IT General

Following Spencer and Jackie — biopic melodramas about Princess Diana and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy — Chilean director Pablo Larraín rounds out his informal trilogy with Maria, another film about a world-famous woman in close proximity to death. His subject this time is the iconic Greek-American opera soprano Maria Callas, and though the film doesn't come together as neatly (or completely) as either of its predecessors, its most powerful moments stand head and shoulders above them, thanks to towering, transcendent work from Angelina Jolie in the leading role. 

Maria is set during the final week of Callas' life, at a time when she lived in isolation, far from the spotlight. As Larraín and Spencer screenwriter Steven Knight imagine these pivotal days, the resulting film is, unfortunately, lesser than the sum of its parts. However, each of those elements is so individually exquisite as to yield material that not only proves incredibly moving, but also provides Jolie with a platform to craft what is perhaps the most complex performance of her illustrious career. 

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix movies of 2024 now streaming What is Maria about? Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." Credit: Netflix

Set in 1977, Maria opens on the day of Callas' death from a sudden heart attack, after her body is discovered in her Paris penthouse. It presents this scene from a distinctly ghostly vantage. As Larraín's hand-held camera peers in on the scene from an adjoining room, it takes on a spectral presence, framing the rest of the film — set during the preceding week — as though it were some kind of desperate letter from Callas sent from beyond the grave.

To put words in a dead figure's mouth can be risky business, especially when so little is known about her final years. But as with with Spencer and Jackie, Larraín's focus is the intersection of private and public lives. His biopics are, therefore, speculative by nature. His last film, the satire El Conde, re-imagined Augusto Pinochet as a vampire, and while Maria certainly doesn't go that far — Larraín understandably has more respect for Callas than for the Chilean dictator — it exists in a similar vein: as a stylized examination of 20th-century history.

In the week preceding her demise, Callas wrestles with trying to regain her voice, which hasn't been at its full power for some time. However, her withdrawal from the public eye has also led her to self-medicate with largely unregulated drug cocktails. The film tips its hands about their effects early on; Callas claims, to her diligent butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino) and her housemaid Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher) — her key confidants in the film — that she has a TV interview scheduled with a journalist named Mandrax (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the same name as one of her sedatives. When he arrives, he's never in the same room (or same shot) as anyone but Callas.

That Mandrax is a hallucination is hardly a surprise. In fact, Callas is hyper-aware of her increasing break from reality, though it can't help but read as if it may have been intended as a plot twist in some earlier draft. It takes a number of scenes before Callas' interview with the phantom reporter begins yielding any worthwhile material — which is to say, personal revelations about Callas' past, and ruminations on her fame, which begin to gradually alter the movie's tone and appearance.

Maria tells its story through shifting textures and timelines. Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." Credit: Netflix

Hollywood biopics — especially their oft-parodied musical variety — tend to follow a standard structure, beginning on the precipice of a pivotal, late-career performance before the film unfolds in flashback. Maria upends this trend with distinct narrative purpose, stretching that aforementioned late-in-life moment across the entire film, while condensing Callas' life story to brief flashes of memory.

While the singer's music is central (and ever-present; her actual voice appears just as much as Jolie's), the specifics of her career, and her rise to fame, are of little interest to Larraín. He reduces them to an introductory montage burnt onto grainy celluloid stock, as though these moments from her performances had all been captured in great detail, and therefore didn't need to be the movie's focus. Rather than re-creating public performances, much of the film shifts rhythmically between Callas' past and present, often impulsively, as though it were depicting a haphazard stream of consciousness. This approach certainly has its strengths — the film is in constant motion, so at the very least, it's never boring — but it doesn't always move with purpose, and tends to repeat itself without finding new dimensions to its story.

On the plus side, Ed Lachman's dazzling cinematography makes the movie's present feel wistful. In its 1970s scenes, Maria either reminisces while wandering Paris — scenes which yield moments of musical splendor, where the real world collides with her imagined, operatic  one — or she visits an opera pianist to help her rehearse and re-capture her lost glory. These are painted with the warm tones of a perpetual sunset. The movie may be anchored by these scenes (its numerous flashbacks emanate from her conversations, both real and otherwise), but they're imbued with a senses of finality, and of time running out, as though Callas were keenly aware that she's nearing the end.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch them

Her flashbacks tend to take two specific forms. Like the aforementioned, grainy film footage, moments of public performance — of Callas silhouetted by spotlight — appear as brief, nostalgic recollections as she attempts to sing once again and recapture her lost glory. However, the movie's more complete flashback scenes play out in pristine black-and-white, as though these moments had been more perfectly preserved. This canvas is reserved for a handful of flashbacks to Callas' tumultuous youth (where she's played by Aggelina Papadopoulou), but their crux is the time she spent with the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer), with whom she had a lengthy affair before his marriage to Jackie Kennedy.

The film presents the aged Onassis as a risible, rankled character, and Bilginer plays him with venomous charisma. However, his frequent presence in Callas' memories never quite feels justified. It's speculated, in dialogue, that they may have been each other's greatest loves, and the film even imagines a wonderful moment of private confession between them, but Onassis only ever feels like an obligatory inclusion, rather than a character whose impact on Callas is deeply felt instead of simply mentioned in passing. However, this and any other flaws the film may have are eventually hand-waved away by its central performances.

Angelina Jolie leads a phenomenal cast. Pablo Larraín and Angelina Jolie discuss a scene on the set of "Maria." Credit: Netflix

A film like Maria doesn't work without its central performances. Apart from Callas, the two characters with the lion's share of the screen time are Bruna and Ferruccio, and though their prescribed roles are set in stone, they offer an intimate, loving perspective on the iconic vocalist.

As Bruna, a woman trained by Callas to be reverential, Rohrwacher allows the character's true feelings (and true concerns) to slip past her fealty. Ferruccio, meanwhile, is far more forthcoming about his objections to Callas' drug use, and while he's often rebuked — sternly, yet calmy — Favino maintains a heart-wrenching adoration for Callas. The real Ferruccio never sold Callas' private stories, even after her death, so while the movie draws on fantastical interpretations of her twilight years, it still does justice to Ferruccio's loyalty, especially in moments when real reporters try to cruelly invade her privacy.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

However, all this would be for nought had the role of Callas not been perfectly cast and performed. Larraín has tackled real figures before — his historical-fiction Neruda was about poet and politician Pablo Neruda — but his triumvirate of Hollywood biopics have all confronted the impact and allure of fame. Kristen Stewart was a fitting vessel for Larraín's Spencer, a story about a highly misunderstood woman upon whom aspersions were constantly cast. Jolie is a similarly flawless choice, given the degree to which Maria is about the dueling pain and allure of living in the spotlight.

Not just a famous actress, but arguably one of the world's most famous people in the mid-2000s, Jolie has achieved a level of global stardom of which few can even dream. However, her celebrity has been marked by everything from homewrecking accusations to a harrowing public separation involving alleged domestic abuse (her battle with breast cancer has also been a tabloid topic, though she first publicized it herself). In a recent press junket for the movie's Venice Film Festival premiere, Jolie was asked about the degree to which she drew on her personal life for her performance, though she refused to elaborate. However, seeing the degree to which she places her most vulnerable self on screen in Maria, it's clear she doesn't need to. Everything she has to say on the subject is contained within the four corners of the frame.

Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." Credit: Netflix

Jolie plays Callas at a physical and emotional low point, and she carries herself as though attempting to juggle the grace and poise of an opera legend with the burdened posture of someone who's given up. She is completely sure of herself when she speaks to other people, but lost in a sea of self-doubt behind closed doors — a duality that Jolie displays not only in different scenes, but within single conversations, as she turns away from and toward her castmates.

Callas is a mess of paradoxes. She's a woman both plagued by yet constantly in search of adulation. She's haunted by her past, but her past is what fuels her music, and accessing the most agonizing parts of her story is of the utmost importance if she's to find herself again. Jolie's performance feels similarly in tune with the actress' own history. The further Callas reaches into her soul, the more the curtain slips; you can practically see Jolie and her character becoming one, crying out in unison for some kind of respite from simply being themselves, and living at their level of constant visibility, no matter how much they love the spotlight. It's heart-wrenching to witness.

However, Jolie goes even further in creating this semi-fictional version of Callas, not just as a real woman, but as a figure practically destined — perhaps even cursed — to be immortalized on screen. The real Callas spoke rather conversationally, and with a more distinctly Greek intonation than Jolie does here. But rather than impersonating her, Jolie instead takes on a classically Hollywood, Transatlantic tone. 

This accent is easy enough to access, but Jolie's masterstroke is what she does with her voice. Not just her singing voice — though she sounds magnificent to this critic's untrained ear — but her speaking voice, which sounds pitched-up, as though it were emanating at a higher frequency through a microphone from the 1940s or '50s. The film may be set in 1977, but the '40s and '50s were Callas' professional peak; what better way to translate her idealized version of herself in cinematic terms?

Callas struggles to stand upright in Maria. Not just literally, because of her drug-dulled sense, but spiritually. The film as a whole may feel scattered, and might lose its way in the middle, but all the while, Jolie is locked in a constant battle to hold her head high — to live (and die) with dignity, while experiencing all the fears and convictions that come with a woman slowly accepting that she may be at the end of her life.

Usually, Larraín loves to show off his production design (with sets this lavish, who wouldn't?), and he loves to make his camera dance, but the smartest thing he does in Maria is get out of Jolie's way at just the right time. During more intimate or subtle scenes, he pulls back on his flourishes so that her performance can dictate the story at its most potent, painful moments. However, on the rare occasions the film's operatic formalism and Jolie's performance align — moments when Callas inches closer to finding herself during her musical search — the result is completely shattering.

Maria debuts on Netflix Dec. 11.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m. EST "Maria" was reviewed on Aug. 30, 2024, out of its World Premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival. This article has been updated to reflect its debut on streaming.

SAVE $1,200: As of Dec. 11, AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K ultra short throw projector is available for $2,799 at Amazon, including a $200 on-site coupon. That’s a $1,200 saving from its regular $3,999 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: AWOL AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K $2,799.00 at Amazon
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What if your living room could outdo your local cinema? The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro projector offers stunning visuals, immersive sound, and a screen size of up to 150 inches. Right now, it's on sale for $2,799 at Amazon, including a $200 on-site coupon, making it $1,200 off its usual $3,999 price.

The LTV-3000 Pro is different from your average projector. It's a 4K UHD powerhouse with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, delivering breathtaking clarity, rich colors, and sharp contrast in any lighting condition. Its ultra-short throw (UST) design projects a massive display from just a few inches away, meaning there is no need for ceiling mounts or complicated setups.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

This projector also improves audio quality with integrated center speaker mapping and Dolby Atmos, delivering room-filling sound that feels like it's moving around and above you. Pair it with AWOL Vision's ThunderBeat 4.2.2 surround sound system; you've got a true 5.2.2 cinematic experience.

But the LTV-3000 Pro doesn't stop there. Slip on a pair of active shutter 3D glasses, pop in a 3D Blu-ray, and enjoy theater-grade 3D movies from the comfort of your couch.

Thanks to its triple laser technology and a color gamut covering 107% of BT 2020 and 147% of DCI-P3, you'll see over a billion colors in incredible detail. Even daytime viewing is a breeze with its bright, vibrant output. Plus, it's eco-friendly, using just one-tenth the power of a standard LED TV, so you can enjoy premium entertainment without a premium electric bill.

Whether you're upgrading your gaming rig, creating a home theatre, or wanting the ultimate screen for movie nights, this Amazon deal is hard to beat. With $1,200 in savings and a $200 on-site coupon, it's the perfect time to bring this feature-packed projector home.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 11, Shure SM4 studio recording microphone is on sale for $199 at Amazon — a saving of $69.99 off its regular $269.99 price with accessories.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shure Shure SM4 Studio Microphone $199.99 at Amazon
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Looking to upgrade your recording setup without emptying your wallet? The Shure SM4 studio recording microphone is your new go-to. Whether you’re a streamer, podcaster, or musician, this microphone delivers mix-ready sound at a price that won’t make you wince. Right now, it’s available for $199 at Amazon — a solid $70 off its usual $269.99 price when you buy the kit with accessories.

So, what makes the SM4 so special? First, it reproduces audio smoothly. Thanks to a 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, this mic ensures clean, natural sound with detailed highs and controlled low-end frequencies. Translation: whether whispering or belting out a ballad, your audio comes through crystal clear.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

Another standout feature is the cardioid polar pattern, which minimizes background noise while keeping your voice (or instrument) front and centre. Got a loud guitar amp? No problem. SM4 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 140 decibels without breaking a sweat. Hence, you get distortion-free recordings no matter how loud things get.

For those who want minimal fuss in post-production, the SM4’s integrated pop filter and shielding against RF interference ensure your recordings are clean from the start. It’s designed to reject unwanted plosives, rumbles, and even interference from your phone or WiFi, leaving you with a professional-grade sound straight out of the box.

And let’s not forget Shure’s legendary durability. Built with rugged, all-metal construction, the SM4 is made to last whether it’s parked in your home studio or on the road. Add a sleek, low-profile design that won’t hog the spotlight in your video shoots, and you’ve got a mic that’s as versatile as it is reliable.

Need accessories? Go for the $269 kit, which includes a pop filter and shock mount for added recording convenience. But if you’re happy with the basics, the mic-only option at $199 is worth grabbing while it lasts.

Bottom line: The Shure SM4 mic doesn’t just talk the talk — it lets you do it better. If you’re ready to level up your audio game, snag this deal from Amazon before it’s gone.

SAVE $65: As of Dec. 11, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers are available for $1,234 for Prime members at Amazon—a $65 discount from their usual $1,299 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alpha IQ PSB Alpha iQ Speakers $1,234.99 at Amazon
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If your audio setup is feeling a little tired, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming-powered speakers are here to shake things up. These wireless speakers, now $1,234 for Prime members on Amazon (a $65 saving), bring high-res sound and zero cable chaos to your home.

Let’s start with the basics: These aren’t just speakers but a full-on streaming system in disguise. Thanks to BluOS, the Alpha iQ connects you to over 20 music services, including high-resolution platforms like Tidal and Qobuz. Want to stream directly from your phone? These speakers play nice with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, so you can ditch the extra gadgets.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

But it’s not just about convenience, it’s about sound quality that can make even a so-so playlist feel savage. Alpha iQ boasts an audiophile-grade DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) with support for 24-bit/192kHz high-res audio and MQA decoding. You can hear every pluck, beat, and whisper like it’s happening live. The speakers pack a punch, too, with each woofer powered by a 60-watt amp and each tweeter rocking its own 30-watt amp. That’s 180 watts of system power delivering room-filling sound that doesn’t skimp on the details.

Need flexibility? These speakers have you covered. Beyond streaming features, the primary speaker has inputs, including an MM phono preamp and RCA jacks for vinyl lovers, an HDMI ARC port for hooking up to your TV, and an optical input for gamers or old-school CD enthusiasts. There’s even a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for analogue devices because PSB knows some of us still love a classic.

Alpha iQ speakers come in a range of finishes, including matte white, black, and midnight blue that look modern without trying. They’ll sit pretty in your living room or home office without screaming, “look at me!”

Sure, $1,234 isn’t precisely bargain-bin pricing, but you’re paying for quality and not having to fiddle with wires. If you’ve been craving a speaker upgrade that blends style, tech, and next-level audio performance, now’s your chance to snag the Alpha iQ at a discount. Just don’t sleep on it.

If you're ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it's time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has expanded fervently over the past few years, and I'm not saying BookTok is to blame, but I'm not not saying that's the case.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon's e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day or remote page-turners, so you don't need to hold your Kindle while reading. And I'm with these extolling users: a Kindle brings your reading experience to the next level. They're lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library. If you don't need much convincing, it's just a matter of picking which Kindle you want.

Plus, we're gearing up for the holidays. While the big shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday have already come to pass, Amazon is still running sales on a couple of our favorite Kindles. With deals out there for the taking, you can gift one to a family member without cashing in your 401(k), or get one for yourself as a little literary treat and spend the holidays cozied up on the sofa, crossing out those final titles to make your yearly reading goal happen.

SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2024, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I got my hands on Amazon's 2024 models to see what they offer.

Kindle's first color e-reader is here as of Oct. 30, 2024, however, it's been backordered for several weeks, and we've yet to get our hands on it. I'm eager to finally see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, as of Dec. 4, the redesigned Kindle Scribe is now out there for the annotators, and has four times the storage as the past model.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon When is the best time to buy a Kindle?

Because Kindles are one of Amazon's cornerstone products, you'll often see their prices drop during Amazon's annual sales, which usually take place in the summer and fall of each year. In 2024, Prime Day took place on July 16 and 17, and Prime Big Deal Days ran Oct. 8 and 9.

The next shopping holidays you should focus on are Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On these momentous occasions, we've seen Kindles marked down by up to 40%. We even saw the brand-new 2024 Kindle models drop in price during Cyber Week this year.

We're seeing a few Kindles continue to run sales up to 19% off into mid-December. So if you missed Black Friday, there's still a chance.

What is the right Kindle to buy?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. As of December 2024, there are six updated Kindle models to choose from, as well as older editions that might still be in stock. The Kindle Scribe was the latest to get a revamp in December and we'll update this guide when we get a chance to test the new model.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We analyzed all their differences. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You can consider many things when picking the right Kindle, but you need to ask one question first: Do you need it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other things to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: Kindles generally have outstanding battery life (depending on your usage). On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included pen. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via any Kindle's built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

How to watch 'The People's Joker' at a glance: BEST LONG-TERM DEAL Mubi annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'The People's Joker' on digital starting at $3.99 at Prime Video Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Mubi for Students Free 30-day trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal BEST ADD-ON Mubi add-on for Prime Video Free 7-day trial, then $14.99/month Get Deal

It's hard to believe a DC Comics parody is even able to exist in the current superhero-dominated movie climate. But alas, The People's Joker is somewhat of a miracle. One of Mashable's top movies of 2024, the long-awaited, low-budget, supervillain narrative slash trans coming-of-age story is finally available to stream online.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Vera Drew's The People's Joker at home.

What is The People's Joker about?

In a DIY, campy version of Batman's Gotham City, Joker the Harlequin (Drew) hopes to make it in the comedy scene, which is corruptly ruled by a cartoony version of Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels of the United Clown Bureau (UCB). Opposed to the rigidly gendered UCB ways and grappling with her own gender identity, Joker forms a new anti-comedy troupe alongside a friend and ends up battling a devious caped crusader controlling the city. The story is laced with Batman references throughout, but ultimately uses the comic theme to relay Drew's own real-life story. It's both an autobiographically-inspired coming-of-age story and a superhero parody wrapped up into one "intriguing artifact of modern media," as Mashable's reviewer Siddhant Adlakha puts it.

Is The People's Joker worth watching?

"With her biting sense of humor and raw emotional revelations, Drew has constructed a supervillain tale that is as jarring as it is compelling, as peculiar as it is profound," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes. Breaking the top 20 on our list of the best movies of 2024, The People's Joker has certainly made an impression on us. It's almost intentionally a cult film and not for everyone, but its 95 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes shows its originality is a force to be reckoned with.

For those seeking a superhero movie that's not just another cog in the MCU or DC machine, The People's Joker is definitely worth a watch. "There's a deep love of all things DC, but without the suffocating reverence that has brought on superhero fatigue," Puchko adds.

Check out our full review of The People's Joker.

How can I watch The People's Joker at home? Credit: Altered Innocence

The People's Joker made its digital retail debut on July 30, meaning it's available for purchase at video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for as low as $12.99. The film is also available to rent at those same retailers for as low as $3.99. This is the most affordable way to watch the film aside from a free trial (more on that below). Just keep in mind that rentals give you 30 days to start watching, but just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

Here are some quick links to purchase the film on digital:

• Prime Video — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• Apple TV+ — $4.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• YouTube — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

Is The People's Joker streaming anywhere?

The sleeper hit of the summer finally made its streaming debut on Dec. 6 on Mubi. It's no surprise the low-budget indie isn't hitting the major streamers; Mubi, the streamer built for cinephiles, is actually the perfect home for The People's Joker. The Mubi library is brimming with the best of international cinema, showcasing an array of films from America and abroad, mainstream and independent, classics, new releases, award-winners, and Mubi's own originals — like recent hit The Substance. Subscriptions to Mubi start at $14.99 per month, but we've rounded up a couple of different ways to save money on the streamer below.

Best for newbies: Get a free 7-day trial Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi 7-day free trial Get Deal

If you've never signed up for Mubi before, you can take advantage of a free trial for a week. As long as you remember to cancel after watching the movie, you could theoretically watch The People's Joker and more for free this way. The free trial is available on Mubi directly or through Prime Video as an add-on.

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If you're looking to expand your movie education and want to stick around to enjoy more than just The People's Joker, you can save 33% by paying for an entire year of Mubi. An annual Mubi subscription costs $119.88 per year, which breaks down to just $9.99 per month instead of the usual $14.99 per month. You'll still get a seven-day free trial to kick off your subscription as well if you're a newbie.

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Students really get the winning deal here. If you can prove your student status, you can sign up for Mubi for free for 30 days, then get a discounted subscription for just $9.99 per month. That's $5 cheaper per month than regular monthly subscriptions. Plus, with 30 free days, you'll have plenty of time to watch The People's Joker and lots of other films before even paying a cent.

TL;DR: Instead of paying £116.84 for the 2024 edition of Microsoft Office, get lifetime access for only £94.08.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase £94.08
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Did you hear? Microsoft has finally released the latest version of Microsoft Office — it's huge because it's been three years since the last version. The 2024 version has given your favorite apps a makeover, new productivity features, AI integration, and so much more to get you closer to your goals. 

You don't need to pay full price for Microsoft Office 2024 since this early Black Friday offer arrived just in time. Save an additional £22.76 on your Mac or PC download and grab lifelong access for only £116.84 while supplies last.

Your favorite Microsoft apps, but updated

With this lifetime license, you could drop the subscription you would usually pay for Microsoft 365, which is about £55 a year. Once you complete the one-time payment, you'll have these productivity apps on your Windows or Mac device forever.

There are a number of upgrades and additions, like a sleek, ribbon-based interface on each app for seamless navigation, so check out what's included in Microsoft Office 2024.

The most exciting feature of the newest version of this suite is its overall AI integration. Enjoy assistance from Microsoft's intelligent AI tools for text, formatting, and design suggestions across all apps. There's even AI in Excel to help you analyze data more effectively, and another one that can recommend audio descriptions and alternative text for images for greater accessibility.

Another feature that could boost your workflow is how easy collaboration is with Microsoft Office 2024. The built-in chat, commenting features, and version history could help you and your colleagues work more efficiently.

Grab your PC or Mac download of Microsoft Office 2024 while codes are still available for £116.84.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A wide range of AI courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

The conversation about the future of AI continues, but we're still not clear on whether or not this technology is going to take over the world. Artificial intelligence may eventually decide to take all our jobs, but before we get to that point, we could probably all benefit from learning a little more about this technology. After all, maybe it could make our lives easier before everything goes wrong.

The good news is that you can learn how to harness the power of AI without spending anything. A wide range of AI courses can be found on Udemy. And better yet, some of the best examples can be taken for free. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.

These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI Filmmaking

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Everyone

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• Canva AI: Master Canva AI Tools and Apps 2024

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Generative AI For Leaders

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT & DALL-E

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

These free online courses don't include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. That means you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free AI courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI and ChatGPT Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX. Find free lessons on AI, machine learning, investing, and more.

Not a lot of people know this, but edX hosts a massive bank of free online courses from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world. You can take lessons on everything from AI to Python programming without spending anything. And some of these online courses are delivered by MIT.

We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from the famous school. These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

• Becoming an Entrepreneur

• Cell Biology: Cell-Cell Interactions

• Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling

• Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis

• Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay

• Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications

• Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications

• Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modeling and Strategies

• Energy Economics and Policy

• Financial Accounting

• Financial Regulation: From the Global Financial Crisis to Fintech and the COVID Pandemic

• Foundations of Modern Finance

• Foundations of Modern Finance II

• Fundamentals of Manufacturing Processes

• Fundamentals of Statistics

• Genetics: Analysis and Applications

• Genetics: Population Genetics and Human Traits

• Genetics: The Fundamentals

• Introduction to Biology: The Secret of Life

• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

• Learning Time Series with Interventions

• Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning

• Management in Engineering: Accounting and Planning

• Management in Engineering: Strategy and Leadership

• Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance

• Molecular Biology — Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair

• Molecular Biology — Part 2: Transcription and Transposition

• Molecular Biology — Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation

• Probability: The Science of Uncertainty and Data

• Supply Chain Analytics

• Supply Chain Dynamics

• Supply Chain Fundamentals

• Sustainable Building Design

• Sustainable Energy

• Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo

These free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. You can start learning at a pace that suits you, so what's holding you back?

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: Unblock XVideos from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best VPN for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

You might feel like you have complete access to the online world, but you're wrong. You naive fool! Your access to porn sites like XVideos is restricted in many locations around the world. There is a good reason for these restrictions, but there is also something to be said for retaining your online freedom.

Sometimes you'll want to spend some quality time with your favorite sites, and there's nothing wrong with that. In the moments when the time is right, you should be able to access your favorite sites without hassle.

Looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like XVideos for free from anywhere in the world? We have the information you need.

How to unblock XVideos for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect to a secure server in another location. This straightforward process bypasses content restrictions so you can access porn sites like XVideos from anywhere in the world.

Access your favorite porn sites by following these simple steps:

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 XVideos

4. Access XVideos from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-year subscription + 3 months free) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're temporarily away from home on an unsecured network.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer at all times, you might benefit from a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking content is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like XVideos, 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

• 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 XVideos for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 11 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: An ideal place

• Green: Requires physical force

• Blue: Words the combine terms

• Purple: Words the conclude with terms that mean companinon

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

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

• Yellow: Utopia

• Green: Things You Shake

• Blue: Proper Noun Portmanteaux

• Purple: Ending in Synonyms for "Friend"

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #549 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Utopia: PARADISE, SEVENTH HEAVEN, SHANGRI-LA, XANADU

• Things You Shake: HAIRSPRAY, MAGIC 8 BALL, SALAD DRESSING, SNOWGLOBE

• Proper Noun Portmanteaux: JAZZERCISE, PARALYMPICS, POKEMON, WIKIPEDIA

• Ending in Synonyms for "Friend": KETCHUM, PAYPAL, PRIMATE, ROSEBUD

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 10

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 11 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 11 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Straight down or up.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PLUMB.

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 11

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 11 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Board certified

These words are things you might use to build something.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are essential for working with wooden boards.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Woodworking.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 11

• Plane

• Lathe

• Drill

• Vise

• Chisel

• Jigsaw

• Sander

• Woodworking

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 11 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Key stats on the ice

• Green: Sports to win gold in the summer

• Blue: Countries that have hosted a major sports event

• Purple: The rule of three's in sports

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

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

• Yellow: Hockey statistics

• Green: Summer Olympic sports

• Blue: Last four Men's World Cup hosts

• Purple: Events or plays that involve three of something

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #79 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Hockey statistics - ASSISTS, GOALS, PLUS/MINUS, SAVES

• Summer Olympic sports - FENCING, GOLF, HANDBALL, ROWING

• Last four Men's World Cup hosts - BRAZIL, QATAR, RUSSIA, SOUTH AFRICA

• Events of plays that involve three of something - HAT TRICK, STRIKEOUT, TRIATHLON, TURKEY

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Not all gender stereotypes about science, technology, engineering, and math are the same, according to a new study.

The research analyzed dozens of previous studies on the beliefs that children hold about gender and STEM. One common assumption is that kids view girls as bad at math, a perception that many educational initiatives try to counter.

But, surprisingly, the researchers found that math stereotypes are far less gendered than assumptions suggest.

In fact, children show far less male bias about math. Instead, kids tend to believe that girls are worse at engineering and computer science than boys, and develop such stereotypes as early as six.

SEE ALSO: 7 skills to teach your daughter by age 13

Dr. David I. Miller, the study's lead author, said the finding should affect the way experts and educators try to reduce gender stereotypes in STEM in and out of the classroom.

Miller, a senior researcher in STEM education at the American Institutes for Research, noted that negative stereotypes about what girls can accomplish in engineering and computer science can deter them from entering the fields at a time when technology, science, and culture are transforming the world.

"Programs that are focused in girls in STEM broadly might benefit from a really targeted focus on computing and engineering," Miller said, "given the importance of how that might shape girls' later trajectories, in terms of who goes into emerging tech fields, like artificial intelligence."

Miller said it was also important to better understand how children as young as six develop nuanced beliefs about gender stereotypes in different STEM fields.

For some children, that may happen by accident. Miller and his co-authors noted that in research conducted in English-speaking countries, some young children confuse the term engineer and engineering with the word engine, thus associating the latter professions with the male-dominated field of auto mechanics.

But Miller also said that children may absorb media coverage and popular culture representations of male tech billionaires, leaving them with the false impression that girls and women aren't interested in or competent in engineering and computer science.

Miller said correcting those stereotypes over time might require universal classroom exposure to computer science and engineering, rather than making them optional or accessible only through extracurricular programs.

Dr. Allison Master, an assistant professor at the University of Houston who studies gender stereotypes in STEM, said the new research paints a clearer picture of how children "see the world." Master was not involved in Miller's study.

She noted that it's important to recognize that not all six-year-olds have STEM stereotypes. Yet Master is aware of how damaging stereotypes can be; her own research focuses on how they can become "self-fulfilling prophecies" for kids.

Master said that parents and educators should evaluate their own stereotypes, mindful that their words or actions may send the message, unintentionally or not, that STEM isn't for girls.

She added that general language about boys and girls can reinforce stereotypes. Qualifying language by saying "some girls" or "lots of boys" can help children avoid overgeneralizing about their own abilities.

"Stereotypes can change the way girls see themselves," Master said in an email. "Stereotypes can make girls doubt their own ability and belonging, so they choose to avoid STEM opportunities."

Just like the continuous stream of new Kindles and Fire TV devices, Amazon has an ever-growing list of Echo devices — Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Auto, and now the Echo Spot alarm clock. Many of these devices also have multiple generations, and it's a lot to keep straight. So, we're here to help pull you out of that Echo chamber and find the best Echo devices for your smart home.

Keep in mind, you don't need to buy these devices at full price. They're guaranteed to go on sale during events like Prime Day and Black Friday. During Black Friday sales, we saw discounts of up to 58% on devices like the Echo Pop, Dot, and Spot. So if you are going to buy an Amazon smart home device, it's worth holding out until the next big event.

What can an Echo smart speaker do? Tring out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All Echo devices are designed to utilize Amazon Alexa's AI superpowers — it's just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The Echo and Echo Dot are smart speakers, which you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as tiny and more affordable tablets, essentially.

Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.

Read on for the 10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2024 so that you can make an informed, stress-free Echo purchase.

OpenAI Sora is limiting depictions of real people and taking other strict safety measures to prevent misuse.

The video generator, which was announced on Monday as part of its 12 Days of OpenAI event, has all sorts of editing capabilities for users to create and customize AI-generated videos. But there are certain things you aren't allowed to do with Sora, as users soon discovered.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to its system card, "the ability to upload images of people will be made available to a subset of users," meaning most users can't create videos of people based on an uploaded image. Those users are part of a "Likeness pilot" that OpenAI is testing with a select few. An OpenAI spokesperson said AI-generated videos of people is limited in order to "address concerns around misappropriation of likeness and deepfakes." OpenAI "will actively monitor patterns of misuse, and when we find it we will remove the content, take appropriate action with users, and use these early learnings to iterate on our approach to safety," the spokesperson continued.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

Limiting the depiction of people in Sora videos makes sense from a liability standpoint. There are all sorts of ways the tool could be misused: non-consensual deepfakes, the depiction of minors, scams, and misinformation to name a few. To combat this, Sora has been trained to reject certain requests from text prompts or image uploads.

It will reject prompts for NSFW (Not Safe For Work) and NCII (Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery) content and the generation of realistic children, although fictitious images are allowed. OpenAI has added C2PA metadata to all Sora videos and made a visible watermark the default, even though it can be removed, and implemented an internal reverse image search to assess the video's provenance.

Despite the fact that many guardrails have been put in place to prevent misuse, the question of how Sora will respond to mass stress-testing remains. Currently, access to Sora is unavailable due to high demand.

This week, we got an early look at the potential details of Bluesky+, the social media site's planned premium subscription offering.

Still, don't get ready to shell out your cash just yet. Bluesky seems to be relatively early in the process, but the company did reveal a mockup of its plans for the subscription service on its official Github page.

As Techcrunch noted, the mockup on the site indicated Bluesky listed paid features such as custom app icons, a Bluesky+ profile badge, inline post translations, profile customizations, better quality video uploads, post analytics, and bookmark folders. The mockup showed prices of $8 per month or $72 per year for the subscription offering.

The mockups were reportedly posted to Bluesky this week by the user @saeri.xyz, whose profile appears to have since been deactivated.

Bluesky subscriptions coming soon? 👀 These were spotted by @saeri.xyz on the official #Bluesky GitHub.

[image or embed]

— Ross McCulloch (@thirdsectorlab.co.uk) December 10, 2024 at 5:07 AM

Bluesky warned on its Github page that the mockup was just that — a mockup — and would likely not match the eventual list of features when it's released.

SEE ALSO: Bluesky is developing paid subscriptions — but will always be free to use, it says

Bluesky announced in October that it was working on a subscription service while assuring users that the site would always remain free to use.

While the work on Github may indicate that we could soon get a subscription service, we still don't know much about how it will look or when we'll get access to it.

In response to the mockups, bluesky software engineer Dan Abramov posted: "[Just] flagging that this is a UI mockup and the list of features doesn’t necessarily match what will be released. [We] need to get better at avoiding setting expectations via mockups since it’s open source so people poke at every branch"

Abramov also reiterated what Bluesky promised back in October, that subscribers would not get prioritization or special verification, aka some of what subscribers get on Elon Musk's X.

OpenAI has continued its marathon of announcements with full availability of its canvas tool.

A day after OpenAI dropped its AI video generator Sora, the company shared that Canvas has moved out of beta. Additionally, users can run python code inside a canvas document, and canvas is also available for custom GPTs.

Canvas was introduced in October as a editing tool for writing and coding. It's a notebook interface that sits beside the user's ChatGPT chatbot conversation, which allows users to edit responses and "collaborate" with ChatGPT. New to canvas is the ability to get feedback and edits in the form of comments. From here, users can make changes based on ChatGPT's suggestions.

Tweet may have been deleted

OpenAI has also made programming improvements. By copying and pasting code into ChatGPT, it can recognize the code and switch to code editor mode to help debug or find any errors. Users can also run the code directly within the interface and identify any problems.

Today's announcement was the fourth day of "12 Days of OpenAI" where every business day, the AI company shares something new. So far, we've seen the introduction of a ChatGPT Pro plan for $200 a month, reinforcement fine-tuning for developers, and of course, Sora.

The Sora release has been the biggest news so far, courting hype and controversy ever since its introduction last February. The AI video generator is capable of rendering photorealistic sequences from simple text prompts and has new features for editing AI-generated footage. OpenAI says it was trained on publicly available data, although critics argue data should have been obtained with credit and compensation of the original creators.

Sora's debut continues to attract lots of attention online, which has overshadowed some of the more minor releases like the Canvas announcement. What else OpenAI plans to share over the next eight days is unclear. But users are speculating about an AI agent preview, o1 with vision capabilities, and remain hopeful for GPT-5.

Tweet may have been deleted

Whatever the occasion that has you looking for dad gifts (Father's Day, the winters holidays, for example), stay far away from clichés like whiskey stones and pocket knives and try to think outside the box. Unless your dad is an avid tie collector and seriously *lives* for ties, then avoid this played-out gift. Instead, get him something that says, “I see your hobbies and I respect them."

Even if your dad says he doesn't need anything, he deserves something cool and special, like a new gadget, a subscription box, or something that will keep him looking ageless for years to come. That’s why we've rounded up plenty of ideas for all types of dads, whether he has a green thumb, an affinity for craft beer, a massive music collection, or a deep appreciation for learning new skills and hobbies.