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No, it's not a glitch. Taylor Swift survived the great war between TikTok and Universal Music Group.

Today (April 11), fans noticed her music returned to the platform just in time to promote her forthcoming album The Tortured Poets Department, out April 19. In January, UMG removed all the music it owned and/or distributed, including Swift's prolific catalog, from TikTok after negotiations between the music giant and the social media platform broke down over artist royalties.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department'

Swift is the only UMG artist whose music has returned to the platform. Other TikToks using UMG artists' music like The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny remain silent.

It's not all that surprising that Swift would become the exception to the rule. In signing with Republic Records (a division of UMG) in late 2018, she retained the publishing rights to her catalog as the primary songwriter. And when the singer released her last album, Midnights, she relied heavily on TikTok for promotion. She revealed the tracklist for the album in a series uploaded to the platform titled, "Midnights Mayhem with me." She has yet to post about Tortured Poets Department on TikTok.

But even during her music's dark period on TikTok, Swifties kept her eras alive on the platform, posting pitched-up versions of songs and covers.

Hopefully, Swift's move will help smaller UMG artists who rely on TikTok to promote music much more than the superstar get their music back on the platform.

TikTok and UMG did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

UPDATE: Apr. 11, 2024, 9:29 a.m. EDT Updated with new free tax filing deals.

It's that time of year again — tax season. File your taxes like a pro with 2023 tax software from TurboTax and H&R Block for up to half off.

Overview Best for self-employed people TurboTax Home & Business 2023 Tax Software, Federal & State $95.99 at Amazon (save $24) Get Deal Best for homeowners TurboTax Deluxe 2023 Tax Software, Federal & State $55.99 at Amazon (save $14) Get Deal Best for investors TurboTax Premier 2023 Tax Software, Federal & State $82.99 at Amazon (save $22) Get Deal Best for business or LLC owners TurboTax Business 2023 Tax Software, Federal $143.99 at Amazon (save $36) Get Deal

We're less than a week away from Tax Day on April 15 — but who's counting? This year is going to be your year to file stress-free and get your maximum refund because you'll have the advantage of tax software on your side. Make those dreams of filing before the deadline finally happen with a deal on 2023 tax software today. Prices on tax software are rising week to week, so don't wait.

SEE ALSO: How to file taxes for free online

We've gathered the best deals on tax software from Turbotax and H&R Block that are meant to shepherd homeowners, investors, the self-employed, and even those who just want something basic to give them a hand. Check out the best deals on tax software as of April 11 below.

Best tax software deal for self-employed people Opens in a new window Credit: Turbotax Our pick: TurboTax Home & Business 2023 Tax Software, Federal & State $95.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal Why we like it

When you're self-employed, you wear dozens of hats to keep your business running. Outsource your taxes to this software meant to help contractors, freelancers, small business owners, and others who are doing it for themselves. The software will help you find write-offs and reductions specific to your industry and create and e-file W-2s and 1099s for employees and contractors. This deal includes five federal e-files and one state file.

Best tax software deal for homeowners Opens in a new window Credit: Turbotax Our pick: TurboTax Deluxe 2023 Tax Software, Federal & State $55.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $14.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Taxes can get more complicated when you own a home or have high medical expenses. This software can help you navigate both of those financial situations and report charitable donations. It helps you identify more than 350 deductions and credits so you can rest assured you're getting your maximum refund. This deal includes five federal e-files and one state file.

Best tax software deal for investors Opens in a new window Credit: Turbotax Our pick: TurboTax Premier 2023 Tax Software, Federal & State $82.99 at Amazon
$104.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you trade stocks, buy bonds, or even own a rental property, a lot of tax minutiae comes with investments. This tax software will digitally hold your hand as you wade through reporting your stocks, bonds, ESPPs, and any money you may have inherited through a trust (lucky you!). The goal is to keep more of your hard-earned money; this deal will help you do so. It includes five federal e-files and one state file.

Best tax software deal for business or LLC owners Opens in a new window Credit: Intuit Our pick: TurboTax Business 2023 Tax Software, Federal $143.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $36.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Filing taxes as a small business owner can feel complex. Ease the process with today's deal on TurboTax Business 2023 Tax Software, Federal which will save you 20% off the typical price. This software is also designed for those who manage estates or trusts. The digital download includes five federal e-files and free product support for those in the U.S.

More tax software deals

• H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2023 with Refund Bonus Offer (Mac/PC Mailed Code) — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• TurboTax Deluxe 2023 Tax Software, Federal Tax Return — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)

• H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2023 with Refund Bonus Offer — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• H&R Block Tax Software Premium 2023 with Refund Bonus Offer — $59.99 $74.99 (save $25)

• H&R Block Deluxe + State with Norton 360 Premium — $44.98 $149.98 (save $105)

• H&R Block Tax Software Premium & Business 2023 with Refund Bonus Offer — $71 $89.99 (save $18)

• H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe 2023 with Refund Bonus Offer — $30.93 $39.99 (save $9.06)

• TurboTax Business 2023 Tax Software, Federal Tax Return — $143.99 $179.99 (save $36)

• CashApp State and Federal Tax Return — Free

• Turbo Tax Free Edition Tax Software, State and Federal Tax Return — Free

• Jackson Hewitt State and Federal Tax Return — Free

SAVE 20%: The Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat (3rd gen) is $199.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the normal price of $249.99. That's a savings of $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat (3rd gen) $199.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature can mean cranking up the heat in the cold winter months and blasting the air conditioning in the summer. That can also use significant energy, which can be a strain on both the monthly bills and the environment. If you've been brainstorming a useful way to celebrate Earth Day and lower your energy bill, today's deal on a smart thermostat could be a great gift to both your home and a greener planet.

As of April 11, the Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat (3rd gen) is $199.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the typical price of $249.99. That's a 20% discount or a savings of $50. Google mentions most people can install the Nest Thermostat in under an hour, and this deal extends to several colorways to match your home's decor.

SEE ALSO: Get a Google Nest x Yale smart lock for $70 off and never worry about losing your keys again

The Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat aims to keep your living space at a comfortable temperature while being energy efficient. The smart thermostat learns your optimal temperature and timing to create an ideal schedule for energy savings. You can set the Google Nest Thermostat's temperature on the device itself or through the Nest app. This also means you can control the temperature when you're away from home.

The Google Nest Thermostat also has an away mode that automatically switches on when you're not at home, providing even more energy savings. The Nest is also designed to monitor eligible HVAC systems, and it'll keep you informed about service reminders or if the filters need cleaning.

To sweeten the deal, Best Buy is throwing in a free three-month subscription to YouTube Premium and three months' access to Google One 100 GB.

If you're looking to save on energy costs, the Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat can be a great addition to your smart home. Today's deal brings the smart thermostat down to $199.99 just in time for Earth Day.

I didn't realize my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — hair flip — would elicit so much envy from my fellow travel companion. He proudly owns an iPhone 15 Pro, finding every chance he can get to tell me why his iOS device is better than my "Android trash."

However, when life got real — I'm talkin' using our devices in the wild, whether it's on a plane or in a foreign country — the iPhone 15 Pro struggled to keep up with my, er, "Android trash." As it turned out, it was the most convenient device for the most inconvenient hurdles of travel.

Here are three features that had my iPhone 15 Pro-owning travel companion seething with green envy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,149.99 at Samsung
$1,299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal SEE ALSO: 3 features Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 'stole' from iPhone 15 Pro Max 1. The 'palm gesture' to take hands-free photos

When I'm in a new country, I, of course, want to memorialize the experience. However, as an introvert, I absolutely detest the thought of approaching passers-by to take photos of me.

You can use the palm gesture to take hands-free photos on a Samsung Galaxy series phone. Credit: ViChizh / Shutterstock.com

Consequently, I brought a portable tripod (like this one) to take photos of me and my travel partner without pestering strangers. The problem is, once you place your phone on the tripod and step several feet back to capture the stunning background, how do you trigger the shutter button?

My iPhone 15 Pro-owning friend had to purchase an Apple Watch — that means spending an additional few hundreds for the Apple Watch SE, for example — to take hands-free photos, triggering the shutter button from his wrist.

I, on the other hand, didn't need an extra accessory. When I placed my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on the tripod, I simply employed the "palm gesture" (raising my hand to the camera). It recognized the gesture, and in a split second, it took a picture of us.

Oh, if only you could see the steam coming out of my travel companion's ears.

2. Use the S Pen to communicate with flight attendants

The window seat is the best seat in the cabin (argue with your mama), but it's also furthest away from the aisle where the flight attendants ask you questions.

You can scribble down your drink order with the S Pen Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This often means you have to shout over two passengers for the flight attendant to hear whether you want black tea, orange juice, soda or coffee.

While my travel companion had to yell over the drone of the plane to tell the flight attendant which beverage he wanted, I simply whipped out my S Pen and calmly wrote my drink order on the Galaxy S24 Ultra's display. (Keep in mind that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the only model in the Galaxy S24 series that features the S Pen).

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I then showed my scribbled drink order to the flight attendant, without even raising my voice, and everyone was happy. The flight attendant needn't struggle to hear what I was saying and I didn't need to shout at the top of my lungs.

Oh, you should have seen the frustrated sigh my travel companion let out.

3. 'Galaxy AI' to quickly remove unwanted objects

Galaxy AI is a set of, you guessed it, AI features that released alongside the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January. It includes cool features like Circle to Search (using the S Pen to circle objects in pictures to trigger Google to identify them) and Chat Assist (AI steps in to translate your texts while you're speaking to someone with a different language).

However, when it comes to taking photos while traveling, you're bound to have someone or something step into the shot to ruin it, whether it's a stranger's foot or a whizzing bird.

In this shot of the “SJO ¡Vive!” sign in Costa Rica, a tourist stood in front of the structure. No offense to him; I'm sure he's a nice guy, but we don't want him in the picture.

Use the slider below. Thanks to Generative Edit, now you see him, now you don't!

Left: Now you see 'em Credit: Jason England Right: Now you don't Credit: Jason England

My iPhone 15 Pro-owning travel companion would have to download a third-party app or use sort of photo-editing software to remove him.

However, thanks to Galaxy AI's Object Eraser feature, I can simply circle the photobuster and get him out of there in seconds.

Seethe, iPhone 15 Pro owner. Seethe!

Final thoughts

This isn't to say, though, that the iPhone 15 Pro didn't have its advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

For example, I was fuming when I found out that you can text your flight number to a friend or any other loved one, allowing you to track your flight details, including departing and arrival times, flight duration, baggage claim location, and more. (I couldn't do that on my phone.)

Other than that, while traveling, my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra showed that iOS device who's boss. My iPhone 15 Pro-owning travel companion found himself envious of my Android phone far more frequently than he had anticipated. Haha!

Google is making its AI photo editing tools free and available to more users — yes, even iPhone users.

On Wednesday, Google announced that Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light are available to Google Photos users, even if you don't have a Google Pixel 8 or a Google One subscription.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S24 to come with a new Google AI feature, and it's a cool one Google is making on-device AI for everyone

2024 is shaping up to be the year of on-device AI. Samsung went all in on generative AI with this year's batch of Galaxy devices, dubbing the Galaxy S24 the "first AI smartphone" and packing it with AI features. Even Apple is preparing to make a major AI announcement likely at WWDC this coming June. And Google's generative AI features on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were a selling point at its October event.

Previously, photo-editing tools like Magic Eraser (uses AI to erase unwanted objects in photos), Photo Unblur (automatically focuses blurry photos), and Portrait Light (adjusts the light source on photos) were only available on the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — or as paid features with a the company's cloud storage subscription, Google One.

Now, anyone with a Google Photos account can use these tools free of charge. Well, almost anyone since there are some limitations. For ChromeOS users, the device must be a Chromebook Plus with version 118+ or at 3 GB RAM. For mobile users, the device must be Android 8.0 or iOS 15 or higher. Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light will also be available on Pixel tablets.

Google also shared that it's giving Magic Editor access to any users with the Google Photos app (yep, Android and iOS). Unveiled at the Google Pixel event last year, Magic Editor gives users many of the same capabilities as Photoshop, but without the need for technical know-how. Using generative AI, users can move objects or edit certain areas of a photo by highlighting them.

Android and iOS users get 10 free Magic Editor saves per month on Google Photos, but you'll need a Google Pixel or paid Google One account for use beyond that.

Expanded access to Google's AI photo editing tools are rolling out on May 15 and you can download Google Photos for free on the App Store.

There's a new teaser for Yorgos Lanthimos' hotly anticipated Kinds of Kindness, and this time it mainly features the director's Poor Things collaborator Emma Stone dancing to Cobrah's song "Brand New Bitch".

The video is only 26 seconds — its main purpose is to confirm that the movie will be showing at this year's Cannes Film Festival, in select theatres on June 21 — but there's plenty of dancing Stone alongside shots of other famous cast members including Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.

Dearest reader, it is with great delight that we announce the arrival of Bridgerton Season 3's latest trailer.

From the looks of the trailer, the budding romance between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) is in full swing — although these two friends seem quite incapable of acknowledging their feelings. Instead, Colin endeavors to help Penelope find a suitor, with candidates including the dashing Lord Debling (Sam Phillips).

But as wallflower Penelope blooms in earnest, and Colin's feelings of friendship give way to something more, is there any hope of this pair getting together? Or will matters of the mind interfere with matters of the heart?

The first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 3 premiere May 16 on Netflix, and the last four on June 13.

Whether you're cleaning your Apple Watch band or upgrading to a new one, removing the band from the watch is a simple process that should only take a few seconds.

Regardless of the series of Apple Watch you have, the process for removing the band is the same. Note, according to Apple, that "bands for 38mm and 40mm cases are compatible with each other, and bands for 42mm and 44mm cases are compatible with each other." The sizes for your Apple Watch case and bands can be found on the back of your bands, but be warned: The text is really small.

Here are the steps to remove or change the band from your Apple Watch:

Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• Apple Watch

Step 1: Remove the watch from your wrist

In order to remove the band, you'll need to access the back of the watch, so take a deep breath and remove your device from your wrist.

Credit: Getty Images / hocus-focus

Step 2: Push down on the lock release button and hold

Both the top and bottom bands click into your Apple Watch using the same type of lock located on either side of the Watch. Push down on this lock button and hold it...

Credit: Mashable

Step 3: Slide the band out in either direction

While you are holding the lock button down, slide the band in either direction. It should slide pretty easily, but occasionally the band does not release immediately. If this happens, Apple suggests pressing down on the lock button again and ensure that you're holding it down firmly.

Credit: Mashable

Step 4: Replace your band by sliding the band back through the channel

Once the band is released, you can now clean it or replace it with another band. The text on the band — which denotes the size of the case on the top band and the size of the band on the bottom band — should face toward you as you slide it back into the watch. You should hear a click and feel the band lock into place.

Credit: Photo by Neil Godwin/MacLife Magazine/Future via Getty Images

Pro tip: Whenever I remove my band from my Apple Watch, I like to clean my watch with a little bit of rubbing alcohol or mild soap and a cotton swab.

The mountains of the ocean teem with otherworldly life.

A deep sea expedition along an expansive underwater ridge, focused on the area around Rapa Nui (Easter Island), spotted some 160 species never found before in this remote marine realm, including 60 species scientists think are completely new to science. A major goal of this mission — across the Salas y Gómez Ridge in the Pacific Ocean — is to identify places that should be protected from exploitation and the coming wave of deep sea mining.

The expedition visited 10 seamounts along the 2,900-kilometer-long (1,800-mile) range, though the greater range includes over 100 undersea mountains. Earlier this year, another Pacific Ocean seamount expedition off of Chile found perhaps 100 new species, too.

"The astonishing habitats and animal communities that we have unveiled during these two expeditions constitute a dramatic example of how little we know about this remote area," Javier Sellanes, a professor in the Universidad Católica del Norte Department of Marine Biology in Chile who worked on the expedition, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

Scientists captured the following imagery by lowering a deep sea robot, the ROV SuBastian, off of the Schmidt Ocean Institute's hi-tech exploration vessel RV Falkor (too).

A long "galaxy siphonophore," which is actually a colony of many organisms, spotted on a dive between 800 and 1,200 meters (2,625 to 3,940 feet) down. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute A moai on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), with the exploration vessel RV Falkor (too) in the background. Credit: Misha Vallejo Prut / Schmidt Ocean Institute An octopus perched on a seamount along the Salas y Gómez Ridge. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute A hydroid living on the northern flank of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute A squat lobster amid Chrysogorgia coral along the flank of an uninhabited island in the Salas y Gómez Ridge. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute

Ocean research organizations are now vigilantly documenting and mapping the deep sea. Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there.

"We always discover stuff when we go out into the deep sea. You're always finding things that you haven't seen before," Derek Sowers, an expedition lead for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Exploration mission, told Mashable.

The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. For example, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

From the total eclipse to a Civil War interview, host Josh Burstein takes us on a comedic journey through the week's top stories.

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'Civil War' review: Alex Garland's latest is more 'Men,' less 'Ex Machina'
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Spotify will let you use AI to create personalized playlists

What good is wearing a seven foot suit of armor if you're not at least going to throw a few shapes in it?

That was clearly the thinking of Fallout stuntman Adam Shippey, who according to series star Ella Purnell spent most of his time on set wearing in the outfit worn by Maximus (Aaron Moten) and the Brotherhood of Steel in Prime Video's new game adaptation.

The clip Purnell shares is only brief, but it does show Shippey busting out a solid floss on set. Solid work.

All episodes of Fallout premiere Apr. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 11 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 11

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, April 11, 2024:

Across"Beat it!"

• The answer is scat.

Sacred

• The answer is holy.

How anchovies are typically preserved

• The answer is inoil.

Pasta that's totally tubular

• The answer is penne.

Beat it!

• The answer is egg.

DownSend via FedEx

The answer is ship.

"Cup or ___?" (ice cream shop question)

• The answer is cone.

All by yourself

• The answer is alone.

Arranging in a knot

• The answer is tying.

One of 14 on a "roly-poly" bug

• The answer is leg.

Taking a screenshot on iPad has been a core feature since the first generation of Apple’s popular tablet, and for good reason. 

Whether you want to share a Twitter thread, save a receipt, or capture a moment of a video (for the memes), screenshots are an invaluable part of how we communicate today. Plus, it’s easy to do, and there’s more than one way to go about it.

SEE ALSO: iPad Pro 2024: 5 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet If your iPad has a home button

For the majority of iPads, the most common method for taking a screenshot is to press the home button and the top button at the same time. 

Total Time

• Less than 1 minute.

What You Need

• iPad

Step 1: Press the button on the top right corner of the iPad and the home button simultaneously.

If done successfully, you’ll see a white flash over the entire screen, and your iPad will save your screenshot to the photo library.

Credit: Apple

If you’re having trouble, you may get better results if you press the home button slightly before the top button, then quickly release both.

If your iPad doesn't have a home button

On iPads without home buttons, the process is similar. The only difference is that instead of the home button, you’ll press one of the volume buttons instead.

Total Time

• Less than 1 minute.

What You Need

• iPad

Step 1: Press the button on the top right corner of the iPad and the volume button simultaneously.

Credit: Apple If you don’t want to bother with button combinations

If pressing multiple buttons at once seems a little awkward, simply use one of the handiest Accessibility features on any mobile Apple device: AssistiveTouch. First you'll have to set up AssistiveTouch.

Total Time

• Less than 1 minute.

What You Need

• iPad

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to General.

Step 3: Click Accessibility.

Step 4: Tap Touch.

Step 5: Click AssistiveTouch.

Step 6: Tap the button at the top of the screen to turn it on.

After doing so, you’ll see a small virtual button appear onscreen that persists across all open apps. You can also use Siri and say “turn on AssistiveTouch” to get the same result.

Here's how to take a screenshot using AssistiveTouch.

Total Time

• Less than 1 minute.

What You Need

• iPad

Step 1: Tap the AssistiveTouch button at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Navigate to Device.

Step 3: Click More.

Step 4: Tap Screenshot.

You’ll see the same flash of the screen as if you’d done it the old-fashioned way, and your fresh screenshot will be waiting for you in your photo library.

More tutorials:

How to delete individual photos from a carousel on Instagram

How to change your camera tools setting on Instagram

How to use voice effects on Instagram Reels

How to disable Instagram embeds (and why you should)

How to post a photo to multiple Instagram accounts at the same time

How to clear your Instagram search history

How to post Live Photos on Instagram

How to delete individual photos from a carousel on Instagram

How to turn your social profiles into hubs for charity

How to create an "Add yours" story on Instagram

How to hide photos on Instagram without deleting them

How to see your 'Least Interacted With' on Instagram

With Donald Trump in the news this week for his shifting stances on abortion, The Late Show host Stephen Colbert took aim at the former president's recent video statements on Truth Social.

"In that video Trump was trying to stake out what he thought was a moderate position. He had previously floated the idea of a federal 15-week abortion ban, but he softened his position to this," says Colbert, before playing a clip of Trump outlining a proposal to let states determine their laws on abortion. "Then the next day, the Arizona Supreme Court campaign clown car into cuckoo-land." Colbert is referring to the reinstatement of an 1864 abortion ban in the State which makes abortion punishable by prison time.

"Trump apparently also has no clue how abortion works," the late night show host adds, playing a clip of Trump talking about Democrats supporting abortion "up to and even beyond the ninth month."

"It's true, way beyond, it's true," says Colbert, breaking out his trademark Trump impression. "I know a lady, she was nine months pregnant, went to the hospital, the doctor yelled 'push', then she comes out and – get this – wasn't pregnant anymore."

In the wake of Prime Video's highly anticipated Fallout series, fans new and old may be looking into diving back into the Wasteland to revisit the games that started it all.

The show itself, created by Westworld's Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, has come out to generally good reviews, with Belen Edwards' Mashable review saying it "takes some time to click" but "gets really fun."

The same can be said about the Fallout games, developed over the years by Interplay Productions, Black Isle Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and Bethesda Softworks. Each title offers a unique perspective on survival, society, and the choices that shape a world reborn from nuclear ashes. From the desolate plains of the original Fallout to the neon lights of New Vegas, here's a look at the best Fallout games that have left an indelible mark on gaming history and how they stack up in today's post-apocalyptic landscape.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' review: Video game adaptation is a wild nuclear Western

As you'll see below there are some notable exclusions to this list, mainly Fallout 76. While its current state is much better than its initial release, Fallout 76 represents a bold departure from the traditional single-player framework that has defined the Fallout series. Launched in Nov. 2018 by Bethesda Game Studios, the game forayed into an online multiplayer experience, aiming to blend the series' rich storytelling and world-building with the dynamics of an MMO (massively multiplayer online game).

However, upon release, the game faced criticism for numerous bugs, stability issues, and a perceived lack of content, which contrasted sharply with the deeply immersive single-player experiences found in its predecessors like Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. These issues and early disparagement of its subscription models and in-game monetization practices led to a rocky start. Therefore, its exclusion from this list is less a condemnation of its current state and more a reflection of its deviation from the core aspects that many fans and critics consider when defining the quintessence of the Fallout series.

While the quality of these games compared to each other is subjective, we've ranked the games in the series from "must play" to "you need to play this before you die." And if you're curious about some other off-the-beaten-path Fallout spinoffs, it may be worth checking out Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel or Fallout Shelter if you like a nice mobile game.

The best Fallout games, ranked5. Fallout 4 What if I told you another settlement needs your help? Credit: Bethesda Game Studios / Bethesda Softworks

Released in 2015, Fallout 4 is considered the Black Sheep of the Bethesda Softworks line of Fallout games. Offering significant graphical updates and gameplay mechanics, such as base building and a voiced protagonist, Fallout 4 takes players to a post-apocalyptic Boston, 10 years after the events of Fallout 3. While praised for its visuals and exploration, some fans feel it simplifies certain RPG elements the series is known for — instead favoring action and streamlined dialogue.

Nonetheless, its expansive world, crafting system, and the addition of settlements add layers to the franchise's formula, making it a divisive yet essential entry in the series.

How to play: Fallout 4 is now available to buy from Amazon or through Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam.

4. Fallout

This is the game that started it all. Developed and published by Interplay Productions in 1997, this version of Fallout, unlike its later iterations, is a top-down isometric turn-based RPG. Set in 2161 in Southern California, the player "The Vault Dweller" is set on a quest in a nuclear wasteland to find a water chip to save their vault.

Fallout revitalized the RPG genre in the mid-'90s with its innovative setting and mechanics, moving away from traditional fantasy to a post-apocalyptic landscape. Although we take it for granted today, Fallout's open-world and player-focused narrative outcomes were pioneering. Considered the "first modern RPG" when it came out— setting the stage for games with morality systems and perks — its influence extends beyond the franchise itself.

How to play: Fallout is now available to buy through Xbox and Steam.

3. Fallout 2

Building on the original's foundation, Fallout 2 offers a broader world filled with intricate quests and enhanced game mechanics. Released a year after Fallout, this time being developed by Black Isle Studios takes place 80 years after the first. You play as the grandchild of the Vault Dweller seeking a device to help save your small village.

Known for its clever writing, dark humor, and improved player agency, this sequel deepens the lore of the Fallout universe. The game remains a benchmark for combining narrative depth with open-world freedom, though its adherence to classic CRPG elements makes it a nostalgic choice compared to its more modern successors.

How to play: Fallout 2 is now avaible to buy through Xbox and Steam.

2. Fallout 3 This is a very green-looking game. You've been warned. Credit: Bethesda Game Studios / Bethesda Softworks

Cited as one of the best games of its decade, Fallout 3 is the first game developed under Bethesda after it had bought the rights from Interplay in 2007. Released in 2008, Fallout 3 massively shifts from its turn-based roots to a more immersive 3D first-person action-adventure game. Set in the year 2277 around the Washington Metropolitan Area (the DMV), players are forced to explore the Capital Wasteland in search of their father after he disappears from their home in the Vault.

Renowned for its compelling main quest, the introduction of moral choices impacting the game world, and the freedom to explore a vast, radiated wasteland. The game's atmospheric setting, combined with its mix of survival and exploration, cemented it as a cornerstone of the franchise, showcasing Bethesda's vision of open-world storytelling.

How to play: Fallout 3 is now available to buy from Amazon or through Xbox and Steam.

1. Fallout: New Vegas Credit: Obsidian Entertainment / Bethesda Softworks

Fallout 3 is considered the best game of its year but it's New Vegas that's considered the best game in the franchise. New Vegas is a spin-off of Fallout 3 that was developed by Obsidian Entertainment — which was founded by former Black Isle employees — and released in 2010. While not directly related plot-wise to Fallout 3, New Vegas follows "The Courier" through their journey through the Mojave Desert to track down the man who shot them. This quest for revenge will pit the player character against a variety of factions vying for control of what remains of the West Coast.

New Vegas is especially loved as to some, it represents the blend of old-school Fallout and perfecting the new formula created by Fallout 3. Its distinctive blend of humor, narrative depth, and the addition to some critically acclaimed DLC expansions sets it apart as a pinnacle of role-playing freedom and storytelling in video games.

How to play: Fallout: New Vegas is now available to buy from Amazon or through Xbox and Steam.

All episodes of Fallout premiere April 10 at 9 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

The landscapes of the fantasy game Guild Wars 2 are dotted with luscious plants, many of which, like the blue flax flower, are inspired by their real-life counterparts. This crossover between video games and nature inspired Aleks Atanasovski and Hannah Young, creatives at advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, to push the idea a step further and offer gamers an opportunity to grow their favourite game plants in reality, challenging the idea that gaming and nature rarely merge.

In theory, of course, everyone can just get a hold of seeds from plants featured in the game, and simply sow them in their garden — you could visit your local nursery for that. However, the idea behind SeedSaga's official collaboration with Guild Wars 2 is to use the popularity of the game to create a sense of a real-life seed planting quest beyond the screen.

SEE ALSO: Mashable's best games 2023: No, 'Baldur's Gate 3' isn't No. 1

"It's harnessing the gamer's love of getting merch from their favourite game, and having the opportunity to grow and nurture something like they would in the game, but being able to grow plants in the real world," Young tells Mashable.

In the spirit of the game, the SeedSaga packaging is branded in a way that transforms the seeds and planting instructions into a kind of treasure looted on a quest. It resembles an item you might find in your game inventory, emblazoned with an image of the plant taken from the game instead of a photo.

A SeedSaga-branded package containing flax flower seeds Credit: SeedSaga

In its first edition, SeedSaga offers seeds from three plants from Guild Wars 2: the blooming passiflora, flax flower, and a crimson sunflower, all native to the UK, where the project is currently limited to.

"Because games are inspired by real-life plants, [there is a huge] amount of plants in the game that are exactly the same as in nature," Atanasovski tells Mashable. "We made three bags, but we could have made one thousand."

The campaign’s first run is limited not only when it comes to the variety of seeds it offers, but also in the amount of branded seed packets it will distribute. Gamers interested in planting were asked to submit an application to the SeedSaga team, explaining why they'd like to have the seeds. Atanasovski and Young are still trying to shortlist the applicants, but they found some recurring patterns in the participants’ answers. As Atanasovski explains, the responses are "sometimes based on a relationship with nature, but also how it reminds [the applicants of] something about their loved ones. A few answers were like, “This flower makes me think of my girlfriend.” Or “This flower makes me think when we met in the game."

Much in the spirit of gaming, SeedSaga launched on March 2, 2024 via an in-game "nature walk" on Twitch led by streamer Maddie Mead, a.k.a. littlebunny_x and wildlife TV presenter and activist Nadeem Perera, who is also the co-founder of Flock Together. The latter is a birdwatching community that aims to connect young people with nature, and make the outdoors accessible to all. For Perera, the separation between gaming and nature is arbitrary.

"At the moment, the gaming world and the outdoor world are almost mutually exclusive when we talk about them. And I really don't think it needs to be that way," he tells Mashable. "I'm outdoors all the time, but I also play video games. None of them stop me from doing the other. So I really want to tackle this narrative and redefine what it means to be a gamer, as well as what it means to be a ‘nature person.'"

Credit: Guild Wars 2

To Young, humanity's ability to appreciate and benefit from nature is evident even in the video game space.

"In the gaming community, talking about nature is something that's really thriving at the moment," she says. "There are so many things on Reddit and Twitter where people are talking not about the games, like missions, or the quests that they're doing, but it's like spotting the landscapes that they're looking at, and appreciating them just like they do if they are on a hike in the real world."

It’s a common misconception that video games serve solely as escapism. But much like in art, nature depicted in games is more a representation of our environment than a separation from it. And as such, it makes sense that witnessing the beauty of nature in the virtual space can make us more curious about the natural world outside video games. Young, at least, seems driven by that very notion. 

"The things people talk about on Reddit are so breathtaking," she says. "It's so similar to how you might be outside and take in a forest or something really amazing in nature. And I think it's not a matter of gamers having one or the other. We just wanted to remind them about the feeling and the surprise that they were getting in games, they had that with nature as well."

SeedSaga is part of W+K's inaugural project for the Agency for Nature initiative founded by Glimpse and Purpose Disruptors, and was partially created as a response to research showing that Britain ranks last for nature connectedness in Europe, while UK Citizens measured lowest for their feeling of "oneness with the natural world."

TL;DR: RelaxMyDog is a streaming service with color, audio, and content focused on helping dogs relax, and it's only $23.99 through April 16 with code ENJOY20. 

It's rough when you come home to find your dog has been anxious all day. You could try to find something on Netflix that they could relax and listen to while you're away, but asking a human streaming service to cater to doggy taste might be barking up the wrong tree. 

The alternative is to find a streaming service for dogs, with shows that are designed to be appealing to all kinds of canines. RelaxMyDog video streaming could do just that for your furry best friend, and it may cost less than most of your other streaming services. Through April 16, you can get a three-year subscription to RelaxMyDog video streaming for $23.99 (reg. $125), with code ENJOY20.

A streaming service for dogs

This service gives your dog (and you) access to a looping feed of content tailored to help pups who are anxious, bored, or hyperactive. Color and audio are both designed for dog viewers, so the shows may look dull to you, but they could be stunning to the dogs in the audience. 

This subscription gives you access to unlimited streaming on one desktop or mobile device for three years. RelaxMyDog works with a variety of platforms including iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku, and Android devices. Or you can access it in your browser. 

Shows and music for anxious dogs

Playing fetch might wear your dog's body out, but this streaming service could help their mind relax. So the next time you have to go out, you could put on your dog's favorite show.

Until April 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a three-year subscription to RelaxMyDog video streaming for $23.99 (reg.$125) with code ENJOY20. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Relax My Dog Relax My Dog Video Streaming: 3-Yr Subscription $23.99 at the Mashable Shop
$125.00 Save $101.01 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal

TL;DR: This Electrothermal Vibration Massage Shoulder Support Belt is a wearable massager to help relax the muscles in your shoulder, and, through April 16, you can get it for $47.99 with code ENJOY20. 

Shoulder pain isn't easy to deal with. Even a little soreness could make it hard to raise your arms to cook, play with your pets, exercise, or enjoy your hobbies. However, you may be able to help soothe the pain with a little bit of heat and pressure from a convenient device you can wear on your shoulder. 

The Electrothermal Vibration Massage Shoulder Support Belt could help provide pain relief for your shoulder through adjustable heat and vibration settings. Normally, this wearable massager would be $199, but you can get it for $47.99 through April 16 with code ENJOY20. 

Don't shoulder the pain alone

The shoulder support belt is designed with three adjustable modes for heating and vibration, so you can customize your experience until you find a blend that's just right for your pain. All settings are accessed using the control panel and LED display on the side of the belt. That's also where you can check battery life, although the belt should remind you once it gets down below 5% power.

Though it might be comfortable and even help temporarily alleviate the pain in your shoulder, this device doesn't treat the underlying cause or heal the shoulder itself. It could be a great fit if you have chronic shoulder pain and want a quick way to help soothe the pain, or athletes could pop it on after a tough workout. 

Help soothe your sore muscles

Whether you're sore from work, the gym, an old injury, or your pain is a total mystery, you might be able to find some relief with this wearable heat massager. 

Until April 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get the Electrothermal Vibration Massage Shoulder Support Belt for $47.99 (reg.$199) with code ENJOY20. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Electrothermal Vibration Massage Shoulder Support Belt $47.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $152.00 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 16, the Digi Pen is a budget alternative to the Apple Pencil, and it's on sale for $31.99 with code ENJOY20. 

There are plenty of stylus options out there, but many like the Apple Pencil are expensive while others may not have the correct sensitivity for art, design, and other creative uses. Even handwriting could be difficult without a good fine tip. 

That's where the Digi Pen comes into play. This low-cost stylus has a 1.2mm fine tip and other user-friendly features like palm rejection, and through April 16 you can get one for $31.99 (reg. $99) with code ENJOY20. 

A low-cost Apple Pencil alternative

Write or draw with the Digi Pen's 1.2mm fine tip that's built to be durable and sensitive with pixel precision. Whether you're taking notes in a meeting or sketching a new project, this budget stylus could be a reliable tool that promises no lagging, skipping, or scratching. It's designed with palm rejection and a magnetic connection to help limit rolling, as well as a tilt function for drawing strokes of different thicknesses and depths just by tilting the pen. 

The Digi Pen has three power indicator lights on the side that tell you when it's time to recharge. That might be a while, though. Fully charged, it could run for up to 20 hours. 

Make sure to check that your iPad is compatible before you buy. This stylus works with a wide range of devices, but older iPads might not be supported. 

A stylish stylus for a low price

You don't have to have an Apple Pencil to do art on your tablet. 

You have until April 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get the Digi Pen on sale for $31.99 (reg. $99) with code ENJOY20. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Digi Digi Pen for iPad & Tablets $31.99 at the Mashable Shop
$99.95 Save $67.96 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 16, let your toilet clean, freshen, and even light up itself with the Clean Bowl UV sanitizing light. This automatic toilet cleaner also has a proximity light and an air freshener, and it's $19.99 with code ENJOY20. 

If you're looking for an alternative to turning on the overhead lights for nighttime bathroom trips, there's a gadget that might solve that problem and a few more. 

A light in the darkness 

The Clean Bowl UV sanitizing light is a clip-on toilet accessory designed with three functions: an automatic UV light that helps sanitize your bowl, an automatic air freshener, and a proximity-activated light. And through April 16 you can get this device for $19.99 with code ENJOY20.

It automatically disperses air freshener

This family-safe toilet attachment is built to be easy to install and work automatically. It's designed to detect movement within 6.5 feet, and then automatically activate the sterilizing light. It even releases a scent that can help keep your restroom smelling fresh. A bonus effect of the sanitizing light is that it can also serve as a nightlight, and it allows you to customize the color to cast your bathroom in a pleasant glow.

April 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get the Clean Bowl UV sanitizing light for $19.99 (reg. $39.99) with code ENJOY20. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Avenue Clean Bowl UV Sanitizing Light for Toilet $19.99 at the Mashable Shop
$39.95 Save $19.96 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal