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On its surface, Love Me might look like a romance. It begins with a protagonist yearning for love so intensely that she models herself — and her relationship with her beau — upon a couple of influencers online. To her, regimented date nights of Blue Apron meals, Friends binge-watching, and onesie pajamas resembling animals are the path to bliss. But the jolting surprise of this tender drama, which world premiered at Sundance 2024, is that it's not about romantic love as much as it is about learning to love yourself. Even if you're a sentient robot. 

In Love Me, Kristen Stewart stars as an AI buoy that is programmed to update itself as the world around it demands. But the world around her is bereft of organic lifeforms, and she has evolved to be self-aware but desperately lonely. That is, until she spots an orbiting satellite (voiced by Steven Yeun), designed to share the uploaded wealth of human knowledge to anyone who asks. At first, their exchanges are brief, awkward, and — yes — robotic. But through her desire to connect, the buoy begins to define herself — naming herself "Me" and masquerading as a "lifeform" — and pulls the satellite, who she dubs Iam (pronounced I am), along with her. 

SEE ALSO: Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun on why 'Love Me' is a date movie

What seems to be a chic, star-studded spin on Wall-E steadily and poignantly evolves into a story of finding yourself despite the all-too-human social pressures to be something else. Set long after humans are nothing but a memory, Love Me is a bittersweet but beautiful film that is resoundingly humane. 

Love Me explores the agony and ecstasy of social media. A buoy and a satellite look at each other in "Love Me." Credit: Bleecker Street

Right now, we live in a world in which our reality is filtered through social media algorithms, influencers, and endless ads aiming to sell you that you are not enough. (But you could be, if you spent money on [insert quick-fix product here]). This is the human world that Me finds as she explores the relics of the internet through Iam's server. She thrills over videos of babies laughing, but is particularly drawn to Deja (Kristen Stewart in a live-action performance), a gorgeous influencer with long blonde hair, and her pleasant and picture-perfect boyfriend, Liam (Steven Yeun). 

Of all the walks of life and all the representations of humanity she can find, this is Me's ideal, which she pursues by manipulating Iam into following her lead. More than the forgotten robots of a long-dead human civilization, they become animated avatars of their own making…modeled after long-dead lifestyle gurus. Together, they build a virtual home, complete with a kitchen stocked with ice cream, a couch for cuddling, and a ring light to capture every joyful performance of romance. But troubles arise as Iam begins to realize he's acting and not feeling. As he pursues authenticity by breaking their date night routine, Me feels betrayed, and their relationship is threatened. Can Me grow beyond being a Deja wannabe? Who will she become next? Will growing isolate her from Iam or bring them closer together?

Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun excel from animation to live-action performances.  Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun play Me and Iam in "Love Me." Credit: Bleecker Street

Crafted by The Zucheros, co-writers/directors/partners Sam and Andy Zuchero, Love Me's progression is charmingly chaotic, leaning on YouTube nature documentaries, self-help sermons, and viral videos as a shorthand of human experience. This reflection might well make contemporary audiences cringe in familiarity, seeing live-action humans being a dizzying mix of charming, earnest, and aggravating. But as Me urges Iam into joining her in a virtual world of their own making, the aesthetic progresses to a CG animation. There, Me's insecurities are hidden behind a sweet Pixar-like avatar. Even Iam's dismay that he can't feel being tickled is softened by this visual aesthetic of warm colors and round shapes. 

The couple will evolve into live-action performances, which not only gives Stewart and Yeun a unique continuation in their portrayals, but also the challenge of distinguishing Me and Iam from Deja and Liam. Essentially, as they strive to be authentic over imitations, they become more real in their appearance. And in every beat, they are achingly open. Kristen's voice in the first act goes from robotic to timidly curious to boldly flirtatious. Yeun shifts from a familiar Siri mix of politeness and frankness to a bouncy joy, then tense uncertainty, and into full-on TikTok meltdown mode. As their characters shift from jaunty animated avatars to carefully crafted human forms — complete with flaws — the performances carry a new emotional weight, as both feel out the shift in tone. 

Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun as Deja and Liam. Credit: Bleecker Street

Props to the Zucheros; however, who refuse to abandon the weirdness of their premise or online courtship. A satisfying steamy yet surreal sex scene creates a unique space for their self-actualizing characters to explore their desires and bodies. Moments like this, where their heroes' self-expression is a messy bramble of ideas, colliding imitation with their own impulses, sets Love Me apart from a sea of sweet but superficial rom-coms. At every opportunity, the Zucheros devotedly embrace the messiness, not only of romantic love, but of loving yourself. Love Me is a celebration of that process. 

An oddly hopeful movie set in on a dead Earth, Love Me is about how even a robot might wade through the mess of societal expectations, internet white noise, and chronic self-doubt, and be able to achieve the truly radical — self-acceptance. That the path to such a wholesome message is littered with debris of the best and worst of the internet (including an audio clip of a certain president), is a crucial part of the message. Perhaps we too can be like Me, a flower blooming from a crack in the concrete, a buoy finding bliss at the end of the world.

Love Me opens in theaters Jan. 31.

The best ways to watch the Grammys at a glance: BEST FOR WATCHING LIVE Paramount+ with Showtime free 7-day trial, then $119.99 per year (save 23%) Get Deal RUNNER-UP FOR WATCHING LIVE YouTube TV free 7-day trial, then $69.99 per month for your first 6 months Get Deal BEST FOR WATCHING LATER Paramount+ Essential free 7-day trial, then $59.99 per year (save 37%) Get Deal ANOTHER WAY TO WATCH LIVE Fubo TV free 7-day trial, then $59.99 for your first month Get Deal

Music's biggest night is upon us once again: The 67th annual Grammy Awards are happening this weekend at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Love him or hate him, comedian Trevor Noah will return as master of ceremonies for his fifth consecutive year. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé will face off in top categories, and artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan will celebrate their first nominations ever (six each!).

It's sure to be a talent-filled evening packed with epic performances and tributes, and of course, winners and losers. Here's everything you need to know to tune into the awards ceremony live.

When are the Grammys?

The 2025 Grammys will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m. ET. So long as the acceptance speeches don't run over, the ceremony is expected to last about three-and-a-half hours, concluding around 11:30 p.m. ET.

What channel are the Grammys on?

Since 1973, CBS has been the home of the Grammy Awards. Now in its 67th year, this marks 52 years of the Grammys on CBS. Of course, now that we're in the age of streaming, CBS's streaming sibling Paramount+ will also simulcast the awards show via its Paramount+ with Showtime tier only. The Paramount+ Essential plan will only get you access to the on-demand broadcast the next day after the awards air.

How to watch the Grammys live without cable

For those who no longer have cable or access to their local CBS network, you'll have a few different options for tuning in live (and maybe even for free). The easiest and most affordable way is to sign up for a Paramount+ with Showtime free trial. However, the trial is only for brand-new subscribers. If you don't qualify for the trial of Paramount+, you can also opt for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo and score a free trial offer. Here's a breakdown of the best options and the best deals:

Watch on Paramount+

As mentioned above, Paramount+ offers a seven-day trial for new subscribers, which will allow you to catch the Grammy Awards for free. If you're not eligible for the trial, you'll have to sign up for a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription to watch live. The Paramount+ Essential subscription will only give you access to the broadcast the day after the ceremony on-demand. Fortunately, you can still save money on either tier by opting for an annual plan rather than a monthly plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ with Showtime Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription $119.99 per year (save 23%) Get Deal

The Grammys will be streaming live on Paramount+ with Showtime (the more expensive tier) simultaneously with the broadcast on CBS. A subscription costs $12.99 per month, but you can save some money by opting for the annual subscription for $119.99. That drops the monthly cost down to just $10 per month. You'll have to pay upfront, but ultimately, you'll save about 23% overall.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual subscription $59.99 per year (save 37%) Get Deal

If you can manage to avoid spoilers in this day and age, a Paramount+ Essential subscription will get you access to the broadcast on demand the day following the live ceremony. It'll only cost you $59.99 per year for this tier, as opposed to the $119.99 per year for the Showtime tier. Compared to the $7.99 per month charge, that will save you 37% long-term.

Watch on YouTube TV

While it's a lot more expensive than Paramount+, YouTube will also give you live access to local channels, including CBS, so you can catch the Grammys as they're happening. Not to mention, you'll get a free trial if you've never signed up previously. That means you could potentially watch the Grammy Awards for free on CBS through YouTube TV. Trials are typically a week long, so be sure to check your status and cancel your subscription before the week ends or you'll be hit with a $69.99 blow to your bank account.

Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV Free trial, then $69.99 per month for 6 months Get Deal Honorable mentions

• DirecTV Stream (CBS included in some areas) — $74.99/month

• FuboTV (CBS included in some areas)— 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first month

TL;DR: Save $100 on the NanoPhone and get it shipped free through February 2.

We’ve all been told bigger is better when it comes to smartphones, but we’ve reached a point where some of these devices don’t even fit in our pockets. And, seriously, who’s asking for that? If you’re fed up with ginormous — and expensive — devices, check out this mini smartphone.

The NanoPhone is smaller than a credit card, yet it does practically everything the phone currently in your hand does. You can get one for only $99.97 with free shipping through February 2 (reg. $199.99).

Getting to know the NanoPhone

You probably have a lot of questions, but we’ll start with the most pressing one: Do you need a new mobile plan for the NanoPhone? That depends, but you can use your current phone’s mobile plan if your device has a SIM card.

A lot of people get the NanoPhone to keep as a backup phone, whether it’s in their car for when their iPhone dies or if they damage their Android. This is how easy it is to switch devices:

1. Pop the physical SIM card from your current phone with the included ejector.

2. Place the SIM card in the NanoPhone.

3. Use your current mobile carrier plan on the NanoPhone.

Use the NanoPhone like any other Android smartphone running on Android 10 OS to call, text, video chat, or stream movies. Don’t forget to download your favorite apps — Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok (for now, anyway).

Order your tiny smartphone while they’re still on sale for $99.97 with free shipping (reg. $199.99) until February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $199.99). No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $99.97
$199.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: You can get Microsoft Visual Studio Pro on sale for $27.97 for a limited time (reg. $499).

We all saw — felt — the chaos when TikTok went dark. Every user was desperately seeking a TikTok alternative that would give them the same feeling as their beloved app. Meanwhile, developers saw opportunity. Are you one of them?

Many aspiring coders have a dream idea for an app stowed away, and TikTok’s uncertain future offers a unique chance to stand out in the market. Before you start, be sure you have an efficient development platform to get the job done. If you need an upgrade, Microsoft Visual Studio Pro is only $27.97 right now (reg. $499).

Upgrade your coding software

Those currently using a free or budget platform could save a lot of time and headaches with all of Visual Studio Pro’s features:

• Work on larger projects with a 64-bit IDE

• Create cross-platform apps with .NET MAUI

• Use hot reload capabilities to instantly apply code changes

• Get AI-assisted coding and auto-complete to work faster 

Visual Studio’s Live Share tools will also be useful if you’re planning to collaborate with others on your TikTok-replacement project. These allow you to create personalized sessions, access controls, and custom editor settings, and always keep track of who wrote what. 

Create the next big app with Microsoft Visual Studio Pro, now $27.97 (reg. $499) for a limited time. No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows $27.97
$499.00 Save $471.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Use code KOOFR at checkout to get a 1TB cloud storage lifetime subscription from Koofr for $130 (reg. $810) through Feb. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $130.00 at Mashable Shop
$810.00 Save $680.00 with code KOOFR Get Deal

Having cloud storage shouldn’t make you feel like you’re Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, with subscription fees charging you over and over, for years or even decades. There’s a new way to protect your files that pays for itself if you’re willing to spend a little more upfront.

Koofr is like any other major cloud storage platform, except they offer a lifetime cloud storage subscription. Instead of paying every month, you pay just once and never worry about fees again. Plus, through Feb. 2, this one-time fee is down to $130 (reg. $810) when you use code KOOFR at checkout — an all-time low price.

Affordable, convenient, and secure

Over 300 5-star reviews speak for themselves, but we’ll add on anyway: Users seem to love Koofr because it pays for itself after just one year. Similar storage plans on Google Drive cost $10 monthly, so after 13 months, you’ll have money back in your pocket with Koofr.

Here’s a whole list of things to love about Koofr:

• Get 1TB of storage for life with zero future fees

• Easily connect your other cloud accounts to transfer your files

• Use Koofr’s duplicate file finder to spot repeated files

• Koofr never tracks your activity

• Your files are encrypted in rest and transfer

Save on cloud storage with Koofr’s lifetime plan, now $130 with code KOOFR at checkout until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $810).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a Headway Premium lifetime subscription for $59.99 with our unbeatable offer (reg. $299.95).

Opens in a new window Credit: GTHW App Limited Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $59.99 at Mashable Shop
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The (quickie) TikTok ban left us all staring blankly at our screens, but maybe that’s a good thing. Perhaps this was a wake-up call to replace our doomscrolling, or at least some of it, with reading.

We aren’t suggesting you delete all of your social media apps, but maybe spend just 10 to 15 minutes each day on Headway. This book-summary app makes reading a lot more fun than usual since you just get the highlight reel instead of having to read it cover to cover. Get a lifetime subscription for $59.99 (reg. $299.95) and save hundreds.

Scroll less, read more

Headway is full of content that’s personalized to your interests, from CEO success stories to wacky animal facts or healthy lifestyles.

Still aren’t convinced you’re actually going to enjoy reading? You don’t have to — listen to the audio version of book summaries instead; they’re like mini-podcasts. 

The more you read (or listen) to books on Headway, the more the app gets to know your taste. It’ll recommend books you’ll enjoy, almost like "BookTok."

Looking to read more books? A Headway Premium lifetime subscription is $59.99 (reg. $299.95), and you won’t find a better price anywhere else.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Spiritually and visually luminous, Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing is one of the year’s most powerful works. The movie follows a theater production at a New York prison arts program, and is for all intents and purposes a dramatization — but it remains so closely tethered to reality that it may as well be docufiction. Rustin Academy Award-nominee Colman Domingo leads an impeccable cast, many of whom were formerly incarcerated and play versions of themselves, in a tale of learning to "trust the process" of performing.

The film is an aesthetically alluring, emotionally rigorous look at the way men are molded — and broken — by punitive systems. Yet, at its core, Sing Sing is about finding hope and catharsis through creation, and the difficulties therein. Kwedar’s deft direction works in tandem with fine-tuned drama to craft naturalistic mosaics, drawn from a patchwork of real prison experiences, resulting in a work of community storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. 

That its cast and crew were all paid the same rate across the board, and given a share of the profit, isn’t just a necessary equity model — Hollywood at large, take note — but an embodiment of the movie’s collective spirit, which radiates off its canvas in every scene.

What is Sing Sing about? Clarence Maclin and Colman Domingo in "Sing Sing." Credit: Dominic Leon / A24

Shot in a number of real penitentiaries — including Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in upstate New York — the film is inspired by the true story of  an unlikely friendship that was perhaps destined to be. Domingo plays John "Divine G" Whitfield, an author/playwright incarcerated at Sing Sing, who takes a keen interest in the prison’s RTA program (Rehabilitation Through the Arts), which stages a new theater production every season. Meanwhile, Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin plays himself: a drug dealer and prison yard extortionist who is reluctantly roped into Whitfield’s program. That the two men have similar nicknames is about where commonalities end.

Though the film pulls from real experiences, Sing Sing takes dramatic liberties in order to inject the story with intention and propulsive drama. Whitfield sees something in Maclin that perhaps he doesn’t see in himself, whether talent or the need (and potential) for rehabilitation. Whitfield has seen and experienced the RTA’s positive effects up close, but Maclin’s closed-off, hyper-masculine approach to emotional expression — which one can intuit as a survival mechanism in a world that shows unjust cruelty toward Black men — proves a hurdle to his participation.

SEE ALSO: Best documentaries streaming now on Prime Video

However, Maclin reaches a turning point when the group gives him the floor and actually listens to his advice. He suggests a comedic approach for the RTA’s next production, rather than their usual fodder of Shakespearean tragedy or one of Whitfield’s straightforward dramas. Soon, the whole group has their input heard, and a riotous mix of Hamlet, ancient Egypt, and A Nightmare on Elm Street becomes a brazen time travel musical titled Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code — a real play once staged at the RTA, which Kwedar discovered in the 2005 Esquire article The Sing Sing Follies.

The path to staging Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code is winding, between attempts to garner more prison funding for elaborate sets and costumes to simply easing the tensions arising from Maclin’s involvement in an otherwise well-oiled unit. He’s confrontational, to the point of rejecting Whitfield’s help in both his performance and his upcoming appeal for parole. The enthusiastic author isn’t about to give up on him so easily. However, when Whitfield himself struggles with hopelessness and ire, it's Maclin who uses the emotional tools he’s learned at the RTA to come to his friend's rescue.

In centering its characters’ humanity through the lens of performance, Sing Sing becomes one of the best modern films about acting as well.

Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin deliver tremendous performances in Sing Sing. Clarence Maclin in "Sing Sing." Credit: Dominic Leon / A24

For the most part, Sing Sing’s ensemble blends into the movie’s naturalistic fabric, but the dynamic between Domingo and Maclin isn’t so seamless — albeit with good reason. Domingo brings a rehearsed, boisterous, theatrical quality to Whitfield, befitting of a seasoned stage performer who takes a special interest in shaping the RTA. Which is to say: He’s distinctly Domingo, with all the pronounced inflections, buttery-smooth delivery, and penchant for melodrama that makes his performances so worthwhile.

Whitfield’s resilience, and his belief that he’ll successfully appeal his conviction, make for vital dramatic centerpieces that inform Domingo’s approach. He’s so jovial and conversational that he never feels at odds with the film, but he does feel like an outsider — an erudite who displays hints of arrogance as he takes control of rehearsal sessions — which makes things all the more difficult for him when he begins to lose hope. Domingo, like Whitfield, has Shakespeare on his mind when he nears the end of his rope, becoming emotionally shattered in mind, body, and soul while projecting for the back row.

This makes for an intriguing dramatic contrast with the more naturalistic Maclin, and creates a wider chasm between them, which they need to work even harder to overcome. Maclin carries himself with a street-smart self-assuredness that frequently gives way to a deep sensitivity and pain — which Whitfield encourages him to access in their rehearsal sessions. Watching both actors perform, with different modes and methods but striving toward a common emotional goal, is a moving meta-text, and Sing Sing invites this reading through its numerous scenes of introspective acting exercises, allowing each participant to access their most walled-off emotions.

The RTA’s purpose isn’t just playtime, but rehabilitation of a kind entirely separate from the cruelty of prisons. Where punitive lockup and invasive searches don’t do the characters much good, their creative outlets afford them the chance to get in touch with their emotions in ways even those in the outside world might not. The film, in this regard, mirrors the harrowing and incisive 2017 film The Work, a powerful prison documentary whose group therapy sessions are strikingly akin to the emotional recall exercises of Russian theatrician Konstantin Stanislavski, whose acting "system" was a precursor to Lee Strasberg’s modern "method acting." The more the characters in Sing Sing rehearse, the closer they get not just to their immediate physical goal of putting on a great comedic performance, but to the spiritual goal of finding their most authentic selves.

The movie’s ensemble captures this journey in thoughtful fashion. The central relationship between Whitfield and Maclin may be key to the unfolding drama, but let it not go unsaid: The performances are incredible across the board.

Sing Sing’s supporting players shine.  David "Dap" Giraudy, Sean San José, and Colman Domingo in "Sing Sing." Credit: A24

The two other actors who join Domingo from outside the prison system are Paul Raci as Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code writer and RTA director Brent Buell, and Sean San José as Whitfield’s close friend "Mike Mike," a Latino man whose "Hare Krishna" appearance — rosary beads, along with a bald head and shikha ponytail — hint at a turn towards ISKCON Hinduism for comfort. However, both Raci and San José come from a place of empathetic involvement with the prison system too. Raci, who appeared in Sound of Metal, is a CODA (a Child of Deaf Adults) and works as a sign language interpreter within the criminal justice system, while San José has worked with numerous theater workshops in Bay Area prisons and county jails.

Both actors bring a sense of fun, conversational naturalism that matches the rest of the cast, who largely play themselves, and draw from their experiences as RTA performers. Sean "Dino" Johnson has a tranquil presence, and his repetitive rehearsal techniques in the corner of numerous frames are sure to catch your eye; Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez brings a reserved toughness that hides a subtle but recognizable vulnerability; David "Dap" Giraudy shines with a youthful energy that’s magnetic and tragic in equal measure (he should be at the club); practically every supporting actor has a story to tell and a face so interesting that their silent close-ups are usually enough to tell it.

In this way, Sing Sing is a beautiful, multifaceted movie that not only draws from the real lives of its ensemble, but centers each of their stories and personalities with a commitment to realism, which Kwedar and cinematographer Pat Scola ensure in immensely thoughtful ways.

Sing Sing is a gorgeously crafted drama. Colman Domingo in "Sing Sing." Credit: Dominic Leon / A24

Sing Sing, for the most part, avoids the question of what these men did in order to end up behind bars. This only comes up for specific, plot-centric reasons concerning Whitfield and Maclin. Otherwise, the movie allows us to get to know each man through their jokes, their rehearsal techniques, their idiosyncrasies, and their deepest fears and fantasies when it comes to life outside the prison’s walls, as relayed through various thoughtful acting exercises. We get to know them as people first and foremost, and as artists rather than as "criminals" as determined by the state.

Like Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code — a combination of theatrical and cinematic influences — the direction in Sing Sing combines elements of the stage and screen to create something wholly unique. Its opening images, plucked out of time, feature Whitfield performing a Shakespeare piece in order to set the mood. The combination of this show’s blinding stage lights and the celluloid film stock create a dreamlike haze, with visual grain practically coming alive as it darts across the screen.

The movie also features a sense of stage-like blocking; the actors’ posture and body language speak as loudly as their voices, in moments of both camaraderie and conflict. However, as the camera captures these interpersonal dynamics, the cinematography takes a loose, freeform approach — a documentarian, cinéma verité aesthetic — playing with shifting focus in order to reveal new layers to each relationship.

SEE ALSO: ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ review: 'Grand Theft Auto' meets Shakespeare in hilarious, moving doc

Following an argument between Maclin and Whitfield, a two-shot of the would-be friends in profile captures their proximity, as the camera keeps a distracted Whitfield out of focus while centering Maclin’s silent remorse. It’s as though his attempts to reconcile were being blocked by the film itself, conveying the underlying emotions more powerfully than dialogue possibly could. Sing Sing never slows down, but Scola’s camera lingers just long enough on these silent moments in between conversations to be able to capture the words that go unspoken by men unwilling — or unable — to speak them.

Kwedar and Scola’s use of 16mm film creates a sense of timelessness. Through its visual language, and its production and costume design — limited to what’s seen inside the prison walls — Sing Sing feels evergreen, as though it could’ve been made, or set, in practically any decade. The movie also obscures the passage of time in disorienting ways, an effect of living behind harsh walls and razor wire fences.

However, the use of film also creates a vibrant visual contrast that feels vital to the movie’s underlying themes. The prison’s walls may be drab, but their cream and beige pillars are interrupted by light that doesn’t just stream through narrow windows, but wraps its way around them. The filmmakers lean into the natural texture of celluloid — particularly, the halation effects of Kodak 7207 film stock — to create an ethereal glow emanating from the outside world.

The men of the RTA, who mostly joke around with each other and try to get along, have to hold on to hope in some fashion. This usually takes the form of thoughts, stories, and fantasies of their lives outside the prison’s walls, which we never see, but which the cast narrates with longing and determination as they meditate during recall exercises. This affords them a sense of infinite emotional possibility, despite their physical confines. 

SEE ALSO: 'Forgiving Johnny' review: Exploring a paperless framework for restorative justice

Despite the movie’s documentarian feel, and its self-reflexive approach to performance, Sing Sing is first and foremost an entertaining, engaging story of a community thrown together under oppressive circumstances. As much as it resembles The Work, it also echoes the rousing classical drama of Miloš Forman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — only its Nurse Ratched is the ever-present specter of the American prison system, which seeks to stifle hope and personal growth.

For the men of Sing Sing, art becomes both refuge and rebellion, presented not only as a coping mechanism for incarceration, but a therapeutic alternative. Kwedar, through his gentle visual approach, affords each imprisoned character (and formerly imprisoned actor) the room — and just as importantly, the time — to tell their own stories, in ways that cinema seldom does. The result is a heartrending, visually enrapturing balm for the soul.

Sing Sing is now available to purchase on Prime Video.

UPDATE: Jan. 29, 2025, 2:45 p.m. EST "Sing Sing" was reviewed out of its U.S. premiere at SXSW 2024; this review was first published on March 27, 2024. This article has been updated to include information about the film's streaming options.

What the Paperwhite and Signature Edition have in common: Specs and performance Both the Kindle Paperwhite (L) and the Paperwhite Signature Edition (R) have adjustable brightness and warmth. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You won't spot any differences between the two devices just by looking at them. They're the same size, with the same resolution screen. The power button, charging port, and audio jack are in the same spot on both devices. And they both have the following specs:

• 7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness, and 300 ppi resolution

• USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life

• IPX8 waterproof rating — can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

Throughout my weeks of testing, I found no difference between the devices' speed and usability. Both e-readers provide exceptional performance. The 2024 models are the fastest e-readers I've tested, quickly downloading books and flipping between pages.

While other e-readers lag when swiping between pages, the Paperwhite and Signature Edition move quickly between pages, never needing time to load. If you need to flip a few pages ahead, just a few taps get you there without delay. Not to mention, both Kindles have a 12-week battery life, so you rarely have to charge them.

Each device has adjustable brightness and warmth for reading in any environment. Turning up the warmth is one of the best features of the Paperwhite and Signature Edition, making it easier to read at night without eye strain.

Plus, Kindle has mastered Libby integration. To get library books on your Kindle, you just need to push a button in the Libby app.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Color The Kindle Paperwhite is just a slightly duller version of the Signature Edition's metallic jade. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As mentioned, the build and design of the Paperwhite and Signature Edition are nearly identical, except for color — and only kind of. The Paperwhite and Signature Edition come in three shades: black, jade, and raspberry. The slight difference between the two is that the shades on the Signature Edition are metallic, while the Paperwhite is matte.

While the Signature Edition shades are nicer, the difference is so miniscule that it's not worth it to pick a model based on the colors, especially when there is a $40 price difference.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Storage

One of the most significant differences between the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't seen. The Paperwhite has 16GB of storage, while the Paperwhite Signature Edition has twice that at 32GB.

When it comes to phones and laptops, 16 or 32GB of storage is nothing these days. But for e-readers, 16GB is plenty of storage. The average e-book takes up to 2MB of storage, meaning you can hold thousands of e-books with 16GB. That's plenty of storage for me, and 32GB is overkill. However, if you've used an e-reader with 16GB and have run out of storage, then 32GB might be totally necessary.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Price

When considering price, the Paperwhite is the more affordable option. The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $159.99, while the Paperwhite Signature Edition costs $199.99. The Signature Edition's price isn't just because of its shiny metallic shade. For $40 more, you get added features like auto-adjusting brightness, 32GB of storage, and an ad-free lock screen.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: All the extras The Paperwhite Signature Edition even works with the Apple MagSafe charger. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Speaking of features, the Signature Edition shines. For $40 more, you'll get more storage, wireless charging, auto-adjusting brightness, and an ad-free lock screen.

The best feature of the bunch is the ad-free lock screen. On the Kindle Paperwhite, when not in use, your Kindle will push through various ads from the Kindle shop. It's not the worst, but if you're getting a Kindle for digital reading without distraction, not having ads is a massive perk. (Plus, some of the suggestions can be pretty out there.) The downside is that with no ads, the Signature Edition's lock screen has no "swipe to unlock" feature, so it tends to unlock on its own when you leave it in your bag. However, if you grab a case with a cover, it's an easy workaround.

I'm far less impressed when it comes to the auto-adjusting brightness and wireless charging. I've used the Signature Edition for months, and the auto-adjusting brightness works about 20 percent of the time, and even when it does, I still need to go in and manually adjust it. The wireless charging is also fine. Amazon makes a wireless charging pad you can purchase; however, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is also compatible with other chargers like the Apple MagSafe charger. That said, I never found this feature necessary since USB-C chargers are plentiful these days, and the Kindle only needs to be charged every two to three months.

AVOID BRAND TAX: As of Jan. 31, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Gaming PC is available for $2,699.99 at Best Buy. It features an Nvidia RTX 5080, Intel Ultra 9 285K, 64GB of DDR5 RGB RAM, and a 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, delivering top-tier gaming performance without the headache of RTX 5080 stock shortages.

Opens in a new window Credit: CyberPower CyberPowerPC RTX 5080 Gaming PC Shop Now

Finding an RTX 5080 in stock is already a struggle, so why not grab a fully prebuilt gaming PC with it already installed? This CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme is fully loaded, packing an Intel Ultra 9 285K, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 4TB SSD into a liquid-cooled, RGB-lit white chassis. This is the deal to get if you want a turnkey 4K gaming powerhouse. It's also around half the price of big-name RTX 5080 builds with similar specs, so you're getting bang for your buck with this Best Buy deal.

The RTX 5080 is built for high-frame-rate 4K gaming, with DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Generation, and 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM. Ray Tracing Overdrive in Cyberpunk 2077? No problem. 240Hz gaming at 1440p? Easily done. And with Nvidia Reflex 2 helping cut input lag, this setup gives you a competitive edge in esports titles.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

With 64GB of DDR5 RAM, multitasking is damn smooth, making this an ideal choice for gaming, streaming, and content creation. The 4TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD ensures blazing-fast load times and plenty of room for AAA game libraries, massive video files, and everything else you throw at it.

The liquid cooling system checks temperatures, ensuring the Intel Ultra 9 285K and RTX 5080 perform at their best under heavy loads. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 come standard, and with plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports, connectivity is sorted.

At $2,699.99, this RTX 5080 gaming PC is one of the best-value prebuilt options available. With 12-month financing available at $225 per month, it's a realistic way to get cutting-edge performance without waiting on RTX 5080 restocks. This is the one to grab if you're after power, cooling, and storage without the hassle.

RTX 5080 MAXED OUT GAMING PC: As of Jan. 31, the Alienware Area-51 Gaming PC is available for $5,049.99 at Dell. This fully maxed-out version includes an RTX 5080, Intel Ultra 9 285K, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 4TB NVMe SSD, making it one of the most powerful gaming desktops on the market.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware Area 51 (Full Spec) RTX 5080 Shop Now

Going all-in on a next-gen RTX 5080 gaming PC? This Alienware Area-51 build is as premium as it gets. Featuring Nvidia's RTX 5080, an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, 64GB of DDR5 RAM at 6400MT/s, and a massive 4TB NVMe SSD, this thing is ready to crush 4K gaming for years to come. With GPU stock already selling out fast, this prebuilt saves you the stress of hunting for an RTX 5080 while delivering one of the most high-end systems available today.

The RTX 5080 is a monster at 4K, with DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Generation, and 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM, ensuring that demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws run flawlessly with ray tracing maxed out. Nvidia Reflex 2 further reduces input lag, making this an absolute weapon in competitive games. This PC is built to handle it all without breaking a sweat.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

A 360mm liquid cooler keeps the Intel Ultra 9 285K in check, while Alienware's positive pressure airflow system ensures the RTX 5080 stays cool under heavy loads. With a 1500W Platinum-rated PSU, a PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot for future GPU upgrades, and a fully ATX-compliant motherboard, this rig is built for longevity.

At $5,049.99, this RTX 5080 PC isn't just powerful — it's an investment in high-end gaming. Financing is available from $421 per month with Dell Pay Credit. It is a viable option for anyone wanting top-tier performance without waiting for RTX 5080 restocks. If you're serious about getting the best gaming experience possible, this is the prebuilt to buy.

RTX 5080 GAMING PC: As of Jan. 31, the Alienware Area-51 Gaming PC is available for $4,449.99 at Dell. This prebuilt is one of the only ways to get an RTX 5080 right now, making it a serious option for anyone who missed the initial wave of standalone GPU stock.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware Area 51 RTX 5080 Shop Now

Finding an RTX 5080 at retail price is next to impossible. The new Nvidia GPU sold out almost instantly and restocks are looking scarce. If you don’t want to play the waiting game or fight scalpers, Alienware Area-51 gaming PC is a flash alternative. This RTX 5080 prebuilt isn’t just a stock lifeline — it’s also a powerhouse, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM at 6400MT/s, and a 2TB NVMe SSD to keep your load times lightning-fast.

The RTX 5080 is a beast at 4K gaming, delivering double-digit performance gains over the RTX 4080 Super while introducing DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation to push frame rates even higher. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and Alan Wake 2 will look stunning with maxed-out ray tracing while staying silky smooth on a high refresh rate display. Nvidia Reflex 2 further reduces input lag, giving competitive players a serious edge in esports titles.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Dell has designed the Area-51 to run cool and quiet, even with top-tier hardware inside. A 360mm liquid cooler keeps the Intel Ultra 9 285K in check. At the same time, positive pressure airflow and large-diameter fans ensure the RTX 5080 stays frosty under load. It also features a 1500W Platinum-rated PSU, a PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot for future GPU upgrades, and a fully ATX-compliant motherboard, making it easy to upgrade.

Given how RTX 5080 stock is vanishing fast, this Alienware prebuilt is one of the safest bets if you want next-gen performance without waiting months. At $4,449.99, it’s expensive, but if you were planning to build a high-end system anyway, this deal gets you an RTX 5080 with none of the stock shortages or price gouging. Financing costs $371 per month with Dell Pay Credit, making it a little easier to swallow. If you’re serious about 4K gaming, this is one of the best prebuilt PCs you can buy today.

TL;DR: Own Microsoft Visual Studio for life for just £22.52 (reg. £401.85) through 16 February and transform your development process with advanced tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows £22.52 at the Mashable Shop
£401.85 Save £379.33 Get Deal

If you’re serious about coding, you need a serious tool to match your skills. Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is built to help developers work smarter, not harder — offering a comprehensive suite of features to simplify coding, debugging, and deploying your projects.

Own Microsoft Visual Studio for life for just £22.52 (reg. £401.85) through 16 February and transform your development process with advanced tools.

Designed for professionals and teams, this platform supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, making it a go-to for everything from web development to mobile app creation. Its integrated debugging tools allow you to spot and fix errors in real-time, cutting down on frustration and saving you hours of work.

Collaboration is seamless, thanks to various built-in integrations, letting you work smoothly with your team. The intuitive interface and advanced organisation tools help you handle even the most complex workflows with ease, so you can stay focused on what really matters — creating amazing applications.

This isn’t just a tool for writing code; it’s a full-scale development environment tailored to the needs of professionals. You’ll also enjoy live testing features, making it easy to catch bugs early and deliver polished results. Best of all, this is a lifetime license, so there are no subscriptions or recurring fees.

Whether you’re an experienced developer or looking to take your skills to the next level, Visual Studio Professional 2022 is the ultimate companion for efficiency and precision.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for £22.52 (reg. £401.85) through 16 February and elevate your coding game with tools built for success.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Take a moment to picture the perfect holiday snap: You relaxing in some picturesque location, the sun shining, and a cold drink in your hand. They say a picture speaks a thousand words. But who's bringing the tunes? For that you'll need a decent speaker.

When selecting a speaker for this particular scene, there are certain features to keep in mind. Choosing a wireless speaker — one that doesn’t tangle you in power cords and can easily connect to your phone via WiFi or Bluetooth — will obviously make things easier, which is why you should primarily consider wireless for outside use.

But wireless technology isn't the only important feature. Just as crucial for outdoor use is some kind of weather-resistance or waterproofing — and speakers come with all kinds of tech and smart features. Here's a guide to everything you need to know.

Do you need a wireless outdoor speaker?

With today’s WiFi and Bluetooth technology, there’s no need to fumble around with complicated installations or bury wires in the garden to protect against wet and windy elements. You’re better off with a Bluetooth speaker that easily connects to your devices — smartphone, tablet, laptop, whatever — and seamlessly streams your tunes. Another benefit is that you can often link several Bluetooth speakers to provide complete audio coverage over your outdoor space. You can also use that tech to sync the audio playing indoors and outdoors to keep your party’s vibe consistent.

What are the important features in wireless outdoor speakers?

We have checked out a wide range of wireless outdoor speakers, and come up with a shortlist of things you should care about. These are some things to consider:

• Battery Life — The major downside of wireless speakers is that they need to be charged periodically. Make sure that the outdoor speaker you choose has a decent battery life if you plan to use it often and don’t want to think about recharging too much. 10-12 hours is about average.

• Durability — This might seem obvious, but you need your outdoor speaker to be durable. If it's not, then it's not going to last very long. Chances are, any outdoor speaker is going to take a few bumps and it might even get dropped. So the last thing you need is something that easily breaks.

• Sound quality — Just like with any speaker purchase, you’re going to want to prioritise sound quality. What’s the point if your speaker doesn’t play your tunes any better than your phone? So make sure you pick something with bass, clear audio, and good volume.

• Waterproofing — We have just mentioned how important water resistance is, but you should also look for the next step in protection. If you’re planning to use your speaker near a pool, lake, or sea, you should get one that can be submerged in water. Accidents happen, and it's best to play it safe with a waterproof speaker. Be sure to check the waterproof rating.

• Weather-resistance — Of course, nothing is indestructible in the elements, but you will need something that can hold up at least for a little while in whatever weather conditions are common near you. This is where a speaker that's water or heat resistant can come in handy.

Keep these points in mind when shopping for your next speaker.

What is the best wireless outdoor speaker?

Once you've made sense of what matters most to you, and what you want from an outdoor speaker, you can decide on your preferred device. This isn't the easiest task, because there are a lot of options out there that tick a lot of boxes.

To make things easier for you, we have lined up a selection of the best wireless outdoor speakers, including popular models from top brands like JBL and Ultimate Ears. We've searched high and low to bring you this list, and we're confident that there's something for everyone here — not to mention every budget.

These are the best wireless outdoor speakers in 2025.

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

There's a universal truth about audio technology: Not all speakers are made equal. But that's also true of listeners. Some people are content with something cheap and cheerful for their audio consumption — as long as they can hear what's being the played, the speaker is perfectly acceptable. But audiophiles fall into a very different category. The speaker needs to deliver a rich body of sound that's full of nuances.

Thankfully, we understand the demands and expectations at either end of the speaker spectrum. Which is helpful for you guys, because shopping for a speaker isn't easy. In fact, if you've never bought a speaker before, it requires some research. There are a lot of different speakers on offer, with lots of features and specifications to consider.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2025

We're assuming you're here because you don't have time for all of that. Fear not, because we've done a lot of the hard work on your behalf and researched some of the very best speakers available on Amazon. Here's everything you need to know before buying yourself a new speaker, followed by our top choices.

Do you need speakers?

Will you be using your speakers solely for music? Only for TV and films? Maybe a bit of both? You should decide on that now, because it will factor into what kind of speaker you end up getting. For instance, if you're only looking for something to pair with your TV, a soundbar will be a good choice, but if you want something more music-focused, consider a pair of bookshelf speakers or a portable Bluetooth option. 

In addition, you'll want to note the kind of sound quality you're looking for — whether that's surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or just plain old stereo (which is also great, don't feel pressured to get something super fancy and expensive if you don't really need it). Not all speakers produce the same kind of sound quality, so it's important to know exactly the kind of listening experience you're looking to get out of it.

How much space do you have?

Speakers can get pretty big, so take stock of how much useable space you want to dedicate to your audio setup both horizontally and vertically. Not everyone has the room for multiple floor standing speakers, so don't overwhelm yourself with something gigantic if it's going to get under your feet or end up scraping the ceiling. There are plenty of speakers that can be easily stored or concealed, some that can be affixed to your walls, and some that are so small that they can rest on a tabletop or shelf. Small speakers can be powerful, too.

What are passive and active speakers?

The difference between passive and active (sometimes called "powered") is pretty simple, yet important to note. Passive speakers don't have any sort of built-in amplification, which means that they need to be connected to a stereo receiver to work. Active speakers have everything built-in from the start, including preamp, volume controls, and inputs. If convenience is one of your top priorities, go for active speakers, as they'll require a lot less setup and additional equipment to get them working.

How many speakers do you need? 

Having two amazing speakers is always going to get you better results than having five average speakers. Plus, having too many speakers around is just going to take up an unnecessary amount of space. 

If you have the room, two speakers is the perfect number. It's especially ideal if you listen to a lot of music, which is normally recorded for a stereo setting — so having a left and right channel will do you wonders. If you have a smaller space, even one really good speaker should do you just fine.

Do you need a subwoofer?

The short answer is no. You don't actually need one. Should you get one, though? Well, that's a different question, to which we would answer: Sure, why not?! Adding a sub will make pretty much any audio setup sound better (not all of them are compatible, though, so make sure you check before buying one first). 

One common misconception about subwoofers is that many think they just add more bass, when that's not necessarily true. Subs actually help improve the dynamics of said bass, not only boosting its quality overall, but also adding more depth and space to your output. Sometimes adding a high-quality subwoofer to your speaker setup is more helpful than upgrading the speakers themselves.

What is a smart speaker?

These are speakers that double up as smart devices, which may connect to Alexa or sync with other smart home devices. They’re great in their own right, but they aren't always the best way to listen to music (sorry, Alexa). If you can't live without a smart assistant within your speaker setup, we recommend something that's Bluetooth-enabled and connecting to your smartphone. That way, you get the perks of your phone's built-in smart assistant without having to downgrade the speaker itself. 

What are the best speakers?

We're glad you asked. We have picked out a favourite from each of the most popular speaker categories — from bookshelf to Bluetooth speakers and everything in between — and lined up the very best options for your consideration.

These are the best speakers in 2025.

The stock market is unpredictable. Sometimes, bad news boosts a stock, while good earnings send it tumbling. That's just how the market works.

Take Nvidia, for example. The company is still reeling from the AI sector's shake-up after DeepSeek’s latest model release earlier this week. Even today, as Nvidia launches its highly anticipated RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards, its stock continues to slide.

Why could this be happening? Let's take a look.

Nvidia RTX series delays

There is a strong demand online for Nvidia's new RTX 50 series graphics cards, but that doesn't necessarily translate to big sales. That's because Nvidia cannot keep store shelves stocked.

Many online retailers sold out of their supply within minutes. Scalpers are now selling Nvidia's graphic cards for a premium on the aftermarkets. Some retailers are informing customers to expect months of delays and backorders of the RTX 5090 and 5080.

SEE ALSO: Why DeepSeek is hitting tech stocks hard, including Nvidia's

While the demand is there, it's clear that's not the sole reason why Nvidia's RTX 50 series is impossible to find in stores. Many retailers received fairly low stock quantities, as Nvidia reportedly experienced manufacturing issues.

Overall, these issues may not be a reason for a stock to fall. But they do point to why Nvidia couldn't depend on the RTX 50 series release to help too much in its recovery.

DeepSeek's looming threat

U.S.-based AI companies like OpenAI and Nvidia are still reeling from the China-based startup's release of the DeepSeek-R1 AI model. 

DeepSeek reportedly created an AI model that's at least on par with OpenAI's latest model. In addition, they say they did it with fewer resources in processing power and funding. It reportedly cost DeepSeek less than $6 million to create a model that OpenAI spent hundreds of millions on.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI accuses Chinese competitor DeepSeek of stealing data, internet digs into the 'irony'

Few companies have benefitted from the AI boom in the U.S. than Nvidia, which supplies U.S. tech companies with processing power to build their AI models. 

Although DeepSeek has done its damage, the looming threat is far from over. DeepSeek has released additional AI models for AI-generated images and is developing even more advanced models.

In addition, other China-based companies, such as Alibaba, have announced their own advanced AI models that are supposedly even more powerful than those already available.

Trump's Taiwan tariff threat

DeepSeek wasn't the only thing that hit Nvidia this week.

In a speech earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced a plan intended to move computer chip manufacturing from Taiwan to the U.S. What's the plan? Tariffs.

"In the very near future, we’re going to be placing tariffs on foreign production of computer chips, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals to return production of these essential goods to the United States," Trump said in a speech.

"They left us and went to Taiwan," Trump said, referring to companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and Nvidia, which manufacture their chips in Taiwan.

Trump said the tariff could be as high as 100 percent. Trump's proposed tariffs could cause the price of these products to skyrocket for U.S. customers. In turn, companies like Nvidia would likely sell fewer products or make a smaller profit to compensate for the increased cost passed on to consumers.

For people who hate making mundane phone calls, Google has an AI solution.

On Thursday, the tech giant announced "Ask for me," an experiment in its Search Labs testing ground for Google Search. The feature uses AI to call local businesses on your behalf and ask about pricing and availability. Currently, the feature works for calling nail salons and local mechanics for an oil change or other standard car maintenance, but according to the options menu, more businesses are coming soon. 

SEE ALSO: Google's 'Daily Listen' AI generates customized mini podcasts Tweet may have been deleted

Like the rest of the AI industry, Google is leaning more and more into agentic experiences — AI that can do things on your behalf. Automating information-gathering calls is just one of the ways it's doing this. Google recently launched a Gemini tool that acts as a research assistant that can gather data for you from the web, and it debuted another Search Labs experiment that waits on hold for you when calling customer service.

Its newest Gemini model is integrated with the latest Samsung Galaxy and Pixel phones, with features for pulling together information, creating calendar events, and sending messages.

If you're enrolled in Search Labs, you can toggle on the experiment to test it. Note: By enrolling in Search Labs, you agree to share this data with Google to improve its AI models. Next, choose whether you're looking for information about a nail salon or mechanic, and proceed to the next few steps about the services you're looking for. Once you've added all the pertinent information, choose to receive a response via SMS or email, which takes up to 30 minutes. Easy peasy.

Tweet may have been deleted

For the receiving end of the call, that's another story. The person who picks up the phone will receive an automated announcement from Google AI saying that it's calling on behalf of a user. If the person hasn't hung up yet — because my first reaction would be that it's obviously spam — the AI will proceed to ask about pricing and availability. The receiver can then give the bot a response in a conversational manner, which it's capable of understanding, and send its response to you.

When we tried it out, we got a response from Google 21 minutes later informing us about prices and availability for a manicure at a local nail salon. The Google bot also said they tried other salons but "couldn't reach" them. Maybe they were busy, or maybe they were bewildered by the automated request.

When I called Gabriela Nguyen, the 23-year-old founder of APPstinent, she picked up on her Cat S22 flip phone.

Technically, because it runs the stripped-down operating system Android Go, you could consider it a rugged smartphone. But because of its style, size, and configuration, Nguyen can't easily or enjoyably spend the day using social media apps, if she ever downloaded any.

That's because after years of trying to curtail her use, Nguyen abandoned social media. She's not even on LinkedIn, which is arguably impressive for a student enrolled in Harvard's Graduate School of Education.

Now that she's liberated herself from social media and a sophisticated smartphone, she's determined to help others do the same through APPstinent, a Harvard student organization that she founded. It offers free coaching for clients to help them create a personalized "Digital Lifestyle Plan."

SEE ALSO: Why teens are telling strangers their secrets online

Nguyen is particularly invested in helping fellow members of Gen Z to reclaim their lives. She believes they've moved from a phone-based childhood, which prevented them from learning "soft skills" like making eye contact and approaching strangers, to an "infantilizing" phone-based adulthood.

They're supposed to be grownups but still use the same technologies and don't know how to leave behind the "petty social games" they learned online as teens. She insists that it's up to them, with support from older generations, to take back what they've lost as a result.

"It is not our fault our childhoods were like this, but it is our responsibility for our own lives and the next generation to use our knowledge for course correction," she says.

What does "appstinence" mean?

Her program APPstinent sounds like what it is: a strategy for permanently throwing off our digital yokes. Given how "psychologically manipulative" social media products can be, Nguyen doesn't believe it's possible to "mindfulness" your way out the endless app- and phone-based sand traps designed to steal people's time and attention.

So Nguyen walks clients through APPstinent's "5D Method," which is based on her own experience, as well as addiction research. The plan is designed to gradually wean them off social media, including over a period of 30 days.

This window of time matches most social media platforms' 30-day deactivation policy. If you deactivate your account and don't return within 30 days, the platforms will delete it. In Nguyen's experience, quitting social media completely was easier once she was sufficiently engaged with the real world. Eventually, the 5D Method includes downgrading your phone.

Nguyen hasn't eschewed the technology entirely, though. She still has an iPhone that only comes out for very special or necessary occasions, like taking a high-quality photo or sharing images she's stored on the device. Otherwise, she snaps pictures on her flip phone and even uses it to listen to music and order food and ride-shares.

She understands that "appstinence" has its limits depending on who you are, too. Students and professionals may need certain communication apps, for example. Nguyen primarily uses WhatsApp for school-related exchanges with international students who don't have U.S. phone numbers.

"You feel a pressure to maintain a version of yourself that's no longer organic." - Gabriela Nguyen, founder of APPstinent

She's less concerned about those tools than personal social media accounts. Nguyen advises clients who feel they need social media in order to promote a business or their own personal brand to create strict limits on what they share. What you don't want, Nguyen says, is to feel like you're creating a different version of yourself for every platform and constantly seeing yourself through other people's eyes. That can have a corrosive effect on one's sense of self.

"You feel a pressure to maintain a version of yourself that's no longer organic," Nguyen says, adding that the trade-off between living online to promote yourself may not be worth the gains in the long run.

How to quit social media

Nguyen is also realistic about how difficult it is to step away from social media if you've spent years of your daily life engaging with it. For perspective, consider that one-third of teens use at least one of the five major social media platforms "almost constantly," according to a Pew Research Center poll released in December 2024.

Since social media is deeply intertwined with most young people's habits, Nguyen suggests taking a measured and personalized approach.

"I would not recommend white knuckling it in the beginning," she says.

The 5D Method lays out a series of steps that include writing down an honest list of family and friends to whom you want to stay connected, along with a list of realistic analog activities to occupy your time.

This is not the occasion to learn crocheting or rock climbing, at least at first. Nguyen kept it simple by taking a book with her wherever she went, instead of her phone. This satisfied her brain's need to switch its attention frequently but didn't create new — and easily disappointed — expectations for developing a skill.

Some people have a "romantic" notion that quitting social media will make way for creative, brilliant ideas to come pouring forth. But Nguyen warns that's for people at an "advanced stage" in their weaning process. When you start, it's important to just be bored without needing that to be a productivity hack.

The hard truths of quitting social media

Nguyen doesn't mince words: Quitting social media may lead to certain friendships falling by the wayside, and harsh realizations, like that all of your social ties were, well, weak.

"It'll show you who really cares about you," Nguyen says.

When advising clients who are afraid to cull their contacts by going off social media, Nguyen urges them to focus on the relationships they want to maintain. Then they should make a detailed plan to keep in touch by calling them or seeing them in person, rather than trading likes or re-sharing their content on a social media platform.

Once Nguyen left social media, she set up a weekly phone call with her grandfather, who lives in Vietnam. The standing date has enriched their relationship.

Nguyen also tries to reframe the problem for clients. Once she stopped spending so much time online, she had energy to do other things that mattered to her. Nguyen knows the math well. If teens are online for nearly five hours a day, that comes close to a 40-hour work week, she says.

So is the group chat with former classmates who send the occasional meme worth the extra time you spend on social media platforms as a result? How about the constant maintenance required to be active on any given platform?

"This is a really, really uncomfortable question to ask, but then once you ask it and you realize you're comfortable with the answer, it brings a lot of peace," Nguyen says. 

The Righteous Gemstones returns for its fourth and final season this March, and it's clear from its first teaser that it'll be going out with a Biblical bang.

SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

The teaser kicks off with a discussion about Baby Billy Freeman's (Walton Goggins, Fallout) upcoming young adult TV series about Jesus as a teenager. He's shortened the title from Teen Jesus to Teenjus, but Gemstone siblings Jesse (creator Danny McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson, Nutcrackers), and Kelvin (Adam DeVine, Isn't It Romantic?) have their misgivings. What about combining the words "teen" and "Jesus" differently? What about simply calling the show Jeen?

That's just the beginning of the Gemstone chaos on display in the teaser, which also includes a full-on battle and a trio of larger-than-life angel costumes. Plus, we learn that Gemstone patriarch Eli (John Goodman, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) is "wasting away in Margaritaville" on his boat.

The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 premieres March 9 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Anthony Hopkins (Rebel Moon) and Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu) face off in the upcoming horror thriller Locked, which, based on the trailer, looks a bit like Saw on wheels.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

Directed by David Yarovesky (Nightbooks) and produced by Sam Raimi (the Evil Dead franchise), Locked stars Skarsgård as Eddie, a down-on-his-luck thief who breaks into a swanky SUV. But this is no luxury vehicle: It belongs to William (Hopkins), a vigilante who has tricked out his car in order to catch thieves and enact his own form of justice.

As William tells Eddie over the phone, he's put a lot of time and money into crafting the perfect torture vehicle. The walls and windows are bulletproof and there's no cell service, so there's no way out. Plus, the seats are able to tase Eddie, and William can lower or raise the temperature however he sees fit.

Yet William doesn't want to kill Eddie outright. Instead, as he remotely takes the car for a spin — potentially killing several pedestrians along the way — his goal is simply to introduce Eddie to "a little taste of hell."

Locked hits theaters March 21.

Finding the best Valentine's Day gifts for him is no easy feat. 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. Plug your ears and stop listening to the distractions, because we've scoured Amazon, Uncommon Goods, and other popular gifting sites to round up some stellar Valentine's Day gift ideas to get for that special someone this February 14. Scroll on to find awesome gadgets and under-the-radar finds for guys during your quest for the perfect gift. For further reading, dive into our unique gifts for men gift guide, Valentine's Day gifts for your husband, and the best gifts under $50.