Mashable

Long ago, Mars teemed with water.

New imagery captured by the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter depicts the planet's once watery past. The spacecraft, which has orbited the Red Planet for two decades, snapped views of the eroded remains of once sprawling Lake Eridania — which the space agency noted was larger than any lake on Earth. (The largest lake on Earth is by far the Caspian Sea, which at some 149,200 square miles, or 386,400 square kilometers, is bigger than Montana.)

"We believe that water, and a lot of it, once existed here," ESA said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA rover gets blasted by solar storm on Mars, captures footage

But Mars gradually lost its insulating atmosphere, the result of a lost magnetic field and relentless solar radiation. Ultimately Mars' once thick atmosphere diminished, and bounties of water escaped. Without this insulating blanket, the planet dried out. Today, the planet is 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth.

Views of the lakebed's remnants can be seen below. In the first image, which depicts topography, the blue color (lower elevation), shows part of the lake basin. A large crater, itself with signs of past flowing water on its rim, sits next to the lake.

A topographic view showing remnants of a once sprawling Martian lake (blue area on the right). Credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin In this view of Mars' tan-colored surface, a map scale can be seen on the bottom right (20 km is about 12.5 miles). Credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin

For a wider perspective, the map below shows the region, Caralis Chaos, recently mapped by the Express orbiter. The smaller white box shows the area covered in the images above (while the larger white box depicts the total area recently imaged by the craft).

The body of water was truly huge. "This lake would have filled the flatter regions labelled Ariadnes Colles, Caralis Chaos, and Atlantis Chaos," the space agency wrote. It would have harbored over three times the water held by the Caspian Sea.

A map showing the area once filled by Mars' Lake Eridania. Credit: NASA / MGS / MOLA Science Team

Planetary scientists suspect that Mars could have once hosted primitive, microbial life in watery areas or moist Martian soils — such as the Jezero Crater, which also hosted a large lake.

Recently, NASA's Perseverance rover drilled into a rock in Jezero, where the six-wheeled robot had detected organic molecules (aka the "building blocks of life" as we know it). The robot collected a sample, and inside, scientists spotted a telltale composition that suggests the potential of ancient microbial life. "The rock exhibits chemical signatures and structures that could possibly have been formed by life billions of years ago when the area being explored by the rover contained running water," NASA said in a statement. But, crucially, much more research, over many years, is needed to confirm this possibility.

The ongoing exploration of intriguing Martian places will continue — and one day Martian astronauts may join this discovery effort.

Nobody can resist a good mystery.

Whether it's a whodunnit crime story, a tale of suspense that keeps you guessing, or a mind-bending psychological thriller, putting the pieces together sitting in front of your screen has long been a highly satisfying activity for amateur sleuths.

Often, the best mysteries span out over a whole series on Netflix, making the TV side of things pretty well populated — think The Fall of the House of Usher, The Sinner, Dark, Midnight Mass, Wednesday, The Haunting of Hill House/Bly Manor, The Watcher — but there are plenty of mystery movies on the streaming service for those who'd like a more comprehensive experience. Spanning its horror, thriller, and sci-fi genres, Netflix has a range of mystery films now streaming, each offering up an unexpected twist or reveal.

SEE ALSO: 25 best crime shows on Netflix in 2023

What's inside the walls in Remi Weekes' His House? Why does the boarding house in Santiago Menghini's No One Gets Out Alive have so many locked doors? What's at the heart of the disturbing prison system in The Platform? What exactly, David Lynch asks, did Jack do? Is Adam Sandler's Murder Mystery actually worth watching? From creaking haunted houses to vengeful masked killers, here are the best mystery movies on Netflix.

1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Credit: Netflix

Southern gentlemen detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back on the case in Glass Onion, Rian Johnson’s sequel to his modern, Agatha Christie-style mystery movie Knives Out. With an eye for the tiniest detail, Blanc again finds himself investigating a murder in a secluded location with a wealthy cast of suspects (and what a cast it is). This time it’s a private island owned by billionaire tech founder Elon Musk Miles Bron (Edward Norton) and his cohort of "disrupters." When someone winds up dead, only an intricate web of deception stands between Blanc and the truth.

Though less satisfying than the original Knives Out, Glass Onion is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery whose twists and turns will genuinely surprise you. Delivering some truly delightful character work, Kathryn Hahn, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista star as Bron's guests, each with their own secrets. —Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.

2. The Call Don't pick up the phone. Credit: Netflix

Not the 2013 Halle Berry film or the revenge-based horror film of the same name, but based on Matthew Parkhill's 2011 supernatural horror film The Caller, Lee Chung-hyun's The Call is a dark, chilling South Korean mystery that you can't hang up on.

SEE ALSO: 12 of the best suspense movies on Netflix to put you on edge

When Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) visits her family home, she loses her phone, then starts getting weird, disturbing calls and finds a connection to a woman called Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo). Where this film twists and turns from here, you’ll never predict, so paying light attention is not an option. Strong performances, unnerving use of sound, stunning cinematography, and a well-woven structure make this one surreal and disturbing journey.* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: The Call is now streaming on Netflix.

3. His House There's something in the walls... Credit: Netflix

The best types of horror films are more than just a trickbox of scares. Some are character studies, others explore deeper themes or grapple complex social issues, and a few manage to move you in more ways than just a raising of the pulse. Writer-director Remi Weekes' debut His House does all of the above at once.

Following asylum seekers Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) as they arrive in the UK from South Sudan only to be thrust into an unforgiving world of bureaucracy and racism, His House melds drama with a claustrophobic haunted house mystery. Noises echo in the walls, and Bol's fear and paranoia grows along with ours. But it's only as the movie progresses, and Jo Willems' creative cinematography starts hinting at what took place in the past, that the true horror of His House is revealed.* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: His House is now streaming on Netflix.

4. The Guilty Jake Gyllenhaal is on top form. Credit: Glen Wilson / Netflix

Following a cop with an anger problem during a 911 dispatch shift, The Guilty sees Jake Gyllenhaal at his vein-bursting best in this twisty thriller about a kidnapped woman.

"With the camera focused on him for almost the full 90 minutes in The Guilty, Gyllenhaal combines all [his] skills into one excruciatingly tense performance," I wrote in my review. "He throws himself into the role of detective-turned-911-dispatcher Joe Baylor with so much anger, pain, and sadness that you're forced to go through every single emotion with him."* — S.H.

How to watch: The Guilty is now streaming on Netlfix.

5. Fear Street The "Fear Street" trilogy has a solid mystery at its bloody core. Credit: Netflix

What could have just been a kitschy homage to classic horror films of the '70s, '80s, and '90s actually has a really compelling core murder mystery, meaning it's on the list! The Fear Street trilogy, inspired by R.L. Stine’s more grown-up novel series, centres around a cyclical curse that sees a string of murders plaguing the residents of Shadyside. Directed by Leigh Janiak, the three films (Part 1: 1994, Part 2: 1978, and Part 3: 1666) are set in different time periods, each linked by these happenings. A group of teenagers will have to delve into the past in order to figure it all out before the curse catches up with them. As far as horror mysteries go, Fear Street is the best thing since sliced bread (sorry). — S.C.

How to watch: Fear Street is now streaming on Netflix.

6. I Am All Girls A masked killer is at the heart of the mystery in "I Am All Girls." Credit: Netflix

Fair warning: this one isn't an easy watch. Inspired by true events, the film begins with the interrogation of Gert van Rooyen, a South African sex offender who was suspected in the abductions of six young girls in the late '80s. Set in the present day, the movie uses van Rooyen's alleged crimes as a jumping-off point, with a detective working to uncover a child trafficking ring while also investigating a serial killer who seems to be exclusively targeting the criminals involved. Donavan Marsh's movie is a blend of mystery and thriller, a how-deep-does-this-go conspiracy that leads from dilapidated drug dens to the halls of government — uncovering a series of grim revelations with roots that go back 30 years. — S.H.

How to watch: I Am All Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Burning

A literal slow smoulder of a mystery film, Lee Chang-Dong's Burning is a masterpiece in simmering uncertainty. Based on Haruki Murakami's short story "Barn Burning" from The Elephant Vanishes, the film sees an impeccable Steven Yeun as the mysterious Ben, a newcomer in the lives of childhood friends Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) and Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo). Though Hae-mi is enamoured with their charming new acquaintance, Jong-su feels like something's not right. With outstanding cinematography from Hong Kyung-pyo paired with Mowg's haunting score, Burning is a true scorcher. — S.C.

How to watch: Burning is now streaming on Netflix.

8. I Am Mother Friend...or foe? Credit: Netflix

The problem with robots is you can never tell what they're thinking. This is a lesson we've had drilled into us time and again in the sci-fi space, and Grant Sputore's futuristic mystery — about a girl being raised by a robot in a post-apocalyptic bunker — is of course no exception. Starring Hilary Swank, Clara Rugaard, and Rose Byrne, the suspense in this one comes hand-in-hand with the blank, impenetrable gaze of Mother (the robotic carer in question), before cranking into overdrive when a stranger's arrival casts suspicion on the metal guardian's real role.* — S.H.

How to watch: I Am Mother is now streaming on Netflix.

9. I'm Thinking of Ending Things All is not what it seems. Credit: Mary Cybulski / Netflix

Is this the most entertaining movie on this list? Almost certainly not. But is it the best mystery? Well, judging by how incredibly confused I was when I finished watching it, possibly. Writer/director Charlie Kaufman’s story about a student travelling to meet her boyfriend’s parents for the first time is a head-scratching psychological nightmare that feels like watching a reality break for two straight hours. There’s plenty of deep writing, philosophical musings, and reality-bending clues, all of which add up to a very Lynch-esque feeling that what we're watching isn't as it seems. But what are we watching? The answer might take some figuring out. — S.H.

How to watch: I’m Thinking of Ending Things is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Lost Girls Shannan Gilbert's family, played by Thomasin McKenzie, Amy Ryan, and Ooana Laurence. Credit: Jessica Kourkounis / Netflix

Based on the real disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in 2010 and her mother Mari's attempts to find her, Lost Girls is a dark exploration of events surrounding an infamous serial killer cold case that places a focus on the families left behind. Liz Garbus directs with a sense of grim realism, while Amy Ryan is a picture of angry desperation as she goes up against a police force that seems apathetic at best, and incompetent at worst. — S.H.

How to watch: Lost Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

11. No One Gets Out Alive Cristina Rodlo stars in this claustrophobic nightmare. Credit: Teddy Cavendish / Netflix

More horror than mystery? Perhaps. But Santiago Menghini's claustrophobic haunted house tale, based on an Adam Nevill novel of the same name, still comes with plenty of questions. Questions like why does the boarding house that Mexican immigrant Ambar (Cristina Rodlo) arrives at have so many locked doors? And what are the noises she keeps hearing at night, and the nightmares about a strange stone box that she keeps seeing when her eyes are closed? You’ll have a hard job guessing, but this tense and well-written thriller will have you trying until the end. — S.H.

How to watch: No One Gets Out Alive is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Oxygen Uh, how did we get here? And where's the exit? Credit: Netflix

A futuristic twist on the fear of being buried alive, Alexandre Aja's Oxygen is a claustrophobic nightmare about a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic box with no idea of who she is or how she got there. The good news? She's able to communicate with the outside world via a robotic medical unit called M.I.L.O. The bad news? Nobody she speaks to seems willing to come clean with her, and her oxygen reserves are quickly spiralling toward 0 percent. Mélanie Laurent perfectly captures the short-breathed dread of this role, and Christie LeBlanc's screenplay has enough twists and turns to keep the story racing along at a heart-pounding pace. Just tread carefully if you have a fear of tight spaces — this one won't be a fun watch for claustrophobics.* — S.H.

How to watch: Oxygen is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Wonder Credit: Christopher Barr/Netflix

The Wonder is a wholly engrossing period mystery about a young girl from a small, 19th-century Irish town who claims to not have eaten for four months, surviving purely on holy "manna." Florence Pugh is fantastic as Lib Wright, the stoic, science-driven English nurse sent to investigate. Over the course of a few weeks, Lib is charged with watching Anna (Kíla Lord Cassidy) for 12 hours at a day, while a nun observes during the other 12, to determine if there’s a heavenly or earthbound explanation for the girl’s miraculous months-long fast.

Based on Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name, The Wonder is a solemn, subtle, and captivating masterpiece exploring religious prejudice, cycles of abuse, and the boundaries of our own realities. It’s a satisfying watch with an unexpected ending that will stick in your bones like an Irish winter frost. — K.G.

How to watch: The Wonder is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Wicked Little Letters

It's 1920, and the small English town of Littlehampton hasn't seen anyone like Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley) before. She's brash, she's reckless, and worse, she's Irish. Rose is the polar opposite of her neighbor, Edith Swan (Olivia Colman), the pious, shy spinster who still lives with her aging parents and is shocked by Rose's carefree employment of curse words. The two form a friendly acquaintance, until Edith receives a barrage of hateful, swear-laden anonymous letters. Rose is obviously to blame! Or is she?

This delightful poison-pen mystery is inspired by a very real scandal that consumed the minds and media of 1920s England. Starring a who's-who of British acting royalty (including Eileen Atkins, Timothy Spall, Anjana Vasan, and more), Wicked Little Letters is a darkly comedic puzzle full of top-notch characters. What more could any budding detective ask for? — K.G.

How to watch: Wicked Little Letters is now streaming on Netflix.

15. The Platform How far down does it go? Credit: Netflix

Prison cells are stacked one on top of the other, with holes in the floor and ceiling. Randomly-assigned levels change each month. And a platform of food gets slowly lowered from the very top, getting sparser and sparser with each floor it descends. This is the concept at the centre of Spanish director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's The Platform, a disturbing sci-fi thriller that wears its capitalist analogy plainly on its prison garb sleeve. It's one of those rare gems where the execution is as strong as the idea at its core, driven by an excellent screenplay from David Desola and Pedro Rivero that's dripping with horror and suspense. If you're a fan of movies like The Cube or Saw, this is well worth checking out.* — S.H.

How to watch: The Platform is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Missing Credit: Sony Pictures

Fast-paced and unpredictable, Missing is an exhilarating new mystery for the modern age, where amateur detectives can be teens as long as they’re techno-savvy. Storm Reid plays June Allen, an 18-year-old waiting to pick up her mother, Grace (Nia Long), and her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin (Ken Leung), at LAX after the pair’s trip to Colombia. Unfortunately, they never arrive. And when the FBI fails to make any headway investigating their whereabouts, June decides to use her Gen Z digital native powers to track them down with her friend Veena (Megan Suri). — K.G.

How to watch: Missing is now streaming on Netflix. 

SEE ALSO: Directors Nick Johnson and Will Merrick talk 'Missing' and the real meaning behind its whirlwind ending 17. The Perfection Logan Browning and Allison Williams star as musical protégés in "The Perfection". Credit: Netflix

This isn’t the kind of movie you want to be watching while you eat. Richard Shepard’s musical nightmare leans heavily into the body horror genre, with protégés Charlotte (Allison Williams) and Lizzie (Logan Browning) going on a truly hellish journey that starts with a bus ride through rural China and ends with them revisiting the prestigious music school where they both trained — and where all is clearly not as it seems. Tread carefully, because this story is really not for the faint-hearted — but it is full of surprises. — S.H.

How to watch: The Perfection is now streaming on Netflix.

18. What Did Jack Do? What did you do, huh? WHAT DID YOU DO? Credit: Netflix

For a truly baffling mystery, it's time for you to watch David Lynch asking a suited monkey if he's ever been a card-carrying member of the Communist party. It's a genuine thing that happens in David Lynch's What Did Jack Do?, a 17-minute film which sees the director interrogating a monkey called Jack in a train carriage.

Co-presented by Lynch's company Absurda and Parisian contemporary art museum Fondation Cartier, the film was written, directed, and edited by Lynch himself. Along with a small crew, he also did the sound editing, set design, and assisted with set construction.

We won't spoil what happens, but look out for a cameo from actor Emily Stofle (Twin Peaks star and David Lynch's wife), and make sure you stick around for the catchy musical number toward the end. Yes, you read that right.* — S.H.

How to watch: What Did Jack Do? is now streaming on Netflix.

19. A Simple Favor

Anna Kendrick is Stephanie Smothers, a cutesy, sheltered mommy vlogger without much joy in her life. So when an impossibly fashionable and cool mom at her son's school, Emily (Blake Lively), asks her to hang out, she's both eager and out of her depth. An unlikely friendship between the mismatched pair blooms, until the day Emily doesn't return from a business trip. A Simple Favor is an unpredictable, gripping, and sometimes silly Gone Girl-esque mystery directed by Paul Feig. It never goes over the top, but it doesn't concern itself with staying too grounded either — the perfect sweet spot.* — K.G.

How to watch: A Simple Favor is now streaming on Netflix.

20.-21. Enola Holmes 1 and 2 Credit: Alex Bailey / Netflix

If you want your mysteries more adventurous and bright than bleak and despairing, then Netflix’s Enola Holmes films will certainly fit the bill. Based on author Nancy Springer's The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the films star Millie Bobbie Brown, ebullient and charismatic as Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister. Raised alone by an eccentric mother (a perfectly cast Helena Bonham Carter) who rejects societal expectations for women, Enola is every bit the prodigy her brother is, and then some. But when her mother goes missing, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery, uncovering a larger enigma in the process. 

Cheerful, charming, with a moderate sense of danger and a whole lot of fun, Enola Holmes and its sequel are pure delights with surprisingly sophisticated mysteries at their core. Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin round out the sparkling cast as Sherlock and Mycroft, Enola's more famous older brothers, both visibly enjoying themselves with the material. — K.G. 

How to watch: Enola Holmes is now streaming on Netflix.

How to watch: Enola Holmes 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Things Heard and Seen Amanda Seyfried has a pretty grim time of it in "Things Heard and Seen". Credit: Anna Kooris / Netflix

Don’t let the low Rotten Tomatoes score put you off. Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini’s Things Heard and Seen — based on the novel All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage — is one of those films that's sure to divide people. It hovers between multiple genres, splicing drama and thriller with horror and mystery in a balancing act that could easily be off-putting to some. The film follows a young couple – Catherine (Amanda Seyfried) and George (James Norton) – whose decision to move into a farmhouse in upstate New York leads to the discovery of some fairly unsettling secrets (both of the ghostly and the non-ghostly variety). Don't go into it expecting straight horror, though, or you’ll be disappointed. But if you like well-drawn characters and plenty of simmering dread, it’s worth checking out. — S.H.

How to watch: Things Heard and Seen is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Luther: The Fallen Sun Credit: John Wilson/Netflix

For five seasons, Neil Cross' highly addictive BBC series Luther followed Idris Elba in his iconic role as the hardened titular detective who plays by his own rules. The very first film of the TV franchise, Luther: The Fallen Sun, sees the brilliant and brash John Luther finally facing consequences for his years of flouting the law in the name of the greater good. He’s now in prison, just when an old case of his starts to heat up again. It’s a twisting and gripping thriller that will keep you guessing, and Andy Serkis' villain David Robey is truly chilling. While it may not be a wholly necessary addition to the Luther legacy, it’s certainly a welcome one. We’ll take any chance to see Elba’s reckless detective take on the world once more.* — K.G.

How to watch: Luther: The Fallen Sun is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Svaha: The Sixth Finger

Svaha: The Sixth Finger is a chilling, serpentine Korean mystery/thriller that explores unseen interpretations of Buddhism and probes the meaning of faith. Pastor Park (Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae), a man driven by his work exposing dangerous cults, looks into a remote religious sect called Deer Mountain or Dongbanggyo. Simultaneously, police begin investigating the murder of a girl found encased in concrete. Could the two be related? — K.G.

How to watch: Svaha: The Sixth Finger is now streaming on Netflix.

25. Murder Mystery Credit: Scott Yamano/Netflix

Sometimes you want your mysteries mindless and cheerful, and the fairly substance-less Murder Mystery Netflix franchise is just that. Adam Sandler is Nick, an NYPD cop, and his wife, Audrey (Jennifer Aniston), is a hairdresser and murder mystery book lover. On their first trip to Europe, their 15th anniversary celebrations are delayed when they board a luxury yacht, a murder occurs, and they’re the number one suspects. Looks like these two amateur detectives will have to solve the case to clear their names. It’s a silly, lighthearted romp with a few solid jokes and an unchallenging plot. Murder Mystery (and Murder Mystery 2) make perfect background movies for cooking, cleaning, or scrolling on your phone, when nothing but fluff will hit the spot. — K.G.

How to watch: Murder Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.

*This write-up also appeared in a previous Mashable list or article.

UPDATE: Aug. 7, 2024, 12:20 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on Nov. 7, 2021. It has been updated to reflect current Netflix offerings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

Online dating has its share of horror stories. It's also a rite of passage dating back to the Craigslist m4m era. It's a high risk, high reward activity.

But if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the horror stories look a little different. For gay men, online dating can present a unique set of challenges which can sour the experience. Ghosting and catfishing are still common, but you might also find people asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Not exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we're all after, right?

Yet, despite the BS, the best gay dating apps have helped millions of men make meaningful connections.

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

According to the Pew Research Center, about one-quarter of LGBTQ+ adults say they met their match through online dating. The problem? Not all dating apps are created equal, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

What is the best gay dating app right now?

We can't talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st century without talking about Grindr, the undisputed king of gay dating mobile apps. However, there are a lot of other options, especially if you want to foster real connections.

"Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so it’s easy to point to it as the #1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it’s gained a reputation as a hookup app — but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t men looking for long-term commitments, either."

Other popular dating apps have a lot to offer, and that's where you'll find the most queer users. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn't just a straight people thing (especially for guys in less-populated areas where apps like Scruff offer slim pickings). Plus, mainstream apps deserve credit for trying to create a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing change and making inclusivity a core part of its compatibility scoring. You can also try niche gay dating sites if you tend to like a certain type of man, but in general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance of success — it's a numbers game.

Whether you're looking for something serious, a hookup, something that stays strictly online, or an altogether different definition of connection, there's an ideal queer dating app out there for you. So, here's a breakdown of the best dating apps for gay men to help you find your perfect match.

Jack Karlson, the Australian man who became a viral meme due to protesting his arrest after a "succulent Chinese meal," has died. He was 82.

Karlson rose to fame by virtue of his vocal objection to being arrested outside the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane, Queensland in the early '90s. In the viral video shot by 7NEWS, Karlson dramatically resisted several police officers' efforts to escort him into a car. Rather than go quietly, Karlson theatrically declared that what is happening to him is a demonstration of democracy in action, and demanded to know the reason for his arrest.

"Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest," Karlson announced. "What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?"

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

He also shouted at the police to "get your hand off my penis," and complimented them on their headlock, saying, "I see that you know your judo well." Karlson is not seen in a headlock during the video, and later admitted that nobody had touched his genitals.

While Karlson's arrest was filmed on Oct. 11, 1991, it didn't make its way online until almost two decades later. Uploaded to YouTube in 2009, the short clip eventually permeated the public consciousness, becoming a viral meme enjoyed across the globe. The clip is now so well-known that it was even referenced in Netflix's Australian series Heartbreak High.

"What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?"

Despite the video going viral, Karlson's identity remained a mystery until 2020, when he publicly stepped forward as the man in the clip. His later years were spent on art, with Karlson attempting to earn money by painting scenes from his famous arrest.

Karlson had been battling prostate cancer at the time of his passing. He died in hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Tributes have poured in on social media, with many stating their intention to enjoy a succulent Chinese meal in his honour. 

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Among those paying their respects is 7NEWS senior reporter Chris Reason, whose work as a junior reporter brought us the meme. Karlson and Reason recently met for the first time in June, when 7NEWS reunited them and Stoll Watt, one of the arresting officers. The men shared a succulent Chinese meal at the China Sea, which had relocated to Milton in the intervening years and still has the same owner.

The reunion was sparked by a documentary about Karlson's life that is currently in production, with The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal currently scheduled for release in March next year.

The history of the 'succulent Chinese meal' man

Born as Cecil George Edwards, Karlson already had an interesting history prior to his famous arrest, Australia's ABC News reports. A criminal, actor, and serial prison escapee, Karlson survived childhood abuse and spent much of his life in various homes, institutions, and prisons.

Karlson's first prison break reportedly took place in 1966 when, charged with stealing, he slipped his handcuffs and jumped from a train, taking him from jail to court. Subsequently incarcerated at an island prison farm for another theft, Karlson's second escape reportedly occurred in 1968 when he persuaded a local fisherman to take him to Australia's mainland.

He was arrested yet again just three months after that escape, caught with safe-cracking tools in a stolen car. This time Karlson impersonated a police detective and simply walked out of his cell in the court shortly before his trial, an escape he later said he was "pretty proud of."

After he was finally caught for good, Karlson was sentenced to eight years in prison. However he was eventually released after only four, thanks to his work with his cellmate Jim McNeal. McNeal discovered a talent for writing, eventually becoming a celebrated playwright whose works were staged across Australia. Meanwhile, Karlson discovered an affinity for acting, performing in his cellmate's plays while the two were behind bars. 

They remained good friends after their release, with Karlson even naming his son after McNeal. Though legal issues prevented him from attending McNeal's funeral in 1982, Karlson claimed he used a fake identity to buy "hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of flowers and wreaths."

Karlson also continued to act, appearing on crime shows such as Homicide and Matlock Police. However, his theatrical ambitions were brought to a halt when he reportedly went underground after his 1991 arrest.

Was the 'democracy manifest' man wrongly accused?

Though speculation has long persisted that the "democracy manifest" man was a prolific dine-and-dasher, Karlson always maintained he was having a perfectly legal lunch when he was arrested.

On that fateful day in October 1991, Karlson and a friend had been enjoying said "succulent Chinese meal" at one of his favourite restaurants when the police showed up to arrest him. Due to a call from a private fraud investigator, the authorities believed Karlson had been paying for his meals with stolen credit cards — and was one of Queensland's most wanted criminals.

"He was happy to go with us. Well, as happy as you can be, to be arrested," Adam Firman, another police officer involved, told the ABC. "Until he saw all the media. And that's when he just went berserk."

Karlson successfully made bail after his arrest, despite being wanted for questioning for fraud in another state. He then disappeared, keeping a low profile for decades. To this day, it's still unclear whether he was the dine-and-dasher the police had been searching for, or if he had been wrongly accused.

He also gave varying accounts as to why he behaved as he did on the day of his arrest. When he was first identified as the viral video's star in 2020, Karlson stated that he had wanted the police to think he was mentally unwell.

"I wanted them to think I was… a lunatic so they’d send me to a lunatic asylum so I could escape from there," said Karlson, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

Then in a 7NEWS Brisbane interview in 2022, the viral star claimed it was an effort to demonstrate his innocence — as well as a result of the wine he'd drunk.

"I thought, 'Here’s an opportunity to prove my innocence, because they’ve dragged me out, thinking I was some sort of international gangster, when I knew that I wasn’t," Karlson explained to the broadcaster. "Here’s a chance, the camera, for the people of Australia and to let democracy manifest itself gloriously. That’s why I carried on like that. Of course, I was somewhat influenced by the juice of the red grape."

However, he told ABC News earlier this year that he couldn't remember why he made such declarations. Whatever the reason, his words will now live forever as one of the most prolific memes in Australian culture.

"It was a great line, I think he should have gotten the Academy Award," Watt said of Karlson's false claim that the former had touched his penis. "I think he would have been a great actor."

Over the last three wild seasons of The Umbrella Academy, we've followed the Hargreeves family through a metric fucktonne of capers. In case you forgot, these superpowered, time-travelling siblings have destroyed (and saved) the world multiple times. They've infrequently murdered and resurrected each other, started a sex cult, destroyed the moon, grieved their robot mother and chimpanzee caretaker, had a "Footloose" dance battle, fallen in love during the Vietnam War, joined the Civil Rights Movement in '60s Dallas, and were somehow involved in the JFK assassination. 

Plus, they've grown closer as a family. Maybe. Not really. Wait, absolutely not.

Nevertheless, it's brutal to say goodbye to the Hargreeves, having become such wonderfully flawed characters in our TV overloaded lives, thanks to the Netflix adaptation of Gerard Way's comic series. Watching Luther (Tom Hopper), Diego (David Castañeda), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Klaus (Robert Sheehan), Number Five (Aidan Gallagher), Ben (Justin H. Min), Viktor (Elliot Page), and honorary Hargreeves member Lila (Ritu Arya) bicker like children as they attempt to stop the world from combusting has been an unshakeable, dark delight for five years. 

SEE ALSO: 'The Umbrella Academy' final season trailer combines Santa, stripping, and saving the world

And with the fourth and final season, The Umbrella Academy takes just six episodes for a glorious and surreal victory lap. It's a fond and daring farewell to a truly undefinable show, with superb performances from the core cast with incredibly welcome newcomers, festive fever dream action sequences that must have been hard to pitch, and a good hard narrative look at some of the series biggest unsolved mysteries — though it leaves most behind. It's messed-up family reunion time, one last time.

What is The Umbrella Academy Season 4 about? ROAD TRIP! Credit: Netflix

As far as farewells go, this is one of the most unhinged and “just go with it” goodbyes you'll see on TV this year. And thanks to Season 3, the bar is hilariously high. Last time around, the Hargreeves siblings shoved the Kugelblitz into a sentient cube called Christopher, had a wedding at the end of the world, and fought samurai made of cockroaches in the Hotel Oblivion before their alien dad Sir Reginald (Colm Feore) created a new timeline and caused everyone to lose their powers.

The series could have ended there, but Season 4 gives fans a final, six-episode hurrah. When we catch up with the Umbrella Academy this time, however, the Academy itself doesn't exist. Here, the powerless Hargreeves are struggling with human mediocrity (despite the set design team's insistence on dazzling neon hues in every scene). Reunited at a six-year-old's birthday party, things are awkward and boring and normal. Ka-blam! There's a kidnapping, a crucial missing person, a timeline cult, and a revelation that Ben could be a ticking time bomb for the end of the world. FAMILY ROAD TRIP!

Jen and Ben. Credit: Netflix

In this new timeline, there's a growing threat in the form of extremist conspiracy theorist organization The Keepers. The group was established by the phenomenally cast Nick Offerman and Megan Mullaly as lovers, disgraced community college professors, and Umbrellaphiles Gene and Jean Thibedeau (yes they make “who is the dominant Gene/Jean" jokes). There's a growing suspicion of the existence of multiple timelines among the group, and Gene and Jean seem to have a plan to expose it. Here, and I have to say it, The Umbrella Academy both makes conspiracy theorists the villains and makes them right?! Sure!

At the heart of the final season is Ben, whose volatility toward his siblings only grows stronger after he lost all his Sparrow siblings last season. But he's the key to a global disaster, and his siblings need to figure out what the mysterious "Jennifer incident" means for their brother before everything goes to shit. And while all that is happening, the Hargreeves have some final confrontations and mysteries to handle, with plenty of individual moments for our beloved core siblings — including a truly unexpected enemies to lovers storyline.

A final airing of Hargrievances The rival to buddy cop trajectory is real. Credit: Netflix

One of the best elements of The Umbrella Academy has always been throwing extremely different personalities together as family. The talented cast chews through the punchy script, selling it full deadpan with either nihilism or hilarious earnestness; Raver-Lampman genuinely saying "I'm sorry you left Canada for this," in a moment of peril is perfection.

Probably the standout of the season is Hopper as leading himbo Luther, who bulldozes awkwardness with unhinged optimism. Watching Hopper losing his shit over antique sconces and stress eating cupcakes is a delight, and he's wonderfully teamed up with a hilarious Castañeda this season, moving Luther and Diego from sibling rivals to buddy cops.

But honorary Hargreeve sibling Lila really gets the most impressive arc, with Arya delivering the most nuanced performance of the season, pushing our favourite assassin to moments of relatable reflection and heartbreaking vulnerability. And Gallagher finds a softness to Five we haven't seen before, hidden among all that teen bravado.

Uh, where are we? Credit: Netflix

Meanwhile, Raver-Lampman's Alison gets the redemption she deserves after they did that to her character last round — Alison's "ballbuster" scene is worthy of The Boys. Not the hedonistic, immortal Klaus of seasons gone, Sheehan navigates a sober, paranoid Klaus this season, playing between extreme vulnerability and the character’s signature theatricality. 

Page is characteristically flawless as Viktor, whose daddy issues find their moment in the blazing sun, while Min gets to find Ben's true heart (he has one!) amid a True Romance-style on-the-run adventure. Plus, we get a welcome new addition to the cast with Victoria Sawal, bringing a brilliant energy to a character integral to the fate of the Hargreeves but who we can't talk about without spoiling anything. 

So we'll move on to the biggest casting treat of all: Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman.

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are the ultimate dastardly duo These two ❤️‍🔥 Credit: Netflix

Whomever managed to cast real-life loves Offerman and Mullally in this season of The Umbrella Academy deserves a raise. A dastardly duo of Fargo-like villains cruising around in their '80s Chrysler LeBaron Town and Country, wearing matching aviator spectacles, alpaca wool coats, and fanny packs in every scene, and stealing the whole damn season with a Cher-based dance sequence, Gene and Jean are the true highlight of Season 4. 

They're conspiracy theorists kicked out of academia for their claims, and they have a grudge to bear, setting up an apocalypse cult HQ in the middle of an American fast food chain restaurant. Somehow, Mullally and Offerman make you want to hang out with these weirdos and join their cause. Watching Jean and Gene flirt will forever be my twisted happy place, as Offerman and Mullally lend a physical comedy and earnest, cheeky delivery that plays to both of their strengths.

The damned dream team are offset by another delightful addition to the cast, David Cross, who channels his signature comedy style to earnest dry cleaner Sy Grossman. And they're all perfectly lit by a strange narrative set element: the whole thing's set at Christmas.

Season 4 is a festive fever dream Uh, Viktor? Credit: Netflix

The final season of The Umbrella Academy seems bedecked with yuletide cheer, from a festive small town with a secret to the tinselled halls of the CIA. Visually, The Umbrella Academy has always been one of the best shows on TV, with bizarro action sequences aplenty lit with every neon gel around, but this season it’s completely decorated with Christmas accoutrements. Season 4, for some reason, is set during the holidays, meaning every scene is lit with twinkly lights and whimsy even when the bullets and blood are flying. Somehow, it makes the whole season feel like a six-episode Christmas special we deserve, a festive fever dream to unite and farewell the Hargreeves in the weirdest way possible. 

And of course, this is The Umbrella Academy, so you know there's going to be plenty of needle drops during fight scenes — including a slew of Christmas carols and the ultimate song to end the series on. The season's insistence on using the pretty outdated "Baby Shark" song feels overdone, mind you, but I'll forgive them seeing as it scores a whole scene of projectile vomiting.

It's scenes like this disgusting, glorious, slow-motion moment that make me realise how much I'll miss The Umbrella Academy. After four seasons of genuinely unpredictable twists and turns with a magnetic cast, sublime set and costume design, and enough needle drops to start out our own Amoeba Music, The Umbrella Academy has felt like strange TV family to fans like myself. Season 4, a brief but bonkers last ride, makes for a magnificent send-off. 

Finally, with no more episodes of The Umbrella Academy ahead, I think we're alone now. 

The Umbrella Academy Season 4 is streaming on Netflix from Aug. 8.

Things aren't looking very bright for Humane.

The company's only product, Humane AI Pin, is being returned en masse, with returns actually outpacing sales in the past couple of months.

This is according to The Verge, who spoke to people with knowledge of the subject, and saw Humane's internal sales data. According to the report, more AI Pins were returned than purchased between May and August. And as of today, only 7,000 to 8,000 units have not been returned.

The Humane AI Pin is an interesting product, a rectangular wearable gadget with speech recognition, AI smarts, a camera, and a tiny laser projector that can display a rudimentary "screen" onto your palm. Unfortunately, it was met with scathing reviews, exacerbated by issues with a charging case that turned out to be a fire hazard.

SEE ALSO: Humane to AI Pin owners: Don't use the charging case, it may burst into flames

I've personally spent a few minutes with the Humane AI Pin and found it to be an incredibly cool gadget, though Humane's ambitions of the AI Pin replacing the smartphone seemed unrealistic.

Judging by this latest sales/returns data, the novelty of the AI Pin wears off fast (and the $24/month subscription fee probably doesn't help). Humane reportedly shipped a total of around 10,000 AI Pins so far, falling far behind its expectations to sell 100,000 units in the first year.

To make matters worse, Humane reportedly cannot refurbish returned items due to a technical limitation related to T-Mobile's service, which effectively turns returned items into waste (and a total loss for the company).

When asked for comment, Humane said that The Verge's report contained inaccuracies, without specifying what they are.

A Bloomberg report in May said that Humane was looking for a buyer, and an NYT report in June said HP was interested. Given how its only product currently in the market is doing, Humane better start looking harder.

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 August 8 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 8

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 8, 2024:

AcrossQ-tip, for instance

• The answer is swab.

Bracelet dangler

• The answer is charm.

Pricey watchmaker with a crown logo

• The answer is Rolex.

Rubs the wrong way

• The answer is irks.

Spanish for "kiss"

• The answer is beso.

DownPlace to find seashells

• The answer is shore.

"Enjoys long ___ on the beach" (classic phrase in a personal ad)

• The answer is walks.

Retort to "Am not!"

• The answer is retort.

Stunt rider's sport, for short

• The answer is BMX.

Bed with a blankie

• The answer is crib.

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

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

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 8 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 8

If 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: Splashy event

The hint for the theme is that each of these words are great in the summertime.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are related to pool parties.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is PoolParty.

NYT Strands word list for August 8

• Noodles

• Floats

• PoolParty

• Drinks

• Towels

• Music

• Sunscreen

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.

This Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off will help you understand how Google's new addition to the Pixel series compares to Apple's most premium flagship phone.

The Pixel series is now more similar to the iPhone series than ever. Instead of having a dual-phone family, Google added a third model this generation. (One could even argue that the Pixel series has a four-phone family if the launch of the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold counts.)

Whether you're stuck in iPhone vs. Android analysis paralysis, or you're just curious about the differences between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you've come to the right place.

SEE ALSO: I tested Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro Max: 3 ways it spoiled me rotten Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max price and specs

The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 and comes with the following specs:

• Google Tensor G4 processor and Titan M2 security coprocessor

• 16GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• 6.8-inch, 2992 x 1344-pixel OLED display

• Android 14 (Android 15 coming soon)

You can also upgrade the Pixel 9 Pro XL to 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants. In my experience as a phone reviewer, 128GB becomes full in just under two years, so I'd opt for 256GB for worry-free usage (if you have the money to blow, of course).

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, has a starting price tag that is $100 pricier than the Pixel 9 Pro at $1,119 via Apple (or $33 per month for 36 months via Verizon or AT&T via Best Buy) and it comes with the following specs:

• A17 Pro chip

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of storage

• 6.7-inch, 2796 x 1290-pixel display

• iOS 17 (iOS 18 coming soon)

Right off the bat, the biggest difference is the RAM. As a rule, more memory implies that app juggling will be smoother and more seamless. However, in my experience, despite having less memory, the iPhone 15 Pro Max doesn't have any issues with balancing multiple apps. This is likely do to its optimized operating system (iOS manages resources quite effectively without needing too much RAM).

So far, when it comes to pricing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max are tied. The former may be cheaper, but offers less storage.

TLDR: The Pixel Pro XL may have more RAM (internals that benefit app juggling), but the iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on iOS, which known to be quite efficient at app management, even when multiple apps are running in the background. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's starting price may be $100 cheaper, but it offers less storage.

Winner: Draw

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max $1,119.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max design

Both the iPhone and Pixel series have a signature look, but Google slightly tweaked the design of its new-generation line. For example, the Pixel series' design language once featured a camera bar that extends to the chassis' edges.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, Google has made the camera bar on the back of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the other new Pixels, more island-like.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, made out of recycled aluminum. comes in the following colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a height of 6.4 inches and is 0.3 inches thick. If you're wondering about how heavy it is, it weighs 7.8 ounces.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, packed inside a titanium frame, continues to have its triple-camera array on the top-right corner. It comes in four colorways: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium.

Credit: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a little shorter than the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 6.3 inches. It's also slightly thicker (0.33 inches).

Both have an IP68 water resistance rating, which means they can handle water submergence of up to about five feet.

TLDR: The Pixel 9 Pro XL has an island-style camera bar on the back while the iPhone 15 Pro Max continues its upper-left camera array signature design language. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is taller and thinner than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max display

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch, 2992 x 1344-pixel display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, has a 6.7-inch, 2796 x 1290-pixel panel. Based on these specs, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger display and higher resolution.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a Ceramic Shield panel, which Apple claims is tougher than other phone displays. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which can be found across the entire non-foldable Pixel 9 line.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has less of a distracting display with a hole-punch selfie camera in the top center. In the same spot, the iPhone 15 Pro Max sports the pill-shaped Dynamic Island, which delivers animated information like Apple Pay transactions, low battery warnings, AirDrop transfers, and more.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Apple

In my experience, both have a zippy panel. After all, they both support a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Now, let's take a look at brightness:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Up to 2,000 hits (HDR)

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Up to 1,600 nits (HDR)

When it comes to high dynamic range (HDR) content, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can reportedly climb to 2,000 nits compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 1,600 nits.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As far as peak brightness is concerned, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can jump to 3,000 nits. Compare this to the 2,000-nit peak brightness of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

TLDR: The Pixel 9 Pro XL, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, has a brighter display as well as a higher resolution panel.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras

Let's take a look at the selfie camera first:

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 42MP, f/2.2 aperture

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 12MP, f/1.9 aperture

On paper, it appears that the Pixel 9 Pro XL has an edge of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its selfie camera delivering a higher megapixel count, which should offer better detail and higher-resolution pictures.

Pixel 9 Pro XL with a slight glimpse of the Pixel 9 Pro on the left Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max's selfie camera should perform better in dim environments and offer superior bokeh (that cool blurry background effect) due to its wider aperture.

Next, let's check out the wide camera:

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 50MP, f/1.68 aperture

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 48MP, f/1.8 aperture

Here, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, just based on specs alone, appears to have a tiny edge over the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to the main camera with a slightly higher megapixel count and a possible advantage in low-light conditions.

Thirdly, let's look at the ultrawide camera, which is helpful for capturing as much background as possible. (You'll want to choose this lens for any sweeping landscape shots.)

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 48MP, f/1.7 aperture, 123-degree field of view

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 12MP, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field-of-view

Based on the information we have, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should offer a wider field of view compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It may also offer more visually pleasing photos in low-light conditions.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Apple

Based on the megapixel count, the Pixel 9 Pro XL may deliver better details.

Finally, let's check out the telephoto lens, which is ideal for portraits and zoomed-in shots.

Pixel 9 Pro XL - 48MP, f/2.8, aperture, 5x optical zoom

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 12MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom

The similarities here are that the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the iPhone 15 Pro Max both rely on the telephoto lens to deliver 5x optical zoom. Once you zoom in beyond 5x, the software kicks in.

On the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it can climb up to 30x digital zoom. I've experimented with it myself, and it's pretty darn incredible. From two miles away inside a building in Manhattan's Pier 57, I could zoom in on sightseers visiting The Edge, the tallest observation deck in New York City.

Zooming in on The Edge with the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Super Res Zoom at 30x Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The iPhone 15 Pro Max's digital zoom can climb up to 25X. Both have excellent telephoto in my experience, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Super Res Zoom can hone in on objects just a little bit more.

On paper, it may seem like the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the win. However, there are plenty of other factors at play when it comes to cameras, including image processing, software algorithms, and more.

TLDR: The Pixel 9 Pro XL can zoom in closer on objects compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Pixel 9 Pro XL's cameras appear to outperform the iPhone 15 Pro Max's lenses, but there are other factors to consider. We'll have to test them both first to know for sure.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max AI features

Apple plays it a little safe when it comes to AI. For consumers who are very privacy focused and concerned about the responsible use of AI, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one for you. Earlier this year, the Cupertino-based tech giant debuted Apple Intelligence, Apple's new suite of AI features.

Using Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Apple Intelligence, which currently has some features available to try on the beta version of iOS 18, offers perks like Call Recording and Writing Tools, as well as AI-powered Siri, Mail, Messages, and Safari.

Apple is taking a very delicate approach with AI. Some of the more complex features, like Genmoji (AI-generated emojis) and Image Playground (AI-generated images via prompts) aren't even available yet for testing. This is likely because Apple wants to take its time with a tricky space like AI.

Google, on the other hand, is going all out. Check out some of the following AI features you can use on the Pixel 9 Pro XL:

• AI-powered weather app - AI-generated summaries of the weather with recommendations on how to dress

• Screenshot search - Find screenshots in your screenshot album with natural language search

• Pixel Studio - Create AI-generated images

• Reimagine - Select an object in any photo and transform it into something else

Below, watch Reimagine transform a road into raging rapids. And those don't even scratch the surface of what Google has to offer in terms of AI.

Left: Before using Reimagine Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Right: After using Reimagine Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

These features are available now on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Apple Intelligence will be available some time later this year when iOS 18 officially drops, but some features may be delayed.

TLDR: Apple Intelligence is best for privacy-focused consumers who don't mind that Apple plays it safe when it comes to AI. For those who want to dive head first into AI, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is your best bet.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max battery

Apple claims that, according to its video playback battery test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max can last up to 29 hours. Google, on the other hand, reports that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can last over 24 hours based on a mixed usage profile of talk, data, standby and other features.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Because Google's test is slightly more intensive than Apple's investigation, it's difficult to compare both runtimes. As such, you'll have to wait until we test both phones in-house to determine which truly has the better power efficiency.

Based on past experience, the A-series chip inside the iPhones tend to be more energy efficient compared to the Google Tensor processors inside the Pixels. As such, if I was a betting woman, I'd put my money on the iPhone 15 Pro Max for best battery life. We'll have to test them both to know for sure.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

TLDR: We don't have any tests done yet, but based on past experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may beat the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which is best?

Without having the opportunity to do any in-depth testing, on paper, it looks like the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge — for now.

We'll update this page once we've got our hands on the Pixel 9 Pro XL and we review it thoroughly.

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Paris 2024 football final is finally here and it's been an incredible few matches. The semi-finals saw both Egypt and Morocco lose out on a place in the final, as France and Spain both compete for the chance of a gold medal.

Spain will be looking to continue their winning streak after taking home the European Championship title earlier this summer. But they'll face tough competition from host nation France, after they beat competitors Egypt in the semi-finals in an incredible 3-1 defeat. It's really not going to be a game you want to miss.

If you want to watch the final of the football and France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading because we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Spain at Paris 2024?

France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Aug. 9.

How to watch France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free

You can live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a streaming platform that is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. VPNs are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream France vs. Spain (plus the bronze medal match) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream France vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Through Sept. 3, this Microsoft Visual Studio software and online course bundle gives you the tools and the knowledge to create apps, websites, and games for £44.09.

The problem with most online coding courses? They only give you half the tools you need to succeed. Sure, knowledge is great, but you still need a coding environment where you can build, execute, and debug your programs. And that's what makes this bundle such an exciting deal for novice coders.

Explore 15 online courses on popular programming languages like Python, C++ and JavaScript and get a lifetime pass to Microsoft Visual Studio for Windows — all on sale for £44.09 (reg. £1,574) through Sept. 3.

Microsoft Visual Studio can help you code faster and more efficiently with highlighted functions, suggested next-best sections, and auto-completed lines and blocks of code.

After downloading the software to your PC (the download includes a lifetime license for one device), you can dive into courses in Python, Java, and Ruby on Rails.

Looking to create websites, a game, an app, or an e-commerce store? These courses also cover languages like C++, Unity, Flutter, Dart, and OpenCV. With this offer, you'll have lifetime access to course materials to study on your own time.

As you write code — especially as a beginner — you’ll make mistakes and that’s totally natural. That’s why Visual Studio is designed with hot reload capabilities to allow you to debug your software without having to refresh the page. It’s like adding time onto the microwave while it’s still running.

Give your wildest coding dreams a shot with this bundle of courses and Microsoft Visual Studio for Windows on sale for £44.09 (reg. £1,574) through Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $44.09 at the Mashable Shop
$1,574.00 Save $1,529.91 Get Deal

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 8's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 8 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A flavorful liquid.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SAUCY.

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.

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 8'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 deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 7 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Pool dives

• Green: Speak again

• Blue: The Ace

• Purple: Types of radios

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

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

• Yellow: Splashy Ways to Enter a Pool

• Green: Reiterate

• Blue: Mainstay

• Purple: ___Radio

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 #424 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Splashy Ways to Enter a Pool: BACKFLIP, BELLYFLOP, CANNONBALL, JACKKNIFE

• Reiterate: ECHO, PAROT, QUOTE, REPEAT

• Mainstay: ANCHOR, BACKBONE, CORNERSTONE, PILLAR

• ___Radio: HAM, PIRATE, SATELLITE, TALK

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

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

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

You might be affected by one of the biggest data breaches ever and not even know it.

A recent class action lawsuit filed against Jerico Pictures Inc., a background check company that does business under the name National Public Data, claims that the company was breached by hackers earlier this year.

As a result, the lawsuit says, confidential data for 2.9 billion was exposed and stolen by a hacker group known as USDoD. 

SEE ALSO: Microsoft says CrowdStrike outage affected many more devices than reported

Making matters even worse, those affected by this cyberattack may not even know they could be involved. National Public Data reportedly gathers its data by scraping information about individuals from non-public sources without their knowledge or consent.

The exposed information contains varying details for nearly 3 billion people which include full names, former and current addresses, and Social Security numbers as well as personal data tied to family members and relatives who are both living and deceased.

This breach was previously unknown to the public. It's unclear when exactly the breach occurred. Named plaintiff Christopher Hofmann says he only became aware of the issue when an identity theft protection service notified him in July that his personal information had been compromised and leaked on the dark web.

The group posted a "National Public Data" database containing the leaked information on a dark web hacking forum in April, and sought $3.5 million from a potential buyer.

Just last month, Mashable reported on RockYou2024, another large data leak which saw nearly 10 billion users' password credentials being exposed. However, that data was an updated compilation of previous leaks and breaches from years earlier.

With billions exposed, the National Public Data breach appears to be one of the biggest single data breaches ever, seemingly rivaled only by Yahoo's 2013 data breach which affected 3 billion accounts.

Mashable has reached out to National Public Data for comment and will update if we hear back.

The days of grinding to complete those Fortnite Battle Pass quests to unlock exclusive items may soon be coming to an end.

On Wednesday, Epic Games announced a major change to Fortnite and its Battle Pass, the paid tier of the hit free-to-play online video game.

"Items in future Fortnite Battle Passes might be offered for purchase in the Fortnite Shop after 18 or more months from the Battle Pass’ expiration," reads a statement posted on Fortnite's official website.

This means that Emotes, Pickaxes, Back Blings, Wraps, Loading Screens, Outfits, and – most importantly – outfits a.k.a., skins that were once Battle Pass exclusives may be available for purchase in Fortnite's in-game Shop, even if the player missed out on the Battle Pass that these items were a part of.

The company says all other Battle Pass benefits will remain the same, including the price of the pass which costs 950 V-Bucks, Fortnite's in-game currency, or $8.49.

SEE ALSO: 'Fortnite' players vow to destroy all Cybertrucks they see in the game A huge change to Fortnite

While Fortnite is free to play in its online multiplayer mode, the game is monetized via skins and other items that are sold in-game. 

These items don't give players any advantage in the game. However, as Fortnite has continued to partner with popular media properties such as Marvel and Star Wars, players have spent billions of dollars each year in Fortnite in order to play as their favorite characters.

However, some items can only be locked via Fortnite's Battle Pass. 

Every few months, Fortnite starts a new season with new characters, new maps, and new additional features. Players can purchase a Battle Pass for that season, and they can then complete quests to earn XP, level up, and unlock more than 100 exclusive rewards during that season.

But, previously if a player missed out on gaining enough XP by the time the Battle Pass ended, they would permanently lose out on being able to access items that were locked beyond their level in the Battle Pass. 

If someone was completely new to Fortnite, that means they permanently missed out on ever being able to play as character skins that were part of previous Battle Pass seasons such as Optimus Prime or Darth Vader. 

According to the Fortnite Team, this was one of the major factors in their decision to change the exclusivity of items in future Battle Pass offerings.

Why allow Fortnite players another chance?

"One reason for this change is that we want players down the road to enjoy Battle Pass content such as Outfits based on popular licensed characters," reads the statement. "While there is no guarantee that a Battle Pass item will come to the Shop after this change, IP content from future Battle Passes might come to the Shop at least 18 months after the Battle Pass expires."

It's unclear if this means that previous Battle Pass outfits and items are still forever unobtainable by those who missed out. Mashable has reached out to Epic Games for more information on this.

However, it is clear that going forward some Battle Pass items will no longer be exclusive. The purpose of the Battle Pass rewards will now be the guarantee of getting those items and the lower 950 V-Bucks price point to try and unlock them all.

Fortnite is still a massively popular game with hundreds of millions of active players. But, the number of players that Fortnite has at any given time seems to ebb and flow with that particular season's offerings. Perhaps, this change will interest some new players who were previously turned off because they missed out on the Battle Pass that would've let them unlock their favorite characters.

A seemingly-innocuous photo of strawberries in a garden posted by Sam Altman has AI enthusiasts freaking out.

On Wednesday, the OpenAI CEO shared the photo accompanied by a cryptic comment that said, "i love summer in the garden." But Altman wasn't just musing about his appreciation for the late summer crop. He was teasing a secretive OpenAI technology dubbed "Project Strawberry."

Tweet may have been deleted

According to a Reuters report last month about the project, the ChatGPT-maker is working on a model capable of advanced reasoning that's one step closer to autonomous AI agents. Internal documents leaked to the outlet describe Strawberry (formerly called Q*) as a model that enables "the company’s AI to not just generate answers to queries but to plan ahead enough to navigate the internet autonomously and reliably to perform what OpenAI terms 'deep research.'"

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and Sam Altman again after dropping his previous lawsuit

More advanced reasoning capabilities means the technology can execute more complex tasks beyond step-by-step user prompts. Reasoning has been one of the trickiest problems to solve in the pursuit of human-level intelligence, so Strawberry would be a breakthrough in achieving AGI (artificial general intelligence).

Temper those expectations for a Strawberry harvest

That said, plans and a timeline for the reported technology are unknown. Plus, Altman's post could just be an attempt to cultivate buzz during a tumultuous time for OpenAI. As of this week, co-founder John Schulman quit and co-founder Greg Brockman announced his sabbatical, which added to the growing number of executives that have left (or taken leave in Brockman's case). Compound that with growing concerns about the bursting AI bubble and cooling interest in AI on Wall Street, and OpenAI's future suddenly looks a little more precarious.

Progress has slowed since OpenAI rocked the industry with ChatGPT. Altman touted GPT-5 as a "significant leap forward," but there's still no word on the timing of its release. Researchers suggest that models are running out of data to train on, and OpenAI is reportedly hemorrhaging billions of dollars. None of these are positive signs for the shipping of new products in the near future.

So, Altman’s tweet could suggest that official news about Strawberry is imminent, but it could also just be empty words from the ultimate hype-man who has a track record of "outright lying." Maybe let's take these strawberries with a grain of salt.

PRE-ORDER NOW: The new Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is now available for preorder at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store for $279.99. It will start shipping on Aug. 20.

Quick links: Amazon Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) $279.99 Pre-order Now Best Buy Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) $279.99 Pre-order Now Google Store Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) $279.99 Pre-order Now

Google is refreshing its smartest thermostat for the first time since the Obama administration.

The tech giant announced the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat Tuesday (a week ahead of its big Made by Google event), a long-awaited successor to its 2015 model that's been redesigned and upgraded with new features. It now comes with a new second-gen Nest Temperature Sensor for keeping tabs on separate rooms, too, helping justify its $30 price bump.

The new Nest Learning Thermostat will retail for $279.99, and preorders have opened at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store ahead of its official release on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Take your pick from three metal finishes: polished obsidian, polished gold, or polished silver.) Extra sensors can be purchased separately for $39.99 apiece or $99.99 for a three-pack.

SEE ALSO: What to expect at Made by Google 2024

The device's makeover includes a 60 percent bigger footprint and a new curved, bezel-free crystal LCD display that's inspired by "[the] shape and movement of water," according a company blog post — picture a droplet sitting on the surface of a coin. It's slimmer than the older model, and its dial requires a lighter touch to twist. There's also a new Dynamic Farsight feature that lets users customize its home screen to show the time, temperature, weather, humidity, or outdoor air quality. Google calls it "our smartest and most beautiful thermostat yet."

Users can customize the new Nest Learning Thermostat's home screen with Dynamic Farsight. Credit: Google

As for those smarts: The purpose of the Nest Learning Thermostat is still to save energy while keeping you comfy — it's just better at it now. For starters, a new AI-powered "Smart Schedule" feature makes it capable of learning your everyday routines and temperature preferences faster. You can enable changes to this schedule automatically or opt to approve them manually. It can also now tweak your home's temperature based on the weather outside.

Relatedly, if you have a ventilation system, a new "Smart Ventilation" feature will pump in fresh air when outdoor air quality is good and pause it if conditions worsen (like during heat waves and wildfire season).

Google says the new Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems, and also capable of monitoring their performance. If your heater isn't kicking on after you turn the temperature up, for example, you'll get an alert. You'll handle all controls through the Google Home app.

SAVE UP TO $80: Save on noise-cancelling headphones that can help you concentrate with this week's best deals from Bose, Sony, and other top brands.

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Whether you're listening to your favorite songs or trying to get some studying done with a podcast in the background, sometimes you need to tune out what's going on around you. You can do that easily with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They're the perfect option for helping you focus when you need to, and when you're ready to have some fun, they're great to zone out with awesome music or to help you enjoy shows and movies in private.

But contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones. In fact, some of our favorite picks are actually on sale right now, so you can save big while still bringing home a pair of quality cans.

We've rounded up some of the best deals on noise-cancelling headphones around this week, so if you're looking for a great pair to bring home, now's the time to do it. Save big on brands like Bose and Sony, and find the right pair for you without breaking the bank. Check out our picks below.

Best overall noise-cancelling headphones deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Bose Headphones 700 $349.00 at Amazon
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The Bose Headphones 700 are fantastic in terms of active noise cancellation. They boast 10 levels that you can customize to your liking in addition to a transparency mode, so ambient noise and distractions get blocked, but you can still hear everything that you need to. While they're no longer the best and brightest in Bose's lineup, they're still more than formidable options and offer some of the best noise cancellation we've heard from the brand. If you want noise cancelling that you can fine-tune to your liking without having to adhere to what the manufacturer thinks you want, this is the pair you'll want to bring home.

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The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are insanely comfortable for long stretches of wear. If you're the type of person who gets aggravated after wearing headphones for a long time and needs something that might cradle your sensitive ears, these are for you. They don't bear down on your head with a tight headband, and they're extremely plush. You don't feel compelled to take them off, and they still do a great job of blocking out the noises you don't want to hear. They also offer long-lasting battery life, so the music doesn't have to stop until you're ready. Plus, they're easy to pair and provide support for spatial audio.

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The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are excellent for audiophiles, but they also truly shine while flying. They offer fantastic noise cancellation, but they're also just great headphones in general. They offer balanced sound with crisp treble and booming bass, which means you can still enjoy your favorite songs even above the hum of an airplane cabin. They also work great for when the plane lands and you want to call up your loved ones to tell them you made it. With long-lasting battery life, you can use them for an entire flight if you need to. At this price, they're yours for the taking.

If House of the Dragon's Season 2 finale left you wondering, "Wait, what comes next?" you're in the right place.

The finale, titled "The Queen Who Ever Was," set a lot of pivotal storylines in motion without much payoff, leading to a fairly frustrating outcome (that definitely could have benefitted from two more episodes). Luckily, House of the Dragon's source material, George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, gives us a pretty good roadmap for what we can expect next.

SEE ALSO: The 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 finale, explained

Read on to learn more about what Season 3 might have in store, but be forewarned: Spoilers are in full effect here, so get ready to learn about some pretty big deaths. It's also worth noting that House of the Dragon has made some considerable deviations from Fire & Blood, which is in itself a fictional historical account full of ambiguities, so what plays out on the page might play out differently on-screen. With that in mind, let's get into what we might see in Season 3.

Yes, we'll get the Battle of the Gullet soon. Steve Toussaint in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

For all of Season 2, Corlys Velaryon's (Steve Toussaint) naval blockade of the Gullet — a stretch of sea near Dragonstone and Driftmark — has held strong, creating massive problems for King's Landing. But by the end of the season, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) has a plan to break it. He sends Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) as an emissary to the Triarchy, where he secures the help of their navy and admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). In Season 2's finale minutes, we see them riding towards the Gullet — just as Corlys and Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) ride out to join the blockade.

SEE ALSO: Why in the seven hells didn't 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 have 10 episodes?

We'll have to wait until next season to witness the clash between the two forces, but when they do meet, you can bet it will be a spectacle to behold. In Fire & Blood, many dragonriders join the fight, including Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) on Vermax, Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) on Seasmoke, Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) on Vermithor, and Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) on Silverwing. The dragonseed Nettles and her dragon Sheepstealer are also present, but House of the Dragon appears to have cut her entirely and merged her story with Rhaena's (Phoebe Campbell) journey in the Vale.

In what is bound to be Season 3's tragic first loss, Jace dies in battle. Meanwhile, his younger brothers Aegon and Viserys, sailing from the Vale to Pentos on the ship the Gay Abandon, are captured by the Triarchy. Aegon manages to escape on his fledgling dragon Stormcloud, but Viserys finds himself in Lohar's grasp. Basically, if you're one of Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) sons, you should stay away from the Gullet.

Many other battles will soon follow. Matt Smith and Emma D'Arcy in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

"The Queen Who Ever Was" doesn't just end with a promise of naval action, but with a promise of land action too. By now, Aemond and Criston Cole's (Fabien Frankel) forces, along with those of House Lannister and House Hightower, are moving towards the Riverlands, where Daemon has consolidated the Riverlords' armies. Meanwhile, the Winter Wolves, introduced a tad earlier here than in the book, are on their way south to support Rhaenyra.

SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood'

When these armies inevitably meet up, there will be significant bloodshed. At the Battle of the Honeywine, Prince Daeron and his dragon Tessarion will prove their mettle in the war, while the Battle at the Red Fork and the Fishfeed result in costly losses for the Lannisters and Team Green as a whole.

House of the Dragon Season 2 did a great job of choosing which battles we got to see play out on-screen, prioritizing Rook's Rest and effectively cutting around the Battle of the Burning Mill and the Taking of Stone Hedge. (The only exception to this is teasing the Gullet, then not following through.) So while we probably won't be seeing all these battles play out in their entirety, expect to hear about them and how important they are.

King's Landing and Harrenhal switch hands.

Aemond finally takes Harrenhal during the chaos of the many battles following the Gullet — but he does so without facing Daemon.

That's because as soon as Aemond leaves King's Landing, Daemon rejoins Rhaenyra and her dragonriders for an assault on the city. Without Vhagar's protection, and in the face of an onslaught of dragons and the Velaryon fleet, King's Landing falls in less than a day. It's not long before Alicent surrenders it, after which she's imprisoned.

SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' staged Daemon's Harrenhal invasion

Based on Alicent's proposal in the Season 2 finale, we already know that she plans to give King's Landing over to Rhaenyra. But part of that proposal was giving up Aegon Targaryen's (Tom Glynn-Carney) life as well. And there's one small problem with that: Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) has smuggled Aegon out of King's Landing. Aegon's absence surely won't sit well with Rhaenyra. She might even think Alicent was responsible! And if that's the case, it's straight to jail for Alicent.

Aemond doesn't take too kindly to losing King's Landing, so he goes on a one-man barbecuing tour around the Riverlands. He also shakes things up at Harrenhal, killing beloved, fashion-forward castellan Ser Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale) and kicking off a relationship with witch (and possible barn owl) Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). Will her signature ghost vision therapy work on him, too?

The dragonseeds betray Rhaenyra at Tumbleton. Tom Bennett in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

"The Queen Who Ever Was" teased some tension between Rhaenyra and new dragonrider Ulf, whose lack of decorum — like putting his feet up on the Painted Table! — knows no bounds. He's also made some big demands of her, including basically ordering her to make him a knight in front of everyone. But given what happens in Fire & Blood, that's just the beginning.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 7: Who are Vermithor and Silverwing's new riders?

The book sees Ulf grow too big for his britches. His desire for more power leads to him betraying Rhaenyra at the Battle of Tumbleton, turning Silverwing against his Queen's own forces. Joining him in this endeavor is Hugh, whose show counterpart seems far more deferential to Rhaenyra at this moment. Of course, a lot could change between now and Tumbleton, but one thing is certain: The betrayal at Tumbleton will push Rhaenyra even further down the warpath.

In Fire & Blood, Rhaenyra questions the loyalty of remaining dragonseeds Nettles (still presumably cut from the show and replaced with Rhaena) and Addam. Addam narrowly escapes questioning and imprisonment and sets out to prove his loyalty.

Aemond and Daemon face off. Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Remember when Alys told Daemon he would die near Harrenhal? And when Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) prophesied that Aemond would die and be "swallowed up in the Gods Eye"? We'll likely see exactly what both of those eerie statements mean in House of the Dragon Season 3.

SEE ALSO: ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 finale: What does Helaena’s prophecy about Aemond mean?

Aemond will finally get the Daemon fight he always wanted when his uncle returns to Harrenhal. The two take to the skies on Vhagar and Caraxes and have a spectacular dragon dogfight above the Gods Eye lake. In the end, though, there are no victors: Both Daemon and Aemond perish in the battle, along with their respective dragons. And as if the loss of Caraxes and Vhagar wasn't enough, more dragon death is on the menu for the rest of House of the Dragon...

The King's Landing smallfolk storm the Dragonpit.

The smallfolk of King's Landing have grown restless during Rhaenyra's tumultuous reign. Their discontent reaches a fever pitch when Helaena dies by suicide. Rumors spread that she was actually murdered, sparking a massive riot throughout the city. During this time, a one-handed prophet named the Shepherd — who we may have already met in the show — leads a mob to the Dragonpit, where the rioters decide, "You know what? We can take on a bunch of dragons and live!"

Obviously, hundreds of smallfolk get toasted in this endeavor. But since there are so many of them, it's not long before four of the chained-up dragons in the Dragonpit — including Helaena's Dreamfyre and Joffrey Velaryon's (Oscar Eskinazi) Tyraxes — are dead as well.

Over in the Red Keep, Joffrey decides to steal his mother's dragon so he can get up to the Dragonpit and put an end to this madness. Syrax does not take kindly to having a new, unbonded rider and bucks him off mid-flight, down to his death. She then heads over to the Dragonpit to help her scaly brethren, only to fall victim to the smallfolk as well. Without her dragon, and grieving the last of her sons with Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), Rhaenyra flees King's Landing.

And where's Aegon been this whole time? Tom Glynn-Carney and Matthew Needham in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Liam Daniel / HBO

Meanwhile, Aegon's been hiding out in the most unexpected of places. House of the Dragon's version of Larys proposed that the two hide out in Braavos for the time being. However, Fire & Blood sees Aegon heading to Team Black stronghold Dragonstone, where he stages a coup and takes over. By the time an overthrown Rhaenyra returns from King's Landing, she's in for a rude surprise — and a violent family reunion. But isn't that par for the course for the Targaryens?

House of the Dragon Season 2 is now streaming on Max.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free 6-month Amazon Prime membership Eligible to students and young adults (ages 18-24) Get Deal

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As of Aug. 7, students and young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 can sign up for a free 6-month membership to Amazon Prime. Once the free membership is over, your account will auto-renew at $7.49 per month, or $69 annually. Both are a 50% discount compared to the usual Prime membership price of $14.99 per month or $139 annually.

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Amazon Prime for students and young adults comes packed with benefits. For starters, you'll get free two-day shipping on thousands of items Amazon sells. That means if you need extra notebooks or a mattress topper to make your dorm bed actually comfortable, it'll arrive ASAP. In some locations, you'll find items eligible for free same-day shipping.

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SEE ALSO: Grubhub+ is officially a full-time Amazon Prime perk — celebrate with $5 off $25

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