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Nintendo Switch 2 leaks are trickling in, and we can't wait until this highly anticipated console gets an official announcement.

Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the potential successor to its highly successful Nintendo Switch console. With its seven-year anniversary coming up in March, the Switch is nearing the end of its console life cycle — and talks about a replacement have been stirring in the rumor mill.

While the suits at the top of Nintendo are refusing to say anything, leaks have revealed some interesting information about what is tentatively called the "Switch 2," including backward compatibility, a downgraded LCD screen, and even the release of a much-anticipated Metroid sequel.

Here’s a compilation of everything we know so far about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 console.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 release date delayed? The new rumored launch window Nintendo Switch 2 release date

You may be wondering, "When is Nintendo Switch 2 coming out?"

According to Nikkei, a Japan-based publication, the Switch 2 is likely to hit store shelves in March 2025.

Considering that March 2024 marks the seven-year anniversary of the Nintendo Switch, gaming pundits once suspected that this could be the launch window for the Switch's successor. After all, a console generation is about 7-8 years — and the tech powering the Switch is outdated by several console generations.

However, the company already confirmed that sales for the Switch have been falling fast, but it's in no rush to release new hardware anytime soon. The plan for Nintendo at the moment, according to the company, is to boost Switch sales with "new titles and add-on content."

Sorry dear reader, but it looks like we'll have to wait a little while longer for the next-generation Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 price

That same leaker also says that the new console will be released with two versions: a digital-only Switch priced at $400, and a cartridge version priced at $449. If true, Nintendo would be following the same path as Microsoft and Sony, with those companies taking the steps to embrace a digital-only hardware future.

Nintendo Switch 2 design

As mentioned above, the presumed rumor is that Nintendo will be releasing two versions of the Switch 2. It will also remain a hybrid-handheld console as well — so if that's one of the main things you liked about the original Switch, there's no need to worry.

The biggest rumor in terms of design could be a downgraded screen to save on cost. The current Switch, which is an upgraded model of the version released in 2017, uses an OLED screen. Rumors from Bloomberg suggest that Nintendo will downgrade the new console to LED instead.

Nintendo Switch 2 specs

One of the biggest complaints about the current Switch is that it kind of runs like shit. It's not actually that bad, but for a console that's competing with the heavy-hitters of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, it's disappointing that the Switch is so underpowered compared to its contemporaries.

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This might change if recent reports are true. Rumors spread in September say that Nintendo was showing off tech demos of its new hardware to developers at Gamescom. Speaking to VGC, the source said that the company was showing its new hardware with tech demos utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and that the performance was comparable to Gen 8 consoles. One source told VGC that one of the tech demos showed was The Matrix Awakens, the incredibly impressive demo that wowed gamers back in 2021.

Other known hardware specs for the Switch 2 include potential raytracing capabilities, 12GB RAM, and DLSS 3.1. VGC's report indicated that the hardware won't be as powerful as a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, but that Nintendo is using the help of AI upscaling to optimize the performance of its console.

Nintendo Switch 2 battery life

The Nintendo Switch 2's battery life should improve while on-the-go. Spotting a podcast conversation between The Phawx and YouTuber Moore's Law is Dead, our sister site IGN says that the latter teased that the Nintendo Switch 2's battery life should deliver better battery life for players on the go because "it's going to be clocked 'crazy low'" while it's undocked.

On the plus side, this should improve the Nintendo Switch's power efficiency, but the disadvantage of this is that there will be some graphical trade-offs, and the visuals won't be as impressive.

For reference, IGN says that the OG Nintendo delivers up to 6 hours of battery life. However the new Switch model, announced in 2020, extends runtime to 9 hours. The Nintendo Switch OLED has a similar runtime.

Nintendo Switch games

Launch titles are very important for the release of a new console and, hopefully, Nintendo will spare no expense to give customers some excellent first-party titles to play for the Switch 2. That said, there isn't much to chew on in terms of potential launch title rumors.

Nintendo has gone on record saying that it will support the Switch up until 2025, and that part of that plan was releasing new titles and add-ons to drum up sales of its current console. However, rumors suggest that the biggest candidate for a Switch 2 launch title will be Metroid Prime 4. Beyond that, the most we could find about potential launch titles were either "dream lists" or "what we want" articles on the internet.

As always with these rumors, it's best to take everything with an extreme grain of salt, as nothing is confirmed until Nintendo itself confirms it. Nevertheless, from what we have seen and heard, it's still worth getting a little excited over the potential improved performance and hardware specs of the Switch 2, at a decent cost.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Echo Dot Kids (5th generation) $32.99 at Amazon (save $27) Get Deal BEST PORTABLE CHARGER DEAL Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W, USB-C) $15.99 at Amazon (save $14 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker $17.49 at Amazon (save $7.50) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Lenovo Tab P11 (128GB) + Precision Pen 2 and keyboard $254.99 at Amazon (save $115) Get Deal

As we patiently await more details on Prime Day 2024, we can't help but keep our eyes peeled for any deals that pop up at Amazon in the meantime. There are always deals to be found; you just need to sort through all the noise to find them.

Lucky for you, we found a few diamonds in the rough. Here are the best Amazon deals of the day for May 2. And be sure to check out our picks from April 30 and May 1 if you missed them — many of those are still live as well.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Echo Amazon deal of the day: Echo Dot Kids (5th generation)

A little bit fun and a little bit educational, the Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) allows kiddos to get in on the smart home perks. They can ask Alexa to read bedtime stories, help them with homework, play music, and more. Plus, it comes with a free year of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription that lets kids access kid-friendly audiobooks, educational Alexa skills, interactive games, and more. It's also packed with parental controls, like only giving kid-friendly responses to questions, filtering explicit content, and only allowing calls to specific contacts. Not only is the outer appearance of an owl or dragon more fun than the adult version, but the inside is too: your kid can change Alexa's voice to suit that character. As of May 2, it's on sale for just $32.99 — that's 45% off the usual $59.99. While that's still $5 away from its all-time low price, it's the biggest discount we've seen so far this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker $17.49
$24.99 Save $7.50 Get Deal

One of our favorite Bluetooth trackers, the Tile Mate can slide into or attach to basically anything you'd rather not lose — your phone, keys, wallet, suitcase, etc. We found in our testing that it reliably worked for both iOS and Android devices and excelled as a Bluetooth item finder. You can opt into a paid Tile Premium subscription to get extra features, like the ability to get notifications when you leave an item behind. Plus, perhaps the best part, you can qualify for item reimbursement if you aren't able to recover your lost items. Snag one to try it for yourself while it's on sale for only $17.49 at Amazon — that's 30% in savings and just $1 shy of its all-time low price.

Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W, USB-C) $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Just released in the latter half of 2023 as part of the Nano series, the 22.5W USB-C power bank is on sale for a new all-time low at Amazon. As of May 2, if you clip the on-page coupon, the price drops down to just $15.99 from $29.99, saving you $14 or about 47%. About the size of a large tube of lipstick, this power bank packs a 5,000mAH capacity and features a foldable, built-in USB-C port that can easily plug into the base of USB-C smartphones and tablets (iPhone 15, Samsung S22 and S23 series, iPad Pro, iPad Air, etc.). It offers a 22.5W output with dual USB-C power delivery fast charging and for added convenience, it can recharge itself at 18W from the same USB-C connector.

Lenovo Tab P11 (128GB) + Precision Pen 2 and keyboard $199.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for a reliable tablet for basic tasks like scrolling through recipes or streaming movies on flights, the second-generation Lenovo Tab P11 has you covered. The 11.5-inch IPS LCD touch display offers 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It features a split-screen mode and reading mode so you can double down on your tasks. Plus, with 10 hours of battery life, you can binge-watch without needing an outlet. This bundle comes with the Precision Pen 2 and a keyboard, making it the full package for working or playing on the go. And as of May 2, it's on sale for just $254.99 instead of $369.99 — that's 31% in savings.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

The iPhone 16 rumors are flooding in – and we're curious about how it'll be different from the iPhone 15.

We’re hearing tons whispers about a RAM boost for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, are reportedly getting some striking upgrades to the cameras that may dazzle the masses. Here’s a compilation of everything we know so far about next year's iPhone 16 line.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus review iPhone 16 release date

The iPhone 16 release date is expected to be September of next year. After Apple has its whole shebang of an event showcasing the next-generation handsets, the iPhones typically ship about a week or two later.

iPhone 15 Credit: Apple

In the past, Apple has deviated from this cadence due to reported production hindrances (e.g., supply chain issues). For example, the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14 Plus shipped in October, but typically, get unveiled some time during the first half of September every year.

iPhone 16 design

Let’s dive into arguably the most important aspect of the iPhone’s design: the screen.

There haven’t been any significant changes to the display sizes since the iPhone 12, but according to reliable leaker Unknownz21, the upper-tier iPhone 16 models are going to be a little bit more unwieldy in your hands.

Display

The iPhone 16 Pro will reportedly have a 6.3-inch display while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will pack a 6.9-inch panel. You may be wondering, “What about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus? Will they get a screen size bump, too?” The answer is likely no. The lower-tier models will reportedly have the same display sizes as their predecessors.

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iPhone 15 screen sizes

• iPhone 15 - 6.1 inches

• iPhone 15 Plus - 6.7 inches

• iPhone 15 Pro - 6.1 inches

• iPhone 15 Pro Max - 6.7 inches
  

iPhone 16 screen sizes (rumored)

• iPhone 16 - 6.1 inches

• iPhone 16 Plus - 6.7 inches

• iPhone 16 Pro - 6.3 inches

• iPhone 16 Pro Max - 6.9 inches

Ross Young, a well-known display analyst and Apple leaker, was the first to claim that the iPhone 16 Pro models will have larger screens. 

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However, he offered slightly different numbers: 6.2 inches and 6.8 inches. What could be the reason behind the discrepancy? According to MacRumors, it’s "likely due to the difference between actual display area and viewable display area."

Another rumor we're hearing is that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will continue to have 60Hz refresh-rate displays. This is a little disappointing considering other phones in the market at least have 90Hz screens, making navigating through the UI smoother, zippier and seamless.

Thinner bezels

The iPhone 16 will also reportedly have slimmer bezels, according to a report from The Elec (h/t MacRumors). Apple is tipped to be using something called Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, which reduces the internal footprint of the circuitry inside, allowing for thinner bezels (without sacrificing anything important aspects like display performance, for example).

Thinner bezels means that the iPhone 16 series should yield more screen real estate for users.

Action Button

A report from MacRumors claims that every single model in the iPhone 16 line will feature an Action Button — not just the iPhone 15 Pro variants. The current-gen iPhone 15 Pro models' Action Button can be programmed to launch a range of apps and functions, including Flashlight, Camera, Silent Mode, Voice Memo, Focus, Magnifier, Translate (coming to iOS 17.2), and a range of accessibility features.

When iPhone 16 drops, however, the rumor mill states that Apple will add more functionality to the Action Button.

Capture Button

The Action Button was all the rage for the iPhone 15 series, however, according to MacRumors and The Information, a new Capture Button will be one of the biggest selling points for the iPhone 16. Reportedly placed slightly under the power button, the Capture Button is a camera-focused feature that can do the following:

• Zoom in and out of photos/videos with swiping gestures

• Allows users to focus on subjects

• Activates the shutter button

While MacRumors and The Information both concur that Apple is testing a "capture button" on the iPhone 16, both aren't on the same page on whether it's a mechanical button or a capacitive one. MacRumors says it's the latter, but the Information claims it's both.

Solid-state buttons

Apple reportedly planned on introducing solid-state buttons with the iPhone 15 Pro models, but instead, we got a customizable Action Button. For the uninitiated, solid-state buttons aren’t buttons per se – they’re panels that feature haptic feedback sensations that simulate real button presses (Think of the iPhone SE series' Home button). On the plus side, the solid-state buttons aren’t totally out of the picture. According to respected Apple leaker and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on debuting solid-state buttons on the iPhone 16 Pro models instead.

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Kuo added that these solid-state buttons will add two additional Taptic Engines, which will help fire off tangible feedback to users. (If this is true, the number of Taptic Engines in the iPhone 16 will increase to three — up from one.)

According to a tip from Weibo (via MacRumors), the Action Button on the iPhone 16 Pro will be a solid-state button and sit flush against the chassis. To make room for this change, Apple will reportedly move the mmWave antenna to the left of the iPhone 16 Pro as opposed to the right. This Weibo tip comes from a leaker with the moniker "Instant Digital," a bean spiller that reportedly has an accurate track record, according to MacRumors.

iPhone 16 renders

Based on all the design notes listed above (as well as some details from leaker Majin Bu), digital artist Aaron Carpenter gave us a good look at what the iPhone 16 could look like:

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As you can see, you'll find the Action Button, which was left out of the lower-tier models on the current generation iPhone, now present on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

iPhone 16 AI

The iPhone 16 will reportedly featured an AI-powered Siri.

Siri is about to get a whole lot smarter. Credit: Apple

In other words, Siri is maturing into a more sophisticated digital assistant. According to Kuo, this means that Siri will bring new hardware to the iPhone 16, including updated microphones with better water resistance and an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

iPhone 16 cameras

Apple debuted a new zoom lens with a "tetra-prism" design on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which simply means that engineers found a way to "fold" the shooter so that it still has telephoto capabilities without taking up too much space. This new camera increases the Pro Max’s optical zoom from 3x to 5x.

iPhone 15 Pro Credit: Apple

However, according to Digital Chat Station (DCS), a bean-spiller on the Chinese social media site Weibo, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get the new tetra-prism telephoto camera.

DCS also added that the iPhone 16 Pro Max specifically is getting the Sony IMX903 sensor, an upgrade from the Sony IMX803 sensor. This means that the iPhone 16 Pro Max wide lens will have a larger sensor size, allowing for more light gathering for better photos and videos in low-light conditions.

Credit: John Keeble/Getty Images

According to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst from Haitong International Securities (a Hong Kong investment firm), the ultrawide cameras are getting a boost, too.

Pu stated tthe iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will also feature a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with better light gathering. As such, camera performance in dimmer environments should improve. As it stands now, the iPhone 15 Pro models have a 12MP ultrawide camera.

The ultrawide camera is perfect for taking landscape photos, allowing you to capture more scenery. However, compared to the main camera, the ultrawide lens tends to deliver a slight drop in crispness and sharpness. If this rumor is true, the new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera may ameliorate this minor foible.

Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple will upgrade the rear cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro models, introducing a stacked design. What will a stacked design do? According to Apple Insider, it increases light capture and provides wider dynamic range, so Night Mode should get a sweet boost.

Finally, it's worth pointing out that the iPhone 16 Pro, as we reported in April, will allegedly tackle lens flare and ghosting issues by using anti-reflective coating on the cameras.

Featured Video For You History of iPhone (updated) iPhone 16 battery sizes

As we reported in early April, a Weibo leaker by the name of "OvO Baby Sauce OvO" seemingly unveiled the new new battery sizes across the iPhone 16 lineup:

• iPhone 16: 3,561mAh

• iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006mAh

• iPhone 16 Pro: 3,355mAh

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676mAh

All the iPhone 16 models have some sort of increase from two to six percent except for the iPhone 16 Plus, which reportedly has a reduction of nearly nine percent compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.

Keep in mind that an increase in battery size doesn't necessarily mean that the device will deliver longer battery life. And in the same vein, a battery size reduction doesn't necessarily lead to shorter runtimes. There are other aspects at play (the display's efficiency, for example). So we won't know for sure how battery life is affected until we get the phones in our hands.

iPhone 16 specs

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with 8GB of RAM while the lower-tier models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are stuck with their predecessors’ 6GB of RAM. If that bums you out, don’t worry. According to Pu, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to join the 8GB of RAM bandwagon, too.

iPhone 15 lineup Credit: Apple
Storage

According to news aggregator account "yeux1122" from Naver, a Korean blog, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature options that offer 2TB of storage.

That is double the current max storage capacity of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Chipset

In recent years, Apple has followed the trend of putting last year's chip into the two entry-level models while the Pro models, the Pro and the Pro Max, get the new-generation chip. For example, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus got the A16 Bionic chip, the same inside the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max got outfitted with the new A17 Pro chips.

If this pattern continues, it should follow that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus get the A17 Pro while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max get the A18 chips. Pu hinted that this is how it will be for the iPhone 16 line, hinting that the A17 Pro will reportedly be less efficient. In other words, the iPhone 16 models equipped with this chip may take a battery life hit. This is because the next-generation chip will offer tremendous performance gains at the expense of power efficiency.

However, another rumor tells a different story.

According to an alleged iOS 18 code leak from MacRumors, the entire iPhone 16 line will get an A18 chip. However, there’s a chance that Apple will use a “Pro” identifier name to differentiate from the standard and Pro models (e.g., A18 chip and A18 Pro).

The iPhone 16 Pro models will also reportedly support Wi-Fi 7 (current models support WiFi 6E). Wi-Fi 7 should offer zippy transfer speeds that exceed 40 Gbps, quadrupling what WiFi 6E can do.

According to Pu (via 9to5Mac), the iPhone 16 Pro will come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem, which can reach a 5G download rate of up to 7.5 Gbps.

We’ll periodically update this rumor hub as new iPhone 16 leaks trickle in, so be sure to bookmark this page. 

SAVE 91%: As of May 2, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is on sale for just $3.99 at the Microsoft Store. That's $36 off of its usual price of $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Store Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order $3.99 at Microsoft Store
$39.99 Save $36.00 Get Deal

It isn't quite May 4th yet, but you can grab one of the best Star Wars games for its lowest price yet on Xbox right now in anticipation.

If you somehow missed out on 2019's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, now's the time to grab your own copy. It's gotten a massive price cut just in time for the biggest Star Wars celebration of the year, and you can get it for less than the price of a double cheeseburger at McDonald's.

As of May 2, get Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for just $3.99 at the Microsoft Store. That's 91% off its normal price of $39.99 and a discount of $36. This deal applies to the standard edition of the game, but you can also opt for the deluxe version, which is a dollar more at $4.99. That version will net you a couple of special character skins, a digital art book, and 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage.

Set five years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, this single-player adventure puts you in the shoes of young Jedi Cal Kestis, an Order 66 survivor. On the run from those who would see him perish, he ends up polishing his Jedi skills and embarking on a quest to rebuild the Jedi Order. It's a challenging journey on par with any of the other Star Wars video games out there, and the predecessor to the excellent Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, so if you haven't played it, you should, now that it's so cheap.

Ring in Star Wars Day by getting to know Cal's back story. It'll only cost you a few bucks!

SAVE $60: The build-your-own Shark FlexStyle system is available for $219.99. That's a savings of 21% on your sleekest at-home hair styling.

Build Your Own Shark FlexStyle system $219.99 at Shark
$279.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

Who needs the salon when you have the Shark FlexStyle system? There are plenty of dupes for the Dyson AirWrap, but after extensive testing, we think Shark's is the best. It has superior performance for half the price of the AirWrap.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300

The already affordable Shark FlexStyle system is down to just $219.99 at Shark as of May 2. The build-your-own system lets you choose three accessories. You can select between auto-wrap curlers, round brushes, frizz-fighting tools, and diffusers to create your personalized kit.

The last time we saw savings this big on a Shark FlexStyle system was during the Sephora savings event when it dropped down to $215.10. On Shark's website, the FlexStyle is at its next best price, offering a 21% savings.

Mashable shopping reporter Bethany Allard thoroughly tested the Shark FlexStyle system noting that it takes just 30 minutes to achieve salon-quality hair. Plus, the diffuser attachment is a phenomenal choice for wavy and curly-haired folks.

"Between the FlexStyle and the Airwrap, it's hard for me to imagine a reason why you'd opt for the latter unless you're into big purchases for the sake of big purchases," Allard says. That's your sign to not miss out on Shark FlexStyle for just $219.99.

Spotify's free tier has just gotten a little worse.

The company recently put yet another popular feature behind its Spotify Premium paywall: song lyrics. As noticed by numerous users on Reddit (via Android Authority), to see song lyrics you now need to have a Spotify Premium subscription, which starts at $10.99 ($5.99 for students).

Some users are reporting that song lyrics aren't completely unavailable on the free tier; instead, there's a monthly limit on lyrics for non-Premium subscribers.

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Spotify's free tier doesn't cost anything, but it contains ads, and doesn't let users download or play songs in any order, among other limitations. On the flip side, the company also increased the prices of its Premium subscription tiers, with reports claiming that it's going to get even more expensive this year.

SEE ALSO: How to download songs from Spotify

For comparison, Apple Music does not offer a free tier, and neither does Tidal (there used to be a free Tidal tier, but it was recently canceled). YouTube Music does have a free tier, and it is in many ways less restrictive than Spotify's, and includes the ability to see song lyrics.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a high-speed VPN. The best service for bypassing restrictions to access blocked porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn has once again been thrown into disarray. And it all comes down to access.

Earlier in the year, Pornhub blocked access to users in North Carolina and Montana. Soon after, the same thing has happened in Texas. And now Florida is seemingly next in line for a ban.

Fortunately, there is a quick and easy hack for bypassing these bans to secure access to your favorite site. If you want to unblock sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location, bypassing geo-restrictions so you can stream on your favourite sites from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really simple.

Retain access to Pornhub by following this quick and easy process:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

5. Watch Pornhub videos 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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without fully committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to your favourite sites.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, 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 always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• 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.

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

Move over, Wordle? LinkedIn is expanding on its social media-like nature, now offering three online games to its users.

Its new games page has three options – Pinpoint, Crossclimb, and Queens – that first-degree connections can play together or individuals can try themselves. The company is marketing these games as a way to "compete with your connections, spark conversations, and break the ice".

SEE ALSO: How to see who viewed your LinkedIn profile

"Turns out, one of the best ways to deepen and reignite relationships at work is simply by having fun together," the page reads.

The games vary. Pinpoint, the most Wordle-like of the three, is a word-association game; Crossclimb is a trivia ladder which is "inspired by a mini crossword"; and Queens is a logic-oriented game on a grid.

LinkedIn appears to be reinventing itself, even offering a TikTok-like vertical video feed. It's not yet clear how these changes are going down with its user base, but it seems like the platform is trying to offer more than just networking.

Ryan Gosling appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and made a dramatic, action-packed entrance.

While some people gain energy from going out and talking to people, others gain it from staying at home. Spending a cosy night in can be a comforting and restorative experience, whether you're curling up on the couch to binge watch Netflix, sipping a hot drink while devouring a book, or practising mindfulness in a relaxing hot bath.

Your home should be a refuge — a safe place where you can relax, decompress, and take shelter from the stresses of your workday. As such, it's vital to cultivate a peaceful, welcoming home environment. 

SEE ALSO: 10 self-care lessons we learned from video games

There are myriad ways to upgrade your downtime, adding a tinge of luxury and extra care into your self-care. You may not be able to visit a spa every single day, but you can certainly make your home feel almost as restorative.

In no particular order, here are five gadgets to make staying at home a little cosier.

1. Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulbs Credit: Nanoleaf

If you can only implement one interior decorating tip, it should be to seriously consider the importance of lighting. The right lighting can transform a bedroom from pointedly cold and sterile, to alluringly sensuous, to comfortable and cosy, all with the literal flick of a switch. It's one of the easiest things you can do to upgrade your living space.

The RGBCW light bulbs in Nanoleaf's Essentials range can instantly improve your lighting situation without any complicated setup. These smart bulbs can be set to practically any colour you can think of, letting you appropriately set the mood for whatever home activity you have in mind. They're great for upgrading your floor lamps, but even if you primarily rely on overhead lighting, Nanoleaf's bulbs will do a lot to change your home's atmosphere.

The Nanoleaf app also allows you to create your own scenes by setting each bulb to a different colour, or you can choose from various dynamic presets shared by both the company and the community. Bulbs can be grouped together in the app as well as controlled independently, so you can even have different lighting themes for different rooms.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nanoleaf Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulbs
Shop Now 2. FOREO LUNA 4 Body Ultrasonic Silicone Brush Credit: FOREO

Ultrasonic silicone brushes are well-known gadgets among those interested in skincare. Such devices gently exfoliate the face, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to leave you feeling fresh and clean. FOREO's LUNA 4 brush aims to give this same care to the rest of you as well, offering a full-body scrub down that's more hygienic than reusing the same old exfoliating mitt — and also takes less effort.

FOREO's LUNA 4 Body is waterproof, so you don't have to worry about using it in the shower. Just apply body wash to yourself, turn your LUNA 4 Body on, and rub the palm sized handheld device over your body in gentle circles. The brush automatically turns off after three minutes, so you won't get too carried away meditatively cleansing your body.

Is an ultrasonic silicone body brush necessary for cleanliness? No. But a life restricted to necessities is a life stripped of joy. The FOREO LUNA 4 Body adds a little novel opulence to your bathing routine, reminding you to slow down and take time to look after yourself.

Opens in a new window Credit: FOREO FOREO LUNA 4 Body Ultrasonic Silicone Brush
Shop Now 3. Withings Sleep Analyser Credit: Withings

Of all the relaxing activities one can do at home, sleep ranks among the most important. Unfortunately, a good nights' sleep is a joy that often eludes many. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, one in three adults regularly fail to get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep. 

Withings' Sleep Analyser tracks your sleep without any wearables, helping you adjust your habits to optimise your chances of a peaceful night of rest. All you have to do is place it beneath your mattress, sync it to your Withings app, and the Sleep Analyser will send its data straight to your phone. 

Such information includes how long you took to fall asleep, how much time you spent in each sleep cycle, whether your sleep was interrupted, and whether you're sticking to a regular bedtime. These data points contribute to a daily Sleep Quality Score, which basically marks your sleep out of 100. 

It's a great way to hack your brain if you're the type of person who'd stress out if you didn't get straight As. Checking your sleep score every morning makes getting a proper night of sleep feel like a challenge, and one you'll want to win.

Opens in a new window Credit: Withings Withings Sleep Analyser
Shop Now 4. Cuisinart PerfectTemp Cordless Electric Kettle Credit: Cuisinart

I've said it before and I'll say it again: You need an electric kettle. Enjoy a hot coffee? Get an electric kettle. Prefer a perfectly brewed tea? Get an electric kettle. Just want a quick cup of instant ramen? Get an electric kettle. These essential kitchen miracles solve myriad problems you didn't even know you had, and are sadly underutilised in U.S. households.

At this point, I'd be happy if Americans finally gave up their screaming stovetop contraptions and got any electric kettle at all. But if you really want to upgrade your hot drink experience, consider a unit that allows you to heat water to a specific temperature, such as Cuisinart's PerfectTemp Cordless Electric Kettle.

This benchtop babe can boil up to 1.7L, or 57 fl oz of delicious H2O. It doesn't stop there, though. The Cuisinart's PerfectTemp kettle can also heat water to five preset temperatures below boiling – ensuring you never scald your tea – as well as keep it warm for 30 minutes. It's worth keeping in mind that some users have found this kettle a bit heavy, as well as noting that its painted-on button labels will eventually wear off. But if you're after a versatile kitchen workhorse for making soothing warm drinks at the end of a hard day, the PerfectTemp Cordless Electric Kettle is a great option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart PerfectTemp Cordless Electric Kettle $89.99
$99.95 Save $9.96 Shop Now 5. HTC VIVE XR Elite VR Headset Credit: HTC

A VR headset is admittedly an exorbitant purchase for most people. But if you're invested in turning your home into a haven and are ready to splurge, the HTC VIVE XR Elite will give you a lightweight virtual reality escape that's ridiculously easy to set up with just your phone. No wires, no specced-out computer, no hassle.

You should think carefully about what software you intend to run before dropping your hard earned cash on a VR headset, though. Virtual reality isn't the best format for visual novels, and shooters can be hit or miss. Where VR really excels is horror — if you can stomach it — and rhythm or exercise games. 

Exercise-focused video games may sound like a gimmick, but the VR format makes them surprisingly engaging. Titles such as Les Mills BODYCOMBAT, which has you punch approaching targets, provide a fun way to work out without feeling like you're exercising or making you feel self-conscious.

You can only really play Les Mills BODYCOMBAT in short bursts, since you will sweat enough to fog up your headset. But it's a convenient reminder to take breaks, ensuring you don't get so carried away by the rhythm that you're too sore the next day.

Opens in a new window Credit: HTC HTC VIVE XR Elite VR Headset $999.00
$1,099.00 Save $100.00 Shop Now

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

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on proper clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and commuting to the actual meetup spot can be tiring.

No matter what kind of encounter you plan, when it comes to dating, there'll always be some sort of physical effort required. The good news? There is a loophole: Sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people via text. Thanks to its recent rise in popularity, there are now apps for sexting and new sexting features in apps that are otherwise for dating in person.

What do you need to know about sexting?

Whether you're interested in giving sexting a try or you're a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new dating app to sext. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions when scoring a new sexting partner when compared to finding a long-term lover, but there are rules you should follow in order for all parties to feel at ease. Here are three big ones:

• Mutual respect — Assess the situation and know your audience. Usually, it doesn't take much more than a few pre-sext texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in doing the cyber-dirty with you. Take the time to figure that out before you lead with something raunchy and uncalled-for. AKA, don't just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they didn't ask.

• Mutual trust — Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the scary ability to make fleeting moments very permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. While sexting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you betray that trust, you're ruining it for everybody.

• Privacy — No app can completely protect your privacy for you — that's your job. Though there are apps that have certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don't rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn't need to take a screenshot to capture a picture you send. They could easily use another phone or device to snap or record your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure you trust the person who's receiving your messages.

Keep these points in mind when engaging in NSFW messaging.

Should you engage in sexting?

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long-term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may help you out in ways you didn't even think about.

• Convenience — Whether you plan to wine and dine on your date or just meet to hook up, it always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself out.

• Exploring trust and intimacy — Getting comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally for everyone — but opting for sexting gives way to a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t ever have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.

• Freedom — As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise explore in person.

• Fun — A little honesty, please. A night of sexting is always going to be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over. Having the option of opening an app on your phone and engaging in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.

• Safety — We've touched on the reasons why sexting might not be completely safe in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and with sexting, if it's not going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.

The benefits are clear for all to see, so not give it a try?

What makes an app good for sexting?

You'll want to look for certain features in an app if you're planning on sexting:

• Ease of use — You don’t want to find yourself in a hot and steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach an image or a voice note. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly the platform is, the better. You’ll want something that’s efficient and fast.

• Privacy features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; there are no guarantees that your conversations or selfies won’t wind up a screenshot on someone’s phone. That said, certain apps include instant self-destruction features that delete photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.

• Safety — If you’re looking for a night of no-strings-attached fun online, it doesn’t really matter if the person on the other end of your conversation has been verified — but if you do want to ensure you’re not being catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that links social media or verifies users.

• Subscription pricing versus free features — How much are you willing to pay for bells and whistles? There are several free apps out there, but if you're looking for something a little fancier, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.

With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start sexting. You've got this.

What is the best app for sexting?

Since sexting, by nature, comes with a lot of factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we've picked out the best sexting apps to get you off — to a good start, that is. We've tried to line up something for everyone, so check out these options, and pick your favourite.

These are the best sexting apps in 2024.

The online world can be a dangerous place, with hackers, viruses, and surveillance software lurking in every corner of the web. We're not trying to scare you, but have you ever considered just how much of your personal data is exposed to this sort of thing whilst you're browsing? If not, you probably should. You might be surprised by the results.

Your data is seriously valuable stuff these days, and everyone is looking to get their hands on it. Once you come to understand that the internet is insecure, it's perfectly normal to feel a little concerned about how much of your data is up for grabs. There's no need to panic though, because there is a simple and effective way that you can stay protected.

To stay safe online and keep all of your data and personal information secure, you really should consider investing in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide protection for your data and identity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure because everything passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats. This means that hackers, governments, and your internet service provider will be unable to access any of your information.

Do you need a VPN?

Investing in a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and anonymity online. VPNs are vital tools in the fight against scammers and cybercriminals, but there's another reason you might consider these security services. And it has nothing to do with security.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for remaining anonymous online

VPNs can be used to unlock streaming services from around the world, including the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. How do they do this? It's actually a really simple process, and it can significantly boost your content options. All you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, connect to a server from another country in order to spoof your IP to another address, and then head to your preferred streaming site. This process tricks the site into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

VPNs are really useful for cybersecurity and streaming, which means they should be a worthwhile investment for just about everyone.

What should you know before subscribing to a VPN?

Selecting a VPN that is right for you is not easy, because there are a lot of options all offering similar packages. To make the decision a little simpler, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to consider before making any sort of purchase:

• Connection speed — This is absolutely vital whether you're looking to use a VPN for online security or streaming. It's normal for a VPN to result in a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant.

• Encryption — We know that a lot of people will be using VPNs for streaming, but these services are primarily designed to provide cybersecurity, so encryption is important. The best VPNs will offer powerful protection for your data, meaning that everything is unreadable and untraceable.

• Number of connections — You should seek out a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time. This is also beneficial for large families or households with multiple people likely to be online at the same time.

• Privacy policy — The best VPNs should be very clear about how they handle, store, and use your data. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't super clear, you should look elsewhere.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of servers located all around the world. This is useful as you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing.

There are plenty of other things that are worth considering, like bandwidth, apps for certain operating systems, and customer support, but these are probably the most important features to keep in mind.

Should you use free VPNs?

With free versions of popular VPNs and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan, why would you ever pay? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

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

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPNs out there, and we recommend taking some time to carefully access all your options. Once you have established exactly what you need, you can turn your attention to finding the best deals on all the top VPNs.

We have reached out to partners in order to line up a list of the best deals on the most popular providers, to help you save big. You can find all the best deals on the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, and more.

These are the best VPN deals in 2024.

Instagram is apparently making strides towards amplifying smaller creators on the platform.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri announced in an Instagram Reel that the company is working to help smaller creators get more reach on the app, primarily by making changes to how they rank recommendations.

"Historically, if I'm honest, I don't think Instagram has been good enough by small creators out there," Mosseri says, adding "not enough goes out to the little guys."

Mosseri explained that recommendations – which are photos and videos from people who you do not follow – will now include smaller creators more and "give every Reel a chance by showing it to non-followers right away."

SEE ALSO: Instagram is paying some creators for their posts

In essence, this will help content from small creators become more visible. Instagram believes that the update to ranking recommendations will give such creators greater distribution across the platform.

As people engage with the content, top performing reels will be shown to a slightly wider audience, after which a set of the best performing ones will be displayed to an even wider group.

View this post on Instagram

Instagram also announced that it will prioritize original content, with reposts being replaced by the original post, and labels being added to reposted content that will link to the original creator. Additionally, Instagram is deterring aggregated content and removing them from recommendations, giving original content more reach.

The changes are being rolled out slowly.

Some of the world's favorite artists will be returning soon to TikTok.

TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) have reached a "multi-dimensional" deal that will restore the music of UMG's vast client roster – including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and Drake – to the app.

In February, UMG began pulling their catalogue from TikTok after soured negotiations between the two powerhouses. The music group called out TikTok on key issues like protecting artists from the threat of AI, ensuring online safety, and delivering appropriate compensation for artists and songwriters.

SEE ALSO: FKA twigs creates deepfake of herself, calls for AI regulation

The joint agreement, reached on May 1, includes new stipulations between UMG and TikTok, and is being described as "a new era of strategic collaboration between the two organizations", according to a press release.

As well as the music catalogue making a return, TikTok has said it will invest in enhanced data analytics and ticketing capabilities for artists. Notably, the agreement also touches upon AI: TikTok will work alongside UMG to remove any unauthorized, AI-generated music from the platform.

The two companies said they are "working expeditiously" to return the music of UMG artists to the app. Of course, Taylor Swift had already made a comeback to the app ahead of the promotion of her album The Tortured Poets Department, becoming the only UMG artist to do so before the new deal was inked.

This will be major news for both creators and users who have encountered a certain kind of silence on the app since February: After all, UMG and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) own an estimated 20 to 30 percent of popular music on TikTok.

Author John Green has a knack for putting readers in the shoes of complicated young adults, from the cancer patients of The Fault in Our Stars to the boarding school crew of Looking for Alaska. But in his 2017 novel Turtles All the Way Down, Green goes deeper into the mind of his protagonist than in any of his other books; that's a necessity, given that Turtles All the Way Down is all about thoughts. Intrusive thoughts, thought spirals, panicked streams of consciousness — they're all on the page, delivered through the unforgettable narration of 16-year-old Aza Holmes.

For Max's film adaptation of Turtles All the Way Down, the question becomes: How do you translate all that interiority to the screen? And director Hannah Marks is more than up to the challenge, crafting a visceral portrait of mental illness as well as a touching coming-of-age story about friendship, first love, and the occasional missing billionaire.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: Every film you oughta know What is Turtles All the Way Down about? Isabela Merced and Felix Mallard in "Turtles All the Way Down." Credit: Courtesy of Max

Turtles All the Way Down welcomes us to the life of Aza Holmes (Isabela Merced, Madame Web), a high schooler with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She spends her time hanging out with her best friend Daisy (Cree, And Just Like That…); driving around in her beloved car, Harold; and watching philosophy lectures by Northwestern's Professor Abbott (J. Smith-Cameron, Succession).

At least, that's what we see on the outside. On the inside, Aza is a storm of worries and intrusive thoughts. The latter is a term that has been co-opted, like so much therapy language, to describe something mundane and unrelated to the mental health context from which it stems. Yet in Turtles All the Way Down, which draws from Green's own experience with OCD, these thoughts are specific, ever-present, and intense to the point of debilitation. 

"Did you know that human beings are 50% microbial?" Aza ponders in voiceover as green microbes float across a dark screen. According to her, that means 50% of our bodies don't belong to us — so who are we, really?

Aza's fixation on microbiology doesn't just stop at her musings on consciousness. She's terrified of infection, especially C. diff. She uses copious amounts of hand sanitizer. She breaks and drains a callus on her finger multiple times a day in order to stave off contamination. In these moments, it's nearly impossible to break her out of a destructive thought spiral, try as she — or Daisy, or her mother (Judy Reyes, Birth/Rebirth), or her therapist (Poorna Jagannathan, Never Have I Ever) — might.

SEE ALSO: 'The Idea of You' review: Anne Hathaway dazzles in rom-com inspired by Harry Styles fandom

As Aza struggles to contend with her own thoughts, adventure comes knocking when local billionaire Russell Pickett goes missing. There's a hefty reward on the table — enough to help her pay tuition at her dream school, Northwestern — and she has the added benefit of knowing Russell's son, Davis (Felix Mallard, Ginny & Georgia). The two met years ago at "sad camp," a camp for children who have lost a parent, and she's had a crush on him ever since.

With some prodding from the much more adventurous Daisy, Aza sets out to find Russell, inevitably reconnecting with Davis along the way. And while the hunt for Russell and the romance with Davis are certainly elements of Turtles All the Way Down, they are by no means the focus. In fact, they fade to the background fairly quickly. The resulting plotting is uneven, yet it makes room for what Turtles All the Way Down truly cares about, which is what's going on inside Aza's head.

Turtles All the Way Down's portrayal of mental illness will stick with you. Isabela Merced in "Turtles All the Way Down." Credit: Courtesy of Max

Like in Green's novel, Turtles All the Way Down makes sure you're in Aza's head for every step of her journey. Her voiceover is near-constant, situating you in each of her thought spirals. Marks returns to the microbial imagery often, as well. Eerie footage of bacteria flashes onscreen like miniature jump scares. To see them is to be anxious, and to be anxious is to feel like Aza in these moments.

Perhaps most affecting are the scenes in which Aza breaks her callus and changes the Band-Aid she uses to cover it. Quick cuts show Aza digging her nail into her hand, small amounts of blood, and the wince of pain on her face. As someone who has a very hard time seeing even the smallest of hand injuries play out onscreen, there were several instances when I had to pause the film and quell my nausea. I had the exact same experience while reading the novel — one of Aza's feelings being so fully embodied that her worries and physical reactions leapt off the page. It can feel overwhelming at times, both in the film and in the book, but that's the sensation Turtles All the Way Down seeks to capture: how big these feelings can get, and how omnipresent they are at their worst.

Merced does admirable work here as Aza, with a grounded performance that never strays into any kind of caricature. And while the film's romance pairs her with Davis, Turtles All the Way Down's real love story is the friendship between her and Daisy. Merced and Cree have sweet chemistry, with Cree's enjoyably boisterous energy serving as the perfect foil for Merced's more toned-down turn. One of the film's most heartbreaking scenes is a blow-out fight between them, just as one of its sweetest moments is a hopeful scene of Daisy encouraging Aza.

But even then, Turtles All the Way Down doesn't talk down to us. There are no neat answers or notions that Aza will never experience a thought spiral again. However, the film does leave us with the hope that she will find fulfillment in her life and relationships. And after spending time weathering the storm of her thoughts alongside her, that's a necessary thing to hear, whether Aza's experience is familiar to you or not.

Turtles All the Way Down is now streaming on Max.

Did rom-com The Idea of You leave you breathless? Like you could dance before you walk? Like you want to get "Closer" to love and get a better "Taste" of what life has to offer? If so, there's only possible explanation: You've been Mooned.

That's right, you are now a Moonhead, a fan of The Idea of You's fictional boy band, August Moon. The film sees 24-year-old August Moon lead singer Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine) fall for 40-year-old art gallery owner Solène (Anne Hathaway). And where their love goes, boy band bops are sure to follow.

SEE ALSO: 'The Idea of You' review: Anne Hathaway dazzles in rom-com inspired by Harry Styles fandom

The Idea of You boasts several original August Moon songs, including the sweet, strummy "Closer" and the bouncy, cheeky "Taste." And we can't forget "Dance Before We Walk," Hayes Campbell's anthemic solo debut about starting anew. These songs — and the many others that pop up throughout The Idea of You — feel ripped right from the radio during a boy band's golden years. They beg for fans to scream along to them at a sold-out stadium tour. For the team behind The Idea of You, that sense of believability was crucial.

"We wanted the music to feel grounded, like this was a band that was approachable," The Idea of You music supervisor Frankie Pine told Mashable in a video interview. "The approachability of this band was also a part of the story... If they were too flashy, normal folks like ourselves wouldn't go up and talk to them. But if they're approachable, it allows for us as the normal audience to feel like we can go up and have that conversation with them. That was probably the most important sellable aspect that we needed, because we needed the connection between our two lead characters to be real."

That sense of approachability meant that there was no room for pastiche or parody in the film's music. "I treated August Moon and Hayes Campbell like real people and a real band," music producer Savan Kotecha told Mashable in a video interview. Kotecha, who has written songs for artists like Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, and the Weeknd, produced the songs for The Idea of You and co-wrote them with Carl Falk.

SEE ALSO: 'The Idea of You' transforms Harry Styles-inspired book into an excellent rom-com

Kotecha and Falk also co-wrote One Direction's smash hit "What Makes You Beautiful," a notable connection given that Robinne Lee, author of The Idea of You, cited Harry Styles as inspiration for the character of Hayes. However, One Direction was not a musical inspiration for the songs in The Idea of You, nor were any other major boy bands.

"When 'Dance Before You Walk' came out, people said, 'This gives me a One Direction feel,' and I thought, 'It's probably because it's me and Carl Falk, and we have fun when we write these pop songs,'" Kotecha explained. "But it's great to hear, and I hope that people will feel nostalgic, and it reminds them of those times."

Nicholas Galitzine in "The Idea of You." Credit: Alisha Wetherill / Prime

Nostalgia also played into shaping the sound and performance style of August Moon. There would be no playing into trends that would immediately date the music on release, no showy tricks or intense dance breaks.

"The trick was not to make all the songs feel super current," Kotecha explained. "My own personal theory on boy bands, even when you think back to New Kids on the Block, is that they shouldn't sound like what's happening now on the radio."

The guideline, then, for August Moon became "guilty pleasure pop songs." And with his years of experience in the music industry, including writing with boy bands, Kotecha found it helpful to sort out a chronology for August Moon's discography, including which songs could fit on each of their albums.

The teenybopper ballad "I Got You" — which sees the August Moon boys telling a listener not to worry about "comments" or what she sees on her "timeline" — functions as August Moon's first big single off their debut album. Kotecha envisioned it as the kind of song a record label would give a boy band who was just starting out. In fact, he had "I Got You" in his back pocket for a while before finding a place for it in The Idea of You.

August Moon's second album sees the release of sexier — but still fairly boy band clean — songs like "Taste," with tongue-in-cheek lyrics like: "I got dinner on the plate/It's gonna have to wait/'Cause I'm going straight for my dessert." For August Moon's third album, Kotecha imagined the band would actually be writing their own songs. The result? Bangers like "Guard Down," which examines the pitfalls of fame and features guitar riffs and drums that fit perfectly into The Idea of You's crowd-pleasing August Moon Coachella performance.

SEE ALSO: How to watch 'The Idea of You': When and where is it streaming?

The musical centerpiece of the film remains "Dance Before We Walk," where a newly solo (and single) Hayes sings how he's "off the moon, and I'm hittin' the ground like a rocket." We hear snippets of it throughout the film, as Hayes plays it on the piano and guitar, and Solène encourages him to write it. For Kotecha and Pine both, it remains their favorite song from the film, and the most representative of Hayes' journey to finding himself outside August Moon.

"It proves that Hayes is more than a cute face in a boy band," Pine said. "He has depth, he has things he wants to say, and I loved showing the progression of what that's like as a songwriter."

When it came to actually recording the songs, Kotecha and Pine both sang the praises of Galitzine. For starters, his voice was key to understanding what shape the August Moon songs would actually end up taking. "If they'd cast an amazing R&B singer, for example, that would have changed where we went with the music," Kotecha said. "But Nick has a great rich pop tone, so that told us which lane we should play in."

"Nick is a pro and brought so much to the table vocally," Pine said. "Typically, when you have an actor, the singing can be a brand-new thing for them, so you tell them how to sing a line, and they'll just sing the line. But Nick really came in prepared, knowing exactly how Hayes Campbell would have sung that song."

With a tight recording schedule, there wasn't enough time to get all the August Moon actors into the studio. Galitzine is leading every song, with Kotecha stepping in as second lead. "He did what we would normally do in three weeks in three days," Kotecha said of Galitzine.

On top of running an Instagram page for the band, The Idea of You released three August Moon singles in the lead-up to its release: "Dance Before We Walk," "Closer," and "Taste." For Kotecha and Pine, the reaction has been exhilarating.

"I was at the L.A. screening [of The Idea of You] the other day, and there were August Moon fans outside the theater," Kotecha said. "It's just been so fun, seeing people with August Moon shirts and bracelets and posters that they make. Hopefully it just continues."

"There's nothing better than having a fictional band actually make the charts," Pine said.

You heard them — stream August Moon!

The Idea of You is now streaming on Prime Video. The Idea of You soundtrack is now streaming.

How do you describe the feeling you get when you revisit something you love, only to realize it's not as great as you thought it was? Is it disappointment, frustration, reverse nostalgia?

Whatever you want to call it, it's how I feel about Hacks Season 3.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV Preview: Every show you must see

This season the Emmy-winning comedy, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, falls into a dull routine. Sure, on a surface level, it certainly goes bigger: Veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Smart) and young comedy writer Ava Daniels (Einbinder) reunite to try to make Deborah the next host of Late Night, the landmark show she almost hosted earlier in her career. But beneath the spectacle — including a lavish roast episode and Hacks' version of a Christmas special — the show's comedy is running in safe, repetitive circles.

Watching Hacks Season 3, it's hard not to wish it was more like The Other Two, another Max Original that satirized the entertainment industry. The Other Two constantly pushed itself to be riskier and stranger — take its surreal Pleasantville spoof, or a farce involving a fake Applebees built for a family night out. Ava and Deborah are meant to push each other to be better in a similar way, each making the other's jokes sharper and stronger. But when held up against The Other Two's brilliant third (and final) season, Hacks' own third outing just doesn't seem all that funny. It mostly feels safe.

Is Hacks past its prime? Jean Smart, Megan Stalter, and Paul W. Downs in "Hacks." Credit: Jake Giles Netter / Max

Ever since Hacks' first season, I thought it was hysterical. I loved Deborah and Ava's generational sparring, especially their love language of insulting one another. (Deborah frequently takes aim at Ava's hands, while Ava zings Deborah over her absurd wealth.) Yet in in watching the entirety of Season 3 — and even revisiting old episodes — I wonder if Smart's star power and chemistry with Einbinder blinded me to the truth: Hacks was never as funny at it was dazzling.

Looking back, none of Deborah's insult comedy is all that inspired, nor do the snippets of her confessional stand-up special — the one that essentially relaunches her career — seem that revelatory. There's stuff to chuckle at here to be sure, like a gag that sees Deborah trying to find a way to circumvent Ava's new "no more appearance insults" rule. But after all that repetition, this vein of humor begins to feel stale.

Elsewhere, Ava's horror at Deborah's more problematic punchlines has become a crutch. The offensive jokes lead to a mini-lecture from Ava, then a sharp reversal by Deborah that forces Ava to concede that she's a hypocrite — or to make a compromise in order to advance her career. How often can Hacks repeat this formula for laughs without altering it? Practically without end, according to Season 3.

SEE ALSO: 'Shardlake' review: Where buddy comedy meets Tudor murder mystery (and it works)

The same goes for interactions between Deborah and Ava's frantic manager Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and his clueless assistant Kayla (Meg Stalter). Often, Kayla will put her foot in her mouth — saying she finds Jimmy's mom hot, for instance — and then people around her pause to push back on what she said. With this routine, any momentum crashes to a halt, any joke is shoved under a microscope until it isn't a joke anymore. Even a well-timed reaction shot would do twice the work of these longer bits.

With its drawn-out put-downs of Kayla's many errors or Deborah's politically incorrect jibes, Hacks is constantly apologizing for itself. Despite its bluster about bold humor, the show holds the audience's hand and let them know that a character has said something wrong, rather than letting the audience make that judgment for themselves and react to the absurdity in it. Instead of honing a joke, these moments soften them.

By contrast, The Other Two often leaned further into its jokes and the heightened horrors of its take on the entertainment industry. That's how we end up with a fake play titled 8 Gay Men With AIDS: A Poem In Many Hours. It's an impressive piece of satire that The Other Two pulls off spectacularly precisely because it commits to it, with a whole episode set throughout a days-long performance of the show.

Hacks certainly doesn't need to go to those particular lengths. But I wish it would find any new joke that could give it the same spark, specificity, and freshness The Other Two kept up throughout its run. Otherwise, it's just resting on its now-worn laurels.

Deborah and Ava are still a great TV pairing — just mostly when things get serious. Hannah Einbinder in "Hacks." Credit: Eddy Chen / Max

Hacks still has one major spark of inspiration up its sleeve. The relationship between Deborah and Ava remains as strangely chaotic, codependent, and compelling as ever. This season takes this pairing to some of their highest highs and lowest lows yet, from the pursuit of Late Night to a hiking trip from hell. And when they're not sniping each other with insults that feel rote at this point, these two women are having some pretty intense, frank conversations.

Take Deborah's constant battle with her aging. On a superficial level, this means she uses things like anti-aging straws to keep herself wrinkle-free. But on a deeper level, this means seeking out bigger and bigger shows, like Late Night, as she fears she won't have many shots left. Her discussions with Ava on this matter are poignant, taking the weight off of Ava's weaker personal relationship drama and allowing the two to continue to connect on how to succeed in comedy.

Season 3's focus on family is poignant as well, with Deborah trying to make amends with people like her daughter DJ (Kaitlin Olson). Elsewhere, Hacks tackles cancel culture in an episode that, while perhaps not entirely successful in its analysis of the matter, is at least taking interesting risks in reckoning with Deborah's comedic legacy. It's fascinating to watch Deborah squirm when she must confront her mistakes. And it's fascinating to see Ava's usual lectures actually take on more meaning than just setting up for an "Ava is performative" joke.

Hacks has never distanced itself from heavier, more dramatic themes. So much of the show deals with sexism in comedy, with Season 1 seeing Deborah confront a gross stand-up comedian for harassing female performers. Elsewhere, the show targets grief: Ava spends much of Season 2 mourning the death of her father in the previous season, while Deborah is still processing her lost relationship with her estranged sister Kathy. Despite all this, Season 3 is the first time I've thought to myself, "I like Hacks better when it's functioning as a drama."

Of course, comedy and drama don't always function on a binary: The Bear comes to mind, and even The Other Two could get very somber when it needed to. But Hacks is a comedy about comedians — is it too much to ask for it to deliver some laughs?

Hacks Season 3 premieres May 2 on Max, with new episodes every Thursday.

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