Mashable

NASA wants to hear far-out, unconventional, and out-of-this-world aerospace ideas.

The space agency's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program — which encourages "visionary ideas that could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs" — funds research into a diversity of ambitious proposals it finds compelling. For example, NASA is currently funding an idea (still only an idea) to construct a telescope the size of Washington, D.C., on the moon.

Now, the program has released a new batch of innovative concepts that it's chosen for further theoretical development, and included is a plane designed to fly around Mars — and stay aloft in the extremely thin Martian atmosphere. The proposal is called MAGGIE (short for Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer), and it's an aircraft envisioned to provide unprecedented exploration of Mars' surface.

And unlike planes on Earth, the craft is designed to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter.

"You can land any place you feel is interesting," Gecheng Zha, the director of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and Aerodynamics Lab at the University of Miami, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA will land daring spacecraft on a world 800 million miles away

The Martian plane is a novel idea, but perhaps not as wild as it sounds. NASA is only spending some $175,000 on 13 different awardees for this early "Phase I" conceptual research. But it comes with the opportunity for NASA to further develop such aerospace technology and move innovation to the next phase — which means even more funding and support.

"It can't just be science fiction."

"Anything proposed to NASA has to be very, very well thought out," Zha, who is also the president and founder of Coflow Jet, the aviation technology company that proposed the MAGGIE craft, emphasized. "It has to have scientific merit. It can't just be science fiction."

A plane on Mars

The Martian aircraft, which would be powered by the solar panels spread across its wings, has a strong Mars influence: NASA's Ingenuity helicopter — a NIAC-graduate and the first craft to make a powered, controlled flight on another planet. The small, solar-powered experimental chopper, with four-foot-long rotor blades that spun a blazing 2,400 revolutions every minute, made over 70 successful flights before meeting its demise on Jan. 25 after a rough landing. Originally, engineers hoped it might fly five times, if at all.

"We were enlightened by Ingenuity," Zha said.

Yet a plane would be able to carry significantly more weight than a future Martian helicopter, and would fly more efficiently on a distant world where craft would almost certainly need to rely on the sun for energy, Zha explained. (A nuclear-powered endeavor, like the Perseverance rover, requires a heavy engine. That would make lifting into the air difficult.)

The Ingenuity helicopter flying on Mars in August 2023. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS The Jezero Crater on Mars, a dried-up river delta now explored by NASA's Perseverance rover. Credit: NASA

Flying anything on Mars is a great challenge. That's because, compared to Earth, the Martian atmosphere is quite thin. Its volume is about 1 percent of Earth's, making it difficult to generate the lift needed for flight. Yet the MAGGIE plane's narrow double-wings are designed (conceptually) to produce many times more lift than conventional aircraft on our planet.

Once in the air, the plane would cruise at some 60 meters per second, or nearly 135 mph. That's significantly slower than, say, the commercial jets you're used to flying on. But on Mars, flying slower is imperative. Flying quickly burns too much energy.

"You don't want to fly too fast," Zha emphasized.

Beyond its extraordinarily thin air, Mars has another notable obstacle for aircraft. There are no runways. And Martian astronaut missions certainly aren't going to have the time and ability to clear land and boulders to create an airfield. So the craft must take off and land without one.

"You don't want to fly too fast."

The trick is in the wings' flaps. The propellers are always facing forward, but by turning the wing flap down to 90 degrees, the airflow from the propellers creates lift. "That will get the plane up vertically," Zha explained.

One day, perhaps, a plane like MAGGIE will robotically explore the Martian surface from some 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) for interesting places to land and capture samples. It will be a compact plane — MAGGIE is currently designed with about a 26-foot (7.85 meters) wingspan — so it could fit and fold inside a large rocket. But it would allow unprecedented exploration of the Red Planet, a world that once gushed with water and could have potentially hosted primitive life — if life ever existed on Mars, that is.

Planes on Mars may also prove essential for Martian travel later this century and beyond. After all, it's hard to get around on a world without an Interstate Highway System.

"We provide the possibility to move around," Zha said. "There are no roads there."

Since its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Poor Things has sparked much excitement and controversy over its sex scenes. But lost amid the pearl-clutching is how the sexual odyssey of heroine Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) delivers a daring contrast to earlier films by director Yorgos Lanthimos. 

His most unnerving films explore bodily autonomy; specifically, the horror of losing control of one's body. In The Killing of a Sacred Deer, characters lose control over their bodies as part of a twisted revenge scheme. In The Lobster, singles must find a lifelong partner within 45 days, or else they will be turned into animals. Yet Poor Things, a fantastical science-fiction fantasy, is a compelling examination of how exhilarating and powerful it is to claim your body as your own. And for Bella, that self-discovery comes through sex.

This Frankenstein-like tale plays as a coming-of-age story, in which Bella's young mind and matured body are a funhouse mirror version of a teen girl discovering sex, new feelings, and a wider world. Throughout her journey to achieving freedom and bodily autonomy, the men in her life constantly seek to restrict what she can do with her body. Whether they are father figures or lovers, Bella is pressured to exist on their terms. But Bella’s rebellion is always about what she desires. So naturally, it begins with masturbation.

Early on in the dining room of her creator/father, Dr. Godwin "God" Baxter (Willem Dafoe), Bella grabs an apple and experiments with it sexually, rubbing it against her genitals. When the maid enters the dining room, Bella cannot contain her excitement. "Bella discover happy when she want," she exclaims. Just like that, sexual pleasure and happiness are intrinsically linked for her. But this discovery earns her a reprimand from the prudish maid. Godwin’s student Max (Ramy Youssef) also admonishes her, noting polite society would not approve. Still, there’s an unmistakable sense that something has been unlocked, and everything is about to change for Bella. 

SEE ALSO: Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo reveal their intense physical transformations in 'Poor Things' Sex changes Bella’s life forever. Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Confined to Godwin’s home, Bella is severely overprotected by her father. Though she has certain freedoms, she’s rarely afforded time to herself to properly explore her desires and her own body. And what Bella wants more than anything is to explore: The first full sentence she speaks is, "Bella want look at world."

Bella is offered another form of restriction when Godwin decides she will be married to the smitten Max. Godwin also stipulates that Max and Bella must remain in his home — a clear way for him to continue to control Bella, keeping her under his roof and restricting her from the real world. As the doctor who resurrected a corpse into the breathing Bella, he sees her in some sense as his property — or as he'd put it, his "experiment." 

Meanwhile, sweet and mild-mannered Max aims to guide Bella from loving daughter to doting wife. But for Bella to do that, she’d have to embrace the “polite society” Max urges onto her — which goes against her newfound physical desires.

To facilitate the marriage contract, Godwin brings in lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a lusty rogue who envisions a different role for Bella — that of his lover. Unlike Max, Duncan refutes the very idea of polite society. Duncan pursues Bella aggressively, sneaking into her bedroom and groping her genitals on the first meeting, which excites her. His bon vivant attitude and romantic promises of running away on a sex-filled adventure promise a chance to explore that's both geographical and sexual. For Bella, Duncan offers an opportunity to rebel against the roles into which Godwin and Max push her. By fucking Duncan, she effectively fucks polite society, and giddily so. 

Like many stories of young women discovering themselves, Bella's budding sex life offers a path to growth, as through it she questions societal rules. Why shouldn’t she say what she wants? Why shouldn’t she do as she pleases? And why should she do whatever Duncan tells her to? These are not questions Duncan can answer in a way that satisfies Bella.  

While the pair initially have a sensational affair full of satisfying "furious jumping," Bella soon learns her stamina and sex drive and curiosity about the world are greater than his. To Duncan’s horror, Bella explores sex with other men and goes on solo trips around the city. Despite their sexual connection, a conflict emerges over who is in control of Bella, pushing Duncan into the role of jealous lover. 

A boat trip expands Bella’s horizons. Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Determined to keep her as his own, Duncan puts Bella into a literal box (well, trunk) and kidnaps her onto a cruise ship. When Duncan offers her sex to ease her frustrations, she refuses. It’s a breakthrough moment for Bella, who now has the emotional maturity to understand that Duncan is actively restricting her freedom and the power to deny who denies her.

Bella’s life begins hedonistically, with sex playing a large role in her path toward achieving self-actualization. But it's her cerebral pursuits that define the kind of person Bella becomes. The film’s most pivotal moment happens when Bella meets Martha (Hanna Schygulla), an older woman vacationing on the cruise. Martha is the first person who doesn’t use Bella for personal gain and doesn’t seek to control her. Instead, this content friend satiates Bella’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge by introducing her to philosophy. 

Philosophy not only expands Bella's mind, but also allows Bella to break free from the roles she’s been forced into. With Godwin, she was a daughter; with Max, a wife; and with Duncan, a mistress. All those roles are defined by her relationship to someone else, but philosophy shows Bella how she can thrive by herself. This thrills her. She devours books with the same voracious appetite she brings to sexual encounters. She's freed her body for pleasure, and now her mind for philosophy. 

Bella becomes her "own means of production" through sex work. Credit: Searchlight Pictures

When a downturn in fortune aboard the cruise leaves Bella and Duncan penniless in Paris, she stumbles upon a brothel owner named Swiney (Kathryn Hunter), who offers her a means of making money. When Duncan discovers she’s begun sex work, he denounces her a "whore." Bella clarifies tersely, "We’re our own means of production."

Bella’s study of philosophy has created a dramatic shift in how she understands herself and the world around her. After a lifetime of men trying to control what she can and cannot do with her body, sex work gives Bella the clarity to realize sex isn’t just a useful tool for pleasure. The experience at the brothel unlocks the idea her body is entirely her own, and she can use it to achieve anything she wishes. Working there also introduces her to a politically minded colleague, Toinette (Suzy Bemba), who helps Bella explore science and socialism. During their time together in Paris, the pair stimulate each other intellectually and sexually, forming a deep emotional bond.  

Sex work also opens Bella’s eyes to less-than-joyful experiences. But as Swiney chides her, "We must experience everything, not just the good. But degradation, horror, and sadness. This makes us whole … Then we can know the world." "I want that," Bella responds, hungry to better understand not only herself but also — the way of many coming-of-age heroines — the world around her.

Bella fights for her body and achieves her dreams. Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Returning to London to reunite with her ailing father figure, there’s a new, unanticipated horror that awaits her. General Alfie (Christopher Abbott), once wed to the woman whose body Bella now possesses, seeks to control her more strictly than any other. To keep her in their home, he threatens to shoot her should she try to leave. And when she won't obey him, he plots to drug her and have a doctor perform nonconsensual genital mutilation, which he hopes will kill her sex drive and general obstinance. 

The men in her life have a variety of motives in their restriction of Bella’s bodily autonomy. Godwin wants to experiment; Max wants love; Duncan seeks pleasure; Alfie demands control. Yet each — for a time — attempts to control her. From God and Max, she runs away. She dumps Duncan when he turns wrathful and jealous. But when it comes to the General, she will have to fight. 

To his face, Bella laughs off his absurd ideals: "I will keep my new life, and my lovely old clitoris, thank you." Then she grapples with him physically, wrestling away the gun to retain the freedoms she’s fought so hard to succeed (and, crucially, her clitoris), leading to the General sustaining a wound that could be fatal were it not for some God(win)ly intervention. With the final barrier to bodily autonomy defeated, Bella goes home again. 

In the end, the judgment of polite society is no match for Bella's desire to see the world and find her own path. Bella makes amends with her father. Max accepts as she is, loving her without condition. Even Toinette comes to London to be apart of the Baxter house, or Bella's chosen family — a trope often found in queer coming-of-age narratives. 

Through Bella’s journey, she’s achieved what many Lanthimos characters can only dream of — an understanding of herself and control over her body and destiny. Through lots of sex and exploring the world, she finally secures the autonomy she desires without sacrificing ties to those she loves. She’s back home, but on her own terms, surrounded by her friends, free to live out her desires and curiosities. And it all started with an apple. 

Best deals on headphones this week

• Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones — $499.99 (List Price $549)
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones — $280.88 (List Price $379.95)
• Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) — $299.99 (List Price $349.99)
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There are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, and colors (not to mention prices). All have the same idea at heart: To deliver high-quality audio directly into your ears. But some achieve this result so much better — and in better style — than others.

While there are plenty of budget headphones that will get the job done, the best headphones require a bigger investment. That's why it's good to know if your audio needs actually justify paying a higher price.

How to choose the best headphones

If you've been on the hunt for a new pair of headphones, you've likely come across a few of the "best" brands already: Sony, Bose, and Apple. While these brands do make quality earbuds and headphones, they're far from your only options. Don't let the FYP fool you into thinking you need to drop $350+ in order to get halfway decent active noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy Drops: The coolest new products dropping via Best Buy's shopping hack

In reality, the best pair of headphones largely comes down to personal preference. Here are some questions you might ask yourself when weighing your choice:

• Are you planning on listening at home or on the go? If you want over-ear headphones, you might prefer ones that fold up easily in your bag and are comfortable to wear for long stretches of time.

• If you'll be wearing your headphones on your commute or in the office, is strong active noise cancellation a requirement?

• How long do you really need the battery to last? Will a six-hour battery life at a time get you through, or do you need the promise of true all-day battery?

• Are you using these headphones for casual listening, for staying focused, or for working out? This might mean the difference between investing in an audio-first brand, a pair with top notch ANC, or a pair with wingtips that actually keep your headphones in your ears while you run.

• What kind of music do you like to listen to with your headphones? Are you a fan of a nice and loud bass line, or do you prefer a more balanced tone?

• Tired of lossless audio claims that don't pan out? Maybe you'd prefer to go for a pair of wired headphones that actually deliver.

These are just some of the questions you can use to guide your purchasing journey, but don't get overwhelmed. With each of our picks below, we've done the research and testing to answer them for you, all to help point you to your personal best pair of headphones or earbuds.

The best Max streaming subscription deals at a glance: BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Max (with ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save $1.66/month) Get Deal BEST WITH NO ADS Max (no ads) annual subscription $149.99/year (save $3.50/month) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal BEST TRIAL DirecTV Stream Entertainment package $79.99 per month + free 3-month Max trial (save $15.99/month) Get Deal

After a five-year hiatus, True Detective is back with a chilling new mystery. Now in its fourth season, True Detective: Night Country navigates the "tension between madness and the supernatural," as Mashable's Belen Edwards writes in her review, calling it a "can't-miss mystery with ghostly bite."

For those who've been fans since the beginning, Edwards notes that Season 4 has quite a few things in common with the OG season: "A tortured pair of detectives with a contentious relationship, a deeply atmospheric murder case, and even hints at the occult." However, now in the hands of new showrunner, writer, and director Issa López, True Detective: Night Country cranks up the horror aspects of the show. It nods respectively to Season 1 while carving out a new path — one that viewers are already obsessing over.

Intrigued? Here's everything you need to know to tune in to the twisted case of Season 4 of True Detective.

What is True Detective: Night Country about?

True Detective: Night Country transports us to the coldest depths of Alaska during the polar night (daylight is weeks away). Head-butting detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) investigate the disappearance of eight men working at the remote Tsalal Arctic Research Station.

"The bizarro nature of the case leads Ennis Police Chief Elizabeth Danvers (Foster) to label it a 'shitbowl.' But that doesn't stop her from seeking out who might be responsible, especially when evidence found at Tsalal links back to a cold case from six years ago: the murder of Iñupiaq activist Annie Masu Kowtok (Nivi Pedersen)," writes Edwards in Mashable's review.

Get a sneak peek at the new case in the official trailer:

How many seasons of True Detective are there?

Night Country, which officially premiered on Jan. 14, marks Season 4 of True Detective — five years after the third season graced us with its presence pre-pandemic. Season 1 first dropped in 2014, so the show is officially a decade old. It's hard to believe it's been that long, but here we are.

When and where can I watch True Detective Season 4?

True Detective: Night Country will air simultaneously on HBO and Max every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET from Jan. 14 through the season finale on Feb. 25. That means cable subscribers who have access to HBO can tune in live. No premium cable? No problem. You'll need a Max subscription in order to watch every episode. We've rounded up the best Max streaming deals below to help you out.

Best Max subscription dealsBest Max streaming deal for most people: Save 17% on a Max With Ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) $99.99/year (save $1.66/month) Get Deal

Monthly Max streaming subscriptions with ads will run you $9.99 per month, but if you opt for the annual plan instead, you'll only pay about $8.33 per month. Most people will find that saving 17% or so is the best bang for their buck. However, if you don't want to fork over $99.99 for the year all at once, a monthly subscription through the end of February will allow you to stream the entirety of the new season (there will only be six episodes). Just remember to cancel before your month is up to avoid further charges.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 22% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (no ads) $149.99/year (save $3.50/month) Get Deal

Can't take the endless ads interrupting episodes? Sign up for the Max (ad-free) annual subscription instead. It's certainly not cheap at $149.99/year, but it does save you about 22% compared to paying $15.99 per month. If money is no object, there is also a Max Ultimate subscription, which gives you not only an ad-free viewing experience, but also 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, the ability to stream on two more devices at once, and 70 more downloads. It'll run you $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (save $3.50/month).

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan are eligible to stream Max with ads for no cost. When you log in to Max, select Cricket as your provider and enter your credentials. Then, boom: you're able to stream True Detective: Night Country and plenty of other shows and films without any monthly or annual costs. Have a different Cricket plan? You can upgrade or change over to the $60/month unlimited plan to secure the deal.

Is there a Max free trial? Opens in a new window Credit: DirecTV Stream DirecTV Stream Entertainment package $79.99/month + free 3-month Max trial Get Deal

Max free trials have come and gone over the last year. Previously, you could score a free week of Max via Amazon Prime Video or Hulu. Those trials are no longer available, but keep an eye out: they could return. In the meantime, the only way to score a free trial of Max is via DirecTV Stream.

If you sign up for the DirecTV Stream Entertainment package for $79.99/month, you'll get three free months of premium channels — that includes Max (as well as Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, and Cinemax). DirecTV Stream serves as a cable replacement, so it's certainly not the most affordable option if you simply want to watch True Detective: Night Country and be on your way. But it does give you a whole lot of bang for your buck.

Wondering how to watch the NFL Playoffs? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

The San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions are scheduled to meet in the 2024 NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Jan. 28. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

San Francisco comes into the matchup after a 24-21 win against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 20. The 49ers got a game-winning touchdown from Christian McCaffrey with 67 seconds remaining. It was one of two rushing touchdowns in the game for McCaffrey, who had 98 rushing yards in the win. 

Detroit advanced to the NFC Championship Game by winning 31-23 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 21. Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for two touchdowns in the win on 30-for-43 passing with 287 passing yards. Jahmyr Gibbs led Detroit in rushing with 74 yards and one rushing touchdown.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL games without cable

Kyle Shanahan is the San Francisco 49ers head coach. Dan Campbell is the Detroit Lions head coach. 

NFC Championship: 49ers vs. Lions kickoff time and network

The San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions game for the NFC Championship is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on FOX on Sunday, Jan. 28. The FOX broadcasters are scheduled to be Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play) and Greg Olsen (analyst). 

Without cable or satellite TV, some options to watch the 49ers vs. Lions game via online live stream include FuboTV and Sling.

Best streaming services for the Lions vs. SF 49ers game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the 2024 NFC Championship Game without cable or satellite TV. Here are the best streaming services for the Lions vs. 49ers game on FOX.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month Get Deal

FOX is available on Sling TV in select markets. Those include Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Gainesville, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. 

If you’re not in one of those markets, getting Sling TV won’t help you watch the NFL Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. 

If you’re in one of those markets, getting Sling TV for the 49ers vs. Lions game would work for you. You’ll need the Blue Plan, which comes at $20 for the first month and $40 for subsequent months.

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code is one that includes the FOX broadcast. If you’re in luck, you can get FOX with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a rate of $79.99 per month.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch the 2024 NFL Playoffs? Here are your best options: Most affordable Paramount+ with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $11.99/month Get Deal Most channels FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to meet in the 2024 AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday, Jan. 28. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT. 

Kansas City comes into the matchup after a 27-24 win at Buffalo on Jan. 21. The Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco scored the game-winning touchdown on a 4-yard rush with 14:20 left in the fourth quarter. Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes in the win. 

Baltimore enters the contest following a 34-10 win vs. the Houston Texans on Jan. 20. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ran for two touchdowns and threw for two touchdowns in the win. He finished with 100 rushing yards and 152 passing yards.

SEE ALSO: How to watch NFL games without cable

Andy Reid is the Kansas City Chiefs head coach. John Harbaugh is the Baltimore Ravens head coach. 

AFC Championship: Chiefs vs. Ravens kickoff time and network

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens game is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT on Sunday, Jan. 28. The CBS broadcasters are scheduled to be Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Tony Romo (analyst). 

Cable and satellite TV are no longer necessary for enjoying live sports. Consider live streaming options to watch Sunday’s game via services like Paramount+ and FuboTV.

Best streaming services for the Baltimore Ravens vs. KC Chiefs game 

Watching the 2024 AFC Championship Game requires a streaming service if you don’t have cable or satellite TV. For the Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday, here are your top streaming options.

Most affordable: Paramount+ Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $11.99/month Get Deal

If you want to watch just CBS or just the Ravens vs. Chiefs football game, Paramount+ offers a solution.  

New subscribers to Paramount+ get a seven-day free trial. Then for the Paramount+ plan that includes live streaming CBS, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, which is $11.99/month. If you choose the annual plan, it is $119.99 for a year, saving about $1.99/month. 

For students, Paramount+ will give you a 25% discount.

Most channels: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

With FuboTV, new subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial and more than 250 live TV channels, along with the ability to stream on 10 devices simultaneously. NFL fans who want access to CBS for matchups such as the Chiefs vs. Ravens football game will want the FuboTV Pro tier, which has a rate of $79.99 per month. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network.

Wondering how to watch college basketball this season? Here are your best options: Most affordable Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra $31 for the first month, then $51/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Elite 7-day free trial, then $89.99/month Get Deal

The North Carolina State and Syracuse men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in an Atlantic Coast Conference contest at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, on Saturday, Jan. 27. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET. 

NC State comes into the matchup 13-6 overall and 5-3 in the ACC. Most recently, Virginia beat NCSU 59-53 on Wednesday. DJ Horne leads the NC State scoring after 19 games with 14.8 points per game. 

Syracuse enters the contest 13-6 overall and 4-4 in the ACC. On Tuesday, Florida State defeated Syracuse 85-69. Through the first 19 games, SU’s Judah Mintz is scoring a team-high 18.4 points per contest.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college basketball without cable

Kevin Keatts is the NC State men’s basketball head coach. Adrian Autry is the Syracuse men’s basketball head coach. 

NC State vs. Syracuse basketball game time and network

The NC State vs. Syracuse men’s basketball game is scheduled to be broadcast on ACC Network at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 27. ACCN broadcasters are scheduled to be Wes Durham (play-by-play) and Dan Bonner (analyst). 

If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, here are some options to watch the game via online live stream, and those options include FuboTV and Sling. 

Best streaming services for the SU vs. NCSU basketball game

When you're choosing a streaming service to be able to watch college basketball, here are your best streaming options to check out the Syracuse vs. North Carolina State men’s basketball game on ACC Network.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange + Sports Extra $31 for the first month, then $51/month Get Deal

To watch the NC State vs. Syracuse basketball game on ACC Network with Sling TV requires the Sports Extra package, which costs $11/month for 20 channels. 

The Sports Extra package cannot be purchased alone, and you’ll also need the Orange plan, which is $20 for the first month and $40/month in subsequent months. Combined with the Sports Extra package, the cost would be $31 for the first month and $51 for subsequent months. The Orange plan comes with 32 channels, so with Sports Extra, there are 52 channels in the combined plan. 

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Elite 7-day free trial, then $89.99/month Get Deal

FuboTV provides a week-long trial at no charge. For access to the ACC Network after this period, subscribers need to opt for the Fubo Elite plan, which is $89.99/month. The Elite plan gives you 248 channels, 1,000 hours of DVR space, and the ability to watch on 10 screens simultaneously.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. 

TL;DR: Live stream Zheng vs. Sabalenka in the Australian Open final for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open finals are finally here. We've been treated to some truly special tennis, and now we're down to the best of the best. The women's final is particularly difficult to predict, with both players in fine form.

If you want to watch Zheng vs. Sabalenka in the Australian Open final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Zheng vs. Sabalenka?

Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka will meet in the Australian Open final on Jan. 27 (AEDT).

How to watch Zheng vs. Sabalenka for free

Every match from the 2024 Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including the final between Zheng and Sabalenka. 9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can gain access to this free streaming platform with a VPN.

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can connect to 9Now from anywhere in the world. Access 9Now from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit 9Now

5. Stream Zheng vs. Sabalenka for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 9Now without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Australian Open finals before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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 Zheng vs. Sabalenka for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Australia vs. Indonesia for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup has entered the knockout rounds, so it's win or bust for the Socceroos. Qualification from the group stage was fairly straightforward, but there is no room for complacency as they take on Indonesia.

If you want to watch Australia vs. Indonesia in the AFC Asian Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. Indonesia in the AFC Asian Cup?

Australia and Indonesia will meet at 11:30 a.m. GMT on Jan. 28. This fixture will take place at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar.

How to watch Australia vs. Indonesia for free

You can watch all of Australia's AFC Asian Cup matches live and free across Network 10, including the fixture between Australia and Indonesia. Live streaming is also available for free on 10Play.

10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access 10Play from anywhere in the world.

Access 10Play to stream Australia vs. Indonesia by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit 10Play

5. Steam Australia vs. Indonesia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 10Play without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch all of Australia's AFC Asian Cup matches without actually spending anything.

What is the best VPN for 10Play?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking 10Play, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Watch Australia vs. Indonesia in the AFC Asian Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Headway Premium is on sale for £39.26, saving you 83% on list price.

It’s time to sit down and think about areas in your life where there’s room for improvement. But what if you could work towards your self-improvement while waiting in line for a cup of coffee or during your lunch break? Headway Premium is a mobile app that provides fun and easy self-growth within 15-minute bite-sized nonfiction book summaries. Now you can get a lifetime of advice with Headway Premium for just £39.26 for a limited time.

Unfortunately, many of us are caught up in our busy lives, and making time to sit down and read a 300-page book may not be realistic for some of us. That’s where Headway comes in. You’ll gain access to a library of insight with over 1,5000 summaries and up to 50 new summaries added each month to help you streamline your learning process and become better with every read. From personal development and health insights to business strategies, Headway has a world of knowledge right at your fingertips.

If you’re unsure of where to begin, that’s okay. Headway offers a customised approach to learning, picking content according to your specific goals and needs. It also provides thousands of bite-sized actionable insights and tips to help you progress in your 2024 goals, whatever they may be. The Headway app helps users worldwide feel motivated, learn, and do more by making it easy to track your progress, collect achievements, and get positive reinforcement to keep you motivated all year long.

Create a sustainable self-growth habit in a format that works best for you. Watch, listen, and read your way to self-improvement with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for only £39.26.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Premium Headway Premium (Lifetime Subscription) £39.26 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

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 Jan. 27's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Serpent.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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 Wordle #952 is...

SNAKE.

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.

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for January 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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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.

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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 categories

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

• Blue - Trophies for a robot, a cat, a mannequin and a young girl

• Green - Babysit

• Yellow - Ow

• Purple - Dubya not talking

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:

• Blue - SOUGHT AFTER IN "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

• Green - LOOK AFTER

• Yellow - HURT

• Purple - SILENT "W"

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 Connections #230 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Blue - SOUGHT AFTER IN "THE WIZARD OF OZ" - BRAIN, COURAGE, HEART, HOME

• Green - LOOK AFTER - GUARD, MIND, TEND, WATCH

• Yellow - HURT - ACHE, BURN, SMART, STING

• Purple - SILENT "W" - ANSWER, TWO, WRIST, WRONG

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Quick links for watching 'Expats' on Prime Video: BEST FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS Amazon Prime trial Free for 30 days Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Prime Student 6-month free trial, then $69/year Get Deal BEST FOR EVERYONE ELSE Prime Video $8.99/month Get Deal

One of the most anticipated shows of 2024 just arrived on streaming. It stars Nicole Kidman, centers around a tragedy, and explores themes of motherhood, marriage, and sense of place. No, it's not Season 3 of Big Little Lies. It's called Expats, and it's on Prime Video as of Jan. 26.

The six-part limited drama series directed by Lulu Wang (The Farewell) also stars Sarayu Blue, Ji-young Yoo, Brian Tee, and Jack Huston. Here's everything you need to know to tune in.

What is Expats about?

Adapted from Janice Y.K. Lee's 2016 novel The Expatriates, the series follows a group of three American women living in Hong Kong — played by Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, and Ji-young Yoo — whose lives are forever changed by a single tragedy.

Director Lulu Wang moves backward and forward in time to show the audience just how these three women are connected and how everything fell apart. As Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards wrote in her review, "Everyone and everything in this series orbits around this one event, and the consequences — from blowout fights to affairs — are as varied as they are painful."

Read Mashable's full review of Expats.

Here's a sneak peek into the limited series:

What streaming service is Expats on?

Expats is a Prime Video original series, which means you'll need an Amazon Prime subscription or a Prime Video subscription in order to watch it. If you're already a Prime member, you're good to go. Just sign into your Amazon account and navigate to Prime Video to watch Expats online. You can also download the Prime Video app and sign in using your Prime login information. Not a Prime member? Keep reading to find out the best ways to sign up, save, and potentially watch Expats for free.

When do new episodes of Expats air?

The first two episodes of Expats are already available to stream on Prime Video. The rest will be released weekly every Friday, with the finale coming out Feb. 23.

Can I get Amazon Prime Video for free?

If you're brand new to Amazon Prime or are returning after canceling your subscription in the past (a year ago or longer), we have some good news: a trial period will let you watch all of Expats for free. Don't fall into that category? You can still score a discounted subscription if you're a student (with access to a .edu address) or choose to subscribe to Prime Video only (not a full Prime subscription). Scroll to see the details below.

Best for newbies: Amazon Prime free trial Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime trial Free for 30 days for new and returning users Get Deal

Free trials for streaming services are slowly disappearing, but Amazon is still going strong with its 30-day Prime membership trial. If you're brand new to Prime or canceled your membership over a year ago, you can enjoy your first month of Prime at no cost. That includes access to Prime Video for 30 days — plenty of time to watch Expats if you time out your subscription correctly. If you want to avoid charges ($14.99 per month), be sure to cancel your subscription within that 30-day trial period.

Best for students: Prime Student Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Student 6-month free trial, then $69/year Get Deal

Students can secure a free six-month trial via Prime Student, which includes access to Prime Video and all of the other perks at a discount. You'll need a verifiable student email address to nab the deal. Once your free trial is up, you'll only have to pay half of the usual cost of Prime to keep your membership going — just $69 per year — so long as your student status is still active.

Best for everyone else: Prime Video only Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Video only $8.99/month Get Deal

If you don't qualify for either of the free trials above, you can still save some money by subscribing to Prime Video on its own (rather than a full Prime account). While a full Prime membership would cost you $14.99 per month, you can sign up for Prime Video alone for only $8.99 per month. It may not be as good as watching Expats for free, but saving $6 per month is definitely worth it. You can still cancel any time without commitment — just remember to cancel before the month is up if you don't want to be charged for the following month. Amazon makes it a bit tricky to sign up for Prime Video on its own. Be sure to select "change" when signing up for a plan to see all options.

GET 30% OFF + FREE VIBRATOR: As of Jan. 26, you can score up to 30% off all Playboy Pleasure products, 30% off Lovers exclusive products, and a free Womanizer The One GWP with any Womanizer purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovers Lovers Pre-Valentine's Day Sale Get 30% off + free vibrator Get Deal

As far as we're concerned, there's never a wrong time to buy a new sex toy. Whether it's a vibrator, dildo, cock ring, butt plug, or whatever else you're into, we say go ahead and treat yourself — and if it's on sale, even better.

And right now, Lovers is throwing one hell of a pre-Valentine's Day sale. As of Jan. 26, you can score up to 30% off all Playboy Pleasure products, 30% off Lovers exclusive products with the code LOVERS30, and here's a bonus deal: Today is your last chance to get a free Womanizer The One GWP with any Womanizer purchase.

So why wait? Shop for yourself, surprise a lover, or get your bestie a gift they won't forget. Whatever you do, don't sleep on this sale.

Here are a few of our favorite products to get your shopping cart started:

Playboy Pleasure The Swan Vibrator Opens in a new window Credit: Playboy Pleasure Our pick: Playboy Pleasure The Swan Vibrator $57.80 at Lovers (save $10.20) Get Deal Why we like it

The Playboy Pleasure collection is honestly one of the best sex toy collections out there, full stop. Nearly every product in this line has impressed me, from design to functionality, and The Swan is at the top of my list (and my nightstand, thanks to its flat base).

At first glance, this vibrator may look a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The beauty of this device is that it's versatile; you don't have to use it for penetration if you don't want to, but the option is there if you do (and it's fabulous).

It features 10 vibration speeds, which can be used to tease and please all of your erogenous zones, and it's made from body-safe silicone that feels smooth in your hand and against your skin. If you'd like to use the dual shaft (each has its own motor), the shorter end has four inches of insertable length, and the longer end has 6.25.

Lovers Red Heart Gem Anal Plug (Small) Opens in a new window Credit: Lovers Our pick: Lovers Red Heart Gem Anal Plug (Small) $15.40 at Lovers (save $6.60 with code LOVERS30) Get Deal Why we like it

Anal isn't for everyone, but if you're interested in giving it a shot (or a second chance), Lovers has a super cute Red Heart Gem Anal Plug that's approachable and beginner-friendly.

Made from aluminum, this little plug is compatible with all lubricants and easy to clean. It also has an adorable heart-shaped ABS plastic gem that your partner is sure to go nuts for (pun intended) during playtime. (Pro tip: If it's your first time, having your partner insert the plug for you can be an exciting new experience for both of you!)

This plug can also be used for temperature play; just pop it in cold or warm water beforehand to experiment with different sensations.

Womanizer OG Opens in a new window Credit: Womanizer Our pick: Womanizer OG $199 (plus a free Womanizer The One GWP) Get Deal Why we like it

The Womanizer OG isn't on sale, but it's definitely worth mentioning. Plus, with Lovers' deal, you'll get a free Womanizer The One GWP no matter what Womanizer product you purchase.

The OG P is a multi-functional toy that combines air pulsation and vibration for a mind-blowing experience. Its unique design makes it easy to hold and control, so you can enjoy targeted pleasure exactly where you want it.

With 12 intensity levels, three vibration levels, and an "Afterglow" mode for an extra happy and relaxing ending to your solo sesh, the Womanizer OG is a solid choice for anyone looking for a toy that delivers air-pulsating pleasure and G-spot stimulation.

The first iOS 17.4 beta dropped. It's an update for developers, giving us a glimpse of what's coming to iPhone when the official public update drops in the spring.

Due to a European Union mandate that coerced Apple to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), some updates impact EU users only.

5 best iOS 17.4 features coming to iPhone

Let's take a look at some of the most radical changes coming to your iPhone soon.

1. 118 new emoji

As we reported on Thursday, iOS 17.4 is introducing 118 new emoji.

Six emoji from iOS 17.4's new character collection. Credit: Emojipedia

This collection includes two head-shaking emoji (one is a nod and the other is a gesture that indicates "no"), a lime slice, a phoenix, a mushroom, and a broken chain.

2. Auto-generated transcripts with Apple Podcasts

Apple announced that Apple Podcasts is introducing transcripts to the app, allowing users to "read" episodes instead of listening to them. You can also use them to read along with your favorite podcasters.

Auto-generated transcripts make it easier to follow Apple Podcasts. Credit: Apple

"As an episode plays, each word is highlighted, making it easy to follow along." the Cupertino-based tech giant said in a press release.

3. Gaming streaming apps now allowed on the Apple App Store

The likes of Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming are now allowed to have dedicated apps in the App Store.

Gaming streaming apps were once barred from the Apple App Store. Credit: Microsoft / Xbox

For gamers with iPhones and iPads, this will allow subscribers to ditch web browser usage, which is known to be somewhat clunky — making mobile, on-the-go gaming much more seamless and smooth.

4. New Stolen Device Protection feature

Stolen Device Protection, which adds a layer of protection in the event your iPhone gets stolen, now has an option to implement a delay to any security setting changes if the device detects you're not in a familiar location (e.g., home or work).

5. Siri can read incoming messages in a specific language

In iOS 17.4 beta, you can set Siri to read texts in a specific language, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and more.

Siri gets a minor update in iOS 17.4. Credit: Apple

If you implement this change, don't worry. As MacRumors pointed out, it will not interrupt the primary language Siri listens and responds to.

In addition to these five features, as mentioned at the outset, there are a slew of new updates specifically for EU users, thanks to the DMA. For example, EU users with iOS 17.4 can now access third-party app stores on their iPhone.

Plus, Fortnite, which was notoriously barred from Apple App Store, is now making a return to the Apple App Store. But again, this is only for EU users.

Dune: Part Two seems like it is going to be a hit at the box office. Tickets for the film — which doesn't drop until March 1 — went on sale Friday and seemed to crash the AMC website and cause problems elsewhere, as well.

Down Detector noted that users had indicated AMC's website was having issues. Anecdotally, the app didn't seem to be any better.

Down Detector showed a sharp rise in issues with AMC's website. Credit: Screenshot: Down Detector

Users reported getting an error message when they tried to get tickets to the highly anticipated film. Lots of people posted complaints about the problem online.

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There did seem to be a rise in issues with Fandango as well, though Down Detector showed it wasn't nearly as severe. (In fact, it didn't register as an outage.) And that could have something to do with the fact that the bug was disproportionately affecting AMC A-list members who were signed into their AMC accounts on the website and the app.

It didn't seem like the problem had been fully resolved by about 3:30 p.m. ET Friday. Hopefully, fans will soon be able to get their tickets. Until then, they're likely stuck refreshing and hoping.

SEE ALSO: AMC's 'Dune' sandworm popcorn bucket goes viral because it looks very NSFW

Agent Jones, Peely, and all of your other favorite Fortnite characters are headed back to iOS after an absence of nearly three-and-a-half years. 

"Remember Fortnite on iOS?" the official Fortnite account on X posted. "How bout we bring that back."

But, don't get too excited if you're a Fortnite player in the U.S. or UK, for example. Fortnite for iOS is only headed back to your iPhone if you live in the European Union. 

Fortnite is only returning for EU users

Why? Well, Apple's hand is being forced by a new EU law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In fact, Fortnite explicitly gave a shout out to the DMA in its announcement and thanked it for making Fortnite's return possible.

Tweet may have been deleted

How does this law affect Fortnite and the iPhone? 

The most relevant part of the mandate is that Apple must enable users in the EU to access alternative marketplaces on their devices and permit developers to distribute their apps through those alternative platforms.

With the DMA, Fortnite no longer has to play by Apple's App Store rules.

Apple vs. Epic Games: The game developer racks up a win

If readers will recall, Epic Games and Apple had a very public falling out back in August 2020. Those who play the massively popular multiplayer battle-royale game can buy in-game items and character skins via the Fortnite currency V-Bucks. That summer, Epic Games launched a new way for Fortnite players to purchase V-Bucks at a discount by bypassing Apple's App Store's in-app purchases and buying directly from Epic Games. 

Credit: Epic Games

This workaround meant that Apple would lose out on its 30 percent cut that it gets from users who make purchases from its App Store. This circumvention was also in violation of Apple's App Store policies. Shortly after Epic Games made its announcement, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store.

Instead of scrapping the V-Bucks discount, Epic Games decided to go to war with Apple. The developer filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, which had mixed results for both parties. Other tech giants like Microsoft and Google took sides, and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney made it clear the Fortnite would basically be "blacklisted" from the App Store for years as the companies exhausted all legal options. 

Now, thanks to the EU's DMA, Epic Games can distribute an official iPhone app through alternative iOS app stores and avoid Apple's in-app purchase cut without breaking the company's App Store policies. 

According to Apple, iOS changes related to the EU's DMA law will roll out in March with iOS 17.4.

Remember, at least for now, this only affects iPhone users in the European Union. So, sorry, U.S., UK, and players everywhere else in the world. There's still no Fortnite iOS app for you. (However, there are other ways to play Fortnite on your device via third-party services, such as through Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia's GeForce Now.)

Still, for Fortnite players in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, this is a little like winning a Victory Crown.

Contrary to popular opinion, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just for your significant other. That's right, it's totally OK to give a gift to a loved one whom you're not currently dating (and never will), because doing a nice thing for someone is... well, nice.

That doesn't make shopping for Valentine's Day gifts for him any easier, though. Getting the right gifts for the men in your life is a tough task, especially with every brand under the sun practically screaming at you to buy whiskey stones and power tools.

SEE ALSO: Best Valentine's Day gifts for her: Thoughtful items to up the romance

Plug your ears and stop listening to the distractions, because we've rounded up some stellar Valentine's Day gift ideas to get for any guy come February 14. Scroll on to find awesome gadgets and under-the-radar finds for guys you aren't romantically interested in, and for the one you are. We're talking dads, brothers, cousins, uncles, platonic male buddies, and boyfriends.

Let me get something off my chest: Writing this article took longer than it should have because I had to brainstorm a PG headline for a popcorn bucket that the internet has compared to both a sex toy and a butthole in the past 24 hours. So yeah, let me introduce you to AMC's limited edition Dune: Part Two sandworm popcorn vessel.

This...this is what it looks like. Brace yourself. It's weird.

Tweet may have been deleted

A lot of people think this sandworm bucket looks like Fleshlight, which is a sex toy that you use to... You know what, I'm assuming you can figure that one out. Needless to say, that probably wouldn't be most folks' first choice for a container that holds popcorn.

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There were lots of good jokes.

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There was a great dril reference.

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And honestly, I cannot count or unsee the number of references to buttholes, genitals, sex, and everything else that this cursed bucket inspired online.

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I just wonder... Did the marketing team do this on purpose? Did they really not consider what this thing looked like? I mean, I get that it looks like the sandworms in the movie, but it also looks...exactly like what everyone has said it looks like. Was everyone in that marketing meeting too embarrassed to raise their hand and go, "Uh, hey everyone, does that kind of look like...?"

SEE ALSO: An ode to 'Dune's sandworms, the coolest creatures you'll see on screen this year

Then again, it did get a lot of attention and create a lot of internet buzz. NSFW, crass attention — but attention nonetheless. So now you know, if go see Dune: Part Two, be prepared to potentially witness some things you can't unsee in the movie theater.

OpenAI has an update to fix ChatGPT's "laziness" over the past few months.

On Thursday, the OpenAI announced an update to GPT-4 Turbo, its most advanced LLM. GPT-4 Turbo is still only available in limited preview through the API, meaning it doesn't power ChatGPT. However, the hope is this fix will eventually roll out to ChatGPT, too.

SEE ALSO: Here's how OpenAI plans to address election misinformation on ChatGPT and Dall-E OpenAI addresses LLM lethargy

In December, OpenAI acknowledged complaints that ChatGPT gave less thorough and helpful answers, sometimes even giving up before completing a task. The issue was attributed to the fact that the model may slowly share degraded responses over time, which could account for why users noticed the issue as far as six months ago.

Users also theorized that ChatGPT was slower and less useful because bandwidth was limited to meet the demands of higher traffic. In yesterday's announcement, OpenAI doesn't mention specific updates to GPT-4, which currently powers ChatGPT. But updates to GPT-4 Turbo and acknowledgment of the same issue with GPT-4 is a good sign.

Explaining updates to GPT-4 Turbo, the OpenAI blog post said, "This model completes tasks like code generation more thoroughly than the previous preview model and is intended to reduce cases of 'laziness' where the model doesn’t complete a task."

GPT-4 Turbo was announced at OpenAI's developer conference in November (which quickly overshadowed by the failed attempt to oust Sam Altman). The GPT-4 Turbo model has more up-to-date information and has a larger context window, meaning it's capable of processing much more at data from a single prompt.

As of yesterday, a preview model of the updated GPT-4 Turbo is now available.