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Victims of nonconsensual deepfake porn are using the laws of copyright to take back ownership of their likenesses, according to a new investigation.

In an analysis of copyright claims against websites known to share nonconsensual, digitally-altered videos, WIRED discovered thousands of women (including streamers, gamers, and other popular content creators) levying complaints to Google demanding the content be taken down.

The publication documented more than 13,000 copyright claims (which includes almost 30,000 URLs) against dozens of sites that populate Google.

SEE ALSO: SXSW 2024: 3 WTF tech products, including an AI Marilyn Monroe

Victims are utilizing the Digital Media Copyright Act (DMCA), which is frequently weaponized to remove copyrighted music, videos, and other media from third-party sites (and personal pages) online. The DMCA has also been used on behalf of victims of image-based sexual abuse or "revenge porn," with cases citing personal authorship and the unauthorized used of images.

A deepfake creator's alteration or outright fabrication of original images does complicate the matter, providing a higher obligation of proof for victims claiming rights over intellectual property.

Google has previously addressed the spread of revenge porn and deepfakes with new policies and reporting procedures, including options to remove personal explicit images from search results and deepfake reporting systems involving the detection of both original and copied images. The company has also documented its efforts to flag and remove such content. According to Google's own data, around 82 percent of complaints resulted in URL removal. "For the biggest deepfake video website alone," WIRED reported. "Google has received takedown requests for 12,600 URLs, 88 percent of which have been taken offline."

The sheer number of confirmed violations has prompted online safety and copyright advocates to wonder why the websites are still allowed to remain up. "If you remove 12,000 links for infringement, why are they not just completely removed?” posed Dan Purcell, founder and CEO of pracy protection firm Ceartas, in a WIRED interview. “They should not be crawled. They’re of no public interest."

SEE ALSO: What to do if someone makes a deepfake of you

The copyright strategy is a legal workaround for victims as government leaders crawl forward with proposed legislation that would criminalize the spread of "sexualized digital forgeries."

Known as the DEFIANCE (Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits) Act, the legislation also outlines a civil path for victims to sue the creators of deepfake images using their likeness.

"Victims of nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes have waited too long for federal legislation to hold perpetrators accountable. As deepfakes become easier to access and create — 96% of deepfake videos circulating online are nonconsensual pornography — Congress needs to act to show victims that they won’t be left behind,” wrote Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez upon the bill's introduction to the House.

In February, hundreds of AI leaders — joined by academics, researchers, artists, and even politicians — issued an open letter calling for the prioritization of deepfake legislation. The coalition called for a bill that would fully criminalize deepfake child pornography, establish criminal penalties for anyone knowingly involved in creating or spreading harmful deepfakes, and place requirements on software developers and distributers, Mashable's Meera Navlakha reported.

The letter cited the limits and inadequacies of current legislation to address deepfakes specifically, as well as the sheer increase in deepfake technologies and output. "Unprecedented AI progress is making deepfake creation fast, cheap, and easy. The total number of deepfakes has grown by 550 percent from 2019 to 2023," the coalition wrote.

Explicit deepfakes of celebrities are top of mind for many, following the spread of nonconsensual images of Taylor Swift on X and the recent discovery of deepfake porn ads using the likeness of actor Jenna Ortega.

But the problem is just as worrisome for non-famous individuals. Deepfake images are increasingly entering the social lives of young children and teens, prompting online child safety experts to call for preventative measures and heightened attention from parents.

In February, a group of California middle school students used deepfake technology to create and disseminate nude images of their classmates, just the latest instance among minors who seem to be getting younger and younger. Various court cases have laid down the verdict on victim recourse, with few to no laws to guide them.

"Deepfake pornography is a form of digital sexual violence. It violates victims' consent, autonomy, and privacy," wrote Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) founder Omny Miranda Martone in support of the DEFIANCE Act. "Victims face increased risk of stalking, domestic abuse, loss of employment, damaged reputation, and emotional trauma."

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

Between tech behemoth Instagram copying its best features (successfully) and a potential ban looming, TikTok is being attacked on all fronts — but it's fighting back.

TikTok might be developing a new "TikTok Photos" app, according to The SpAndroid, who spotted references to "TikTok Photos" in the back-end code of the current TikTok app. A potential new welcome message allegedly reads: "TikTok Photos will be launched soon, we hope to help you gain new audiences in the new app. If the switch is on, we’ll sync your public photos to the new app, whether you close the pop-up or not." TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It kind of looks like TikTok is copying Instagram's copying strategy, which it used to copy TikTok's short-form videos to create Reels. Copying isn't new for TikTok, which already has a "photo mode" for slideshows of still images and attempted a pretty lame Instagram-like app called Lemon8. Innovation for social media platforms is just a constant cycle of one app stealing ideas from another app until all apps become the same app. Love!

SEE ALSO: Instagram is copying TikTok, and the strategy is working

This leak comes as TikTok faces its most aggressive battle yet. For the first time since 2020, TikTok had fewer new app downloads in 2023 than Instagram, according to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported by the Financial Times. In 2023, TikTok downloads grew just 4 percent compared to Instagram's 20 percent — and part of that growth can be attributed to Instagram's copycat strategy.

All the while, TikTok is also facing a potential ban. Lawmakers are working to pass the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," which would ban TikTok and all other apps based in China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran from U.S. app stores. President Joe Biden said that if Congress does pass the ban, he'd sign it into law. In response, TikTok encouraged its U.S. users to call their representatives to "stop a TikTok shutdown."

We don't know if TikTok's attempt to copy Instagram will work as well as Instagram's copycat playbook has. But the app is pulling out all the stops to maintain its hold — and relevancy — on U.S. users.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wondershare Easy-to-use video editing software $49.99 at Wondershare
$69.99 Save $20.00 Annual plan Get Deal

Calling all vloggers, content creators, filmmakers, and anyone who wants to step up their social media game: To create next-level videos that engage your audience, you need to take advantage of AI-enabled video editing software, or risk falling behind. The catch is that many of the AI-loaded editing programs out there can be costly and a real headache to figure out — but not Filmora.

Wondershare’s Filmora editing software reigns supreme for its slick, simple interface and its advanced AI-powered tools. In addition to offering the standard trimming, transitions, and overlays you’d expect in any video editing software, Filmora’s AI toolbox is loaded with Smart Cutout to clean up your clips, Smart Masking for precise selection, and a one-click Vocal Remover tool, for starters. Add in the fact that Filmora 13.2 is updated with even more pro AI features, and the slick new version is worth taking for a spin.

Here are five ways that Filmora’s AI-powered tools can help both newbies and experienced editors alike give their video content a serious glow-up.

Edit your video like a text doc

Filmora’s AI Text-Based Editing tool is ideal for beginners because it lets you edit your videos using only your text-editing skills. Just insert your video, click a button, and a text layer will appear. Next, you can edit words and sentences from the text and the AI tool will automatically synchronize your video, saving you loads of time. If you’re a journalist or podcaster, the Speech-to-Text (STT) tool will also transcribe your videos into text for a quick copy-and-paste into blog posts and social media. 

Take your content worldwide with AI translation 

If you want your video to reach an international audience, the new AI Translation tool baked into Filmora 13.2 can translate your text and audio into Korean, Spanish, and 23 other languages. Simply choose your source language (the language your video is filmed in) and which language you want your video translated into. The "text only" option will create bilingual subtitles on the spot, and the "voice and text" option will dub over your existing audio with a translated audio track in an instant. 

Generate royalty-free AI music 

The right background music can take your video up a notch, and Filmora’s AI Music Generator is up to the task. It’s easy, just choose the music theme that best matches your video’s vibe — like happy, sad, or epic — and the AI will generate fully editable tracks for you to pick from in seconds. Filmmakers and pro content creators take note: The new Filmora 13.2 lets you use your AI-generated musical masterpieces for commercial purposes, meaning no more pulling your hair out trying to find the perfect royalty-free track. 

Elevate your video’s vibe with pro color grading

Just like your background music, your video’s color palette is key to capturing the overall mood and engaging your audience. This is where color grading, the process of adjusting your video’s color, comes into play. Color grading used to be a tricky process for even the pros to master, but the AI Histogram of Curve tool in Filmora 13.2 acts as a quantifiable visual guide as you make color enhancements, helping to steer your adjustments toward the vibe you want.

Get it done faster with an AI assistant 

The Filmora dashboard is pretty easy to navigate, but if you ever feel overwhelmed during the editing process, fret not because the AI Copilot Editing tool has your back. In short, it leverages advanced algorithms to analyze your video’s content and style, and it dishes out custom suggestions for edits, transitions, and effects. Basically, it’s like having your own expert editing assistant, and it can help you achieve pro results, fast. 

Whether you want to scale up your social media presence or are a filmmaker looking for a global audience, Wondershare’s new Filmora 13.2 will improve your videos with pro AI tools and help boost your productivity.

Since its inception in 2014, dating app Bumble's schtick was that women users "make the first move" — meaning, only women users can message male matches first, and within 24 hours of matching at that. Over the years, however, the concept has somewhat eroded.

It was always slippery for LGBTQ users, for example. Women can obviously message other women first, while men messaging other men would have to message first, too. Then in 2022, Bumble added more gender options which raised the question: Can nonbinary people message first, or only women? It turned out that Bumble allowed nonbinary users to message first.

Now, two years later, Bumble's new CEO Lidiane Jones told Fortune that she's reconsidering women making the first move on the app. Jones took over as CEO from Bumble's founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, who stepped down at the start of the year.

SEE ALSO: Best gay dating apps for hookups, relationships, and everything in between

Women messaging matches first has "obviously been our signature," Jones told Fortune, "but it feels like a burden for a subset of our customers today."

Apparently, this reconsideration began under Wolfe Herd, and Bumble is now testing different options for a relaunch later this year. One option, according to Fortune, is giving women pre-written messages; AI-generated icebreakers are already on Bumble for Friends, the platonic version of Bumble. Another option is allowing men to message first.

If Bumble scraps "women making the first move," it'll be a stark change for the decade-old app — but some users may see it as a relief.

Mashable has reached out to Bumble for comment.

Helldivers 2 just got another balancing update — and it's made the galactic-wide fight for democracy even easier.

Tweet may have been deleted

Arrowhead Studio's smash hit has a vast array of weapons meant to take on the Termanids and the Automatons. However, as many in the community will note, when it comes to enemies with armor, the arsenal becomes pretty ineffective. Until this recent update, the current meta for tackling larger enemies like the Charger or the Bile Titan involved a combo of the Breaker shotgun and the Railgun.

SEE ALSO: 'Helldivers 2' on Xbox? What we know so far

Now though, after minor nerfs to the aforementioned Breaker/Railgun combo, the Expendable Anti Tank 17, or EAT-IT, will finally get its time in the shine. Along with the Recoilless Rifle, the two weapons have now become the two strongest anti-tank options in the game. As it should be of course — these special weapons are meant to take on heavy enemies.

As pointed out by a user on Reddit, with an accurately placed shot, the EAT-17 can kill the notoriously heavy armored Charger in just two hits. As demonstrated by this YouTuber, it only takes 2-4 headshots to kill the Bile Titan. Conversely, with the Railgun, it'd take 10-20 shots in unsafe mode.

This isn't because the two anti-weapons have been buffed, but more so, the developers have nerfed the Charger. Per the developer's notes, "It should now be at a point where a well placed shot from a Recoilless Rifle or EAT-17 instantly kills a charger."

Among other editions to the new Helldivers 2 update, heavy enemy spawn rates have been decreased. In the past few weeks, there were many posts in the Helldivers subreddit about the incessant amount of heavy enemies that would spawn in higher difficulties.

There has been no change to the difficulty of the game, but as the developer intends, this update is meant to make Helldivers 2 manageable on higher difficulties for "well-equipped" teams.

Apple has improved Apple Maps frequently over the years. Considering how widely criticized the app was when it first launched, Apple has been successful in rehabilitating its web mapping and direction app for iOS. It may now even be some iPhone users' map app of choice.

However, Google Maps still reigns supreme in the category. Others prefer Waze, another navigation app from Google.

Unfortunately, for those iPhone users that never quite warmed up to Apple Maps, there hasn't been a way to change iOS' default Apple Maps app to an alternative — until now.

Changing the default navigation app in iOS 18?

Apple is finally going to let some iOS users change their default maps app from Apple Maps to one they might prefer such as Google Maps or Waze.

The news comes from a report that Apple released last week, which detailed how the company is preparing to comply with the EU's new Big Tech regulations known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Apple makes mention of changes to the maps app default in a sentence first noticed by AndroidCentral.

"Apple also plans to introduce a new default control for users in Settings for navigation apps," reads the document. Apple says its working towards making this available by March 2025.

It's unclear whether Apple will roll out this feature to change the default maps app to all users. However, it's certainly going to be made available to EU users, as new laws require it.

Mashable previously reported on Apple's DMA compliance report, detailing some of the major upcoming changes to iOS and iPhone as a result of the DMA. However, we somehow overlooked this one-liner from Apple. And it's a fairly significant development.

Apple's timeframe for launching this feature appears to line up with it being released within a future update for iOS 18. The company will likely launch the beta version of the latest iOS in June for developers, followed by a public release in September.

iOS 17.4 was released earlier this month, so it seems plausible that EU users can look forward to changing their default maps app by iOS 18.4 next year.

Featured Video For You 3 tips for using Google Maps more effectively

Fascination with the British royal family is nothing new. Globally, the country's monarchy has sat somewhere between cultural and political obsession, representing the face of Britain and its imperialism, as much as it also fits the mould of twenty-first century, celebrity-centric tabloid news.

There is no better example than the current PR catastrophe revolving around Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, a certain Photoshopped picture, and a hypothesized "disappearance" all over people's feeds.

On Sunday, as the UK celebrated Mother's Day, Kensington Palace — the official royal residence and branded social media accounts — unveiled a new portrait of Kate with her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The photo, credited as taken by her husband, Prince William, and posted on both Instagram and Twitter/X, was captioned, "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day."

Not just a family portrait, this was the first publicly-released photograph of Kate since she underwent scheduled abdominal surgery in January, with her last public appearance being Christmas Day over two months ago.

Tweet may have been deleted

Questions began to swirl almost immediately, first from social media users who have already spent months wildly speculating about Kate's absence from the public eye — but then, from media agencies declaring the picture showed signs of "manipulation". Since, the Princess has posted on X apologising for the photo causing "confusion" and the original photo post by @KensingtonPalace on X is now accompanied by a Community Note reading: "This photo is believed to be digitally altered and as a result many major news outlets have pulled the image from their reports."

This Community Note now sits under @KensingtonPalace's X post. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / X Why did media agencies pull the picture of Kate Middleton and her kids?

Five major media agencies pulled the photo of the Princess and her children on Sunday: the Associated Press (AP), PA, Getty Images, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP). All five agencies released a "kill notice" via emails and on their imaging websites, which essentially means they alerted clients to remove the photograph immediately from all platforms and to stop distributing it entirely.

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry launch rebranded site

In its alert, the AP wrote, "At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. Clients please be advised that the following story has been killed and should no longer be used." The AFP, similarly, cited an "editorial issue" and requested clients to no longer use the image "in any manner."

Tweet may have been deleted

The more specific reasons for pulling the photograph are in the details. For one, the Photoshop job, confirmed by the Princess on X as having been done by herself, is messy: the area around Princess Charlotte's sleeve showed signs of manipulation (and was visibly blurry); both Kate and Charlotte's hair looked unnatural and vaguely chopped off; and other details like the younger Prince's hands look equally doctored.

News agencies have strict guidelines around manipulated images, including the AP who emphasize in its statement of values and principles: "The content of a photograph must not be altered in Photoshop or by any other means. No element should be digitally added to or subtracted from any photograph."

Several outlets, including the BBC and The New York Times, have since removed the photograph from their original coverage of the image.

How did the Palace respond?

A flurry of conjecture followed the image's release, along with subsequent debunking. But on Monday morning, the Princess herself released a statement on Twitter/X, apologising for the "confusion" around the photo and admitting to playing around with editing software: "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused," reads the statement, signed by C (for Catherine, Kate's full name).

Tweet may have been deleted

The Palace faced pressure in the last 24 hours to acknowledge the doctored image and explain what's really going on. At the time of writing, no other members of the royal family have commented, including the official @RoyalFamily account. The fact that the image was in fact edited raised questions about Kate's health and circumstances, though many were in line with the tabloid-esque rumours that have circulated since the Princess' surgery. But what was meant to quell such rumours actually sent them spinning further, and it's no surprise that a statement was warranted.

What does it all mean?

It seems now that Kate Middleton's family photo was no more than an error in editing judgement, according to the Palace at least. But if the internet has anything to do with it, the story will go on. Royal reporters, too, have had a lot to say even before the ill-advised photograph was released.

The UK media has a uniquely unhealthy relationship with the royals, and rumours circulated in the papers have been addressed by Kensington Palace itself, in broad terms. In late February, spokespersons for the Palace responded to this conjecture to several outlets, dismissing the "wild conspiracy theories": "We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant."

However, as reporter and former Buzzfeed News Royal correspondent Ellie Hall has pointed out, the Palace directly acknowledging these conspiracies is rare in itself. It seems this entirely situation is unprecedented, and people will only have more questions coming — at least until after Easter, when the Princess is set to resume her royal duties.

#KateGate is trending

Needless to say, the saga isn't over and public scrutiny is at an all-time high. Since, Middleton has been pictured leaving Windsor Castle with Prince William, in a photograph where her face was barely visible, staring out a car window. #KateGate and "Kate Middleton" have been trending on X, where reactions vary from further conspiracy theories to concern about the Princess' whereabouts. People have questioned the latest photo itself: there are memes (many of them), queries about the red brick wall behind the car (apparently it looks suspicious), and some discourse around Photoshop. What hasn't been given – and really, never has been for Royals – is privacy.

SAVE $88.37: The AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim indoor garden system is just $117.58 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $205.95. That's a 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aerogarden AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim $117.58 at Amazon
$205.95 Save $88.37 Get Deal

For some of us, one of life's greatest joys is gardening and growing our own vegetables. However, maintaining a thriving garden outside comes with some challenges, from unpredictable weather to pesky pests. Remove some of those obstacles thanks to today's deal on an indoor garden system and grow your own fresh herbs.

As of March 12, the AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim indoor garden system is just $117.58 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $205.95. That's a savings of $88.37.

SEE ALSO: Tidy up your home with this week's best spring cleaning deals, including a Dyson vacuum that's $100 off

The AeroGarden has room for six plants to thrive under an LED grow light with an automatic on/off timer designed to replicate natural sunlight. The upper portion of the garden that houses the lamp is adjustable to accommodate growth up to 12 inches.

In addition to the AeroGarden itself, you'll get a seed pod starter kit that includes seeds to grow basil, parsley, dill, thyme, and mint. It also comes with a three-ounce bottle of liquid plant food to help your first plants thrive in the hydroponic system.

If you love gardening but often forget to water or lose your plants to pests, the indoor AeroGarden could be a perfect solution. Thanks to today's deal, you could grow your own vegetables and herbs at a big discount.

SAVE $300: As of March 12, the 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $999. That's a discount of 27%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999.00 at Best Buy
$1,299.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

The 15-inch M2 MacBook Air may have been discontinued after the announcement of the new M3 MacBook Air models, but that doesn't mean you can't still buy one. You won't find it available at the Apple Store, but you will find it if you head over to Best Buy — and for its lowest price yet. We tracked the older model just last week when it fell to $1,099 at Best Buy and B&H Photo, and now it's available for even less. It's your time to nab one.

As of March 12, you can get the 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for just $999 at Best Buy. That's $300 off its normal price of $1,299 and a discount of 27%. It's also the lowest we've seen the laptop go for following its discontinuation.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals for March 2024: Apple's new M3 MacBook Air is already on sale

This 15-inch MacBook Air is a great option if you're not looking to upgrade to the latest version just yet. Its larger screen makes your screentime a more luxurious experience, whether you're whipping up a spreadsheet or streaming your shows. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, this is the configuration that should work for most users, especially since it's already boasting more RAM than most entry-level MacBook Air models.

Its gorgeous Liquid Retina display, comfortable and sizable keyboard, and new budget-friendly price make this MacBook one to pick up, even if the newest models are enticing. It's as lightweight as ever, and, of course, nice to look at as well. If you're looking to go ahead and lock in a new MacBook purchase, this is one to snap up before the stock sells out.

Most of us would agree we've made a purchase thanks to something we saw on TikTok or Instagram, from influencer-content to the slew of advertisements we see daily. Meta, parent company to Facebook and Instagram, is helping brands and retailers push our collective consumption further, with a bunch of new, AI-powered updates.

SEE ALSO: Want to buy that viral TikTok Shop product? Think twice.

Some of these new tools come to Meta's Advantage Suite, built for businesses to improve their ads. Now brands can "optimize" their videos, creating multiple variations of an ad so they're more personalized to each user. There's also an option to deliver product recommendations to a person based on their timeline, using branded videos or customer demonstration videos.

An example of an advertisement made with Advantage+ catalog campaigns. Credit: Meta.

AI-based tools, which are increasingly being implemented by retail giants, are another addition: advertisers can now include external links to new products and sales in their Reminder ads, which have been around since 2023 and allow advertisers to send notifications around "upcoming moments." Alongside this, brands can highlight promotions and help people apply valid promo codes through Facebook and Instagram ads.

Finally, advertisers will be supported via Meta's AI to show people specific products at the centers of their catalog ads, using a tool called Advantage+ catalog campaigns.

Basically, shopping is being increasingly prioritized by social platforms — a decision that definitely supports advertisers but may also be tiring for consumers. Meta found that 79 percent of Gen-Z users on Instagram have purchased a product after viewing a Reel. For better or worse, social media is coming for more of your time, and of your money.

SAVE 46%: A certified refurbished Dyson Pure Cool DP04 purifying fan is just $189.99 at Dyson, marked down from the usual price of $349.99. That's a savings of $160.

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$349.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

Daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms, and lilacs are about to take center stage as spring season approaches. As beautiful as spring blossoms appear, their arrival means many of us enter allergy season. Whether the neighbor is cutting their grass or the cedar trees nearby are bothersome, allergy season can spell some serious pain and discomfort for many. If you're seeking cleaner air, today's deal on a refurbished Dyson purifying fan is here to provide some relief.

As of March 12, a certified refurbished Dyson Pure Cool DP04 purifying fan is just $189.99 at Dyson, down from the standard price of $349.99. That's a 46% discount or a savings of $160. Renewed products at Dyson are serviced by experts and hygienically cleaned. Any scuffs or scratches don't interfere with functionality, and it comes with a six month warranty.

For anyone allergic to pollen, spring time can be a conundrum of wanting to fling open the windows to feel warm air but not wanting to get inundated with allergens. The Dyson Pure Cool DP04 aims to clean indoor air thanks to an activated carbon filter combined with a HEPA filter. The carbon filter helps remove gases while the HEPA filter is designed to catch 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. This Dyson purifying fan will not only help with springtime allergies, it could be great if the area you live in an area that experiences summer wildfires and smoke.

In addition to filtering the air, the Dyson Pure Cool DP04 is also a fan that can oscillate between 45 degrees and 350 degrees for whole-room coolness. Measuring a bit over two feet tall, the purifying fan could fit nicely on a desktop or on your bedroom nightstand.

If you're dreading allergy season, keep your indoor air clean with a refurbished Dyson Pure Cool DP04 purifying fan.

SAVE UP TO $649.98: Through March 31, Verizon is running a promo that unlocks a free Nintendo Switch (a $299.99 value) plus your choice of a free Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go (a $349.99 value) or a $200 Target gift card when you switch to Verizon 5G Home Internet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch and Target gift card or Chromebook Free with Verizon 5G Home Internet Get Deal

Nintendo Switch deals are nearly as elusive as a reliable release date for the Nintendo Switch 2. But amid a $25 gift card with your Switch purchase at Best Buy or a $50 gift card with your Switch OLED purchase at Dell, Verizon's current promo gets you a Switch for free — under one condition. Through March 31, Verizon will throw in a Nintendo Switch when you switch to Verizon Home Internet.

That $299.99 savings is also stackable with other Home Internet freebies: Through April 10, you can also choose between a free Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go (which retails for $349.99) or a free $200 Target gift card by switching your internet at home to Verizon.

SEE ALSO: Chromebook vs. laptop: What are the differences?

This could come to a total savings of $649.98 if you opt for the Chromebook or $499.99 savings if you opt for the gift card. Though the discount is indirect, it's major if you were already eyeing either of these devices (or, of course, eyeing $200 worth of stuff at Target).

Unlocking both free items requires a switch to the premium 5G Home Plus plan, which starts at $45 per month. Compared to the regular 5G tier, 5G Home Plus offers higher download speeds, ultra HD 4K video streaming rather than 1080p, and Verizon Cloud Unlimited, and comes with a router and whole-home WiFi rather than a single wireless router. If you're switching from another service provider mid-contract, Verizon will also help cover early termination fees up to $500 through a credit.

SAVE $270: The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is just $429.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $699.99. That's a 39% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop $429.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $270.00 Get Deal

Robot vacuums can save a ton of time and hassle when it comes to cleaning the floors. Having a trustworthy robot vacuum to magically get rid of pet hair can be an incredible addition to any animal lover's home. And if you're looking for a robovac that can sweep up the hair and mop the floors, completely relieving you of floor chores, this deal on a Shark vacuum could be perfect.

As of March 12, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is just $429.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $699.99. That's a savings of $270 or a 39% discount.

The convenience of a robot vacuum is hard to dispute. With advancements in mapping and cleaning capabilities, a robot vacuum can keep floors pristine with little human intervention. But the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 goes several steps further; it not only serves as a vacuum, but it mops your floors too. The robot uses Shark's Sonic Mopping to scrub tile, laminate, or wood floors 100 times per minute.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuum deals this week include every self-emptying mopping Roomba on sale

The vacuum function uses Shark's Matrix Clean, which sends the robot off to clean in a grid pattern rather than a single row, which can miss dirt or debris. Plus, this model of the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 has a self-emptying base that doesn't need any attention for up to 60 days. The base serves as both the charging station and the self-emptying storage area that you only have to empty once it's full, which is about every two months with everyday use.

Whether you already know the joy of a robot vacuum and want to upgrade to a mopping model or you're looking into your first floor-cleaning robot, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is a do-it-all floor solution. You can set it and forget it for up to two months at a great price.

SAVE $160: As of March 12, the Google Pixel 8 is on sale at Woot! for $539.99, down from its original price of $699.99. That's a discount of 23% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot! Google Pixel 8 $539.99 at Woot!
$699.00 Save $159.01 Get Deal

If you're ready to grab a new smartphone to replace your old one, you might want to consider the Google Pixel 8. One of Google's flagship phones, this 2023 release proved that Google is still a formidable name in the smartphone space, and as such it's well worth opting for over even an iPhone or Samsung device. Right now, it's even more worthwhile, as it's on sale for the lowest price we've seen.

As of March 12, you can get the Google Pixel 8 for $539.99 at Woot!. That's $160 off its normal price of $699.99 and a savings of 23%. This price is for a new, unlocked model in the Obsidian colorway.

As Alex Perry mentioned in his Mashable review, this phone is an "excellent" Android handset, and "among the best you can buy." With a higher refresh rate, better chipset, and upgraded cameras, it's a considerable step up from the Pixel 7.

It boasts the powerful Google Tensor G3 chip with interesting new Google AI capabilities for photo and video editing and a range of other options. Plus, its 6.2-inch Actua display offers crisp colors and responsive browsing and scrolling.

One of its most useful features by far is its Adaptive Battery, which can last you over 24 hours in a pinch. When you turn on Extreme Battery Saver, it can even last up to 72 hours to make sure you have power in situations where charging just won't be an option for a while – though it does charge up super quickly when you need it to.

If you're in the market for a new phone with plenty of bells and whistles, this Pixel model is worth the entry fee, especially at this deep of a discount.

For many of us, gaming isn't just about pushing pixels on a screen. Gaming has been a significant part of my life since childhood, serving as both a source of entertainment and an opportunity to navigate challenges in a different context. And when I can’t make it to the boxing gym to shake off the day’s stress, gaming offers a therapeutic relief where I can immerse myself, temporarily leaving behind the pressures of life to come back with a clearer mind. 

As a New York City-based actor, filmmaker, and theater artist who doesn’t work a steady 9-5 job, I’m constantly on the go, bouncing from auditions to gigs to screenings. Lucky for me, my line of work sometimes takes me to different corners of the map.

This weekend, I brought the Legion Go with me on an impromptu trip to LA. I’ve clocked plenty of hours playing on different consoles and was excited to dip my toes into the PC gaming world — without dropping dough on all the gear needed for a desktop setup. 

Left: Credit: Josh Steinbauer Right: Credit: Josh Steinbauer Lifestyle fit

Heading to the airport for my flight, I packed the Legion Go and instantly appreciated its portability. Its compact size made it a breeze to toss into my go bag, giving me the ideal flexibility I crave. And as an actor, it’s a perfect fit. 

Unlike many other handheld gaming consoles, the Legion Go runs on Microsoft Windows 11; it has two removable controllers and a hefty crystal clear 8.8-inch screen. This means that besides all the impressive gaming capabilities, I can also browse the internet, stream my favorite shows, and even do work on Microsoft Office Suite. It functions as a tablet when you want it to, complete with a mouse and scroll wheel once you detach the right controller and use the trackpad.

Credit: Josh Steinbauer Design

The Legion Go runs on a 2560x1600 screen resolution and can reach a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, making it outshine its competitors. It has a sturdy kickstand on the back, a touchpad on the right controller, and two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom, so you can charge no matter if you’re hanging out on the couch or sitting at a desk and have your screen propped on the kickstand. 

It weighs a little under two pounds, which you start to feel in your wrists if you play for hours on end like I sometimes tend to do with Cyberpunk 2077. But the graphics are mesmerizing and smooth as butter — meaning I often lost track of time. When my wrists needed a break, I placed the screen on the kickstand, detached the controllers, and gamed on. 

Credit: Josh Steinbauer What stood out to me

The robust size of the screen is undoubtedly the biggest win. One of the games I looked forward to trying out was Overwatch, which I’ve played on multiple other consoles. Most recently, I had to adjust my mains because of the frustrating tech limitations of playing on a smaller handheld device. But the Legion Go’s screen is more than enough for me to go back to some of the snipers I used to play, and the Hall Effect controllers meant that stick drift was a thing of the past. 

I also played Cyberpunk 2077, a notoriously tough game for processors. After toying with the plethora of settings available, I was able to balance the right performance mode, resolution, and refresh rate so that it played like a dream. Plus, I could easily read even the smallest text in gameplay. 

Credit: Josh Steinbauer Credit: Josh Steinbauer Giftability

This would certainly be a Grade A present for the gamer in your life. If they’re a more advanced gamer with PC experience, the tech specs and portability of the Legion Go are pretty standout. On the other hand, this console is accessible enough that with a little bit of fiddling, testing, and a classic scrub through Reddit forums, the Legion Go is still a viable entry point for those new to PC gaming who want to give it a shot.

Give it a go

I had a great time playing with Lenovo’s latest handheld device, both at home and on the go, and it’s a pretty slick-feeling device overall. Graphically dense games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Genshin Impact look jaw-droppingly fluid with the ultra-fast refresh rate at high performance. And the fact that it runs on Windows 11 means that I have a tablet at my fingertips anytime I want to do work or hop online.

Credit: Josh Steinbauer

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 Cheltenham Festival for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Cheltenham Festival is tough to beat for horse racing enthusiasts. The four-day festival offers some of the best racing of the season, and the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Racecourse is unparalleled.

You won't be able to fully experience the Cheltenham Festival from home, but the refreshments should be a lot cheaper, you don't need to dress fancy, and you definitely shouldn't need to queue to use the facilities. So there are clear advantages to staying at home, including the fact that you can watch the Cheltenham Festival for free.

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

What is the Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival is a horse racing meeting in the National Hunt racing calendar in the UK, with race prize money second only to the Grand National. The four-day festival takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

When is the 2024 Cheltenham Festival?

The 2024 Cheltenham Festival begins on March 12 and concludes on March 15.

How to watch the 2024 Cheltenham Festival for free

Fans can watch the first five races of each day on ITV1. The races can also be live streamed for free on ITVX.

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

Unblock ITVX to stream the 2024 Cheltenham Festival 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream the 2024 Cheltenham Festival for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 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 streaming sites without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Cheltenham Festival before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• 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 five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Watch the 2024 Cheltenham Festival for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's going to be very difficult for 2024 to compete with 2023 when it comes to international rugby. Last year we were treated to an electric Six Nations, a long list of competitive international test matches, and of course, the Rugby World Cup. That's tough to beat.

This year is going to be very quiet in comparison, but don't be fooled into thinking the Six Nations is going to be any less competitive. The Six Nations is always fiery, and we're expecting a lot of intense battles between some of the best sides in the world.

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

What is the Six Nations?

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men's rugby union competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each team plays every other team once, with home ground advantage alternating from one year to the next.

The current champions are Ireland.

When is the 2024 Six Nations?

The 2024 Six Nations Championship is the 130th edition of the competition, but only the 25th since it expanded to become the Six Nations Championship in 2000. This year's competition will take place from Feb. 2 to March 16.

How to watch the 2024 Six Nations for free

You can watch every game from the Six Nations for free on the BBC or ITV. You can also live stream every fixture for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are both geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These popular tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can stream on BBC iPlayer and ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer and ITVX 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX

5. Stream the 2024 Six Nations for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer or ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream most of the 2024 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

2024 Six Nations schedule

Once you have established access to the 2024 Six Nations for free, you'll want to make note of the fixture schedule and broadcasting partner for each game:

• Feb. 2 — France vs. Ireland (8 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• Feb. 3 — Italy vs. England (2:15 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• Feb. 3 — Wales vs. Scotland (4:45 p.m. GMT on BBC)

• Feb. 10 — Scotland vs. France (2:15 p.m. GMT on BBC)

• Feb. 10 — England vs. Wales (4:45 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• Feb. 11 — Ireland vs. Italy (3 p.m. GMT GMT on ITV)

• Feb. 24 — Ireland vs. Wales (2:15 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• Feb. 24 — Scotland vs. England (4:45 p.m. GMT on BBC)

• Feb. 25 — France vs. Italy (3 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• March 9 — Italy vs. Scotland (2:15 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• March 9 — England vs. Ireland (4:45 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• March 10 — Wales vs. France (3 p.m. GMT on BBC)

• March 16 — Wales vs. Italy (2:15 p.m. GMT on BBC)

• March 16 — Ireland vs. Scotland (4:45 p.m. GMT on ITV)

• March 16 — France vs. England (8 p.m. GMT on ITV)

Keep these dates in mind and clear your schedule. It's the only thing that really matters at this time of year.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• 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 five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Watch the 2024 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

We've been banging on about VPNs for years, and now the world has opened its eyes to how great these services are for boosting online security and bypassing geo-restrictions.

It's about time.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide important 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. You can think 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 when working from home?

More and more businesses are making the transition from a traditional office setting to a remote workforce. A VPN is absolutely essential for working remotely because it provides an organisaton with an encrypted connection for securely accessing internal company networks.

VPNs can also be used to watch shows on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more of the most popular streaming sites. The need for online entertainment has grown recently, and more people are now turning towards VPNs to unlock blocked or restricted content.

The message is: VPNs are vital for both work and play at home.

What should you consider before investing in a VPN?

The first thing you're likely to notice when you begin the hunt for a VPN is just how many services there are to consider. Yes, it's good to have options, but it's easy to get bogged down by all the choice. That's why it's important to focus on some key factors when making your decision:

• Customer support — if you encounter any problems, it's good to know that you can rely on support agents with the technical knowledge to help.

• Fast connection speeds — the best VPNs offer servers in countries all around the world, ensuring that you get a fast and reliable connection for when you need it most.

• Kill switch — this technology makes sure your sensitive data is not exposed, even if your connection drops unexpectedly.

• Multi-logins — some accounts let you connect multiple devices simultaneously, which is great for protecting an entire household under the same subscription.

• Reliable encryption — the most important thing to consider is how well a service protects your connection, so your data and identity remain hidden from prying eyes.

If you take all of these features into consideration, and find something that ticks most of the boxes, you should be in a good position. Don't panic if things still aren't clear though, because we have already considered these points in detail. We're nice like that.

What is the best VPN for working from home?

We have lined up some of your best options for working and playing at home, with top providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN making the cut. There is something for everyone and every budget in this list. All you have to do is pick your favourite.

These are the best VPNs for working from home in 2024.

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

All those hours you've spent searching for the perfect reaction GIF or drooling over recipes on YouTube seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things — but to Google, hackers, your internet service provider (ISP), and even certain government agencies, that browsing history is a valuable commodity.

And guess what? They're probably tracking and logging every digital move you make. Like, right now. The best thing you can do to make sure your online activities are undetectable and untraceable is to invest in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a service that makes your web presence more difficult to track and trace, and if someone can't track or trace your web presence, they can't collect your personal data and do suspect things with it — like sell it to advertisers or use it to incriminate you in nefarious activities.

A VPN improves online privacy because the user's IP address is replaced with one from the VPN provider. Those subscribed to a VPN can obtain an IP address from any gateway location the VPN service provides. A VPN is like an encrypted tunnel 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 to pay for VPNs?

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

A VPN keeps you anonymous online by masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic through its secure servers, and while it would be nice of providers to give away and maintain this technology for free, they have to make money somehow. So, if they're not charging you a monthly or annual fee to use their service, they're likely logging and selling your data in order to pay their bills. Some even have the audacity to seed their products with spyware. In the best-case scenario, that data will be used to generate eerily specific ads based on your browsing history. At worst, your privacy will be compromised.

What is the best cheap VPN?

We've found that many VPN providers are willing to offer their services for cheap so long as you commit to a long-term subscription. We have looked at everything on offer to line up a short selection of your best options, including popular providers like NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

We recommend taking your time and properly considering all the options in this list. There is something for everyone right here. You just need to weigh up each service against your own set of priorities, and pick a favourite.

These are the best cheap VPNs in 2024.

UPDATE: Mar. 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m. UTC This article has been updated with the latest streaming and digital release information, as well as additional Oscars info.

In a year full of exceptional cinema, 10 films stood out enough to snag Oscar nominations for Best Picture. Narrowing the best movies of the year down to only 10 was something we found virtually impossible, so it's no surprise there are some snubs this year. Regardless, the ones who managed to nab a nomination are definitely worth a watch, including Best Picture winner Oppenheimer.

SEE ALSO: All the winners from the 2024 Oscars

If you'd like to get up to date on the best films of the year (at least by the Academy's standards), we've rounded up the best ways to watch all 10. Queue 'em up for a truly outstanding movie marathon.

American Fiction

Part family drama and part showbiz satire, Cord Jefferson's directorial debut hits all the right notes. It features a star-studded cast that boasts Tracee Ellis Ross, Erika Alexander, John Ortiz, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown. American Fiction was nominated for five Oscars, with Cord Jefferson winning the gold for Best Adapted Screenplay.

What's it about?

"Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk Ellison, a Black novelist with an upper-middle-class background who is battling on both the personal and professional fronts. At home, his family is reeling from a huge loss. At work, his prose isn't staying within the narrow expectations white editors (and audiences) have for Black stories, so his latest novel is gathering dust. Fed up, Monk plays to the racist stereotypes of drugs, crime, and bad dads in a bombastic new book. What begins as a joke swiftly snowballs into a hit that pushes the vexed intellectual into a snarling alter ego from the streets." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Read Mashable's review of American Fiction.

How to watch it: Buy on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy on digital $19.99 to purchase Watch Now

Still in select theaters across the country, American Fiction is now available at digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, so you can add it to your digital library. It will also be available to rent as of March 8 — just ahead of the Oscars. It's currently $19.99 to buy the 4K or UHD version.

Anatomy of a Fall

A courthouse drama from French director Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall is a dissection of a troubled marriage. It stars Sandra Hüller as German novelist Sandra, Samuel Theis as dead husband Samuel, Milo Machado Graner as the couple's blind adolescent son, Daniel, and Swann Arlaud as Sandra's attorney, Vincent. Anatomy of a Fall was nominated for five Oscars, with Triet and Arthur Harari taking home Best Original Screenplay.

What's it about?

"A man lies dead in the snow below his family's chalet. Did he fall? Did he jump? Or did his wife Sandra (Sandra Hüller) push him? The answer to these questions is far from Anatomy of a Fall's main focus. (Indeed, if you want a clear response, you'll be disappointed.) But there's so much more to this movie — and to Sandra's marriage — than just wanting to know, "Did she do it?" Triet examines Sandra's relationship with her husband through the lens of her trial, taking into account everything from warring egos to infidelity to the pressure of language barriers." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Read Mashable's review of Anatomy of a Fall.

How to watch it: Buy or rent on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Rent or buy on digital $5.99 to rent, $14.99 to purchase Watch Now Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Stream it on Hulu beginning March 22 Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

Released earlier this month, you can now rent or buy Anatomy of a Fall on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu. Rentals give you 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once you start. This film is about two and a half hours long, so if you don't see yourself finishing it within that period, you're better off purchasing it instead. While it won't allow you to watch before the Oscars ceremony on March 10, Anatomy of a Fall also just got an official streaming release date (finally) — you can stream the film on Hulu starting March 22. A basic monthly Hulu plan with ads will run you $7.99 per month after a 30-day free trial. If you wish to cut out the ads, it'll cost you $17.99 per month.

Barbie

What's there to say about Barbie that hasn't been said? Greta Gerwig's summer blockbuster broke box office records, made us all obsessed with the color pink, and essentially became the American monoculture of the moment. For months, we all lived in a Barbie world, so it's no shock the film found its way into the Best Picture category along with seven other nominations. Billie Eilish's existential song "What Was I Made For," won Best Original song; Ryan Gosling's "I'm Just Ken" was also nominated, and the performance was everything.

What's it about?

"In Barbieland, Barbies are doctors, lawyers, construction workers, Pulitzer prize winners, and the president. Every day is perfect, beginning with a great night's sleep and a charming morning routine of costume change and heart-shaped waffle and every night ends with a massive dance party, followed by a 'girls' night'— no Kens allowed. (While Barbies do anything and everything, Kens 'beach.') But all of this seeming perfection begins to unravel when Stereotypical Barbie (Robbie) asks abruptly, mid-choreographed group-dance number, 'Do you guys ever think about dying?' 

Soon, her sleep isn't so restful. Her breakfast is burnt. Her perfectly arched feet go flat. She seeks counsel from 'Weird Barbie' (a perfectly cast Kate McKinnon), who tells her that the girl playing with her in the Real World is in crisis, and it's up to Barbie to go there and help her. Ken (Gosling) will come along for the ride, whether Barbie likes it or not." — K.P.

Read Mashable's review of Barbie.

How to watch it: Stream it on Max Opens in a new window Credit: Max Stream it on Max Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now

Barbie hit streaming on Dec. 15 after its dominating box office run. Since Warner Bros. is the film's distributor, it only makes sense that the film is streaming on Max (which is owned by Warner Bros.). Max plans start at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (save 17%).

The Holdovers

Rich storytelling, a powerful cast, and a future Christmas classic, Alexander Payne's The Holdovers was nominated for five Oscars, with Da'Vine Joy Randolph taking home Best Supporting Actress. It stars Paul Giamatti, Randolph, and newcomer Dominic Sessa.

What's it about?

"With the Christmas break fast approaching, the prickly Professor Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is vexed but unsurprised when he's assigned to play babysitter to the holdovers — students not going home to their families over the two-week academic vacation. This cranky crew includes Angus (Dominic Sessa), a 15-year-old with a sharp mind and a self-destructive streak. Cooking for the lot is long-time cafeteria manager Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), who's enduring her first holiday alone since her 19-year-old son (and recent Barton grad) died in the Vietnam War. 

Here is a stage well set for culture clash, as well as bursts of emotion and explorations of privilege. A triple-hander, Hemingson's script shifts its focus from Hunham to Angus to Mary and back again, revealing first the facades of intellectual superiority, cockiness, and resilience they put forth to others. But steadily, private moments and forced interactions over an emotionally charged time give way to revelations of tragic backstories, shameful secrets, and, ultimately, vulnerability." — K.P.

Read Mashable's review of The Holdovers.

How to watch: Stream it on Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Stream it on Peacock Starting at $5.99 per month Watch Now

Released nationwide in November, The Holdovers suitably hit streaming around Christmas time. One of the most affordable flicks to stream online, you can watch The Holdovers over on Peacock with a Premium subscription for only $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Don't want to deal with ads interrupting your watch party? You'll have to dish out $11.99 per month ($119.99 per year) instead.

Killers of the Flower Moon

While some overly hyped films tend to disappoint, Killers of the Flower Moon is definitely not one of them. It comes as no surprise that Scorsese's compelling and courageous film about America's painful history of corruption and white supremacy would earn a Best Picture nomination. But with 10 nominations, Killers of the Flower Moon shockingly went home without one Oscar.

What's it about?

"Based on David Grann's non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, Scorsese's film focuses on the marriage between regal Osage heiress Mollie Burkhart (a riveting Lily Gladstone) and her gold-digging husband Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio). Their romance is swiftly but solidly established, making for all the horrors that happen around it to be all the more harrowing. Scorsese is frank in the film's violence, but by way of an inventive epilogue that includes a deeply personal touch, he strives to give a clear focus to how this tragedy speaks to America today." — K.P.

Read Mashable's review of Killers of the Flower Moon.

How to watch it: Stream on Apple TV+ Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Stream it on Apple TV+ 7-day free trial, then $9.99 per month Watch Now

After a long wait, Killers of the Flower Moon finally graced us with its streaming presence on Apple TV+ earlier this month. Apple TV+ is no longer one of the most affordable streaming services, as its monthly cost jumped from $6.99 to $9.99. However, there are plenty of ways to score a free trial. Try it for seven days through the app itself or for up to three months via Best Buy.

Maestro

Nominated for seven Oscars, the latest masterpiece of Bradley Cooper — who directed, co-wrote, produced, and stars in the film — Maestro is a gorgeous biopic of Leonard Bernstein. It earned more mixed reviews than most on this list of flicks, but the emotional love story, which also stars Carey Mulligan, still managed to get a nod from the Academy.

What's it about?

"Bradley Cooper's sophomore effort is about the life of Leonard Bernstein, the famous New York composer and conductor, who Cooper also plays. While it traces his artistic journey, the film’s main focus is on Bernstein's marriage to Chilean-Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), from their rocky romance to their family life to Bernstein’s affair with several men over the years. Maestro begins, however, with an elderly Bernstein looking back on their time together after Montealegre’s death from cancer, framing the film’s events in the form of memory." — Siddhant Adlakha, Film Critic

Read Mashable's review of Maestro.

How to watch it: Stream it on Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream it on Netflix Starting at $6.99 per month Watch Now

Originally premiering at the Venice International Film Festival and hitting select theaters in fall of 2023, the story of Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre began streaming on Netflix late in December. The cheapest Netflix subscription will cost you $6.99 per month, but alas, you'll have to endure some ads along the way. If you don't want to deal with ads, the price jumps up to $15.49 per month instead.

Oppenheimer

Barbie's box office accomplice, Oppenheimer is the latest flick for Best Director winner Christopher Nolan devotees to marvel over — and it actually took home Best Picture at the Oscars this year. Entertainment reporter Belen Edwards called it "part tragedy, part horror movie," that's ultimately unforgettable. It's stacked with a highly impressive cast, including Best Actor winner Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, Best Supporting Actor winner Robert Downey Jr. as shoe salesman turned political powerhouse Lewis Strauss, as well as Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Benny Safdie, David Krumholtz, and plenty of others.

Oppenheimer took home seven Academy Awards in total with Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, and Best Cinematography rounding out the stash.

What's it about?

"As screenwriter and director, Nolan has adapted Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin's non-fiction book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer into a historical epic that centers on the adult life of the "father of the atomic bomb." Cillian Murphy, who has previously worked with Nolan on The Dark Knight trilogy, Dunkirk, and Inception, stars as Oppenheimer, the Jewish-American theoretical physicist who led the U.S. government's secret Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons." — K.P.

Read Mashable's review of Oppenheimer.

How to watch it: Stream it on Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Stream it on Peacock Starting at $5.99 per month Watch Now

Oppenheimer is officially available to stream on Peacock as of Feb. 16. A Peacock Premium subscription will only run you $5.99 per month and allows you to watch a whole lot more than just Oppenheimer. If you prefer not to sign up for another streaming service, it's also available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV for $5.99 or $19.99, respectively.

Past Lives

Nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, writer/director Celine Song's debut feature has been on our mind's since its theatrical release in June. We were thrilled to learn it lived up to the hype from its Sundance debut. In fact, in the initial review, Film Editor Kristy Puchko dubbed it "one of the very best films of 2023." It stars a radiant Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro.

What's it about?

"Greta Lee, who also appears in such buzzy 2023 gems as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Problemista, stars as Nora, a Korean-American playwright who reconnects with her childhood sweetheart from Seoul (Teo Yoo) over a couple of heady days in New York City. Long walks and long talks scratch at the scab of what could have been, as the two share an exciting chemistry. But life is complicated — specifically, Nora is already married to the rumpled but charming Arthur (John Magaro). So, will these long-lost lovers reignite their would-be romance? Or will they have to wait for another life?" — K.P.

Read Mashable's review of Past Lives.

How to watch it: Stream it on Paramount + with Showtime Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ / Showtime Paramount+ with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $11.99 per month Watch Now

Past Lives is the last A24 film to be released on Paramount+ with Showtime. With A24s new deal, future releases will head to Max instead. If you want to stream it, Paramount+ with Showtime is only $11.99 per month after a free seven-day trial. Max without ads, on the other hand, would run you $15.99 and has no free trial. You can also rent or purchase the film through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu. It'll cost you $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to purchase. Just remember, with rentals, you have 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once you start.

Poor Things

A Frankenstein-ish masterpiece, Poor Things was one of our most anticipated movies of the year. And thankfully, it didn't disappoint, earning itself an Oscar nod for Best Picture as well as 10 other categories. Poor Things took home four awards including Best Actress for Emma Stone, Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Costume Design. Plus, for what it's worth, we dubbed it our top film of 2023. Poor Things was written by Tony McNamara, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and features a lovable cast including Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, and Christopher Abbott.

What's it about?

"Based on Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel of the same name, Poor Things' resurrected corpse is the beguiling Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), who has a grown woman's body, a child's mind, and a ravenous desire to know the world. This makes her more than a mad scientist/father figure (Willem Dafoe) can handle. So, off she goes on a globe-trekking fling with a devil-may-care — but hot-as-hell — rogue, played by Mark Ruffalo with a winsome gusto." — K.P.

Read Mashable's review of Poor Things.

How to watch it: Stream it on Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Stream it on Hulu beginning March 7 Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

Poor Things debuted at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on Sept.1, and was released in U.S. theaters on Dec. 8. Three months later, almost to the day, Poor Things is set to make its streaming debut on Hulu (beginning March 7). Hulu subscriptions start at $7.99 per month with ads or $17.99 per month without ads after a free 30-day trial period. You can also purchase a digital version of the film on retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Vudu as of Feb. 27.

The Zone of Interest

One of the most unsettling films on the list of nominees, A24'sThe Zone of Interest pairs a "violent soundscape" with "domestic normalcy." Directed by Jonathan Glazer, the chilling flick stars Sandra Hüller (who also stars in Anatomy of a Fall), Christian Friedel, Freya Kreutzkam, Ralph Herforth, Max Beck and Ralf Zillmann. The Zone of Interest was nominated for five Academy Awards and took home the gold for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound.

What's it about?

"Based on Martin Amis's 2014 novel, The Zone of Interest makes you a deeply uncomfortable guest in the well-appointed home of the longest-serving Auschwitz commandant, Rudolf Höss (an impeccable Christian Friedel), his wife Hedwig (an unnerving performance by Anatomy of a Fall star Sandra Hüller), and their children. Just beyond the Höss family's lush garden wall lies Auschwitz itself, where over 1.1 million men, women, and children — about one million of which were Jewish — were murdered." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Read Mashable's review of The Zone of Interest.

How to watch it: Buy it on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Buy it on digital $19.99 to purchase Watch Now

Similarly, The Zone of Interest is still in select theaters nationwide and was just released on digital. You can purchase it on digital retailers like Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Vudu for just $19.99. It will be available to rent and stream at a later date.