IT General

SAVE OVER $70: As of Dec. 5, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition is on sale for $374 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Slim) $374.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $125.99 Get Deal

Black Friday may be over, but that doesn't mean the discounts are done. If you're still on the hunt for some bargains, you'll find many options in Amazon's daily deals. And that includes this great deal on the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Slim), which is still at its Black Friday price (its lowest-ever price).

As of Dec. 5, you can find it reduced by 17%, now just $374 for a limited time.

SEE ALSO: PlayStation Portal just got a big update

The PS5 Slim is a sleek, compact version of the full-size console. It offers the same high-performance gaming but in a smaller, more space-efficient design. The Slim still has the same powerful hardware as the original PS5, including ray tracing capabilities and speedy load times thanks to its SSD, and sharp 4K visuals.

The PS5 Slim Digital Edition is ideal for those with reduced space, or who want to cut down on clutter. It's also a disc-free version of the PlayStation 5. It exclusively supports digital downloads, letting you purchase and store games directly from the PlayStation Store, rather than through physical game disks.

The PS5 Slim also boasts improved energy efficiency, consuming less power during use. It even includes subtle tweaks to its cooling system for a quieter performance. It supports all existing PS5 games, accessories, and PS VR2, ensuring full compatibility with Sony’s gaming ecosystem.

Get this great deal at Amazon.

People have been saying it was imminent since 2021, but three years later it's finally happened: Bitcoin has passed the $100,000 mark.

Bitcoin (specifically 1 BTC) became worth $100,000 late on Wednesday night EST, pumping to just shy of $104,000 in the hours after, per CoinGecko.

SEE ALSO: HBO bitcoin documentary claims it discovered the cryptocurrency's inventor. The guy disagrees.

The biggest cryptocurrency in the world has been jumping sharply in price since the U.S. election result in early November, breaking new all-time highs after Donald Trump was re-elected president. A month ago that all-time high was just over $75,000 — now, in the space of just a few weeks, it's $25,000 higher.

So the question is, where does Bitcoin go from here? The short, and really the only, answer, is that it's impossible to say. Back in the cryptocurrency bull market of 2021, there were all sorts of predictions that Bitcoin hitting $100k could be imminent. What happened instead was a bear market that resulted in Bitcoin dumping back down below $17,000 before starting a long and slow recovery in 2023.

Elon Musk's $55.8 billion Tesla compensation package just got thrown out yet again. A U.S. judge denied the billionaire's petition to reinstate his outsized pay on Monday, rejecting his attempt to overturn the previous judgement via a Tesla shareholder vote.

Monday's finding comes after a Delaware court initially threw out Musk's multibillion dollar Tesla compensation package in January. In that ruling, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick found that Tesla's board of directors had breached their duty to shareholders by mindlessly following Musk's proposal regarding his pay as CEO, offering no pushback nor attempting any negotiation. The court further determined that the $55.8 billion package was disproportionate to the benefit Tesla received, the deal making no demands regarding the amount of time Musk was to spend actually working at the company.

SEE ALSO: Tesla shareholders vote to give Elon Musk a $56 billion pay package after a court shot it down

Musk was predictably unhappy with this ruling. In June, the exact same $55.8 billion compensation package was put to shareholders for reapproval during Tesla's annual meeting. Monday's judgement noted that Tesla told shareholders that the company could save $25 billion in accounting fees by ratifying the deal.

Once shareholders voted to reapprove Musk's pay package, he and Tesla took the result back to court to ask that the earlier judgement be reversed. In their petition, they argued that a company's shareholders should be able to reverse a court's decision even where there has been a breach of duty, stating that "stockholders hold the power to adopt any corporate acts they deem in their own best interests."

Unfortunately for Musk, McCormick would have none of it. In her ruling this week, the judge was notably unimpressed by Tesla literally creating new evidence in an attempt to flip the court's judgement, noting that they did not cite a single case where such shenanigans have been allowed.

"Were the court to condone the practice of allowing defeated parties to create new facts for the purpose of revising judgments, lawsuits would become interminable," McCormick wrote.

The court drew a distinction between newly discovered evidence, which would have already existed at the time of the previous trial, and newly created evidence such as Tesla's June stockholder vote. While newly discovered evidence may be cause for a case to be reopened, newly created evidence is not.

McCormick further noted that Tesla made numerous false or misleading statements to its shareholders in advance of the June ratification vote, such as claiming that any breaches the court found could be remedied by reapproving Musk's compensation.

"[E]ven if the Stockholder Vote could have a ratifying effect on the Grant, it could not here due to multiple, material misstatements in the Proxy Statement concerning the effect of the vote," wrote McCormick.

Basically, shareholders can't just get together and decide that what their board did was actually legal after a U.S. court has already determined that it wasn't.

Tweet may have been deleted

Musk quickly took to social media to decry the judgement, stating that "Shareholders should control company votes, not judges." Tesla has also announced its intention to appeal.

"A Delaware judge just overruled a supermajority of shareholders who own Tesla and who voted twice to pay @elonmusk what he’s worth," wrote the official Tesla X account. "The court’s decision is wrong, and we’re going to appeal. This ruling, if not overturned, means that judges and plaintiffs’ lawyers run Delaware companies rather than their rightful owners — the shareholders."

Addressing such assertions in Monday's judgement, the court found that a company's board members are more analogous to trustees rather than agents. While agents act on behalf of another party (in this case Tesla's shareholders), trustees have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of said party.

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

In the age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. After all, if we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with just a few taps, why can't we find a potential partner the same way?

Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.

Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.

If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2024.

TL;DR: Live stream Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Premier League is coming to Prime Video this month, with 20 live games available to stream on the platform this month.

There are a number of interesting matchups to keep a keen eye on, including Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur. Bournemouth are only two points behind Spurs in the standings, so could leapfrog them with a win this week.

If you want to watch Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur?

Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League starts at 8:15 p.m. GMT on Dec. 5. This fixture takes place at the Vitality Stadium.

How to watch Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur for free

Prime Video is offering coverage of 20 Premier League fixtures in December, including Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur (plus more Premier League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Premier League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

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

5. Watch Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Premier League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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.

Stream Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Fulham vs. Brighton in the Premier League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Premier League is coming to Prime Video in December. 20 live games are available to stream on Prime Video this month, including Fulham vs. Brighton. There are some bigger games in the Prime Video lineup, but Brighton are flying near the top of the standings right now. It's going to be a real battle between two strong sides.

If you want to watch Fulham vs. Brighton in the Premier League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Fulham vs. Brighton?

Fulham vs. Brighton in the Premier League starts at 7:30 p.m. GMT on Dec. 5. This fixture takes place at Craven Cottage.

How to watch Fulham vs. Brighton for free

Prime Video is offering coverage of 20 Premier League fixtures in December, including Fulham vs. Brighton.

Fulham vs. Brighton is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Fulham vs. Brighton (plus more Premier League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Premier League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

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

5. Watch Fulham vs. Brighton for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 Fulham vs. Brighton on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Premier League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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.

Stream Fulham vs. Brighton in the Premier League for free with ExpressVPN.

If you're still running Windows 10 on your PC, you're probably quite used to Microsoft's reminders that you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free by now. For a multitude of reasons, Windows 10 remains the most popular operating system even though Windows 11 was released in 2021.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft displays full-screen Copilot+ PC ads to Windows 10 users

However, time is ticking for those holding on to Windows 10. A few months ago, Microsoft announced that free security and performance updates for Windows 10 will be coming to an end in October 2025. While you'll still be able to use Windows 10, you'll have to pay for updates and support. 

For most PC users, this will likely be the biggest reason to finally give in and upgrade to Windows 11.

But, wait! Adopting Windows 11 might not be the end of upgrading for you. In fact, Microsoft may want you to even purchase a whole new computer.

Microsoft's Windows 11 watermark warning

Multiple outlets have recently noticed that upgrading to Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware has resulted in a watermark displaying on the user's desktop notifying them of the situation.

According to Microsoft's support page, "when Windows 11 is installed on a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements, a watermark is added to the Windows 11 desktop."

Microsoft has also added a disclaimer to its support page that reads:

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.

Microsoft also provides users with a guide on reverting back to Windows 10 if your PC doesn't meet those minimum requirements. However, with the recently announced sunsetting of free support for Windows 10, this doesn't seem like such a good long-term option anymore.

So, in a little less than a year from now, PC owners with older computers will be left with a choice: Buy a new computer and upgrade to Windows 11 or keep your old computer and stick with an unsupported operating system – unless of course you decide to pay for Windows 10 support. Basically, there's no free upgrade to Windows 11 for older PC users. You'll likely have to pay up one way or another.

Microsoft has yet to announce any pricing model for those who'd like to hold on to Windows 10.

One of the first things you should consider when designing a PowerPoint presentation is ensuring everyone can access your content. In this guide, I'll give you some ways to make this happen.

You have many different ways of installing apps and programs on a Windows PC, but the Microsoft Store is still there to provide a one-stop shop for many of your app needs. Now, the Microsoft Store is becoming much more useful for app updates.

We're fast approaching the end of the year. It's December, the very last month of 2024, which means that many apps and services are creating year-end summaries of all your recent activity. This also includes your Xbox, of course.

Promps and queries with generative AI is processed through data centers that also process thousands, if not millions, of queries at the same time. A lot of companies seem to think nuclear power is a solution to potential power limitations in the long term, including Meta.

Microsoft is doubling down on Windows 11's requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip in PCs. The company says it's “non-negotiable” and “a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11.”

A new lawsuit filed against delivery and tech giant Amazon accuses the company of intentionally slowing down Prime deliveries to select neighborhoods in Washington D.C.— areas that happen to be home to predominantly Black households.

Submitted by D.C. attorney general Brian Schwalb on Dec. 4, the lawsuit claims Amazon imposed a secret "delivery exclusion" to zip codes in southeast and northeast D.C. in mid-2022. The alleged policy, which saw Amazon removing its own vehicles from delivery routes in the region, effectively strips Prime-subscribed residents in those areas of the advertised one-day, two-day, or same-day shipment options, constituting a violation of consumer protection laws.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

Notably, these areas (specifically zip codes 20019 and 20020 in Ward 7 and Ward 8) are highly-populous and predominantly Black. The areas are "historically underserved," according to Schwalb. "While Amazon has every right to make operational changes, it cannot covertly decide that a dollar in one zip code is worth less than a dollar in another," wrote the attorney general. "Amazon is charging tens of thousands of hard-working Ward 7 and 8 residents for an expedited delivery service it promises but does not provide."

This is not the first accusation levied against Amazon for discriminatory delivery practices. A 2016 investigation by Bloomberg found that much of Amazon's free same-day delivery service area excluded predominantly Black ZIP codes. Amazon—initially blaming disparities in service on lack of proximity to warehouses—later announced it would expand same-day delivery to affected areas in Boston, New York City, and Chicago as a result of the findings.

An Amazon spokesperson told NBC that the lawsuit's claims of "discriminatory or deceptive" business practices are "categorically false." Instead, according to Amazon representative Kelly Nantel, the policy was enacted to "protect" its employees from area residents. "In the zip codes in question, there have been specific and targeted acts against drivers delivering Amazon packages," she said in a statement. "We made the deliberate choice to adjust our operations, including delivery routes and times, for the sole reason of protecting the safety of drivers."

Max will begin its password-sharing crackdown "in about a week," according to WBD executive JB Perrette. However, policy enforcement won't begin until 2025, and customers who wish to share their account may continue to do so with a paid add-on.

It's December, which means the holidays are nearing and everyone is putting up decorations. Have you ever felt like putting up decorations on your desktop, though? An app called Festivitas is here for just that.

It's undeniable that YouTube is where culture happens. It's how people get their news, consume hours of video podcasts, and dive into fandoms that shape the way we see the world. From the U.S. presidential election to the scandals and comebacks of music icons, the platform has been the ultimate stage for what’s captured our attention in 2024.

In its annual Global Culture & Trends Report, released on Tuesday (Dec. 3), YouTube broke down the trending topics and creators that defined the past year. And while there's a plethora of data to parse through, we're going to focus on its U.S. trends list.

YouTube's U.S. Trending Topics: An overview

In 2024, YouTube cemented its role as the go-to destination for both entertainment and information, particularly in a high-stakes election year that saw the U.S. presidential race dominate the platform’s trending topics. As the most-watched streaming service on televisions worldwide — surpassing giants like Netflix and Disney+ — YouTube has become more than a hub for creators; it’s a source for news. Americans are increasingly turning to online influencers for their news, with 21 percent of U.S. adults and an impressive 37 percent of those under 30 relying on social media personalities for updates, according a Pew study. Of those influencers, nearly half (44 percent) are active on YouTube, underscoring its dominance as a platform where information meets influence.

SEE ALSO: Are the 2024 presidential campaigns Too Online?

Pop culture also thrived on YouTube in 2024. From the hype surrounding the Deadpool & Wolverine movie and the viral "Bye Bye Bye" dance challenge that lit up Shorts, to Sabrina Carpenter’s infectious hit that had everyone singing, "That’s that me espresso," the platform amplified the year’s biggest cultural highlights. It also became a hub for video games like Dress to Impress and Helldivers 2, where gamers shared gameplay, tips, fan art, and IRL competitions.

YouTube served as a battleground for commentary on breaking news stories, including the ongoing Sean Combs scandal and the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef that divided the internet, with creators sparking discussions, reactions, and deep dives into the drama. Meanwhile, anime fans rallied around Jujutsu Kaisen, with Gege Akutami’s beloved manga wrapping up its final arc, sparking impassioned fan theories and reactions.

Indie animation takes the spotlight

In 2024, indie animation proved its power on YouTube, captivating viewers with its limitless creativity. Projects like The Amazing Digital Circus and Hazbin Hotel showcased the thriving world of independent creators pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry on the platform — without the backing of a major studio.

SEE ALSO: Youtube Music 2024 recap: How to get yours

The Amazing Digital Circus, with its surreal humor and eye-popping animation, quickly became a viral sensation in just three episodes, inspiring fan art, memes, and endless analysis videos. (Netflix is now licensing the episodes for air the same day they premiere on YouTube.) Vivienne Medrano's Hazbin Hotel, which transitioned from a viral pilot to a full-fledged series, continued to prove that YouTube can be a launchpad for unconventional and bold storytelling.

These successes highlight how YouTube has become a key space for indie animators to connect directly with audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Fans play a crucial role in the success of these projects, sharing episodes, creating content inspired by the shows, and building dedicated communities. Because of this fan fervor, there's been "a lot more interest from studios in indie animation," Medrano during a panel discussion on this year's YouTube trends at The Paley Museum in New York City on Dec. 3.

In an era increasingly defined by AI, indie animation cemented its place as one of YouTube’s most exciting and impactful trends.

Top creators of 2024

Surprise, surprise: At the forefront of this year's top creators is MrBeast, who cemented his reign as the king of YouTube and viral spectacle with an astounding 329 million subscribers. The Stokes Twins (100 million subscribers) kept audiences entertained with their high-energy pranks.

Sports fans turned to Cristiano Ronaldo's channel, UR · Cristiano (71 million subscribers), which mixes soccer highlights with behind-the-scenes content from one of the game’s biggest stars. Creators like Mark Rober (59.3 million subscribers) and Nick DiGiovanni (21.3 million subscribers) took education and creativity to new heights, respectively, with engineering experiments and culinary adventures that captivated tens of millions.

SEE ALSO: Why did 10,000 people show up to buy a MrBeast Burger?

However, what's notably absent from this list is a significant presence of women creators. Family channel The Trench Family (9.8 million subscribers) and influencer Camilla Araújo (7.9 million subscribers) are the only women represented on the list. (Notebaly, Araújo gained a following after appearing in MrBeast's controversial IRL Squid Game video.)

While women on YouTube have certainly made a huge impact in fields like beauty, gaming, lifestyle, and education, this list reflects a broader trend of men overwhelmingly dominating the platform's most subscribed ranks. This raises important questions about visibility and the support systems for women in the creator field, especially when platforms like YouTube are shaping not just entertainment but cultural conversations.

Google's Chrome browser has become much faster on Android devices. These speed improvements come from better software builds, V8 JavaScript and Blink rendering engine upgrades, and more teamwork with Android device makers.

Disney+ has added ESPN+ content to its platform, making it easier for subscribers of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle in the U.S. to access everything in one place. Now, there is a new ESPN section within the Disney+ app that released today.

UPDATE: Dec. 4, 2024, 2:10 p.m. EST This article has been updated to include streaming release details for 'Cuckoo.'

The best streaming deals to watch 'Cuckoo': BEST STREAMING DEAL Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH NOW Rent or buy 'Cuckoo' on Prime Video $5.99 or $14.99 Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $10.99 per month (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Hulu Student Deal $1.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu (with ads) free for one year for Go5G Next customers (save $99.99) Get Deal

Looking for a new horror film to watch? Cuckoo, a bonkers mountain horror-thriller starring Hunter Schafer (Euphoria), is available to watch at home after a successful release this summer.

It's got its fair share of creepy characters, eerie atmosphere, dramatic tension, and cinematic mountain lodge vibes a la The Shining. Far from a jump scare-filled traditional horror movie, Cuckoo is more dependent on building unnerving, creeping dread. Prepare for an uncomfortably tense, truly bizarre movie night.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Cuckoo at home.

What is Cuckoo about?

Written and directed by Tilman Singer, the film follows 17-year-old American Gretchen (Schafer) who is uprooted to a resort in Bavaria with her father Luis (Márton Csókás), stepmother, Beth (Jessica Henwick), and 8-year-old stepsister, Alma (Mila Lieu).

Resort owner Mr. König (Dan Stevens) finds Gretchen a job working reception at a nearby lodge, where one day she's chased back to her new home on her bike by a mysterious hooded figure with glowing eyes. When nobody believes she was attacked, she's forced to investigate largely on her own. What she uncovers is quite bonkers and might leave you scratching your head.

Check out the full trailer below:

Is Cuckoo worth watching?

Cuckoo reviews are a mixed bag, but lean mostly positive, with a 78 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 percent audience rating. Mashable's own reviewer Siddhant Adlakha calls it "incredibly strange and deviously fun."

"Whatever the film's more overt horrors, whether its chilling atmosphere or its attempts at amusing moral and visceral obscenities, they're all bound by Schafer's increasing physical and emotional despondency," wrote Adlakha in his review. "She doesn't just save the movie. She is the movie, making it all the more remarkable to watch."

As Schafer's first lead role in a film, she knocks it out of the park. And for her performance alone, it's worth a watch. Plus, of course, there's Dan Stevens.

How to watch Cuckoo at home Credit: NEON

If you skipped the big screen, you're in luck. Cuckoo became available to watch at home as of Sept.17. The mountain horror-thriller is available to rent or buy at digital-on-demand retailers like Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV. If you'd rather wait and stream the film, keep reading for more information.

Note: If you choose to rent the film, you'll have 30 days to start watching and just 48 hours once you begin.

Here are some of the platforms where you can rent or purchase the film online:

• Prime Video — $5.99 to rent or $14.99

• Apple TV — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

• YouTube — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

When is Cuckoo streaming?

Since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, Cuckoo will officially make its debut on the streamer on Dec. 17 alongside other recent theatrical hits from Neon — Immaculate, Robot Dreams, and Infinity Pool. Hulu is surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but we've rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.

The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

Rather than paying $9.99 per month for Hulu, which adds up to $119.88 in a year, you can opt for an annual subscription and save 16%. An annual subscription with ads costs just $99.99, which drops the monthly fee down to just $8.33 per month. Sure, you'll have to pay more upfront, but you'll end up keeping more in your pocket in the long run.

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If you're already a Disney+ subscriber or you want to get more bang for your buck, you can sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle and get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $10.99 per month. That's just $1 more than paying for Hulu alone, or a savings of 45%. Even better, if you're a sports fan, you can throw ESPN+ into the mix for only $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on all three services.

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Students looking to stream Cuckoo and other Neon hits can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month. That's a savings of 80% compared to the full cost of Hulu with ads. You'll just have to verify your college email address using SheerID to score the deal.

Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

One of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your mobile plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan get Hulu with ads included in their plan for no extra cost, plus Netflix and Apple TV+. If you're already on a Go5G Next plan, head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.

Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.

UPDATE: Dec. 4, 2024, 1:45 p.m. EST This article has been updated with the official streaming release date and details of 'Smile 2,' as well as the latest pricing.

The best deals for watching 'Smile 2' online: BEST STREAMING DEAL Paramount+ Essential annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $59.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST THIRD-PARTY STREAMING DEAL Free Paramount+ with Walmart+ membership free 30-day trial, then $98/year Get Deal BEST AD-FREE DEAL Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Paramount+ for students $4.50/month (save 25%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING DEAL Buy 'Smile 2' on demand $19.99 at Prime Video (save $5) Get Deal

Smile! The horror box office hit of the fall is coming to spook you on the small screen soon. Smile 2, the pop star-centric sequel to Parker Finn's 2022 feature, is one of the rare film follow-ups to outshine the original. Charlie's Angels actress Naomi Scott stars as the film's lead, a pop megastar named Skye Riley. The cast also features Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, and Ray Nicholson.

Whether you skipped the theater or want to watch it again, Smile 2 is now officially streaming. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Smile 2 about?

Taking place just days after the original left off, the film follows international pop star Skye Riley (Scott), who is working toward a career comeback a year after a devastating crash that killed her boyfriend. Though she's been sober since the crash, the emotional and physical pressure of the tour leads her to seek out an old drug dealer acquaintance Lewis (Gage) for painkillers. Unfortunately, she gets a bit more than she bargained for, as Lewis has been infected by the Smile curse and passes it to Skye. What follows is an "unpredictable narrative that's full of jump scares, creepy imagery, and spine-tingling sound effects," and of course, a bunch of eerie smiling people.

Here's the full trailer:

Is Smile 2 worth watching?

Still in select theaters nationwide, Smile 2 has been a surprising box office hit. Against a $28 million production budget, the film has grossed an exceptional $125 million worldwide. What's more, $23 million of that came from its opening weekend. Even more impressive, critics and fans alike are loving it more than the original — a very rare feat for a sequel. Smile 2 currently holds an 85 percent critic rating and 81 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the original Smile holds 79 percent and 77 percent, respectively.

Mashable reviewer Monica Catillo called it "even more fun and gory this time around" in her review. "It's not often that a sequel exceeds its original, but Smile 2 delivers the thrills and chills of its predecessor with an even more pronounced funhouse feel."

Read our full review of Smile 2.

How to watch Smile 2 at home Credit: Paramount Pictures

Just a month after Smile 2 dominated the box office, it made its at-home debut on video-on-demand sites like Prime Video and Apple TV+. You can now purchase the film for your own digital library. A rental option will also be available eventually. If you'd rather stream the Smile sequel, keep reading to learn more.

As of Nov. 19, you can purchase the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — $19.99 to buy

• Apple TV — $19.99 to buy

• YouTube — $19.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99 to buy

Is Smile 2 streaming?

Smile 2's first stop in the home entertainment market was digital on demand. If you don't want to pay $19.99 for the film, however, it's now officially streaming as of Dec. 3. Since it's a Paramount Pictures film, it has joined the Paramount+ library alongside the original.

We were anticipating a mid-to-late December streaming release, so we're pleasantly surprised that Smile 2 is already available. For reference, Paramount Pictures' A Quiet Place: Day One opened in theaters June 28 and didn't hit Paramount+ until Aug. 27, almost two months to the date. Smile 2 opened in theaters Oct. 18, so its streaming debut is definitely ahead of schedule.

You can sign up for a Paramount+ subscription starting at $7.99 per month. We've also found a few different ways you can save some money on a subscription. Check out the best Paramount+ streaming deals below.

The best Paramount+ streaming dealsMost affordable: Get a free 7-day trial, then $7.99/month Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential Free 7-day trial Get Deal

Want to spend the least amount of money possible to watch Smile 2? Your best bet is to just sign up for a single month of Paramount+ Essential for $7.99. If you're new to the streamer, you'll get to enjoy a seven-day trial, which will allow you to watch it for free. After you watch, just be sure to cancel your subscription before the week is up if you want to avoid the monthly charge. You'll have to watch some ads throughout the movie, but just think of them as built-in bathroom breaks.

Best long-term deal: Save 38% on a Paramount+ Essential annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual subscription $59.99/year (save 38%) Watch Now

If you opt for the annual plan instead of the monthly plan, you can save 38% on your subscription. You'll have to pay more upfront, but it pays off in the grand scheme of your streaming lineup. An annual Paramount+ Essential plan will run you $59.99 per year, which breaks down to only $5 per month as opposed to $7.99 per month. That's basically like getting 12 months for less than the price of eight. If you want to watch more than just Smile 2 and ads aren't a dealbreaker, this is your best bet.

Best deal for no ads: Save 23% on a Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ with Showtime Paramount+ with Showtime Free 7-day trial, then $119.99/year Watch Now

If ads are a deal breaker for you, you'll have to sign up for the ad-free tier: Paramount+ with Showtime. This will run you either $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year (which breaks down to just $10 per month). Plus, if you're new to the streamer, you can also take advantage of that seven-day trial. Beyond just giving you ad-free Paramount+ content, the extra cost also unlocks access to Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football. Although you'll have to pay more, it's definitely a whole lot of bang for your buck.

Best deal for students: Save 25% on Paramount+ Essential Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential for students $4.50/month (save 25%) Watch Now

College students can score a Paramount+ Essential monthly subscription for just $4.50 per month, so long as they can verify their student status using SheerID. Once verified, student discounts are valid for four years, even if you graduate prior to the four-year period. After four years, you'll be charged the standard rate for an Essential monthly subscription.

Best third-party deal: Get Paramount+ for free with a Walmart+ membership Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart / Paramount Walmart+ membership Free 30-day trial, then $98/year Watch Now

It may not be the simplest way to watch Smile 2, but a Walmart+ membership gives you free access to Paramount+ and plenty of other sweet benefits. Better yet, you can kick things off with a free 30-day trial, so you can enjoy an entire month of streaming without paying a cent. Just be sure to cancel before your trial ends if you want to avoid charges. If you want to keep your Walmart+ membership going, it'll cost you either $12.95 per month or $98 per year ($8.17/month).