IT General
You can officially watch Nicole Kidmans Babygirl at home — heres how
2024 was the year sex returned to cinema. There was the neo-noir thriller Love Lies Bleeding, the mega-viral love-triangle drama Challengers, the sex-worker-centered Cinderella story Anora, and finally — just hitting theaters with a week left in the year — Nicole Kidman and A24's Babygirl. And they might've saved the best for last. As Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko puts it, "Amid stiff competition, [Kidman] delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year."
The Oscars may have snubbed the movie, but Kidman's performance earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. Now, just a little over a month after its theatrical debut, Babygirl is officially available to watch at home. We're still unsure when it will make its streaming debut, but you can now rent or purchase the film at digital retailers as of Jan. 28, 2025. Here's everything you need to know to watch Babygirl at home.
What is Babygirl about?In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a powerful CEO trying to balance a demanding professional life with her personal life, which includes a loving husband (Antonio Banderas) and two teenage daughters (Vaughan Reilly and nepo baby Esther McGregor). When cocky intern Samuel (Triangle of Sadness' Harris Dickinson) starts inappropriately flirting with her, she's both shocked and aroused. What follows is a lusty affair exploring dominance and submission that threatens to break her entire world apart.
Get a sneak peek at the erotic thriller in the official trailer:
Is Babygirl worth watching?Interestingly, while critics have been loving Dutch writer/director Halina Reijn's latest flick, audiences are a bit more conflicted. Babygirl currently holds a 77 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but just a 48 percent audience rating. This is likely to change now that the film is available to a wider audience, but the conflicting numbers are definitely curious.
Puchko raved about the erotic thriller in her review out of TIFF. She wrote, "Altogether, the cast makes Babygirl a stunner, landing silly moments as well as sexy ones. Emotionally naked, unapologetically provocative, and defiantly playful, Reijn's film joyfully explores the complicated ties that bind. Amid stiff competition, she delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year."
Babygirl even made the top 10 in our list of the best movies of 2024. We expected it to be a contender this awards season, but were surprised to see it snubbed in all Oscar categories.
Read our full review of Babygirl.
How to watch Babygirl at home Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in 'Babygirl' pool scene Credit: A24Thankfully, A24 didn't tease us for long. Just a little over a month after the sexually charged thriller made its theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can either purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. If you'd rather stream Babygirl instead, scroll on to learn more.
You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers as of Jan. 28:
Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Note: Renting a film gives you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.
Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Babygirl' at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Watch Now Is Babygirl streaming?There's no official streaming date yet for Babygirl, but as an A24 film, we know it will eventually make its streaming debut on Max alongside other recent A24 theatrical hits like Civil War and MaXXXine, thanks to a multi-year output deal. If you want to be prepared for when the film does eventually land on the streamer — or want to catch up on previous A24 films — you can sign up for a Max subscription ahead of time. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few ways to save money on your plan.
Check out the best Max streaming deals below.
The best Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch NowThe cheapest Max subscription is $9.99 per month, but only if you don't mind a few ads here and there. You can wait until Babygirl starts streaming and sign up for a single month of service, then cancel before you're charged for another. Or, you could stick around for the long haul and save some money on your subscription. An annual plan with ads will cost you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month. Of course, you'll have to pay upfront, but that'll keep 16% in your pocket as opposed to a monthly plan.
Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch NowSimilarly, you can save an extra 16% by committing to a yearly plan of the Max ad-free tiers. If ads are a total deal breaker for you, you have two tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month), while the Ultimate tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month).
Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier comes with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch NowIf you have a Cricket wireless plan, you may be able to access Max for free. Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get a free Max with ads subscription. That's a $99.99 per year value for zero dollars. Just head over to the Max app, choose Cricket as your provider, then enter your Cricket credentials to log in. Boom — you're free to watch whatever you want, whenever you want — including Babygirl once it's released.
Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more. If you want to watch Babygirl for free, this will be your only option (once it's released on Max).
Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get DealCollege students can get an entire year of Max with ads for just $4.99 per month instead of $9.99. That's 50% in savings. You'll just have to verify your student status with UNiDAYS to retrieve the unique discount code that will drop the price.
Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get DealIt won't be your cheapest option for watching Babygirl, but you can get a lot of bang for your buck if you opt for a streaming bundle deal — especially if you already subscribe to Hulu or Disney+. For only $16.99 per month (reg. $25.97), you can sign up for Max, Hulu, and Disney+ with ads or $29.99 per month (reg. $48.97) without ads. That's up to 38% in savings for access to three full streaming libraries.
AirTag too bulky and awkward? Get a KeySmart SmartCard for $30.
TL;DR: Ditch the bulk of AirTags and get the KeySmart SmartCard that fits in your wallet and works with Apple’s Find My app while it's just $29.97 (reg. $39.99) with free shipping through Jan. 31.
Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard $29.97$39.99 Save $10.02 Thinnest Card Tracker & Works with Apple Find My Get Deal
Tired of misplacing your wallet or ID and wishing for a sleeker solution than the AirTag? Meet the KeySmart SmartCard — the slimmest tracker on the market that combines style, durability, and tracking technology.
At less than 2mm thick, it’s designed to fit snugly into your wallet, luggage, or anywhere AirTags just won’t fit. It also has a range of 200 feet. And with free shipping, it’s yours for only $29.97 — if you act fast and purchase by Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
This tracking device is a game-changer for the organized (and not-so-organized) among us. The KeySmart SmartCard works flawlessly with Apple’s Find My network, giving you access to a global network to track your essentials.
Misplaced your wallet at a coffee shop? Play a sound to locate it nearby, or check its last known location on a map. Forget your card somewhere? You’ll get a notification before you even realize it’s missing.
But it’s not just smart — it’s tough. Thanks to an IPX8 waterproof rating, the SmartCard can handle outdoor adventures and accidental spills alike. It lasts up to five months on a single charge and recharges wirelessly with any Qi-enabled charger (goodbye disposable batteries). Whether you’re a traveler, commuter, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who wants peace of mind, the KeySmart SmartCard is worth a closer look.
It's on sale for just $29.97 (with free shipping) through Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don't wait to get your KeySmart SmartCard.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Microsoft Office 2024 is the last productivity suite you’ll ever need — get it for life for $120
TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC — a one-time purchase for $119.97 (reg. $149) through February 2, no subscription required.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase $119.97 at Mashable Shop$149.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal What you can expect from your one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC:
Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for essential productivity
One-time purchase with no recurring fees for lifetime use on one device
Redesigned ribbon for quick access to tools based on what you’re working on
Co-authoring features let multiple users collaborate in real-time
Smarter AI suggestions for text, formatting, and data visualization
Optimized for Mac Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia operating systems, as well as Windows 10 or 11 operating systems
Create, collaborate, and organize your projects without ongoing subscriptions
Boost your productivity with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC, now $119.97 until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT — no monthly fees, just essential tools you can count on.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Get lifetime access to Microsoft Visio 2021 Pro for just $20
TL;DR: Create innovative diagrams and more with lifetime access to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for $19.97 through Feb. 2.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $19.97 at Mashable Shop$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal What you'll get with your lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows:
Craft flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, and more with dozens of templates and 250,000+ customizable shapes
Link diagrams to live data from Excel, Exchange, or other sources for dynamic, real-time insights
Share and co-edit diagrams effortlessly with multiple users for seamless teamwork
Meet industry standards like BPMN 2.0, UML 2.5, and IEEE for polished, compliant visuals
Draw and annotate diagrams naturally with a pen or touch-enabled device
No subscription fees — just a lifetime license for one PC
Make sense of your data with a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional on sale for $19.97 until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Get 4K night-vision binoculars half off and see in the dark
TL;DR: Explore total darkness with 4K night-vision digital binoculars on sale for $84.97 through Feb. 23.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars with 8x Digital Zoom $84.97 at Mashable Shop$169.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal
Ever wondered what you’re missing once the sun sets? These 4K night-vision digital binoculars make it possible to see the world in stunning detail — no matter how dark it gets. Perfect for wildlife observation, evening hikes, stargazing, and more, they deliver cutting-edge technology for every nocturnal explorer.
Until Feb. 23, take advantage of this 50% price reduction and get them for just $84.97 (reg. $169).
With 8X digital zoom and a 24mm objective aperture, these binoculars give you a sharp, wide view of your surroundings. The 850nm infrared illumination features seven adjustable brightness levels, allowing you to see up to 1,315 feet away in complete darkness. From subtle movements in the distance to intricate details nearby, nothing will escape your sight.
Capture and record your discoveries in crystal-clear 4K video or high-resolution 36MP photos. The large 4.5-inch TFT LCD screen ensures you can view your captures with ease and even share them instantly with others.
Built to last, these binoculars come with an IP54 water- and dust-resistant rating, a rechargeable 4000mAh lithium battery for up to five hours of continuous use, and a convenient 32GB memory card. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or documenting nighttime adventures, you’ll have everything you need in one compact, portable device.
Illuminate your adventures with these 4K night-vision digital binoculars for $84.97 through Feb. 23.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Costco members can snag two $50 Uber gift cards for just $75 total
SAVE $25: As of Jan. 30, get two $50 Uber gift cards at Costco for $74.99. This deal is only available for Costco members.
Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Two $50 Uber Gift Cards $74.99 at Costco$100.00 Save $25.01 Get Deal
If you're a Costco member who also happens to use Uber, this deal was practically made for you — or someone you know, at the very least. For anyone who uses Uber often or wants to gift Uber access to friends or family for less, you'll want to head on over to the retailer to take advantage of this limited-time deal.
As of Jan. 30, you can get two $50 Uber gift cards for $74.99. That's $5 off their normal Costco member price of $79.99 (and $25 off their total value). These are digital gift cards and the limit is two per member. You must be a Costco member to take advantage of the deal.
Uber gift cards can be used as currency on the Uber app. All you need to do is apply the gift card and you can use it the same as cash to schedule and set up rides. You can also use the money on Uber Eats, so you can have food from all sorts of local restaurants delivered to your door.
With these gift cards, the funds won't expire, though as Costco notes, you may be required to add a secondary method of payment for some accounts. Otherwise, you just need to go to your Uber menu, hit the "Wallet" option, and use the "Add funds" button to redeem your card.
You'll want to jump on this deal quickly, because it's only here until Feb. 23 or while supplies last.
EU may ban video game console sales to Russia
The European Union is considering banning video game console sales to Russia, aiming to prevent the army from using the controllers to fly drones in Ukraine.
On Monday, the European Council renewed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its continued invasion of Ukraine, extending them for six months until the end of July. Russia significantly escalated the countries' ongoing conflict in 2022 when it launched a full-scale military assault on Ukraine. The invasion is currently still ongoing, with Russian president Vladimir Putin refusing to recognise Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We really need to keep up the economic pressure on Russia [to stop the war] while also giving military support to Ukraine," Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, said on Tuesday. "To strengthen Ukraine, so that the stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are also behind the negotiation table."
SEE ALSO: EU faces legal action from Tesla, BMW over tariffs on Chinese-made EVsThough some EU sanctions against Russia have been in place since the war began in 2014, they have multiplied significantly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They currently cover a wide range of areas, including restrictions on trade, energy, technology, transport, and even luxury goods.
Now, that list may soon be extended to video game consoles and controllers.
"We are really looking into all types of things that really help Russia to wage this war – to put them on the sanctions list," said Kallas. "Even elements like the consoles for the video games, because apparently these are the ones that they operate the drones with. So, really being creative."
It's unclear exactly how video game consoles themselves might be used to operate drones. Some reports have suggested that Russia's military has been reappropriating components from household electronics for use in weapons, though there is scant evidence that such practices are widespread.
However, video game controllers have long been used to operate electronics in non-recreational settings, steering everything from flying drones, to bomb disposal robots, to submarine masts. The ill-fated Titan submersible which imploded in 2023 was infamously controlled by a Logitech G F710 controller.
Even so, how much of an impact an EU ban on selling Russians video game consoles might have remains uncertain. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have already suspended sales in Russia since March 2022, cutting off the nation's supply of Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch consoles in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Logitech also exited the Russian market in August that same year.
As such, a ban will likely be of more immediate consequence to the third-party console vendors in the EU. It also seems more likely to send a message than significantly slow Russia's military efforts, as the country has increasingly relied upon China as a trade partner due to such long running and wide-ranging sanctions.
Last year, Putin ordered Russia's government to look into developing its own domestic video game consoles. Unfortunately for Russian gamers, reports indicate that the two machines currently in development are underwhelming in comparison to the current-gen consoles they're hoping to replace.
Mashable readers can get 10TB of cloud storage for life and save 92%
TL;DR: Check out this Dropbox alternative you can access for life. Get 10TB of Internxt Cloud Storage for £196.77 (reg. £2,408.75) when you use the code STORAGE at checkout.
Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £196.77 at the Mashable Shop£2,408.75 Save £2,211.98 Use code 'STORAGE' Get Deal
If you're tired of getting emails from Dropbox and Google to purchase more storage and upgrade to an expensive monthly plan, you're not alone. Thankfully, one-time payments for a lifetime of service still exist in some corners of the internet.
Thanks to Internxt, you can get a whole 10TB of secure cloud storage space for life for one flat payment of £196.77. This deal is available through 2 February, just remember to use the discount code STORAGE when you checkout at the Mashable Shop.
Internxt is a private cloud service suite designed to protect your digital privacy. Providing complete security, uncompromising privacy, and honest transparency, all Internxt services are 100% open-source and end-to-end encrypted, which means only you have the ability to access your files. This offers peace of mind that your data is secure and private.
This storage solution allows you to store, share, and send files and photos on the cloud from any device and operating system. Whether you use Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS, Internxt has you covered with desktop and mobile apps, plus a web app for browsers.
Easily sync your files and photos on all platforms, even Linux. Access your files from the desktop app, web browser app, and iOS/Android app with an intuitive interface that makes cloud storage easy and user-friendly. Plus, this lifetime subscription includes updates.
Please note this deal is only available to new users and, after you make your purchase, the code you receive must be redeemed within 30 days.
Through 2 February, get this lifetime subscription to an Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB Plan on sale for £196.77, a 92% discount from the usual £2,408.75 price.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers in 2025
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
One of the great things about this Bluetooth-connected world is that you can take your tunes anywhere: the beach, the pool, the garden, the park. Hell, even the shower. Just connect your smart device to a portable Bluetooth speaker and start streaming. But taking a speaker anywhere means you need extra protection. You need something waterproof to withstand the weather and the perils of poolside partying.
Indeed, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker gives you the freedom to go wherever you like and not worry about it getting soaked. Some portable outdoor speakers even float in the water. But there are dozens of different Bluetooth speakers out there. It's hard to pick one based on your budget and needs.
The good news is that we've done the work for you and researched the very best waterproof Bluetooth speakers. But here's some useful information before you take the plunge.
How do Bluetooth speakers work?When you want to take your tunes outside, you don't want to worry about wires or an external power source. Fortunately, you don't have to with Bluetooth. Just wirelessly pair your smartphone with a speaker, then pull up your music-streaming app and hit play. Depending on the battery life of your speaker, you're set for easy, uninterrupted listening for hours and hours. Another advantage to Bluetooth speakers is that you can often hook up two or more together for a bigger stereo sound.
Is water-resistant and waterproof the same thing?Not all waterproofing is created equal. Pay close attention to the device’s IP rating, which is the measurement of how waterproof — or merely water-resistant — it is. And if an IP rating isn’t clearly stated, move on to something more trustworthy. These ratings can be confusing, so we’ll explain everything below. The main thing to know is that water resistance is not the same as being waterproof — not even close.
What is a waterproof rating?A water-resistant speaker will typically be rated IPX5 or lower, meaning it can certainly survive the odd splash or sprinkle. But if you're looking for a speaker to stand up to the elements (and accidents), look for ratings of IPX6 or IPX7. This means a device will survive a good soaking or even complete submersion, respectively.
However, if you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker that's truly outdoorsy and weatherproof, opt for an IP67 rating. The device will be able to withstand being submerged in a metre of water for up to 30 minutes, as well as being dustproof, dirtproof, and sandproof. You can confidently take your IP67 speaker to sandy beaches or dusty campsites without worrying about wet or windy conditions.
What is a good battery life for a Bluetooth speaker?If you’re just heading out for the day, six to 12 hours would probably be just fine. But if you’re going away for a weekend, or you don’t want to worry about charging often — even when you’re at home — opt for a speaker that offers up to 24 hours of uninterrupted audio bliss.
Do Bluetooth speakers sound good?Obviously, you want your waterproof speakers to sound good — that's literally why you're spending your hard-earned cash on them. Typically, the higher the price of the device, the more crisp the audio and more thumping the bass. However, we do like a few budget options that offer surprisingly impressive sound quality, so don't automatically think that you can't get something great if money is tight.
What is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker?To help you make a decision, we’re sharing our top picks for the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers around. We've lined up something for every occasion — and every budget — including devices from top brands like Ultimate Ears, JBL, and Bose.
These are the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers in 2025.
What Is Deepseek and Why Should ChatGPT Be Worried?
The internet is abuzz with the name "DeepSeek". AI companies like OpenAI and NVIDIA are seeing their stock prices tumble, and AI enthusiasts are rubbing their hands together with glee all over the world. Why is this new entrant to the AI world such a big deal?
How to Track and See the International Space Station
Surprisingly, you don't even need a telescope to see the International Space Station. It's also easier than you might expect to know where and when to look for it.
There's No Perfect AI Chatbot—So Here's My Solution
The hunt for the perfect AI assistant is over—because there isn't one! While ChatGPT excels at general-purpose tasks, Claude is much better at document analysis, and Perplexity shines at web search. As such, it's wiser to use multiple chatbots than to stick with just one.
Netflix Now Lets You Download Entire TV Seasons on iPhone & Android
Downloads are super helpful on Netflix, since they allow you to watch your favorite movies and shows while you're away from an internet connection. Still, for shows, if you have an iPhone you needed to tap "download" on every single episode you wanted to watch, which could get annoying and confusing. Android phones did this much better, and now, this is finally coming to iOS too.
Google’s Pixel Buds Just Solved My Big Complaint With Wireless Earbuds
True wireless earbuds are as common as they get these days, but there are some annoying problems with them. Google just added something for its Pixel Buds that might help a lot with one of my biggest gripes with wireless earbuds in general.
OneDrive Just Got a Lot Better on Mac
Microsoft has rolled out two important updates for OneDrive users on Mac. The cloud storage service now handles more file name variations, and allows you to move files to external drives.
Unitree G1 claims to be the smoothest humanoid robot yet
Unitree first announced its latest humanoid robot, the G1 back in May of 2024 and has recently released a video showing off some of its new capabilities in what they’re calling an “agile upgrade.” In the video released by Unitree, the G1 seems to navigate tougher inclines and jog over rougher terrain than in the past.
Headphones Are Not a Substitute for Good Speakers
If you're someone who relies solely on headphones and doesn't even own a pair of speakers, this article is for you. Now, don't get me wrong—headphones are fantastic. However, the reverse is also true, and I'm here to convince you why you need a good set of speakers in your life.
You Might Not Be Able To Get an RTX 5000 GPU
Remember the dark age four years ago when you had to pay a lot of money to a scalper if you wanted to get a new GPU? It's increasingly looking like the stock that's ready for the RTX 5000-series launch might not be enough for everyone, so don't be surprised if scalpers pop up again out of nowhere.
How A Complete Unknown turned New Jersey in to 1960s New York City
A Complete Unknown production designer François Audouy reveals how he was able to successfully make Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ look like New York's West Village from the 1960s.
Google Rings in the Lunar New Year With a New Doodle
Google celebrated the Lunar New Year by creating an interactive Doodle on its homepage. This game is meant to highlight the Year of the Snake.