IT General

TL;DR: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for only $18 through February 2 — that’s an 89% discount.

If you thought AI would only be a fad, take a look at Microsoft. As we speak (or read?), they’re making computers infused with Microsoft Copilot, their latest AI technology. But something even cooler? You don’t have to get a new device to get Copilot — just upgrade to Windows 11.

And, if you’re going for it, go all the way and get the Pro version with the most features, like remote desktop access and hard drive encryption. We have a deal on Windows 11 Pro keys for only $17.97 (reg. $199), and each upgrades two compatible PCs.

AI in Windows 11

We realize you can use AI chatbots, so what makes Windows Copilot special? For one, Copilot is built using a custom version of GPT-4, so it’s like getting the premium version of ChatGPT for free.

There are also many perks of having Copilot built into your PC:

• Ask it to change system settings instead of finding them yourself

• Summarize web pages without having to ‘copy and paste’

• Have it set reminders, schedule meetings, or draft emails

Pro-specific features

Already have Windows 11 Home, but curious about what Pro delivers? Remote desktop access becomes super handy in a pinch, as does BitLocker device encryption in case of device loss or theft. You’ll also get Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for other professional testing and tasks.

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $17.97 (reg. $199) until February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed to get this discount.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $19.97
$199.00 Save $179.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for just $34.99 (reg. $229) through February 2.

If your New Year’s resolution involves being more productive or finally getting your digital life in order, this offer on Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 might just be part of the solution.

For just $34.99 (regularly $229), you’ll score a lifetime license to all the Office classics you know and love. But this deal ends February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don't wait too long.

Unlike subscription-based models like Office 365, this one-time purchase gives you unlimited access to heavy-hitting productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Whether you’re a freelancer drafting client proposals, a small business owner crunching numbers in Excel, or just someone tired of those “You’ve hit your free tier” notifications, this promotion lets you work to your heart's content without ongoing fees.

Plus, you get lesser-used but equally handy apps like Access and Publisher — because you never know when you’ll need to flex your database or desktop publishing skills.

Why Office 2019? It’s ideal for those who want the essentials without unnecessary extras. The interface is familiar, so there’s no steep learning curve, and you don’t need to worry about hefty system requirements or cloud-based AI tools bogging down your workflow. Plus, it works offline, meaning unreliable Wi-Fi won’t derail your productivity.

This lifetime license is especially clutch for cost-conscious peeps. Forget recurring subscriptions and unpredictable renewal fees — this one-time purchase keeps your budget predictable while delivering serious value.

Upgrade your productivity toolkit with a lifetime solution that works as hard as you do.

Get a lifetime MS Office Professional Plus 2019 license for just $34.99 (reg. $229) through February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $34.97
$229.00 Save $194.03 Get Deal

Representation matters. It’s not enough for our favorite television shows to feature actors of color. We need representation behind the scenes as well, to ensure that the stories and experiences of underrepresented groups are being told with honesty, complexity, and respect.

Netflix’s bottomless library features many wonderful shows — from gripping dramas to fluffy comedies — created, produced, written, or directed by Black artists. The best way to lift these creatives up is to call out their names, so in no particular order, here’s a sampling of our favorite Netflix television shows with talented Black creators at their helm. Go forth and binge.

1. Top Boy Credit: Netflix

Created by Ronan Bennett, Top Boy first aired in the UK from 2011 to 2013, originally set in the fictional Summerhouse public housing estate in East London, and drug dealers Dushane and Sully (Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson). Drake revived the show for Netflix alongside Adel Nur, Maverick Carter, and Jamal Henderson in 2019, with Walters and Robinson returning to their roles, and Lover's Rock star Micheal Ward joining as new gang leader Jamie.

SEE ALSO: The 20 best British TV shows to stream on Netflix

This meaty drama, which has been compared to HBO’s The Wire, is startlingly grounded, anchored by a young, talented cast that radiates with vulnerability. This is television at its best.

How to watch: Top Boy is streaming on Netflix.

2. Dear White People Joelle Brooks (Ashley Blaine Featherson) and Samantha White (Logan Browning). Credit: Netflix

Created by Justin Simien and based on the award-winning film he wrote and directed, Dear White People follows a group of Black college students as they navigate the highs and lows of attending an Ivy League school. The show contains humor and drama in equal measure, examining systemic racism at Winchester College with grace, insight, and a sharp wit. With Simien himself writing and directing many of the episodes, and featuring one of the best soundtracks on Netflix, it's no wonder that this clever and endearing show is beloved by audiences and critics alike.

How to watch: Dear White People is streaming on Netflix.

3. When They See Us Credit: Netflix

The most culturally significant project Netflix released in 2019, Ava DuVernay's When They See Us revisits the case of the Central Park Five in excruciating detail. Examining the wrongful convictions of five Black and Latino men — Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise — for rape in 1989 (for which they would be exonerated over a decade later) this poignant true-crime miniseries offers a heart-wrenching look at the ongoing flaws in our justice system. A powerful watch, When They See Us highlights the insidious biases that plague our society and the vulnerable people put at risk.* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: When They See Us is streaming on Netflix.

4. Family Reunion Credit: Netflix

Meg DeLoatch, a former Family Matters producer, created this bright and lovable sitcom about a family from Seattle who moves to Georgia to be closer to their relatives. Tia Mowry shines as Cocoa McKellan, a mother of four doing her best to make the right choices for her family. A sweet, endearing, G-rated comedy, Family Reunion mines many of its laughs from family discord, but the love between these characters is palpable and deep.

How to watch: Family Reunion is streaming on Netflix.

5. Bookmarks

Jesse Collins Entertainment has teamed up with #1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias, children's media consultant Kevin A. Clark, and showrunner Fracaswell Hyman for Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. Much like Reading Rainbow, Bookmarks features readings of kid's books, but here, all the readers are Black celebrities, like Tiffany Haddish, Lupita Nyong’o, and Common, and all the books are written by Black authors. This absolutely delightful show seeks to bring more light to stories that showcase the Black experience.

How to watch: Bookmarks is streaming on Netflix.

6. She's Gotta Have It Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) and Mars Blackmon (Anthony Ramos). Credit: Netflix

Spike Lee's Netflix series inspired by his 1986 film may have been canned after two seasons, She's Gotta Have It should be on your list. Joining happily nonmonogamous protagonist Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) in her daily experiences juggling sex, dating, friendship, politics, misogyny, and making art in Brooklyn comes with one exceptional soundtrack — this is a Spike Lee joint, after all.* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: She's Gotta Have It is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Yasuke Credit: Netflix

This LeSean Thomas original anime series is inspired by the story of Yasuke, a real-life 16th-century Black samurai. Through flashbacks, we piece together the events that led Yasuke (LaKeith Stanfield) to abandon his warrior's life and hole up in a small town. In the present, after years of solitude, impending danger forces him to once again pick up his katana. Set in a mystical feudal Japan, and elevated by a fresh soundtrack from Flying Lotus, this alternate reality story of an actual historical figure is moody, well-paced, and engrossing. Though far too heavy and gory for kids, Yasuke is a cool treat for those adults who love anti-heroes and stunning sword fights.*

How to watch: Yasuke is streaming on Netflix.

8. Zero

Written by Italian author Antonio Dikele Distefano, Zero is a fresh take on the superhero genre. Omar, the son of Senegalese immigrants, lives in public housing on the outskirts of Milan and has a secret: He can become invisible. A relatively shy kid, Omar's powers are based on his emotions. Whenever he feels something intensely, he vanishes. What's different from other superhero stories is that in Zero, the main villain is not some crazed megalomaniac but the poverty and gentrification affecting the area where Omar lives.

How to watch: Zero is streaming on Netflix.

9. JIVA! Cheeeeese! Credit: Neo Baepi

You've got to love a dance drama, and Netflix's latest series will have you up out of your seat. Created by showrunner Busisiwe Ntintili (Intersexions and Happiness is a Four Letter Word), JIVA! hinges around dancer Ntombi (Noxolo Dlamini), who juggles working at a cheesy marine park and taking care of her family in Umlazi, Durban in South Africa. As the fifth annual Jiva Loxion Dance Competition looms, Ntombi gathers her friends to practice hard and compete for the title. — S.C.

How to watch: JIVA! is now streaming on Netflix.

10. All American

When a South LA high school football player is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High, his world is turned upside down. Based on the life of actual NFL linebacker Spencer Paysinger, All American is a compelling, satisfying drama with an absolutely stellar cast. Taye Diggs sparkles as the head coach at Beverly Hills High, and Daniel Ezra expertly handles his breakout role as the star wide receiver with complete confidence. All American is led by showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll and regularly features Black writers and directors like Benny Boom, Dawn Wilkinson, Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Jameal Turner, Cam'ron Moore, and many more.

How to watch: All American is streaming on Netflix.

11. Everything Now Credit: Netflix / Left Bank

After a stay at a rehabilitation facility for disordered eating, 16-year-old Mia (Sophie Wilde) is so excited to get back to teen life she makes a “F*ck It Bucket List” of debaucherous activities to make up for time lost. Sex, drugs, partying — she wants to do everything. Now. Ripley Parker’s stunningly confident debut series is about healing, mental health, sexuality, queerness, and more, but it never makes any of these heavy topics a clunky PSA or defining plot point. Instead, we explore these subjects through the characters’ experiences, without need for larger commentary. The result is a sexy, smart, and sophisticated teen comedy-drama that will make you laugh, cry, and click “next episode."

How to watch: Everything Now is now streaming on Netflix. 

12. Colin in Black & White Credit: Netflix

In a searing delivery straight to camera, Colin Kaepernick opens his limited series by comparing the dehumanizing process of the NFL Combine, where athletes show off their physical prowess to NFL scouts, to the 19th-century slave auctions, where Black bodies were also inspected and analyzed as products, not people. From there, Kaepernick steps off screen to narrate as we witness his teenage self experience the events that led him to become an activist as an adult. Colin in Black & White is not like any other show you’ve seen before. Created by Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay, this captivating, genre-pushing drama series will force you to confront harsh truths while you root for young Colin, searching for his place in the world. 

How to watch: Colin in Black & White is now streaming on Netflix. 

13. Supacell Credit: Olly Courtney / Netflix

A hell of a refreshing take on the modern superhero genre, Supacell was one of the more anticipated British shows on Netflix this year. We'd been waiting for showrunner, creator, and director Rapman's, aka Andrew Onwubolu, series for an age — and the result was an absolute banger of a first season. Set in South London, Supacell sees five strangers — Michael (Tosin Cole), Sabrina (Nadine Mills), Andre (Eric Kofi Abrefa), Rodney (Calvin Demba), and Tazer (Josh Tedeku) — suddenly land superpowers, all while dealing with complications in their own lives. With powerful performances, impressive special effects, and a timely mystery at the show's core, Supacell leaned on realism for a unique take on the genre while turning stereotypes on their head.* — Shannon Connellan, U.K. Editor

How to watch: Supacell is now streaming on Netflix. 

14. From Scratch Credit: Aaron Epstein / Netflix

Zoe Saldaña has spent much of the last few years in green makeup (for Guardians of the Galaxy) or in a motion-capture suit (for Avatar). But in this beautiful, heart-wrenching adaptation of Tembi Locke’s memoir, Zoe Saldaña is just a human in love — and it is captivating. 

As Amy, Saldaña travels to Florence to study art against her father’s advice. There she meets Lino, Eugenio Mastrandrea in an electric and swoon-worthy performance as a passionate Sicilian chef who is all in on Amy with his first glance. After a few false starts, a profoundly moving romance ensues, and we watch the pair’s love grow and evolve as life throws challenges their way. From Scratch (created by Tembi and Attica Locke) is enthralling in its intensity, boasts a stellar cast (Danielle Deadwyler, Keith David, Giacomo Gianniotti, and more), and luxuriates in its gorgeous shots of food. You will fall in love with this couple and simply will not be able to stop watching or move on with your life until you find out how their story ends.* 

How to watch: From Scratch is now streaming on Netflix. 

15. Champion Credit: Netflix

Bosco Champion (Malcolm Kamulete) is an up-and-coming rap artist in South London with his career ahead of him. He couldn’t have found such success without the hard work of his sister, Vita (Déja J. Bowens), who manages his career, writes his songs, coaches him through his panic attacks, and more. But Vita also has dreams… and when she has the chance to record her own music, she seizes it, risking her relationship with her brother and family to take her shot. Created by Candice Carty-Williams (Queenie), Champion is a moody music drama with slick performances, astute social commentary, and of course, a fantastic soundtrack.

How to watch: Champion is now streaming on Netflix. 

16. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a lavish, ebullient triumph, and further evidence that Shonda Rhimes just doesn’t miss. Delving into the personal history of the tragic, impulsive, and steely queen we know and love from Bridgerton Seasons 1 and 2, we watch a young girl transform into a formidable monarch — and fall in love along the way. The costumes are sumptuous, the drama juicy, and the romance slow-burning. It checks all the boxes while still making space for a thread of sadness that lends gravitas and complexity to the entire Bridgerton world. An ambitious and beautiful show that fully earns its shining crown as Netflix’s newest darling.*

How to watch: Queen Charlotte is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Blood and Water Credit: Netflix

When high schooler Puleng (Ama Qamata) suspects a popular teen from another school is the sister who was kidnapped from her family as a baby, Puleng stops at nothing, even transferring to a new school, to get to the truth. Investigation becomes fixation, and Puleng finds there’s more to this mystery than she ever could have guessed. Created by Nosipho Dumisa-Ngoasheng, Blood and Water is a moody, suspenseful teen crime drama from South Africa that has rightfully garnered attention from the likes of Gabrielle Union and Lil Nas X. And now it’s your turn!!

How to watch: Blood and Water is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Bridgerton Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Do you want your period romances to have a little less pomp and a little more sex? Shonda Rimes is here for you. A Regency romance filled with classical pop covers, Bridgerton hinges around the titular family, which has a plethora of kids approaching marrying age. Season 1 follows the eldest daughter Daphne’s (Phoebe Dynevor) debut and subsequent love story, while Season 2 sees her brother Anthony (‎An absolute cad! A veritable rake! Played by ‎Jonathan Bailey!) attempt to find himself a suitable wife. All these matches happen under the watchful, indomitable eye of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), who herself earned a spectacular spinoff in 2023, and the judgmental commentary of anonymous gossip columnist Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews).

Based on Julia Quinn’s popular novels, Bridgerton has all the trappings of a sweeping period romance: suppressed emotions, longing glances, oppressive societal expectations, gorgeous costumes, and dance scenes dripping with hidden meaning. But it adds to the mix a refreshingly modern sexual intimacy and a cheerful willingness to pander — and that’s what makes it so completely irresistible.*

How to watch: Bridgerton is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Insecure Credit: Merie W. Wallace / HBO

Issa Rae’s whip-smart comedy-drama Insecure is easily one of the best TV series of the recent era. The characters are fresh and fully realized, the plots are relatable and engrossing, the tone is honest and biting, and the cast? Simply spectacular. Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, and Jay Ellis’ careers have skyrocketed since Insecure debuted in 2016, and after watching one episode, you’ll understand why. The actors and script support each other in such a natural, organic way you’ll forget you’re watching TV and feel like you’re checking in with your old friends. Insecure is centered around the friendship between Issa and Molly (Orji) as they navigate careers, relationships, and the unique stressors found in your late 20s. If you somehow have missed this cultural touchstone, take this as your cue: Watch Insecure now!

How to watch: Insecure is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Queen Sono

Queen Sono (Pearl Thusi) is the daughter of an anti-apartheid freedom fighter and a top secret agent for the Special Operations Group, a South African intelligence agency. She deftly carries out dangerous undercover spy missions, all while secretly working to solve the mystery of her mother’s assassination. Kagiso Lediga’s Queen Sono is a stylish spy thriller with juicy relationships and fun action sequences. Everything you need for a great time!

How to watch: Queen Sono is now streaming on Netflix.

21. First Wives Club

A BET+ reboot of the beloved 1996 film, First Wives Club follows the same formula as its predecessor: A group of women reconnect after being let down by the men in their lives and find a new sense of self and purpose through their friendship. Michelle Buteau, Jill Scott, and Ryan Michelle Bathe each sparkle as Bri, Hazel, and Ari, with a lived-in mutual affection that leaps off the screen. It’s a warm, funny, comforting watch that will make you want to call your friends just to say hey.

How to watch: First Wives Club is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry comes from another Mashable streaming list.

UPDATE: Jan. 29, 2025, 3:07 p.m. EST This list was first published on May 28, 2022. It has been updated to reflect current streaming options.

Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda), Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s semi-autobiographical debut feature about a queer romance experienced amid mourning is the only movie from India competing at the Sundance Film Festival. The story of love and grief in a rural setting came to Kanawade while coping with his own father’s death, as he wondered how different processing the loss might have felt if he had a companion with whom to escape. Regardless of the competition’s outcome in the World Cinema Dramatic category, this movie is already historic as the first Marathi-language film to premiere at the festival. 

Using the word "disruptive" doesn’t feel quite accurate for Cactus Pears, yet there is something tenderly disruptive in this compelling drama, an undeniable rebellion running through its DNA. Open and uninhibited expressions of love are not encouraged in most Indian households, especially when either the receiver or giver is a man. It may be a bit of a generalization, but most Indian patriarchs raise the male members of their families to become disciplinarians and household bosses. Hints of soft and tender emotions only get in the way.

SEE ALSO: 10 Sundance movies you should know about now

Keeping this in mind, the existence of a film that not only presents a story brimming with love but also explores the queer romance between two men without a curtain of shame is both groundbreaking and defiant. That it's such an excellent movie, and a feature-length directorial debut at that, makes it all the more remarkable.

Cactus Pears reveals the struggle of duality between city life and village roots.  Credit: Vikas Urs / Sundance

Following the death of his father, 30-year-old Mumbai resident Anand (Bhushaan Manoj) and his mother, Suman (Jayshri Jagtap), visit their extended family back in the village of Kharshinde, in Maharashtra, to observe a 10-day period of mourning.

Mumbai is home to many who either are migrant workers themselves, or from families that left farmlands and moved to the city in search of a better life. Anand’s grandfather was the first one in the family to make this move. Throughout the film, multiple characters talk about life in the big city with a sense of mysticism. Some want their daughters to marry city boys, with the expectation this will make for a more prosperous and easy life, as access to basic amenities such as round-the-clock electricity and readily available running water remains rare in parts of rural India.

However, Anand’s grandfather, father, and himself have not found riches in the big city. Anand earns only enough to contribute toward running the studio apartment he shares with his parents. By contrast, his cousin Bajrang, who works as a veterinarian, owns a multi-storied house with enough rooms for a big, joint family. Characters reminisce of a time not in the long past when these homes weren't even made of brick and cement, so  there is a sense of upward mobility here. However, somewhere along the home's construction, it seems the family ran out of money. The front façade has no paint on its walls, there is a bare minimum of furniture within, and unused bags of cement lie abandoned on the rooftop. Is the attraction of the city simply an illusion? The house can be seen as a metaphor for the unreliable, unpredictable, and occasionally unfulfilled desire for a life that will somehow be better.

2024’s Grand Prix-winning All We Imagine as Light, the debut feature of Payal Kapadia, also explored this duality. Parvathy (Chhaya Kadam) a cook at a hospital, is evicted from her tenement home by real estate developers. Initially, she is reluctant to leave Mumbai for her village Ratnagiri, also in Maharashtra. But once there, Parvathy reconnects with a happier, more content version of a self she didn't know still existed within her. For Kapadia’s character, this shift from city to village is instantly cathartic, but for Kanawade’s Anand, a young, queer man, the city feels far more accepting and comforting, despite his cramped living conditions. 

SEE ALSO: 'All We Imagine As Light' review: A resplendent portrait of womanhood

He is out as a gay man to his parents, but only in the city. In Mumbai, his parents aren't ashamed of Anand’s sexuality. But in the village, relatives have been told that Anand is single because of a girl who broke his heart. In a scene in which Anand and his mother first arrive at the village with his father’s body, everyone exits the car, but the camera stays behind. As you look at the mourners through the car window, you share Anand’s resignation to a detached, out-of-body experience. His real self remains waiting in that car to go back to Mumbai, where, despite a recent breakup, he is happier.

Contrasting with the vast open fields in his village are the traditional mourning rules Anand is constrained with: Don’t wear black. Don’t wear shoes. Don’t visit anyone’s home. Don’t eat rice. Don’t drink milk. Anand surrenders to each rule without argument, afraid to disturb the balance or cause trouble. The portraiture is so realized and heartfelt that it feels almost voyeuristic to have this peek inside the director’s recollected sense of alienation. 

Cactus Pears defies queer stereotypes.  Credit: Vikas Urs / Sundance

As Anand struggles to find moments in his day when the elders aren’t hounding him to find a bride and marry, he reconnects with childhood friend Balya (Suraaj Suman), who provides him relief from his overbearing family. During the sunny days they spend together, shepherding goats and taking dips in a lake, both see in each other an acknowledgment of their desires. For both, it is almost an instant sexual attraction, but for Balya, this also might become his exit from Kharshinde, a place he never got to leave.

The film’s very apt title, Cactus Pears, refers to the bright red, pulpy fruit that grows atop a prickly cactus in the most arid and inhospitable environments. It might be rare to come about, difficult to obtain, and the way to its juicy goodness lined with needles. But the fact that it grows means it is available to be enjoyed by those brave enough to risk injury. This metaphor is reflected in Kanawade’s writing, which is constantly subversive. It’s almost as if he made a list of stereotypes in queer love stories and deliberately attacked each one. Anand’s father is his confidant, not his antagonist. The worldly Balya has more experience with other gay men than the city-dweller; he knows how to drive a car, ride a bike, and keep nosy inquisitors at bay. The narrative has grief and tragedy flowing through it, but a sad story this is not. 

No mournful background music underlines how hard it is for queer men to live their lives. In fact, the film doesn’t deploy music at all. The only song, diegetic or otherwise, is the call to prayers from the nearby temple Anand isn’t allowed to go to. The sound design consists only of birds in an open sky, the sound of feet on dirt roads, and bells around cattle necks, reflecting Anand's state of mind. After his father's death, music went out from the world. All that remains are prayers and the simple, everyday sounds that surround him.

Cactus Pears is Indian indie cinema at its scrappiest best. 

Cactus Pears is as indie as indie cinema gets. The budgets are small; the lead actors are both theatre artists who have been in plays together. Bhushaan and Suraaj’s ease with each other is evident; their cuddles are natural, each shared glance a by-product of long-held familiarity. Cinematographer Vikas Urs’ unhurried, steady frames allow Balya and Anand to look at each other for as long as they need to do so. Kanawade too allows Anand and Balya to feel their sadness in moments that would come naturally to men in their circumstances. Anand might have nothing to say to an old relative who wants to know how he gets to and from work in Mumbai, but hearing Balya talk about his family’s financial hardships brings him out of his grief-induced reverie long enough to feel empathy again. Anand finds a hundred new stolen moments of peace, suddenly available in the 10-day mourning period.

Cactus Pears feels as if Rohan Kanawade’s personal life has been laid bare for an audience, each emotional moment on display in defiance of what Indian society expects of men. It is a chapter from his diary, a period in his life when all seemed lost — and yet, like the elusive cactus pear itself, happiness found its way back to him. He names his protagonist Anand, which translates to joy, to remind you there is hope to be found even in the bleakest of times, if you only take a pause and open yourself up to the idea.

Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda) was reviewed out of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it took home the Grand Jury prize in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

I’m going to start this review with some brutal honesty: I’m very picky about rugs. With two large dogs, one of which is a husky, and concrete floors, rugs are a necessity in this household as much as a headache. Between constantly battling dog hair, scrubbing out stains, and yes — the occasional dog vomit — I’ve learned that some rugs are better than others, and sometimes “stain resistant” or “washable” rugs are anything but. 

When I was asked to try out Ruggable’s premium medium pile rugs, however, it felt like a godsend because it happened to be the exact same week that my husky took a lil poo on my all-time favorite rug. My all-time favorite shag rug, which absolutely could not be saved. 

This wasn’t my first time trying out Ruggable

Time for my second piece of honesty: I’ve tried Ruggable before, and I absolutely hated it. Soon after moving into our downtown condo, my partner and I embarked on a quest to cover our concrete floors with rugs. We’d found ones for our bedroom, living room, and office (RIP to my favorite), but our massive open kitchen/dining room was proving to be a challenge — especially in such a high-traffic, stain-prone area. Because we don’t live under a rock, we’d heard of Ruggable and decided to give it a try. Surely a washable rug would make the best option for our space? 

SEE ALSO: The 6 best robot vacuums for pet hair, tested and reviewed

Except we were very wrong. Right out of the box, our first Ruggable looked terrible. Instead of a rug, it looked like a cheap piece of fabric with a poorly printed design that barely matched the photo, and aligning the 9 x 12-foot rug on top of the pad was nigh impossible. Immediately after rolling it out and battling with the alignment, we both shook our heads, rolled it back up, and promptly returned it assuming that Ruggable kinda sucked. 

We were wrong.

My second experience with Ruggable blew the first out of the water

A year after that experience, we visited a friend’s new house for the first time. Sitting around her dining room table, my partner mentioned our long-term struggle to find decent rugs that were dog friendly and asked where she’d found so many incredible rugs. Her answer? Ruggable. 

We were shocked. They were so much better than our first Ruggable experience, enough so that — when the chance came to test Ruggable again a few weeks later — we decided to chalk it up as a blip. Our friend’s rugs were stunning, soft, and looked like “real” rugs, so we eagerly picked out the design we wanted to try and waited for it to arrive.

Straight away, I was impressed by how much Ruggable’s selection had improved in a year. They had so many more designs available — including more plush, shag, and outdoor options than before — as well as what we wanted to test: premium, medium pile rugs. 

We did struggle to find a style we both liked, mainly because Ruggable’s selection tended to steer toward minimal, muted colors and we were hoping for something a little bit brighter, but we landed on a 6 x 9-foot ​​Absida Teal Premium Rug that would be perfect for our shared home office. At $479, it was about $100 more than our last rug, but the washability factor alone made it worth it, so we placed our order and were pleased when it arrived eight days later.

What I loved about my new Ruggable rug

First things first, our second purchase from Ruggable was nothing like the first. The premium 7-millimeter rug cover was plush, well-designed, and actually looked like a high-quality, durable rug. The pattern was exactly what we wanted, and it was much easier to align with the cushioned rug pad than our first experience. It took us about 10 minutes to get the furniture out of the way, lay out the rug pad, and get everything lined up, and — other than a slight overlap where the rug was a few inches longer on one end than the pad — we were super pleased with the results. 

Credit: Jandra Sutton / Mashable photo

A few months later, I can honestly say the same. Not only is our Ruggable just as soft as the other medium pile rugs in our house but it’s been super easy to clean and maintain. Whenever dog hair starts to build up, we just give it a quick sweep and it’s back to looking crisp and clean as ever. 

I will admit that we (thankfully) haven’t needed to put our Ruggable in the washing machine yet, but spot-cleaning it with a damp cloth has been way easier than cleaning our other medium pile rugs — and worlds better than battling against a super plush shag rug. 

What I don’t love about Ruggable

Aside from the lack of super vibrant rugs, my only real complaint with the premium Ruggable is adjusting it. It’s not necessarily difficult to get it aligned, but the velcro backing does make it a lot harder than dragging a normal rug over a rug pad. Plus, because the rug cover is a bit bigger than the cushioned rug pad beneath it, getting it matched up can be a challenge — one we gave up on. Our rug sits a few inches over the rug pad on one end, and it’s at least one inch over on all other sides, and it’s definitely noticeable. Even though some of our other rugs have slightly smaller rug pads, something about Ruggable’s rug covers made the overlap a bit more visible than our other rugs. 

Is Ruggable worth the price? 

It depends. If you have pets or kids — or you need a rug that’s easy to keep clean in a high-traffic area — then absolutely. Ruggable has far exceeded my expectations when it comes to a versatile, durable rug, and it’s certainly been easier to clean than any of my “traditional” rugs. 

If you’re looking for something that is going to look and feel impeccably plush and soft, however, I’m on the fence. The premium medium pile rugs certainly feel better than I thought they would, but a lot of the thickness comes from the cushioned rug pad — which is an absolute must-buy. It’s not that our Ruggable looks bad by any means, it just…doesn’t quite look or feel quite as good as a stunning, high-quality rug can look. 

And considering the 6 x 9-foot premium rug we got from Ruggable clocks in at $479, that’s almost double the price we’ve paid for most of our other medium pile rugs of the same size. It is a little easier to clean than some, but the visible overlap is still an annoyance.

It’s also worth noting that while Ruggable touts its rugs as interchangeable — meaning you can swap out the rug cover for a new one whenever you want to change up the style — the rug cover we got would be $390 by itself. You can save quite a bit by switching to Ruggable’s classic 2-millimeter rug cover over the premium 7-millimeter rug, but the loss of thickness isn’t quite worth it in my opinion. 

Obviously, Ruggable’s premium medium pile rugs are still cheaper than many other rugs on the market, but whether or not it’s the right option for you depends on your situation. If you’re looking for something on thickness or appearance alone? It might not be the right option for you. But if you’re looking for an attractive, durable and washable rug that will see a lot of action? The price of a Ruggable might be worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Ruggable 6 x 9-foot, medium pile rugs Starting at $479 Shop Now

TL;DR: Give the gift of digital organisation and pay just £60.45 (reg. £376.58) for lifetime access to FileJump's 2TB cloud storage plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription £60.45 at the Mashable Shop
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Through 9 February, Mashable readers can sign up for the FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just £60.45 (reg. £376.58) — an 83% discount.

FileJump offers an easy, secure, and affordable way to store files across devices, ideal for students, professionals, or anyone who hates running out of storage space.

Whether backing up family photos, collaborating on projects, or simply saving space on their devices, FileJump is the perfect solution. With 2TB of storage, end-to-end encryption, and no recurring fees, this is a purchase that should pay for itself.

With FileJump's drag-and-drop interface, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to upload files, while the built-in media preview makes viewing photos, videos, and documents a breeze.

Sharing and collaborating are seamless, too. Share files via custom links or create free accounts for clients and team members to access shared folders. With AES 256-bit encryption, your files are not only accessible but also secure.

What really sets FileJump apart? There are no limits on download speeds or transfer rates, meaning you’ll never wait longer than necessary to access your data. 

At £60.45 (reg. £376.58) for lifetime access to 2TB of storage, FileJump delivers premium features at an incredible value. Competitors charge monthly fees for similar services, but with FileJump, you pay once and own it forever. This offer isn’t just practical and useful — it’s economical, too.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Ireland vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first weekend of the 2025 Six Nations includes some really interesting matchups, but Ireland vs. England is the pick of the bunch in round one. Ireland are looking to defend their title, and will be favorites to win this one in front of a home crowd.

If you want to watch Ireland vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ireland vs. England?

Ireland vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 4:45 p.m. GMT on Feb. 1. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Ireland vs. England for free

Ireland vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Access a free live stream of Ireland vs. England by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream Ireland vs. England 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 Ireland vs. England without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Ireland vs. England in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Scotland vs. Italy in the 2025 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Rugby fans have been expecting Scotland to make the leap for a few years now. The team is talented, but there's something stopping them from making good on all that promise. Could the 2025 Six Nations be the start of something special?

The Scots start their campaign at home to Italy. If you want to watch Scotland vs. Italy in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Scotland vs. Italy?

Scotland vs. Italy in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 2:15 p.m. GMT on Feb. 1. This fixture takes place at Murrayfield Stadium.

How to watch Scotland vs. Italy for free

Scotland vs. Italy in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Access a free live stream of Scotland vs. Italy by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Scotland vs. Italy 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 Scotland vs. Italy without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Scotland vs. Italy in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 February 1 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A cast of colors

• Green: Solve the case

• Blue: A problem with someone

• Purple: Strike this

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: Tint

• Green: Components of a Mystery

• Blue: Take Issue With

• Purple: Strike A___

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 #601 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Tint: HUE, SHADE, TINGE, TONE

• Components of a Mystery: ALIBI, CLUE, DETECTIVE, SUSPECT

• Take Issue With: CHALLENGE, CONTEST, DISPUTE, QUESTION

• Strike A___: CHORD, DEAL, MATCH, POSE

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 February 1

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.

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.

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: Where a golf ball might land

• Green: Mascots in Colorado

• Blue: Movies involving fighters

• Purple: Crucial areas in sports like football and baseball

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: Areas on a golf course

• Green: A Colorado athlete

• Blue: Boxing movies

• Purple: ____ zone

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 #131 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Areas of a golf course - BUNKER, FRINGE, GREEN, ROUGH

• A Colorado athlete - BRONCO, BUFFALO, NUGGET, RAPID

• Boxing movies - ALI, CREED, RAGING BULL, ROCKY

• ____ zone - END, RED, STRIKE, MATCHUP

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.

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 February 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 1 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hunt and peck

These words are large game birds.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are birds of prey that hunt and scavenge for their food.

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 Raptors.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 1

• Vulture

• Eagle

• Hawk

• Falcon

• Condor

• Kestrel

• Osprey

• Raptors

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.

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 February 1 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 February 1, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Used to fasten metal or plastic.

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 R.

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...

RIVET.

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 February 1

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 have a ChatGPT subscription, you have access to a model that can create scheduled tasks within the ChatGPT app. You can do far more than simply turn ChatGPT into a glorified reminder app, however; Tasks have plenty of helpful uses.

With the current state of the console gaming world, I can't help but feel there's something missing. There used to be more competition, and there was such a thing as an extremely premium console: the Neo Geo. So where's the modern equivalent?

We have countless brands of Android phones, but as many as there are right now, countless others have vanished over the years. One of them is Acer. The company is successful in the PC ecosystem, but it has now decided to try phones again, at least in some markets.

In the world of speed, there is one nameplate that consistently sets the benchmark for performance. Since its inception, every sports car has thrived to reach the level of success that the Porsche 911 has garnered itself. However, not everyone can afford such a premium sports car.

Distance can feel like a wall, especially when the people who matter most are miles away. Sharing meals, swapping gifts, and making memories together seem out of reach. But thanks to a little help from technology, these are some creative ways that I bond with my loved ones.

There are a lot of reasons why I've been faithful to Google Photos, and Google Drive in general, over other cloud services. Particularly the ability it has to sort and search through all my photos over the years. Now, Microsoft is baking similar functionality right into Windows 11's search.

Most people use the terms "web" and "internet" interchangeably, and, for the most part, that doesn't make much of a difference. However, the truth is that the web and the internet are two related, but entirely different things and the web might not be around forever.

Less than one week after DeepSeek's "Sputnik moment," OpenAI is releasing its o3-mini reasoning model to the public. This is the first OpenAI reasoning model that is not tied to a subscription—you can use it for free.