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House of the Dragon Season 2 is on the horizon, and judging by the trailer it's going to be every bit as dramatic as the first season.

But in terms of sheer WTF factor, can Season 2 really hope to top Season 1? Let's recap the most shocking moments in House of the Dragon so far, so we can establish the bench mark.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 wish list: Everything we want to see 1. Queen Aemma dying in childbirth (episode 1) 'House of the Dragon' starts on a truly grim note. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

The first key death in House of the Dragon sets the tone for what's to come. Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) goes into labor at the end of episode 1, but there are complications. Her husband, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), is called into the room and told that the maesters may be able to save his son by carrying out a caesarean section, but the procedure will result in the death of his wife. Forced to choose, he tells them to go ahead. It's a truly horrifying sequence made even more upsetting by the fact that the child dies anyway shortly after the Queen passes.*

2. Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter to comfort King Viserys (episode 1) Otto, no. Credit: HBO

Nothing says "creepy" quite like sending your teenage daughter to comfort your much older friend, almost immediately after the passing of his wife. "He'll be glad of a visit," says ever-sneaky Hand of the King Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) to 17-year-old Alicent (Emily Carey), sending her to King Viserys' chambers before adding: "You might wear one of your mother's dresses." Ick! Using your own daughter as a pawn to climb the ranks is not it, Otto!

3. Daemon and Rhaenyra sneaking into town together (episode 4) Go home. Separately. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

No, no, no, no. Look, we know the Targaryens were all about the incest, but that doesn't make 30-something Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) casually hooking up with his 17-year-old niece Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) any less disturbing. In episode 4, after helping Rhaenyra sneak out of the Red Keep, Daemon proceeds to show his niece some of King's Landing's seedier attractions — and it all ends in a brothel, exactly how you think it's going to. On the one hand, OK, we're used to seeing this kind of thing in the Game of Thrones world, primarily with twins Cersei and Jaime Lannister. But what makes this particular incest scene even more grim is the very large age gap. Here's hoping they dial it back in Season 2.

4. Larys Strong murdering his family (episode 6) This guy. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

We don't actually see Harwin Strong's (Ryan Corr) death, which happens within a fire at Harrenhal, but we do see the build-up. What pushes this one into WTF territory is the fact that Harwin's father, Lord Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes), dies alongside him in the blaze — and what makes it even worse is the fact that Harwin's own brother Larys (Matthew Needham) was the one who arranged for the building to be burned down, purely because he thinks it'll make Alicent (Olivia Cooke) happy. WTF, Larys?*

5. Laena Velaryon dying in childbirth (episode 6) Laena's is the most shocking death in 'House of the Dragon' so far. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), daughter of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Eve Best and Steve Toussaint), and Daemon's wife, endures the most gruesome, harrowing death of House of the Dragon.

In yet another horrifying childbirth sequence in episode 6, we once again see a maester giving a father unimaginable news after complications arise in labor: a fatal c-section is the only way to potentially save the baby. Daemon asks if Laena will survive the procedure, and when the answer is "no", it's clear Laena hears the exchange. She decides to take her fate into her own hands. Laena staggers outside and gives her dragon Vhagar one last order, "Dracarys," which the dragon visibly struggles with, before burning her and her unborn child to death. A truly upsetting scene.*

6. Aemond losing an eye (episode 7) A vicious fight between kids. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Bloodthirsty fights are pretty standard fare in House of the Dragon, but the high levels of violence are always nastier when children are involved. In episode 7 the fight is all children, with a young Prince Aemond (Leo Ashton) pummelling multiple cousins after he manages to tame Laena Velayron's dragon Vhagar after her death (see number six). Laena's daughters Baela (Shani Smethurst) and Rhaena (Eva Ossei Gerning) take issue with his perceived dragon theft and all hell breaks loose, culminating in Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), Rhaenyra's son, slashing Aemond across the face with a dagger, leaving the boy with one eye and a lot of internalised anger.

7. Laenor Velaryon's fake death (episode 7) What a ruse! Credit: HBO

This one makes WTF status purely because of its complexity. At the end of episode 7, in order to carry out their plan of marrying each other, Rhaenyra and Daemon (you know, your favourite niece/uncle couple) appear to have Rhaenyra's current husband Laenor Velayron (John MacMillan) killed. But all is not as it seems. The final scene in the episode is double-take worthy, as we see the still very much alive Laenor boarding a boat with his lover Ser Quarl Correy (Arty Froushan) and fleeing to pastures new. You can read our full explainer here, but in a nutshell the death was faked — the real victim was a servant.

8. Princess Rhaenys bursting through the floor atop a dragon (episode 9) OK this ruled. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Talk about making an entrance. In episode 9, midway through the coronation of King (shudder) Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) — who has been semi-imprisoned in the Red Keep — decides to make things a little more interesting by smashing her way through the floor on the back of her dragon Meleys. It's not WTF in the gross way that many of these moments are, but it's certainly shocking to watch a cheering crowd suddenly becoming screaming dragon fodder.

9. Lucerys getting chomped (episode 10) Dragon snack. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

You've got to feel a bit sorry for Lucerys Velaryon. The minute he steps into Storm's End and sees Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) — whose eye he obliterated years earlier (see number seven) — you know things aren't going to end well. Exactly how not well is made clear once he tries to flee on his dragon Arrax, only for Aemond to give chase on his significantly larger dragon Vhagar. Arrax goes rogue and breathes fire on the chasing dragon, only for Vhagar to decide enough is enough: He goes against his master's wishes and basically chomps both Arrax and Lucerys in two. One of the major moments of the Season 1 finale, it's not the most gruesome death in the series – you don't really see much gore – but it's certainly a shocking one.*

*This blurb has appeared on a previous Mashable list.

House of the Dragon Season 2 premieres June 16 on HBO and Max.

TL;DR: Through May 22, prep for productivity with lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro 2019 all for $49.97. 

There's more than one way to upgrade your computer. You could drop some cash on a hardware upgrade, or you could go for something that changes how you use your computer. This all-in-one Microsoft bundle comes with Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows. Both licenses last for life with no recurring costs or subscription fees. All you have to do is get the bundle while it's on sale for $49.97, but that's not for much longer. 

Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro

This two-part deal gives you some serious new toys to play with. Windows 11 Pro is a full OS overhaul both in terms of security and usability. Look out for support for biometric login, BitLocker device encryption, wake and lock, and TPM 2.0 to help secure your computer against cyber threats. 

If you have any questions about what Windows 11 Pro has changed on your computer, you can just ask Copilot, the new AI assistant. Click the icon to find out more about your device or let it help you generate text, images, or just ask questions. 

If you're used to Microsoft 365 Office 2019 is a little different. It has older versions of some of the same apps, but they still get the job done. With Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access at your fingertips, you could rock through school assignments or power through the workday without needing to worry about subscription fees costing you money every month. 

Don't miss your chance

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You have until May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get the All-in-One Microsoft Bundle for $49.97 (reg. $428). No coupon needed. 

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TL;DR: Through May 22, learn how to leverage the most popular AI tool with this online Introduction to ChatGPT course — just $19.99 (reg. $80).

As artificial intelligence technology evolves, its impact spreads across various aspects of our lives, particularly at work. One of the most used advancements is ChatGPT, a powerful AI tool capable of understanding and generating human-like text based on the input it receives. This introductory course can teach you how to use this AI tool to your advantage, and it's on sale for just $19.99 (reg. $80).

Whether you're a professional looking to streamline your operations, a content creator in search of efficiency, or simply curious about the latest tech, the Introduction to ChatGPT course offers a comprehensive look at this exciting technology.

ChatGPT was developed by OpenAI and can produce remarkably human-like text in an instant, making it a valuable tool for a variety of applications. For example, anyone who needs help streamlining the writing process for blog content, product copy, marketing materials, and more can find reliable support with ChatGPT.

Or maybe you'd like ChatGPT to help you write a letter, analyze data, or collect info about a customer service issue. It can be helpful in a lot of different scenarios. This course will teach you seven ways the AI tool can be of service.

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At the end of each lesson, there will be questions to answer. Once you've passed the assessment, you can download a certificate of completion, which could earn you Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. 

This could be a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and harness the capabilities of AI.

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TL;DR: Through May 22, block ads and help keep your kids safe when you get a five-year subscription to AdGuard DNS, only $24.97. 

Ads are practically unavoidable online, whether you're scrolling through social media or just waiting for your YouTube video to start. On your own, you may not be able to do much more than scroll past all those ads and try to avoid clicking anything dangerous. But there's a tool designed to help you fight back. 

AdGuard DNS is an ad-blocking service that could help you browse safely across 20 connected devices. Use AdGuard to filter ads, shield your kids from adult content, and keep you from stumbling onto harmful websites. And you can get the best price online when you get a 5-year subscription to AdGuard for $24.97, but that price won't last much longer. 

Helps eliminate ads and trackers

Fighting back against frustrating ads and phishing schemes can feel like a never-ending battle. AdGuard is built to help you protect up to 20 devices for five years. From one dashboard, it lets you monitor device domains and block the sites that aren't safe to visit. That's also what makes AdGuard a good option for families who want to watch out for their young browsers.

Give your cybersecurity a boost 

The parental control features are designed to protect kids from adult content on websites, YouTube, and even to filter search results. Customize which domains are allowed so your kids can still do homework without worrying about running into something inappropriate. 

Don't miss your chance to get the drop on annoying ads by hiding your browsing information. 

May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get a five-year subscription to AdGuard DNS for $24.97 (reg. $719). 

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TL;DR: Through May 22, keep your Apple Watch and iPhone charged on the go with this 2-in-1 keychain wireless charger for $18.99 (reg. $25.99).

In this high-tech world, staying charged on the go can often present a challenge. The issue is only compounded when you have multiple devices to rely on, like an iPhone and Apple Watch. This ultra compact and portable 2-in-1 wireless charger can help on that front. This keychain charger offers a low-profile way to keep your Apple Watch and phone charged, and it's now on sale for just $18.99 (reg. $25.99).

This keychain is designed to attach easily to your keyring, backpack, or bag. It features a 2,500mAh battery that should charge an Apple Watch between three and five times on a single charge. Because of its magnetic design, it should also support any model Apple Watch, as well as plenty other devices.

It also has a USB Type-C port that allows you to use the keychain to charge up other devices like an iPhone or wireless earbuds. Built to support fast charging, it includes a convenient LED display to show how much power is remaining. 

This could be a helpful accessory for anyone who travels for work or pleasure. It could also be useful for the soon-to-be college student who will be busy with classes and extracurriculars. If your iPhone battery has been draining more quickly than usual, then this could be the solution.

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Dreaming of a world of high-tech gadgets and out-of-this-world action? Yearning for horror that's rooted in science gone awry? Or maybe you're craving the slow-burn exhilaration of alien invasion? Whatever kind of science fiction you're seeking, Prime Video has the perfect pick for a movie night in.  

We've scoured Prime Video's sci-fi section to uncover celebrated classics, art house dazzlers, quirky adventures, and modern marvels. All you need is a subscription to stream for free, and a DIY marathon of science fiction spectacle is at your fingertips.

Here are the 25 best science-fiction movies now available on Prime Video. 

1. The Thing

"Man might be the warmest place to hide," according to the infamous tagline to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic sci-fi horror hybrid, but you’ll practically feel the frostbite nipping at your fingertips watching this chiller. An update on the 1951 film The Thing From Another World (itself based on the 1938 novella by John W. Campbell Jr.), The Thing is ground zero for the argument that a remake can top the original. The tale of an alien invasion taking over the bodies of a ragtag crew of researchers stationed in the frozen middle of nowhere Antarctica is truly timeless in terror.

Every single thing about Carpenter’s take, from the cast stuffed with ace character actors (Richard Masur! Keith David! Richard Dysart! Wilford freaking Brimley!!!) to Ennio Morricone’s score to the legendarily unsettling special-effects by master Rob Bottin (fresh off the werewolf transformations of The Howling) has become iconic. So who cares if four decades ago this remake summarily flopped at the box office? And that’s even before you get to fun little touches like that great big flouncy hat that Kurt Russell somehow makes work or The Fog’s radio-jockey Adrienne Barbeau voice-cameoing as the chess computer. — Jason Adams, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: The Thing is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

2. Jurassic Park Credit: Amblin / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

As perfect as summer blockbusters come, Steven Spielberg’s dino-epic still plays as magnificently today as it did that summer of 1993. Perhaps even more perfect now, in the wake of how godawful every Jurassic World movie turned out to be. Now we can really appreciate the magic that Spielberg worked with Michael Crichton’s concept of Dino DNA being mined and exploited for a friggin’ theme park, of all things.

This thriller was ahead of its time in lampooning the ways that bored rich people trying to entertain themselves will be the ultimate destruction of humanity. “Maybe we can have a coupon day,” the lawyer giggles, not long before the T-Rex eats him on the toilet. But Spielberg keeps his satire out of the way of the dino-mite set pieces. So, even after a hundred viewings, I still find myself holding my breath for the entire length of that rampaging Rex sequence in the rain. — J.A.

How to watch: Jurassic Park is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Robocop

While bumming around in an unofficial capacity on the set of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, screenwriter-wannabe Edward Neumeier came up with the idea of a robotic police officer struggling with its own existential crisis in the face of a horrifically violent future world. From there, he set to work on what would eventually become Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 satirical action masterpiece. 

Starring Peter Weller as a cop gunned down — obliterated, really — in the line of duty who is then reanimated by a hi-tech defense corporation looking to build the perfect killing machine, it’s actually kind of terrifying how prescient this movie turned out to be. What seemed cartoonish in its over-the-top depiction of the overlap between law enforcement and capitalism is now only too real. Today it seems too much like the people making Fox News watch this movie for ideas, entirely missing its satire. — J.A.

How to watch: Robocop is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Credit: David Lee / Focus Features / Kobal / Shutterstock

One of the great films of the new millennium, Michel Gondry’s mind-wiping melancholy romance explores how some people are destined to be together even if — maybe especially if — they drive each other absolutely batty. Jim Carrey plays Joel Barish, a sad sack trying to fill the void left in his life by the end of his love affair with the whirlwind of Kate Winslet’s Clementine, a bookstore employee who changes her mind more often than she changes her hair color (and she changes her hair color a lot). Or is the void trying to fill him? 

The slippery timeline of Charlie Kaufman’s beyond-brilliant script sees the past infiltrating the present as both of them have their memories of the other wiped by a new scientific procedure that’s only kind of brain damage, the doctors say. But then they can’t help but find themselves inexplicably drawn back into each other’s orbit time and time and time again (“Meet me in Montauk…”) — and it is exhilarating on every watch. It forces us to reconstruct what we’ve witnessed in retrospect, and draws us right into the tangle of emotion with them. The bittersweetness of sad goodbyes overwhelm, even as the future on a frozen beach stutters in place. — J.A.

How to watch: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

5. The Terminator  Credit: Orion / Kobal / Shutterstock

The 1980s were the era of AHNOLD. Yet Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved his mightiest flex when he stepped into the titular role of a merciless killer cyborg from a frightful future. In 1984 Los Angeles, waitress Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is on the run from this manly machine. He has been sent from 2029 to prevent the birth of her son, who is destined to lead the rebellion against tyrannical robots. Schwarzenegger awed audiences not only with his hulking form and suitably stiff performance, but also with the sheer star power that would launch a franchise and a decades-long action hero career. 

Meanwhile, director James Cameron made a sci-fi classic with laser cannons, careening chase scenes, sprays of bullets, and (once) cutting-edge graphics that put audiences in the POV of the Terminator’s cold, calculating stare.* — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: The Terminator is free to stream with an MGM+ subscription add-on or available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

6. District 9 Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

In 2009, writer/director Neill Blomkamp broke through with his feature debut by bringing an extraterrestrial premise to Earth in his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa. Rather than invasion-focused horror, Blomkamp empathized with the resident aliens, who are ghettoized and terrorized by humans/government agents.

In following the journey of one such agent, he pitches audiences not only into a sci-fi adventure of bombastic action and body transformation, but also a moving parable about the evils of prejudice. District 9 gathered critical praise worldwide and launched the international career of leading man Sharlto Copley. Then, this gritty sci-fi drama scored four Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Motion Picture of the Year. — K.P.

How to watch: District 9 is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

7. The Lazarus Effect

Sometimes there's nothing as satisfyingly spine-tingling as science-gone-wrong horror. Documentarian David Gelb might be best-known for capturing the glory of cuisine creation, thanks to the celebrated feature doc Jiro Dreams of Sushi and the gorgeous series Chef's Table. Here, he branched out, bringing his skill for grounded drama to the tale of medical researchers experimenting with resurrecting the dead. When they succeed, their wildest dreams become their worst nightmare as one of their crew becomes telekinetic…and terrifying.

This sci-fi stunner not only boasts sensational scares, but also a cast that includes Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters, and Donald Glover. — K.P.

How to watch: The Lazarus Effect is now streaming on Prime Video.

8. The Vast of Night Credit: GED Cinema / Amazon / Kobal / Shutterstock

It feels reductive to even call Andrew Patterson's indie masterpiece science fiction, but given that its 89-minute runtime at least alludes to aliens, it might be all we've got. Everett (Jake Horowitz), a radio jockey, and Fay (Sierra McCormick), a switchboard operator, have their night cut short by a strange audio phenomenon that interferes with the broadcast and confuses listeners. Their night derails as they follow clues about the sound's origin and reports of something odd in the sky. 

The Vast of Night hypnotizes the viewer not with special effects or otherworldly elements, but with grounded, meditative, even slow direction and performance. Many scenes are long, uncut takes of one or more characters talking, and by the end it barely matters what they saw in the sky or choose to believe in. Fay and Everett's night is already one they'll never forget, and a film that stays with you long after you watch it.* — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Vast of Night is now streaming with ads on Amazon Freevee.

9. Rabid

The brand of body horror that David Cronenberg has become synonymous with is really just the greatest fusion of science fiction and horror that cinema has to offer. Think the body of Jeff Goldblum at the end of The Fly, meshed together with the machine itself. These two forces are inextricable in Cronenberg’s hands. Mind and flesh, sex and metal: the human future. These obsessions were on display right from the start, and his 1977 picture, Rabid, is one of his most underrated and entertaining riffs upon them.

After a motorcycle accident, a young woman (the porn star Marilyn Chambers) is taken in by an experimental clinic, where they graft genetically altered skin onto her wounds. When she wakes up she finds herself with sudden odd cravings — of the vampiric sort. Passing along this thirst via a little stinger buried in a fresh slit in her armpit, Cronenberg unleashes a sexually transmitted zombie plague that only his singularly strange brain could’ve mustered. — J.A.

How to watch: Rabid is now streaming on Prime Video.

10. Alien

All of the Alien films are on Prime, and you could spend a far worse day than one where you marathon the entire shebang. (Although I do recommend steering clear of the two vs. Predator entries). But if you’ve just got the time for one, I say go with Ridley Scott’s original 1979 classic, a haunted-house-in-space tale that’s got the greatest Final Girl of all time in Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, duh) facing down the scariest monster design ever put on screen, thanks to visionary German artist H.R Giger.

That cast of exquisite character actors gets gruesomely picked off one by one! Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, John Hurt, and let’s not forget Jones the Cat — not a single dud in the O.G. Nostramo bunch. — J.A.

How to watch: Alien is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

11. Prometheus  Credit: Scott Free Prod / 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

In 1979, Ridley Scott gave us Alien, the movie that dared to taunt, "In space, no one can hear you scream." In subsequent sequels, James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet took to the helm. But in 2012, Scott returned with a daring and divisive prequel.

Set 30 years before Alien, a band of scientists are trekking across space in search of the origin of mankind. On a distant moon, they find some horrifying extraterrestrials that are new to them, but not to fans of this frightening sci-fi franchise. Though met with mixed reviews, Prometheus undeniably boasts jaw-dropping visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a star-studded cast that includes Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron. — K.P.

How to watch: Prometheus is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

12. Signs

With The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, M. Night Shyamalan forged a reputation as a writer/director who knew how to make genre films freshly fun and joltingly shocking. So, when Signs hit in 2002, audiences turned out in giddy anticipation to be scared out of their wits. We were not disappointed. Sure, in retrospect we might eye-roll over the climactic revelation in this invasion-centered horror-thriller. But its creepy creatures still give chills as they torment a widowed former priest (Mel Gibson) and his family (Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, and Abigail Breslin) on a remote farm. Embedding us with a family living in fear, Shyamalan brings terror home, answering our twisted prayers. — K.P.

How to watch: Signs is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

13. About Time Credit: Translux / Kobal / Shutterstock

It's bizarre living in a timeline not only where the book The Time Traveler’s Wife was adapted poorly twice, but also where Richard Curtis’ 2013 perfect time-travel romance exists!

Domhnall Gleeson stars as a young man who on his 21st birthday discovers the ability to time-travel into his past. It's a skill he mostly uses to fix mistakes he’s made (kind of like an expanded calendar version of Groundhog Day). We watch him manipulate time to — what else — win the girl. And since the girl, in this case, is played by Rachel McAdams, sure, we get it. But what sneaks up on you about About Time is how it’s really a stealth father-son picture. Amid its sci-fi premise, the heartbreaking relationship between Gleeson and Bill Nighy as his dad is the real tear-jerker on hand. A 10-hankie revelation, be warned! — J.A.

How to watch: About Time is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

14. The Blob 

Maybe not a remake on par with John Carpenter's re-envisioning of The Thing, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the deeply gnarly theatrics of Chuck Russell’s 1988 reboot of the pink-goo-monster from Hell.

It’s the same ol’ tale of yore: A meteorite crashes in Nowheresville, gets promptly poked at with a stick, and starts swallowing up a small town as it expands to terrifying world-dominating gelatinous proportions. But the grotesque practical effects from Tony Gardner are the stuff 1980s nightmares are made out of. Decades on, I still can’t un-see the image of Donovan Leitch being dissolved under a swirling wall of raspberry jelly. — J.A.

How to watch: The Blob is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

15. Being John Malkovich Credit: Melissa Moseley / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

The actual “science” of Spike Jonze’s 1999 masterpiece, Being John Malkovich, might remain, you know, a little sketchy. Just a tad. On the 7 1/2 floor of an office building, behind some filing cabinets, there’s a little door that opens into a portal to real-life thespian John Malkovich’s consciousness. This incredible passage allows a pathetic puppeteer (John Cusack), his harried wife (Cameron Diaz), and the co-worker he’s hot for (Catherine Keener) all to walk a mile in Malkovich’s shoes. OK, sure, why not?

But beyond the meta-hilarity and visual magic that Jonze milks from all the nonsense, it’s screenwriter Charlie Kaufman’s script that asks all of the right questions about the nature of self, the existence of a soul. Things like: Am I me? Is Malkovich Malkovich? Malkovich Malkovich. Malkovich? — J.A.

How to watch: Being John Malkovich is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

16. Transit

German director Christian Petzold’s 2018 film updates the 1944 novel by Anna Seghers of the same name, which is about refugees trying to escape Nazi-occupied France to an alternate present where Europe exists under the thumb of a vague fascist rule.

Franz Rogowski plays a German man on the run from the authorities. To escape to Mexico, he'll try to use the papers of a dead man whose body he's discovered. While waiting for his literal ship to come in, Rogowski becomes romantically entangled with the dead man’s wife. Making matters more complicated, he develops a friendship with the dead man’s son. All as the walls close in and paths of escape get severed one by one. A slow-burn of speculative timeline political allegory a la The Man in the High Castle, Transit feels like a thriller that Kafka never wrote, where we’re smothered by paperwork and done in by signing on the dotted line. — J.A.

How to watch: Transit is now streaming on Prime Video.

17. The Endless

Co-directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead made a name for themselves over the past decade by mixing loopy hard-sci-fi concepts with low-budget character-based stories like Synchronic and Something in the Dirt. 2017’s The Endless is probably their most beloved project to date. (Well before they started dabbling in the MCU with Loki, anyway.)

Starring, as several of their projects do, the directors themselves, The Endless sees Benson and Moorhead playing brothers who get drawn back into the weird UFO cult they escaped from 10 years earlier. Blame it on the mysterious videotape that appears on their doorstep. Before you know it, there are several moons in the sky, deadly dangerous time-loops are springing up around the campgrounds like rattlesnakes, and Benson and Moorhead have crafted the kind of movie that stoners will be dissecting for decades to come. — J.A.

How to watch: The Endless is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

18. The City of Lost Children Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Before he brought us the magic and romance of Amelie (or Alien Resurrection), French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet teamed with Marc Caro and Gilles Adrien to write and direct this tender tale of fantasy and science fiction, which was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Palme d'Or in 2015.

In a murky world of minefields and mad science, children are being abducted by a band of cyborgs to appease a brilliant but vile creature who feeds on their dreams. However, the kidnappers bite off more than they can chew when they snatch the little brother of a circus strong man (Ron Perlman). Full of imagery odd and awe-inspiring, The City of Lost Children is an imaginative adventure that's sure to snatch at your dreams. If you love the work of Terry Gilliam, then you'll want to know he absolutely adores this movie. — K.P.

How to watch: The City of Lost Children is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

19. Vivarium

Vivarium isn’t the sci-fi journey to pick if you’re seeking tidy explanations or slickly satisfying reveals. But if you’re open to a more ethereal sci-fi experience — one that will make you ask a lot of questions about the world you’ve been introduced to and then fail to answer most of them — this uniquely baffling outing from director Lorcan Finnegan is worth a go. 

Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots star as a couple looking to buy a house. Yonder, a suburban development touted as having "All you’d need and all you’d want" catches their eye, and they schedule a visit at one of its many identical properties. But after a strange house tour, the pair find they can’t exit the neighborhood, with the labyrinthine rows of matching units trapping them in some kind of loop. 

Things only get stranger from there, so cue this one up when you’re feeling a bit weird. It’s visually beautiful and narratively bonkers.* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Vivarium is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

20. A.I.: Artificial Intelligence 

Legendary director Stanley Kubrick famously worked on adapting Brian Aldiss' 1969 short story "Supertoys Last All Summer Long" for decades before deciding that Steven Spielberg would be a better fit to direct the sentimental Pinocchio-esque tale of a robot boy who just wants to get home to his adopted parents who abandoned him. The two directing titans went back and forth for years on the project, with Kubrick insistent that they wait for computer technology to get good enough, but his death in 1999 decided the matter for good. And so in 2001 Spielberg made the film as a tribute to his longtime friend.

The final product bridges the gap between the two, the strangest amalgamation of their contrasting visions — Spielberg's sentiment bucking up against Kubrick's lack thereof. The movie's all the better and more fascinating for that friction. As the robot boy David's (Haley Joel Osment) hopeless quest carries him across entire centuries, the struggle between heart and mind becomes textual, with the film's behind-the-scenes dramas adding their own richness and epic sense of mystery to the tale. All that, plus Jude Law as a sex robot! Movie magic, baby. — J.A.

How to watch: A.I.: Artificial Intelligence is now streaming on Prime Video.

21. From Beyond

My favorite of director Stuart Gordon's numerous H.P. Lovecraft adaptations (including the Re-Animator movies), this 1986 body-horror shocker stars Gordon regulars and horror icons Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton respectively as a mad doctor named Crawford Tillinghast and one Dr. McMichaels, the prison psychiatrist who treats him once he's gone, you know, mad. 

Turns out Tillinghast and his former partner Dr. Pretorius (Ted Sorel) — Bride of Frankenstein reference, holla – invented a machine they called "The Resonator" that allows its users to peer into other dimensions. Unfortunately for Pretorius, he peered a little too closely and got his head ripped off in the process, which is why Tillinghast has found himself in prison spilling his story to Dr. McMichaels. 

But the Resonator is too addictive to give up on, so the entire gang — joined by Detective Bubba Brownlee (Dawn of the Dead's Ken Foree) — head back to the lab and turn the Resonator back on. And before you can say "forehead tentacle," everybody's oozing pink goo and perving on everybody else. It's the finest sort of demented joyride that Gordon always excelled at, twisting Lovecraft's ripe old prose into some truly bonkers '80s day-glo weirdness. — J.A.

How to watch: From Beyond is now streaming on Prime Video.

22. Cube

Picture it: You wake up and find yourself wearing a scratchy-looking jumpsuit inside of a perfectly square room with six small square hatches, one on each wall (including the floor and the ceiling), staring back at you. The walls are steel but lit from within, a monochromatic neon glow of green or red or blue. And you have no memory of how you got there. You pick a hatch, open it up and go through it… And it's another room, exactly like the previous one, just a different color. And on and on.

That's the simple concept behind Vincenzo Natali's 1997 cult classic Cube, where several strangers find themselves in just such a situation. Stumbling upon each other one by one, they must unravel the mystery of where they are and how to get out of it. And, oh right, some of the rooms are lethally booby-trapped with razor wire or poison gas, so they need to avoid those as well. A brain puzzle turned into genre spectacle, Cube is ruthlessly efficient and a heck of a lot of nasty fun – so much so it spawned a few sequels, and they're also streaming on Prime. Make it a marathon! — J.A.

How to watch: Cube is now streaming with ads on Amazon Freevee.

23. The Mist Credit: Dimension Films / Kobal / Shutterstock

"There's something in the mist!" That cry comes early on in Frank Darabont's now-classic adaptation of Stephen King's 1980 short story, and man alive, does that line turn out to be true. As it turns out, there are loads of things in the mist rolling across the lake one afternoon and into the atmosphere of a small town in Maine. Unfortunately, it's coming from the general direction of a secretive government laboratory. Also unfortunately for the town's residents who find themselves barricaded in the local grocery store, none of those things are too friendly either. 

As imaginative and terrifying an assortment of Lovecraftian monsters as there are on the other side of the glass windows, the true focus here is on the people trapped inside, and on the ways that white-hot panic will turn people into the ugliest versions of themselves real fast. Strapped in with local artist David (Thomas Jane) as he tries to protect his son from gigantic poisonous mosquitoes on one side and the bloodsucking end-of-times harridan Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden) on the other, The Mist delivers a bleak yet thrilling rumination on human nature. And oh, that ending… — J.A.

How to watch: The Mist is now streaming with ads on Amazon Freevee.

24. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

If you don't count the countless stories and films loosely inspired by Don Siegel's 1956 sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers (which was itself adapted from Jack Finney's novel The Body Snatchers), there are three explicit remakes, including Abel Ferrara's 1993 film Body Snatchers and Oliver Hirschbiegel's The Invasion from 2007. The best of the bunch by leaps and pod-people bounds is Philip Kaufman's 1978 masterpiece, which plunks its snatchin' down in the hippy-dippy streets of San Francisco at the height (Haight?) of Boomer self-indulgence. 

Starring Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, and Leonard friggin' Nimoy, Kaufman's take also has by far the most balls-to-the-wall cast too. The original film's gigantic alien pods are here, but hilariously they're now able to sprout flowers — all the better for the hippies to place them in their hair right before they take root in their brains, parasitically taking them over. An endlessly malleable metaphor for groupthink, this spin is ruthless in its evisceration of the 1970s psychiatric me-first culture. Show it to your favorite "wellness"-obsessed bestie and see how they cringe! — J.A.

How to watch: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) is now streaming on Prime Video.

25. Open Your Eyes

In 1997, four years before he made the instantly classic ghost story The Others, Spanish director Alejandro Amenábar gifted us with the shifting realities of Open Your Eyes, still his best film to date. It stars the handsome and suave Eduardo Noriega as César, a handsome and suave young fella who finds himself on the opposite side of the good-looks spectrum after he gets horribly disfigured in a car crash. Torn between an ex-girlfriend who wants him dead and a prospective new love interest named Sofia (Penelope Cruz) who's all sweetness and light, César starts hallucinating different realities where the women swap places, and his own face begins to change. 

And if this plot sounds familiar, then perhaps you saw the 2001 remake Vanilla Sky from director Cameron Crowe, starring Tom Cruise, with Cruz reprising her role as Sofia. The remake bungled it all in the ways only Hollywood can, so do yourself a favor and watch Amenábar's original, which has more heart and deep wells of surreal strangeness up one of its sleeves than Crowe managed with a budget twenty times its size. — J.A.

How to watch: Open Your Eyes is now streaming on Prime Video.

*This blurb has appeared in a past Mashable list.

UPDATE: May. 17, 2024, 6:32 p.m. EDT This list has been updated to reflect the current streaming options.

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In this new dating era, the best hookup apps are on just about every single person's smartphone — and for good reason. You watch TV on demand (thank you, Netflix) and your food can be ordered and delivered while you sit on the couch (hello DoorDash), so why would finding a potential hookup partner be any different?

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What makes a good hookup app?

There's no one "best hookup app" you can use to find guaranteed partners, but you'll probably want to skip any apps that feature a 10-minute questionnaire about romance, hopes of marriage, meaningful connections, or expensive subscriptions (we're looking at you, eharmony).

Instead, focus on finding a hookup site that encourages users to have spontaneous casual sex, multiple communication features (like video chat), and fully functional memberships that let you connect with others without emptying your wallet.

SEE ALSO: The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles

If you want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend sticking to cult faves like Tinder and Hinge. Both of these apps have free versions that give you just enough functionality to meet and connect with potential partners for casual sex without breaking the bank. You can likely find a hookup by the weekend without paying a cent.

Whether you're looking for a one-night stand, want to exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the best hookup apps you can download (via Google Play or the App Store).

TL;DR: Live stream every match from the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This is a huge summer for sport. The French Open, Euro 2024, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and more top events are being squeezed into just a few months. What a time to be alive.

We're not going to suggest which event will provide the best entertainment, because that's on you. But for passionate fans, electric stadiums, and some of the most talented athletes on the planet, you should check out the 2024 Copa America. The likes of Lionel Messi, Vinícius Júnior, and Federico Valverde will be on display, which is a pretty good lineup of stars.

If you want to watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is Copa America?

The Copa America is the top men's football tournament contested by national teams from South America. It is the oldest still-running continental football competition, and determines the champions of the continent.

The 2024 Copa America will start with four groups of four teams, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout rounds. The 10 CONMEBOL members are automatically granted entry, plus six North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football teams that qualified through the CONCACAF Nations League.

When is the 2024 Copa America?

The 2024 Copa America will be the 48th edition of the tournament. This year's event will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.

How to watch the 2024 Copa America for free

Sportitalia will broadcast every match from the 2024 Copa America for free, with free live streaming available on its streaming service.

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

Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy

4. Visit Sportitalia

5. Watch Copa America fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Copa America before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on sites like Sportitalia, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Italy

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2024 Copa America for free with ExpressVPN.

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 May 20 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 20

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, May 20, 2024:

AcrossRockin' tunes, informally

• The answer is Jams.

Hello or goodbye, island-style

• The answer is Aloha.

Pretty good grade

• The answer is BPlus.

"Love ___," B-52s song that's a hit at karaoke night

• The answer is Shack.

"Lost" treasure sought by Indiana Jones

• The answer is Ark.

DownQuick punches

• The answer is Jabs.

Omega's opposite

• The answer is Alpha.

Any of your wisdom teeth, e.g.

• The answer is Molar.

Prepare, as oysters or corn on the cob

• The answer is Shuck.

Put in a request

• The answer is Ask.

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

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 French Open for free on 9Now, France TV, RTBF, ORF, or Servus TV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The biggest clay court tennis championship on the calendar is fast approaching, and that means tennis fans from all over the world will be scrambling for a way to stream the 2024 French Open. It seems like these massive sporting moments are never easy to watch. Why is that the case? We can't answer that, but we can provide you with some solutions to your streaming struggles.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 French Open from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is chronologically the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek.

When is the 2024 French Open?

The 2024 French Open is the 129th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from May 20 to June 9.

How to watch the 2024 French Open for free

It's possible to live stream the 2024 French Open for free on a number of streaming platforms:

• Australia — 9now

• Austria — ORF or ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF

• France — France TV

The issue here is that you need to be connecting from these countries to access these free streaming services. The only way to bypass these geo-restrictions is with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can stream the 2024 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services to watch the 2024 French Open by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia, Austria, Belgium, or France

4. Connect to 9Now, France TV, RTBF, ORF, or Servus TV

5. Watch the 2024 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2024 French Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the French Open?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Microsoft Build 2024 starts this Tuesday, picking up the tech event baton from Google I/O last week and Apple's iPad event the week before. This year Microsoft's conference will again focus on AI, bearing the tagline "How will AI shape your future?"

Here's what to expect from Microsoft Build 2024.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Build 2024: How to watch What is Microsoft Build?

First held in 2011, Microsoft Build is the tech giant's annual U.S. developer conference. The multi-day event features keynote speeches by company executives, as well as numerous demonstrations and educational sessions for software engineers and developers. 

Microsoft Build's keynote speeches are its biggest attraction for the layman, as any significant product announcements will likely be made then.

This is the second year that Microsoft Build has been held at the Seattle Convention Center, having moved to the venue after only being held digitally from 2020 to 2022.

What can we expect at Microsoft Build 2024?

Last year's Microsoft Build keynotes unveiled the company's new AI assistant Windows Copilot, and revealed that Bing would become ChatGPT's default service for web browsing. Judging by 2024's AI theme — as well as the general tech industry's continued preoccupation with AI — there's a decent probability that we'll see more announcements along that vein this year.

At the very least, Microsoft Build 2024 is likely to offer an update on Copilot's continued development. The tech giant has been working to incorporate its AI assistant in more areas, including increasing its integration with Windows 11.

What is the schedule for Microsoft Build 2024?

This year's Microsoft Build officially kicks off on Tuesday, May 21, and will run for three days. Fortunately, you don't have to be in Seattle to get involved. Just like Google I/O last week, Microsoft Build will be held both in person and online, letting you keep up with the tech giant's latest news no matter where you are.

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 1

Day 1 of the Microsoft Build livestream will begin at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, starting with the pre-show and Imagine Cup World Championship. 

Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup awards a group of students who have created an innovative tech solution to a social problem. This year's finalists are FROM YOUR EYES, whose mobile app uses AI to describe images to people with limited vision, JRE, who built a slag detection system for use in the steel casting process, and PlanRoadmap, who developed an AI-powered productivity coach to help people with ADHD.

Following this, the Microsoft Build opening keynote will commence at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET. Set to run for two hours, the keynote will feature Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, CTO Kevin Scott, and Executive Vice President of Experiences and Devices Rajesh Jha. Though we don't yet know exactly what Microsoft's executives will talk about, we do know that they will be touching on how AI can be used to "transform how developers work" and "drive business productivity across industries."

The first day of the Microsoft Build livestream will then end with breakout sessions from 11:30 a.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. ET to 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET.

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 2

The second day of Microsoft Build 2024 will open with a second AI-oriented keynote, this one entitled "Next generation AI for developers with the Microsoft Cloud." 

Commencing at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET, Microsoft's Wednesday keynote will feature Executive Vice President of Cloud and AI Scott Guthrie as well as seven others from the company's leadership team. This 90-minute keynote will have a security focus, looking at using Microsoft Cloud to "build the secure and responsible AI solutions of the future."

Microsoft's livestream will then continue an hour after the conclusion of the keynote, showing breakout sessions from 10:45 a.m PT / 1:45 p.m. ET until 6:45 p.m. PT / 9:45 p.m. ET. 

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 3

Microsoft Build 2024 will conclude on Thursday with a final livestream of breakout sessions from 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET to 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.

In addition to the keynote speeches, Microsoft Build 2024 will feature over 480 sessions across the three day event, with 251 of them offered online. Fortunately 175 of them will be recorded, so you might be able to catch up later if you miss one.

How to watch Microsoft Build 2024

All three days of Microsoft Build will be livestreamed on the official Microsoft Developer YouTube channel (the videos are embedded below). You can also view the livestream on the Microsoft Build website, though you will need to register for a free account.

Day 1: Microsoft build opening keynote and breakout sessions

Tuesday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET

Day 2: 'Next generation AI for developers with the Microsoft Cloud' keynote and breakout sessions

Wednesday, May 22 at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET

Day 3: Breakout sessions

Thursday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET

Our reports on teardowns of Apple's iPads over the years read like a sad litany of complaints about poor repairability.

But now that iFixit's specialists have torn apart the new, 13-inch iPad Pro 2024, we have some good news to report: The device's battery is easily accessible immediately after you remove its display.

This makes it far easier to replace than in some earlier iPad variants, which required removing the logic board and other parts before you could access the battery.

Unfortunately, this is where the good news about repairing this thing ends. The new iPad Pro is Apple's thinnest product ever, and it shows in the absence of screws. Instead, numerous parts are glued down, making the device thinner but also harder to repair. You can check out the details in iFixit's teardown video below.

Suffice it to say, don't even try to open this one if you aren't an expert at repairing Apple gadgets.

Of course, the teardown is interesting as it gives you more insight into Apple's new, tandem OLED display. (Hint: It isn't actually two displays stacked on top of each other, but a more complex OLED stack with more electroluminescence layers). The teardown also reveals that Apple is using a single 256GB chip in the base model, which probably isn't the fastest chip out there, but on a machine as overpowered as the new iPad Pro (read our review here), it probably doesn't matter.

SEE ALSO: Unboxing the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air

Apple's new Pencil is also torn down in the video, and utterly destroyed in the process. Don't try to repair this one either, folks.

Featured Video For You Unboxing the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air

When we work hard, we generally expect our employer to recognize our efforts. But if you were hoping your manager would appoint you to lead the next big project, and instead they give you a special thanks at the next all-staff, you may end up feeling disappointed. Here are some tactics to increase the likelihood […]

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TL;DR: Through May 22, Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows is on sale for just £31.76 (reg. £317.61).

Project managers know how to get things done. Juggling multiple tasks and multiple personalities on multiple projects is just a normal day on the job. However, there are tools to help manage projects of any size more efficiently. Microsoft Project Professional 2021 is on sale for just £31.76 (reg. £317.61) through May 22, and this software can help seasoned project managers fine-tune their processes.

This software features tools to streamline the management of your tasks, budgets, and timelines. Built-in reports are designed to help you reduce possible redundancies and inefficiencies, as well as timesheets to help you keep track of time spent on projects. It also gives you templates to get your project moving right out of the gate.

Project allows you to run what-if scenarios, auto-populate start/end dates, and represent complex schedules visually. It can also sync with Project Online and Project Server. Project Pro 2021 is compatible with Office LTSC and Office 2021.

This offer is available to new users only, and it includes updates. You'll get instant download and lifetime access on one device.

Manage your projects more efficiently and have nearly everything you need to plan, execute, and track projects with precision. 

Order Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for £31.76 by May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT and take the first step toward project success.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows £31.76 at the Mashable Shop
£317.61 Save £285.85 Get Deal

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for May 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Comparatively more pleasant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1066 is...

NICER.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for May 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Magical effect

• Green: Person controlled by another

• Blue: Hero's colorful wear

• Purple: Creators of high-octane films

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Sorcerer's Output

• Green: One Being Manipulated

• Blue: Classic Superhero Wear

• Purple: Action Movie Directors

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #344 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Sorcerer's Output: CHARM, HEX, MAGIC, SPELL

• One Being Manipulated: INSTRUMENT, PAWN, PUPPET, TOOL

• Classic Superhero Wear: CAPE, MASK, TIGHTS, UNDERWEAR

• Action Movie Directors: BAY, CARPENTER, SCOTT, WOO

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

On their recent single "Nasty," Tinashe sagely asks, "Is somebody gonna match my freak?"

And now this wise question has become a meme. We can explain.

SEE ALSO: This is how those sexy 'Challengers' fan edits got made so quickly

Tinashe released the track in April as the lead single for her forthcoming album BB/Ang3l Pt. 2 — Quantum Baby. But these lyrics first caught X / Twitter's attention in early May, thanks to a freaky white boy's dance moves.

An X user reposted a brief clip of a dancer, Nate — who posts on TikTok under the handle @nates.vibes — impressively gyrating his hips, biting his finger, and sticking out his tongue. His moves are at odds with his nerdy appearance, making it irresistible meme fodder. In the original video, posted to TikTok back in February 2023, he's dancing to "Bind" by Hey Choppi, but the viral X version replaced the audio with "Nasty." The video garnered more than 10 million views on X.

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As a result of the video's reach, users began to share their thoughts on the song's driving question.

One user wrote, "'is somebody gonna match my freak?' could be the existential question of our time." Another posted an image of Carrie Bradshaw writing, captioned, "and i couldn’t help but wonder… is somebody gonna match my freak?"

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The question quickly spurred an engagement bait meme. A user asked, "Who are 2 people that actually did match each others freak?" The quote tweets range from Shrek's Donkey and Dragon to Lena Dunham and Andrew Rannells to Pen15's Maya and Anna.

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As is the case with these things, the song became linked with another internet phenomenon, Challengers mania. It's the perfect song to use in edits of the loveably nasty Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor). The song now soundtracks many Challengers edits.

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When Universal Music Group pulled its catalogue from TikTok — it's since been restored — there was a drought of viral songs. At times, it felt like all we had was Djo's "End of Beginnings."

But now the drought is over with rain pouring from the sky. In the past month alone, there's been not one, but three songs that passed over from run-of-the-mill hit to meme moments.

We're so back.

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

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

AcrossWith 4-Down, popular mint brand ... and a hint to this puzzle's "three-in-a-row"

• The answer is Tic.

Scroll in a synagogue

• The answer is Torah.

Love to bits

• The answer is Adore.

"Official," as a body of fiction

• The answer is Canon.

"You're ___ best!"

• The answer is The.

French fashion monogram since 1962

• The answer is YSL.

Down"___ you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!": Dr. Seuss

• The answer is Today.

De-wrinkling appliances

• The answer is Irons.

Song sung in December

• The answer is Carol.

See 1-Across

• The answer is Tac.

Female bird

• The answer is Hen.

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Through May 22, new users can get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for $89.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: Through May 22, make your data visually digestible with Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for $19.97 (reg. $249.99).

In many types of business, communication and efficiency often stem from the ability to understand data and workflows clearly. But unless you're a graphic designer, it's not easy to whip up flowcharts and org charts at a moment's notice. The right commercial software and business tools can help.

Case in point: Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional offers features that enable professionals across industries to visualize and communicate data easily and quickly. And through May 22, the Windows lifetime license is on sale for just $19.97 (reg. $249.99).

This software can be especially helpful when dealing with large, complex data or tricky workflows. Pick from dozens of ready-to-go templates and more than 250,000 shapes and stencils to get your visual started.

One of the standout features of Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional is its ability to connect diagrams directly to real-time data. This dynamic link means that any changes in the underlying data are reflected in your diagrams, providing up-to-the-minute visual insights so you can make informed decisions for your team.

It also supports brainstorming with an array of templates for visualizing problems and mapping solutions, including fishbone diagrams and SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). You can even auto-generate org charts from outside data sources like Excel.

Please note that this deal does not include a subscription to Microsoft 365. It requires either a Microsoft 365 commercial subscription or a OneDrive or SharePoint membership. It also requires a license for the desktop version of Microsoft 365 apps, a Power BI subscription for editing, and a Power Automate subscription. For eligible professionals, this deal lets you add Microsoft Visio to your Microsoft Suite for a one-time purchase of $19.97. Plus, the license never expires.

Be sure to redeem this offer within 30 days of purchasing, and don't miss out on an affordable way to streamline and visualize your workflow during this limited-time price drop.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for $19.97 (reg. $249.99) until May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows $19.97 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal