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One of the best horror movies of 2024 has an ending that's sublimely sick and satisfying. And that very last shot came by chance.
When Mashable sat down with Oddity writer/director Damian McCarthy — and the Wooden Man at the film's center — we learned how the last brutal beat in the multifaceted horror story came to be.
Sure, Oddity begins with a frightening premise of home invasion: a woman alone, renovating her remote country house, hears a knock at the door only to be confronted by a wild-eyed stranger who warns her that someone has snuck inside and means to hurt her. But from there, McCarthy pulled from folk horror, haunted house movies, and killer doll flicks to craft a menacing medley of a movie, which has an anthology feel even as it centers on one house and the doomed people who cross its threshold.
While the flashiest figure in Oddity is undoubtedly its Wooden Man, McCarthy also looped in a pretty but haunted bell to strike the perfect tone for the film's final moment.
Be warned, the following will dig into spoilers for Oddity's third act.
Oddity's ending explained. Carolyn Bracken as Darcy with the haunted bell of "Oddity." Credit: Colm Hogan / IFC Films / ShudderThe woman in the opening is Dani, the dark-haired twin to blonde (and blind) medium Darcy, who owns an oddity shop for which the film might well be named. When we first meet Darcy, she's mourning her sister, who was murdered a year before in the aforementioned country home. Reunited with her brother-in-law, Ted, Darcy tells the tale of a haunted desk bell she holds in her hands.
"There was a man — not a very pleasant one — who spent most of his life working as a bellboy at a hotel," she explains in the film's first act. "And one night, he was showing a drunk guest to his room, and the guest shoved him down the stairs, and he broke his neck and died in the fall. And a few days later, the receptionist rang the bell to summon the new bellboy. Only who did she see running towards her — not looking very happy?"
While Darcy is visibly enchanted by the story, Ted scoffs, daring her to ring the bell and "see what happens." She warns him, "It's not something to be played with, Ted, seeing as the last two people who rang it were found dead."
The bell will be set aside as they discuss the grim anniversary of Dani's death. But in the final scene, it comes back. After the true villain behind Dani's death has been revealed, and those who've gotten their hands bloody have paid for their sins, Ted returns to his home to find a package mailed from Darcy's shop. Clearly, before she surprised him and his girlfriend with the Wooden Man in the crate, she'd sent this small box off for a final part of her plan. And what lies inside? The haunted desk bell.
Home alone — as Dani was at the movie's start — Ted takes out the bell. And even now — even after his girlfriend's insistence on seeing Dani's ghost, his colleague's tale of the rampaging Wooden Man, and Darcy's cryptic threats — his mind is closed to the possibilities of the paranormal. So, Ted sits down and rings the bell, tempting fate.
He looks around his home and sees no dead bellboy. But just as it seems the movie might end — with Little Willie John's jaunty R&B track "Now you Know" playing — McCarthy's Oddity cuts to a wide shot. In the foreground, Ted smiles, feeling smug about his seeming victory. But behind him — out of his line of view — is a dead bellboy, standing still but nonetheless menacing.
The film cuts to the credits, but even unseen, Ted's fate is assured.
Damian McCarthy reveals how the ending of Oddity came to be.Speaking with Mashable, McCarthy said of Oddity, "One of the things that I wanted to do with the film was just that it would never take itself too seriously." While the movie involved murder, vengeance, and ghouls, there is a cheeky humor woven throughout. "The way people talk to each other, they're quite sarcastic or cutting," McCarthy said of his characters, adding, "I think that just makes the film more enjoyable."
From there, he revealed that this final moment — that final, darkly funny wide shot — was stumbled across in production. "We found that on the set," McCarthy explained, "Because originally, it was supposed to end with a close-up of this figure that's come for Ted." While the crew was setting up the next shot, Gwilym Lee, who plays Ted, and Shane Whisker, who plays the bellboy, were waiting patiently on set: the former seated at the dining table, the latter standing behind him with his hands folded at his belly.
"They were just taking a break between setups," McCarthy recalled, "And just looking at it — Shane couldn't move because the contact (lenses) he was wearing completely blinded him. So he said, 'I'll just be safer standing here' — the way he's standing at the end of the film. And Ted was just taking five sitting down. And I was at the other side of the room, and like, 'That's a really interesting shot. Let's just get that as well.' And that ended up becoming the better, much funnier, darker ending than the one we originally planned."
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 22 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 22Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, July 21, 2024:
AcrossWorld capital with a museum dedicated entirely to pastaThe answer is Rome.
The answer is Xbox.
The answer is sixty.
The answer is tire.
The answer is seat.
The answer is RXs.
The answer is obits.
The answer is moxie.
The answer is extra.
The answer is yet.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Editor's note: Check out our oft-updated live blog for all new developments about the Microsoft/CrowdStrike outage.
Global IT systems are still recovering after a CrowdStrike update caused a massive worldwide outage of Windows computers last Friday. Countless businesses and organisations were impacted, including airlines, hospitals, banks, and telecommunications companies.
Unrelated political events have since taken centre stage, stealing the world's attention and taking some of the heat off CrowdStrike. However, that doesn't mean the security company's troubles are over. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz warned that it may be weeks before we see a total recovery, with organisations still dealing with the fallout days later.
Tweet may have been deletedHere's where we are three days on from CrowdStrike's global Windows outage.
CrowdStrike outage impacted 8.5 million Windows computersIn a blog post on Saturday, Microsoft revealed that an estimated 8.5 million Windows devices were impacted by the CrowdStrike update. While that is an undeniably enormous number, the company noted that it was still "less than one percent of all Windows machines."
"While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services," wrote Microsoft's Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security David Weston.
Hundreds of U.S. flights are still being cancelled or delayed Flight information screens display a recovery window in the second terminal at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on July 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty ImagesThough airlines are working to get back on track, they're definitely still seeing the effects of the CrowdStrike outage. Flight tracker FlightAware reported that 1970 flights to, from, or within the U.S. were cancelled on Sunday, while 9934 such flights were delayed.
For comparison, there were 932 cancellations and 12,579 delays on Thursday, the day before the outage.
Bad actors have disguised malware as a CrowdStrike fixAmidst Friday's chaos, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz warned people to stay vigilant for bad actors attempting to exploit the situation. Though CrowdStrike had published a workaround for the outage, the danger remains that panicking white-collar workers may first encounter malware disguised as a fix.
It was a pertinent warning. Bleeping Computer reports that bad actors posed as CrowdStrike or the BBVA Bank and instructed people to install malware in at least two nefarious campaigns. These bad actors falsely claimed the software was an update to fix the CrowdStrike issue, when instead it would hijack users' computers or wipe their data.
Tweet may have been deleted CrowdStrike's outage could cost billions of dollarsWith the dust slowly settling, many are wondering who will pay for the financial losses the global outage caused. Calculating the cost of the CrowdStrike outage is a tall order at this early stage, not in the least because systems are still recovering. However, experts claim that it could amount to billions of dollars.
Whether CrowdStrike's clients can claim compensation from the company will depend on factors such as the exact terms of their contract and whether it was breached. Failing that, those impacted may attempt to argue claims such as negligence. Either way, New Zealand law firm Russell McVeagh considers class action lawsuits "a real possibility" considering the massive scale of the outage.
An information screen informs travellers that train information is not running due to the global technical outage at Canal Street subway station on July 19, 2024 in New York City. Credit: Adam Gray / Getty ImagesInsurers are also bracing for a deluge of claims concerning CrowdStrike's outage, though claimants' success will be dependent on the type of coverage they have. Considering that the outage wasn't caused by a malicious attack and didn't involve property damage, it's likely that many won't be covered.
CrowdStrike's stock has plummeted almost 22 percent since Friday's outage, wiping around $16 billion from the company's value. If it ends up having to pay out compensation, it could be looking at even further losses.
Featured Video For You What is CrowdStrike and why users are getting Windows blue screensThe Asus ROG Ally X is like when you meet your crush's hot brother. Your crush is cute and all, but his brother? He's more refined, more mature, and more attractive.
Similarly, the ROG Ally X, a slight upgrade from the ROG Ally, isn't too different from its sibling. No, the tweaks won't have you screaming, "Stop the presses!", but they bring an air of sophistication to the ROG Ally X. They're intentional and purposeful, signaling that Asus has been listening to user feedback.
For one, the ROG Ally X no longer comes in white. Woo-hoo!
I know Asus likely wanted to stand out of the crowd with a white chassis for the ROG Ally X. After all, most of the Steam Deck wannabes have black models. However — and many gamers will agree with me when I say this — a white handheld gaming console will expose my snacking habit with tell-tale stains. And we don't want that!
Although this ain't no ROG Ally 2, this handheld gaming PC still holds its own in a Steam Deck-dominated market.
Asus ROG Ally X price and specsThe ROG Ally X costs $799 and comes with the same CPU and GPU as its predecessor, but there are some minor differences.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableBefore diving into Asus' tiny tweaks, allow me to list the specs:
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
AMD Radeon GPU
24GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM
1TB of SSD storage
As mentioned, the processor and graphics have remained the same on ROG Ally X, but the RAM got upgraded from 16GB to 24GB while the 512GB storage got doubled to 1TB. This will give us a slight uptick in performance, as you'll find out in subsequent sections.
Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Asus ROG Ally X $799.99 at Best BuyWoo-hoo! The ROG Ally X now comes in black. I can now hide my tendencies to pig out while gaming. I could have Dorito-stained fingers all I want — and my ROG Ally X won't betray me.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableOn the right side, you'll find A, B, X, Y buttons sitting above the right analog stick. Next to the X, you'll find two buttons: a Menu button (depicted with a trio of lines) and the Armoury Crate button (leads you Asus' control center).
On the left side, you'll find another duo of buttons: the View and Command Center buttons. The directional buttons, also known as the D-pad, sits to the bottom right of the left analog stick.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableMy gripes are the Menu, Armoury Crate, View, and Command Center buttons: the symbols are too subtle and difficult to see. A brighter white for the icons would be nice. Plus, I wish the analog sticks were more symmetrical. However, the buttons and sticks are sturdy, steady, and clicky (and tighter and more resistant compared to the OG ROG Ally).
As a cherry on top, the sticks have LED light rings that add a gorgeous design touch to the ROG Ally X.
On the top, as expected, you'll find the right and left bumpers and triggers.
On the back, you'll find the programmable M1 and M2 buttons with satisfying tactile feedback. On the OG ROG Ally, these buttons used to sit annoyingly on top of the grips, but now they're away from your fingers. On the underside, you'll also find air vents and a diagonal, lustrous strip to add some eye-catching detail.
Weight and feelThe ROG Ally X is slightly heavier than the 1.4-pound Steam Deck OLED with a weight of about 1.5 pounds. However, it's much lighter than the Lenovo Legion Go, which weighs about 1.9 pounds.
For what it's worth, the OG ROG Ally's weight matched the Steam Deck OLED.
Steam Deck OLED - 1.4 pounds
Asus ROG Ally - 1.4 pounds
Asus ROG Ally X - 1.5 pounds
Lenovo Legion Go - 1.9 pounds
Out of all three, however, I still find the Steam Deck OLED to be the most comfortable. The ROG Ally's grips, where your hands are wrapped around while gaming, don't protrude as much as the Steam Deck, which is a downside. The Steam Deck's bulging grips give me more to hold on to during gameplay, providing a more comfortable experience.
But compared to the OG ROG Ally, the ROG Ally X does have fuller grips, which is a plus. And it's less bumpy, too, for a smoother feel.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableIf you're coming from a Steam Deck to an ROG Ally X, you'll definitely notice the slight dip in comfort. If you're coming from the Legion Go, however, you'll find the ROG Ally X to be more comfortable — and lighter, too.
If you're new to handheld gaming PCs entirely, you likely won't notice any discomfort at all.
Asus ROG Ally X displayThe ROG Ally X still sports the same 7-inch, 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but that's OK because, in the words of Bruno Mars, "girl you're amazing, just the way you are."
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashablePlus, the ROG Ally X is the only handheld gaming PC that supports a variable refresh rate. This means that, depending on what you're doing, the refresh rate can drop down to lower values or skyrocket to 120Hz. This way, it's not constantly churning out high frame rates and wasting energy.
It would be nice, though, to see an OLED panel on the ROG Ally X. It still sports an IPS screen. (The Steam Deck OLED has richer panel, in my opinion.)
I played Cyberpunk 2077 on the ROG Ally X, and no, the visuals won't blow you away or anything, but it has just the right amount of crispness and sharpness — and vividness — to help you enjoy your favorite games, particularly while you're on-the-go. The ROG Ally X has 500 nits of brightness, which isn't as bright as the Steam Deck OLED's 600-nit display, but it can still hold its own while gaming outdoors.
The Steam Deck OLED also has a slightly bigger display at 7.4 inches. The Lenovo Legion Go's 500-nit panel is even larger, with an 8.8-inch display, but I find it to be a bit too unwieldy. The 7-inch territory is the sweet spot.
Asus ROG Ally X portsThe Asus ROG Ally X added an extra USB-C port (a Thunderbolt 4 port at that).
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableThis opens you up to a world of eGPUs and docks. Personally, I found myself keeping one port connected to my charging cable and the other connected to my Viture Pro XR glasses (for a sweet virtual display experience).
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableHere are all the ports you'll find on the ROG Ally X:
USB Type-C (3.2 Gen 2)
Thunderbolt 4
microSD card reader
3.5mm combo audio jack
This is definitely a step-up over the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go, which only have one USB-C port.
Asus ROG Ally X audioThe ROG Ally X has a dual-speaker setup. You can find this up-firing speaker set on the front, with one sitting below the D-pad and the other under the right analog stick.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableI downloaded the Apple Music app on the Asus ROG Ally X. (I can do that because, as I'll explain later, the ROG Ally X runs on Windows.) And to my surprise, the sound on the ROG Ally X is a lot better than I thought it would be. I fired up Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," and at max volume, the spunky tune sounded loud, bombastic, and impactful.
While playing Cyberpunk 2077, the audio was able to overpower the loud fans that would disturb my ears while Performance Mode is on.
Plus, the sound actually has some depth — and a well-rounded quality to it, too. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, can sound a bit tinny. The ROG Ally X is definitely louder, too.
For what it's worth, unlike the OG ROG Ally, the ROG Ally X has a new Smart AMP feature that boosts audio and delivers clearer sound.
Asus ROG Ally X benchmarks and performanceThe ROG Ally X has the same internals as the OG ROG Ally, but there's a slight performance uptick. This could be due to the extra RAM on the Ally X, which means you'll have a bit more headroom for triple-A games that demand a lot of video memory.
I ran Geekbench 6, which tests processor performance, on the ROG Ally X, and it got a multi-core of 12,233 (a 6% performance increase compared to the OG Ally X). The Legion Go, on the other hand, has a Geekbench score of 10,414.
I also ran 3DMark's Time Spy, which tests for graphics prowess, on the ROG Ally X. It notched a score of 3,477 compared to the Legion Go's 2,982 figure.
Unlike the ROG Ally X and the Legion Go, which are handheld PCs running on Windows, the Steam Deck OLED has a Linux-based operating system, so benchmarking was a little bit tricky. We don't have Geekbench nor Time Spy figures for the Steam Deck.
However, we ran the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark on the Steam Deck (non-OLED version), and we got 30 frames per second (fps). The ROG Ally X pushed out more frames with a score of 47 fps. The Legion Go, on the other hand, also has a 30 fps cap on the same benchmark.
Steam Deck - Cyberpunk 2077 - 30 fps
Lenovo Legion Go - Cyberpunk 2077 - 30 fps
Asus ROG Ally X - Cyberpunk 2077 - 47 fps
It's also worth noting that, compared to the OG ROG Ally, the ROG Ally X has a full-sized SSD, which can lead to better performance, zippier read/write speeds, and quicker load times.
Asus ROG Ally X battery lifeAsus said that it doubled the battery on the ROG Ally X from 40Whr to 80Whr, promising three to eight hours of battery life.
We ran the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test on the ROG Ally X and it lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes. On the same test, the Lenovo Legion Go only lasted 1 hour and 46 minutes.
If it weren't for the bigger battery, the ROG Ally X would sill be seeing Legion Go-level battery runtimes.
We couldn't run PCMark 10 on the Steam Deck, but anecdotally, Mashable's Alex Perry said he got about three-and-a-half hours on it.
Asus ROG Ally X software and WindowsThe Asus ROG Ally X running Windows is a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, you can download games from anywhere, whether it's Steam, the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, Microsoft Store, and more.
The downside is that setup is a pain. It's like setting up any Windows PC where you're dodging subscription pushes left and right, from Microsoft 365 to Xbox Game Pass. And that's on top of setting up the Wi-Fi, keyboard language, PIN number, inputting your Microsoft account, and more. Next, you have to navigate Windows, mostly with your fingers via the touchscreen, to download all your games, which can be quite the task.
With the Steam Deck on the other hand, setup is a lot more seamless. Input your Wi-Fi password before signing in with your Steam credentials, and voila, you're in. Of course, the con here is that there are some limitations with SteamOS (unless you want to go through the process of tinkering with the Steam Deck to install Windows).
Asus ROG Ally X worth it?The Asus ROG Ally X, compared to the OG Ally, has a slight performance boost and better battery life.
Pinning it against the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally X beats it in three ways: better frame rates on triple-A titles like Cyberpunk 2077, a convenient extra USB-C port (i.e., Thunderbolt 4), and better audio.
However, I'd argue that the Steam Deck still continues to have the best ergonomic design as well as the better operating system with SteamOS.
I enjoyed playing on the ROG Ally X, and yes, I totally recommend it for anyone looking for a Steam Deck alternative.
TL;DR: As of July 22, you can secure a 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for just £27.08 instead of £278.30 — that's a savings of 90%. Fair warning, this newly discounted price only lasts until July 28.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription £27.08 at the Mashable ShopUnless you're living completely off the grid, we all have an online presence. And with that presence, there comes risk and vulnerability. If you don't already have a virtual private network (VPN), it should shoot to the top of your list. Using a VPN helps keep you safer online and less vulnerable to the shady stuff that we all know happens there. For a limited time, you can get a five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for just £27.08 (reg. £278.30).
Whether you're browsing, streaming, or working remotely, AdGuard VPN helps ensure that your online activities remain private and secure no matter where you are. AdGuard has over 60 network locations, which means you can travel and still have secure internet access nearly anywhere you want to go.
This data privacy tool uses its own strict security measures to ensure your data stays private — it even has a no-logging policy. That means AdGuard does not track what you're doing or collect your information or IP address. You will remain totally private while browsing, shopping, creating, or watching.
This offer gets you connected to AdGuard VPN on up to ten devices at the same time but is only available to new users. With updates included, you'll have access to all of its super-fast servers in every location. It also comes with unlimited data for streaming and downloading. Plus, it's compatible with all platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Google Chrome.
Keep yourself and your family safe and protected online while home or away.
Get this 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for just £27.08 (reg. £278.30) when you order by July 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with no coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
For the past several episodes of House of the Dragon, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) has been haunted by a parade of ghostly visions that double as cameos of past actors on the show.
First, Milly Alcock returned as young Rhaenyra Targaryen, then Nanna Blondell reprised her role as Laena Velaryon. But in Season 2, episode 6, we reach what feels like the final boss of these visions, as Paddy Considine dons the crown of King Viserys Targaryen once again.
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 6: Who is Seasmoke's new rider?Viserys's return feels monumental because almost every vision Daemon has had so far has reminded him of his relationship with his late brother. Young Rhaenyra needled Daemon over Viserys passing him over as his heir, while his mother Alyssa (Emeline Lambert) told him that he would have been a much better, stronger ruler than Viserys.
So what happens when Viserys and Daemon come face to face? Does Viserys taunt Daemon about his wrecked marriage to Rhaenyra, or his failed attempts to muster strength in the Riverlands and become king in his own right?
Not exactly.
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' cinematographer talks dragons, 'Succession' inspiration, and moreInstead, what we get is a near word-for-word replay of a scene from the very first episode of House of the Dragon. Viserys confronts Daemon for joking about the death of his wife Aemma (Sian Brooke), and for calling his late newborn son Baelon the "heir for a day." He then reveals he'll be naming a new heir, cutting Daemon out of the line of succession.
For present-day Daemon, this revisited memory must cut deeper than any fantasy he's witnessed in Harrenhal so far. It rehashes one of the worst moments of his life, one that still haunts him and drives him to this day, and there's nothing he can do to stop it. All he can muster is a soft "don't" as vision-Viserys begins to say, "I have decided to name a new heir."
Matt Smith in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 6: The man without a hand could be more important than you thinkWhile Viserys's dialogue remains almost exactly the same from this version of the scene in Season 1, Considine's performances are worlds apart. In Season 1, his grief drove him to loud bursts of anger. He sits high in the Iron Throne as he casts his brother out. Vision-Viserys, on the other hand, slumps over. His physicality recalls Viserys during the later stages of his illness, as if Daemon is viewing an amalgam of his brother across different stages of his life. There is no yelling here, just a soft, almost defeated sense of grief that matches Daemon's own sadness as he re-experiences Viserys's wrath.
Unlike in Season 1, Daemon does not fight back against Viserys's accusations. All the fire of this original encounter is gone, replaced first by disbelief — "You can't possibly still be angry about this" — then an overwhelming urge to escape. By this point, Harrenhal has broken Daemon down with its non-stop display of his worst insecurities. All he can do is hope for the vision to end.
Daemon does get a bit of closure on his relationship with Viserys — or at least, his ghostly counterpart — towards the end of episode 6. In this new vision, we experience an alternate version of the past: One where Daemon stood by Viserys's side as he grieved Aemma, instead of getting drunk in a King's Landing tavern.
"You should've been at my side," Vision-Viserys told Daemon earlier in the episode. Now, Daemon holds him as he cries. "You needed me," he says. "I'm here now."
This new vision is the first time Daemon's Harrenhal visions have offered him any respite. It's also the first time he's truly owned up to his mistakes in a vision and tried to make them right. Obviously, it's too late for Daemon and Viserys's real-life relationship. But maybe that healing embrace will mark a turning point for Daemon. After all, he does receive the good news of Grover Tully's passing right after he wakes up from that dream. Whatever cutting-edge ghost therapy treatment Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) is foisting on Daemon must be working, big time.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Cinematographers on House of the Dragon face a tall order each episode, working on everything from massive crowd scenes to draconic set pieces to hushed Small Council sessions.
Season 2, episode 6 features several such standout moments, all with their distinct sense of rhythm and movement from behind the camera. In an interview with Mashable, cinematographer Vanja Černjul broke down how he shot three key sequences, along with classic film influences and drawing on Succession for inspiration.
SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood' The riot in King's Landing Olivia Cooke in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Theo Whitman/HBOWhile episode 6 features two extended dragon set pieces — both of which required extensive collaboration with House of the Dragon's VFX team — the most planning on Černjul's end went into the King's Landing riot. Here, an angry mob surprises Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her daughter Helaena (Phia Saban), and the two must fight their way through the crowds to escape in their carriage.
"We must have had 300 extras, and we had two days to shoot it," said Černjul on preparing for the scene.
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 6: The man without a hand could be more important than you thinkShooting on location added further complications: "With medieval architecture, it was a very challenging place to move the camera, because first, [Alicent and Helaena] run down very steep stairs, and then they [go] through the square, and then they hop into the carriage, all while being chased by a huge crowd of smallfolk," Černjul said. "We wanted [the scene] to have flow, so we shot it in order, and as much as possible consecutively."
The riot sequence locks us into Alicent's point of view until she and Helaena get in the carriage. A remotely operated camera awaited their arrival in the carriage to provide coverage for the interior section, keeping us trained on their anxiety as they departed the scene.
Aemond's Small Council meeting Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton/HBOSmall Council meetings are a staple of House of the Dragon, with episodes often showing the fraught Council sessions from both Team Black and Team Green. Černjul relished these kinds of scenes in particular, saying, "The most special scenes in that episode were scenes that only included a couple of characters in the room, talking and discussing how this war is going to unfold."
For these scenes, including a meeting of Aemond's (Ewan Mitchell) Small Council, House of the Dragon drew on another HBO heavy hitter for inspiration: Succession. Episode 6 director Andrij Parekh — who Černjul attended film school with — directed several episodes of Succession, even serving as cinematographer for the pilot.
SEE ALSO: I desperately need one of those 'House of the Dragon' Small Council balls"Andrij brought his experience from his previous projects of shooting these rooms where powerful people discuss the fate of other people," Černjul said. "He had a very good sense for developing a camera behavior that gives you a seat at the table, basically a fly-on-the-wall approach, where the camera also becomes a character that is subjectively reacting to whatever is happening."
In the Greens' Small Council meeting, that often meant the camera reacting to Aemond as he prowls around the room. "We wanted to shoot the scene in that observational style, but we also wanted Aemond to be at the center, so we granted him the power to move the camera in the scene," Černjul explained. "We designed blocking where Aemond was walking around the table throughout the scene while addressing the council. Two cameras were following him all the time, circling around the table on a so-called "dance floor," but then they would react to whoever Aemond was addressing. The camera movement appeared more observational, which worked well in contrast to House of the Dragon's overall style, which has a more intentional and designed feel."
Seasmoke chases down Addam of Hull Clinton Liberty and Abubakar Salim in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton/HBOIt wouldn't be House of the Dragon without any dragons, and episode 6 features a first for the show: Seasmoke, a riderless dragon, chasing down a prospective rider in Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty). The scene plays out with a fair bit of suspense, as Addam tries desperately to escape. It makes sense, then, that Černjul and Parekh drew on the work of the Master of Suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock.
"To jumpstart the process of shot listing, we would use references from classical cinema, just to get us going," Černjul explained. "For that particular scene, we wanted to look at the famous scene from North by Northwest, where Cary Grant's character [Roger Thornhill] is being chased by the cropduster. We thought, 'It's just like the dragon in our scene, this plane.'"
The similarities extend to Roger and Addam as well. "[Roger] doesn't understand what's going on or why he is being chased. Same with Addam," said Černjul.
While the North by Northwest cropduster scene served as a jumping-off point, the Addam and Seasmoke scene grew into its own once Černjul and Parekh began developing it for its specific shooting location in Anglesey, Wales. However, they still wanted to maintain the cropduster scene's "kinetic energy," as Černjul said. Different shooting techniques proved key here.
"In that scene, we moved the camera in every possible way," Černjul said. "We shot handheld, we were on a dolly, we had a techno crane moving from an extreme high angle to an extreme low angle, a drone. We were moving the camera to match the energy of the scene."
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
A new dragonrider has entered the fray on House of the Dragon — and it's not anyone Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) expected.
Season 2, episode 6 of House of the Dragon sees Rhaenyra put a bold dragonrider recruitment plan into action. With the help of the Targaryen family records, she seeks out members of other houses with Targaryen ancestors. The hope is that their weaker Targaryen lineage will still be enough for them to claim the riderless dragons residing on Dragonstone: Vermithor, Silverwing, and Seasmoke, the former dragon of Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan).
SEE ALSO: Rhaenyra Targaryen needs more dragonriders. Here are the three most likely candidates.However, that plan disappears in a puff of (Sea)smoke when the first dragonriding attempt goes disastrously awry. Turns out Seasmoke is simply more interested in barbecuing Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan) than in bonding with him. Hey, that's just the risk you take when you try to claim a dragon.
Steffon's death forces Rhaenyra to abandon her plan, yet the episode ends on some intriguing news. Seasmoke has been spotted flying over Spicetown with a new, unknown rider. While Rhaenyra suspects this new dragonrider to be a member of Team Green, episode 6 has already given us his identity — and it could be a game changer for Team Black.
Who is Seasmoke's new rider? Clinton Liberty and Abubakar Salim in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton/HBOSeasmoke's new rider is none other than Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), the brother of Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim). The two are the bastard sons of Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). But while Corlys acknowledges Alyn, elevating him to the status of first mate, he has yet to say anything to Addam. You can bet that will change once he learns that Addam claimed his trueborn son's dragon.
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' cinematographer talks dragons, 'Succession' inspiration, and moreWhile we don't see Addam actually getting on dragonback, we see everything else leading up to it. Seasmoke pursues Addam along the beaches of Driftmark, eventually cornering him. However, instead of burning Addam to a crisp like he did Steffon, Seasmoke approaches him with a soft curiosity. House of the Dragon cuts away before Addam can actually seal the bond, but since we hear about Seasmoke's new rider soon after, you can consider these dragonriding dots connected.
How can Addam of Hull be a dragonrider?Addam being a dragonrider throws a bit of a wrench in Rhaenyra's initial plan, as he's not a Targaryen by blood. Instead, he's a Velaryon through Corlys.
Like the Targaryens, the Velaryons are a great family from Old Valyria, meaning Addam has Valyrian blood. Unlike Targaryens, the Velaryons were not dragonlords, so based on tradition and history, Addam shouldn't be a dragonrider either. Sure, there's a high chance Corlys Velaryon has a smidge of Targaryen blood due to some long-ago Targaryen-Velaryon marriage, or that Addam and Alyn's mother has some Targaryen ancestry. But there are other, more interesting explanations for Addam's new dragonrider status.
First, Rhaenyra believes that Seasmoke misses his bond with Laenor. What better way for him to replicate that bond than with another one of Corlys's sons? Remember, we've already seen Seasmoke circling over Addam's head in episode 2, so perhaps he already sensed the similarities to Laenor. Maybe Steffon's attempted claiming was the last push Seasmoke needed to seek Addam out, a draconic "screw it, I'll find my preferred rider myself" kind of moment.
Then, there's the simple possibility that Targaryen blood may not be the true key to riding a dragon. As Jacaerys (Harry Collett) tells Rhaenyra in episode 5, the Old Valyrian histories that highlight the importance of dragonlord blood were "written to gild [dragonlords] in glory." If the "dragonlord blood" narrative is just a tool to uphold Targaryen supremacy, could anyone try to be a dragonrider? Could Rhaenyra widen her pool of recruit candidates? (Might I suggest seeking out the Targaryen bastards we know are out there?)
Or, could it be the Targaryens aren't as powerful as they thought?
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
There's panic on the streets of King's Landing in House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 6.
The blockade of the Gullet by Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Corlys (Steve Toussaint) has rendered food scarce for the smallfolk, while the city's nobles and rulers gorge themselves night after night. All it takes is a whisper campaign engineered by Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) and some small boats full of food sent from Dragonstone to whip the smallfolk into a riotous frenzy.
SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood'As the starving mobs chase down Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Helaena (Phia Saban), an overzealous Kingsguard knight lops off a man's hand in an effort to defend his queens. Not only does this act mark a violent turning point for the riot, it could also be our introduction to a key character from George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood.
Who is the man without a hand in House of the Dragon?Much later on in the Dance of the Dragons, Martin introduces a character known simply as "the Shepherd." Think of him as a precursor to Game of Thrones' High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce). Like the High Sparrow, the Shepherd is a devout follower of the Seven who draws a large following. He preaches against Rhaenyra and the Targaryens, declaring dragons to be "unnatural" and Valyria a "vile cesspit."
Notably, the Shepherd is one-handed.
Fire & Blood suggests that the Shepherd lost his hand as a punishment for thievery. But what if House of the Dragon's version of the character — who is unlikely to be officially introduced until further down the line — lost it in the episode 6 riot? What if he was the victim of Kingsguard violence?
That potential change might add an interesting twist to the Shepherd's character, whose backstory is left fairly ambiguous in Fire & Blood. Losing his hand in this riot would absolutely aggravate his hatred for the Targaryens, to the point of starting a movement against them. And while the anger during the riots was primarily directed at the currently ruling Targaryens, like Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), Rhaenyra's involvement in the blockade certainly wouldn't endear her to him. Plus, the Shepherd hates all Targaryens, no matter if they're Team Green or Team Black.
Finally, the Shepherd's presence at this riot would create a full circle moment for one of his most impactful scenes in Fire & Blood. As he gains influence, his words incite a mob of his own, which storms the Targaryen dragonpit — with disastrous consequences.
Of course, there's a high likelihood that this man in episode 6 is not going to go on to become House of the Dragon's Shepherd. The Kingsguard or City Watch probably cut off citizens' hands every day. No wonder the smallfolk are so mad! However, the series still lingers on this man and his very specific punishment long enough to plant the idea of the Shepherd in the minds of Fire & Blood fans. The Shepherd is coming, and he's going to be a big obstacle for Rhaenyra when he arrives.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
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 July 22'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:A military trainee.
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 C.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle...
CADET.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 22If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Make wavesThe hint refers to a buoyant list of words.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe hint refers to types of boats.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer today:Today's spangram is Watercraft.
NYT Strands word list for July 22Kayak
Paddleboard
Canoe
Watercraft
Dory
Dinghy
Gondola
Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.
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 July 22'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.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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 categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Expert
Green: Used to make music
Blue: Things you see in a traffic jam
Purple: Food-related objects and theories
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Realm of Expertise
Green: Musical Instruments
Blue: Used to Redirect Traffic
Purple: Food____
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #407 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayRealm of Expertise: AREA, DOMAIN, FIELD, SPHERE
Musical Instruments: FIDDLE, HORN, RECORDER, TRIANGLE
Used to Redirect Traffic: BARRIER, CONE, FLAG, FLARE
Food____: CHAIN, FIGHT, PROCESSOR, PYRAMID
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.
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Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm, Midnight, S/M, Sports Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00)
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, will not make a bid for a second term.
The President had been facing pressure to step down after a rough performance at last month's first Presidential debate called his fitness for office into question. The President has since contracted COVID-19, leading to graver concerns about his health as rumors swirled that Vice President Kamala Harris may be better equipped for the job.
The President announced the news on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram today, resulting in an onslaught of reactions ranging from disappointment to relief.
Reading the news with my pals Ben and Jerry like... Tweet may have been deleted Kamala, your time is now. Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted It is truly coconut tree and Brat summer 🥥💚 Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Why did Dr. Biden respond like this...?? Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Just heard the news... you up? Tweet may have been deletedThis is a developing story and will be updated as more news and reactions come out.
“Twisters” has twirled its way to a huge opening weekend, smashing expectations by bringing in $80.5 million. For context, Oppenheimer brought in $80.5 million when it opened on the same weekend in 2023.
The stellar performance of the film, a sequel to the 1996 disaster epic “Twister," may be due to the fact that it appears to be genuinely well-liked by audiences; as of publishing, the film has a 92 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, while a review of the movie by the The Atlantic begged readers to "Please See Twisters in Theaters," Mashable's own Kristy Puchko was less than impressed with the flick, calling it "a wobbly ride that leaves disappointment in its wake."
Tweet may have been deletedThe surprise success of "Twisters," which was only projected to generate up to $55 million on opening weekend, was also likely buoyed by the appeal of its rising stars Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones. The duo have powered through impressive press tour to promote the movie, including going head-to-head in a Hot Ones match up.
The $80.5 million opening of "Twisters" is the third-biggest opening weekend of the year behind “Inside Out 2” ($154 million) and “Dune: Part Two” ($82 million).
Bethesda Game Studios employees announced on Friday that they have unionized under the Communications Workers of America (CWA), marking a significant milestone as the first Microsoft-owned game studio to do so.
SEE ALSO: Microsoft has its first unionKnown for popular games like Starfield, Elder Scrolls, and Fallout, Bethesda now leads a growing movement in the gaming sector towards better working conditions and stronger collective representation. A total of 241 staff members in Maryland and Texas, including artists, engineers, programmers, and designers have come together under the CWA.
"It is clear that every worker can benefit from bringing democracy into the workplace and securing a protected voice on the job," said Senior System Designer Mandi Parker in a press release. "We’re thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives, and the company as a whole."
The unionization at Bethesda is part of a broader trend in the video game sector. Earlier this year, ZeniMax Studios, Bethesda's parent company, saw its quality assurance workers form the largest union in the industry at the time, with 300 members. This was soon surpassed by 600 quality assurance workers at Activision, another Microsoft-owned company, who also joined the CWA.
Microsoft has officially recognized the union, integrating Bethesda's Maryland office employees into CWA Locals 2108 and those in Texas into CWA Locals 6215. The studio will join other CWA members at SEGA of America and Tender Claws.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 21 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 21Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, July 21, 2024:
AcrossSpace between two teethThe answer is Gap.
The answer is Creek.
The answer is Borne.
The answer is Swing.
The answer is Nee.
The answer is Grown.
The answer is Aerie.
The answer is Penne.
The answer is CBS.
The answer is Keg.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
TL;DR: Until July 21, you can score permanent access to Skoove Premium piano lessons on sale for $119.99 with promo code SAVENOW.
Thinking of fulfilling a lifelong goal of learning to play the piano? Finding an instructor to teach you every week will quickly set you back hundreds, if not thousands — not to mention the coordination of both your schedules. Learning from YouTube could be hard when you don't have much direction, and it's non-committal, so you might not have the motivation to do it consistently.
But thankfully, there's a way to combine the personal approach from an in-person teacher and the flexibility of learning from videos: interactive piano lessons from Skoove Premium. You can get lifetime access on sale for $119.99 using coupon code SAVENOW.
Skoove uses artificial intelligence to identify and understand what you're playing so it can give real-time feedback. You'll get access to over 400 piano tutorials that are tailored to your preferences, with a variety of genres to choose from like popular music by The Beatles, Adele, and more, as well as classical music by Beethoven, Mozart, etc. And if you need additional help, Skoove music instructors are there to give one-on-one support to supplement your studies.
Every month, new videos and songs are added so you'll never get bored. And lifetime access means you only have to pay once — but along with the cost comes the desire to get your money's worth.
If you're ready to tickle the ivories and learn to play the piano on your own schedule, consider Skoove.
Until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, score a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium piano lessons marked down 60% at the price of $119.99 with code SAVENOW.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Elevate your kitchen with a set of five Damascus chef knives designed to be versatile, reliable tools in the kitchen. Get the Konig Kitchen Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set and Gift Box for $74.97 (reg. $249.99) until July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Konig Kitchen Konig Kitchen Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set & Gift Box $74.97 at The Mashable ShopLooking for a sharp gift? How about a set of knives a cut above the rest?
This Konig Kitchen Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set & Gift Box comes with five razor sharp knives: a 5-inch Santoku knife for precision slicing and dicing, a 7-inch Santoku knife for larger cuts of meat and vegetables, an 8-inch Chef knife for versatile slicing and chopping, a 7-inch Nakiri knife for vegetable preparation, and a 3.5-inch Paring knife for intricate tasks. You can get the whole set on sale for $74.97 (reg. $249) but only through July 21.
What makes these good knives?The Damascus steel on these knives isn't just pretty; they're crafted to hold up to repeated use and help retain an edge longer. The 5Cr15MoV quality steel is a high-carbon blend that can take some punishment before eventually needing to be sharpened again (like all knives)
The blade isn't the only remarkable part of these knives. A comfortable grip means you might not leave the kitchen at the end of a long night with sore hands. Each of these knives has a beautiful rosewood handle with an ergonomic shape. It's a beautiful look that's comfortable to hold and resistant to moisture.
The set comes with an elegant wooden block for storage and display. That stunning box also makes for a beautiful gift wrap if you're looking for a fun and functional gift, whether it's for a recent grad or you have a sharp eye for housewarming presents.
An attractive home giftWhether you're shopping for a friend or looking for the missing ingredient in your own kitchen, this set of knives is a great get if you want something as useful as it is pretty.
Until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get the Konig Kitchen Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set and Gift Box for $74.97. No coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: If you want a reliable tablet for productivity or pleasure, get a grade "A" refurbished 6th gen iPad in near-mint condition for $149.97. Sale ends July 21.
Tech prices are rough, especially if you just want a tablet that can do the basics. Instead of paying out the nose for an iPad you can use to browse, stream, and work on, see if you can sniff out a deal like this one. Instead of paying $249 for a near-mint condition refurbished iPad 6th Gen, you can get it for $149.97. It even comes with some accessories.
Why is this iPad so cheap?Refurbished devices don't always look used. In fact, this Grade "A" refurbished iPad is in near-mint condition. So if you do notice any cosmetic signs of wear, they're not visible from more than a foot away. The battery also lasts up to 10 hours on a full charge.
Even though it's in near-mint condition, this iPad was still originally made in 2018, so it has a few years on it. The hardware specifications include 32GB of storage and 2GB of memory along with an 8MP iSight camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime camera for selfies. This iPad has a 2.3GHz Apple A10 Fusion chipset and supports Wi-Fi with dual-band capability and Bluetooth 4.2. Overall, it could run productivity apps like Google Workspace well, but if you want a tablet for gaming, this may not be an ideal match.
A few cool accessories also come with your purchase. That includes a case, screen protector, stylus, and charger. The color of the stylus and case might vary, but they all still work the same.
Time is running outIf you're on the hunt for a tablet you can use to work on the go or just catch up on your shows while you cook, this deal is a great opportunity that's not going to last much longer.
You have until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a grade "A" refurbished iPad 6th Gen plus accessories for $149.97. No coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 6th Gen 9.7” (2018) 32GB - Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Accessories Bundle $149.97 at The Mashable Shop
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