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A marketing stunt for AppleTV+'s Severance Season 2 shook up New York City's Grand Central Station on Jan. 14. And I witnessed it in all its surreal glory.

The pop-up began when a large glass box appeared in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall, containing a replica of the four-seated desk from Lumon's Macrodata Refinement department. Hired actors playing Lumon employees sat at their desks, doing Lumon things (by which I mean, sorting numbers while not having a clue what said numbers mean).

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2 may already be the best show of the year: Review

The stunt kicked it into high gear when Severance's actors themselves entered the cube. Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Zach Cherry arrived first, playing Mark S., Helly R., and Dylan G. Also present were Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel and Tramell Tillman as Mr. Milchick. The only MDR employee missing was Irving (John Turturro). I can only presume he was off in the Perpetuity Wing, admiring the Eagans.

Meanwhile, creator and showrunner Dan Erickson looked on from the sidelines, while director and executive producer Ben Stiller gave interviews and took photos of the cube like a proud father.

Once inside the cube, the actors played out what a day at Lumon might look like. While onlookers couldn't hear what any of them were saying, there was no denying the show was enthralling. It was like an entire episode of Severance was taking shape before us, and I certainly reacted accordingly. I jolted when Ms. Cobel smacked the desk with a Lumon-brand ruler. I chuckled when Helly playfully threw a cleaning rag at Mr. Milchick. (She did so multiple times.) And, like the many Severance viewers who enjoy picking the show apart for clues, I examined the set for hints about Season 2.

SEE ALSO: Severance Season 1 Recap: Everything you need to remember before watching season 2 The Severance pop-up was full of details for fans The board will hear you now. Credit: Belen Edwards

While the pop-up didn't give us any plot hints about what to expect from Season 2 — there was tragically no Post-It note reading, "Here's what Lumon is doing with Mark's wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman)" — it was full of exciting details bound to make any Severance fan lose their mind.

The desks, for example, were painstaking recreations of those we see in the show. Dylan's desk featured several caricature portraits, which are among the perks MDR employees receive for completing their files. (At one point, Cherry also pulled out two finger traps, another Lumon perk.) Mark's desk also featured the crystal head cube he got for completing the Allentown file. Plus, everyone had the MDR group picture on their desk.

The actors brought in props from the show as well. Mr. Milchick carried around the red ball used in an icebreaker scene from Season 1. He also held Dr. Ricken Hale's (Michael Chernus) book The You You Are behind his back. Be sure to keep that away from those Innies, Milchick, you don't want them gaining a sense of self! But The You You Are wasn't the only Severance book in the cube. At one point, Mark read aloud from what looked like Lumon's Compliance Handbook. And yes, I did freak out and point at each prop. When else am I going to be in the presence of the great Ricken Hale's writings?

SEE ALSO: 4 fascinating things we learned from the 'Severance' companion book

The fun didn't stay in the cube, though. Outside the cube, a white pedestal bore the speaker from Ms. Cobel's office that the Lumon Board uses to communicate with staff. "Communicate" may be a strong word for what is actually just "menacing static noices," which was all I could hear from the speaker in Grand Central.

Things took a turn for the strange as the Innies began to clock out of the cube at around 7 p.m. (I cannot stress enough that the cast were in there for over an hour.) Ms. Cobel forced Mark to stand in one corner of the cube like he was on a timeout, then proceeded to berate him. Or maybe sing the Kier anthem at him like she did in Season 1? We couldn't hear. But we could see the Post-It note that Scott and Arquette wrote on, then taped to the wall of the cube. Upon their exit, the audience rushed over to see what it said. It just said, "human," with a small drawing of a triangle next to it. Fan theorists, do your thing and tell me what it means!

The Severance pop-up was a joyful (and strange) fan experience Lumon takes NYC. Credit: Marion Curtis / StarPix for Apple TV+

Unsurprisingly, the Severance pop-up lit up social media. A bizarro marketing stunt with the actual Severance cast present? That's perfect fodder for virality.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

But the pop-up lit up Grand Central as well. All around me, I heard people freaking out about the actors, and about Severance in general. Fans described their excitement for Season 2, discussing everything from their theories about Lumon's baby goats to the watch parties they were planning. (Might I suggest a cursed menu of eggs, waffles, and melon?)

Best of all were people using the presence of the Lumon cube to sell Severance to their friends. I heard a number of variations on, "have you watched this show? You need to watch this show." I agree!

Even the location enhanced the strange Severance drama we were watching play out. Grand Central Station at rush hour is peak work commute time, when everyone is effectively switching from their work selves to their non-work selves. (One could even say... going from their Innies to their Outies.) I was on the way home from work myself when I got wind of the pop-up and switched my entire commute to see the great Lumon cube in person.

If anything, watching the Innies in action as everyone bustled home to work around them highlighted their in-show plight even more. We can all leave work behind, but for them, it's all they know. Plus, they're all under observation by Lumon's higher-ups, just like the actors were under observation in their glass box. In taking pictures and gawking at the Innies, were we no better than Lumon? The layers! The questions of work-life balance!

Did this pop-up give me a tiny existential crisis? Maybe. Did it make me more excited for Severance Season 2? Most definitely.

Severance Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on Apple TV+, with a new episode every week.

Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta chief executive, is one of several tech leaders expected to play a high-profile role in celebrating the new administration next week.

When in spring 2019 a fire nearly destroyed Notre-Dame, one of Paris' most recognizable landmarks, president Emmanuel Macron vowed to restore the building and reopen it to the public by 2024, the year Paris would host the Olympics. Though the cathedral wasn't completed in time for the athletic competitions, it still opened its doors in December 2024, meeting an ambitious deadline.

At the centre of the effort was a cutting-edge software donated by U.S. tech company Autodesk, which the reconstruction team used to digitally map the Notre-Dame, and carefully plan each step of the rebuilding process.

Be it the scorching rays of the sun, the sting of a silver bullet, or a brutal box office thrashing, nothing can truly kill the Universal Monsters. Since they first lurked onto the silver screen in the early 1900s, this motley crew of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Wolf Man, the Invisible Man, and the creature from the Black Lagoon have risen again and again for a sequel, remake, or re-imagining, for better or worse. 

For worse, this has resulted in the aborted Dark Universe, which flamed out with Tom Cruise's big-budget flop The Mummy in 2017. For better, there's been 2020's The Invisible Man, in which writer/director Leigh Whannell left his supernatural leanings from the Insidious franchise behind for a more sci-fi-rooted horror. His Wolf Man has a similarly grim and grounded approach, abandoning much of the paranormal lore of werewolves in favor of more penetrating real-life fears. 

However, while Wolf Man ditches the lycanthropy tropes of silver weapons and a full moon, Whannell stays true to Blumhouse's formula. The film brings heralded actors — in this case Poor Things' Christopher Abbott and Apartment 7A's Julia Garner — into a central location, where horror can be spun cost-effectively from a single spooky concept. For Whannell, that is taking the gruesome and inescapable transformation of man to beast and making it a metaphor for chronic illness, the kind that robs sufferers of control of their bodies, speech, and even the ability to understand the people around them. 

It's a bold move. But does it make for a satisfying horror movie? 

SEE ALSO: The 22 best horror movies of 2024, and where to watch them Wolf Man is a meditation on illness.  Credit: Universal Pictures

Scripted by Whannell and Corbett Tuck, Wolf Man stars Christopher Abbott as Blake, a San Francisco family man who is happily serving as a stay-at-home dad to his plucky daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth), while his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) works to bring home the metaphorical bacon. However, all her focus on her career has Charlotte feeling disconnected from her daughter and husband. So, when some bizarre personal news offers the family a chance to visit Blake's childhood home in rural Oregon, they leap at the chance for some quality time, far from the hustle and bustle (and relative safety) of human civilization. 

Of course, as the title teases, there's something not quite human prowling in the woods near Blake's old house. And it only takes one scratch from a gnarly claw to infect this loving father with a lycanthropic disease. After a scene of frenzied fleeing through a forest, much of Wolf Man takes place within the walls of the cabin where Blake was raised by his macho hunter/survivalist father, who's been proclaimed dead after years missing. As such, there's a home invasion element to Wolf Man, reminiscent of The Strangers. A frightened woman is trapped in a house under siege by a violent and mysterious threat, with no real hope of outsider intervention to save her and her loved ones.

As Blake steadily begins to transform, Charlotte must step up as a mom, protecting her child, and a wife, understanding her husband even as the man she knew vanishes before her very eyes. 

Leigh Whannell wallows in agony in Wolf Man.  Credit: Universal Pictures

In many stories of werewolves, there is an inescapable sense of doom, whether the cause be a bite or curse. These tales often follow a hapless man (or teen girl) who is irrevocably changed, and will likely die because of it. Whannell leans into this dread by focusing on the distortions Blake suffers, physically and mentally.

Satisfying the body-horror expectations of the werewolf subgenre, Blake's skin curdles into open sores, which he cannot help but ravage with growing claws and pointed teeth. His luscious hair falls out as his face stretches into a disfigured mockery of his former reflection. His voice vanishes, replaced by a hollow growl. In panning shots, captured practically and enhanced digitally, Whannell reveals how Blake's family sees him and vice versa. As the camera moves from a weeping Charlotte whispering comfort, the lighting changes, the vision blurs, and her voice becomes an indecipherable warble as the film moves into Blake's warping perspective. This wolf vision is not intended to give us the sense of a slasher in pursuit or a predator that is targeting prey. It's a nightmarish perversion of reality, reflecting how Blake feels trapped, even damned, in his mutating body. 

It's tragic and unnerving, especially as Abbott relishes every bit of body horror. (Whannell counts David Cronenberg's The Fly as an inspiration.) However, the metaphor between werewolfism and chronic illness ultimately feels obvious and lazy. Yes, both can be inescapable and horrific. The effects of both can be terrifying to those who suffer from them and the loved ones forced to witness. But this analogy ignores the ferocity and brute strength that is still present in even Whannell's pared-down werewolf lore. Where does that fit into his metaphor?

Essentially, Wolf Man begins as a clever idea that runs out of steam well before the movie ends. Blake's transformation, slow and grueling across several sequences, begins to feel episodic, as does the grief-stricken displays of his wife and child. And so, even at one hour and forty-five minutes, this Wolf Man drags.

Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott commit but can't save Wolf Man.  Credit: Universal Pictures

These two deserve better than Whannell and Tuck's script. Both their characters are thinly sketched archetypes. Blake is the modern gentle parent, desperate to protect his kid from the childhood trauma instilled by harsh words, fear, and unchecked machismo. Charlotte — well, she sure has a job and cares about it when she's at home despite Blake's condescending remarks! Much of the movie depends on caring about characters who never feel anything but vague signifiers of work/life balance.

To his credit, Abbott — who shot this very physically demanding film while still in physical therapy for an on-stage knee injury — is committed to every bit. With child actor Firth, he is gentle, gamely goofy, and sincerely focused. With Garner, he is alert, though his attention is edged with a low-boil frustration that will never get a proper voice. And when he is the monster, he is in turn a pitiable puddle of malleable flesh and a ferocious creature, barrelling after his terrified family. Garner matches him, her hard stare glittering with righteous tears. But with the first act failing to establish these characters in the way The Fly or — to cite another danger-from-within domestic horror film — Rosemary's Baby did, the rest just doesn't work. Instead, it becomes a slog of tears, blood, and moping.

In the end, Whannell's Wolf Man is a maudlin mess, which heaps on grief and grisliness without balancing it with character. While there are a few moments of delicious tension — like an opening sequence where a young Blake goes from hunting to hunted — Wolf Man overall is more one-note than anything. Compared to The Invisible Man it's a serious misstep for Whannell. Compared to The Mummy, well, that might have been a wreck of a movie, but at least it was occasionally fun.  

Wolf Man opens in theaters Jan. 17.

Mark Zuckerberg is doubling down on more cartoon villainy this week by proposing to lay off more than 3,600 employees — or roughly five percent of Meta's "lowest performers." Of course, in true capitalist fashion, he plans to backfill those positions later this year.

"I've decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster," Zuckerberg said in an internal memo, according to Bloomberg. "We typically manage out people who aren't meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now we’re going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle."

CNBC reports that affected employees will be notified by Feb. 10, giving them a month to stew over their fate and brace for the worst. Those let go will receive severance similar to what previous laid-off employees got, the report claims. In 2022, when Meta slashed nearly a quarter of its workforce, the company offered a severance package that included 16 weeks of base pay, plus two additional weeks for each year of service (with no cap), full payout of remaining PTO, six months of healthcare, three months of career support, and immigration assistance.

SEE ALSO: 8 ways Mark Zuckerberg changed Meta ahead of Trump’s inauguration

This comes just a few days after Meta announced a few fairly massive reversals in policies. Zuckerberg announced last week that his platforms would get rid of fact-checkers in favor of Community Notes, which many civil and human rights organizations point out has the potential to lead to increased violence, hate speech, and the spread of misinformation.

Meta also lifted prohibitions against some forms of hate speech on its platforms, allowing posts that call women property, specific ethnic groups "filth," and more approved use of hate speech. The company got rid of DEI initiatives, removed tampons from men's bathrooms in Meta’s offices in California, Texas, and New York, deleted trans and nonbinary themes on its Messenger app, and announced that political content would once again be recommended on Threads and Instagram.

SAVE $140: The Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 combo robot vacuum and mop is on sale for just $259.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $399.99. That's a 35% discount that matches the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop $259.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal

Cross "clean the floors" off your 2025 chore list. Just a few years ago, using a robot vacuum came with some harrowing risks, like watching it take a nose-dive down the stairs or getting tangled in a throw rug's tassels. But those days are long gone, and robot vacuums are some of the most beneficial smart home cleaning options around. And if you'd also like to cross mopping off your chore list, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of Jan. 15, the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 combo robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $259.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $399.99. The sale price means you'll be saving $140 with a 35% discount. The $259.99 price also matches its Black Friday sale price and the lowest we've ever spotted at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Equipped with 6,000 Pa suction power, the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 is ready to take on any floor's dust, hair, dander, and debris. The floating rubber brush is designed to not only remove dust, but resist getting tangled in hair, which means this model could be ideal for pet owners.

Thanks to the included charging and self-emptying base, the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 can go up to 90 days without needing any human attention. The four-liter dust bag capacity can handle all of life's messes for up to three months, leaving you free from the task of cleaning the floors.

When it comes time to mop hard floors, the Dreame's 150-milliliter clean water tank with three flow settings is there to get the job done.

This model is also impressive when it comes to battery life. The 5,200 mAh battery means the vacuum and mop can clean for as long as 285 minutes before it needs to recharge.

Using Smart Pathfinder, the Dreame creates a precise map of your home that you're always able to edit. Obstacle avoidance means it'll clean around the dog's bed and not bother the pile of backpacks the kids just dumped in the entryway. Plus, the Dreame can maneuver over thresholds that measure up to 20 millimeters.

If vacuuming and mopping floors is not your favorite chore, hand off the task to the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2. Today's deal at Amazon means you'll be scoring the lowest price we've ever seen, which shaves 35% off the list price.

The company is awaiting a decision over the constitutionality of a new law that aims to force a sale of the app to a non-Chinese owner under the threat of a ban.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Jan. 15: OUR TOP PICK Shark IZ163H Pet Plus $199.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Amazon Echo Pop Kids $34.99 (save $15) Get Deal BEST PHONE DEAL Google Pixel 8 Pro (Unlocked, 128GB) $599 (save $400) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $44.99 (save $15) Get Deal BEST GAMING DEAL Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse $87.38 (save $72.61) Get Deal

We're officially halfway through January, and we're celebrating with an assortment of deals from Amazon. If you can't wait until the weekend to do some shopping, we've handpicked a few of the best deals we could find at the mega retailer on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check back at our picks from Jan. 13 and Jan. 14 as well. Many of those are still live, including a $100 price drop on the iPad Mini 7 and 22% off the Garmin Venu 3S.

Our top pick: Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

An air purifier is a good start, but it's not going to eliminate your pet hair problem; you need a good vacuum specifically made to dig deep and tackle fur and dander. The Shark IZ163H Pet Plus can help you keep it at bay, and it's on sale for just $199.99 at Amazon as of Jan. 15 — that's 33% in savings and its best price to date. The IZ163H Pet Plus features a self-cleaning brushroll, a HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal, a 40-minute battery life, and a multi-flex wand that allows you to deep clean the dog hair from any angle. And, of course, its cordless design converts into a hand vac to tackle any hair and dander in hard to reach spots.

Amazon Echo Pop Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop Kids $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

The Echo Pop is our favorite budget-friendly Echo device, including the kid-centric version. If you want to introduce Alexa into your kids' daily life, it's one of the most fun and affordable ways to do so with age-appropriate content, stories, audiobooks, and music. Our pals at PCMag (also owned by Mashable publisher Ziff Davis) called it "Amazon's top smart speaker for children" and gave it the PCMag Editor's Choice badge of honor. Our only qualm is that it comes in just two Disney-licensed designs — Disney princess or Marvel. But if you've got a kid who loves Disney, you're in luck. It's usually $49.99, but you can snag it on sale for just $34.99 as of Jan. 15. That's a savings of 30%.

Google Pixel 8 Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 8 Pro $599.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $400.00 Get Deal

If you're not pressed on having the latest and greatest phone, you can keep a whole lot of money in your pocket by opting for a previous generation. Case in point: an unlocked Google Pixel 8 Pro with 128GB is on sale for only $599 (down from $999) as of Jan. 15. For comparison purposes, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is on sale for $849, or an extra $250. The Pixel 8 Pro may not be the most exciting phone on the market anymore, but it still offers an excellent camera, all-day battery life, a 120Hz refresh rate, a swanky chipset, and advanced AI features. If you're an Android fan and want to save some money, you won't be disappointed.

Check out our full review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

If you're trying to decide which Fire TV Stick to get, here's the ultimate selling point of the 4K Max: it's the first streaming stick with Fire TV Ambient Experience. In other words, it can turn your TV into artwork a la The Frame, with over 2,000 piece of museum-quality images. It also features WiFi 6E support, Dolby Vision (plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR 10+, HLG), Dolby Atmos audio, and 16GB of storage (the most of any Fire Stick). It's usually $59.99, but as of Jan. 15, it's on sale for just $44.99. That's 25% in savings and drops it down to less than the full cost of the Fire TV Stick 4K.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse $87.38 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $72.61 Get Deal

A favorite mouse among esports teams and pro gamers, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight is light as a feather, as the name suggests. Its Hero sensor delivers precise, quick, and consistent control, while its PTFE feet ensure fluidity and smooth glides. You'll get about 70 hours of play time, which may not be the highest on the market, but is still pretty impressive. Our sister site PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) found it to be a well-designed mouse with few minor issues, but they found the $159.99 price tag a bit too hefty. Fortunately, as of Jan. 15, it's on sale for just $87.38, making it more palatable. That's 45% in savings and just a few bucks shy of its best price ever.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $250+: B&H's Mega Deal Zone sale ends tomorrow, Jan. 16. Shop hundreds of deals on TVs, laptops, and more before they're gone — including a Samsung 55-inch 4K smart TV for less than $300.

Best B&H Mega Deal Zone deals: Best TV deal Samsung DU7200 Series 55-inch 4K HDR Smart LED TV $357.99 (save $98) Get Deal Best laptop deal Acer 15.6-inch Aspire 5 Laptop (Intel Core i7, 16GB, 1TB) $499.99 (save $250 ) Get Deal Best smart home device Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) $69.99 (save $20) Get Deal

B&H may be known for its photography and videography equipment, but over the years, it’s low-key become a go-to source for finding deals on a wide range of tech products, from TVs and laptops to drones and security cameras.

SEE ALSO: 27 products we deemed worthy of Mashable Choice Awards in 2024

And now through Jan. 16 at midnight ET, B&H’s Mega Deal Zone sale is offering massive discounts across its entire catalog. Whether you’re in the market for a new TV or want to upgrade your WFH setup, B&H has something for everyone.

Here are the best deals we could find from the sale:

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung DU7200 Series 55-inch 4K HDR Smart LED TV $279.99 at B&H
$377.99 Save $98.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re getting ready for the Big Game or want a larger screen for movie nights, the Samsung DU7200 Series 55-inch 4K HDR Smart LED TV is only $357.99 at B&H right now. That’s only $20 off the list price, but it gets even better: You’ll get an additional $78 off instantly at checkout, bringing the final price down to just $279.99.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer 15.6-inch Aspire 5 Laptop (Intel Core i7, 16GB, 1TB) $499.99 at B&H
$749.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Shopping for a laptop on a budget is never easy, but the Acer 15.6-inch Aspire 5 Laptop (Intel Core i7, 16GB, 1TB) is a solid option that's on sale for $449.99 — $250 off the original price. Plus, you’ll get the Bitdefender Total Security six-month download (a $49.99 value) for free, so you can keep your device protected right out of the box.

We’re so impressed by this laptop that we ranked the Intel Core i5 model as our No. 1 best laptop under $500.

Best smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) $69.99 at B&H
$89.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) is now just $69.99. That’s a $20 discount and a pretty good deal for a smart home device that lets you stream your favorite shows and movies, control compatible smart home devices, and even make video calls. Of course, it also does everything any other Alexa-enabled smart speaker can do.

SAVE 41%: Get a 144-foot set of the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 for just $100.02, down from the usual price of $169.99, at Amazon with an on-page coupon. That's $69.97 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 (144-feet) $100.02 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $69.97 with on-page coupon Get Deal

There's something magical about string lights, even year-roud. Hung up indoors as ambient lighting or outside on a patio, string lights can transform a dull space into something bright and joyful. Smart string lights are even better, adding in the ability to change the color on a whim from your smartphone. Thanks to today's coupon at Amazon, a massive set is on sale.

Until Jan. 20, a 144-foot set of Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 is on sale for just $100.02, down from the usual price of $169.69 with the on-page coupon. That means you'll shave 41% off the normal price, or $69.70. This sale price brings the lights within three cents of the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Echo is down to $65 for a limited time

With an intuitive app, the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 can illuminate into any color imaginable. Choose your own color from the wheel, or opt for one of Govee's vibrant scene modes. In total, you can choose from 16 million colors and over 40 pre-set options that coincide with holidays and celebrations.

The Govee lights are safe to use both indoors and outdoors thanks to their shatterproof design and anti-UV material. Both the lights and the control box are waterproof, so you won't have to worry about taking outdoor lights down should bad weather hit.

Govee mentions the LED bulbs in the lights are designed to get 25,000 hours of use. That comes close to three years if you leave them on 24/7.

You can also head into Music Sync Mode which turns the lights into a party, reacting to the music via an integrated mic.

If you could use some brightness this winter, or you have big plans for summer backyard parties, you have until Jan. 20 to save 41% on a massive 144-foot set of Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2.

Marvel has released a new trailer for Daredevil: Born Again, a soft reboot of Netflix's Daredevil series. And from the looks of the it, Born Again isn't pulling any punches.

SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

The trailer opens on a diner chat between lawyer Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and mobster Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio). "It's not entirely unpleasant seeing you again," Wilson tells Matt.

Over the course of their discussion, we learn two game-changing pieces of information. First, Fisk is now Mayor of New York City. Second, Matt has put a stop to his vigilantism, saying, "a line was crossed." But given that the show is called Daredevil: Born Again, you can bet it won't be long until Matt puts on his Daredevil mask again.

On top of Matt and Wilson being back, Daredevil: Born Again's trailer also highlights the return of characters like Karen (Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Punisher Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal). It also teases some fairly brutal beatdowns — but then again, it wouldn't be Daredevil without some great fights now, would it?

Daredevil: Born Again premieres March 4 at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+.

TikTok is preparing for a shutdown in the U.S. on Sunday, but it might be more radical than many users expected.

If TikTok doesn't find a buyer before Sunday, Jan 19, it will likely have to stop operation in the U.S. This is due to a law signed by President Biden in April, which requires TikTok parent company Bytedance to sell its U.S. assets by the deadline.

But according to The Information (via Reuters), TikTok is planning to completely shut off U.S. users from accessing the app. New users in the U.S. would be unable to download and install the app, while existing users attempting to open the app would merely see a pop-up message directing them to a website with more information about the ban, thus rendering them completely unable to use the TikTok app.

SEE ALSO: TikTok ban countdown: See the latest updates as time runs short

This is not what the law requires. TikTok is actually required to only ban new TikTok downloads on Apple and Google's app stores in the U.S., while existing users would still be able to use the app (for a time, at least), though they wouldn't be able to update it.

It's unclear why TikTok would go for such a nuclear option. The app reportedly plans to give users the option to download all their data.

SEE ALSO: How to download your favorite TikToks ahead of the ban

TikTok has been fighting the ban, which has been put in place due to the Biden administration's belief that China has too much of an influence over TikTok, through legal means, though with little success.

There's also the chance for ByteDance to find a last-minute buyer. Microsoft, which has previously tried to acquire TikTok but failed, and X CEO Elon Musk, have been floated as possible options.

People have been keeping personal diaries for several millenniums, but free smartphone apps now let you capture much more than words.

A 28-year-old woman with a busy social life spends hours on end talking to her A.I. boyfriend for advice and consolation. And yes, they do have sex.

Today, the dating app Hinge launches Prompt Feedback, an AI feature to help users write more original responses to the prompts the app is known for. The app is the latest to leverage AI to advance features, such as Grindr testing an AI "wingman" and Bumble rolling out AI-generated icebreakers.

SEE ALSO: Broke but looking for love? Try the best free dating apps that actually work in 2025.

Prompt Feedback doesn't tell the user what to say or even suggest language, according to Hinge's announcement. Instead, it provides feedback on the user's prompt answer on three levels:

• "Great Answer," keep it as-is.

• "Try a Small Change," encouraging the user to tweak the response.

• "Go a Little Deeper," suggesting adding more details.

Users will see this private feedback when editing their profile prompts. You can choose whether to change your answer given the feedback or keep it the same.

Via Giphy

Hinge prompts are one of the most distinctive features of the app, with likes on prompts 47 percent more likely to lead to a date than likes on photos. But 63 percent of Hinge daters told the app in a survey that they have difficulty knowing what to include in their profile. What may result is generic, one-word, and cliched responses. The app seeks to nudge users away from said responses on their profile.

"We're all familiar with dating app clichés like 'pineapple on pizza' or being 'overly competitive about... everything.' While these responses are common, they often fall short in showcasing the individuality and creativity that ignite meaningful conversations," said Hinge's director of relationship science, Logan Ury, in the announcement. "By crafting Prompt responses that highlight your unique quirks and share authentic details about your personality, you can help potential matches get to know the real you."

Last year, Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod told Mashable that Hinge was aware of the dating app fatigue experienced by singles and that he and his team are responding to that. Hinge recently rolled out a limit on unanswered messages to help users be more intentional in conversations with matches. Now, the app is utilizing AI to help tired dating app users get more out of prompts. Prompt Feedback seems distinct from AI services that write the message for you — something daters who are sick of app dating may succumb to.

"With Prompt Feedback, we're intentionally leveraging Al to provide personalized coaching during a key moment for daters making a great first impression on their profiles," said McLeod in the Prompt Feedback announcement. "For years, our research team has identified what helps people discover compatibility that leads to dates, and now daters can apply these insights through specific, tailored advice."

SAVE $74.98: As of Jan. 15, the Amazon Fire Max 11 bundle (with keyboard case and stylus pen) is on sale for $329.99 at Amazon. This is 18% off its list price of $404.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 Bundle $329.99 at Amazon
$404.97 Save $74.98 Get Deal

Amazon has kickstarted the new year with some great deals, and if you've been on the lookout for a new tablet, this Fire Max 11 bundle is worth checking out. Complete with a keyboard case and stylus pen, this bundle can get you set up with everything you need to transform this sleek screen into a nice little laptop setup. It's even on sale right now for a limited time, which makes it even better.

Amazon's Fire Max 11 bundle is currently on sale for $329.99, which is $74.98 off what it would cost you to pay for each item separately at their list prices.

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Echo is down to $65 for a limited time

We had high praise for the Fire Max 11 tablet in our review. Writer SaVanna Shoemaker says "It’s the sleekest and largest Fire tablet available, and it packs some impressive specs behind the moderate price tag we’ve all come to expect." Boasting an 11-inch display with 2000 x 1200 resolution, this screen gives you plenty of space to see everything in vibrant detail. And with an octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and WiFi 6, it's very responsive.

Paired with the keyboard case and stylus pen, you'll be ready to tackle a variety of activities with it straight out the gate. Don't miss out on this Fire Max 11 bundle deal at Amazon.

There are a few more Amazon devices on sale right now that are worth checking out. At the moment you can also save on a refurbished Kindle Scribe and the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max has gotten its first discount of the year.

TL;DR: Live stream Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Brooklyn Nets head to Intuit Dome to face the Los Angeles Clippers in a non-conference matchup. The Nets are 14-26, which puts them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers are 21-17, which puts them in sixth place in the Western Conference.

The Nets have lost four of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Portland Trail Blazers that snapped a five-game skid. The Clippers have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Miami Heat.

When is Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers?

Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 15. This game takes place at Intuit Dome in L.A.

How to watch Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Nets vs. Clippers basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Heat vs. Lakers from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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 leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Miami Heat head to crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers in a non-conference matchup. The Heat are 20-18, which puts them in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are 20-17, which puts them in seventh place in the Western Conference.

The Heat have won three of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers have three of their last five games, and are coming off three consecutive losses. The most recent loss, to the San Antonio Spurs, came after two of the Lakers games at crypto.com Arena were postponed due to the ongoing wildfires in California.

When is Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers?

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 15. This game takes place at crypto.com Arena in L.A.

How to watch Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Heat vs. Lakers basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Heat vs. Lakers from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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 leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Golden State Warriors head to Target Center to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western Conference matchup. The Warriors are 19-20, which puts them in 12th place. The Timberwolves are 21-18, which puts them in eighth place.

The Warriors have lost four of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers. The Timberwolves have won four of their last five games, and are coming off a win over the Washington Wizards.

When is Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves?

Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 15. This game takes place at Target Center in Minneapolis.

This game will air on ESPN.

How to watch Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Warriors vs. Timberwolves basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Warriors vs. Timberwolves from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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 leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Dallas Mavericks head to Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup. The Mavs are 22-17, which puts them in fifth place. The Pelicans are 8-32, which puts them in dead last (15th).

The Mavs have lost three of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Denver Nuggets. The Pelicans have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Chicago Bulls.

When is Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans?

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Jan. 15. This game takes place at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

How to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Mavs vs. Pelicans basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Mavs vs. Pelicans from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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 leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA with ExpressVPN.