetics, there's a little something for everyone.

Best gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lyft Lyft $100 gift card $85 at Amazon
$100 Save $15 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you know someone who commutes to work every day via rideshare or who likes to go to major events when fare hikes are out of control (like after a hockey game lets out, or when Sabrina Carpenter is in town), a $100 Lyft gift card can go a long way. And, even better for you, it'll only cost you $85 — and your recipient never has to know you saved 15%. Just be sure to click on the $100 option as the gift amount, then enter your recipient's email address, and the $15 savings will be reflected at checkout.

Best beauty gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ulta Ulta Beauty $50 gift card $42.50 at Amazon
$50 Save $7.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Not only does Ulta sell top-notch makeup and skincare products, but it's also home to some of our favorite beauty tech, like the Shark FlexStyle and Solawave skincare wand. A $50 gift card — which you can grab for only $42.50 as of May 2 — can definitely put a dent in a major beauty tech purchase for someone in your life. Select the $50 gift amount and enter your recipient's email address or phone number, then you'll see the 15% savings reflected at checkout.

Best food delivery gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash $50 gift card $42.50 at Amazon
$50 Save $7.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Sure, it's not the most glamorous gift around, but everyone's gotta eat. And a $50 DoorDash gift card — which is on sale for just $42.50 — gives your recipient endless options to choose from. Better yet, more than just food delivery, you'll be giving someone the gift of extra time. Just be sure to select the $50 option before heading to checkout to see the savings reflected automatically.

More gift card deals

• Bath & Body Works gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• Vudu gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• Spafinder — $40 $50 (save $10)

• IHOP gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• Red Robin gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• Yankee Candle gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Cinemark Theatres gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Victoria's Secret gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Fanatics gift card — $60 $75 (save $15)

• Instacart gift card — $90 $100 (save $10)

For even more gift card deals, check out the Mother's Day selection at Amazon.

SAVE UP TO 30% OFF: As of May 2, you can get up to 30% off select Echo devices at Amazon.

Best Echo deals as of May 2: Best deal overall Amazon Echo Dot $37.99 (save $12 ) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $64.99 (save $25 ) Get Deal Best budget pick Amazon Echo Pop $27.99 (save $12 ) Get Deal

If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that’s affordable and doubles as a voice assistant and smart home hub, you should probably forgo the stacks and opt for an Amazon Echo.

Right now, you can snag an Echo device for up to 30% off at Amazon. There’s even a cool Star Wars Echo Bundle available that comes with an Echo Dot and a Star Wars Tie Fighter Echo Dot stand.

Here are some of the best Echo devices that are currently on sale at Amazon.

Best deal overall Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release) $37.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $12 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Dot (2022) is a surprisingly good speaker, given its size. I’ve had mine for years, and still use it all the time.

The Amazon Echo Dot can do everything that a full-sized Echo can do, like playing music, answering questions, setting timers, controlling smart home devices, and making calls. It’s also small enough to fit in any room without being too obtrusive, and you can get it in multiple colors, including charcoal, deep sea blue, and glacier white.

More Echo deals

• Amazon Echo Spot — $64.99 $79.99 (save $)

• Star Wars Echo Dot Bundle — $97.98 $109.98 (save $12)

• Amazon Echo Hub — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

SAVE $100: As of May 2, get the 55-inch Amazon Fire 4K Smart TV for $359.99, down from its usual price of $459.99. That's a discount of 22%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 4K Smart TV (55-inch) $359.99 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $100 Get Deal

If you've been thinking about buying a new TV, now's the time to do it. You don't want to wait until prices skyrocket due to tariffs. Not when you can score this best-selling Amazon Fire TV for a great price right now and have it set up in your living room before the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives, er, if you managed to get one.

As of May 2, get the 55-inch Amazon Fire 4K Smart TV for $359.99, down from its usual price of $459.99. That's $100 off and a discount of 22%. This is the newest model, released in 2024, so you're getting the most current option available.

This TV is part of the Amazon Fire TV 4 series, and it's an all-rounder that not only will look great in your living room, but it'll treat your favorite shows and movies right. It offers 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Digital Plus support, so you'll get a crisp picture with bright colors and deep contrasting shades as well.

The TV itself is nice and lightweight, with an ultra-slim bezel that looks great when mounted to your wall or standing free. It comes with an Alexa Voice Remote as well, so if you do decide to mount it on the wall, you can control it without having to get out of your seat, which might come in handy on more than one occasion.

Fire TV also means you can stream tons of content from platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and more, with video games and music streaming available as well. And if you want to load the TV with special Alexa skills, that's an option as well.

Snag this TV before prices get higher on account of tariffs, and you'll be feeling like entertainment royalty without having to dig deep into your savings.

Your password probably stinks. At least that's what a new study shows.

Researchers at Cybernews studied more than 19 billion leaked passwords, and of those just 6 percent were identified as unique, meaning they weren't re-used or duplicated. To make matters worse, the most common passwords are way too simple. Four percent of all passwords studied by Cybernews — meaning roughly 727 million total passwords — included the phrase "1234." Phrases like "password" and "admin" were also quite common, meaning folks are still relying on pre-set passwords.

“The ‘default password’ problem remains one of the most persistent and dangerous patterns in leaked credential datasets. Entries ‘password’ (56M) and ‘admin’ (53M) reveal that users overwhelmingly rely on simple, predictable defaults,” said Neringa Macijauskaitė, information security researcher at Cybernews, in a statement. “Attackers, too, prioritize them, making these passwords among the least secure.”

The researchers also discovered lots of passwords that relied on names or, funnily enough, curse words. Sixteen million passwords included the F-bomb, for instance.

Studies have show time and again that we suck at creating passwords. As Mashable covered at the end of last year, for instance, a study from NordPass found the most common passwords are wildly simple.

Here were 2024's top 10 most-used passwords globally, according to NordPass:

1. 123456

2. 123456789

3. 12345678

4. password

5. qwerty123

6. qwerty1

7. 111111

8. 12345

9. secret

10. 123123

So if you read this article and it seemed...a little too familiar, perhaps it's time to update your passwords. At the very least, don't use "123456."

SAVE $41.88: New (or returning) to Audible? Through May 6, you can get your first three months of Audible Premium Plus for only $0.99 per month (a grand total of $2.97). Usually $14.95 per month, that's a total of $41.88 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Premium Plus $0.99/month for three months (save $13.96/month) Get Deal

Craving some screen-free entertainment? I highly recommend audiobooks. Listening to a book still feeds your imagination like traditional reading, but it doesn't tie you down to one place. You have the freedom to multitask as you take in the content. Just pop in some earbuds and open the Audible app to escape the mundanity of ordinary tasks like cleaning and cooking.

If you're new to the audiobook world, Audible is running its outrageous introductory offer again. Through Tuesday, May 6 at 2:59 a.m. ET, new (and eligible returning) subscribers can get three months of Audible Premium Plus for only $0.99 per month. The Premium Plus membership usually costs $14.95 per month, so you'll save about $13.96 or 93% monthly — a grand total of $41.88 in savings.

A Premium Plus membership unlocks access to hundreds of Audible Original audiobooks for free, as well as a monthly credit you can use to purchase titles in the premium collection (regardless of price) and exclusive access to members-only sales. Most recently, members could use a single credit to purchase two select titles in an exclusive BOGO sale.

If you need a break from screens, Audible's Premium Plus catalog will keep you endlessly entertained. It includes bestsellers and new releases like The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, as well as BookTok faves like Intermezzo by Sally Rooney and Funny Story by Emily Henry. Turn off Netflix and tune into many of the books that inspired the shows in the first place — it'll cost you less than $3.

SAVE 20%: As of May 2, you can get the Garmin Forerunner 165 running smartwatch for $199.99, down from $249.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and a $50 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen on this model since November.

Garmin Forerunner 165 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that can handle your fitness routine, you might want to hop on this deal.

As of May 2, you can get the Garmin Forerunner 165 for $199.99, down from $249.99, at Amazon. That’s a 20% discount for $50 in savings. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this model since November.

SEE ALSO: Garmin’s epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire smartwatch is $362 off, and yes, it’s as stacked as it sounds

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is tough enough to handle any workout and comes with 25+ built-in activity profiles, including running, cycling, swimming, strength training, and more. With an 11-day battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, you could go backpacking for a whole weekend without having to charge it. That’s more battery life than most Apple Watches, which only last up to 18 hours.

The Forerunner 165 can monitor your heart rate, sleep, stress, and blood oxygen levels. Plus, each morning you'll get a report that summarizes how you slept and what your training outlook is for the day ahead.

SAVE $250: As of May 2, get the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum (AV2501S) for $299.99, down from its usual price of $549.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 45%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum (AV2501S) $299.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250 Get Deal

A robot vacuum is something that still seems like it came out of a sci-fi movie. You mean this machine is going to tidy up the house all on its own? Like it's sentient or something? Whether you know how much fun it can be to slap a pair of googly eyes on yours or revel in the feeling of a house successfully cleaned with little or no input form you, you should consider getting a robot vacuum, especially when it's a great model at an even better price.

As of May 2, get the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum (AV2501S) for $299.99, down from its usual price of $549.99 at Amazon. That's $250 off and a discount of 45%.

This robot vacuum is a serious multitasker that you can leave largely on its own to handle all types of messes, whether that's pet hair or tough, ground-in dirt or crumbs left on the kitchen floor. It works on all floor types, so you're covered there. It cleans in a special grid pattern so it can take multiple passes over your house, and then it empties itself. Its self-emptying base can hold up to 30 days of dirt, and when that time is up, you just need to empty it.

The vacuum uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to get around your home while creating a map to avoid accidental bumps and other setbacks that keep it from doing an efficient job. And if you're someone who suffers from allergies, its HEPA filter claims to capture and trap about 99.97% of dust and allergens to reduce all that sneezing.

If you're ready to leave the cleaning to your ever-present robot vacuum companion, be sure to snag this one while it's on sale, since this is such a great discount.

You'll have to wait a little bit longer for that video game you've been waiting 12 years for already.

Rockstar Games posted a message on its website on Friday morning confirming the news that you may have seen coming, but didn't want to hear: Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed. The game, which until now had a vague release window of late 2025, is now confirmed for launch on May 26, 2026. The full message from Rockstar is as follows:

Hi everyone,

Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026.

We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.

With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.

We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Sincerely,
Rockstar Games

SEE ALSO: The 5 Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles I can't wait to play (besides 'Mario Kart World')

The story of GTA VI has been a long and winding one. Its predecessor came out in 2013, long enough ago that it was originally an Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game. I was in college when I played GTA V, and now I'm in my 30s. The incredible financial success of GTA Online and Red Dead Redemption 2 in the meantime meant Rockstar had no incentive to rush the next GTA to market, so after a decade of rumors and leaks, we got one lone trailer in late 2023. This delay announcement is the first thing we've heard from GTA VI since then.

All we really know about the game is that its set in a modern-day rendition of Vice City, the GTA universe's take on Miami. It has two central playable characters, who appear to be in a Bonnie & Clyde kind of relationship with one another, and it generally looks very expensive and pretty. And that's probably all we'll continue to know about GTA VI for a while longer.

At least we have a date now!

Ireland slapped TikTok with serious fines and, perhaps more worrying for the social media company, allegations of questionable data practices. That's a major issue for TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, which has been attempting to convince the West, most notably the U.S., that its users are safe from their data being shared with China.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined TikTok 530 million euros — roughly $600 million — because it could not guarantee that users' data was being stored in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. The DPC also said that TikTok admitted it had stored limited European user data in China, which it had previously denied. TikTok told the DPC it had since deleted that data.

"The GDPR requires that the high level of protection provided within the European Union continues where personal data is transferred to other countries," DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said in a statement.

"TikTok’s personal data transfers to China infringed the GDPR because TikTok failed to verify, guarantee, and demonstrate that the personal data of [European Economic Area] users, remotely accessed by staff in China, was afforded a level of protection essentially equivalent to that guaranteed within the EU."

SEE ALSO: Trump delays TikTok ban for another 75 days

The fines from Ireland's privacy watchdog could prove damaging for TikTok, especially amid its fight to remain available in the U.S. A renewed U.S. TikTok ban was averted in early April after President Donald Trump once again issued a 75-day extension.

The U.S. law that would ban TikTok does so, in part, over concerns quite similar to those laid out by Ireland's DPC. The U.S. does not want its citizens' data in the hands of China's government. TikTok has insisted it doesn't share U.S. user data with China.

Still, U.S. companies are lining up to purchase TikTok, which may be necessary for the platform to remain in the States.

SAVE 25%: As of May 2, you can get the Levoit LVAC-200 for $149.99, down from $199.99, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and a $50 savings.

LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Stick Vac with Tangle-Resistant Design, Up to 50 Minutes, Powerful Suction, Rechargeable, Lightweight, and Versatile for Carpet, Hard Floor, Pet Hair, Black & White $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Stick vacuums are pretty much hit or miss. There’s nothing worse than spending $300 on something that only works for a few weeks before crapping out on you. But there are ways to get around paying a fortune for a top-notch cordless vacuum.

As of May 2, you can get a Levoit LVAC-200 for $149.99, down from $199.99, at Amazon. That’s a 25% discount and a $50 savings.

SEE ALSO: The best cordless vacuums include 3 Dyson models (and 1 alternative)

This vacuum’s built to clean up pet hair, dust, and crumbs from your hardwood floors, rugs, tile, and carpets. It has a 50-minute run time with the Crevice or Pet Tool in Eco Mode, 30 minutes with just the vacuum head, and 12 minutes in Turbo Mode. Plus, the flexible and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, even up and down stairs.

With three LED lights, an anti-tangle brush head, and a five-stage filtration system, this budget-friendly vac is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cleaning routine.

SAVE $50: As of May 2, get the Razer Kishi Ultra for $99.99, down from its usual price of $149.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Razer Kishi Ultra $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you're a big fan of gaming on the go, you probably know how touch controls can be more frustrating than enjoyable. If you're playing on a small screen, you can deal with overcrowding and pressing the wrong button. Depending on what kind of phone you're using, it might feel awkward holding your phone while trying to play, too. That's where a mobile controller comes in. And right now, you can score a discount on one that should make your games feel much more fun to play.

As of May 2, get the Razer Kishi Ultra for $99.99, down from its usual price of $149.99, at Amazon. That's $50 off and a discount of 33%.

The Razer Kishi Ultra works with iPhone 15 and 16 series devices, Android, iPad Mini A17 Pro, and a variety of other mobile gadgets, so you should be covered even if you aren't using the latest and greatest tech. The controller can be fitted directly on the side of your device, so it looks like it's been cut in half, but it's a full-size option that works the same as using a regular controller.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $90

Once attached, you can use physical controls with your favorite games, so tapping around on the screen is a thing of the past. The controller uses a tactile 8-way D-pad with action buttons, Hall Effect triggers, programmable buttons and durable analog sticks. It also has Razer Sensa haptic on board so you can feel rumbling when it matters. To make things a bit more fun and exciting, it also has Chroma RGB lighting that you can customize.

You can use Virtual Controller Mode to remap touch screen controls as well, so if a game previously did not offer controller support, you can bypass this and make a custom setup. This is for Android users only, but it's a super useful feature. If you're ready to change the way you experience mobile gaming, grab one before it goes back up in price.

SAVE $110: As of May 2, the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum is down to just $149.99 at Amazon instead of $259.99. That's 42% in savings and just 99 cents shy of its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110 Get Deal

If you're still lugging a heavy upright vacuum from room to room in your home, it might be time to cut the cord. Untether yourself from outlets and invest in a stick vacuum instead. You don't have to spend a fortune; the Shark Pet IX141 cordless stick vacuum is on sale for under $150.

As of May 2, you can grab the Shark Pet cordless vacuum on sale for just $149.99 instead of the usual $259.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Shark's own website. That's $110 off its MSRP and a 42% discount overall. Not to mention, it's just 99 cents shy of the lowest price we've ever seen on this model.

Light enough to maneuver with one hand, yet powerful enough to tackle pet hair, the Shark IX141 is a solid choice for pet parents looking to streamline their cleaning routine. The mid-level stick vacuum features an anti-allergen complete seal, an XL 0.83-quart dust bin, a 40-minute run time on a full charge, and an included crevice tool to help you tackle tough corners and cracks. It also includes built-in LED headlights to illuminate all the dust and debris your naked eye misses. While it's not quite as high-tech as the laser-equipped Dysons, it's still a welcome feature that helps you get a more thorough clean.

Of course, it can also transform into a hand vac, which gives you deep-cleaning freedom just about anywhere — your car, the top of the curtains, under the couch, etc. For a cordless stick vacuum that's tough enough to handle your pet's endless shedding, this deal on the Shark Pet IX141 is hard to beat.