Feed aggregator

How Did DeepSeek Build Its A.I. With Less Money?

NYT Technology - 7 hours 50 min ago
The Chinese start-up used several technological tricks, including a method called “mixture of experts,” to significantly reduce the cost of building the technology.

Save 65% on the Reolink 5MP WiFi video doorbell at Woot

Mashable - 7 hours 51 min ago

SAVE $98: As of Feb. 12, the Reolink wired WiFi video doorbell is available for $51.99 at Woot, down from its usual $149.99. That is a 65% discount on a 2K smart doorbell with dual-band WiFi, smart alerts, and local storage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Reolink Reolink Wired WiFi Video Doorbell $51.99 at Woot
$149.99 Save $98.00 Get Deal

If you have been thinking about upgrading your home security, this deal is a no-brainer. Right now, the Reolink 5MP wired WiFi video doorbell is down to just $51.99 at Woot, which is 65% off its usual price. That is a steal for a 2K-resolution smart doorbell with dual-band WiFi, motion detection, and local storage.

Unlike most budget doorbells, which lock you into paid cloud subscriptions, the Reolink lets you store recordings locally. You can insert a microSD card (up to 256GB, sold separately) or connect it to a Reolink NVR for 24/7 recording. There are no hidden fees — just full control over your footage.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

The camera quality is seriously impressive. With 2K Super HD resolution, HDR support, and 180-degree wide-angle coverage, you will catch sharp, detailed footage even in low-light conditions. The built-in mic and speaker let you answer the door from anywhere, work, on vacation, or in bed. You can also set up preset voice messages or auto-replies for extra convenience.

Connectivity is another major win here. This doorbell supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, giving you a stable connection without the frustrating lag some budget models suffer from. It is also weatherproof, so rain or shine, your doorbell stays up and running.

One of the best extras? It comes with a chime. Just plug it into a power outlet, pick from 10 different tunes, and adjust the volume. That means you will always hear your doorbell even if your phone is on silent.

For just $51.99, you get a smart doorbell with 2K resolution, dual-band WiFi, local storage options, and smart alerts. If you want better home security without a monthly fee, grab this deal before Woot sells out.

Can we digitise Valentines Day?

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

Valentine's Day remains a divisive topic. Some criticize it as a capitalistic subsumption of love and religion, while others dislike it for personal reasons, like being single at a time when you're "expected" to be in love.

Despite some cynical opinions, the holiday results in a flurry of dating app activity. Tinder cites its "Peak Season" as the time between New Year's Day and February 14. Internal Tinder data reveals over 298 million more Likes are exchanged, and over 2.1 million more daily messages are sent during this time than the rest of the year. 

SEE ALSO: 30 Valentine's Day gifts for all the sweethearts in your life

Hinge revealed to Mashable that in the two weeks leading to Valentine's Day 2024, Likes sent grew by 28 percent, and matches increased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

Bumble similarly saw increases in downloads and time spent on the app in the weeks around Valentine's Day 2024, with an increase in people swiping right and updating their profiles in the week leading up to the holiday.

Even if you are in the spirit, many feel the effect of price gouging in restaurants and generally increased costs, limiting and impacting how celebrations take place and sending us to search other avenues.

As we increasingly rely on the digital world, it's only logical that we integrate our offline holidays into our digital existence. And if we take romance online, what will our Valentine's Day begin to look like?

Romance through the screen

With so much of our dating lives influenced by the internet, as dating apps move courtship online and COVID restrictions caused multiple remote Valentine's Day celebrations, our relationship with Valentine's Day has been impacted.

"We did a virtual dinner and he sent me some LEGO flowers through the post, as he wasn't sure if real flowers would keep for very long!" says Emily, 25, York, on celebrating Valentine's Day away from her long-distance partner before moving in together.  

"For our dinner, we each bought steaks and made our virtual backgrounds look like a fancy restaurant. Definitely one of our most memorable. We laugh about it a lot," she says.

"Sometimes distance can actually make couples more intentional about how they express their love, which can be a beautiful silver lining," according to Amber Robinson, relationship therapist and owner of A Road Through Practice.

Regarding long-distance relationships, Robinson sees couples utilising various apps to maintain their connection. "They're sending good morning selfies, sharing Spotify playlists, [and] watching movies in sync on FaceTime."

Sometimes distance can actually make couples more intentional about how they express their love, which can be a beautiful silver lining. - relationship therapist Amber Robinson

With Valentine's Day, she's seen an interesting blend of physical and digital realities: "Some couples coordinate to open their gifts together on a video call, others sync up a movie night and order in, and I even had one creative pair who set up identical romantic settings in their homes — same candles, same music, same everything! It was like they were both in the same space despite being thousands of miles apart."

"It still takes an emotional investment, creativity, and intention to make a day like Valentine's Day special," Robinson believes.

A new frontier of digital intimacy

Digital romance and intimacy aren't just for those unable to spend time together due to location, nor limited to Valentine's Day. Couples can invite the digital world into their relationship in various ways.

"In many ways, the distinction between digital intimacy and physical, in-person intimacy has become blurred thanks to the ubiquity of technology use in relationships," according to Dr. Ellen Kaufman, postdoctoral research fellow at the Kinsey Institute.

"We are also seeing a significant increase in use and interest in emerging forms of sex tech — sexual technologies — that promote emotional connection in addition to (remote) physical closeness. Our research demonstrates that people who use erotic webcam modeling sites, for example, want to feel close to the models both physically and emotionally. The underlying technology of these sites — including the integration of WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled sex toys, which are also helping couples reclaim physical intimacy when they're not in the same place — are increasingly helping people meet those needs," Kaufman continues.

Engagement with sex tech has risen among American adults, suggesting a noticeable shift in our views on intimacy, as well as weakening stigmatisation of digital intimacy

"You can buy your loved one a touch bracelet, have a date night together in the VR world, or FaceTime each other. You can watch a movie together on Netflix or play video games together to help deepen your bond," says relationship and break-up expert at inclusive LGBTQ+ dating app Taimi, Angelika Koch.

Managing expectations and exposure

For those celebrating Valentine's Day, the digital experience in the lead-up can be intense. There's a looming awareness of social media posts showcasing couples, their relationship, and any Valentine's Day celebration plans. This, amongst a barrage of e-mails and notifications, can impact people both single and in relationships. 

"The internet in February makes it worse as couples tend to feel like they need to measure up to unrealistic standards set by those people," says Sean O'Neill, licensed marriage and family therapist at Maple Moon Recovery. He recommends couples avoid comparison and "focus on and [define] what connection means to them." 

For those not in relationships, the online world can still revolutionise Valentine's Day. 

SEE ALSO: How one tweet led me to meet my partner

"I switched off dating and started using [the internet] to meet new people and strike up new friendships," says Jennifer, 32, London, founder and community manager of Ladies in London Official, a recently founded social club for women.

Initially, she connected with women via Bumble for Friends and MeetUp, creating a space for women to build friendships on and offline. Jennifer now uses WhatsApp to connect the group and encourage sign-ups for events. Both digital and physical ones are planned for February, including a Galentine's Day event (brought into existence by the sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2010).

Valentine's Day, whether you'll be spending it online, offline, single, or happily in a relationship, can be what you make of it. It can offer an opportunity to bring us closer together with those we love, to connect with ourselves, or to explore new frontiers of intimacy unencumbered.

There's a great deal of the internet to explore for those avoiding any reminders of Valentine's Day, and a lot of digital experiences waiting for those planning to celebrate. 

How to watch the Oscar-nominated animated film Flow at home

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago
The best ways to watch 'Flow' at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'Flow' on Prime Video $5.99 Get Deal BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal BEST AD-FREE DEAL Max Ad-Free annual subscription $169.99/year (save $33.89) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) for select Cricket customers Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Learn More BEST FOR STUDENTS Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save $5 per month) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Max, Hulu, and Disney+ with ads $16.99 per month (save $8.98 per month) Get Deal

"There may be no more immersive movie-watching experience this year than Flow," writes Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards. The dialogue-free film has already scooped up the Golden Globe for Best Animated Picture, beating out frontrunners The Wild Robot and Inside Out 2, and it's on its way to potential Oscar glory. Whether it takes home the gold or not, there's no denying it has captured the hearts of audiences all over.

All completed in open-source 3D software Blender, the animation of Flow looks and feels different than anything you've ever seen. Like a watercolor painting, co-writer/director Gints Zilbalodis leans into the abstract. While every distinct feather or scale of the animal characters may not be photorealistic a la Disney's "live-action" remake of The Lion King, its truly something to behold.

Want to see for yourself? Flow is set to make its streaming debut on Feb. 14 as a Valentine's Day treat. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Flow about?

Directed by Gints Zilbalodis and written by Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža, Flow is an animated movie from Latvia that follows the adventures of a black cat after his home is swept away by a great flood. Stranded on a sailboat with an unlikely group of animal mates — a yellow lab, a capybara, a lemur, and a secretary bird — the cat must learn to trust its crewmates to survive and adapt to the strange new planet.

There are no people in Flow, nor speaking. Instead, it relies on realistic animal sounds and movements to drill home its message.

Here's a glimpse at the striking film in its official trailer:

Is Flow worth watching?

"Flow is an animated adventure that is poignant, unique, absolutely gorgeous, and a must-see," Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes in her review of the film. She's not alone in the sentiment, either. The Latvian feature currently holds a near-perfect 97 percent critic rating and 98 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

It's also one of the most critically acclaimed animated features of the year, earning the Golden Globe for Best Animated Picture and nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature at this year's Oscars. Mashable even gave it spot number 11 on our list of the best movies of 2024 — beating out fellow animated film The Wild Robot, which we also loved.

"There's no way you can look away from this sweet, layered tale of teamwork, or the precious feline at its heart," Puchko adds.

Read our full review of Flow.

How to watch Flow at home Credit: Janus Films

After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and launching in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2024, Flow is officially available to purchase or rent at digital on-demand retailers as of Jan. 7. You can purchase it for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. Just note that with rentals, you'll only have 48 hours to finish the film once you begin.

Here are some quick links to buy or rent the international flick:

Is Flow streaming?

The Oscar-nominated animated film is set to make its streaming debut on Max on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways to save some money on your plan. We've rounded up the best Max streaming deals for you below.

The best Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

The simplest way to watch Flow on Max would be to sign up for a single month of the service with ads, then cancel before you're charged for a second month. However, you can save 16% if you choose an annual subscription instead. By signing up for a whole year upfront, it'll cost you $99.99, which breaks down to only $8.33 per month rather than $9.99.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

Similarly, you can also save 16% by committing to a yearly plan of the Max ad-free tiers. If ads are truly a deal breaker for you, there are two different tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month), while the Ultimate tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). While both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, the Ultimate tier also comes with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

Currently, the only way to get Max for free is to switch to Cricket's $60 per month unlimited plan. Cricket customers on that plan get a free Max with ads subscription, no questions asked. That's a $99.99 per year value. Already on the plan? Head over to the Max app, choose Cricket as your provider, then enter your Cricket credentials to log in. Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more.

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

If you're a college student, you can sign up for an entire year of Max with ads for only $4.99 per month instead of $9.99. That's 50% in savings. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS and you'll receive a unique discount code to drop the price.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

It won't be the cheapest way to get Max, but you can get more bang for your buck if you choose a streaming bundle deal instead of a single service. Bundles are the best way to save on streaming services in 2025. For instance, you can get Max, Hulu, and Disney+ with ads for just $16.99 per month (reg. $25.97) or without ads for $29.99 per month (reg. $48.97). That's up to 38% in savings.

Webb telescope has a new mission: surveillance of a threatening asteroid

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

The most powerful space telescope ever built is peering into some of the deepest realms of the universe.

It will also now peer at a big asteroid that has low but still concerning odds — around 2 percent as of Feb. 11 — of hitting Earth in 2032. " Currently, no other known large asteroids have an impact probability above 1 percent," NASA explained.

The director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, which runs the James Webb Space Telescope, has afforded planetary defense scientists a special, unplanned use of the space observatory, called the Director’s Discretionary Time. That's because Webb can do what Earth-based telescopes haven't yet been able to accomplish: Refine the size estimates of asteroid 2024 YR4, currently estimated to be between 130 to 300 feet wide, which is big enough to be dubbed a "city-killer" asteroid — if it indeed hit a city.

Knowing such an object's mass is critical. There's a big difference between a 130- and 300-foot-wide asteroid.

"The destructive power of an asteroid is closely correlated with its size," Andrew Rivkin, a planetary astronomer at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, told Mashable. "If we can get a good estimate of an asteroid's size, we can get a good idea of what would happen if it hit Earth." Rivkin is leading the Webb observation of asteroid 2024 YR4.

For reference, the asteroid that hit Arizona 50,000 years ago and created the 600-foot-deep "Meteor Crater" was 100 to 170 feet, or 30 to 50 meters, across. "A similar-size impact event today could destroy a city the size of Kansas City," David Kring, an impact cratering expert at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, explained in a NASA blog. That's why you may have read that this asteroid is a potential "city-killer."

SEE ALSO: NASA's Webb telescope threatened with budget cuts. They would hit hard.

The Webb telescope is well-suited to identify asteroid 2024 YR4's size. Webb views a type of light we can't see with the naked eye, called infrared. Infrared light is largely heat energy, allowing Webb to observe the heat from distant objects, whether they're planets or distant galaxies.

Yet the size estimates of many asteroids are based on visible light observations, based on the sunlight reflected off of the space rocks. These measurements, while hugely valuable, can be imprecise. For example, a small but lighter asteroid may reflect lots of light, suggesting it may be larger than it actually is; conversely, a darker asteroid may appear smaller than it truly is.

"It's amazingly capable."

But the infrared glow from an object's heat provides a much better sense of its size, Rivkin explained. And the Webb telescope — with mirrors over 21 feet across and six times the light collecting area of the Hubble Space Telescope — will be able to observe this glow from a relatively small object speeding through the vast solar system.

"JWST is the most powerful telescope that we have," Rivkin marveled. "It's amazingly capable."

Tweet may have been deleted An image captured by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) when it discovered asteroid 2024 YR4. Credit: ATLAS / NASA

The asteroid will become observable by Webb beginning on March 8, and actual observations are likely to begin soon after. The telescope has a tennis-court-size sunshield, which blocks out light from the sun, Earth, and the moon, allowing Webb to detect extremely faint infrared signals from profoundly distant cosmic objects. But that intentional view-blockage also means the Webb-viewing team will need to wait for the object to fly into sight.

In the coming months, the odds of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth are likely to go up before they go down and perhaps vanish. (If it becomes clear the asteroid will miss Earth, Rivkin noted that perhaps these Webb observations won't be prioritized any longer, as there is extremely high demand for Webb viewing time.) That's because as observations increase, the asteroid's solar system trajectory become clearer, and the area of potential hazard will shrink. But while Earth is still in that shrinking area of hazard uncertainty, it takes up a large percentage of that region, so the impact probability increases.

Most times, however, this zone of uncertainty moves off from Earth. "It’s a funny thing about homing in on an asteroid and calculating its path, future position, and probability of impacting Earth — it will often appear risky during initial observations, get riskier, and then suddenly become entirely safe," the European Space Agency noted.

The different components of the James Webb Space Telescope, including its huge sunshield. Credit: NASA

But until that happens, planetary defense experts will keep working to understand the risk the asteroid poses to Earth. If it were indeed headed to a populated region, you'd have plenty of notice. Space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency, along with organizations like the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), would vigilantly monitor the menacing object. If necessary, NASA would issue its first-ever asteroid warning. People could be evacuated from vulnerable regions.

"The odds are very much in favor of it missing," said Rivkin. "But we have to do our due diligence."

Get a magnetic car phone mount with Qi2 charging for just $36

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: The MagLock Qi2 Magnetic Charging Car Vent Mount delivers 15W fast wireless charging, strong MagSafe-compatible magnetic alignment, and a secure vent mount for just $35.99 (reg. $49.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Naztech MagLock Qi2 Magnetic Charging Car Vent Mount $35.99
$49.99 Save $14.00 Get Deal

Ever fumbled with your phone while driving, trying to balance it on your dashboard or awkwardly prop it up in a cupholder? Say goodbye to those struggles. The MagLock Qi2 Magnetic Charging Car Vent Mount is here to make your life easier with one-handed magnetic mounting, ultra-fast wireless charging, and a rock-solid grip — no more phone slip disasters.

Whether on a quick drive to the store or a long road trip, this charger (featured at CSE 2025) keeps your phone secure and fully charged — without overheating or slowing down. And you can currently grab it for just $35.99 (reg. $49.99).

With 15W Qi2-certified fast charging, secure MagSafe compatibility, and a universal vent hook design, your device is powered up and perfectly positioned for navigation, hands-free calls, and effortless accessibility. 

Wireless charging has come a long way, and Qi2-certified technology takes it to the next level. Unlike older charging mounts that required precise placement or frustrating alignment issues, MagLock Qi2 uses a Magnetic Power Profile to give you perfect alignment every time. Just snap your phone into place, and it starts charging instantly — no adjusting, no second-guessing.

And since it’s MagSafe-compatible, you don’t even need to remove your phone case. The strong magnetic hold keeps your device secure, even on bumpy roads.

This 2-in-1 charger and mount is designed for drivers who want fast charging without the clutter of cables. With one-handed snap-on/snap-off mounting, you can quickly attach or remove your phone without taking your eyes off the road.

Grab the MagLock Qi2 Magnetic Charging Car Vent Mount while it's still on sale for just $35.99 (reg. $49.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Stop wishing you knew how to edit videos and start creating for just $20

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: Corel VideoStudio Pro X9 makes turning your videos and photos into amazing content easy and fun — and it's just $19.99 (reg. $39.99) for life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Corel Corel VideoStudio Pro X9: Digital Key [Lifetime for 1 PC] $19.99
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Ever wish you could turn your home videos into little masterpieces without spending weeks learning complicated editing software? With Corel VideoStudio Pro X9, you can do exactly that, no experience required. This easy-to-use yet powerful editing tool gives you everything you need to create professional-looking videos, from simple family movies to full-fledged creative projects.

For a limited time, you can get a lifetime digital key for just $19.99 (reg. $39.99) and start editing, enhancing, and sharing your videos like you always imagined.

Not everyone wants to spend hours wrestling with complex software just to cut a clip or add cool effects. That’s why VideoStudio Pro X9 makes video editing fun and intuitive with an easy drag-and-drop timeline, built-in effects, and instant project templates.

You can import your own clips, capture screen recordings, or create multi-camera videos. Then, you can trim, enhance, and customize your footage with animated overlays, transitions, filters, and even AI-powered speech-to-text captions.

Once your masterpiece is ready, export it in popular formats, upload it directly to YouTube, or burn it to a disc with a custom menu. Whether you’re making travel vlogs, school projects, or professional content, this software aims to make things much easier.

If you’re new to video editing, VideoStudio Pro X9 offers user-friendly tutorials and beginner-friendly tools to help you get started. Need to clean up shaky footage or enhance colors? Built-in correction tools make it easy. Want to take your videos to the next level? Explore multi-camera editing, speed effects, and 360-degree video enhancements.

This software isn’t just beginner-friendly; it’s also powerful enough for creative professionals looking to make polished, dynamic videos.

Don't miss the chance to own Corel VideoStudio Pro X9 for life for just $19.99 (reg. $39.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I tried the sleep earbuds featured at CES

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: Save 25% on the SleepEEZ noise-blocking sleep earbuds that were featured at this year’s CES.

My search for the perfect sleep solution has been long and frustrating. I’m a light sleeper, so something that blocks out my partner’s snoring is essential. But I also need some entertainment to fall asleep. While earplugs work for the snoring, I can’t hear the TV. So, I tried AirPods but woke up with sore ears.

I was so excited to see earbuds designed for sleeping announced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Well, I wasn’t there, but I read about them online. Even better, they’re only $25.99 on the Mashable Shop, so I could actually afford to give them a try (reg. $34.99).

Trying sleep headphones for the first time

The first thing I noticed was that these would be comfortable earbuds, even though I’m a side sleeper. Unlike my AirPods that stick far out, the SleepEEZ earbuds can’t even be seen when looking at my side profile — and I can’t feel them when lying on my pillow.

They have -20dB noise-blocking, which is about the same as my favorite silicone putty earplugs — and way better than my AirPods Pros. I can faintly hear my partner snoring, which is actually good because I actually do want to be able to hear, like if our fire alarm goes off.

Then, I set a sleep timer for an hour. This was another issue with my AirPods — when I finally got to sleep, I awoke later to a TikTok video blasting in my ears. 

Finally, I chose an episode of my favorite show and drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I didn’t have sore ears, and I wasn’t kept awake by any pesky snoring. I say they’re worth a try, especially at this price point.

Get a pair of these sleep earbuds for $25.99 (reg. $34.99) and save 25%.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear SleepEEZ Mini Noise-Blocking True Wireless Earbuds for Sleeping $25.99
$34.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal

This stand turns your phone into a mini boombox

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: Get the Pocket Popper phone kickstand and mini speaker for $21.99 while supplies last (reg. $24.99). 

Balancing your phone against a pop can to watch YouTube while you’re eating at the table? Blasting music from those built-in speakers that make your favorite musician sound like they’re stuck in a tin can? You might need this phone stand and speaker combo.

You’ve heard of the PopSocket, but meet its biggest competitor: Pocket Popper. Featured at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, you can finally have a way to prop up your phone and rock out to tunes. This is a hot item, but we’re able to cut you a small discount before they sell out: $21.99 (reg. $24.99).

Pop this MagSafe-compatible phone stand onto your case and see what it can do. Not sure if your phone or case works? iPhones 12 and newer have these built-in magnets, and your case would have a visible ring on its exterior. You can also attach the Pocket Popper to any magnetic surface — your fridge, stove, toolbox, or gym equipment.

Then, the Pocket Popper becomes a powerful mini Bluetooth speaker. The cool part, though? Its 40mm dynamic driver will have others looking for a big stereo setup, when it’s only this tiny gadget playing your playlist.

Beyond excellent sound, you can expect up to eight hours of battery life, a built-in microphone if you want to take phone calls, and an IPX6 waterproof rating for outdoor activities as soon as the weather warms up.

Get this phone kickstand and speaker for $21.99 before we’re sold out (reg. $24.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear Pocket Popper Magnetic Mini Wireless Speaker & Kickstand $21.99
$24.99 Save $3.00 Get Deal

How to survive Valentines Day when youre heartbroken

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago

Many Februarys ago, I went for lunch with a friend and was served a devastating blow.

As I ordered a club sandwich, I caught her eyeing me nervously. "So, I have some news," she said in a hesitant tone. There was an agonising suspenseful pause.

"Oh god," I said. My heart was beating so fast I thought it might leap right out of my chest cavity. She put her head in her hands as she geared up to break the news to me. Just tell me, for the love of god, I thought to myself.

"It's about Glen," she said.

"OK," I said, panicking. This was the man I had been seeing on and off for the past nine months. A friend-with-benefits that I'd accidentally fallen in love with. Not that I would've admitted that at the time.

SEE ALSO: The Relationship Experience dating trend: like a situationship but so much worse

"He has a girlfriend?" I guessed in a bid to put myself out of my own misery.

"That's not all, though," my friend said.

There was more. "They're having a baby," she said. Suddenly the restaurant felt unbearably noisy. A wave of heat passed over my body and a weird rash appeared across my chest, my sandwich arrived. I stared at it and tried my best not to puke.

It was three days before Valentine's Day and I wanted nothing more than for time to stand still. "Valentine's Day can absolutely get fucked," I said the next day to my friend Michelle as I ran on the treadmill and cried simultaneously. A feat of human nature, you might say.

I wanted to round up every silk rose, every cheesy card, every tacky giant teddy bear and throw them on a giant bonfire. Everywhere I turned felt like a constant onslaught of love, romance, and relationships. Each one of them a reminder of the sting of rejection I was feeling. I wanted to pretend that Valentine's Day didn't exist, but I didn't know how.

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps to help find a relationship, a hookup, or something in between

There's a scene in Bridget Jones' Diary where she finds out that Daniel Cleaver has a secret fiancée the whole time they've been together, and she has to go to work and act like nothing's happened. She stares blankly at her computer screen, tears welling in her eyes. At my job in a theatre press office, I spent a week stealthily wiping away tears as they streamed from my eyes.

On Valentine's Day, a work friend left a card on my desk. It was a kind gesture that made me feel loved. But later, on Instagram, I saw the Valentine's Day card that Glen had given to his girlfriend. There was an illustration of a green olive alongside the line "Olive You." Ugh, they're at the pun stage of their romance. It was the longest Feb. 14 I have ever lived through.

"Being in a relationship is not a mark of success. Many people in relationships are unhappy. Be proud of being single."

Over the next few years, that cursed day came and went. On some years, I was nursing a broken heart from yet another terrible dating experience. Dear friends continued with their sweet gestures (my best friend left a red rose on my desk one year). Truth is, Valentine's Day is just another day if you're not in a state of loved-up bliss. So, why not treat it as exactly what is is: just another day in February.

I refuse to spend another Valentine's Day crying over a terrible olive pun. If you're nursing the fragments of a broken heart and are listening to The 1975's "Somebody Else" on repeat, then don't fret about Feb. 14's impending arrival. Here are some tried and tested techniques for putting two fingers up to V Day.

Celebrate other types of love

Psychologist Dr. Tony Ortega suggests reframing the day "from being a day of romantic love to a day of celebrating any kind of love, like we did when we were children."

SEE ALSO: Why I'm celebrating female friendship this Valentine's Day

"If you want to celebrate love but don't have romantic love, grab your friends and do something out of the ordinary to celebrate your friendships," say Ortega. "This could take the form of a scavenger hunt or perhaps an establishment that serves both liquor but has some entertainment like games or even a drag show." If you don't fancy going out, you could FaceTime a friend who lives far away and have a long-overdue catch up.

"Being in a relationship is not a mark of success. Many people in relationships are unhappy. Be proud of being single."

Look upon your heartbreak as a gift

It's really hard when you're in the thick of the post-breakup emotional turmoil, but try to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Whether the relationship was short-term, long-term, a situationship, FWB — there's a reason why it ended. Reframe romantic rejection as a positive thing that steers you back onto the right path, and prevents you going too far down the wrong road. It's a blessing to have your route corrected. It's better to be alone than in a bad relationship with a person who's not matching your energy or feeling the same way. Your future self will look back and be grateful.

SEE ALSO: How to separate romantic rejection from your self-worth Banish all negative thoughts

Psychosexual and relationship therapist Silva Neves recommends banning the negative thoughts you have about yourself. "Being in a relationship is not a mark of success. Many people in relationships are unhappy. Be proud of being single," says Neves.

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps for hooking up, serious relationships, and everything else in between

"Each time you have a negative thought about yourself, breathe in and out deeply and say something nurturing about yourself instead. You will find out that you have many good qualities." Make a list of everything you like about yourself, if you feel like it.

Do something nice for yourself

The longest relationship of your life is with yourself. So, why not spoil yourself? Buy yourself the dress you've been eyeing up for weeks. Make a delicious meal for yourself. Go get a manicure. Treat yourself to a new sex toy.

Ignore the hype

Valentine's Day literally is just any other day. So why not treat it as such? As it happens to fall on a Friday this year, stick to your usual Friday routine — be that grabbing a drink in the pub with your mates, or binge-watching Grace and Frankie on your sofa with a takeaway. Avoid anything that'll remind you what date it is — stay off social media and turn any calendars around so they're facing the wall.

Rachael Lloyd, relationship experts at eharmony, says "it may sound obvious, but the more you engage in Valentine’s Day, the more you will be impacted." "Skip over the love stories, avoid your local Pizza Express and keep off social media for the day to limit your exposure."

Get really into puzzles

If it's nigh-on impossible to ignore the fact that it's the most cursed day in the calendar, then ramp up your distraction techniques. My best friend Elisha swears by jigsaw puzzles because, she says, "they require enough of your concentration to prevent you from getting in your head too much, but not so much that you can't complete the task." Buy yourself a big bag of Doritos, a bottle of rosé, and a 1,000-piece puzzle and it'll keep you entertained and, crucially, distracted for hours on end. Alternatively, you could invite all your single friends over to your house for a games night.

things to do on valentine's day Credit: vicky leta / mashable Have some 'me time'

Dating and relationship coach Sami Wunder says if you're single, Valentine's Day is the perfect day for celebrating yourself. "Firstly, don’t let all the hype get to you. Decide that it will be a day for self-love," says Wunder. "So schedule in some me time. Book yourself a massage, or a manicure, or treat yourself to a nice coffee, or even put on your favourite dress and take yourself out for dinner."

Neves says if Valentine's Day is unpleasant for you, "give yourself the permission to be indulgent with whatever floats your boat." "A long bath maybe? Or have your favourite chocolates. Or put your favourite movies on and a glass of wine?" says Neves.

Keep busy

If you've got the day off, one thing that's guaranteed to keep you very busy is running errands. Go to the gym, clean out your fridge, buy your groceries, do your laundry, iron those clothes at the bottom of your ironing pile. In short, stay busy. At the end of the day, you'll have a big sense of accomplishment.

Have sex

People in long-term relationships aren't the only people who get to have sex on Valentine's Day. Dr. Ortega suggests calling up your fuck buddy and scheduling a hookup.

"Do you have a friend with benefits you can call on? Instead of celebrating romantic love, celebrate your sexual nature with your FWB," says Ortega. "Throw away the notion of romantic love and for a period of time, celebrate sexual love."

If you don't have a FWB, then Neves recommends having an orgasm anyway through solo sex (aka masturbation). "And make a commitment to have those on a regular basis, not just on Valentine’s Day," says Neves.

Leave the country

Not forever. Just take a break and get some space from everything. If you can afford to, treat yourself to a weekend away somewhere nice, or take a road trip to visit a friend you haven't seen for ages. About a fortnight after this whole debacle occurred, I decided to book an EasyJet flight to Germany to visit a really lovely friend of mine. It did me a world of good to get away from everything and gain some perspective on the situation. This year, I'm heading back to Germany to see the very same friend, and we'll be celebrating female friendship rather than romantic love.

Whatever you do on Feb. 14, remember that lots of people in long-term relationships couldn't give a shit about it. It's just a stupid day.

This article was first published in 2019 and republished in 2025.

The Corsair HS80 MAX gaming headset is 56% off

Mashable - 7 hours 57 min ago

SAVE $100: As of Feb. 12, the Corsair HS80 MAX wireless gaming headset is available for $79.99 at Woot. That is a huge 56% discount off its usual $179.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Corsair Corsair HS80 MAX Gaming Headset $79.99 at Woot
$179.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Woot is back with another killer deal, and this time it's for gamers who want premium sound without the premium price tag. Right now, the Corsair HS80 MAX wireless gaming headset is just $79.99, down from its usual $179.99. Since Woot is run by Amazon, Prime members can enjoy free shipping and all the usual benefits.

This high-end gaming headset does not just look good — it delivers incredible sound, thanks to low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Dolby Atmos support on PC. That means you will hear every footstep, explosion, and enemy reload in full 3D detail, giving you an edge in fast-paced games. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to switch between your PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Mac, and mobile devices without any hassle.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

The microphone is just as impressive. It has a broadcast-quality, omnidirectional pickup that makes your voice crystal-clear to teammates. So, whether you are calling plays in a competitive match or just chatting on Discord, you will always be heard loud and clear.

Battery life is another major win here. You get up to 65 hours on 2.4GHz wireless and a massive 130 hours on Bluetooth — which is insane for a wireless gaming headset. If you love RGB lighting, keep in mind that turning it on drops battery life to about 24 hours, but that is still better than most competing models.

Comfort-wise, Corsair nailed it. The memory foam ear pads and floating headband make this one of the most comfortable gaming headsets around, even during long gaming sessions. The aluminum-reinforced build also ensures that this headset is durable enough to last years.

At just $79.99, this is an absolute steal for a Dolby Atmos-ready, wireless gaming headset. If you want top-tier audio for a budget price, grab this before Woot sells out.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is over $100 off for a limited time

Mashable - 7 hours 59 min ago

SAVE $119: As of Feb. 12, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) is on sale for $679.99 at Amazon. Down from $799, this deal saves you 15% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $679.99 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the toughest and most feature-packed smartwatch Apple has ever made. Built for athletes, adventurers, and anyone who pushes limits, it packs a 49mm titanium case, a sapphire crystal display, dual-frequency GPS, and a 36-hour battery life. Right now, Amazon is knocking $119 off the price, making this one of the best chances to grab it for less.

This is not your typical smartwatch. The Ultra 2 is built to handle hiking, diving, running, cycling, and even extreme weather conditions. The bright 3000-nit display is readable in direct sunlight, and the customizable action button gives quick access to workouts, waypoints, or a dive computer. For runners, advanced tracking features like custom intervals and running form analysis make it one of the best fitness wearables available.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

Navigation is a major selling point here. The dual-frequency GPS offers unmatched precision, and the backtrack feature helps you retrace your steps if you get lost. The compass waypoints let you mark key locations during your adventure — how cool is that? Add cellular connectivity, and you can take calls, stream music, or use maps even if you leave your iPhone at home.

Beyond sports and exploration, the Ultra 2 has health and safety features. ECG monitoring, sleep tracking, fall detection, and emergency SOS provide peace of mind in any situation. It even includes crash detection, automatically alerting emergency services if it detects an accident.

Battery life is another highlight. The Ultra 2 lasts up to 36 hours on a single charge, and Low Power Mode extends it to 72 hours. That is significantly better than the standard Apple Watch models, making it ideal for multi-day hikes or endurance races.

At $679.99, this deal is a solid price drop on Apple's most rugged and capable smartwatch. If you have been eyeing the Ultra 2, it is time to snag it on Amazon before the price jumps back up.

Save over $70 on the Apple AirPods Max at Amazon

Mashable - 8 hours 7 min ago

SAVE $71: As of Feb. 12, the Apple AirPods Max are on sale for $478 at Amazon. That's a 12% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $478.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $71.00 Get Deal

If a headphone upgrade is planned, be sure to check out Amazon's Daily Deals for a bargain. As of Feb. 12, Apple AirPods Max are reduced to $478 at Amazon, saving you $71 on list price. This deal is exclusive to the lightning style, without AppleCare+.

Wondering why these should be your headphones of choice? Well, designed with Apple-specific drivers and powered by the all-encompassing H1 chip, you can expect a completely unmatched listening experience.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Watch 10 is back at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Handy noise-blocking technologies help you to choose your level of immersion, the Active Noise Cancellation mode will block outside noise so you can focus on your music, and Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, keeping you safe and alert while out and about. The Personalized Spatial Audio function adapts to your ear shape to help give you a much more immersive and personalized sound. It also includes dynamic head tracking, which uses a built-in sensor to adjust audio based on your head movements, creating a 3D sound experience.

And who could forget the comfort? Visually they look like a hug for your ears, and that's how they're designed. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide a snug fit that seals in sound and keeps your ears happy for hours of wearing.

This model also boasts up to 20 hours of battery life and comes with a slim Smart Case for storage.

Head over to Amazon to snag this deal.

The Apple Watch 10 is back at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - 8 hours 11 min ago

SAVE $70: As of Feb. 12, the Apple Watch 10 is on sale for $359 at Amazon. That's a saving of 36% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch 10 $359.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If an Apple watch has been on your wishlist for a while, you're in luck. The latest model has been reduced again, and this time it's back down to its lowest-ever price.

As of Feb. 12, you can find the Apple Watch 10 at Amazon for $359, saving you $70 on list price. This deal is for all available colorways (rose gold, silver, jet black) and without AppleCare+ added.

SEE ALSO: Apple Maps follows Google, relabels Gulf of Mexico as America

Style-wise, the Apple Watch 10 is the thinnest of the range so far but also has the biggest and most readable display. It also introduces Apple's first-ever wide-angle OLED display, meaning the watch remains clear and sharp when glancing at it quickly or from different angles.

If you're looking for health and fitness metrics, you'll be suitably impressed. Advanced health tracking includes ECG readings, heart rate notifications, and ovulation estimates. In the Vitals app, you'll find detailed overnight metrics such as heart and respiratory rates, and sleep tracking. It even includes alerts for possible sleep apnea. For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout app lets you track a whole load of activities, along with tools to monitor workout intensity and aquatic tracking with depth and water temperature sensors. And with 18 hours of normal use (and fast charging that gives you 80% in 30 minutes), the watch is perfect for all lengths of activity.

Some other notable features concern safety. Users get Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and a Check-In feature that automatically updates loved ones when you reach your destination.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal whilst stocks last.

Say goodbye to tight muscles with this massage gun deal

Mashable - 8 hours 15 min ago

SAVE $40: As of Feb. 12, the RENPHO Massage Gun is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a 36% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: RENPHO RENPHO Massage Gun $69.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Post-workout stiffness is no joke. And the only way to get through it is by stretching and rest. And, if you can be bothered, massaging your sore muscles. Enter the massage gun. A blessing and a curse, these can be used to stimulate blood circulation in your muscles with the use of deep tissue massage. If you've used one before, you'll know of its sweet relief/agonizing pain combo.

Using a massage gun offers a whole host of benefits for physical recovery and overall wellness. It helps alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness by promoting blood circulation and reducing lactic acid buildup. After a tough workout, using a muscle gun can speed up your recovery. Regular use may improve flexibility and range of motion, and prevent injuries.

SEE ALSO: The best massage guns in 2025

And as of Feb. 12 you can treat yourself to the RENPHO Massage Gun at Amazon for just $69.99. This model specifically provides fast relief from aches, stiffness, and tension with its five changeable heads and five speed options. It even comes with a travel case that fits the massage gun and all of its attachments together for on-the-go use.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy review: What if its great, but I hate it?

Mashable - 8 hours 53 min ago

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is set to premiere on Peacock. With the long-awaited fourth entry in the misadventures of its eponymous heroine, fans and critics alike have to ask: Is there any way to recapture the rom-com perfection that was 2001's Bridget Jones's Diary? 

Directed by Sharon Maguire, that magnificent movie adaptation of Helen Fielding's cheeky modern spin on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice not only boasted a classic love triangle but also the swoon-worthy trifecta of Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. Theirs was a (pre-Challengers) three-way chemistry so intoxicating that filmmakers gave it another go with 2004's Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, trying desperately to recreate the crowd-pleasing moments from the first film, from daffy duels to winsome confessions of love. The result was a commercial success, but a critical flop. (And before you decide to revisit it, be warned it has aged like an abandoned banana.) 

12 years would pass before Bridget Jones's Baby, which re-teamed Maguire, Zellweger, and Firth. (Grant's rakish Daniel Cleaver was temporarily killed off and swapped for a cocky, love-bombing American played by Patrick Dempsey.) While better reviewed and a box office success, the film series that followed Fielding's books was challenging its audience to accept something counterintuitive to its rom-com classification: There's no such thing as happily ever after. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy takes this idea even further, so brace yourself.

What you need to know ahead of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy:  Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Despite that hot kiss on a cold winter night at the end of the first film, Bridget Jones (Zellweger) and Mark Darcy (Firth) broke up for a portion of the sequel. And at the start of the third movie, he was married to someone else entirely! So, what does that mean for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Well — as readers of Fielding's novel know — Mark has died, and Bridget is a widowed mother of their two kids. So, this fourth installment moves even farther away from being the tale of Bridget and Mark's love, and is more about a woman of wit and wild impulses finding happiness in spite of everything the world throws at her. Undoubtedly, there's something beautiful about this, but fans who adore the first film's hopefulness might be hit hard by this sequel's blunt realities. I certainly was. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy offers another love triangle, minus Mark Darcy.  Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Directed by Michael Morris, this sequel begins four years after Mark Darcy died during a humanitarian trip to Sudan. In a charming house, Bridget Jones (aka Mrs. Darcy) raises her gentle son Billy (Casper Knopf) and headstrong daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic), with occasional babysitting help from her rascally old friend Daniel Cleaver (a deliciously saucy Hugh Grant). However, without a husband, she is once more the pitying prey of smug married couples at a comically awkward dinner party, so feels pressured to get out into the dating world again. 

A variety of pre-established friends pop up, bringing back dazzling supportingly players like Emma Thompson as wry gynecologist Dr. Rawlings, Celia Imrie as pesky Aunt Una, Gemma Jones as Bridget's fretful mum, Sarah Solemani as sassy TV presenter Miranda, and Shirley Henderson, James Callis, and Sally Phillips as Bridget's beloved besties Jude, Tom, and Shazzer. Everyone has advice for how Bridget should "move on," ranging from going back to work in television to hooking up with the hot young man who helped her out of a tree.

With a name like a Sex and the City beau, Roxster McDuff (Leo Woodall) is in his late 20s and deeply enamored with Bridget. But it wouldn't be a Bridget Jones movie without a romantic rival. Enter Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Billy's science teacher, whose brisk manner covers up a heart of gold. (Sound familiar?) But how is Bridget supposed to get caught up in a new love when everywhere she goes she still sees Mark (Firth, playing a memory)? 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a ruthless tearjerker.  Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Jane Austen didn't write sequels, so Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy's love was assumed to last without incident ever since Pride & Prejudice's publishing in 1813. Fielding wasn't about to put her beloved re-invented heroine on a shelf, so found fresh obstacles and romantic thrills for Bridget Jones across four books. Maybe there was a financial motivation here. But of all the movie's sequels that have come from Fielding's book series, Mad About the Boy is the most profound. It doesn't feel like just another go with Bridget and her boys. It pushes her to grow in meaningful ways outside of her wacky shenanigans. 

Don't mistake me. Bridget will still find ways to embarrass herself in front of a crowd, be it verbal explosions or an ill-advised beauty treatment. Yet to the credit of screenwriters Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer, and Abi Morgan, the grief over a partner's loss isn't swept under the rug, as if it's easy to keep calm and carry on. Instead, Bridget will carry on with cheek!

While Bridget doesn't weep, you will as she imagines Mark tucking their kids into bed with a smile and a song, or in her voiceover shares the ache of his absence. And to double down, her dear old dad (Jim Broadbent) has passed too, leaving her little protection against her mother's well-meaning but intense intrusions. On top of that, Bridget must parent her young son through the grief, as he wonders how faith in an afterlife fits into the life-cycle lessons he's getting at school. This sparks moments of outrage, softened by Zellweger's expert comedic performance. With all this loss and mourning — even amid the humor and sexual frolics — my face was awash with tears as I watched this movie. And it's left me torn. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy may not be the rom-com you might be expecting. Credit: Alex Bailey / Universal Pictures

Before you cue this up for Galentine's Day or Valentine's Day, know that it's not like its predecessors in one major way. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is not an unabashedly feel-good movie. In the original, a low point for Bridget was singing "All By Myself" in a melodramatic moment of self-pity. Things get much lower here. While there are a slew of callbacks to the first film, from characters to comedy bits to costumes, it's not a cozy retread like the previous sequels. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy offers comedy and romance, but also delves so deeply into grief that it's not a breezy watch. And honestly, I admire that. 

Grief is as certain as death and taxes, and yet Western society struggles with how to talk about it. That Fielding made Bridget the face of such loss is brilliant. There's an inherent lunacy in grief, where you can feel mad that the world carries on while yours has fallen apart. And who better to show us a path forward than the woman who's been mad in love and mad in heartache and mad in blue-soup making? There's a sense that if Bridget can make her way through the muck of mourning, then so too can we. And that is wonderful, even if it means this film series no longer strives to be feel-good. 

Even as the movie meanders to an indulgent runtime of two hours and four minutes, the filmmakers litter the path with treasures. Some of them are tearful, whether it's Bridget wishing for her lover or her father. Some are joyful, like Bridget playing with the children she pined for so intensely in the previous sequels. Some are salacious and silly, like an inspired set piece in which Roxster recreates Firth's wet shirt scene from the Pride & Prejudice miniseries. (IYKYK). 

And yet, there's a part of me that resisted the film, because I'm not ready to let go of Mark Darcy. Re-imagined as a dream man for a new millennium, he made a generation of women feel seen when he told Bridget, "I like you just the way you are." He was a beacon of hope in a sea of bad men. And there's so much loss in the real world, why take him away from us? Honestly, I resented Mad About the Boy as I watched it, not only because of my anger at the death of this fictional character, but also because Bridget's journey hit home, forcing me to recall viscerally the real-life losses I've endured. And while she was able to neatly — even charmingly – process this over the course of this movie, I still feel mad about the loss. So, I was not ready for Mad About the Boy.

As a critic, I strive to have an elastic empathy that might allow me to appreciate a movie, even when it's not "for me." And though I loved the first Bridget Jones so deeply that I still know much of it by heart, this sequel is not for me. Not yet. My pain is still too raw to take comfort in Bridget's latest diary entries. But I can recognize that. I must give credit that Fielding understood that through the loss of Mark, Bridget has more to give. She has been a wacky role model of self love. And by following her next chapter, we're offered a friend through some of life's ugliest moments. Just as she has handled disasters far less dire, she'll do it with a signature smile and a bit of wit.

Which is all to say that Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the best sequel of the batch. It's joyful, seeded with Easter eggs, and radiant with Zellweger back in full effect, but it's also a tearjerker that might well knock the wind out of you.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy premieres exclusively on Peacock Feb. 13.

Apple Maps follows Google, relabels Gulf of Mexico as America

Mashable - 10 hours 11 min ago

Apple Maps has quietly been updated to change the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" when viewed by U.S. users. This comes a mere day after Google made the same change to its own Maps app.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico within hours of his inauguration last month, proclaiming that it would henceforth be known as the Gulf of America. Yet while this changed the U.S. government's official position on the sea's name, Trump's order technically had no direct impact on corporations such as Google and Apple. The gulf is also not owned by any one country, being boarded by the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. As such, the U.S. does not have the authority to completely unilaterally rename the entire body of water for everyone internationally.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps has changed the Gulf of Mexico to America

Nevertheless, Google Maps made clear that it would adhere to Trump's renaming of the gulf, stating that it was following its "longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources." It made good on that promise earlier this week, with Google Maps adding the Gulf of Mexico's new Trump-mandated label in parenthesis when viewed from outside the U.S., and completely renaming it to the Gulf of America for those within it.

In contrast, Apple was more reticent on directly addressing the matter, having issued no statement on what it planned to do. Now it appears that Apple's approach to the gulf renaming issue is similar to Google's, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America after U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was officially updated.

Searching Apple Maps' macOS app for either "Gulf of Mexico" or "Gulf of America" directs you to the correct body of water, still labelled "Gulf of Mexico" on the map. However, the popup over it has now been amended to read "Gulf of America." Using the same search terms in Apple Maps' browser beta within the U.S. will also bring you to the right place, however it is relabelled "Gulf of America" on the map, while the sidebar and pin still reads "Gulf of Mexico."

Apple Maps' browser beta in the U.S., showing the Gulf of Mexico labelled as such on both the pin and sidebar, but labelled Gulf of America on the map. Credit: Mashable screenshot: Apple

In contrast, Australians searching Apple Maps' browser beta or its iOS app for "Gulf of Mexico" or "Gulf of America" are served the correct gulf, but both the map and sidebar currently still read "Gulf of Mexico." This may not be the case for long, though. Bloomberg reports Apple has stated that while it's starting with the U.S., it will soon roll out the name change for all users globally. It isn't clear whether that will mean a complete relabelling of the gulf, or simply adding "Gulf of America" in parenthesis as Google has.

Mashable has reached out to Apple for comment.

Apple Maps' browser beta in Australia, showing the Gulf of Mexico labelled as such on both the map and sidebar. Credit: Mashable screenshot: Apple

This isn't the first time Apple has amended its map to appease a country's government. The tech giant previously caused outrage in Ukraine when it marked Crimea as Russian territory in 2019, albeit only for people who accessed Apple's Maps and Weather apps from within Russia. At the time, Russia's parliament stated that "Apple [had] fulfilled its obligations and brought the applications on its devices in compliance with the requirements of the Russian legislation."

Trump's executive order may not impose a legal requirement that Apple alter how it labels the Gulf of Mexico/America. Even so, following the new U.S. administration's official stance is more likely to help endear Apple to Trump. And with so many big tech companies and CEOs now fighting to gain the president's favour, Apple probably doesn't want to be left behind.

Get an all-in-one AI tool for life for just £32.22

Mashable - 12 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just £32.22 (reg. £188.55).

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription £32.22 at The Mashable Shop
£188.55 Save £156.33 Get Deal

The free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.  

1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs £188.55, but you can get one on sale now for £32.22

What can you do with 1minAI

1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3. 

Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month. 

First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too. 

In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos. 

Your AI Swiss Army Knife

Put all your go-to AI tools in one place. Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for £32.22. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Are you looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing? No, we're not talking about F1. Unless you like regular pit stops, safety cars, and the same driver winning most weeks. We're talking about a form of two-wheel racing where anything could happen.

The MotoGP World Championship is where the real action can be found. Every week you see the best riders in the world go wheel to wheel with their rivals, throwing their bikes into corners with absolutely no sense of self preservation. It's an awesome spectacle, and it doesn't need to cost you anything to watch.

Want to watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is MotoGP?

MotoGP is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires.

SEE ALSO: How to watch F1 live streams online for free

The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Jorge Martín is the defending champion.

When is the 2025 MotoGP World Championship?

The 2025 MotoGP World Championship features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:

  1. Thai MotoGP — March 2

  2. Argentine MotoGP — March 16

  3. Americas MotoGP — March 30

  4. Qatar MotoGP — April 13

  5. Spanish MotoGP — April 27

  6. French MotoGP — May 11

  7. British MotoGP — May 25

  8. Aragon MotoGP — June 8

  9. Italian MotoGP — June 22

  10. Dutch MotoGP — June 29

  11. German MotoGP — July 13

  12. Czech MotoGP — July 20

  13. Austrian MotoGP — Aug. 17

  14. Hungarian MotoGP — Aug. 24

  15. Catalunya MotoGP — Sept. 7

  16. San Marino MotoGP — Sept. 14

  17. Japanese MotoGP — Sept. 28

  18. Indonesian MotoGP — Oct. 5

  19. Australian MotoGP — Oct. 19

  20. Malaysian MotoGP — Oct. 26

  21. Portuguese MotoGP — Nov. 9

  22. Valencia MotoGP — Nov. 16

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the MotoGP World Championship for free in 2025.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free

You can stream the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:

  1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

  4. Visit ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP races for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races without actually spending anything.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

  • 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

  • Impressive streaming speeds without buffering

  • 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 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2025 MotoGP World Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

38 of the best MIT courses you can take online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 53 min ago

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX.

You can find a massive range of free online courses from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world on edX. And we really are talking about famous schools, like MIT.

Online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX, including lessons on AI, Python programming, and other valuable skills. There's a lot to consider, so we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from MIT. You can thank us later.

These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

These free courses do not come with a shareable certificate of completion or graded assignments/exams, but that's the only catch. You can start learning at a pace that suits you, so there's nothing stopping you from enrolling.

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at edX Get Deal

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator