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Blue Moon review: Andrew Scott burns, Ethan Hawke clowns in grating biopic

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 10:00

Andrew Scott is a marvel of a modern actor. From Sherlock to Fleabag to All of Us Strangers and Ripley, he burns onscreen. His dark eyes can reflect a murderous intensity or an unholy longing, or — in the case of Ripley — both. It's little wonder that Scott's performance in Blue Moon earned him the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year. It's just a shame it's for the supporting role in Richard Linklater's latest. 

The star of this insufferable biopic about American lyricist Lorenz Hart is Ethan Hawke, who's previously won praise from critics for his work in Linklater movies like the Before trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight) and Boyhood. Perhaps Hawke deserves props for taking on the role of Hart, as this depiction is not just miles away from the cool but flawed men Hawke tends toward, but light-years from them. Written by Robert Kaplow, the novelist behind Me and Orson Welles, which Linklater adapted in 2008, Blue Moon oozes with maudlin sentimentality over this lost artist, but lacks depth.

Where Scott's performance as Hart's creative partner, composer Richard Rodgers, is riveting in its intensity and authenticity, Hawke's performance is a clown show, making a mockery of a musical genius who was tragically overwhelmed by his worst impulses. 

Blue Moon feels like a clumsy adaptation of a one-man off-off-off Broadway show.  Credit: Sabrina Lantos / Sony Pictures Classics

Most of this movie is set on March 31, 1943, the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! on Broadway. Sulking in box seats as cowboys and farm gals sing joyfully is Hart, a middle-aged mope with a comb-over that's long lost the war. As the packed house applauds, he exits early, eager to get to Sardi's, the iconic bar where the afterparty will be held.

There, Larry (as he's generally addressed) hopes to reconnect with Rodgers, with whom he worked for 25 years, creating such beloved songs as "The Lady Is a Tramp," "My Funny Valentine," and of course, "Blue Moon." But Hart can see from the audience's rapture that Oklahoma! ("with an exclamation point," he laments) could be the end of his partnership with Rodgers, as Hammerstein's lyrics are getting a lot of love.

However, before that setup, Kaplow begins the movie with Hart's end. Drunk, drenched, and dying in a dark, rainy alley in New York City, Hart crumbles next to a dumpster, pathetic and alone. This image hangs over the entirety of the film like a storm cloud, making it difficult to find the humor in Hart's desperate attempts at charm and conversation.

For an insufferable first act, he blathers resolutely to a beleaguered bartender (Bobby Cannavale), an eager pianist (Jonah Lees), and a patient patron (Patrick Kennedy). Kaplow dumps biographical backstory into these exchanges, so not knowing much about Hart isn't a hindrance. But for all those details, Blue Moon is most interested in three things: Hart was drunk, gay, and short. 

Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater make a queer clown of Lorenz Hart.  Credit: Sabrina Lantos / Sony Pictures Classics

While historians today regard Hart as queer, he wasn't public about his sexual orientation in life. Yet Kaplow writes him slinging gay jokes that employ slurs and gleefully calling himself a "cocksucker" to the dismayed straight bartender. When pressed on whether he likes boys or girls, Larry expresses that as a lyricist, he's "omnisexual," finding beauty in men, women, and horses because it helps his art. So here we are in 2025, conflating homosexuality and bestiality in a film meant to resurrect a tortured artist, displaying his agony and genius. 

As Linklater did with Jack Black in Bernie, he casts a straight American movie star to play a gay antihero, and the result is a caricature less subtle than anything hanging on the walls of Sardi's. Even before Larry starts drinking, Hawke commits to a bounciness that's buffoonish. His performance is playing the cheap seats, with arched eyebrows and an endlessly winking attitude that's better suited to Hollywood Squares. Making this more ridiculous are the lengths to which Linklater goes to get across that Hart was short, 5 feet tall at most. 

The Sardi's set is built so that Cannavale absolutely towers over Hawke, who, at 5 feet 10 inches tall, is himself dwarfed by the furniture around him. Seated at the bar, he strains to reach the ledge for a shot glass. Wide shots get even sillier, recalling the extent to which Peter Jackson went to make hobbits believably wee next to Gandalf. Perhaps this visual effect was meant to reflect how Hart's physical stature may have fed into his feeling small before others he admired. But it looks ludicrous.

Margaret Qualley exudes old-school elegance in Blue Moon.  Credit: Sabrina Lantos / Sony Pictures Classics

Thankfully, after an aching stretch of Larry clowning around to a nearly empty bar, other characters show up who refuse to be "extras" — as Larry snidely writes off the bartender. Among them is Margaret Qualley, playing a Yale art student named Elizabeth Weiland, who is as free-spirited as she is glamorous. She is Larry's protégé and current fixation. Before her arrival, he rants about her beauty and brilliance as if she not only hung the moon, but created it whole cloth. But this too feeds into a tedious trope, in which a gay man idolizes a gorgeous, bold woman in a way that is objectifying, even if not sexual. 

Despite his loud, earnest pining for Elizabeth, no one — not even she — believes him. Instead, it seems he envies her as he envies Richard — as someone beautiful and talented who is easy to love.

Blue Moon is so steeped in Larry's self-loathing that he denounces its title song, even as others praise it. He lies, sneaks, and steals to achieve even the slightest adoration from others, be they a flower delivery boy or the idolized Elizabeth. And in this desperation, Hawke's performance might evoke Jon Lovitz's dated Harvey Fierstein impersonation, with the screeching catchphrase, "I just wanna be loved, is that so wrong!?"

To Qualley's credit, she shoulders the role of this dream girl well, bringing a deeper inner life to Elizabeth through a cringe-inducing monologue about a sexual exploit gone comically wrong. In this scene, at least, Linklater and Kaplow make Elizabeth more than an ideal for their needy hero to fawn over. As she enters Sardi's, with her comes a different tone, a more grounded performance style that makes Hawke's over-the-top capering all the more jarring.

Andrew Scott is the best part of Blue Moon.  Credit: Sabrina Lantos / Sony Pictures Classics

Finally, at long last, the Oklahoma! contingent arrives, and with their glitz and excitement, they sweep away the maudlin clouds of Larry's monologuing. Sardi's is swinging. Rodgers (Scott) and Oscar Hammerstein (Simon Delaney) are the toast of New York! And Larry is trying and failing to be a good sport.

Sure, when he first arrived at the bar he was spitting bile about how lame this Broadway musical is, but now he's all praise. Yet from the moment Richard locks eyes on Larry, something tender and genuinely tragic takes root in Blue Moon. 

Richard is polite but guarded as Larry begins to chatter at him, speaking of how they ought to do a show together about comedic cannibals. While Larry is essentially hustling for his very livelihood, well-meaning glad-handers interject to shower praise on Richard. To them, Larry is practically invisible.

Scott switches focus from the drowning man to the smiling fans repeatedly with a striking eloquence that suggests Richard has done this dance with Larry many, many times before. Even now, as their partnership seems at its end, he's shielding him from embarrassment, protective and pained by the need to. 

As the afterparty drags on, Larry pushes Richard more and more, provoking him into a confrontation about who they were together as a creative partnership, how far they've come, and what could be next. But where Larry is lost in the past, Richard sees a future that moves beyond him. Amid the frustration and patience Scott brings into these achingly public heart-to-hearts, which grow messier with each reconnection, he also brings in heartbreak. As he's publicly drinking himself to death, Larry might joke that everyone acts like they're eulogizing him prematurely. But Scott plays Richard as if he can see it's not so premature, because the only person who could stop this downward spiral has been sneaking shots of whiskey all night long.

Scenes where Larry's loves — be they platonic or romantic — challenge him are when Blue Moon works. The capering of this clown collides with characters aching and elegant who don't buy his act, and in that Linklater scratches at the profound. All Larry wants is to be seen and loved, not as he is but as he wishes he could be. He spends enormous, exhausting energy trying to convince handsome young men, gorgeous young women, and his closest friend of this facade, and that is perhaps his greatest flaw. There is a bittersweet and beautiful tragedy in that, but with all the buffoonery, Blue Moon won't let this heartbreaking thread shine. 

Blue Moon was reviewed out of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It opens in limited release on Oct. 17, before going wide Oct. 24.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:56

Happy Thursday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 17, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 17 Pips

Number (12): Everything in this red space must add to 12. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically, 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add to 10. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 17 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this orange space must be less than 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this orange space must be less than 5. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 17 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add to 10. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this orange space must be greater than 5. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (30): Everything in this space must add to 30. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $100 on this 45-inch LG Ultragear curved gaming monitor

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:45

SAVE $103: As of Oct. 17, the LG 45GR75DC-B Ultragear curved gaming monitor is on sale for $696.99 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 45GR75DC-B Ultragear Curved Gaming Monitor $696.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $103   Get Deal

Your gaming setup just called, it needs an upgrade.

It's time to treat yourself to a great new monitor. And you can find just the thing at Amazon for a discounted rate. As of Oct. 17, the LG 45GR75DC-B Ultragear curved gaming monitor is reduced by $103, taking the price down to $696.99. It's a big, 45-inch screen ideal for all setups. This deal is only available for a limited time, however, so don't miss out.

SEE ALSO: Grab the ASUS ROG Strix gaming monitor for its lowest-ever price at Amazon

If you're a stats person, here's what you're getting: a 5120 x 1440 resolution screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio, so there's plenty of screen space to stream and game. It also supports up to 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 600 for better colors, contrast, and brightness. The OnScreen Control feature also includes Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, so you can view content from two input sources at once. It's fast, too, running at a 200Hz refresh rate with a 1ms (GtG) response time.

The design also includes a three-sided borderless display, LED backlighting, and adjustable height, tilt, and swivel settings, to minimize any neck discomfort. For connectivity, you'll get HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C connections, as well as a four-pole headphone jack that supports DTS Headphone:X.

Ready to upgrade? Get it at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score $72 off the DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo right now at Amazon

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:37

SAVE $72: As of Oct. 17, the DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo is on sale for $327 at Amazon. That's an 18% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo $327 at Amazon
$399 Save $72   Get Deal

If you're a vlogger or content creator, chances are you've heard of DJI. Known for its incredible portable cameras and drones, it's one of the best names in the field. And as of Oct. 17, you can get a great bundle deal on the DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo that includes the Osmo Action 4, three Osmo Action Extreme Batteries, as well as other handy accessories. And right now, it's $72 off, bringing the price down to $327.

This is a great camera for all types of filming, but it comes into its own with more adventurous activities (as the name would suggest). And as it's made for adventure, it's robust, and can last in temperatures as cold as negative four degrees Fahrenheit for up to 150 minutes. For dramatic shooting, you'll feel the benefit of the camera's three stabilization modes that keeps your footage smooth.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station has never been cheaper — save over $300 at Amazon

For quality, you won't be disappointed. It has a large 1/1.3-inch sensor so it can still take amazing images, even in low or harsh light. It also has 10-bit and D-Log M color, so your shots will always look vivid and bright.

With this combo, you'll get: one Osmo Action horizontal-vertical protective frame, one Osmo Action quick-release adapter mount, one Osmo Action quick-release adapter mount (mini), one Osmo Action curved adhesive base, two Osmo locking screws, one Type-C to Type-C PD cable, one Osmo Action multifunctional battery case, one Osmo 1.5m extension rod, one Osmo Action lens hood, one Osmo Action anti-slip pad, and one DJI logo sticker.

Get this DJI deal from Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for October 17, 2025

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:33

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Oct. 17, 2025:

Across"The Naked Gun" or "Scary Movie"
  • The answer is Spoof.

___ cut (short hairstyle)
  • The answer is Pixie.

Napoleon's punishment after the Battle of Waterloo
  • The answer is Exile.

Surrendered
  • The answer is Ceded.

They travel up and down snow-covered hills
  • The answer is Sleds.

DownGlasses, informally
  • The answer is Specs.

Dot on a computer screen
  • The answer is Pixel.

Nitrous ___ (laughing gas)
  • The answer is Oxide.

De-squeaked, as a bike chain
  • The answer is Oiled.

Scrollable features of social media
  • The answer is Feeds.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the ASUS ROG Strix gaming monitor for its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:30

SAVE OVER $100: As of Oct. 17, the ASUS ROG Strix 32-inch 4K HDR gaming monitor is on sale for $449 at Amazon. This is 25% off its list price of $599 and marks its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix 32-Inch 4K HDR Gaming Monitor $449 at Amazon
$599 Save $150   Get Deal

A high-quality monitor is key to a great PC gaming setup. If you've had your heart set on picking up something new, or you're simply in need of an upgrade, there are some great deals available on select models at the moment, particularly at Amazon. One that's caught our eye is the ASUS ROG Strix 32-inch 4K HDR gaming monitor, which is currently down to its best-ever price.

Get 25% off the ASUS ROG Strix 32-inch monitor at Amazon with the new price of $449. Considering it's down to its lowest-ever price right now, why wait to grab it? Not to mention, it's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so don't think too long before making a move.

SEE ALSO: Mashable readers know best — here's what our readers bought during October Prime Day

This ASUS ROG Strix 32-inch monitor is sure to make your games pop with vibrant colors and detail thanks to its 4K (3840x2160) resolution display. It even has a dual-mode feature that allows you to swap between 4K at 160 Hz or FHD at 320 Hz, so you can choose to play at 1080p with a much higher frame rate instead, if you prefer. The games you play will run smoothly with the help of a 0.3ms response time and ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync technology.

Don't wait to pick up a new gaming monitor — score the ASUS ROG Strix 32-inch 4K HDR gaming monitor at its lowest-ever price right now at Amazon.

Looking for even more PC gaming deals? Walmart has a wide variety of PC gaming deals at the moment, whether you want to check out more monitors, prebuilt gaming PCs, gaming keyboards, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on October 17

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 05:00

We're on day 26 of the lunar cycle which can only mean one thing: it's nearly the New Moon. Over the next few nights, the moon will fade from view as it moves between Earth and the Sun, as we transition into a new lunar cycle.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Oct. 17, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, only 14% will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Visibility is decreasing significantly each night. Tonight, you'll only be able to see the Aristarchus Plateau without a visual aid. However, if you have binoculars, you'll also see the Grimaldi Basin. A telescope will also bring the Reiner Gamma into sight. This is a lunar swirl on the moon's surface.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

The Moon follows a continuous cycle that lasts about 29.5 days as it travels around Earth. These shifts occur because the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon are always changing relative to one another. From Earth, we might see the Moon as full, partly lit, or completely dark, but the same side always faces us. What varies each night is how much sunlight reaches and reflects off its surface.

The eight main moon phases are:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2025-2026 NBA season: Your guide to streaming games without cable

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 00:10
The best NBA streaming deals at a glance: Best for ESPN and ABC games ESPN Unlimited annual plan $299.99/year (save $59.89) Get Deal Best for NBC and Peacock games Peacock Premium annual plan $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Best for Prime Video games Prime Video only $8.99/month (save $6/month compared to Prime subscription) Get Deal BEST FOR OUT-OF-MARKET GAMES NBA League Pass starting at $16.99/month Get Deal

For the first time in more than two decades, the NBA has new broadcast partners. That means that, like other sports leagues, watching games is about to get even more complicated.

A new NBA season is about to begin, and whether or not you still have cable, you're going to need a streaming service or two to catch the action live. Between regional sports networks, blackout games, and national broadcasts, we have a lot to cover. Buckle up, basketball fans. We've got your guide to watching the 2025-2026 NBA season, including all of the best streaming deals.

When does the 2025-2026 NBA season start?

The NBA season officially tips off on Oct. 21 with a primetime double header — Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers. The 82-game regular season wraps up April 12, 2025.

What channels do I need to watch live NBA games this season?

The NBA's long-standing contract with TNT has officially concluded. This season, you'll need NBC instead. After 23 long years, the league struck up a new deal with NBC — the network and its streaming counterpart, Peacock, will air up to 100 regular season games on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. It will have been 8,532 days between NBC's last NBA broadcast and the 2025-2026 season opener. In addition to the games broadcast on NBC, there will also be several games exclusively streaming on Peacock.

Besides NBC, the NBA has also struck up a landmark deal with Amazon this season. For the first time, Prime Video is getting a slice of the basketball schedule. It was only a matter of time, TBH. Prime Video will present exclusive global coverage for 66 regular season games, as well as a new Black Friday NBA game, all games from the knockout rounds of this year's NBA Cup, the play-in tournament, and select playoff games.

In addition to NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video, you'll also need ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and, of course, your regional sports network, as in years past. Here's a breakdown of the general TV schedule for national broadcasts:

  • Sunday — ABC/ESPN and NBC/Peacock

  • Monday — Peacock

  • Tuesday — NBC/Peacock

  • Wednesday — ESPN

  • Thursday — Prime Video

  • Friday — Prime Video and ESPN

  • Saturday — ABC/ESPN and Prime Video

How to watch NBA games this season without cableNational broadcasts

There will be 247 national broadcasts this season, with games airing on ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video, compared to last season's 172. As noted above, even if you have cable, you'll still need Peacock and Prime Video in order to watch those exclusive games. No cable? No worries. Peacock has you covered with NBC broadcasts as well as Peacock exclusives, and ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service has you covered with ESPN and ABC broadcasts. You can watch nearly 250 games this season with Peacock, ESPN Unlimited, and Prime Video alone.

Local broadcasts

Unfortunately, national broadcasts only make up a small fraction of the full slate of games. Most games are broadcast locally via regional sports networks (RSNs). For these games, it will largely come down to whether or not the team you want to watch is in-market or out-of-market.

In-market games:

In order to watch in-market games, you'll need access to your local RSN. Many of these networks (but not all) offer their own streaming subscriptions, like FanDuel Sports Network, Monumental Sports Network, or Gotham Sports. If you're unsure which RSN you need to watch your local team, you can check out the FAQs below.

The most direct way to access these RSNs is through their individual subscription offers, but not every RSN has its own streaming counterpart. For those that don't, you'll need a cable alternative like Fubo or DirecTV Stream, which can cost a pretty penny.

Out-of-market games:

If you're a fan of an out-of-market team, you'll need NBA League Pass. League Pass streams practically all regional broadcasts for teams that aren't in your local market. For example, if you live in New York City, you'll be able to watch every team via NBA League Pass except the Knicks and Nets. NBA League Pass costs $16.99 per month to watch on one device with commercials or $24.99 per month to watch on up to three devices with in-arena streams (no commercials).

What is an RSN, and which one do I need?

Unlike the NFL, which offers national broadcasts of most games with specific in-market choice games, the NBA (as well as the NHL and MLB) complicates things with regional sports networks (RSNs). These are essentially sports-specific TV channels dedicated to a local market or geographic area. If you live in the same region as your favorite team, you'll need to know which RSN broadcasts your team's games. Some examples of RSNs are FanDuel Sports Network (which replaced Bally Sports), NBC Sports, and Altitude Sports. Head over to the NBA schedule if you aren't sure which network your team plays on. For a complete list of each team's RSN, see the FAQs below.

If you really only care about your local team, many RSNs offer subscriptions for you to tune in without cable. For example, Fan Duel Sports Network Southeast (which includes Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies games) is $19.99 per month or $124.99 for the whole NBA season. Monumental Sports Network (which includes the Washington Wizards) is $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. A quick Google search for your team's RSN will let you know if there's a separate subscription available. Of course, these RSN subscriptions will not include nationally broadcast games on ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, Prime Video, or NBA TV.

The best live TV streaming deals for NBA gamesBest for ESPN and ABC games: Save 16% on the ESPN Unlimited yearly plan Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited annual plan $299.99/year (save $59.89) Get Deal

ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service, launched this past summer, unlocks access to the entire suite of ESPN networks and services in one subscription. You'll get to stream NBA games from ESPN and ABC (as well as plenty of other sports and leagues). It typically costs $29.99 per month, but if you commit to a full year, you'll save about 16% or nearly $60. Of course, you can watch more than just NBA games, making the yearly plan worth it, particularly for fans of multiple sports.

Best for NBC and Peacock games: Save 17% on Peacock annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

When Peacock isn't running any sort of special (which it does a few times per year — keep an eye out around Black Friday), the best Peacock deal for most people on any given day is the annual subscription plan. When you pay upfront for the year, you'll end up getting 12 months for the price of 10. A monthly subscription with ads usually costs $10.99 per month (which adds up to $131.88), but paying upfront drops that price to only $109.99 (which breaks down to $9.17 per month). That's a total savings of 17%.

The Peacock Premium Plus plan costs $169.99 per year (which breaks down to about $14.16 per month instead of $16.99) and offers ad-free content. Live sports, however, will still include ads. If you're subscribing to Peacock specifically for NBA games, you might as well go for the cheaper option.

More Peacock deals:

Best for Prime Video games: Save $6 per month on Prime Video only Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Prime Video only $8.99 per month Get Deal

If you're only interested in Prime Video for the NBA games, you probably don't care about all the extra perks of being a Prime member. In that case, you don't need to pay $14.99 per month for Prime. You can simply subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service for only $8.99 per month instead and save yourself $6 per month.

Of course, Amazon makes it unnecessarily complicated to sign up for Prime Video on its own. When you go to sign up for a subscription, be sure to select the option to "see more plans" or "change plans." Then, navigate to the option for Prime Video on its own. You can still cancel whenever you want, just as you would a full Prime membership.

More Prime Video deals:

Best for out-of-market games: Save over 40% on NBA League Pass annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: NBA League Pass NBA League Pass annual plan $109.99 per season with ads, $159.99 per season without ads Get Deal

Similar to NFL's Sunday Ticket, minus the outrageous fee, NBA League Pass gives fans access to live out-of-market games. Plus, you'll get to enjoy games from the NBA's archive, analysis, documentaries, highlights, and more. Local games on NBA TV, as well as nationally broadcast games, will be blacked out live. You can tune into locally blacked-out games three days after the live broadcast and nationally broadcast games three hours after. It costs $16.99 or $24.99 per month, but if you pay for the whole season upfront, it'll only cost you $109.99 or $159.99. The more expensive option unlocks ad-free viewing and the ability to stream on three devices at once.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save a whopping $900 on the Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 00:00

SAVE $900: As of Oct. 16, get the Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station for $699, down from its usual price of $1,599. That's a discount of 56%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station $699 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $900   Get Deal

How many times have you found yourself without electricity after a storm? Or maybe you like to go camping and stay off-grid for a while, but you need some power to use appliances? Whatever the case may be, a portable power station is a great thing to have, and you can get an excellent one right now for a significant amount of money off thanks to this Amazon deal.

As of Oct. 16, get the Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station for $699, down from its usual price of $1,599. That's a discount of 56%.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best portable power stations to stay charged up at home and on the go

This model boasts a 2,048Wh capacity and a 2,400W output (including a 3,600W Power Lifting mode) that means it's capable of running up to 99% of home appliances, like your microwave, toaster, and even a fridge. You can add more batteries to it for it to run longer if need be as well, so you'll have even more electricity to play around with.

Once your power station is depleted, it only really takes about 45 minutes to get it back up to 80 percent as long as it's plugged into a wall outlet or via solar panel. That means you can get it juiced back up significantly quicker than most of the other power stations you might have in your repertoire.

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get everything charged up and ready when you're in various electricity-less situations, this is a fantastic power station to pick up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Gift your living room the 85-inch Hisense Class U7 QLED 4K TV while its on sale for under $1,000 at Walmart

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 23:30

SAVE $500: The 85-inch Hisense Class U7 QLED 4K TV is on sale at Walmart for $998, down from the normal price of $1,498. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 85-inch Hisense Class U7 QLED 4K TV $998 at Walmart
$1,498 Save $500   Get Deal

Welcome to indoor season. Unless you're one of the few people who thrive in chilly weather, you're probably switching out your outdoor activities for inside ones these days. Inevitably, that means more movies, TV shows, and gaming. If your current living room TV is no longer offering an impressive viewing experience, consider upgrading to this 85-inch model that's on a sweet discount.

As of Oct. 16, the 85-inch Hisense Class U7 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $998 at Walmart, marked down from the standard price of $1,498. That's a 33% discount that takes a whopping $500 off.

Hisense consistently makes some of the best budget TVs which means it's a great brand to check out if you're hoping for an 85-inch model. The Class U7 QLED 4K TV uses a bright QLED display that will be great for daytime viewing of sports as well as evenings spent rewatching your favorite Apple TV series. Peak brightness reaches 1,000 nits.

SEE ALSO: The Hisense U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV has dropped to an all-time low price at Amazon

This Hisense is also suitable for gaming since it comes with a 144Hz native refresh rate. Another major benefit is the built-in Google TV which gives you access to your favorite apps in a user-friendly display.

Before this deal sells out, upgrade to the 85-inch Hisense Class U7 QLED 4K TV for under $1,000 at Walmart. Your holiday gatherings with Christmas films or cozy fireplace scenes will thank you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $100 on the Apple Mac Mini with M4 chip now that the M5 chip is here

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 23:00

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 16, shop the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for just $499. That saves you $100 off its usual $599 list price for 17% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $499 at Amazon
$599 Save $100   Get Deal

We're seeing lots of discounts on the Apple products today, maybe no surprise considering it's following the brand's product drop on Oct. 15. Apple debuted new silicon, the M5 chip, which is coming to the Vision Pro, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro. That means the previous M4 chip is no longer the latest processor, however, it doesn't mean it's obsolete.

The M4 chip is still the best silicon we've tested from Apple, given that we haven't gotten our hands on the M5. However, we've been finding discounts on the Apple's M4 products since the launch, including on the Mac Mini.

As of Oct. 16, the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is down to $499. That saves you $100 off its MSRP of $599. Is this the lowest price ever on the Mac Mini? No. It's lowest price was $469, but we didn't even see this desktop return to that price during Amazon's July or October Prime Day, meaning $499 is the next best price.

The Apple Mac Mini, is an affordable desktop from Apple. This little computer has 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD but tucks away next to a monitor where you can enjoy the devices quick and efficient power. It's built for Apple Intelligence, if that's your thing, and has a variety of ports including a Thunderbolt, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet ports, front-facing USB-C ports, and a headphone jack.

Shop the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) now for just $499 at Amazon and save $100 on the desktop computer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $1,500 on a MacBook Pro while supplies last

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 23:00

TL;DR: If you’re in the market for a powerful laptop, this MacBook Pro is on sale for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through Nov. 2, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch i5 2GHz 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

When it comes to laptops, you can’t do much better than Apple’s MacBook Pro. This device provides the power and performance we’ve come to love from Apple, while managing to fit it into a sleek and lightweight casing that you can take anywhere.

These devices typically come with a steep price tag, but right now you can bring home a MacBook Pro, complete with 1TB of storage, for only $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through Nov. 2.

SEE ALSO: The 11-inch Apple iPad is still $70 off at Amazon well after October Prime Day

Get ready to get more done with this sleek and speedy MacBook Pro. It may weigh in at only 3.1 pounds, but don’t be deceived by its lightweight status. This laptop has a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed, with an impressive 3.8GHz Turbo Boost. An impressive 1TB of SSD lets you keep your important files stored locally.

The 13.3-inch screen has a 2560×1600 native resolution, so you’ll be able to answer work emails or stream your favorite show with vibrant colors and sharp details. This model’s display also includes Apple’s True Tone Technology, which adjusts to your lighting and helps reduce eye strain. And you can tackle a full workday thanks to this MacBook Pro’s ten hour battery life.

This MacBook Pro features Apple favorites like the Magic Keyboard, which allows comfortable typing for hours, and the Touch Bar, which provides helpful shortcuts at the top of the keyboard. Four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports also make connecting easy.

You’re saving over $1,500 thanks to this model’s grade A refurbished status, and it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition.

Act fast to bring home a MacBook Pro for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through Nov. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple is finally working on a touchscreen MacBook Pro

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 22:49

Apple just unveiled its new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro earlier this week and reports are already coming in about the next line of MacBooks powered by the M6 chip. But, that M6 line of MacBook Pros will come with another huge, potentially game-changing upgrade — a touchscreen. 

According to a new report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple is finally working on a high-end touchscreen MacBook Pro to be released in late 2026 or early 2027. 

This would place the touchscreen MacBook's release around the same time Apple would unveil its new Silicone chipset, expected to be the M6.

Gurman reports that Apple's touchscreen display would use OLED technology, similar to that of the iPhone and iPad Pro. The use of these thinner displays would mark the first time a MacBook Pro utilized the technology.

Apple would also develop a "reinforced hinge and screen hardware" in order to solve a problem existing touchscreen laptops face, where the display gets pushed back or bounces when touched.

SEE ALSO: Preorder the iPad Pro with M5 chip now — Apple's most advanced tablet yet

In addition, the touchscreen MacBook Pro would get rid of the controversial notch at the top of the display. A "hole-punch design" similar to the iPhone's Dynamic Island would take its place. 

The touchscreen display would make this model of MacBook Pro the high-end version of a non-touchscreen model. The new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro currently retails for $1,999. The touchscreen version of Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro should be released at a price point of "a few hundred dollars more."

As Gurman notes, Apple founder and former CEO Steve Jobs had come out against vertical touchscreen surfaces before his passing in 2011. The company had seemingly stood by that stance until a 2023 report from Gurman noting that Apple engineers were seriously looking into a touchscreen MacBook for the first time.

Apple attempted to downplay reports of a touchscreen Mac in 2024 when Tom Boger, Apple's vice president of iPad and Mac product marketing, told the Wall Street Journal that the company wasn't planning to release a touchscreen MacBook.

Apple attempted to find a touchscreen middle ground with the touch bar, which debuted in October 2016. However, the touchscreen bar sliver integrated above the MacBook's keyboard and replaced a whole row of physical keys, never really caught on. Apple retired the touch bar in 2023.

Touchscreen laptops have become fairly standard across the industry, with most laptop manufacturing offering some type of touchscreen model. Much like Apple's late entry into the AI space, the company would be well behind its competitors in this area too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ROG Xbox Ally X review in progress: Hold an Xbox in the palm of your hands

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 22:11

Up until now, Xbox was the only major platform left out of the gaming handheld space. Valve’s Steam Deck lets players play their Steam library on the go. Nintendo has the hugely successful Switch and Switch 2. And Sony recently made a comeback into the handheld space — harkening back to the PSP and Vita days — with the disappointing PlayStation Portal.

Now, Microsoft has finally stepped up to the plate with the ROG Xbox Ally X, a collaboration between ASUS ROG and Microsoft’s Xbox division. The new Xbox handheld promises to let you play your Xbox and PC games on the go, and it even features a new processor, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which offers more power than previous ROG models. It’s also a whopping $1,000.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally X $999.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now

So is it worth it? Here are my first impressions after unboxing the gaming handheld and spending about half a day playing.

How does ROG Xbox Ally X feel? While it's powered by Windows 11, you'll spend most of your time in the Xbox gaming mode. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable

Right out of the box, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a bit on the heavier side, more similar to the Steam Deck rather than the lighter Switch 2 or PS Portal. Its size is comparable to the Steam Deck and PS Portal. However, the Switch 2 is superior with its slightly more compact design, especially when its Joy-Cons are detached.

I do love the ergonomics of the ROG Xbox Ally X, though. The integrated grips simulate the feel and comfort of a standard Xbox controller. Previous ROG Ally iterations didn’t have these kinds of grips, so that makes this a step-up already in that aspect.

Clockwise, from top left: ROG Xbox Ally X, Nintendo Switch 2, Playstation Portal, Steam Deck Credit: George Yang / Mashable SEE ALSO: ROG Xbox Ally pre-orders start now: Where to buy the new handheld

The buttons are perfectly spaced out and have a satisfying, clicky feeling when pressed. The direction pad is excellent as well, which makes this gaming handheld a great way to play platformers. The thumbsticks are slightly diagonal from each other, similar to an Xbox controller. Overall, the ROG Ally X will feel very familiar to gamers in the Xbox camp, in a good way. The device even has a fingerprint reader, adding a layer of security while providing an easy way to jump right back in and play.

Playing the ROG Xbox Ally X: First impressions The controls really feel like Xbox controllers. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable

When booting up the Ally X, it wastes no time telling you that it’s primarily a Windows PC handheld. The familiar blue Windows user interface had me select a language, install some updates, and then finally took me to the Xbox app. It looks strikingly similar to the Xbox app on PC. I wish the gaming UI was more unique to the Ally X, something the Steam Deck does well, but it is simple to navigate. However, so far, the Xbox UI suffers from a bit of lag and is prone to freezing. Sometimes, I’d try to open up the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass, and the handheld would remain unresponsive. 

At the menu on the right, you’ll see your three primary sources of games: Game Pass, your current library, and Cloud Gaming. Game Pass is Xbox’s signature gaming subscription model, which recently saw a price hike. I’m an Ultimate tier subscriber, so I have access to Microsoft's first-party games. Through it, I downloaded several games, including Doom: The Dark Ages, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I also downloaded several games I already own — Lies of P and Hotel Barcelona — both of which are Play Anywhere games.

The new Xbox handheld also has a touchscreen display. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable SEE ALSO: Snag a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription before the price hike

It’s important to note that the only games that can be directly downloaded are ones available through Game Pass and Play Anywhere titles. The latter is a program that allows you to buy a digital game once through Microsoft, and play it on both an Xbox console and a Windows PC. Normally, you’d have to have to pay twice if you want to play a game on different platforms, but the Play Anywhere program is a convenient and consumer-friendly initiative. Unlike the Steam Deck, you can’t carry your entire library on the go, unfortunately.

When it comes to playing games, I've found so far that performance between titles is wildly inconsistent. Expedition 33 and Avowed had framerate and stuttering issues. Expedition 33’s battles require precise timing to dodge enemy attacks, so when I missed button presses due to these performance problems, it negatively impacted my gameplay. Avowed is a real-time action game, where a more stable framerate would allow me to react faster.

On the other hand, games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle performed flawlessly. Doom is the fastest-paced game out of all of the ones I’ve tried on the handheld so far, and having the power to kill demons in the palm of my hands felt immensely gratifying. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s framerate held steady and was buttery smooth, making it the most immersive experience I’ve had yet.

The ROG Xbox Ally X launches with 1,000+ titles optimized for the handheld experience. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable SEE ALSO: Playing the Lenovo Legion Go 2 handheld made me yearn for the simplicity of my Switch 2

I also tried out the Cloud Gaming capabilities for a bit and played about 30 minutes of Borderlands 4. With a solid WiFi connection, Borderlands 4 performed just fine with minimal hiccups. Borderlands 4 is not available on Game Pass, and it’s also not a Play Anywhere title. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, using Cloud Gaming is a fantastic way to circumvent the ROG Xbox Ally X’s library limitations by letting you directly stream games from your Xbox account.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable Credit: George Yang / Mashable

It seems like the optimization of each game will be on a case-by-case basis. In my limited day one experience, I've found that certain games seem to work better than others. I’m still testing it out, but it's certainly a capable handheld from what I’ve played so far, with a gorgeous display and solid ergonomics.

However, does the ROG Xbox Ally X justify its hefty $1,000 price tag? That remains to be decided, and I'll reserve judgment until I complete my full Xbox Ally X review, when I’ll be back with a more in-depth answer for Mashable readers.

ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld: By the numbers Where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally X BEST BUY ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld $999.99 Shop Now MICROSOFT ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld $999.99 Shop Now

The new ROG Xbox Ally X launched on Oct. 16 for $999.99. You can purchase the handheld at Best Buy, Microsoft, and ASUS.

This gaming handheld has some impressive specs:

  • Processor: New AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor

  • RAM: 24GB

  • Storage: 1TB SSD

  • Operating System: Windows 11

  • Refresh rate: 120Hz

  • Ports: Dual USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, microSD

  • Display: 1080p LED

  • Weight: 1.58 pounds

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch I Know What You Did Last Summer at home: Now streaming

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 22:00
The best Netflix deals at a glance: BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for those on Go5G, Experience Beyond and Experience More plans (save $7.99/month) Learn More BEST BUNDLE DEAL Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $7.98 per month) Learn More BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard with ads, Apple TV+, and Peacock Premium $15/month with Xfinity StreamSaver (save $13.97/month) Get Deal MOST AFFORDABLE PLAN Netflix Standard with ads $7.99 per month Learn More

How about another horror legacy sequel to round out the summer? The hook-wielding killer from the hit '90s slasher film is back to torment a new group of pretty young friends with a dark secret. The latest I Know What You Did Last Summer isn't just a reboot, though — it's a sequel with some iconic faces. The legendary Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt are back to tap into our collective love of '90s nostalgia and slasher films.

I Know What You Did Last Summer also stars Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Gabbriette Bechtel, and Austin Nichols.

The sequel slash reboot hit theaters in July and became available to watch at home as of Aug. 26 via digital on demand. Now it's finally streaming — just in time for spooky season. Here's everything you need to know to watch — including how you can watch for less.

What is I Know What You Did Last Summer about?

Part reboot, part sequel, I Know What You Did Last Summer borrows the 1997 original's basic plot. In the fishing village of Southport, North Carolina, a group of teens accidentally kills someone and covers it up. They think they've gotten away with murder until a mysterious, hooded, fishhook-wielding stranger starts stalking them down. This time around, however, the guilty teens seek out survivors from the first film — Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.) — for help.

Check out the trailer below:

Is I Know What You Did Last Summer worth watching?

The slasher legacy sequel earned around $65 million at the global box office. While it has definitely succeeded against a reported budget of $17 million, it struggled to find its audience compared to other legacy sequels like 28 Years Later and Final Destination: Bloodlines. The reviews are largely mediocre, as it currently holds a 36 percent critic rating and 68 percent audience rating at Rotten Tomatoes. To be fair, the original also has pretty low scores.

For what it's worth, Mashable's own reviewer had mostly good things to say about I Know What You Did Last Summer. In his review, Jason Adams cheered, "Here, Robinson's film leans into the fun of horror legacy, playing to the strengths of the '90s original and throwing curveballs at a new generation. It's all a learning process: When life stabs you, you strike a pose in your designer jeans and vintage rock tee and stab it the hell back, baby."

Read our full review of I Know What You Did Last Summer.

How to watch I Know What You Did Last Summer at home Credit: Sony Pictures

As of Oct. 16, there are a few ways you can watch I Know What You Did Last Summer at home: buy it or rent it on digital for as low as $5.99 or stream it. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

I Know What You Did Last Summer is available as of Aug. 26 to buy for $14.99 or rent for $5.99 at digital-on-demand retailers. Make note that if you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film, but just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

Stream it on Netflix

Given Sony Pictures' and Netflix's agreement that gives the streamer first dibs, it comes as no surprise that I Know What You Did Last Summer makes its streaming debut on Netflix on Oct. 16. That's actually earlier than we anticipated, based on other recent Sony Pictures films (like Heart Eyes and Paddington in Peru), likely so that it's available to watch ahead of Halloween.

Netflix doesn't offer free trials, nor does it allow you to share an account (unless you pay for an extra user), so you'll need your own Netflix subscription to stream I Know What You Did Last Summer. Fortunately, Netflix has a few membership tiers; all three options will grant you access.

Watching Netflix with ads is the most affordable option at $7.99 per month. If you want to eliminate ads, the price jumps up to $17.99 for a Standard subscription. Finally, there's a third tier called Netflix Premium that costs a steep $24.99 per month and will let you watch on four household devices at once (as opposed to the other plans' two devices) in 4K Ultra HD + HDR with no ads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix subscription Starting at $7.99 per month Learn More The best Netflix deals

Before you sign up for Netflix, check the deals below to see if you're eligible to score a subscription for free — or at least at a discount. Be sure to check the terms for more details.

Best Netflix deal for T-Mobile customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

T-Mobile customers on most Go5G plans, as well as Experience Beyond and Experience More plans, get ad-supported Netflix Standard for free (reg. $7.99 per month) as long as their account remains in good standing. You need to have two or more lines of any type of Go5G or Magenta plan or at least one line of Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX, Experience More, or Experience Beyond.

If you're eligible, you'll have to manually activate your subscription by logging into My.T-Mobile and selecting Manage add-ons. Once there, add Netflix in the Services section and you'll be prompted to either create a Netflix account or sign in to an existing one. T-Mobile will then take care of your Netflix bill each month. Check out the terms and FAQs on the promo page.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / HBO Max Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan Get Deal

As of December 2023, Verizon customers with myPlan can get a Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) for just $10 per month ($7.98 per month in savings). A $17.98 value, that basically gets you Netflix Standard with ads for free. Eligible Verizon customers include those on the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. After enrolling in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Verizon's support page has all the eligibility details, terms, and FAQs.

Best Netflix deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ / Peacock / Netflix Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium, and Apple TV+ $15 per month with Xfinity StreamSaver Get Deal

Last year, Comcast announced its Xfinity StreamSaver package, which includes Netflix Standard with ads ($7.99 per month), Peacock Premium ($10.99 per month), and Apple TV+ ($9.99 per month). Current and new Xfinity Internet or TV customers can add the StreamSaver bundle to their existing services for only $15 per month. Usually, it costs $28.97 per month for all three subscriptions, so you'll save about $13.97 monthly with this package deal.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming details and prices for "I Know What You Did Last Sumer."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jingle Bell Heist trailer: Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells join forces and fall in love

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 20:48

Working at department stores during the holiday shopping season should come with hazard pay. Barraged by giddy children hyped up on too many sweets, anxious parents determined to get the perfect gift, and bosses who are total Grinches, these workers too often get too many bad days for too little in return. That's the case for beleaguered handyman Nick (Connor Swindells) and harried retail-worker Sophia (Olivia Holt). So, they decide it's time for a Jingle Bell Heist.

Written by Abby McDonald and Amy Reed, this Netflix holiday original follows its thieving antiheroes as they devise a plan to rob the London department store where they've been ripped off. The goal is a big Christmas Eve score. But while planning their scheme, these two begin to want each other for Christmas. It's an inside job with plenty of holiday cheer.

Lucy Punch, Peter Serafinowicz, and Poppy Drayton co-star in this curious addition to Netflix's ever-growing holiday lineup. Are you ready to have your heart snatched by these beguiling thieves?

Jingle Bell Heist premieres on Netflix on Nov. 26.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Jurassic World Rebirth: Heres when the dino revival is streaming

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 20:45
The best streaming deals to watch 'Jurassic World Rebirth' at a glance: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Jurassic World Rebirth' on Prime Video $19.99 or $29.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Jurassic World Rebirth' on Apple TV+ $19.99 or $29.99 Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium yearly subscription $109.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Students $2.99/month for 12 months (save $8/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99/month (save $7/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $3.99/month (save $7/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $7/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER FOR FREE Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal

The Jurassic Park franchise roars on in 2025 with Jurassic World Rebirth — one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. Besides a new star-studded cast, we're most excited about the return of Jurassic Park's original screenwriter, David Koepp.

Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Rogue One), it stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as a group of people who should know better than to mess with dinosaurs so casually. Nevertheless, they seek out the beasts, and all chaos ensues.

Jurassic World Rebirth landed in theaters July 2, but if you missed it on the big screen, you can officially watch it at home this fall. Here's everything you need to know, including when and where it's streaming.

What is Jurassic World Rebirth about?

Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, Rebirth follows an extraction crew (Johansson, Bailey, Ali, and Friend) on an expedition to the original research facility for Jurassic Park. Their mission? To procure DNA from the dinosaurs deemed "too dangerous for the park" for a medical advancement worth trillions.

Check out the official trailer below.

Is Jurassic World Rebirth worth watching?

The last two Jurassic Park movies — Fallen Kingdom and Dominion — were loathed by critics, including Mashable's own, despite making over a billion dollars. So, the bar is set pretty low.

For what it's worth, though, Mashable film critic Kristy Puchko calls Jurassic World Rebirth "the best of the new batch of movies."

"In the end, Jurassic World Rebirth is a rocky ride. Some bits are absolutely exhilarating, while others feel like a chore. But unlike the humans in this franchise, the humans of our world just cannot tire of these incredible beasts, happy to shell out ticket money to get as close as we might to their enormous majesty. And this film, including its hilariously calamitous opening with its requisite kill, will deliver, feeding both all our yearning for excitement and our need for escapism," she writes in her review, adding, "It’s not better than the original, but it’s the closest we’ve come."

Like most of the other Jurassic Park movies (aside from the original), it has a relatively low critic score overall on Rotten Tomatoes, with a solid 70+ audience score. Translation: People can't get enough of these on-screen beasts.

Check out our full review of Jurassic World Rebirth.

How to watch Jurassic World Rebirth at home Credit: Universal Pictures

There are a few different ways you can watch Jurassic World Rebirth at home. You can buy it or rent it on digital for as low as $5.99, or you can stream it on Peacock. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Jurassic World Rebirth is available as of Aug. 5 to buy or rent at digital-on-demand retailers. Just be aware that with rentals, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it's yours to keep with no watch limits.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

Stream it on Peacock

As a Universal Pictures film, it comes as no surprise that Jurassic World Rebirth will make its streaming debut on Peacock on Oct. 30. The digital-to-streaming arc of other recent Universal films (Drop, Wicked, The Woman in the Yard) was between two and three months, so this release is right on par.

Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for as low as $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without (thanks to a recent price hike). Before you get ahead of yourself, though, be sure to check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

If Peacock isn't running any sort of special, the best Peacock deal for most people on any given day is the annual subscription deal. You'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. While a monthly subscription with ads costs $10.99 per month (which adds up to $131.88), a yearly subscription will only run you $109.99 (which breaks down to about $9.17 per month). That's about 17% in total savings. For those who prefer watching without ads, you'll pay $169.99 per year (which breaks down to about $14.16 per month instead of $16.99).

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

Xfinity customers should check the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock, as you might be able to score a subscription without paying a cent. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity. You can also head to Xfinity.com for more details.

  • Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

  • NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

  • New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students: Save $8/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year (save $8 per month) Get Deal

Students can shave $8 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription for an entire year — that's a total of $96 in savings. You'll need to verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the cost down to just $2.99 instead of $8.99. Just note that it can only be used once, and after the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again.

Best Peacock deal for first responders: Save $7/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal

First responders and medical professionals can secure a Peacock Premium subscription at a discounted rate of $3.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it's not limited to a year. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew your subscription at the discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans: Save $7/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also get Peacock Premium for a discounted rate of $3.99 per month, so long as you can prove your military status using SheerID and continue to meet requirements. You may need to revalidate your status to renew the promotion each year.

Best for teachers: Save $7/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Educators who can verify their status on SheerID can also score Peacock Premium for just $3.99 per month instead of $10.99. However, the promotion is limited to a year. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price, so be sure to cancel before the year is up.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal

You'll unlock a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value) by signing up for Instacart+ ($99.99 per year). That's on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. Oh, and here's a pro tip: If you're new to Instacart+, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters. That means you can watch Jurassic World Rebirth and plenty more for free if you wait until the streaming debut to sign up. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged.

Best for Mastercard holders: Get up to $5 back per month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Mastercard Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal

If you sign up for Peacock using an eligible World or World Elite Mastercard, you'll automatically receive a monthly statement credit of $3 for Peacock Premium or $5 for Peacock Premium Plus. That ultimately drops the price of the Premium tier back to $7.99 (its former price before the most recent price hike) and Premium Plus down to $11.99 per month. Learn more about eligibility requirements on the promotional page. The offer ends on Dec. 31, 2025.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 3:45 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming details and pricing for "Jurassic World Rebirth."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Instagram Teen Accounts: Is it just PR?

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 20:04

On the same day Meta showcased its latest AI gadgets, Brandy Roberts stood outside its headquarters mourning her daughter Englyn — who was just 14 when she died after watching a “how-to” suicide video on Instagram. Brandy wasn’t there as an activist. She was there as a grieving mother demanding answers. Inside, Mark Zuckerberg fumbled through live demos of glitchy smart glasses and AI tools. Outside, grieving families demanded accountability. Meta’s silence spoke volumes: Growth over grief, product over protection, optics over safety. 

Meta’s failures aren’t new. Back in 2019, approximately 440,000 minors received follower requests from accounts previously flagged for predatory behavior. Since then, the company has focused on convincing users and lawmakers it can police itself — launching promotional campaigns like Instagram Teen accounts despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Instagram Teen Accounts were marketed as a breakthrough in youth safety — with AI age detection, nudity filters, and location alerts. But independent audits found only 8 of 47 safety tools were effective. Teens still encountered sexualized content, self-harm imagery, and predatory behavior. Meta’s updates seem to be more about perception than protection.

New reporting from Heat Initiative, ParentsTogether Action, and Design It For Us reveals the dark reality of the teen experience on Instagram Teen accounts. Surveying 800 users aged 13–15, the report found that nearly half encountered unsafe content or unwanted messages in just the past month. Half said Instagram’s algorithm recommended suspicious adult-run accounts, and 65 percent hadn’t seen a single "take a break" notification — a feature Meta touts as a screen-time safeguard. These findings underscore a growing pattern: Meta’s promotional campaigns promise peace of mind, but the lived experience of young users tells a story of persistent exposure to harm. The discrepancy between marketing and reality isn’t just misleading — it’s dangerous.

And now, Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action have released a video showing exactly what kind of content teens are served on Instagram Teen accounts — content so inappropriate that even sharing it for advocacy feels ethically fraught. Watching these clips, I felt the same discomfort that Meta should feel every time its algorithm pushes similar material to millions of young users. If it feels wrong to show these videos to adults for advocacy, why does Meta feel justified in serving them to children at scale?

Platforms like Meta will continue to exploit their users — especially children — until we, the users, reclaim our power and demand a better digital community. One that values connection and public good over profit.

I left Instagram after witnessing parents like Brandy protest in NYC. It wasn’t easy — most of my friends stayed. But each month, I’m reminded that I have the power to choose platforms that value me, not exploit me. I do it for my younger self. For future generations. For the survivors I love. And for the children who can’t be here.

So next time you see organizations or influencers partnering with Meta, ask yourself: Is this about safety or optics? Just yesterday, Meta claimed its Instagram Teen experience would now be "guided by PG‑13 movie ratings." But the Motion Picture Association quickly clarified it was never consulted and called Meta’s claim "inaccurate." Once again, Meta borrows credibility it hasn’t earned, using trusted labels to mask persistent harm. When PR becomes the product and partnerships become shields, we owe it to ourselves — and our children — to look closer.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

Lennon Torres is a Public Voices Fellow on Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse with The OpEd Project. She is an LGBTQ+ advocate who grew up in the public eye, gaining national recognition as a young dancer on television shows. With a deep passion for storytelling, advocacy, and politics, Lennon now works to center the lived experience of herself and others as she crafts her professional career in online child safety at Heat Initiative. The opinions reflected in this piece are those of Lennon Torres as an individual and not of the entities she is part of. Lennon’s substack: https://substack.com/@lennontorres1

Categories: IT General, Technology

Still havent seen The Substance? Heres how to watch it at home.

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 19:40
How to watch 'The Substance' at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'The Substance' on digital $5.99 at Prime Video Get Deal BEST MUBI DEAL Mubi annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Mubi for Students Free 30-day trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal Best HBO Max deal HBO Max Basic annual plan $99.99/year (save $19.89) Get Deal Best for students HBO Max Basic for students $4.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99/month) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic with Ads Free with Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

"Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?" So asks The Substance, Coralie Fargeat's sophomore feature, winner of the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and 2025 Best Picture Oscar nominee. While it's been streaming on Mubi for the past year, the body horror romp is broadening its streaming horizons this fall.

The Hollywood ageism satire stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, and positive word of mouth made the horror movie a surprise hit. If you still haven't seen it — or if you want to rewatch it this spooky season — here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Substance at home and online, including when and where it's streaming and the best deals to save some money.

What is The Substance about?

The Substance stars Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister who's fired from her fitness TV program for the unforgivable crime of aging. Battling with crippling Hollywood ageism, she's introduced to a new drug known as "the Substance." A single injection is all it takes for Elisabeth to be reborn as the beautiful and youthful Sue (Margaret Qualley), who then begins her own rise through Hollywood.

Of course, there's always a catch. The Substance forces you to split time between your two bodies; Elisabeth must spend exactly seven days as herself, then seven days as Sue. When she messes with the balance, things get...bloody.

Check out the official trailer:

Is The Substance worth watching?

The Substance has become the most successful box office release for arthouse distributor and streamer Mubi. The bold and bloody film created a ton of buzz, with audiences giving it a 74 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' rating is even more impressive with a glowing 89 percent.

"Audaciously gross, wickedly clever, and possibly Demi Moore's finest hour, The Substance is a gasp-inducing feat from writer-director Coralie Fargeat," the critics consensus reads on Rotten Tomatoes.

While Mashable's own reviewer wasn't a big fan, writing that the "horror sci-fi plot of The Substance feels incomplete," most reviews are very positive. The film even earned itself a nomination for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards.

Just be warned, many folks will be squirming in their seats over the amount of blood and gore. It is a body horror movie, after all.

How can I watch The Substance at home? Credit: Mubi Buy or rent on digital

The Substance made its digital retail debut on Oct. 31, 2024, meaning it's available for purchase at video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $19.99. The film is also available to rent for just $5.99. With rentals, you'll get 30 days to start watching, but just 48 hours once you begin.

Here are some quick links to purchase the film on digital:

Stream it on Mubi or HBO Max

As a Mubi original film, Mubi has been the exclusive streaming home for The Substance since it made its debut on Oct. 31, 2024. While Mubi is definitely a worthy subscription for cinephiles, it's not generally in most people's streaming lineups. So we were thrilled to learn that the movie has now made its way to a new streamer as of Oct. 10, 2025: HBO Max. This Halloween season, the campy body horror gem is finally available to a wider audience.

Mubi subscriptions start at $14.99 per month, while HBO Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. We've rounded up a few ways to save some money on both streamers below.

The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max Basic annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal

You can save about 16% (compared to a monthly plan) if you choose an annual plan and pay upfront for a year of HBO Max. The Basic plan with ads typically goes for $9.99 per month, but if you go annual, that cost drops to about $8.33 per month — a yearly total of just $99.99. We think this is the best HBO Max streaming deal for most people — although, if you cannot stand ads, the Max Standard annual subscription is the next-best deal at $169.99.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max Basic free with Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan Get Deal

Want to get HBO Max for free? Switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic (with ads) for no extra cost. When you open up the HBO Max app, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.

Get HBO Max for free: Sign up for DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / HBO Max HBO Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal

Another way you can get HBO Max for free in 2025 is through DoorDash's annual DashPass plan, which costs $96 per year ($8 per month). A DashPass membership gets you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, plus free streaming (with ads) through HBO Max. Just activate your HBO Max Basic subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. If you'd rather watch ad-free, you can upgrade for a discounted rate.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can enjoy an entire year of HBO Max Basic (with ads) for half price. Verify your student status with UNiDAYS and use the discount code you receive to drop the price from $9.99 to $4.99 per month. Once the year is through, your subscription will go back up to full price unless you cancel.

Best Mubi streaming dealsBest overall: Save 33% on an annual Mubi subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi annual subscription 7-day free trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal

If you're a movie lover and want to stick around to enjoy more than just The Substance, you can save 33% by paying for a year of Mubi upfront. An annual Mubi subscription costs $119.88 per year, which breaks down to just $9.99 per month instead of the usual $14.99 per month. You'll still get a seven-day free trial to kick off your subscription as well.

Best for students: Save $5/month on Mubi student subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi for students 30-day free trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal

Students really get the winning deal here. If you can prove your student status, you can sign up for Mubi for free for 30 days, then get a discounted subscription for just $9.99 per month. That's $5/month cheaper than a typical subscription. Plus, with 30 free days, you'll have plenty of time to watch The Substance and lots of other films before even paying a cent.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 2:40 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming information regarding "The Substance," as well as the latest deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI announces well-being advisory group, as the company claims to have mitigated safety concerns

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 18:43

OpenAI has formed an advisory council to monitor user well-being and AI safety, the company announced this week. The eight-person group will be tasked with defining standards for healthy AI interactions across age groups.

The announcement came alongside an X post by CEO Sam Altman stating that the company has been able to successfully mitigate the "serious mental health issues" posed by the use of its products — Altman then went on to explain that ChatGPT would begin to allow more adult content, including erotica, in chats. OpenAI is currently facing its first wrongful death lawsuit, following allegations that ChatGPT played a role in the death by suicide of a young teen.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic’s latest AI model, Claude Haiku 4.5, doubles down on speed and safety

Council members include academics from Boston Children’s Hospital's Digital Wellness Lab and Stanford’s Digital Mental Health Clinic, as well as experts in psychology, psychiatry, and human-computer interaction.

"We remain responsible for the decisions we make, but we’ll continue learning from this council, the Global Physician Network, policymakers, and more, as we build advanced AI systems in ways that support people’s well-being," the company wrote in a blog post.

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Last week, YouGov published a survey of 1,500 Americans that found just 11 percent were open to using AI to improve their mental health. Only 8 percent of respondents said they trusted the technology to be used in this space.

Broadly, generative AI companions have raised serious concerns among mental health experts, including the rise of what has been coined AI psychosis among chronic users of chatbot companions. AI companies have continued to launch mental health products, as more and more Americans turn to AI to answer mental health questions and receive support from digital stand-ins — despite a dearth of evidence that could prove its efficacy.

Federal regulators are investigating the role of generative AI and chatbot companions in the growing mental health crisis, as well, especially among teens. Several states have banned AI-powered chatbots advertised as therapeutic assistants. In the last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills that attempt to regulate AI and its societal impacts, including mandating safety reporting for AI companies and protocols that protect teen users from exposure to sexual content. The latter law, SB 243, also requires companies institute a system for addressing suicidal ideation, suicide, and self-harm.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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