IT General

TL;DR: Corel VideoStudio Pro X9 makes turning your videos and photos into amazing content easy and fun — and it's just $19.99 (reg. $39.99) for life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Corel Corel VideoStudio Pro X9: Digital Key [Lifetime for 1 PC] $19.99
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Ever wish you could turn your home videos into little masterpieces without spending weeks learning complicated editing software? With Corel VideoStudio Pro X9, you can do exactly that, no experience required. This easy-to-use yet powerful editing tool gives you everything you need to create professional-looking videos, from simple family movies to full-fledged creative projects.

For a limited time, you can get a lifetime digital key for just $19.99 (reg. $39.99) and start editing, enhancing, and sharing your videos like you always imagined.

Not everyone wants to spend hours wrestling with complex software just to cut a clip or add cool effects. That’s why VideoStudio Pro X9 makes video editing fun and intuitive with an easy drag-and-drop timeline, built-in effects, and instant project templates.

You can import your own clips, capture screen recordings, or create multi-camera videos. Then, you can trim, enhance, and customize your footage with animated overlays, transitions, filters, and even AI-powered speech-to-text captions.

Once your masterpiece is ready, export it in popular formats, upload it directly to YouTube, or burn it to a disc with a custom menu. Whether you’re making travel vlogs, school projects, or professional content, this software aims to make things much easier.

If you’re new to video editing, VideoStudio Pro X9 offers user-friendly tutorials and beginner-friendly tools to help you get started. Need to clean up shaky footage or enhance colors? Built-in correction tools make it easy. Want to take your videos to the next level? Explore multi-camera editing, speed effects, and 360-degree video enhancements.

This software isn’t just beginner-friendly; it’s also powerful enough for creative professionals looking to make polished, dynamic videos.

Don't miss the chance to own Corel VideoStudio Pro X9 for life for just $19.99 (reg. $39.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Save 25% on the SleepEEZ noise-blocking sleep earbuds that were featured at this year’s CES.

My search for the perfect sleep solution has been long and frustrating. I’m a light sleeper, so something that blocks out my partner’s snoring is essential. But I also need some entertainment to fall asleep. While earplugs work for the snoring, I can’t hear the TV. So, I tried AirPods but woke up with sore ears.

I was so excited to see earbuds designed for sleeping announced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Well, I wasn’t there, but I read about them online. Even better, they’re only $25.99 on the Mashable Shop, so I could actually afford to give them a try (reg. $34.99).

Trying sleep headphones for the first time

The first thing I noticed was that these would be comfortable earbuds, even though I’m a side sleeper. Unlike my AirPods that stick far out, the SleepEEZ earbuds can’t even be seen when looking at my side profile — and I can’t feel them when lying on my pillow.

They have -20dB noise-blocking, which is about the same as my favorite silicone putty earplugs — and way better than my AirPods Pros. I can faintly hear my partner snoring, which is actually good because I actually do want to be able to hear, like if our fire alarm goes off.

Then, I set a sleep timer for an hour. This was another issue with my AirPods — when I finally got to sleep, I awoke later to a TikTok video blasting in my ears. 

Finally, I chose an episode of my favorite show and drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I didn’t have sore ears, and I wasn’t kept awake by any pesky snoring. I say they’re worth a try, especially at this price point.

Get a pair of these sleep earbuds for $25.99 (reg. $34.99) and save 25%.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear SleepEEZ Mini Noise-Blocking True Wireless Earbuds for Sleeping $25.99
$34.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get the Pocket Popper phone kickstand and mini speaker for $21.99 while supplies last (reg. $24.99). 

Balancing your phone against a pop can to watch YouTube while you’re eating at the table? Blasting music from those built-in speakers that make your favorite musician sound like they’re stuck in a tin can? You might need this phone stand and speaker combo.

You’ve heard of the PopSocket, but meet its biggest competitor: Pocket Popper. Featured at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, you can finally have a way to prop up your phone and rock out to tunes. This is a hot item, but we’re able to cut you a small discount before they sell out: $21.99 (reg. $24.99).

Pop this MagSafe-compatible phone stand onto your case and see what it can do. Not sure if your phone or case works? iPhones 12 and newer have these built-in magnets, and your case would have a visible ring on its exterior. You can also attach the Pocket Popper to any magnetic surface — your fridge, stove, toolbox, or gym equipment.

Then, the Pocket Popper becomes a powerful mini Bluetooth speaker. The cool part, though? Its 40mm dynamic driver will have others looking for a big stereo setup, when it’s only this tiny gadget playing your playlist.

Beyond excellent sound, you can expect up to eight hours of battery life, a built-in microphone if you want to take phone calls, and an IPX6 waterproof rating for outdoor activities as soon as the weather warms up.

Get this phone kickstand and speaker for $21.99 before we’re sold out (reg. $24.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear Pocket Popper Magnetic Mini Wireless Speaker & Kickstand $21.99
$24.99 Save $3.00 Get Deal

Many Februarys ago, I went for lunch with a friend and was served a devastating blow.

As I ordered a club sandwich, I caught her eyeing me nervously. "So, I have some news," she said in a hesitant tone. There was an agonising suspenseful pause.

"Oh god," I said. My heart was beating so fast I thought it might leap right out of my chest cavity. She put her head in her hands as she geared up to break the news to me. Just tell me, for the love of god, I thought to myself.

"It's about Glen," she said.

"OK," I said, panicking. This was the man I had been seeing on and off for the past nine months. A friend-with-benefits that I'd accidentally fallen in love with. Not that I would've admitted that at the time.

SEE ALSO: The Relationship Experience dating trend: like a situationship but so much worse

"He has a girlfriend?" I guessed in a bid to put myself out of my own misery.

"That's not all, though," my friend said.

There was more. "They're having a baby," she said. Suddenly the restaurant felt unbearably noisy. A wave of heat passed over my body and a weird rash appeared across my chest, my sandwich arrived. I stared at it and tried my best not to puke.

It was three days before Valentine's Day and I wanted nothing more than for time to stand still. "Valentine's Day can absolutely get fucked," I said the next day to my friend Michelle as I ran on the treadmill and cried simultaneously. A feat of human nature, you might say.

I wanted to round up every silk rose, every cheesy card, every tacky giant teddy bear and throw them on a giant bonfire. Everywhere I turned felt like a constant onslaught of love, romance, and relationships. Each one of them a reminder of the sting of rejection I was feeling. I wanted to pretend that Valentine's Day didn't exist, but I didn't know how.

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps to help find a relationship, a hookup, or something in between

There's a scene in Bridget Jones' Diary where she finds out that Daniel Cleaver has a secret fiancée the whole time they've been together, and she has to go to work and act like nothing's happened. She stares blankly at her computer screen, tears welling in her eyes. At my job in a theatre press office, I spent a week stealthily wiping away tears as they streamed from my eyes.

On Valentine's Day, a work friend left a card on my desk. It was a kind gesture that made me feel loved. But later, on Instagram, I saw the Valentine's Day card that Glen had given to his girlfriend. There was an illustration of a green olive alongside the line "Olive You." Ugh, they're at the pun stage of their romance. It was the longest Feb. 14 I have ever lived through.

"Being in a relationship is not a mark of success. Many people in relationships are unhappy. Be proud of being single."

Over the next few years, that cursed day came and went. On some years, I was nursing a broken heart from yet another terrible dating experience. Dear friends continued with their sweet gestures (my best friend left a red rose on my desk one year). Truth is, Valentine's Day is just another day if you're not in a state of loved-up bliss. So, why not treat it as exactly what is is: just another day in February.

I refuse to spend another Valentine's Day crying over a terrible olive pun. If you're nursing the fragments of a broken heart and are listening to The 1975's "Somebody Else" on repeat, then don't fret about Feb. 14's impending arrival. Here are some tried and tested techniques for putting two fingers up to V Day.

Celebrate other types of love

Psychologist Dr. Tony Ortega suggests reframing the day "from being a day of romantic love to a day of celebrating any kind of love, like we did when we were children."

SEE ALSO: Why I'm celebrating female friendship this Valentine's Day

"If you want to celebrate love but don't have romantic love, grab your friends and do something out of the ordinary to celebrate your friendships," say Ortega. "This could take the form of a scavenger hunt or perhaps an establishment that serves both liquor but has some entertainment like games or even a drag show." If you don't fancy going out, you could FaceTime a friend who lives far away and have a long-overdue catch up.

"Being in a relationship is not a mark of success. Many people in relationships are unhappy. Be proud of being single."

Look upon your heartbreak as a gift

It's really hard when you're in the thick of the post-breakup emotional turmoil, but try to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Whether the relationship was short-term, long-term, a situationship, FWB — there's a reason why it ended. Reframe romantic rejection as a positive thing that steers you back onto the right path, and prevents you going too far down the wrong road. It's a blessing to have your route corrected. It's better to be alone than in a bad relationship with a person who's not matching your energy or feeling the same way. Your future self will look back and be grateful.

SEE ALSO: How to separate romantic rejection from your self-worth Banish all negative thoughts

Psychosexual and relationship therapist Silva Neves recommends banning the negative thoughts you have about yourself. "Being in a relationship is not a mark of success. Many people in relationships are unhappy. Be proud of being single," says Neves.

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps for hooking up, serious relationships, and everything else in between

"Each time you have a negative thought about yourself, breathe in and out deeply and say something nurturing about yourself instead. You will find out that you have many good qualities." Make a list of everything you like about yourself, if you feel like it.

Do something nice for yourself

The longest relationship of your life is with yourself. So, why not spoil yourself? Buy yourself the dress you've been eyeing up for weeks. Make a delicious meal for yourself. Go get a manicure. Treat yourself to a new sex toy.

Ignore the hype

Valentine's Day literally is just any other day. So why not treat it as such? As it happens to fall on a Friday this year, stick to your usual Friday routine — be that grabbing a drink in the pub with your mates, or binge-watching Grace and Frankie on your sofa with a takeaway. Avoid anything that'll remind you what date it is — stay off social media and turn any calendars around so they're facing the wall.

Rachael Lloyd, relationship experts at eharmony, says "it may sound obvious, but the more you engage in Valentine’s Day, the more you will be impacted." "Skip over the love stories, avoid your local Pizza Express and keep off social media for the day to limit your exposure."

Get really into puzzles

If it's nigh-on impossible to ignore the fact that it's the most cursed day in the calendar, then ramp up your distraction techniques. My best friend Elisha swears by jigsaw puzzles because, she says, "they require enough of your concentration to prevent you from getting in your head too much, but not so much that you can't complete the task." Buy yourself a big bag of Doritos, a bottle of rosé, and a 1,000-piece puzzle and it'll keep you entertained and, crucially, distracted for hours on end. Alternatively, you could invite all your single friends over to your house for a games night.

things to do on valentine's day Credit: vicky leta / mashable Have some 'me time'

Dating and relationship coach Sami Wunder says if you're single, Valentine's Day is the perfect day for celebrating yourself. "Firstly, don’t let all the hype get to you. Decide that it will be a day for self-love," says Wunder. "So schedule in some me time. Book yourself a massage, or a manicure, or treat yourself to a nice coffee, or even put on your favourite dress and take yourself out for dinner."

Neves says if Valentine's Day is unpleasant for you, "give yourself the permission to be indulgent with whatever floats your boat." "A long bath maybe? Or have your favourite chocolates. Or put your favourite movies on and a glass of wine?" says Neves.

Keep busy

If you've got the day off, one thing that's guaranteed to keep you very busy is running errands. Go to the gym, clean out your fridge, buy your groceries, do your laundry, iron those clothes at the bottom of your ironing pile. In short, stay busy. At the end of the day, you'll have a big sense of accomplishment.

Have sex

People in long-term relationships aren't the only people who get to have sex on Valentine's Day. Dr. Ortega suggests calling up your fuck buddy and scheduling a hookup.

"Do you have a friend with benefits you can call on? Instead of celebrating romantic love, celebrate your sexual nature with your FWB," says Ortega. "Throw away the notion of romantic love and for a period of time, celebrate sexual love."

If you don't have a FWB, then Neves recommends having an orgasm anyway through solo sex (aka masturbation). "And make a commitment to have those on a regular basis, not just on Valentine’s Day," says Neves.

Leave the country

Not forever. Just take a break and get some space from everything. If you can afford to, treat yourself to a weekend away somewhere nice, or take a road trip to visit a friend you haven't seen for ages. About a fortnight after this whole debacle occurred, I decided to book an EasyJet flight to Germany to visit a really lovely friend of mine. It did me a world of good to get away from everything and gain some perspective on the situation. This year, I'm heading back to Germany to see the very same friend, and we'll be celebrating female friendship rather than romantic love.

Whatever you do on Feb. 14, remember that lots of people in long-term relationships couldn't give a shit about it. It's just a stupid day.

This article was first published in 2019 and republished in 2025.

TL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Australia secured an impressive victory in their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, but now the attention shifts to the ODIs. Sure, Sri Lanka were well beaten in the Test matches, but that's all forgotten about now. We're back to a level playing field.

If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI)?

The 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia takes place on Feb. 12. This ODI takes place at the Ranasinghe Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

The full schedule for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka is as follows:

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st Test) — Jan. 29 to Feb. 2

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) — Feb. 6-10

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) — Feb. 12

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) — Feb. 14

The good news for fans is that every ball of this tour is available to live stream for free.

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free

Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream the ODI games before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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.

Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $100: As of Feb. 12, the Corsair HS80 MAX wireless gaming headset is available for $79.99 at Woot. That is a huge 56% discount off its usual $179.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Corsair Corsair HS80 MAX Gaming Headset $79.99 at Woot
$179.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Woot is back with another killer deal, and this time it's for gamers who want premium sound without the premium price tag. Right now, the Corsair HS80 MAX wireless gaming headset is just $79.99, down from its usual $179.99. Since Woot is run by Amazon, Prime members can enjoy free shipping and all the usual benefits.

This high-end gaming headset does not just look good — it delivers incredible sound, thanks to low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Dolby Atmos support on PC. That means you will hear every footstep, explosion, and enemy reload in full 3D detail, giving you an edge in fast-paced games. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to switch between your PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Mac, and mobile devices without any hassle.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

The microphone is just as impressive. It has a broadcast-quality, omnidirectional pickup that makes your voice crystal-clear to teammates. So, whether you are calling plays in a competitive match or just chatting on Discord, you will always be heard loud and clear.

Battery life is another major win here. You get up to 65 hours on 2.4GHz wireless and a massive 130 hours on Bluetooth — which is insane for a wireless gaming headset. If you love RGB lighting, keep in mind that turning it on drops battery life to about 24 hours, but that is still better than most competing models.

Comfort-wise, Corsair nailed it. The memory foam ear pads and floating headband make this one of the most comfortable gaming headsets around, even during long gaming sessions. The aluminum-reinforced build also ensures that this headset is durable enough to last years.

At just $79.99, this is an absolute steal for a Dolby Atmos-ready, wireless gaming headset. If you want top-tier audio for a budget price, grab this before Woot sells out.

SAVE $119: As of Feb. 12, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) is on sale for $679.99 at Amazon. Down from $799, this deal saves you 15% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $679.99 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the toughest and most feature-packed smartwatch Apple has ever made. Built for athletes, adventurers, and anyone who pushes limits, it packs a 49mm titanium case, a sapphire crystal display, dual-frequency GPS, and a 36-hour battery life. Right now, Amazon is knocking $119 off the price, making this one of the best chances to grab it for less.

This is not your typical smartwatch. The Ultra 2 is built to handle hiking, diving, running, cycling, and even extreme weather conditions. The bright 3000-nit display is readable in direct sunlight, and the customizable action button gives quick access to workouts, waypoints, or a dive computer. For runners, advanced tracking features like custom intervals and running form analysis make it one of the best fitness wearables available.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

Navigation is a major selling point here. The dual-frequency GPS offers unmatched precision, and the backtrack feature helps you retrace your steps if you get lost. The compass waypoints let you mark key locations during your adventure — how cool is that? Add cellular connectivity, and you can take calls, stream music, or use maps even if you leave your iPhone at home.

Beyond sports and exploration, the Ultra 2 has health and safety features. ECG monitoring, sleep tracking, fall detection, and emergency SOS provide peace of mind in any situation. It even includes crash detection, automatically alerting emergency services if it detects an accident.

Battery life is another highlight. The Ultra 2 lasts up to 36 hours on a single charge, and Low Power Mode extends it to 72 hours. That is significantly better than the standard Apple Watch models, making it ideal for multi-day hikes or endurance races.

At $679.99, this deal is a solid price drop on Apple's most rugged and capable smartwatch. If you have been eyeing the Ultra 2, it is time to snag it on Amazon before the price jumps back up.

SAVE $71: As of Feb. 12, the Apple AirPods Max are on sale for $478 at Amazon. That's a 12% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $478.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $71.00 Get Deal

If a headphone upgrade is planned, be sure to check out Amazon's Daily Deals for a bargain. As of Feb. 12, Apple AirPods Max are reduced to $478 at Amazon, saving you $71 on list price. This deal is exclusive to the lightning style, without AppleCare+.

Wondering why these should be your headphones of choice? Well, designed with Apple-specific drivers and powered by the all-encompassing H1 chip, you can expect a completely unmatched listening experience.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Watch 10 is back at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Handy noise-blocking technologies help you to choose your level of immersion, the Active Noise Cancellation mode will block outside noise so you can focus on your music, and Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, keeping you safe and alert while out and about. The Personalized Spatial Audio function adapts to your ear shape to help give you a much more immersive and personalized sound. It also includes dynamic head tracking, which uses a built-in sensor to adjust audio based on your head movements, creating a 3D sound experience.

And who could forget the comfort? Visually they look like a hug for your ears, and that's how they're designed. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide a snug fit that seals in sound and keeps your ears happy for hours of wearing.

This model also boasts up to 20 hours of battery life and comes with a slim Smart Case for storage.

Head over to Amazon to snag this deal.

SAVE $70: As of Feb. 12, the Apple Watch 10 is on sale for $359 at Amazon. That's a saving of 36% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch 10 $359.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If an Apple watch has been on your wishlist for a while, you're in luck. The latest model has been reduced again, and this time it's back down to its lowest-ever price.

As of Feb. 12, you can find the Apple Watch 10 at Amazon for $359, saving you $70 on list price. This deal is for all available colorways (rose gold, silver, jet black) and without AppleCare+ added.

SEE ALSO: Apple Maps follows Google, relabels Gulf of Mexico as America

Style-wise, the Apple Watch 10 is the thinnest of the range so far but also has the biggest and most readable display. It also introduces Apple's first-ever wide-angle OLED display, meaning the watch remains clear and sharp when glancing at it quickly or from different angles.

If you're looking for health and fitness metrics, you'll be suitably impressed. Advanced health tracking includes ECG readings, heart rate notifications, and ovulation estimates. In the Vitals app, you'll find detailed overnight metrics such as heart and respiratory rates, and sleep tracking. It even includes alerts for possible sleep apnea. For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout app lets you track a whole load of activities, along with tools to monitor workout intensity and aquatic tracking with depth and water temperature sensors. And with 18 hours of normal use (and fast charging that gives you 80% in 30 minutes), the watch is perfect for all lengths of activity.

Some other notable features concern safety. Users get Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and a Check-In feature that automatically updates loved ones when you reach your destination.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal whilst stocks last.

SAVE $40: As of Feb. 12, the RENPHO Massage Gun is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a 36% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: RENPHO RENPHO Massage Gun $69.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Post-workout stiffness is no joke. And the only way to get through it is by stretching and rest. And, if you can be bothered, massaging your sore muscles. Enter the massage gun. A blessing and a curse, these can be used to stimulate blood circulation in your muscles with the use of deep tissue massage. If you've used one before, you'll know of its sweet relief/agonizing pain combo.

Using a massage gun offers a whole host of benefits for physical recovery and overall wellness. It helps alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness by promoting blood circulation and reducing lactic acid buildup. After a tough workout, using a muscle gun can speed up your recovery. Regular use may improve flexibility and range of motion, and prevent injuries.

SEE ALSO: The best massage guns in 2025

And as of Feb. 12 you can treat yourself to the RENPHO Massage Gun at Amazon for just $69.99. This model specifically provides fast relief from aches, stiffness, and tension with its five changeable heads and five speed options. It even comes with a travel case that fits the massage gun and all of its attachments together for on-the-go use.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is set to premiere on Peacock. With the long-awaited fourth entry in the misadventures of its eponymous heroine, fans and critics alike have to ask: Is there any way to recapture the rom-com perfection that was 2001's Bridget Jones's Diary? 

Directed by Sharon Maguire, that magnificent movie adaptation of Helen Fielding's cheeky modern spin on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice not only boasted a classic love triangle but also the swoon-worthy trifecta of Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. Theirs was a (pre-Challengers) three-way chemistry so intoxicating that filmmakers gave it another go with 2004's Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, trying desperately to recreate the crowd-pleasing moments from the first film, from daffy duels to winsome confessions of love. The result was a commercial success, but a critical flop. (And before you decide to revisit it, be warned it has aged like an abandoned banana.) 

12 years would pass before Bridget Jones's Baby, which re-teamed Maguire, Zellweger, and Firth. (Grant's rakish Daniel Cleaver was temporarily killed off and swapped for a cocky, love-bombing American played by Patrick Dempsey.) While better reviewed and a box office success, the film series that followed Fielding's books was challenging its audience to accept something counterintuitive to its rom-com classification: There's no such thing as happily ever after. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy takes this idea even further, so brace yourself.

What you need to know ahead of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy:  Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Despite that hot kiss on a cold winter night at the end of the first film, Bridget Jones (Zellweger) and Mark Darcy (Firth) broke up for a portion of the sequel. And at the start of the third movie, he was married to someone else entirely! So, what does that mean for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy? 

Well — as readers of Fielding's novel know — Mark has died, and Bridget is a widowed mother of their two kids. So, this fourth installment moves even farther away from being the tale of Bridget and Mark's love, and is more about a woman of wit and wild impulses finding happiness in spite of everything the world throws at her. Undoubtedly, there's something beautiful about this, but fans who adore the first film's hopefulness might be hit hard by this sequel's blunt realities. I certainly was. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy offers another love triangle, minus Mark Darcy.  Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Directed by Michael Morris, this sequel begins four years after Mark Darcy died during a humanitarian trip to Sudan. In a charming house, Bridget Jones (aka Mrs. Darcy) raises her gentle son Billy (Casper Knopf) and headstrong daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic), with occasional babysitting help from her rascally old friend Daniel Cleaver (a deliciously saucy Hugh Grant). However, without a husband, she is once more the pitying prey of smug married couples at a comically awkward dinner party, so feels pressured to get out into the dating world again. 

A variety of pre-established friends pop up, bringing back dazzling supportingly players like Emma Thompson as wry gynecologist Dr. Rawlings, Celia Imrie as pesky Aunt Una, Gemma Jones as Bridget's fretful mum, Sarah Solemani as sassy TV presenter Miranda, and Shirley Henderson, James Callis, and Sally Phillips as Bridget's beloved besties Jude, Tom, and Shazzer. Everyone has advice for how Bridget should "move on," ranging from going back to work in television to hooking up with the hot young man who helped her out of a tree.

With a name like a Sex and the City beau, Roxster McDuff (Leo Woodall) is in his late 20s and deeply enamored with Bridget. But it wouldn't be a Bridget Jones movie without a romantic rival. Enter Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Billy's science teacher, whose brisk manner covers up a heart of gold. (Sound familiar?) But how is Bridget supposed to get caught up in a new love when everywhere she goes she still sees Mark (Firth, playing a memory)? 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a ruthless tearjerker.  Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Jane Austen didn't write sequels, so Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy's love was assumed to last without incident ever since Pride & Prejudice's publishing in 1813. Fielding wasn't about to put her beloved re-invented heroine on a shelf, so found fresh obstacles and romantic thrills for Bridget Jones across four books. Maybe there was a financial motivation here. But of all the movie's sequels that have come from Fielding's book series, Mad About the Boy is the most profound. It doesn't feel like just another go with Bridget and her boys. It pushes her to grow in meaningful ways outside of her wacky shenanigans. 

Don't mistake me. Bridget will still find ways to embarrass herself in front of a crowd, be it verbal explosions or an ill-advised beauty treatment. Yet to the credit of screenwriters Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer, and Abi Morgan, the grief over a partner's loss isn't swept under the rug, as if it's easy to keep calm and carry on. Instead, Bridget will carry on with cheek!

While Bridget doesn't weep, you will as she imagines Mark tucking their kids into bed with a smile and a song, or in her voiceover shares the ache of his absence. And to double down, her dear old dad (Jim Broadbent) has passed too, leaving her little protection against her mother's well-meaning but intense intrusions. On top of that, Bridget must parent her young son through the grief, as he wonders how faith in an afterlife fits into the life-cycle lessons he's getting at school. This sparks moments of outrage, softened by Zellweger's expert comedic performance. With all this loss and mourning — even amid the humor and sexual frolics — my face was awash with tears as I watched this movie. And it's left me torn. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy may not be the rom-com you might be expecting. Credit: Alex Bailey / Universal Pictures

Before you cue this up for Galentine's Day or Valentine's Day, know that it's not like its predecessors in one major way. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is not an unabashedly feel-good movie. In the original, a low point for Bridget was singing "All By Myself" in a melodramatic moment of self-pity. Things get much lower here. While there are a slew of callbacks to the first film, from characters to comedy bits to costumes, it's not a cozy retread like the previous sequels. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy offers comedy and romance, but also delves so deeply into grief that it's not a breezy watch. And honestly, I admire that. 

Grief is as certain as death and taxes, and yet Western society struggles with how to talk about it. That Fielding made Bridget the face of such loss is brilliant. There's an inherent lunacy in grief, where you can feel mad that the world carries on while yours has fallen apart. And who better to show us a path forward than the woman who's been mad in love and mad in heartache and mad in blue-soup making? There's a sense that if Bridget can make her way through the muck of mourning, then so too can we. And that is wonderful, even if it means this film series no longer strives to be feel-good. 

Even as the movie meanders to an indulgent runtime of two hours and four minutes, the filmmakers litter the path with treasures. Some of them are tearful, whether it's Bridget wishing for her lover or her father. Some are joyful, like Bridget playing with the children she pined for so intensely in the previous sequels. Some are salacious and silly, like an inspired set piece in which Roxster recreates Firth's wet shirt scene from the Pride & Prejudice miniseries. (IYKYK). 

And yet, there's a part of me that resisted the film, because I'm not ready to let go of Mark Darcy. Re-imagined as a dream man for a new millennium, he made a generation of women feel seen when he told Bridget, "I like you just the way you are." He was a beacon of hope in a sea of bad men. And there's so much loss in the real world, why take him away from us? Honestly, I resented Mad About the Boy as I watched it, not only because of my anger at the death of this fictional character, but also because Bridget's journey hit home, forcing me to recall viscerally the real-life losses I've endured. And while she was able to neatly — even charmingly – process this over the course of this movie, I still feel mad about the loss. So, I was not ready for Mad About the Boy.

As a critic, I strive to have an elastic empathy that might allow me to appreciate a movie, even when it's not "for me." And though I loved the first Bridget Jones so deeply that I still know much of it by heart, this sequel is not for me. Not yet. My pain is still too raw to take comfort in Bridget's latest diary entries. But I can recognize that. I must give credit that Fielding understood that through the loss of Mark, Bridget has more to give. She has been a wacky role model of self love. And by following her next chapter, we're offered a friend through some of life's ugliest moments. Just as she has handled disasters far less dire, she'll do it with a signature smile and a bit of wit.

Which is all to say that Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the best sequel of the batch. It's joyful, seeded with Easter eggs, and radiant with Zellweger back in full effect, but it's also a tearjerker that might well knock the wind out of you.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy premieres exclusively on Peacock Feb. 13.

Apple Maps has quietly been updated to change the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" when viewed by U.S. users. This comes a mere day after Google made the same change to its own Maps app.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico within hours of his inauguration last month, proclaiming that it would henceforth be known as the Gulf of America. Yet while this changed the U.S. government's official position on the sea's name, Trump's order technically had no direct impact on corporations such as Google and Apple. The gulf is also not owned by any one country, being boarded by the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. As such, the U.S. does not have the authority to completely unilaterally rename the entire body of water for everyone internationally.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps has changed the Gulf of Mexico to America

Nevertheless, Google Maps made clear that it would adhere to Trump's renaming of the gulf, stating that it was following its "longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources." It made good on that promise earlier this week, with Google Maps adding the Gulf of Mexico's new Trump-mandated label in parenthesis when viewed from outside the U.S., and completely renaming it to the Gulf of America for those within it.

In contrast, Apple was more reticent on directly addressing the matter, having issued no statement on what it planned to do. Now it appears that Apple's approach to the gulf renaming issue is similar to Google's, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America after U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was officially updated.

Searching Apple Maps' macOS app for either "Gulf of Mexico" or "Gulf of America" directs you to the correct body of water, still labelled "Gulf of Mexico" on the map. However, the popup over it has now been amended to read "Gulf of America." Using the same search terms in Apple Maps' browser beta within the U.S. will also bring you to the right place, however it is relabelled "Gulf of America" on the map, while the sidebar and pin still reads "Gulf of Mexico."

Apple Maps' browser beta in the U.S., showing the Gulf of Mexico labelled as such on both the pin and sidebar, but labelled Gulf of America on the map. Credit: Mashable screenshot: Apple

In contrast, Australians searching Apple Maps' browser beta or its iOS app for "Gulf of Mexico" or "Gulf of America" are served the correct gulf, but both the map and sidebar currently still read "Gulf of Mexico." This may not be the case for long, though. Bloomberg reports Apple has stated that while it's starting with the U.S., it will soon roll out the name change for all users globally. It isn't clear whether that will mean a complete relabelling of the gulf, or simply adding "Gulf of America" in parenthesis as Google has.

Mashable has reached out to Apple for comment.

Apple Maps' browser beta in Australia, showing the Gulf of Mexico labelled as such on both the map and sidebar. Credit: Mashable screenshot: Apple

This isn't the first time Apple has amended its map to appease a country's government. The tech giant previously caused outrage in Ukraine when it marked Crimea as Russian territory in 2019, albeit only for people who accessed Apple's Maps and Weather apps from within Russia. At the time, Russia's parliament stated that "Apple [had] fulfilled its obligations and brought the applications on its devices in compliance with the requirements of the Russian legislation."

Trump's executive order may not impose a legal requirement that Apple alter how it labels the Gulf of Mexico/America. Even so, following the new U.S. administration's official stance is more likely to help endear Apple to Trump. And with so many big tech companies and CEOs now fighting to gain the president's favour, Apple probably doesn't want to be left behind.

TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just £32.22 (reg. £188.55).

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The free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.  

1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs £188.55, but you can get one on sale now for £32.22. 

What can you do with 1minAI

1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3. 

Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month. 

First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too. 

In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos. 

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TL;DR: Live stream Tigres vs. Real Estelí in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The biggest shock from the first round of Concacaf Champions Cup games came in the Tigres vs. Real Estelí matchup. The Nicaraguan side produced a huge shock by beating the Mexican side 1-0. Tigres had rested a number of key players, but don't let that fact take anything away from Real Estelí. It was a hugely significant result.

Can Tigres turn things around? If you want to watch Tigres vs. Real Estelí in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Tigres vs. Real Estelí?

Tigres vs. Real Estelí in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Feb. 12. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Universitario.

How to watch Tigres vs. Real Estelí for free

Tigres vs. Real Estelí in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.

Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Tigres vs. Real Estelí by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Tubi

5. Live stream Tigres vs. Real Estelí for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Tigres vs. Real Estelí in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tubi?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Mexico

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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.

Live stream Tigres vs. Real Estelí in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Guadalajara vs. Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Concacaf Champions Cup has already produced some big surprises. The first leg between Guadalajara and Cibao wasn't exactly shocking, but it was very close. The Dominican side managed to avoid defeat to the Mexican favorites. The 1-1 draw leaves this matchup hanging in the balance.

All eyes are now on the second leg. If you want to watch Guadalajara vs. Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Guadalajara vs. Cibao?

Guadalajara vs. Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Feb. 12. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Akron.

How to watch Guadalajara vs. Cibao for free

Guadalajara vs. Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.

Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Guadalajara vs. Cibao by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Tubi

5. Live stream Guadalajara vs. Cibao for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Guadalajara vs. Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tubi?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Mexico

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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.

Live stream Guadalajara vs. Cibao in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

While blockchain and cryptocurrency have created many opportunities for the average person, they have also attracted scammers, making the space rife with fraud. Whether you're already involved or considering entering this space, here are some common crypto scams you should watch out for.

Naomi Watts and Bill Murray lead The Friend, an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez's novel about a woman who adopts her late best friend's Great Dane.

Directed and written by David Siegel and Scott McGehee, The Friend sees Watts starring as Iris, whose mentor Walter (Murray) leaves four-legged pal Apollo (played by a Great Dane called Bing) to her in his will. He's a large dog and an even larger reminder of the person she's mourning, so their bond is a little rocky to start. But, as the Sharon Van Etten-scored trailer indicates, isn't that always the start of a beautiful friendship?

The cast also features Carla Gugino (The Fall of the House of Usher), Constance Wu (Hustlers), Noma Dumezweni (The Undoing), Ann Dowd (The Handmaid's Tale), Felix Solis (Unfrosted), Sarah Pidgeon (Tiny Beautiful Things), and Owen Teague (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes).

The Friend hits select New York cinemas on March 28 before its wide release on April 4.

The constellations help us find our way around the sky, breaking up the endless array of stars into more manageable and memorable chunks. In this article, I'll discuss five constellations I always start with and how they guide me to other fascinating astronomical phenomena.

You may have recently stumbled upon an app called "Android System SafetyCore" in your battery stats or while digging through app permissions. It sounds important and a bit scary, but it's not as worrisome as you might think.

Google has confirmed the dates for its biggest event of the year: Google I/O 2025. It will take place on May 20th and 21st in Mountain View, California.