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Apple's got a new iPhone, but not the one you think.

On Wednesday, the company launched the iPhone 16e, which Apple CEO Tim Cook called "the newest member of the family."

This means the iPhone SE, which was widely expected for today, has been retired in favor of the iPhone 16e. And it's potentially a pretty huge deal. But first, let's talk about the phone itself.

The iPhone 16e has the same size as the iPhone 16, with a 6.1-inch OLED display but with a notch on top instead of the Dynamic Island, and just a single camera on the back. That camera is something Apple calls a 48-megapixel 2-in-1 camera system, as it doubles as a regular camera and a 2x telephoto camera.

No Dynamic Island on this one. Credit: Apple

Inside, the iPhone 16e has Apple's powerful A18 chip, as well as the Apple C1, which is the first cellular modem designed in-house by Apple. This also means that the iPhone 16e can support Apple Intelligence, just like its other iPhone 16 brothers.

Storage starts at 128GB, but you can also get the iPhone 16e with 256GB or 512GB of storage.

Battery life is going to be a big selling point for the iPhone 16e, as Apple claims that it has "the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone. Compared to the old iPhone SE, that's 12 hours more of battery life.

Apple iPhone 16e only comes in two color variants: matte black, and matte white. Credit: Apple

As far as colors go, you don't get a lot: The iPhone 16e is only available in matte white and matte black - an interesting choice given the far more colorful iPhone 16.

Other tidbits of note: The iPhone 16e is splash, water, and dust resistant. It has the Action Button (just like the other iPhone 16 models), and yes, it also has satellite connectivity.

So why is this launch a big deal? Well, the iPhone SE was always in its own limbo, doing its own thing, mostly unrelated to whatever the main iPhone lineup was at any given time. But the iPhone 16e signals that Apple might turn this late winter launch into a regular thing, with the iPhone 16e being followed up by the iPhone 17e next year, and so forth.

SEE ALSO: Is this the iPhone 17 Pro's design?

The phone itself is also more powerful than was expected, and more similar to the iPhone 16 lineup. This is another big change, and it means that from now on, there will always be a "cheap" but current iPhone you can choose if the main lineup is too price (remember, a new iPhone SE only showed up every couple of years, like a comet).

The Apple iPhone 16e starts at $599, and will be available for pre-order on February 21, with availability starting on Friday, February 28.

Developing...

Instagram wants to be your hub for messaging, a priority made all the clearer on Wednesday when it launched five new features with the help of global superstars JENNIE and Doechii.

Users can now translate messages in 99 different languages within their DMs. All you have to do is hard press on the message you want translated — similar to what you'd do if you wanted to reply, forward, or copy the message — and click "translate." You can also schedule messages up to 29 days in advance on Instagram DMs, a move that shortly follows the similar "Send Later" feature on iMessage.

SEE ALSO: How to speed up an Instagram Reel

Pinning messages is coming to Instagram DMs, too, and this feature doesn't seem to be directly inspired by one of Meta's competitors. Nice! Much like translating, all you have to do is hard press on the message you want pinned and select "pin."

You can share music in DMs now, too, which was launched with an IG broadcast from JENNIE and Doechii. You can find this by clicking the sticker icon in the bottom right of a DM and clicking the music icon.

Finally, in a move that's going to revolutionize stickers in dive bar bathrooms, you can invite people to a group chat with a QR code.

A few of these features have already been rolled out in some countries, but this announcement shows the testing was successful enough to roll them out globally.

Microsoft’s new “topological qubit” is not based on a solid, liquid or gas. It is another phase of matter that many experts did not think was possible.

SAVE $158.01: As of Feb. 19, get the Apple Watch Series 9 for $370.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $529. That's a discount of 34%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Watch Series 9 $370.99 at Best Buy
$529.00 Save $158.01 Get Deal

If you find yourself shopping for a new smartwatch, you can always count on the Apple Watch. The line has plenty of options to choose from, whether you need a reliable budget pick or the most rugged, fitness-focused pick Apple has to offer. But right now, it's also a good option if you want to save some cash, with the most recent non-Ultra Apple Watch on sale for an excellent price at Best Buy.

As of Feb. 19, get the Apple Watch Series 9 for just $370.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $529. That's $158.01 off and a discount of 34%.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

The Apple Watch Series 9 is still a fantastic contender, even with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the market. It has everything you need in a smartwatch, starting with its wide range of fitness features. Track your heart rate, sleep, workouts, and just about everything else you can think of with options for runs, swimming, and beyond. You can have your watch monitor a wide range of movements and report back to you so you can keep an eye on how your body's moving and all the measurements in between.

But beyond that, it can also handle all the normal day-to-day functions you'd expect from a smartwatch, thanks to its S9 chip and GPS, with IP6X certification against dust, and its waterproof build with up to 50 meters of protection. Call and text, pay for items, get reminders, listen to music, control your phone's camera, and much more. For all under $400, this is a great deal that you won't want to miss out on.

If you're ready to lock in a smartwatch, this is one of Apple's best at the moment, so make sure you grab one if you're ready to part with some cash – less than you usually would for this model.

It's time, folks: Apple Store is down in anticipation of a new iPhone.

This time, we know we're getting something today, as Apple CEO Tim Cook took the rare step to tease the launch beforehand.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," he tweeted last week.

That newest member is likely an affordable iPhone, though we're not sure about the name. Up until a few days ago, everyone thought it was going to be the new iPhone SE, but recent rumors say that it'll be called the iPhone 16E, potentially placing it at lot closer to the top of Apple's lineup.

SEE ALSO: Apple Maps may get paid placements as part of new ad strategy

In any case, now that Apple Store is down, the launch is imminent, so we'll see what Apple's got cooking in a couple of hours.

SAVE $585: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon with an on-page coupon for just $414, down from the list price at EcoFlow of $999. That's a 59% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station $414.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $585.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Life is full of surprises. Some are welcome, while others — like a surprise storm that knocks out power — are less of a thrill. If you've been dealing with outages during winter storms, or you have big road trip plans in the future, check out this deal on a portable power station at Amazon that will make life so much easier.

As of Feb. 19, the EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale for just $414 at Amazon with the on-page coupon. That's a massive savings of $585, or 59% off, compared to the $999 price listed at EcoFlow.

SEE ALSO: Snag the Blueair Blue 211+ air purifier for 25% off and get ahead of allergy season

The EcoFlow Delta 2 is all about massive AC output — we're talking about 1800W with 1024Wh capacity powerful. Those numbers mean the portable power station is capable of keeping 90% of your home's appliances powered up. EcoFlow breaks down the numbers for us further, explaining the Delta 2 can keep your refrigerator going for up to 14 hours, your WiFi router connected for 58 hours, or your phone recharged 89 times.

The output of the EcoFlow Delta 2 means it's a great thing to have around the house should the power cut out. But it can also be a wonderful option for those who have road trip plans, live the RV or van life, or those who camp often.

The Delta 2 is well-equipped with charging ports. You'll have six AC outlets, two USB-C, two USB-A, two DC ports, and a car charger. That means your family won't argue over who gets to charge their phone first on the single port.

The EcoFlow Delta 2 is also impressive when it comes to recharging. On AC power, the portable power station can charge to 100% from nothing in just 1.3 hours. Car charging also takes about the same time. With a solar setup, expect to get a full recharge in about 2.5 hours.

With the EcoFlow app, you can easily monitor the battery status and control which outlets receive power.

Say goodbye to nights spent in the dark during a power outage by equipping your home with the EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station. With the on-page coupon at Amazon, you'll be able to grab this powerful model for just $414 instead of the standard list price of $999.

SAVE $250: As of Feb. 19, you can snag an eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum mop combo for just $399.99, down from $649.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: eufy eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum mop combo $399.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

One of the best purchases I’ve made to date is on my robot vacuum cleaner. It’s helped me keep my floors at least semi-presentable with little beagles running around. If you’ve been holding off on getting a robot vacuum for one reason or another, I have 250 reasons why you should reconsider: The eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum mop combo is currently on sale for $250 off its usual price.

As of Feb. 19, you can score the eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum mop combo for just $399.99, down from $649.99, at Amazon (it’s the same price on the retailer’s website). That’s a $250 discount, or 38% off, and the lowest price we’ve seen it go for on Amazon since last November.

SEE ALSO: The 3 best Shark robot vacuums will make you say 'Roomba who?'

This little gadget is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop combo, which makes your life even easier. It has a self-emptying base and an auto-washing and auto-drying system for the mopping pad, so it takes care of itself in between cleanings. The eufy Omni C20 also lets you set no-go zones, scheduled cleanings, and custom cleaning patterns, all from the app on your phone (or via voice assistant, if that's your thing).

A24 has released the first teaser trailer for Bring Her Back, the next horror film from Talk to Me creators Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou. While the short clip may not give away much in terms of plot, it already serves the same sinister supernatural vibes that made the duo's feature directorial debut such a success.

I don't know where we're bringing her back from, who's asking to be let out, or why someone is begging to die. But I do know that it's probably going to be a very bad time for all involved.

Filmed in Australia, Bring Her Back stars Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), Billy Barratt (Kraven the Hunter), Sora Wong, and Jonah Wren Phillips (Sweet Tooth).

Bring Her Back will arrive in theaters everywhere on May 30.m

The company, which once enjoyed a surging stock price, struggled to turn its plans for electric and hydrogen trucks into a viable business.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 19, Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are just $49.99 at Woot, down from $99.99. That’s 50% off and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen. If you’re a Prime member, you also get free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $49.99 at Woot
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

I’ve gone through way too many budget wireless earbuds. Most of them sound awful, die after a few months, or refuse to stay in my ears. So when I saw Woot (which is run by Amazon, by the way) drop Samsung Galaxy Buds FE to just $49.99, I figured I’d give them a shot. It turns out they’re actually pretty solid.

First, they fit way better than I expected. Samsung’s new wing-tip design keeps them locked in place, which is a must for anyone whose earbuds randomly fall out mid-walk. They’re also surprisingly comfortable for long listening sessions, which I wasn’t expecting at this price point.

SEE ALSO: I can’t believe this 85-inch Hisense U7 4K TV is $900 off

The sound quality is great for the price, with a balanced mix of bass and clarity. They even have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which, while not on par with Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or AirPods Pro, still does a decent job at blocking background noise. If you need to hear what’s happening around you, Ambient Mode lets in outside sound without taking the earbuds out.

Samsung also includes Auto Switch, so they’ll automatically hop between your Galaxy phone, tablet, or laptop without needing to be manually connected. If you lose them, SmartThings Find can track them down, which is a lifesaver for anyone who constantly misplaces their tech.

At full price, these were a tough sell over more premium options, but for $49.99 at Woot, they’re an absolute steal. Prime members even get free shipping, so there’s no extra cost. If you need cheap but reliable wireless earbuds, now’s the time to grab them.

SAVE $115: As of Feb. 19, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are on sale for $134.99 at Woot, down from $249.99. That’s 46% off, and Prime members get free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $134.99 at Woot
$249.99 Save $115.00 Get Deal

I thought the Buds 2 Pro were already pretty great, but Samsung really went all in on upgrades with Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They’re now on sale for $134.99 at Woot, which makes this the cheapest price yet for Samsung’s most advanced earbuds.

First off, the AI features are wild. You can actually hear real-time translations through your Buds when using the Interpreter feature on a Galaxy phone. That means if you’re traveling or chatting with someone in another language, you’ll hear a translation straight through your earbuds.

SEE ALSO: I can’t believe this 85-inch Hisense U7 4K TV is $900 off

Then there’s the audio quality. Samsung upgraded these with SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, which support 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution sound. That’s audiophile-level quality in tiny wireless earbuds. When you pair them with a Samsung device, they also unlock 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel, giving you that immersive theater-like surround sound.

In a noisy environment? Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is top-tier. It’s supposed to be even better than the Buds 2 Pro, which was already excellent at blocking background noise. And if you take a lot of calls, the Super Wideband microphones make your voice sound way clearer by filtering out surrounding noise.

Battery life is also solid. With ANC on, you can playback for up to 8 hours, and with the charging case, up to 18 hours. The case also supports wireless and wired charging, plus fast charging, so you can quickly top them up when needed.

At $249.99 these were strictly for premium buyers. At $134.99 on Woot they’re a steal, although the international version means there's no domestic warranty, but I’m not too worried about this price. Prime members get free shipping, so if you want some of the best wireless earbuds out there, now’s the time to grab them.

SAVE $140: As of Feb. 19, Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are on sale for $89.99 at Woot, down from $229.99. That’s 61% off, and Prime members get free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro $89.99 at Woot
$229.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal

I’ve tested my fair share of wireless earbuds, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro still stand out. Now that they’re just $89.99 at Woot, this is hands-down one of the best true wireless deals I’ve seen in a while.

The sound is incredible. Samsung tuned these for Hi-Fi 24-bit audio, which means you get richer detail and better clarity than most earbuds at this price. Pairing them with a Samsung phone unlocks 360 Audio, which creates a spatial surround sound effect. Music, movies, and even calls feel way more immersive.

SEE ALSO: I can’t believe this 85-inch Hisense U7 4K TV is $900 off

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is no joke either. It blocks out everything from city traffic to loud office chatter. Even when you’re not playing music, turning on ANC creates a quiet bubble around you. And when you actually want to hear the world, Ambient Mode lets outside noise in without taking your earbuds out.

Samsung also nailed the fit. These are lighter and more compact than the original Buds Pro, and they sit snugly in your ears without feeling uncomfortable after long sessions. Plus, they’re IPX7 water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or a little rain ruining them.

Battery life is solid: five hours with ANC on and another 18 hours with the case. And if you ever need a quick boost, fast charging gives you an hour of playtime in just five minutes.

At full price, the Buds 2 Pro are premium earbuds. At $89.99 on Woot, they’re an absolute steal. If you’re looking for a great pair of ANC earbuds that sound amazing, now’s the time to grab them. Prime members get free shipping, so there’s no excuse to pass this up.

SAVE $200: As of Feb. 19, the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) is on sale at Best Buy for $1,099. This is 15% off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 13-inch iPad Pro $1,099.00 at Best Buy
$1,299.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

The Presidents' Day sale events have come and gone, but quite a few deals still remain. If you've been looking for new Apple products, in particular, you're in luck.

Best Buy still has a number of impressive deals still live, including on iPads. The powerful iPad Pro is even discounted. If you've been looking to pick up the tablet that "blew us away" in our review, this is your chance.

SEE ALSO: Every foldable iPhone and iPad rumor we've heard so far

The 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) is currently on sale for $1,099, $200 off its list price of $1,299. It even comes with some very nice bonuses to get you started: three months free of Apple Fitness+, up to three months of Apple Music for free, Apple Arcade for free for up to three months, and free Apple TV+ for two months.

The 13-inch iPad Pro comes with a sleek Ultra Retina XDR display and packs the powerful M4 chip for incredible performance. In our review, Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon said that "The new iPad Pro 2024, packed with the M4 chip, blew us away with its power efficiency, striking display, and breakneck performance." It even ranks in our list of the best iPads as the best tablet for professionals because it's "the most advanced option from the brand — or any brand."

If you're looking for a tablet upgrade, the iPad Pro is worth every cent. Don't miss out on this deal on the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) at Best Buy.

There are a few more Apple deals worth checking out right now, too. You can also save on the iPad Air at Best Buy and the Apple Pencil Pro has a nice discount at Amazon at the moment.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 19, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's 13% off their list price of $229.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $199.00 at Amazon
$229.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

While most Presidents' Day deals from the sale event are behind us, there are still some nice offers hanging around at a few of the big retailers. If you're on the hunt for new earbuds, Amazon's got quite a few discounts to look through right now, including a deal on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. These earbuds have gotten a 13% discount from their list price, dropping them down to $199.

Normally these earbuds retail for $229, so you're saving $30 on them right now. This deal applies to all of the available colors as well, so you can choose between hazel, wintergreen, porcelain, or vibrant peony. Amazon has them listed as a limited-time deal, so if they've caught your eye, you'll want to act fast to scoop them up at this price.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Apple, and more

Released just last year, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer a small, comfortable fit with a twist-to-adjust stabilizer that keeps them in place if you're working out. According to Mashable's Dylan Haas in his preorder guide, another new addition is Google's new Tensor A1 Chip, which "allows for much better audio processing and active noise-cancellation (apparently it's two times stronger than the previous Pixel Buds)."

This deal may not stick around for long. Don't miss out on $30 off the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 at Amazon.

Looking for even more earbud deals? You can also save on the Beats Studio Buds right now at Amazon and, if you're curious to see headphone deals instead, the Sonos Ace are back to their lowest-ever price there as well.

Spoilers ahead for Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy.

Praise the rom-com overlords, Bridget Jones is back for one final chaotic chapter. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is a moving adaptation of Helen Fielding's final novel of the same name, which sees Bridget (Renée Zellweger) coping with the untimely death of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Four years a widow, she embarks on a new relationship with a younger man, 29-year-old Roxster (One Day and The White Lotus star Leo Woodall), putting her on a new path as she navigates being a widow and single mother.

After meeting Roxster — while stuck halfway up a tree on London’s Hampstead Heath — Bridget approaches her dating life with more of a confident, liberated attitude than in previous films. While giving us full circle moments to the original Bridget Jones's Diary and its sequels, Mad About the Boy flips certain iconic moments on their head, with Bridget recognising modern shifts in cultural conversations around sex, dating, and relationships. For one, it's deeply refreshing to see how Bridget Jones functions in a relationship featuring an age gap — he's 29, she's in her 50s. 

Unfortunately, Mad About the Boy fumbles this representation, primarily in a rather regrettable key scene. Having built an entire film around Bridget Jones finding liberation while dating someone younger, Mad About the Boy makes the maddening decision to then have her apologise for it.

SEE ALSO: 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' review: What if it's great, but I hate it?

It’s been nine years since the last sequel, Bridget Jones's Baby, 24 years since the original movie, Bridget Jones's Diary dropped in cinemas, and 30 years since author Helen Fielding penned her first Bridget Jones column for The Independent. And yet, watching Bridget and Roxster’s relationship in the Michael Morris-directed Mad About the Boy, we must question whether the characters and storylines have moved on at all when it comes to looking at age-gap relationships through a nuanced, progressive lens.

Bridget's age-gap relationship is coloured with an unnecessary shame Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

The real problem with Mad About the Boy's portrayal of Bridget's age-gap relationship begins when it ends. After months of bliss and sex, Roxster abruptly ghosts Bridget. Eventually, he'll reappear, but she rebuffs his efforts to reconcile, deciding their different ages create too much distance between them. After all, he's navigating what he wants out of life, particularly his responsibilities, whereas she has many already, her children in particular. There’s a gulf between them when it comes to emotional maturity. So far, so understandable. But then the shame sets in, and the film reaches a disappointing moment for the protagonist.

When Bridget converses with her late husband Mark in her grief, she's understandably falling apart at the seams. But then she tearfully apologises for her "toy boy" dalliance. Sure, this moment is wrapped in the kind of guilt that accompanies grief, but it feels disappointing that Bridget isn't allowed to acknowledge her own sense of enrichment here. Instead, the last we see of Bridget reflecting on her romance with Roxster is during a late-night personal shamefest.

Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Bridget Jones is an undeniably iconic character when it comes to women’s empowerment, especially in sex, dating, and relationships, even in the face of the mistakes and progressive critiques we might now make of her. Over the years we have come to terms with the normalised sexual harassment and fat-shaming present in the books and movies, from bum-patting in the work lifts and Hugh Grant's Daniel Cleaver clearly abusing his power as Bridget's boss. And don’t get us started on the constant obsessing over Bridget’s weight.

So as the franchise moves into the 2020s, wouldn’t it have been amazing to see Bridget feel liberated despite age-gap relationship not working out, instead of apologising for it? Wouldn’t we have rejoiced if we’d seen her reflect on how her relationship with Roxster made her feel, instead of ending the storyline with stigma and shame? Grief and guilt over moving on is important to convey, sure, but it felt like the relationship between Bridget and Roxster was packed away as a mistake, not a compelling learning curve.

Hugh Grant and Renée Zellweger in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy". Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Sadly, this isn’t the only frustrating example of age-gap relationship stigmatisation in the new Bridget Jones movie. Grant’s return as the devilish Daniel is handled well, with his inappropriate behaviour dialled way back and more warmth and humour than ever before. However, beyond his role as Bridget's close friend and confidante, Daniel is portrayed as a tragic figure himself, a role explained as the result of his continued penchant for dating younger women — something that Bridget scoffs at, ironically. Despite publicly praising his younger girlfriend, he confides in Bridget about the lack of intimacy in his life, how lonely he feels. Why couldn’t Daniel’s relationships – whether with a younger partner or not – have also found a path of some form of contentment, instead of more shame? 

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renée Zellweger in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

The social script that dating someone younger is frivolous and ultimately leads to the older partner feeling ashamed of themselves runs through the movie, leading to Bridget’s ultimate ending being a romantic connection with teacher Mr Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor). That Bridget has to 'end up' in a relationship at all feels like a missed opportunity for rom-com disruption here, but the film seems to be explicitly championing our protagonist dating someone older than Roxster. Mr Wallaker's character is likeable, sure, but it’s hard not to eye-roll when the film decides the only way Bridget might find her happy ending is through a conventional relationship with a man her age — and that any other "dalliance" is something to be ashamed of.

Mad About the Boy had plenty of age-gap references to draw from Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Mad About The Boy’s lack of nuance and compassion towards a woman’s experimentation with an age-gap relationship is made all the more conspicuous by the fact that the theme has recently been dealt with in a much less problematic fashion across multiple movies. The Idea Of You, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, saw a 40-something divorcée have a steamy, adorable affair with a boy band star — with the social stigma acknowledged and explored — while Netflix’s A Family Affair used comedy to explore a relationship between characters of different ages played by Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron. The most sophisticated recent portrayal of an age-gap relationship, though, is Halina Reijn’s Babygirl.

Featured Video For You Halina Reijn explains 'Babygirl’s' trojan horse of sexual tension

It’s hard not to compare Bridget’s age-gap relationship with Babygirl, which has generated its own conversations around women dating younger men. It may be marketed as a salacious, sexually-charged age-gap relationship between Nicole Kidman’s Romy and Harris Dickinson's Samuel, but it's an exercise in dismantling shame and validating desire. Through their relationship, we see Romy explore and celebrate her own sexual boundaries and their age-gap relationship as a vehicle of sexual and emotional empowerment. This kind of finesse would’ve been revolutionary in Mad About the Boy if used to portray Bridget Jones' relationship with Roxster and the impact dating someone younger had on her sexual identity. Their dalliance didn’t need to last for life or completely define her – we know that the majority of relationships don’t – but the way in which it ended and the way Bridget navigated her feelings of rejection and grief could have honoured the lessons she learned from the relationship. Mad About the Boy comes close to doing so, but – ultimately – no dice.

Destigmatising age-gap relationships on screen is integral to female empowerment Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Sexologist and relationship therapist Madalaine Munro explains to Mashable that the way in which these age-gap relationship storylines are portrayed onscreen work to either strengthen or dismantle outdated stereotypes around female sexuality.

Munro adds that when done effectively, these representations can challenge "the pervasive fear that aging leads to irrelevance in romantic and sexual relationships" as well as reinforcing the idea that "it’s never too late for self-discovery, deep connection, and fulfilling relationships."Important relationship elements such as emotional intelligence, communication and mutual respect are foundational, regardless of age or gender,” she says.

“These storylines matter because they disrupt limiting perceptions about women’s sexuality, particularly in later life,” Munro explains. “When Hollywood handles these themes effectively, it helps shift cultural perceptions, offering audiences more expansive representations of love, sex and relationships beyond traditional norms. 

“However, when mishandled, such stories risk reinforcing harmful tropes, either fetishising or shaming older women’s desires rather than celebrating them as natural and valid.”

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy explores self-discovery through age-gap relationships but falls into a rather traditional trope of shaming a woman for her desires, and failing to view a non-conventional relationship as valuable in its own way. While we enjoyed seeing Bridget letting her freak flag fly, perhaps future rom-com heroines should be given the space to feel actually empowered by this experience, bringing less shame and stigma to these relationships, on and off screen.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is out now in cinemas and streaming on Peacock.

Employees from Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency are gaining access to vast amounts of information held by federal agencies, even as lawsuits try to stop them.

Duolingo killed its own mascot owl, Duo, in a headline-making marketing move on Feb. 11 that had the company selling Duo-sized coffins and dead Duo enamel pins. But whodunnit, really?

On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert pondered that very question during his "Meanwhile" segment (the one that captures the news outside the major events).

"Duolingo has announced the death of their mascot Duo the owl," Colbert began. "Adding: You killed him. You and your commitment to learning Spanish. Oh, you said you'd do one lesson every day and yet here we stand above the rotting corpse of a cartoon owl. Espero que seas feliz (I hope you're happy)."

You've got to hand it to Duolingo's marketing team — that whole murder strategy worked.

A small uncrewed spacecraft is buzzing the moon, with under two weeks remaining before its bold attempt to land on the lunar surface. 

Firefly Aerospace, a private company hired by NASA to deliver science experiments to the moon, just achieved another milestone on its mission. On Tuesday, its Blue Ghost lander, named after an exotic type of firefly, relit its engine in space to lower its egg-shaped lunar orbit. The burn, which lasted three minutes and 18 seconds, brought the lander within 75 miles of the ground. 

But the real treat was the footage beamed back to mission control of the moon's mysterious far side, only seen firsthand by 24 people, all Apollo astronauts in the 1960s and 1970s. The video, posted farther down in this story, captures heavily cratered terrain, speeding away as the spacecraft flies above. 

SEE ALSO: SpaceX is so close to turning its rocket headquarters into an actual city Firefly's Blue Ghost lander is carrying 10 NASA instruments to the surface of the moon. It will attempt to touch down on March 2, 2025. Credit: Firefly Aerospace

The far side is the hemisphere of the moon facing away from Earth. Because people never see it from our perch on Earth, that portion was once dubbed "the dark side." The confusing misnomer has led many to incorrectly assume the far side is shrouded in darkness. In reality, it receives just as much light as the near side. 

It takes about a month for the moon, some 250,000 miles away, to orbit Earth. It also takes the same amount of time for the moon to make one full rotation on its axis. This coincidence is why Earthlings always see the same lunar side.  

Prior to space exploration, many speculated the far side was an ominous region, a myth perpetuated by Pink Floyd's trippy "Dark Side of the Moon" album in 1973. 

Indeed the far side remained an enigma to humans, but only until October 1959. That's when the Soviet space program swung the Luna 3 probe around the moon. The spacecraft returned several grainy images that revealed a curiously different surface than that on the familiar near side, with vastly less splotches called maria, dark areas formed when meteoroids slammed into the moon and caused lava to emerge. The far side, on the other hand, is blanketed in more craters of various sizes and depths.

China became the first — and, so far, only — nation to land an uncrewed spacecraft on the far side during its Chang'e-4 mission in 2019. The moon itself blocks communication between mission controllers on Earth and the far side. But in 2018, China put a communication relay satellite in space about 40,000 miles beyond the moon that could exchange the signals.

Firefly's lander, originally scheduled to lift off in late 2024, is the first NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission of the year. The program has invested $2.6 billion in contracts with vendors from the private sector to help deliver instruments to the moon and send back crucial data. 

Blue Ghost is carrying 10 instruments for NASA, which has paid Firefly $101.5 million for the ride. The space agency wants to see a regular cadence of moon missions to prepare for astronaut-led Artemis expeditions in 2027 or later.

Mission control is targeting the Blue Ghost landing for 3:45 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 2. If all goes as planned, the spacecraft will find its struts on Mare Crisium, a plain made from an ancient hardened lava flow. This volcanic feature is not on the far side, but the northeast quadrant on the near side of the moon. The landing site is expected to provide insights into the lunar environment and test technologies for supporting future landings carrying astronauts. 

This is the mission trajectory plan for Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander. Credit: Firefly Aerospace graphic

Though there won't be any video of the spacecraft's actual descent to the surface, NASA and Firefly intend to broadcast commentary for the event, starting at 2:30 a.m. ET that morning. 

"Our available bandwidth will be dedicated to critical descent operations during landing, so (we) will not be streaming live video during descent," Firefly officials said on X, formerly called Twitter. 

Anyone who has tried it can vouch that landing on the moon is onerous. The moon's exosphere provides virtually no drag to slow a spacecraft down as it approaches the ground. Furthermore, there are no GPS systems on the moon to help guide a craft to its landing spot. Then there's the fact that everything is about six times tippier on the moon.

A handful of space agencies around the world have stuck a landing, but so far just one company, Intuitive Machines, has made the robotic journey all the way through lunar touchdown. Its craft landed sideways near the moon's south pole in February 2024, still managing to operate from its awkward position.

SAVE 50% ON ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: Avast Mobile Security is offering half off its annual paid plans for your first year so you can get better security for your Android devices at a lower price.

The best deals on Avast Mobile Security: Best for basics Avast Premium Security £42.50 (save 50%) Get Deal Best for advanced features Avast Gold One £69.99 (save 50%) Get Deal

When it comes to keeping your Android device protected, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. Viruses, ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and more float around just waiting to compromise your device, which is why it's so important to be equipped with reliable antivirus software to keep your device and all of the information safe.

From Norton to McAfee and more, there are plenty of options to choose from in 2025. If you're looking for a free mobile antivirus app to get you started, Avast Mobile Security stands out as a great pick for Android devices.

In fact, we consider Avast one of the very best free antivirus and security solutions for Android. In our rundown of the best Android antivirus apps, we said Avast "is filled with features that guarantees your Android will stay safe and your information secure. After all, Avast offers both real-time and on-demand scanning and easily checks the security of whatever WiFi connection you’ve logged onto."

If you take your phone's security seriously, you may want to consider a more premium option. Avast is currently offering a deal on its paid annual plans so you can get maximum protection against mobile threats at a minimum price.

Right now, you can score some of Avast Mobile Security's paid annual plans for 50% off for the first year. This includes Premium Security and the Avast One Gold, which are available for £42.50 for the first year and £69.99 for the first year, respectively. After that, Premium Security will automatically renew at £84.99 per year and Avast One Gold will automatically renew at £139.99 per year unless cancelled.

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

When it comes to combatting mobile security threats, Premium Security helps to block viruses, ransomware, and malware. It also monitors your apps for any suspicious activity, uses advanced firewall, stops webcam spies, helps you to avoid fake websites, and provides additional protection for your sensitive information. If you're looking for a little extra, Avast One Gold offers these benefits alongside an unlimited VPN (which masks your location for increased privacy). Avast One Gold plan also monitors your online accounts for any breaches, automatically updates your drivers, keeps an eye out for trackers from advertisers, and helps to clean up your devices.

Premium Security also offers coverage for 10 devices, compared to Avast One Gold which covers five. They're not the only plans currently on sale, though. Several Privacy products through Avast are also on sale, including the SecureLine VPN, Secure Browser PRO, AntiTrack, and BreachGuard, and a couple of Performance products are on sale: Cleanup Premium and Driver Updater. You can see each product currently on sale below and learn more about them on Avast:

• SecureLine VPN — £39.99 for first year (automatically renews at £79.99 per year unless cancelled)

• Secure Browser PRO — £17.50 for first year (automatically renews at £34.99 per year unless cancelled)

• AntiTrack — £24.99 for first year (automatically renews at £49.99 per year unless cancelled)

• BreachGuard — £19.99 for first year (automatically renews at £39.99 per year unless cancelled)

• Cleanup Premium — £27.50 for first year (automatically renews at £54.99 per year unless cancelled)

• Driver Updater — £19.50 for first year (automatically renews at £38.99 per year unless cancelled)

We even consider Avast's Premium Security to be one of the best antivirus software options, noting that "if you're keen to pay for an antivirus rather than rely on a freebie, this is a great option. And it covers a total of 10 devices." These plans from Avast Mobile Security are a great way to feel more secure on your devices while keeping some cash in your pocket in your first year.

Keep your Android device fully protected in 2025 and download Avast Mobile security for free today, and then consider one of Avast's premium plans for even more advanced security options.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, February 19, 2025:

AcrossPlantNet or iNaturalist, e.g.

• The answer is App.

British singer whose "Carpool Karaoke" video has over 250 million views on YouTube

• The answer is Adele.

Floral symbol in Buddhist art

• The answer is Lotus.

Parcel of land

• The answer is Tract.

Antlered grazer in Yellowstone

• The answer is Elk.

DownLove to pieces

• The answer is Adore.

Part of a flower

• The answer is Petal.

Remove, as a 2-Down

• The answer is Pluck.

Ctrl-___-Delete

• The answer is Alt.

Jokey suffix with "best"

• The answer is Est.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

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

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