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With the AI race heating up between Big Tech companies and fast-growing startups alike, some companies may be violating antitrust laws in order to gain an upper hand on their competition.
At least, that's what both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are investigating.
Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia are now under a regulatory microscope after the DOJ and FTC struck a deal over the two agencies' roles in the AI-related inquiry. The FTC is also conducting an investigation into Microsoft over its dealings with Inflection AI, a generative AI company.
The Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia investigationThe DOJ will lead the investigation into Nvidia, the main provider of GPUs, the prime component in developing AI models. Nvidia is arguably the biggest winner of the AI race, as its products power pretty much all of the AI products that tech companies have been developing. Its stock has risen by more than 200 percent in the last year. Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple's market valuation when the chipmaker hit a $3 trillion market valuation this week.
However, the DOJ will be investigating Nvidia for potentially violating antitrust laws regarding how the company distributes chips to players in the market as well as its software practices that require customers to use their chips.
The FTC will take the reins when it comes to investigating Microsoft and OpenAI. Microsoft owns 49 percent of OpenAI, arguably the largest AI company in the world, thanks to the success of its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. Since then, Microsoft has tightly integrated OpenAI's technology into its own AI-related products. Furthemore, the deal Microsoft struck with OpenAI was allegedly structured specifically in a way to escape antitrust investigations.
FTC's investigation into Microsoft and Inflection AIWhile the Microsoft and OpenAI dealings are grabbing headlines as the larger of the investigations, FTC is also conducting a separate inquiry into another one of Microsoft's AI dealings for potential antitrust issues.
In March, Microsoft hired Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of generative AI company Inflection AI, along with nearly all of the company's employees. Microsoft also agreed to pay a $650 million licensing fee to Inflection AI for resale rights to its technology. If Microsoft had acquired the AI startup outright, the deal between the two companies would've been subject to review by federal agencies. However, it seems Microsoft may have once again structured a deal in order to avoid such oversight.
As a result of the FTC's inquiry, the federal agency could fine Microsoft and potentially suspend the deal between Microsoft and Inflection AI until it is subject to an antitrust investigation to assess its potential impact on the market.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back for more buddy cop action-comedy in the fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise. In 2020, directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah took the reins from Michael Bay with Bad Boys for Life, which made over $426.5 million at the box office. Now they're bringing us Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
In the fourth film, Miami PD detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett seek to clear the name of the late Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) when he's posthumously accused of corruption. Naturally, we can expect a ton of action and equally as many punchlines. Ride or Die also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Tiffany Haddish, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, and Eric Dane.
Here's a sneak peek:
Considering the newest film comes nearly 30 years after the initial Bad Boys, you might need to revisit the prior films to recall everything that went down. Technically, you could watch Ride or Die without seeing the first two films, but you'll at least want to watch (or rewatch) Bad Boys for Life to get up to speed.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the firs three Bad Boys films before heading to the theater.
When does Bad Boys: Ride or Die come out?The latest Bad Boys film makes its theatrical debut on June 7, 2024. For those keeping track, Ride or Die comes nearly three decades after the initial Bad Boys movie. The first installment hit theaters in 1995, followed by the second in 2003 and third in 2020.
Where can you watch Bad Boys 1-3 online?Want to catch up on the action from Bad Boys, Bad Boys 2, and Bad Boys for Life before heading to the theaters? Fortunately, all three films are streaming at the same place (unheard of these days!): Hulu. Subscriptions to Hulu begin at $7.99 per month, but there are deals available if you're eligible.
Can you get Hulu for free?Hulu newbies and some returning subscribers who haven't had an active Hulu account in a while can watch all three Bad Boys films for free using the very convenient 30-day Hulu trial. T-Mobile customers and students also have a couple options to score a free subscription. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Best for most people: Hulu 30-day free trial Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free one-month trial, then $7.99 per month Get DealIt's hard to beat a free 30-day trial. It's rare these days for a streamer to offer trials at all, let alone such a generous one. If you take advantage of the Hulu free trial (valid for new and some returning subscribers), you can easily watch all three Bad Boys films before heading out to the theater for the new one. Should you choose, you can keep your subscription going after the trial for just $7.99 per month for the plan with ads. Cancel before the trial is up and you'll owe nothing.
Best for T-Mobile customers: Hulu (with ads) included for one year Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get DealT-Mobile customers, if you're not already on the Go5G Next plan, this might be an incentive to switch. Customers on the Go5G Next plan get Hulu with ads included for no extra cost with their plan — and that's on top of the already stacked lineup of Netflix, Apple TV+, and MLB.tv. Head over to the T-Mobile website and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer if you haven't already. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu. After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.
Best for students: Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify / Hulu Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Free one-month trial, then $4.99 per month Get DealStudents wanting to watch Bad Boys 1-3 have a couple great options. Our favorite way is to sign up for Spotify Premium for Students, which not only offers a generous one-month free trial, but also includes access to Hulu with ads. After the trial period, it'll cost you just $5.99 per month for both Spotify Premium and Hulu. You'll have to actually prove you're a student, of course, by entering your .edu email address into SheerID.
Don't need a Spotify account? You also have the option to sign up for a student account via Hulu on its own for only $1.99 per month. There's no free trial, but you'll be able to watch all three movies for only $2 and then you can cancel at any time. That's 75% off the full cost of Hulu with ads.
Other ways to watch on HuluDon't fret if you don't qualify for any of the free options. There's still a way to save on a Hulu subscription, but it will require some commitment — a full year, to be exact. If you're only interested in catching up on the Bad Boys franchise and heading out, you can also just sign up for a single month of Hulu and cancel once you're finished your movie marathon. While you won't technically save any money this way, you won't waste any either. If getting the most bang for your buck is important to you, the Disney Bundle (which includes both Hulu and Disney+ or Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) can save you up to 49%. Obviously, you'll pay more overall, but you'll get access to two or three streaming services for one low price. It all comes down to your personal preference.
Best for long-term viewing: Hulu (with ads) annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription Free one-month trial, then $79.99 per year (save 17%) Get DealCommitting to a year of Hulu instead of paying monthly will knock the $7.99 per month cost down to only $6.67 per month. That saves you about 17% by just paying for a year in advance. If you're a new or returning subscriber, you may even qualify for a free month trial, which would then knock the price down to about $6.15 per month for 13 months. Better yet, with a long-term subscription, you can watch a whole lot more than just Bad Boys 1-3.
Best bundle deal: Hulu + Disney+ (with ads) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $9.99 per month (save 37%) Get DealFor those who want more for their money, the Disney Bundle remains one of the best streaming deals around. With the Disney Duo Basic bundle, you'll get access to all the content Hulu and Disney+ have to offer for only $9.99 per month — that's just $2 more than paying for Hulu on its own. Sports fans can also throw ESPN+ into the mix for $12.99 per month with the Disney Trio Basic bundle and save a total of 49%. While this may not be the best option for someone hoping to watch Bad Boys 1-3 and move on, it's definitely a great option for those who want access to the most content possible for the most affordable price.
Other ways to watch the Bad Boys franchiseWhile a Hulu subscription is the most obvious way to stream all three films, it's certainly not the only way to watch the Bad Boys franchise. For example, the first film is currently streaming on Apple TV+, but the other two aren't. The first two films are also streaming for free on Pluto TV, but the third one isn't. You also have the option of renting or purchasing the films on digital retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV, but it'll cost you.
Here's a brief rundown of everywhere you can watch each film — and how much it will cost.
Bad BoysStreaming on Hulu (free trial, then starting at $7.99 per month)
Streaming on Apple TV+ (free trial, starting at $9.99 per month)
Streaming on Pluto TV (free)
For rent at digital retailers ($1.74 at Prime Video)
For purchase at digital retailers ($5.74 at Prime Video)
Streaming on Hulu (free trial, then starting at $7.99 per month)
Streaming on Pluto TV (free)
For rent at digital retailers ($2.24 at Prime Video, $3.99 at Apple TV)
For purchase at digital retailers ($5.74 at Prime Video, $7.99 at Apple TV)
Streaming on Hulu (free trial, then starting at $7.99 per month)
For rent at digital retailers ($2.24 at Prime Video, $3.99 at Apple TV)
For purchase at digital retailers ($5.74 at Prime Video, $7.99 at Apple TV)
SAVE 18%: Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (43mm) for just $329.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $399.99. That's a savings of $70.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (43mm) $329.99 at AmazonWant to buy a new smartwatch but don't want an Apple Watch or a Google Pixel Watch? Why not try what Samsung has been cooking up? Right now, you can save big on a feature-rich Samsung smartwatch over at Amazon, which is on sale now for a great price.
As of June 6, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (43 mm) is down to $329.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of $70 and a discount of 18%. This price only applies to the black colorway right now, so if you want a different one, you'll need to pony up some more cash.
This model is much more similar-looking to a regular watch. You can use the rotating watch face to navigate your selection of apps, but otherwise it's not as easily identifiable as a smartwatch if that's something that matters to you. It does have plenty of the options you'd expect from one though, like heart rate tracking, sleep coaching, and heart rhythm scans.
Of course, it can also sync up with your other Samsung Galaxy devices and act like a regular smartwatch with communication capabilities. You can call, text, and all the other important things you'd expect from a smartwatch. So if you want a heavy-duty watch that's perfect for Android users, you can find it here with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Snag one while it's at a discounted price.
The Home Depot Father's Day sale has major markdowns across tools, grills, patio furniture, and large appliances. The best deals can save you up to $2,000. Check out our favorite picks for dad below.
The best Father's Day deals at The Home Depot Best tool deal M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Starter Kit with batteries and chargers $299 ($50, plus free tool with purchase of kit) Get Deal Best grill deal Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill in Bronze $389.95 at The Home Depot (Save $109.05) Get Deal Best lawn deal RYOBI 80V cordless riding mower $4,999 at The Home Depot (Save $2,000) Get Deal Best patio deal Hampton Bay Orleans outdoor sectional set $359.60 at The Home Depot (Save $539.40) Get Deal Best appliance deal GE 27-inch French Door Refrigerator with Internal Dispenser $1,398 at The Home Depot (Save $1,001) Get DealThe Home Depot Father's Day sale is here. Sure, it's a great time to get dad a gift, but it's also the best time to find deals for summer hosting. Your lawn and patio need to be in tip-top shape as you get ready for barbecues and summer movie nights.
If your tools and appliances are on their last leg, these deals are calling your name. You'll find BOGO deals on Milwaukee tools; save up to $1,000 on refrigerators; save up to $2,000 on a RYOBI riding mower; and more stellar deals. Plus, with the purchase of a Milwaukee battery starter kit, you can receive a Milwaukee power tool for free.
SEE ALSO: Score the best Father's Day 2024 deals that are already liveHere are the best deals to shop at The Home Depot this Father's Day.
Best tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee Our pick: M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Starter Kit with batteries and chargers $299.00 at The Home DepotThe start of summer is the perfect time to go through your tools, repair what you can, and replace what you can't. During The Home Depot Father's Day sale, Milwaukee is offering a free power tool with the purchase of a battery starter kit. The combo kit includes two 18-volt batteries and a charger is marked down to $299 for $50 off.
The tools you can score for free — yes, free — include Milwaukee drills, saws, and lawn care tools. To take advantage of this deal, add the battery starter kit to your cart alongside one of the tools included in the promotion and the discount is automatically applied.
More tool dealsDeWalt Atomic 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit — $169 $229 (save $60)
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit — $199 $299 (save $100)
Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $349 $399 (save $50)
Traeger is a leader in wood-fire grills. Powered by hardwood pellets, Traeger grills infuse food with delicious flavors, totally upgrading your barbecue. During the Father's Day sale, find the Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill in Bronze for $389.95, saving $109.05. With that 22% savings, you can stock up on back-up pellets or a grill cover.
More grill dealsNexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill — $199 $249 (save $50)
Weber Spirit E-215 Liquid Propane Gas Grill in Black with Grill Cover — $527.49 $577.49 (save $50)
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital WiFi Charcoal Grill, Griddle and Smoker — $697 $799 (save $102)
Traeger Ironwood XL Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker — $1,799.95 $1,999.95 (save $200)
Lawn care is an unending commitment in warm weather. You mow it, it grows, and on and on. Get the task done in comfort and ease with a riding mower. RYOBI, a maker of electric tools, makes an 80V riding mower that's available for $2,000 off for a 29% discount.
For $4,999, you'll get a 42 horsepower RYOBI mower. On a single charge it covers four acres, but the mower includes four back-up batteries.
More lawn dealsDeWalt 20V Cordless Battery Powered Foldable String Trimmer Kit — $179 $219 (save $40)
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Battery Pole Saw and 8 in. Pruning Saw Combo Kit — $199 $259 (save $60)
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless String Trimmer — $249 $299 (save $50)
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless QUIK-LOK String Trimmer/Blower Combo Kit with Edger Attachment — $359 $549 (save $190)
RYOBI 40V 20 inch Self-Propelled Cordless Mower — $399 $429 (save $30)
RYOBI 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Cordless Mower — $579 $599 (save $20)
Get ready for summer gatherings with a fresh set of patio furniture. If you're looking ahead to summer movie nights, the Hampton Bay Orleans outdoor sectional set is a comfy but chic choice. Best of all, it's majorly marked down to just $359.60, knocking $539.40 off the price for a 60% discount.
The set includes a sectional that comfortably seats five people. Crafted from eucalyptus wood, that's water-resistant and cushions that are fade-, spill-, and stain-resistant. A coffee table accompanies the sectional, because of course you need somewhere to keep your snacks.
More patio dealsHampton Bay Creekfield 3-piece Aluminum Modular Sectional — $269 $799 (save $530)
Hampton Bay Sunnymead 4-piece Metal Chat Set — $289 $599 (save $310)
Hampton Bay Laguna Point 4-piece Wicker Sectional — $549 $999 (save $450)
Big sale events bring big deals on big appliances. The Home Depot Father's Day Sale is no different, offering markdowns on Frigidaire, GE, and LG. The best deal you can find right now is on the GE 27-inch French Door Refrigerator with Internal Dispenser that's marked down 42% to $1,398, saving you $1,001.
The 27-inch depth gives you plenty of room for everything you need to store large and bulky items. The stainless steel is fingerprint resistant, safe from grubby hands looking for snacks. It includes an internal water dispenser with filtration as well as an ice maker, so you can bid farewell to those pesky ice trays.
More appliance dealsGE Top Freezer Refrigerator in White — $598 $749 (save $151)
LG Stackable Front Load Washer in White — $648 $899 (save $251)
LG Vented Stackable Electric Dryer in Black Steel — $798 $1,199 (save $401)
Frigidaire Counter-depth French Door Refrigerator in Brushed Steel — $1,198 $1,999 (save $801)
LG 30-inch French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker in Stainless Steel — $1,299 $1,665 (save $365)
Fans of The Hunger Games were hit with a one-two punch of good news on Thursday, June 6. Author Suzanne Collins revealed a new Hunger Games prequel, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, is on the way. Mere hours later, Lionsgate confirmed a film adaptation is already in the works.
SEE ALSO: Another 'Hunger Games' prequel is on the way and fans can't waitThe film is scheduled to premiere on Nov. 20, 2026, just a year and a half after the book comes out on March 18, 2025. Like 2024's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping will center on a pivotal Hunger Games from well before Katniss Everdeen's time. According to summaries from Scholastic and posts from The Hunger Games' social media accounts, the Games in question will be the 50th, otherwise known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Tweet may have been deletedHunger Games fans will immediately recognize the Second Quarter Quell as being the Games won by Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss and Peeta's mentor. The novel Catching Fire features a sequence where Katniss and Peeta watch the Quarter Quell, but that scene didn't make it to the screen.
Details about who is directing and starring in Sunrise on the Reaping have yet to come out, but a statement from Collins provides a deeper idea of the themes fans can expect from both.
"With Sunrise on the Reaping, I was inspired by David Hume's idea of implicit submission and, in his words, 'the easiness with which the many are governed by the few,'" Collins said in a statement. "The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question 'Real or not real?' seems more pressing to me every day."
Sunrise on the Reaping will open in theaters Nov. 20, 2026.
SAVE 18%: A certified refurbished Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) is on sale for $139.99. That's $30 off the usual refurbished price of $169.99, and $50 off the price of a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Certified refurbished Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) $139.99 at AmazonSummer is a great time to take it slow and enjoy a book on a lazy afternoon. With long evenings, it's the perfect time to dive into some of the summer's best reads. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, your reading adventures can take place on a discounted e-reader.
As of June 6, a certified refurbished Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) is just $139.99, marked down from the usual refurbished price of $169.99. That's an 18% discount or a savings of $30. A brand-new model costs $189.99, so this sale price on a refurbished model saves you $50.
SEE ALSO: Spend $35 on summer essentials and get $10 back at AmazonThe Kindle family of e-readers has grown in the last decade, but the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is Mashable's top pick. This model comes with 32GB of storage space for all your downloaded books, which can be perfect for long travel stints. There's also a 6.8-inch display that adjusts to the light around you for better visibility depending on the current conditions.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is also the only model to support wireless charging. But you won't have to do that often thanks to the long battery life that Amazon says can last up to 10 weeks. You're also free to read by the pool or at the beach with the Signature Edition thanks to its IPX8-rated waterproofing.
Amazon guarantees the quality of certified refurbished products, so you'll be getting a model that's been tested to look and work like a brand-new model. It also comes with the same warranty as a new model.
If you've been thinking about getting an e-reader for summer reads or to take along on summer vacations, today's deal on a certified refurbished Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition could be the beginning of a great summer. Grab this deal while it lasts.
Suzanne Collins knows fans aren't done with Panem and is reprising the series yet again. Today, the Hunger Games writer announced another prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, slated for release on March 18, 2025.
SEE ALSO: 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' didn't need that President Snow voiceoverThe new book will center on the second Quarter Quell, the games that Haymitch Abernathy (portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the movies) won. "With Sunrise on the Reaping, I was inspired by David Hume's idea of implicit submission and, in his words, 'the easiness with which the many are governed by the few,'" Collins said in a statement to AP. "The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question 'Real or not real?' seems more pressing to me every day."
Fans have longed for an announcement like this for years. Haymitch's backstory is so popular that a fanmade video of the second Quarter Quell uploaded to YouTube in 2011 garnered over 13 million views.
Tweet may have been deletedThe new book comes after the success of the movie adaptation of her previous prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The combination of the film and current events revitalized the Hunger Games fandom for Gen Z, and they celebrated Sunrise on the Reaping's announcement on X / Twitter.
One edited a popular meme format to read, "Shout out to Suzanne Collins fr, gotta be one of my favorite genders." Another wrote, "I am too damn seated" on an image of a girl surrounded by photos of Harrelson as Haymitch.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedSome fans skipped over the book news, instead anticipating the inevitable film adaptation, which was also confirmed for a Nov. 20, 2026, release date. Let the dream-casting begin!
Tweet may have been deletedOne X user shared a copypasta first posted by The Bear star Ayo Edebiri, "i'm seated. the theatre employees are scared and asking me to leave because "the movie doesn't exist yet" but i'm simply too seated." Even greedier fans insinuated they need a Finnick Odair (portrayed by Sam Claflin) prequel next.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedAs always, other fans leaned into the nostalgia of it all.
Tweet may have been deletedHunger Games joins Taylor Swift and Sex and the City in capitalizing on Zillennial childhood nostalgia.
The Watchers seems a classic Shyamalan premise. A simple but creepy setup, rich in spooky atmosphere, peppered with acclaimed actors, and surely promising a twist at the end. Perhaps the first twist — for those not paying close attention to the film's promotions — is that while M. Night Shyamalan is a producer on this tale of terror, it's his daughter Ishana Shyamalan who makes her feature directorial debut here.
After helming six episodes of M. Night's sinister TV series Servant, Ishana has adapted the A.M. Shine novel The Watchers into a film that feels at home in the cinematic world of boys who see dead people and aliens whose only weakness is water. But the toughest part of the reductive "nepo baby" label is how much more harshly one's work might be judged out the gate.
Can The Watchers — for instance — live up to the shock and awe M. Night offered with The Sixth Sense? Well, no. But some points of order: 1) That was his third movie, not his first. 2) Even he has struggled to top it, and 3) None of this negates The Watchers being a hell of a scary good time.
What's The Watchers about? Oliver Finnegan, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré, and Dakota Fanning are trapped in "The Watchers." Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesSet in modern-day Ireland, The Watchers centers on an 28-year-old American woman named Mina (Dakota Fanning), who is living a life of self-imposed isolation in a charming town. She has a job at a local pet shop, but is not introduced talking to customers or chatting with a coworkers. She's shown instead glumly vaping. Later, she'll blow off some steam by putting on a wig and hitting up a one-night stand with a fake identity, while ducking calls from her twin sister. She is alone on purpose, but soon will be forced to join a newfound family.
As she's tasked with driving through a deep forest, her car breaks down, leaving Mina to wander into the trees seeking help. Just like that, she's lost, and all she finds are three weirdos who insist she follow them back to their "coop" before dark and follow their rules — which include being locked in before nightfall. Within this unwelcoming cinder block shack, one wall is mirrored glass. In the dark night, it looks from the outside like a TV set, projecting light and the humble lives of its captives to whoever — or whatever — is watching.
Seeking an escape, Mina looks to discover the truth of the Watchers, but soon realizes that requires help from the others.
Ishana Shyamalan builds The Watchers on jump scares and atmosphere. Dakota Fanning looks into a mirror in "The Watchers." Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesBefore we meet Mina, Ishana Shyamalan's screenplay introduces us to a man already lost in the woods. Trembling, he finds an ominous sign made of human bones that warns this is a point of no return. The inevitable attack that follows is clichéd, as the monster pulls him off-frame with the man screaming and the creature unseen. But look, that works for a reason. Shyamalan smartly keeps the true shape of her Watchers off-frame or in the darkness for much of the runtime, a device that has worked since Jaws at building audience anticipation and stoking fear. Our own imaginations become the filmmaker's ally, filling in the blanks with our personal nightmare fuel until a clearer — and possibly creepier — picture develops.
This cold-open attack plays to slasher conventions, teasing the audience with a hint of the carnage to come, essentially whetting our appetites for terror. Best of all, it establishes the woods as a place of shadows, inexplicable cruelty, and horrific sounds. The chaotic noise that layers to create the Watchers roar is extraordinary, like something ripped from a thousand half-remembered nightmares. It cracks and screeches and rattles your bones. So, as soon as Mina loses sight of her car, your goosebumps rise in horrid expectation.
Jump scares get a bad rap because too often, they're the primary ploy to spook audiences. But Shyamalan uses them here to punctuate moments of terror. In between, she allows her characters to build tension through their fear, conflicting theories, and personal breakdowns. Essentially, jumps scares are but one instrument in her rock band of horror.
Dakota Fanning leads a strong ensemble in The Watchers. Oliver Finnegan, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré, and Dakota Fanning look to the door in "The Watchers." Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesAt first, Fanning being an American feels like a ploy to attach a Hollywood star to this horror film. But soon it's clear Shyamalan is using Fanning's nationality as a cue to Mina's sensibilities. Ugly Americans abroad have a garish tendency to be ignorant of traditions and superstitions. (See Midsommar!) So, in the mold of folk horror, who better to bumble into an ancient forest, where the residents believe in something peculiar and likely paranormal? True to the trope, Mina rejects belief in favor of rationalism. Then she exploits the emotional needs of her fellow captives to manipulate them into doing her bidding, a curious innovation in this subgenre where metropolitan outsiders are often doomed for their defiance.
Cleverly, such masterminding is paralleled within the movie in a fictional TV show called Lair of Love. Abandoned DVDs of the reality dating series allow the show to play in the coop as an almost comedic backdrop as Mina plots. It also echoes her predicament: watched by an audience who is obsessed with her but frankly is rooting for disaster.
While Mina might come off as cold in the face of the Watchers' gaze, her trapped scene partners aren't quite so cool. Gentle Clara (Barbarian's Georgina Campbell), who always has a kind word, is a people pleaser harboring a dangerous hope alongside a volatile heartache. Impulsive Daniel (Outlander's Oliver Finnegan) is a young man whose need for female approval is edged with a resentment of having no power over their situation. As for Madeline (The Northman's Olwen Fouéré), she carries a maternal air in her patient but stern tone and thick silver hair. She's been in the coop the longest, and so, while the others depend on her apparent survival skills, they also resent her composure and control.
Early on, you can see how these conflicts risk cracking open the curious cage in the middle of the woods. And the violent breaking noises from just outside the door are a visceral reminder that shivers your spine as the Watchers shudder at the door.
What's the twist of The Watchers? Olwen Fouéré and Dakota Fanning stick together in "The Watchers." Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesCynical moviegoers may want to outsmart Ishana's movie by searching for spoilers. And yes, there is a twist that's carefully hidden in the movie's trailers. But much like watching The Sixth Sense, there's so much more to this Shyamalan movie than its third-act shocker.
Ishana has built a moody horror offering that is not only satisfying in its folk horror framing, but also rich in character. Through flashbacks, Mina's story is carved out beyond her emotional barriers, but so too are those of her forest family. These scraps of who they were before the coop give a quivering vulnerability to the life-or-death games played within it.
As these harried hostages prepare for the inevitable escape attempt, Ishana delivers fresh tension and ruthless turns. Admittedly, the final act loses momentum in its eagerness to explain all the finer points of the movie's lore. You might well wish Ishana had more faith in her audience or her own storytelling.
Still, The Watchers is a sharply satisfying horror thriller thanks to a crackling cast, unnerving sound design, stomach-churning creatures, and an emotional story that offers far more than cheap thrills.
It's always a good day to save some money. And if tech is what you're after, Amazon has an abundance of deals that await you. We've already done the hard part and sorted through the noise to find you the best deals worth your money on June 6.
Without further adieu, here are the best Amazon deals of the day. And be sure to check out our picks from June 4 and June 5 if you missed them — many of those are still live.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Google Amazon deal of the day: Google Pixel Fold (256GB, Unlocked) $1,299.00 at AmazonGoogle's Pixel Fold is a pretty impressive entry into the folding phone category. As Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry wrote in his review, "The Tensor G2 chip impresses once again with fantastic performance, while its most foldable-centric features work like a charm. You even get a nice smartphone camera, as a little bonus." The one thing he had an issue with was its astronomical price tag at $1,800. Fortunately, as of June 6, the 256GB, unlocked version got a hefty $500 price drop. Snag this fancy folding phone for just $1,299 at Amazon while you can.
Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen) four-camera system $169.99 at AmazonOne of our top overall picks for a security camera, the Blink Outdoor 4 is a solid pick for anyone looking to keep an eye on their home without spending a fortune. It pairs seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, features customizable motion zones, and has a battery life that's hard to beat. Just pop in a couple AAs and you won't have to worry about swapping them out for two full years. As of June 6, a four-pack of these Amazon-owned security cameras is back down to its all-time low price of $169.99. That's 50% off, which means you're essentially getting four cameras for the price of two.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose S1 Pro+ wireless PA speaker $594.00 at AmazonThe Bose S1 Pro+ functions as both a wireless PA system and a portable Bluetooth speaker. It weighs just over 14 pounds and features a molded, ergonomic handle on top to make it easier to tote from your car into the venue. The rechargable battery offers up to 11 hours of play time, so if the venue is strapped for power sources, you'll still be able to pump out the tunes for an audience. When you're not on gigs, it can even double as a powerful Bluetooth speaker. Usually it costs $699, but you can grab it on sale at Amazon for $594 as of June 6 — that's its lowest price on record.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Cam with Floodlight $199.99 at AmazonThe Google Nest Cam is one of our favorite security cameras on the market and the floodlight version simply adds a motion-detected light on top of all the existing features of the Nest Cam that we love. Some of those features include two-way audio, built-in intelligence that can decipher between a person, vehicle, or animal, motion and sound detection, mobile and email alerts to keep you in the know, and the ability to share the stream via a public or password-protected link. It's regularly $279.99, but you can snag it on sale at Amazon for just $199.99 as of June 6. That's nearly 30% in savings and only $10 away from its lowest price on record.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
SAVE $200: The five-camera Blink Outdoor 4 home security system is just $199.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $399.99. That's a 50% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 wireless home security system (5 cameras) $199.99 at AmazonSummer vacation season is upon us. If you have a hard time trusting that your home and yard is safe while you're out camping for the weekend, it could be time to invest in a home security camera system that'll give you peace of mind while you're away. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can grab a five-camera system at a great price.
As of June 6, the five-camera Blink Outdoor 4 wireless home security system is just $199.99, down from the usual price of $399.99. That's a 50% discount, or a savings of $200. The sale price also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
SEE ALSO: Spend $35 on summer essentials and get $10 back at AmazonCheck in on your front door or backyard from anywhere in the world thanks to the Blink Outdoor 4 HD live view. The five camera system means you'll be able to cover all outdoor areas including the front door, the driveway, side yard, and backyard area thanks to the security system. All cameras are water-resistant, so you'll be able to safely set them up outdoors. They also have infrared night vision so you can see what's happening even if it's midnight.
They also come with enhanced motion detection, so you'll receive an alert when any of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras detect movement. Each camera is also equipped with two-way audio, so you're free to chat live with anyone who comes to the door through the Blink app.
Each camera in the Blink Outdoor 4 pack has a two-year battery life with the included AA lithium batteries, so you'll be set for over 700 days.
If taking a vacation often leaves you worried about the security of your home, grab the five-pack Blink Outdoor 4 wireless home security system and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
SpaceX's Starship showed stamina on Thursday, flying longer than ever before during its blistering return to Earth and even performed a key flip and landing burn before hitting water.
No injuries or property damages from falling debris were immediately known after the test.
Starship, a 400-foot-tall, super-heavy-lift rocket and spaceship, blasted off at 7:50 a.m. CT from SpaceX's private launchpad in South Texas. The test flight was the rocket system's fourth, broadcast on the company's website and X, the social platform acquired by the company's billionaire founder Elon Musk.
"It's safe to say she's getting a little beat up, but that's to be expected on a test flight," said Kate Tice, SpaceX's quality systems engineering manager, during Starship's descent. "We are still learning how to improve the ship for total survival and recovery of the high heat reentry."
SEE ALSO: SpaceX's Starship just had amazing firsts for spaceflight Tweet may have been deletedThe test comes a day after Boeing's new Starliner spaceship launched a pair of NASA astronauts into space for its first crewed test flight to the International Space Station. The legacy aerospace company's launch lagged four years behind the one for SpaceX's competing Crew Dragon capsule, perhaps giving the American public a newfound appreciation for SpaceX's engineering style and prowess.
Starship's one-hour test showed leaps in progress, achieving numerous objectives despite the atmosphere battering the ship before landing. The company has faced criticism for its previous test failures. Its executives insist that building fast, breaking expensive things, and learning from mistakes are all part of SpaceX's philosophy — in stark contrast with NASA's slower pace.
"Flight tests like today are the fastest possible route for us to dramatically improve Starship's capabilities. The Starship flying today has already seen a number of changes based on what we learned from flight test three in March, which was only two-and-a-half months ago," Tice said. "Development moves really fast here at SpaceX."
The primary goals of Thursday's test were for the spacecraft to survive the maximum heat of reentry and practice maneuvers to eventually be able to recover the Super Heavy booster. Credit: SpaceX screenshotThe primary goals of Thursday's test were for the spacecraft to survive the maximum heat of reentering Earth's atmosphere and to practice maneuvers for recovering the Super Heavy booster. SpaceX has incorporated a procedure called hot-staging, which involves reigniting engines while the craft is still attached to a partially lit booster, then returning the booster for a splashdown.
About nine minutes into flight, SpaceX teams erupted in whoops and applause as the booster successfully performed its operation, plopping into the Gulf of Mexico. It was the first time the booster had accomplished a soft water landing.
Starship then coasted for about 40 minutes in space at an altitude of 130 miles above Earth before trying a controlled reentry. The craft successfully flipped and initiated the engine burn before landing in the Indian Ocean, according to SpaceX's data, though camera views cut in and out during the descent.
A torrent of debris fell off the vehicle, as it appeared engulfed in flames, and the lens even cracked in the process. It's not clear yet how much of the ship was intact by the time it hit the water.
Overall, the test demonstrated enormous improvement over the third flight on March 14, when the extreme heat caused by air friction destroyed the ship early in its path back to Earth.
Tweet may have been deletedNASA will depend on Musk's rocket company to ferry astronauts to the lunar surface on a modified Starship for the Artemis III and IV moon missions under a $4.2 billion contract. To do that, SpaceX first has to master how to refuel its spaceship after it has already left the planet.
Three months ago, SpaceX flight controllers oversaw the transfer of several tons of liquid oxygen between tanks inside Starship. The demonstration was a preliminary test for in-space propellant transfers. In a news release, the company said the March demo was "successful," though it didn't elaborate on how much fuel it was able to move.
To make the rest of the quarter-million-mile journey to the moon, Starship would need to top off its tank. SpaceX plans to send up tanker versions of Starship into low-Earth orbit, establishing a space gas station of sorts. The passenger version of Starship would dock at a tanker to fill up.
Starship survived the maximum heat of reentry. Credit: SpaceX screenshotNASA seemed satisfied with the outcome of Starship's flight on Thursday.
"Congratulations @SpaceX on Starship's successful test flight this morning!" said administrator Bill Nelson on X. "We are another step closer to returning humanity to the Moon through #Artemis—then looking onward to Mars."
The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the anomalies that occurred during the test. It will then identify any changes SpaceX must make before it can fly Starship again.
Mail on iOS 18 is reportedly getting a significant AI-based update — and we're hoping to find out more about it at the upcoming WWDC 2024 event on Monday.
But so far, we can only rely on AppleInsider's sources, which claim that the Cupertino-based tech giant is planning on unleashing a gaggle of new features for Mail that will supposedly streamline the process of navigating one's inbox.
According to AppleInsider, there are three key features coming to iOS 18, the next big OS update set for later this year, that will benefit Mail users.
SEE ALSO: iOS 18 features: Every rumor we know so far, including AI iOS 18 Mail: 3 new features rumored for iPhoneWhich trio of AI-based Mail features are expected to roll out to iOS 18? Let's dive in.
1. Better search resultsRumor has it that the Mail app, thanks to Apple's on-device large language model (LLM) codenamed "Ajax," will provide more useful and varied search results. This is because these results will include data from Contacts and locally stored documents.
2. A new 'Smart Replies' featureAlso relying on Ajax, Appleinsider claims that the iOS 18 Mail app will have "Smart Replies," which will allow users to take advantage of instant AI-powered responses. This perk is also rumored to be available on Messages and Siri.
Similar to what you'll find on the likes of Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, AI-powered Mail will have the ability to adjust the tone of a message. For example, you can choose to make a text sound more professional.
3. Better email categorizationThanks to machine learning analyzing the contents of users' emails, Mail on iOS 18 should get major improvements to email categorization in a Gmail-esque fashion. Sources told AppleInsider that emails will classified under the following umbrellas:
News
Commerce
Promotions
Social
Transaction
Other
For example, email notifications about replies to your X post would fall under "Social" while your New York Times subscription will get categorized under "News."
For more details about what iOS 18 has in store for iPhone users, check out our oft-updated iOS 18 rumor hub.
SAVE $20: As of June 6, get two $50 Uber and Uber Eats eGift Cards for $79.99 at Costco. That's a 20% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Uber and Uber Eats eGift Cards ($100) $79.99 at CostcoEvery now and then we can all use a ride somewhere or a meal that we did not cook ourselves. Uber and Uber Eats can help make both of those wishes come true, and you can save some cash on gift cards that might your journey or meal a little cheaper with today's gift card deal at Costco.
As of June 6, get two $50 Uber and Uber Eats eGift Cards (a value of $100) for just $79.99. That's a 20% discount. You'll get both digital gift cards delivered via email, with a limit of one transaction per Costco membership. You'll need a membership to be eligible for this deal, but you'll only be allowed to order one pair of gift cards per membership. When your gift cards arrive, just redeem them on the Uber app.
SEE ALSO: Snag $100 in DoorDash gift cards for just $79.99 at CostcoThese gift cards apply to both Uber and Uber Eats. When you need a ride, Uber can take you wherever you want to go. Just enter a destination and you'll be picked up and taken there. Uber Eats has drivers deliver food to your door, or you can set up an order for pickup. Either way, you'll be able to get to where you want to go or benefit from the convenient food delivery service and enjoy some tasty food.
This is a great deal whether you're keeping the gift cards for yourself or giving them to someone else. Everyone loves convenience, after all.
SAVE $40: Place a delivery order from Home Depot with Instacart for $100 or more and save $40 with code SAVE40OFF100. That means you can save up to 40%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot Save $40 on Instacart delivery orders at Home Depot of $100+ enter code SAVE40OFF100 at checkout Get DealSummer days are ahead which means it's time to head to the backyard. If the garden is in need of some care or you're planning to take on some home improvement projects this summer, Home Depot is likely the store for you. And thanks to today's deal at Instacart, you could get great savings.
As of June 6, delivery orders of $100+ at Home Depot placed with Instacart are eligible for a $40 savings with code SAVE40OFF100. To cash in on the deal, add items that total $100 or more and enter the promo code during checkout.
Home Depot proves to be a life-saver when dealing with home improvements. From tomato plants to paint to light fixtures, it's a one-stop-shop for anything related to home or gardens. With today's deal at Instacart, you can save $40 on delivery orders of $100+ which also means you won't have to haul anything home. That bag of potting soil you've been eyeing but refuse to carry home on the bus can now be yours via doorstep delivery.
You can also use the deal to shop daily essentials at Home Depot like laundry detergent, replacement filters for your Brita water pitcher, or paper towels. If organization is a priority this summer, Home Depot stocks a huge selection of storage solutions like tote boxes and shelving units that are worth checking out.
If you've yet to snag the perfect gift for Father's Day coming up on June 16, this could also be a great time to get dad something special.
Place a delivery order at Home Depot for $100 or more with Instacart and save $40 to kick off your summer home projects on the right foot.
SPEND $35, GET $10 IN CREDIT: For a limited time, get $10 in Amazon credit when you purchase $35 worth of promotional items. Stock up on first aid essentials ahead of a busy summer.
Opens in a new window Credit: Neosporin / Liquid I.V. Spend $35 in home and health essentials, get $10 in Amazon credit Get DealWhether or not summer has officially started, the warmer weather is here. As we spend more time outside to catch rays and get some much-needed vitamin D, so come the less fun parts of the season: sweaty days, injuries, and so many bug bites — it takes a toll on the body. If your first aid cabinet has dwindled since last year, it's time to replenish with a credit-back deal at Amazon today.
As of June 6, when you purchase of $35 of promotional items at Amazon, you'll receive a $10 Amazon credit. There's no code needed to take advantage of this deal — just add the items to your cart and reap the benefits. The offer will automatically be added at checkout. You'll receive the $10 Amazon credit by email within 30 days of purchase.
SEE ALSO: Snag $100 in DoorDash gift cards for just $79.99 at CostcoThe promotional items are perfect to keep you feeling your best all summer long. Stay hydrated with delicious and electrolyte-filled Liquid I.V. Cuts and scrapes are bound to happen on long bike rides and hikes, so make sure you're covered with Neosporin and Band-Aids. And we all know how bad allergies have been this season, so grab some Claritin while you're at it.
Stock up on summer essentials so you'll thrive all summer long, plus get $10 in credit back for a limited time.
Apple has a good track record when it comes to security updates for its devices, but now we have the company's first formal commitment for its iPhone, and it sounds surprisingly short: five years of security updates.
The news comes from the UK's new Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulation, which requires companies that manufacture phones to provide support periods for their devices. Per Apple's filing, for the iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular, this is a "minimum 5 Years from the first supply date," with the supply date being Sept. 22, 2023.
The PSTI defines a "security update” as a "software update that protects or enhances the security of a product, including a software update that addresses security issues which have been discovered by or reported to the manufacturer."
As Android Authority and Google's VP of Engineering Dave Kleidermacher pointed out, this is less than what is offered by some of Apple's competitors. Both Samsung and Google, for example, provide 7 years of security updates and Android OS updates for their latest flagship devices.
That said, while it would've been nice to have a longer formal commitment from Apple, users probably shouldn't worry too much that their phone will become obsolete after five years.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 16: Every single thing we know so farApple typically offers longer support for its devices, especially when it comes to security updates for its phones. For example, in March 2024 the company released a security update for its iPhone 6s models which launched nearly nine years ago, in September 2015. The iPhone 6s models also had seven years of iOS updates, starting with iOS 9 and all the way through to iOS 15.
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