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Following a much buzzed-about trailer, Alex Garland's political action thriller Civil War had its world premiere at SXSW last Thursday, garnering a slew of rave reviews. The reaction online since then — both to the movie itself and reviews out of the film festival — have been divisive, which might have been Garland's purpose.

Set during a second American Civil War in a not-so-distant future, the film follows four journalists (Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson) on a road trip through the war-torn U.S. on a quest to interview the president (Nick Offerman) before secessionist forces invade Washington, D.C.

SEE ALSO: 'Civil War' review: Alex Garland's latest is more 'Men,' less 'Ex Machina'

The A24 film doesn't open in theaters until April 12. But that hasn't stopped social media users from conversing about the film from the title alone.

With reviews out of SXSW confirming that the movie is about the power of journalism rather than politics, some on social are going to war over it.

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Maybe "going to war" is a bit hyperbolic. But having seen Civil War myself at its SXSW premiere, it's strange to see such opinionated takes ahead of its wide release. These divisive reactions might support Garland's point about the dangers of an "us versus them" mentality, whatever the politics. (Though personally, I found the film's apolitical approach unconvincing.)

To begin with, there was a lot of confusion about why California and Texas would team up in a civil war together.

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Others state that because the film's focus is on war journalism, any debate about the movie's politics is deliberately missing the point. Or they suggest that negative reactions to the movie's apolitical approach have drawn ire because Garland didn't validate the political stance of the viewers as they thought he should.

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However, some felt it was weird to release this film during an election year and not have anything to say but "both sides bad."

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Garland knows his film will be divisive; he admitted as much in his interview with The Hollywood Reporter saying that the film is intentionally "trying to create a conversation about political divisiveness" that "vilifies the other side." Whether or not that decision to stir the pot will be good for the film's box office remains to be seen. You'll just have to wait to see Civil War yourself.

Civil War hits theaters on April 12.

Some AI-generated videos will now require a label on YouTube

The policy was first announced by the company last November, but according to a new update from YouTube posted on Monday, the new policy and its required compliance tools are now being launched, and will continue to roll out over the coming weeks. 

"We’re introducing a new tool in Creator Studio requiring creators to disclose to viewers when realistic content – content a viewer could easily mistake for a real person, place, or event – is made with altered or synthetic media, including generative AI," says YouTube.

SEE ALSO: If you're buying the Kara Swisher book on Amazon, make sure it's not an AI-generated knockoff

YouTube is requiring that creators mark certain AI video content so the platform can affix an "altered or synthetic content" label on it. However, not all AI video content will need to be labeled.

An example of what the AI label looks like on the YouTube mobile app video player. Credit: YouTube

According to YouTube, this policy only covers AI digital alterations or renderings of a realistic person, footage of real events or places, or complete generation of a realistic looking scene.

YouTube also explains what type of AI-generated content is exempt. For the most part, these exemptions are minor alterations that were possible well before the generative AI boom of recent years. These include videos that use beauty filters, special effects like blur or a vintage overlay, or color correction.

Potential pitfalls from YouTube's AI labeling policy

There is one interesting and glaring exemption from YouTube's new AI-labeling policy: Animated AI-content.

According to YouTube, animated content is "clearly unrealistic" so it does not need to be labeled. The policy is meant to curb misinformation or potential legal issues which could arise from generated versions of real people. It is not meant to be quality control, warning users when low-effort AI generated junk starts playing on their screen.

However, as Wired points out, YouTube is arguably dropping the ball here because the policy leaves out the bulk of kids content, animated video.

Disturbing kids videos on YouTube have made headlines over the years and the company has made moves to deal with the problem. Often these appear to be pumped out as quickly as possible without any educational intent or even steps to ensure age-appropriateness.

Kid-oriented content on YouTube will be affected by this policy if creators push misinformation, because that would fall under the "realistic" portion of these new rules. However, bulk-generated AI animated junk, usually aimed at the youngest demographics, will not. And it seems YouTube is missing out on an opportunity to have this type of content labeled so parents can easily filter it out.

All-in-all, YouTube's new AI policy is a step in the right direction. Generative AI that could be misconstrued as real will be labeled, and uses of AI by filmmakers and creators to enhance high-quality content won't be affected.

Still, it doesn't appear that YouTube is yet dealing with the potential for low-quality, AI-generated content to fill the site and fundamentally change the platform. It may be forced to confront that reality, though, when and if it arises.

Everything old is new again, and this week's happy return belongs to Apple's iPod Shuffle. For several years, young folks have been repurposing Shuffles as hair accessories, brooches, and more, using the clips on the back of the devices to adorn locks and Levis alike.

Mashable's Elena Cavender prophesied the trend's growth in 2022, after a December 2021 video of TikTok creator Kira Lyn Vaden using Shuffles as hair clips earned more than 350,000 likes. And, though we may not have had it on our 2024 bingo cards, it's back and better than ever.

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One photo in particular has set off this year's Shuffle styling obsession, and it appears to have been originally posted to Instagram in 2019 by user Victoria Camaratta. The image has had brushes with virality in the past (it gained more than 21,000 notes on Tumblr in January 2021 and 123,000 like on X / Twitter in September of that year), but the current interest is even higher.

On March 13, X user @voguepearls posted the photo as part of a set titled "tech as fashion." That set was reposted by fashion influencer Dove Clarke, who added the note "this would have gone double platinum on tumblr in 2014." Clarke's repost gained more than 228,000 likes and versions of the image have since been shared on the feeds of large aggregate accounts on Instagram, including betchys (141,000 followers) and structuredmag (376,000 followers).

Now, the It girls are experimenting with the look. On March 14, pop artist Slayyyter posted photos wearing matching two blue second generation iPod Shuffles in her hair, wired headphones dangling from one ear.

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And on March 17, Instagram and TikTok creator Madeleine White posted images, reels, and TikToks of her fourth generation Shuffles hair clips in orange and blue. White captioned one of her posts, "Time to raid your parent's random electronics bag." Upon reading it, this millennial crumbled into a pile of dust.

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Gen Z's repurposing of Y2K tech has been well-documented by Mashable's Elena Cavender, and Gen-Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue explained the appeal in an interview with Mashable last year. "They're experiencing something they never got to," she says of her generation. "They're transporting back in time."

SEE ALSO: Gen Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue on 'childhood nostalgia-core' and the future of fashion

That growing interest in retro tech has led brands to repurpose it in modern accessories. Last year, for example, fashion brand Coperni teased a purse that doubled as a CD-player, and multiple consumer good lines incorporated flip phone imagery and iconography in their designs.

Nvidia has made bank on hardware for powering AI over the last few years. Now, it's set to potentially make more.

The computing company announced in a press release on Monday that its next-gen "Blackwell" chip is on the way. It's the follow-up to the H100 chips that are widely used to fuel things like ChatGPT in recent years, and according to Nvidia, Blackwell is up to 30 times more powerful and uses as much as 25 times less energy in doing so.

SEE ALSO: It's like ChatGPT with a body: Watch creepy demo of OpenAI-powered robot 'Figure 01'

Of course, these new chips can be used to do basically anything regarding computing, but AI is the big talking point in Nvidia's press release. Prominent tech figures like OpenAI's Sam Altman, Google's Sundar Pichai, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella are all quoted in the press release talking about how great Blackwell will be for AI.

And there are good reasons for that, given Nvidia's recent meteoric rise up the stock charts. While there was a minor market dip in response to this news, Nvidia's stock price has done very well for itself over the past year or so. Whether you care about AI or not, all the big tech companies (and investors) seem to believe it's the way of the future.

A new AI feature from Truecaller is taking on spam calls, which is tech we can get behind.

Per TechCrunch, the caller ID app released "Max," a setting that uses AI to filter out unwanted calls. The feature comes in an update for Truecaller Premium subscribers, which is only available for Android. So, the release is limited to Android users who pay $9.99 or more for the premium tiers. Due to Apple's closed ecosystem approach to app development, Truecaller functionality is limited and doesn't have a paid version for iOS.

SEE ALSO: Meta takes down massive 'Spamouflage' operation tied to Chinese law enforcement

Filtering out the deluge of unwanted calls is a welcome use of AI. According to the Federal Trade Commission, almost 50 billion robocalls were made in 2022. AI's ability to analyze and automate large amounts of data makes it an easy fit for roboblocking services like Truecaller. Recently, the app also announced Truecaller Assistant, which uses AI to field calls for you and determine whether to transfer the call to you.

Typically, Truecaller blocks calls by checking potential spam numbers against its database of known culprits. The AI feature works by automatically blocking all calls from unapproved contacts or numbers Truecaller's AI believes to be spam calls. Consequently, "there can be certain cases where some legitimate businesses may temporarily [be blocked]," said Vice President Kunal Dua to TechCrunch. But, users can unblock a number at any time, and Dua added that with this feedback, the service will improve over time.

For Android users who have a Truecaller Premium account, you can turn on Max by updating the Truecaller app to the latest version, and going to Settings > Block. From there, you'll see a new option for enabling Max.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga promises desert car chases, over-the-top villains, and War Boys galore — and that's just the trailer.

George Miller's return to the world of Mad Max centers on a young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy). As a child, Furiosa grew up in the idyllic Green Place, safe from the horrors of the desert wasteland beyond. But after the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) kidnaps her, Furiosa will spend her whole life trying to get back home.

By the looks of this trailer, her attempts to return involve allying herself with Immortan Joe (Lachy Holme), the lord of the Citadel who will become her adversary in Mad Max: Fury Road.

As if seeing Furiosa again wasn't enough, Furiosa's trailer is a thrill ride from start to finish. Big rigs crashing into towers? Hemsworth in full freak mode? Taylor-Joy channeling Charlize Theron? I'm more than sold — I'm already seated.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hits theaters May 24.

UPDATE: Mar. 19, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest wireless earbud deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just one day away, but that doesn't mean there aren't already a bunch of great deals you can start shopping immediately. From fitness trackers to spring cleaning devices, you shouldn't have any trouble finding big discounts on must-have items to welcome the changing of the season.

If you happen to be ready for a headphone upgrade, Amazon has a bunch of wireless earbuds on sale ahead of the event on March 20 — and no, they aren't all AirPods. If you want to save up to $70 on a pair of new buds across various big-name brands, check out our list below of our favorite wireless earbud deals that are already live before the Big Spring Sale begins. You might want to revisit this page after the sale officially starts, too, because we expect even more offers to be up for grabs.

SEE ALSO: Fire Tablet deals are aplenty during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Amazon Big Spring Sale wireless earbud deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

"We're not going to lie, it can be a little tricky to find more-than-decent ANC on a pair of budget earbuds. At their full price of $119.99, the Echo Buds already offer a fairly enticing price point for that criteria, but at $54.99, that's nearly unbeatable. Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote in his Echo Buds review, "Considering how much cheaper these are than other big-name ANC-enabled earbuds, it's pretty incredible that the ANC works as well as it does." You shouldn't expect Bose-standard noise cancellation, the touch panels can be a little too sensitive, and the battery life is just okay, but these are fair trade-offs for the money you're saving." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More wireless earbud deals

• JBL Vibe 200TWS — $29.95 $49.95 (save $20)

• Amazon Echo Buds (2023) — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Beats Flex wireless earbuds — $39.99 $69.95 (save $29.96)

• Anker Soundcore Space A40 — $49 $99.99 (save $50.99)

• JBL Tune 130NC — $59.95 $99.95 (save $40)

• JBL Tune 230NC — $59.95 $99.95 (save $40)

• Skullcandy Grind wireless earbuds — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)

• Jabra Elite 4 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4NC — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Jabra Elite 4 Active — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)

• Jabra Elite 5 — $89.99 $149.99 (save $60)

• Beats Studio Buds — $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Buds + — $129.95 $169.95 (save $40)

• Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)

• Google Pixel Buds Pro — $139 $199.99 (save $60.99)

• Sony LinkBuds S — $148 $199.99 (save $51.99)

• Jabra Elite 8 Active — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro — $179.95 $249.95 (save $70)

• Jabra Elite 10 — $196.54 $249.99 (save $53.45)

SAVE $20: The Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is just $39.99 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $59.99. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Amazon has an extensive lineup of Echo devices that make life at home just a bit easier. Paired with Alexa, these speakers and screens can provide tunes for a dance party, connect to the grandparents on a video call, or display your calendar so you're less likely to forget that important appointment. None, however, have the bragging rights of turning Alexa's voice into a dragon – except for one that happens to be on a major discount today.

As of March 19, the Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is just $39.99 at Amazon, down from the regular price of $59.99. That's a 33% discount or $20 off. Choose between the cute dragon or owl design to score this sale price.

SEE ALSO: Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?

The Echo Dot Kids takes Amazon's Echo smart speaker and turns it into a kid-friendly way to listen to bedtime stories (Ask Alexa to open Amazon Storytime), stream music, or ask for homework help. Alexa is designed to give age-appropriate replies and make sure no explicit songs reach young ears. Parents can also set daily time limits and check on activity through the Amazon Parent Dashboard.

Kids can set Alexa's voice to be a dragon's voice or an owl to match the Echo Dot's design. Kids can also call friends or family from the Echo Dot as long as they're parent-approved. The Echo Dot Kids also comes with one year of free access to Amazon Kids+ which contains videos, Audible books, and morning routines for kids to follow.

Introduce a helpful dragon or owl into your kids' daily routine with an Echo Dot Kids for just $39.99.

SAVE $300: As of March 19, get the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $399.99 at Amazon. That's 43% off its normal price of $699.99 and a discount of $300.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung M8 Smart Monitor $399.99
$699.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If you're ready to bring home a new monitor, bigger is usually better. You can get so much done on a larger screen, and it just feels better than using a smaller display. Especially if it comes equipped with smart features that make it feel like so much more than your standard-issue, pedestrian screen. Right now, you can save big on a Samsung monitor that checks all these boxes and then some.

As of March 19, the 32-inch Samsung M8 Smart Monitor is on sale at Amazon for $399.99. That's $300 off its normal price of $699.99 and a 43% discount. Notably, that makes it just $50 more than the Samsung M7 Smart Monitor, which Mashable's RJ Andersen recently reviewed and loved, and it comes with several other features the previous model doesn't have.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale tomorrow: Dates, the best early deals, and more

This crisp display boasts a 4K UHD 2160p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, 4.0ms response time, and a 178-degree viewing angle. Its ultra-slim body makes it the perfect addition to any desk, but it doubles as a fantastic-looking TV as well.

That's because of its suite of smart TV options. Connect it to WiFi and you can use Samsung TV Plus to watch free and live on-demand content without the need for a subscription service. You can also watch your favorite streaming apps straight from the display with Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other options to choose from.

That's why this monitor is such a steal at $399.99. If you're interested in adding another display to your home or just want a smaller TV alternative for an apartment or smaller room, this is one option you just can't beat.

The Dark Side rises in the first trailer for new Star Wars series The Acolyte.

Created by Russian Doll's Leslye Headland, The Acolyte marks our first live-action introduction to the High Republic Era — a time of peace 100 years before the Star Wars prequels take place. However, that peace is under attack by dark forces, ones which leave dead Jedi in their wake. A respected Jedi Master (Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae) investigates the murder spree, only to come face-to=face with a dangerous warrior from his past (Bodies Bodies Bodies' Amandla Stenberg).

The first trailer for The Acolyte is otherwise thin on plot details. But we do get blessed by scenes of The Matrix's Carrie-Anne Moss in full Jedi mode, promises of political intrigue, and a very foreboding look at what may be one of the first red lightsabers.

The first two episodes of The Acolyte premiere June 4 on Disney+.

A look at the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best budget deal Shark AI AV2501 349.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 deal Roborock Q7 Max+ $419.99 at Amazon (save $450) Get Deal

We can only assume that most anyone shopping for a robot vacuum is in it for the convenience aspect. And a majority of those people probably wouldn't complain about that convenience going a step further with self-emptying robot vacuum.

Automatic emptying happens each time the robot vacuum finishes cleaning and empties its onboard dust bin into a bigger canister inside the same dock it charges on. This relieves you of interacting with that ball of mystery debris that previously needed to be manually dumped into the trash. Depending on your cleaning routine and that particular dock's capacity, you could be off the hook anyway from six weeks to six months.

SEE ALSO: On the hunt for a cheap 4K TV? You have a ton of options at Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Once reserved for pricey botvacs as a new-fangled feature five or so years ago, self-emptying is now a super common, potentially super affordable addition, made even more accessible during sales like Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Below, we're tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals at Amazon currently live, organized around whether they also mop, and then listed in ascending order of price. Robot vacs from big brands like iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and Eufy have all made an appearance already, and we expect more as the sale runs its official course between March 20 and 25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 Max+ $419.99 at Amazon
$869.00 Save $449.01 Get Deal Why we like it

All of the deals in this list are good deals, but more than 50% off good? Only the Roborock Q7 Max+ can say that now that its regular sale price of $699.99 has a casual $280 coupon tacked on.

Of the handful of models Roborock released in 2022, the Q7 Max+ is the most elite of the hybrid series. It simultaneously vacuums with tenacious suction (4,200 Pa is pretty impressive under $500) and mops with water — except on carpet, where it will lift its mopping pads to keep soft floors from getting wet. Its dock holds the debris it auto-empties for seven weeks (or more) at a time. The Q7 Max+ has smart mapping to remember the layout of your home as well as virtual keep-out zones that you set in the app, cleaning for more than two hours before needing to return to charge.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale self-emptying robot vacuum deals

• Shark IQ AV1010AE — $299.99 $379.99 (save $80)

• Shark AI AV2501 — $349.99 $649.99 (save $300)

• Eufy X8 Pro — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

Self-emptying robot vacuum and mop combos

• Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus — $349.99 $649.99 (save $300)

• Roborock Q8 Max+ — $579.99 $819.99 (save $240 with Prime)

• Eufy X9 Pro — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni — $629.99 $1,199.99 (save $570)

• Roborock S8+ — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni — $1,099.99 $1,499.99 (save $400)

SAVE $10: As of March 19, save $10 on an Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Uber and Uber Eats Gift Card $90.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Planning on grabbing an Uber to go somewhere soon? Or maybe you order takeout regularly with Uber Eats. Whatever the case may be, saving money is always a good thing, even if it's just a little at a time. Right now, you can save on your next Uber ride or Uber Eats order by pre-paying with a gift card at a discount – or you can give someone else the gift of convenience.

As of March 19, you can save $10 off a $100 Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy. That's a 10% discount and a deal that's only valid for today. It doesn't apply to the other denominations currently, so if you want to snag this deal, you'll have to go large with a $90 purchase that nets you $10 in free Uber credit, essentially. This price applies to both the digital and physical gift cards, so you can either have your credits emailed to you or a physical card delivered.

You can apply the gift credit directly to your account if you opt for email delivery, or you can have it sent to your intended recipient. It works just like cash on Uber and Uber Eats, so all you have to do is apply the gift card and start using either service. It may just be $10 off, but Uber fees add up, and in this economy, any kind of savings is worth springing for. Don't miss this deal today, as it's counting down right now.

SAVE $100: Several models of the Apple Watch Series 9 are $100 off at Best Buy, including the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm), which is on sale for $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $299.00 at Best Buy
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you're a fan of the Apple family of tech products, you know they come packed with top-of-the-line features. Not only do they prove essential for everyday life, they play well with the other members of the Apple family. One of the only downsides to Apple products tends to be the steep prices, but thanks to today's deal at Best Buy, you can grab the Apple Watch Series 9 for a lot less.

As of March 19, several models of the Apple Watch Series 9 are $100 off at Best Buy. The most affordable option is the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) for just $299, down from the normal price of $399. That's a 25% discount. But you'll want to hurry because this sale price expires at 11:59 p.m. CT today. Plus, the larger and upgraded Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + cellular, 45mm) is down to just $429 should you need the option to stay connected without having your phone nearby.

You have options when it comes to fitness trackers and the right tracker for you comes down to personal preferences. But if you're an Apple user, Mashable recommends the Apple Watch Series 9 from the lineup of the best fitness trackers of 2024.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the brand's most recent addition to the watch lineup, introducing the double tap feature that lets you tap your index finger to your thumb to answer a call, play music, or open a notification.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 9 review: Upgrade for this key feature (no, it's not Double Tap)

The display is also brighter compared to the Series 8, with maximum brightness hitting 2,000 nits, which is especially useful as we head into bright spring and summer days.

Time's running out to score $100 off an Apple Watch Series 9. If you've been considering gifting yourself a nice treat to welcome spring, here's a great opportunity thanks to Best Buy's deal of the day.

There is a new AI tool that is designed to help keep cyclists safer as they navigate busy roadways. Velo's AI-based bike safety light "Copilot" (not to be confused with Microsoft's generative AI assistant) aims to do exactly that, as spotted by Ars Technica.

SEE ALSO: First impressions of Humane's Ai Pin: A very out-of-hand proof of concept

This little $400 gadget can allegedly tell you (via audio) if a vehicle is approaching or overtaking you, warn drivers who are coming on to you too quickly, and even record HD video in case you need it later.

It's got about five hours of battery life, per Ars Technica, but that should be fine for city cyclists, at least.

After the last few years of advances in car-based digital identification and warning systems, it's nice to see something for those who prefer to get around in a more environmentally friendly way.

The gadget is listed for sale now on the Velo website.

YouTuber MrBeast is entering the world of television, launching a new reality game show on Amazon Prime Video.

The massively popular creator, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has inked a deal with Amazon MGM to produce a competition-based game show called Beast Games. The show will host over 1,000 contestants vying for a $5 million prize — which Amazon says is the largest single payout in TV history.

Donaldson will host the game show, which will air in 240 countries and territories. He took to X to announce the news on Monday, writing, "I’ll reveal more later this year but let's just say, it’s gonna be an insane show."

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"My goal is to make the greatest show possible and prove YouTubers and creators can succeed on other platforms," MrBeast said in a press statement. "Amazon gave me the creative control I need to try and make it happen. I hope to make the YouTube community proud."

The show, Donaldson explained in an interview with creators Colin and Samir, "will look nothing like a normal game show." The finer details, including the format of the game show, are not clear yet.

"When MrBeast first told us about his concept for the show, we were blown away by his ambition to make Beast Games the biggest reality competition series ever," Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios, said in a press statment. Sanders also praised the team behind Los Angeles-based creator economy startup Spotter, including founder and CEO Aaron DeBevoise and COO Nic Paul, "for the introduction and kickstarting this journey for us." MrBeast has signed multiple deals with Spotter since 2020.

SEE ALSO: MrBeast warns followers about deepfake scam

With 245 million subscribers, Donaldson's YouTube channel, under the name MrBeast, is the most subscribed individual on the platform and second-most subscribed channel overall. His larger-than-life content includes many a stunt and giveaway, including a controversial recreation of Netflix's Squid Game, in which contestants around the world competed in the show's various challenges for a cash prize. This kind of audience is the stuff of Prime Video's dreams — especially when 10,000 people will show up in person just to buy a MrBeast Burger. MrBeast himself rakes in the cash, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars with each video on his social platforms, and making $600 million to $700 million per year — and recently testing extra revenue on X. It hasn't been revealed just how much Amazon is paying MrBeast for the upcoming series, but we're going to guess it's a lot.

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 March 19 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 19

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, March 19, 2024:

AcrossState in the Mountain time zone

• The answer is Utah.

Viral image

• The answer is meme.

Dangerous stuff to put in a microwave

• The answer is metal.

___ list

• The answer is todo.

Question asker during a trivia night

• The answer is host.

Down"Let me think, let me think ..."

• The answer is umm.

Many ancient shark fossils

• The answer is teeth.

Response to "Are not!"

• The answer is amtoo.

The face of change?

• The answer is heads.

Parking area

• The answer is lot.

It's important to stay secure when browsing online, and while you can take measures to be aware of where you're browsing and what you're doing, using a VPN is the best way to guarantee your cybersecurity.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure. Try thinking about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

A good quality VPN will block any nefarious traffic coming your way, while also keeping your browsing history private from your ISP and anyone else trying to snoop on your activities. Using a VPN also means you can conduct activities such as checking your online banking while connected to public WiFi, without worrying that you're leaking valuable information. 

If you're looking for a VPN for Windows, you'll need a fast service that remains secure. A "no logs" policy and a kill switch are also vital. These ensure that your VPN doesn't track what you do, and that your connection drops if the VPN connection fails, respectively. For Windows 10, it's also useful to have an app that's simple to use.

What is the best VPN for Windows?

We have tracked down all the best VPNs for Windows 10, and stuck to VPN services that have apps that are easy to get to grips with, while still offering advanced features for those who want to dip under the surface to make tweaks. You can pick from leading services like CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access, and ExpressVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Windows in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you're totally unfamiliar with virtual private networks, or VPNs, this is probably a good time to get to know the increasingly popular cybersecurity services.

There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a VPN, including but not limited to masking all of your internet traffic or accessing services that may be blocked in a particular location. If you want to get the most out of the internet these days, a VPN is absolutely essential.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address, meaning that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

VPNs act like encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for privacy and anonymity?

Deciding that you need a VPN is the easy part, but which VPN should you pick, and which ones can you trust? Search for a VPN online and dozens of results appear, so choosing the best service can be tricky. It requires a lot of research, and you should absolutely do your homework before committing to anything.

The good news is that we have done a lot of the hard work to help you in your search for a VPN, and tracked down examples of great services that secure your data, hide your activity, and bypass online restrictions. You can pick from leading services like PureVPN, NordVPN, TunnelBear, and more.

These are the best VPNs for online privacy in 2024.

Sending your car to automatically park itself is boring.

Banishing your car to the parking realm until it's summoned again — now that's exciting!

On Sunday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced major improvements coming to Summon and Autopark. The first is the feature that summons your car from your garage or parking spot to your location, while the other is the one that automatically parks your vehicle; both are available as part of Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot set of features which can be purchased as software upgrade for Tesla cars.

Musk, however, unveiled another change that's apparently coming: Autopark will henceforth be called Banish.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Major improvements coming for Summon & Banish (Autopark) next month," he tweeted, without sharing any additional details.

The news delighted some of the commenters on Twitter/X. "Can we please scream 'Be gone with you!' as voice command to initiate Banish," once person asked. "I can’t wait to 'Banish' my car to the desolate parking lot," tweeted another.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Model Y refresh might not be happening this year, but there's a catch

Some commenters (rightfully) noticed that both Summon and Autopark don't really work all that well in their current state, so upgrades would be very welcome.

UPDATE: Mar. 19, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Fire Tablet deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best Fire tablet deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best kids Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet (32GB) $149.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal

The world would have you think that there's only one tablet you should ever consider buying: an iPad. Yes, iPads are great, but have you considered any other alternatives? If not, allow us to introduce you to the Fire tablet, Amazon's popular budget tablet line that admittedly can't do everything an iPad can, but not everyone needs all those fancy bells and whistles. If you think you'll be a more casual tablet user, a Fire tablet might be a smart choice.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review: The upgrade is worth the money

And as fate would have it, a bunch of Fire tablets are at heavy discounts ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale on March 20. If you don't feel like waiting until the official day, we've already put together a list of the best Fire tablet deals you can shop right now. Take a look, and be sure to check back once the sale actually starts, because there may be even more offers.

Best Fire tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Fire Max 11 tablet.

The Fire Max 11 tablet is Amazon's most feature-complete tablet to date, and you can currently snag one for $80 off the usual price. It's packed with a speedy and powerful octa-core processor that's perfect for productivity and entertainment, can handle up to 14 hours of use on a single charge, and has a beautiful 11-inch screen to tie it all together. You can even get a bundle that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus at a discount (almost $120 off) during the sale.

More Fire Tablet deals

• Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (64GB) — $184.99 $244.99 (save $60)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB) — $94.99 $139.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) — $104.99 $179.99 (save $75)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (32GB) — $74.99 $119.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (64GB) — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (32GB) — $64.99 $99.99 (save $35)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) — $94.99 $129.99 (save $35)

Best kids Fire tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet (32GB) $149.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're getting a tablet for yourself, you might as well get one for your little one, too. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is a great option, and it's $40 off during the Big Spring Sale. It's chock full of stuff for your kid to distract themselves with, and you'll get an extensive suite of parental controls to make sure they're using the device in a healthy and safe way. You'll also get a year of Amazon Kids+, a protective case, and a two-year warranty (because accidents can and will happen).

More kids Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet (32GB) — $149.99 $189.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet (32GB) — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (32GB) — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (64GB) — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB) — $69.99 $109.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (32GB) — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

Refurbished Fire tablet deals

• Certified refurbished Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus tablet (32GB) — $84.99 $159.99 (save $75)

• Certified refurbished Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus tablet (64GB) — $119.99 $199.99 (save $80)

• Certified refurbished Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB) — $69.99 $119.99 (save $50)

• Certified refurbished Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (64GB) — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Certified refurbished Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (32GB) — $54.99 $84.99 (save $30)

• Certified refurbished Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) — $89.99 $109.99 (save $20)