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SAVE $65: As of Dec. 11, the Echo Show 8 is on sale for $84.99 at Amazon. That's 43% off its list price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 $84.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

Even though the Cyber Monday deals are winding down, Amazon is still offering up a few discounts ahead of the holidays. Some of these deals aren't quite as low as Cyber Monday, but they're still definitely worth jumping on if you still want to get some shopping done. Some of Amazon's smart home devices are even still on sale, including the Echo Show 8.

Amazon's Echo Show 8 is down to $84.99 right now for a limited time, 43% off its list price of $149.99. If you've had it on your radar, now's a great time to pick it up. Amazon even has a note on its page saying it'll arrive 14 days before Christmas, so if you want to get it as a gift you don't need to worry about delivery times.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Echo devices — which one are you buying this holiday season?

This smart device is packed with exciting features, too, including spatial audio, an eight-inch HD touchscreen, and a 13 MP camera. It can also operate as a smart home hub for those with several different smart devices around the house.

This limited-time deal won't last for long, though. Pick up the Amazon Echo Show 8 at $84.99 before this deal disappears.

If you want to save on even more devices ahead of the holidays, have a look through our roundup of Amazon's Cyber Monday deals. As mentioned before, most deals won't be quite as low as they were during the sale events, but there are definitely still some offers worth taking advantage of.

Honouring the amount of rodent stars in F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu, Robert Eggers' remake probably has more rats than Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

About 5,000 of them, according to star Nicholas Hoult, who appeared on The Graham Norton Show to unpack the film's wave of rats his character must wade through — some of whom were trained (just some). But who has 5,000 rats to give?

"Who do you call?" Norton asked, miming a phone call. "Do you have 5,000? Yes we do."

"Thank God you called! Finally!" replies Hoult.

On the couch with Sigourney Weaver, Lolly Adefope, and Jamie Oliver, Hoult also spoke about how many times Bill Skarsgard, who plays Count Orlok in Nosferatu, had to be trapped in a sarcophagus in full prosthetics with said rats and added maggots. It was a lot.

Nosferatu hits cinemas Dec. 25.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 11, the Apple iPad 10th Gen is on sale for $279 at Best Buy. This is $70 off its original list price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 10th Gen $279.00 at Best Buy
$349.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you were hoping to pick up an Apple device during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and worry you've missed your opportunity, Best Buy is here with a little early holiday treat to help you out. The 10th Gen Apple iPad has currently got a nice discount at the retailer.

The 10th Gen Apple iPad (with WiFi) is currently on sale for $279, $70 off its retail price of $349. All colors of this iPad are on sale as well, so you can choose between their selection of vibrant colors including blue, pink, silver, or yellow.

SEE ALSO: Apple Music launches three new radio stations, including Apple Music Chill

This is a fantastic price for such a nice iPad, especially one we consider to be one of the best iPads of 2024. Not to mention, you also get some fun bonuses with your purchase: three months of Apple TV+ for free, three months of Apple Fitness+ for free, up to four months of Apple Arcade for free, and up to three months of Apple Music for free.

This iPad earned a spot in our list of the best iPads of 2024 as our top pick on a budget. Mashable's Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino said, "Even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro, it's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money."

This is a fantastic iPad deal to take advantage of before the holidays. Don't miss out on $70 off the 64GB 10th Gen Apple iPad (WiFi) at Best Buy.

There are a few more Apple deals still hanging around after Cyber Monday as well. If you want to see if some that caught your eye during the sale are still available, have a look through our roundup of Apple's Cyber Monday deals to see which picks are still live.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, December 11, 2024:

Across"That's my ___!" ("I LOVE that song!")

• The answer is Jam.

Jay who hosted "The Tonight Show" from 1992–2009 and 2010–14

• The answer is Leno.

Assassin skilled in martial arts

• The answer is Ninja.

Element whose name is found in FARGO, ND

• The answer is Argon.

Boyfriends, quaintly

• The answer is Beaus.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11, 2024 DownGame with a tower that topples

• The answer is Jenga.

Green-skinned pear variety

• The answer is Anjou.

Sounds from a child after they're told to turn off the TV, maybe

• The answer is Moans.

Currency replaced by the euro in Italy

• The answer is Lire.

Catch red-handed

• The answer is Nab.

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.

The biologists were ecstatic.

A deep sea mission, undertaken by the Ocean Exploration Trust aboard their 223-foot vessel (E/V) Nautilus, recently spotted four nautilus individuals. Creatures similar to these modern-day nautiloids — swimming mollusks residing in large shells — have been around on Earth for some 500 million years, evolving much earlier than the dinosaurs.

Today, the creatures aren't easy to find. The Ocean Trust explorers have endeavored into the deep sea for 15 years and taken over 1,000 dives with their remotely operated vehicle. But these are the first nautiloids they've spotted.

"It's finally happened," a member of the exploration team said at the beginning of the footage, shown in the video below.

SEE ALSO: Scientists witness stunning, unprecedented carnage in the ocean

This ocean footage, fortuitously taken on the last "grand finale" dive of their season, was captured between 720 and 1,230 feet (220 to 375 meters) underwater. The nautiloids were swimming in a south Pacific Ocean channel off of Palau.

There are six living species of nautilus alive today. They are rarely seen living fossils, and such sightings are only made possible on deep dives, typically with robots. These expeditions turn up completely novel species, too.

"We always discover stuff when we go out into the deep sea. You're always finding things that you haven't seen before," Derek Sowers, an expedition lead for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Exploration mission, previously told Mashable.

"It's so beautiful."

Ocean research organizations are now vigilantly documenting and mapping the deep sea. Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. For example, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

At times, the search for what lies below leaves scientists awestruck.

"It's so beautiful," another team member marveled in the video. "Let's stay here forever."

We’ve already highlighted the very best video games of 2024 — the big-name titles everyone’s talking about. But now, it’s time to shine a light on something different.

These games flew under the radar, overshadowed by juggernauts like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. While they may not have had the same massive marketing push, you could argue they’re just as good — maybe even better. In fact, one of these titles made it onto both lists.

SEE ALSO: The best video games of 2024

So, let’s give these hidden gems their moment in the spotlight. Here are the best video games of 2024 that you might have missed.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes This one has such a striking look. Credit: Simogo/Steam

First up is Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, a mind-bending puzzle game with a mildly alliterative title that’s fun to say aloud. 

The less said about this game before you hop into it yourself, the better. All you need to know is that this puzzle game is set inside a black-and-white mansion with fixed camera angles that call back to classic horror games like the original Resident Evil, though you won’t be shooting any zombies here. Instead, you'll solve puzzles. Lots of them. Puzzles will have puzzles inside of them, and they’ll all lead to more puzzles. 

You may need to have a notepad next to you while you play. It’s that kind of game. Have fun!

Ys X: Nordics Ahoy. Credit: Falcom/Steam

Ys X: Nordics isn't technically an indie game like most of the other titles on this list. It comes from a noted Japanese development studio in Falcom, and the Ys series of action RPGs has been around for as long as Final Fantasy. It just doesn't have the same level of prestige, especially in the West. Ys deserves it, though, and selfishly, I want other people I know to play it so I can talk to them about it.

Ys X takes the kind of fast-paced, no-thoughts-head-empty action combat the series is known for and adds tactical, defensive layers on top of it to make it deeper and feel more novel than its immediate predecessors. Series protagonist Adol Christin (he's just a guy who loves adventure and has no other personality traits to speak of) is joined on this adventure by a cool Viking lady named Karja, and together, the two of them sail the high seas trying to break an evil curse, among other things.

It's got great music, an eminently satisfying upgrade loop, and the best seafaring ship combat this side of Assassin's Creed. Don’t miss this one.

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip I love this little dude. Credit: snekflat/Steam

I love video games that you can finish in just one or two sittings. I also love the PlayStation 2-era open-world classic The Simpsons: Hit & Run. 

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip takes only a few hours to complete. You play as a goofy little guy running around a goofy, open-ended town, completing tasks to upgrade his car and ultimately fly to space. Like Hit & Run, it’s a lighthearted, cartoony, open-world driving adventure with very low stakes and an endearing sense of humor. It's a perfect Steam Deck game, too. The only downside is that it's exclusive to PC right now.

UFO 50 Yes, games used to look like this, kids. Credit: Mossmouth/Steam

Eagle-eyed readers may remember UFO 50's placement on our main GOTY list this year. I felt it warranted a second mention.

This is a collection of 50 fake retro games made by a fictional company in the game and by a gaggle of talented indie developers in real life. It spans several eras of classic game design, from obtuse 8-bit adventures to RPGs and more. UFO 50 is a celebration of what games used to be and paints a positive view of what games can be in the future. 

Just check it out, will ya?

1000xResist Another awesome art style here. Credit: sunset visitor/Steam

1000xResist is another one where the less you know going in, the better.

Just know that this unique sci-fi adventure game trades more in compelling narrative than deep mechanics. It's got a killer art style, and the more people I know who play it, the more people I know who insist this is maybe the best game of 2024. Everyone is hopelessly becoming 1000xResist-pilled. 

Thank Goodness You're Here England is a weird place. Credit: Coal Supper/Steam

Set in a fake town in northern England, Thank Goodness You’re Here is a self-described "absurd comedy slapformer" about a traveling salesman who bounces around town, performing random tasks for people and, more generally, just having a silly little time. 

There's not much else to say about Thank Goodness You’re Here, another game that can be completed in one sitting. It's funny, weird, and has a great look. That earns it a spot on this list.

I Am Your Beast Sometimes you just need to let off some steam. Credit: Strange Scaffold/Steam

So far, the games on this list have mostly been skewed more lightheartedly or narrative-focused. I Am Your Beast is not those things, necessarily.

But it is a sick, stylish comic book-like first-person shooter set across a series of tiny sandboxes full of fun and violent ways of dispatching your foes. Want to take guys out by drop-kicking their faces or throwing bear traps at them? Go right ahead. Of course, you can also use guns, but there's more fun in being creative.

Minishoot Adventures Welcome to bullet hell. Credit: SoulGame Studios

"What if The Legend of Zelda was an arcade-style shooter?" is the elevator pitch for Minishoot Adventures, and it's a strong one. This simple little game marries the twin-stick action of many a classic arcade game with adventure games' more exploratory, puzzle-solving elements. 

If that quick elevator pitch doesn't grab you, this might not be your game. But if it does, you should probably check this one out.

Caravan Sandwitch One of the most relaxing games of the year, surely. Credit: Studio Plane Toast/Steam

I love open-world games, but I also love games with low stakes. These two genres don’t meet often enough, but when they do, good things happen. 

Enter Caravan Sandwitch, an open-world adventure set on an alien planet with a small community of eccentric humans for you to hang out with and do stuff for. Almost all of the gameplay in Caravan Sandwitch involves driving a van around a desert and exploring ruins to find scrap and other valuables. Along the way, you’ll uncover a narrative underpinning the whole thing, making the journey worthwhile.

If you like the exploration of Zelda but don’t want to worry about pesky things like combat or failure, this is the game for you.

Rise of the Golden Idol Uplifting! Credit: Color Gray Games/Steam

The sequel to 2022's The Case of the Golden Idol is yet another macabre tribute to PC adventure games of old.

You'll use your detective skills to solve a series of 1970s-themed cases with stylish visuals that can occasionally veer into disturbing territory. Fans of classic adventure games will surely find something to love here.

TL;DR: Save 68% on this cashmere-blend scarf with our holiday sale, available in 16 colors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lavisha Lavisha Cashmere-Blend Shawl (Beige) $15.97
$50.00 Save $34.03 Get Deal

Still searching for a great gift for Mom? We know how hard it is to find something she’ll love and actually use, but won’t feel guilty about how much you spent. That’s what makes this cashmere shawl such a great gifting option.

It feels like cashmere, but since it’s blended with other wool, it’s only $15.97 during our holiday sale. Place your order on or before Dec. 15 so it arrives in time for Christmas.

Thoughtful, practical, and snuggly

Moms, grandmas, and girlfriends love these cashmere scarves but don’t shy away from giving one to a man in your life. You could surprise him with one in the color of his favorite sports team.

We have 16 color options available, though the most popular ones will sell out first. Gift Christmas red, flamingo pink, or light coral for those who like making a fashion statement, or pewter gray, ivory, or sand dunes for a neutral shade that goes with almost any outfit.

Check off a holiday gift for her or him at $15.97 when you order the shawl through December 15. No coupon is needed for this holiday sale price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: During our limited-time holiday sale, save 85% on a MagellanTV lifetime subscription — its lowest price ever.

Winter’s creeping in, and we all know what that means — snowy days and way too much time stuck indoors. The weather might keep you from exploring the outside world, but this documentary streaming service helps you discover fascinating stories from history, science, and beyond without leaving your couch.

The real treat? Unlike Netflix, Hulu, and all the other big names, MagellanTV doesn’t charge any fees for their lifetime subscription. Join today at an all-time low price during our holiday sale: $139.97 (reg. $999). 

Like documentaries? You’ll love this

Other streaming services have some, but MagellanTV has thousands of ad-free documentaries. And you’ll get a far deeper selection than just basic ones you’ve already seen — we’ve watched Blackfish, Netflix, so stop recommending it to us.

Here are some current offerings that caught our eye:

• I Shot My Parents

• Diving With Sharks

• John F. Kennedy: Making of a President

• My Mum Talks to Aliens

https://www.youtube.com/embed/frNmrU_PcXQ 

On days when you’re totally snowed in and don’t know what to watch (and there’s nothing good on Netflix as usual), open a playlist. Maybe ‘Cute and Cuddly,’ ‘Wild Weather,’ or ‘The Stay-at-Home Travel Guide’ to set the mood. 

Can you share the subscription? Sure — stream on up to five devices at once.

Stream documentaries for life with MagellanTV, now $139.97 (reg. $999) for a limited time with our holiday sale. No coupon is needed to get this price.

MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service: Lifetime Subscription - $139.97

Opens in a new window Credit: Magellan TV MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service: Lifetime Subscription $139.97
$999.00 Save $859.03 Get Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Get a MacBook.

We don't blame them. The best MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, that's not something everyone will care about. Most of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.

SEE ALSO: Amazon has one pretty good deal on a 2-in-1 laptop ahead of October Prime Day

Although MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with the latest M4 MacBook Pros reaching into truly frightening territory — they justify the price with Apple's signature design, user-friendly OS, and zippy M-series processors. Plus, you can often find MacBook Air and Pro models on sale (with the cheapest ones priced around $850 to $999).

After testing out Apple's entire lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams. So, let's start shopping.

Your first big decision: MacBook Pro vs. Air

With today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?

If you're a creative who regularly pushes your laptop to the limit with demanding video and photo editing applications, you'll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iterations are the speediest and most performance-driven yet.

Testing the M1 MacBook Air after its 2020 release. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the super-powered M3 MacBook Pro. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air will be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you'll be lugging it around wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M3 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.

Which generation MacBook is the best?

This will come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But, whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, the 2022 model M2 MacBook Air won't come with the latest chip, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for just $849.99. That's compared to the $1,249 price tag of the most recent Air, and the $1,599 asking price of the latest Pro.

A photo from Mashable's test of the M1 MacBook Air. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the M2 MacBook Air. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

So, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is coming. Here are the best early deals to shop now. What are the best MacBooks?

After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2024. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, and who we think would like each model best.

The 10 minutes it takes to manually vacuum a 700-square-foot apartment probably isn't enough to send someone over the edge as far as chores are concerned. While the time-saving factor may be a moot point here, it doesn't completely diminish the appeal of using a robot vacuum in a crowded home.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

It's actually totally plausible that spaces with less square footage get dirty faster because virtually every spot is a high-traffic spot. With that logic, a robot vacuum is absolutely worth it in a small space.

However, it is crucial to not automatically assume that less floor to cover means that the cheapest vacuum you can find will suffice. Cramped furniture arrangements and quick changes between floor types actually call for a vac on the more competent end navigation-wise, or you'll risk arriving home to a bot that got stuck in kitchen chair legs during the first five minutes of cleaning. Before getting into specific robovac recommendations, let's assess the features that would make this a smart purchase.

Do robot vacuums work in small apartments?

While some large, heavy-duty robot vacuums would probably be overkill in a tight space, there are several compact, quiet robot vacuums on the market that make a lot of sense in a small space.

One way to downsize the space a robot vac takes up is to forego the self-empty dock. While forgoing it automatic emptying o save yourself inches on the floor may not be ideal, it'll be a little less damning in a small space, as the vacuum isn't sucking up as much dirt on each cleaning run as it would in a big house. However, finding a super compact auto-empty dock nowadays isn't hard, and many robot vacuums offer the option to buy one separately later.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The 2024 guide to deciding which Roomba to buy

If your small apartment has hard floors, a robot vacuum and mop combo is a genius way to downsize chores supplies. This'll save you not only the time it takes to mop manually but also the breath it takes to curse your Swiffer for hogging your scarce closet space. Multiple floor types also make smart mapping and zone labeling a crucial feature, despite the fact that your home may not have many specific rooms to select on a map in the first place.

Not sure which robot vacuum would be worth it in your small space? I've hands-on tested the top contenders in my own apartments over the years and have handpicked the four best robot vacuums for apartments, studios, and other one-story homes in 2024. (While each vacuum's retail price is listed by default, I've also noted the most common sale price in "The Good" sections. And yes, robot vacuum deals can be found throughout the year — not just during a shopping holiday like Black Friday.)

Following Spencer and Jackie — biopic melodramas about Princess Diana and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy — Chilean director Pablo Larraín rounds out his informal trilogy with Maria, another film about a world-famous woman in close proximity to death. His subject this time is the iconic Greek-American opera soprano Maria Callas, and though the film doesn't come together as neatly (or completely) as either of its predecessors, its most powerful moments stand head and shoulders above them, thanks to towering, transcendent work from Angelina Jolie in the leading role. 

Maria is set during the final week of Callas' life, at a time when she lived in isolation, far from the spotlight. As Larraín and Spencer screenwriter Steven Knight imagine these pivotal days, the resulting film is, unfortunately, lesser than the sum of its parts. However, each of those elements is so individually exquisite as to yield material that not only proves incredibly moving, but also provides Jolie with a platform to craft what is perhaps the most complex performance of her illustrious career. 

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix movies of 2024 now streaming What is Maria about? Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." Credit: Netflix

Set in 1977, Maria opens on the day of Callas' death from a sudden heart attack, after her body is discovered in her Paris penthouse. It presents this scene from a distinctly ghostly vantage. As Larraín's hand-held camera peers in on the scene from an adjoining room, it takes on a spectral presence, framing the rest of the film — set during the preceding week — as though it were some kind of desperate letter from Callas sent from beyond the grave.

To put words in a dead figure's mouth can be risky business, especially when so little is known about her final years. But as with with Spencer and Jackie, Larraín's focus is the intersection of private and public lives. His biopics are, therefore, speculative by nature. His last film, the satire El Conde, re-imagined Augusto Pinochet as a vampire, and while Maria certainly doesn't go that far — Larraín understandably has more respect for Callas than for the Chilean dictator — it exists in a similar vein: as a stylized examination of 20th-century history.

In the week preceding her demise, Callas wrestles with trying to regain her voice, which hasn't been at its full power for some time. However, her withdrawal from the public eye has also led her to self-medicate with largely unregulated drug cocktails. The film tips its hands about their effects early on; Callas claims, to her diligent butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino) and her housemaid Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher) — her key confidants in the film — that she has a TV interview scheduled with a journalist named Mandrax (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the same name as one of her sedatives. When he arrives, he's never in the same room (or same shot) as anyone but Callas.

That Mandrax is a hallucination is hardly a surprise. In fact, Callas is hyper-aware of her increasing break from reality, though it can't help but read as if it may have been intended as a plot twist in some earlier draft. It takes a number of scenes before Callas' interview with the phantom reporter begins yielding any worthwhile material — which is to say, personal revelations about Callas' past, and ruminations on her fame, which begin to gradually alter the movie's tone and appearance.

Maria tells its story through shifting textures and timelines. Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." Credit: Netflix

Hollywood biopics — especially their oft-parodied musical variety — tend to follow a standard structure, beginning on the precipice of a pivotal, late-career performance before the film unfolds in flashback. Maria upends this trend with distinct narrative purpose, stretching that aforementioned late-in-life moment across the entire film, while condensing Callas' life story to brief flashes of memory.

While the singer's music is central (and ever-present; her actual voice appears just as much as Jolie's), the specifics of her career, and her rise to fame, are of little interest to Larraín. He reduces them to an introductory montage burnt onto grainy celluloid stock, as though these moments from her performances had all been captured in great detail, and therefore didn't need to be the movie's focus. Rather than re-creating public performances, much of the film shifts rhythmically between Callas' past and present, often impulsively, as though it were depicting a haphazard stream of consciousness. This approach certainly has its strengths — the film is in constant motion, so at the very least, it's never boring — but it doesn't always move with purpose, and tends to repeat itself without finding new dimensions to its story.

On the plus side, Ed Lachman's dazzling cinematography makes the movie's present feel wistful. In its 1970s scenes, Maria either reminisces while wandering Paris — scenes which yield moments of musical splendor, where the real world collides with her imagined, operatic  one — or she visits an opera pianist to help her rehearse and re-capture her lost glory. These are painted with the warm tones of a perpetual sunset. The movie may be anchored by these scenes (its numerous flashbacks emanate from her conversations, both real and otherwise), but they're imbued with a senses of finality, and of time running out, as though Callas were keenly aware that she's nearing the end.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch them

Her flashbacks tend to take two specific forms. Like the aforementioned, grainy film footage, moments of public performance — of Callas silhouetted by spotlight — appear as brief, nostalgic recollections as she attempts to sing once again and recapture her lost glory. However, the movie's more complete flashback scenes play out in pristine black-and-white, as though these moments had been more perfectly preserved. This canvas is reserved for a handful of flashbacks to Callas' tumultuous youth (where she's played by Aggelina Papadopoulou), but their crux is the time she spent with the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer), with whom she had a lengthy affair before his marriage to Jackie Kennedy.

The film presents the aged Onassis as a risible, rankled character, and Bilginer plays him with venomous charisma. However, his frequent presence in Callas' memories never quite feels justified. It's speculated, in dialogue, that they may have been each other's greatest loves, and the film even imagines a wonderful moment of private confession between them, but Onassis only ever feels like an obligatory inclusion, rather than a character whose impact on Callas is deeply felt instead of simply mentioned in passing. However, this and any other flaws the film may have are eventually hand-waved away by its central performances.

Angelina Jolie leads a phenomenal cast. Pablo Larraín and Angelina Jolie discuss a scene on the set of "Maria." Credit: Netflix

A film like Maria doesn't work without its central performances. Apart from Callas, the two characters with the lion's share of the screen time are Bruna and Ferruccio, and though their prescribed roles are set in stone, they offer an intimate, loving perspective on the iconic vocalist.

As Bruna, a woman trained by Callas to be reverential, Rohrwacher allows the character's true feelings (and true concerns) to slip past her fealty. Ferruccio, meanwhile, is far more forthcoming about his objections to Callas' drug use, and while he's often rebuked — sternly, yet calmy — Favino maintains a heart-wrenching adoration for Callas. The real Ferruccio never sold Callas' private stories, even after her death, so while the movie draws on fantastical interpretations of her twilight years, it still does justice to Ferruccio's loyalty, especially in moments when real reporters try to cruelly invade her privacy.

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

However, all this would be for nought had the role of Callas not been perfectly cast and performed. Larraín has tackled real figures before — his historical-fiction Neruda was about poet and politician Pablo Neruda — but his triumvirate of Hollywood biopics have all confronted the impact and allure of fame. Kristen Stewart was a fitting vessel for Larraín's Spencer, a story about a highly misunderstood woman upon whom aspersions were constantly cast. Jolie is a similarly flawless choice, given the degree to which Maria is about the dueling pain and allure of living in the spotlight.

Not just a famous actress, but arguably one of the world's most famous people in the mid-2000s, Jolie has achieved a level of global stardom of which few can even dream. However, her celebrity has been marked by everything from homewrecking accusations to a harrowing public separation involving alleged domestic abuse (her battle with breast cancer has also been a tabloid topic, though she first publicized it herself). In a recent press junket for the movie's Venice Film Festival premiere, Jolie was asked about the degree to which she drew on her personal life for her performance, though she refused to elaborate. However, seeing the degree to which she places her most vulnerable self on screen in Maria, it's clear she doesn't need to. Everything she has to say on the subject is contained within the four corners of the frame.

Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." Credit: Netflix

Jolie plays Callas at a physical and emotional low point, and she carries herself as though attempting to juggle the grace and poise of an opera legend with the burdened posture of someone who's given up. She is completely sure of herself when she speaks to other people, but lost in a sea of self-doubt behind closed doors — a duality that Jolie displays not only in different scenes, but within single conversations, as she turns away from and toward her castmates.

Callas is a mess of paradoxes. She's a woman both plagued by yet constantly in search of adulation. She's haunted by her past, but her past is what fuels her music, and accessing the most agonizing parts of her story is of the utmost importance if she's to find herself again. Jolie's performance feels similarly in tune with the actress' own history. The further Callas reaches into her soul, the more the curtain slips; you can practically see Jolie and her character becoming one, crying out in unison for some kind of respite from simply being themselves, and living at their level of constant visibility, no matter how much they love the spotlight. It's heart-wrenching to witness.

However, Jolie goes even further in creating this semi-fictional version of Callas, not just as a real woman, but as a figure practically destined — perhaps even cursed — to be immortalized on screen. The real Callas spoke rather conversationally, and with a more distinctly Greek intonation than Jolie does here. But rather than impersonating her, Jolie instead takes on a classically Hollywood, Transatlantic tone. 

This accent is easy enough to access, but Jolie's masterstroke is what she does with her voice. Not just her singing voice — though she sounds magnificent to this critic's untrained ear — but her speaking voice, which sounds pitched-up, as though it were emanating at a higher frequency through a microphone from the 1940s or '50s. The film may be set in 1977, but the '40s and '50s were Callas' professional peak; what better way to translate her idealized version of herself in cinematic terms?

Callas struggles to stand upright in Maria. Not just literally, because of her drug-dulled sense, but spiritually. The film as a whole may feel scattered, and might lose its way in the middle, but all the while, Jolie is locked in a constant battle to hold her head high — to live (and die) with dignity, while experiencing all the fears and convictions that come with a woman slowly accepting that she may be at the end of her life.

Usually, Larraín loves to show off his production design (with sets this lavish, who wouldn't?), and he loves to make his camera dance, but the smartest thing he does in Maria is get out of Jolie's way at just the right time. During more intimate or subtle scenes, he pulls back on his flourishes so that her performance can dictate the story at its most potent, painful moments. However, on the rare occasions the film's operatic formalism and Jolie's performance align — moments when Callas inches closer to finding herself during her musical search — the result is completely shattering.

Maria debuts on Netflix Dec. 11.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m. EST "Maria" was reviewed on Aug. 30, 2024, out of its World Premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival. This article has been updated to reflect its debut on streaming.

SAVE $1,200: As of Dec. 11, AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K ultra short throw projector is available for $2,799 at Amazon, including a $200 on-site coupon. That’s a $1,200 saving from its regular $3,999 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: AWOL AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K $2,799.00 at Amazon
$3,999.00 Save $1,200.00 Get Deal

What if your living room could outdo your local cinema? The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro projector offers stunning visuals, immersive sound, and a screen size of up to 150 inches. Right now, it's on sale for $2,799 at Amazon, including a $200 on-site coupon, making it $1,200 off its usual $3,999 price.

The LTV-3000 Pro is different from your average projector. It's a 4K UHD powerhouse with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, delivering breathtaking clarity, rich colors, and sharp contrast in any lighting condition. Its ultra-short throw (UST) design projects a massive display from just a few inches away, meaning there is no need for ceiling mounts or complicated setups.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

This projector also improves audio quality with integrated center speaker mapping and Dolby Atmos, delivering room-filling sound that feels like it's moving around and above you. Pair it with AWOL Vision's ThunderBeat 4.2.2 surround sound system; you've got a true 5.2.2 cinematic experience.

But the LTV-3000 Pro doesn't stop there. Slip on a pair of active shutter 3D glasses, pop in a 3D Blu-ray, and enjoy theater-grade 3D movies from the comfort of your couch.

Thanks to its triple laser technology and a color gamut covering 107% of BT 2020 and 147% of DCI-P3, you'll see over a billion colors in incredible detail. Even daytime viewing is a breeze with its bright, vibrant output. Plus, it's eco-friendly, using just one-tenth the power of a standard LED TV, so you can enjoy premium entertainment without a premium electric bill.

Whether you're upgrading your gaming rig, creating a home theatre, or wanting the ultimate screen for movie nights, this Amazon deal is hard to beat. With $1,200 in savings and a $200 on-site coupon, it's the perfect time to bring this feature-packed projector home.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 11, Shure SM4 studio recording microphone is on sale for $199 at Amazon — a saving of $69.99 off its regular $269.99 price with accessories.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shure Shure SM4 Studio Microphone $199.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Looking to upgrade your recording setup without emptying your wallet? The Shure SM4 studio recording microphone is your new go-to. Whether you’re a streamer, podcaster, or musician, this microphone delivers mix-ready sound at a price that won’t make you wince. Right now, it’s available for $199 at Amazon — a solid $70 off its usual $269.99 price when you buy the kit with accessories.

So, what makes the SM4 so special? First, it reproduces audio smoothly. Thanks to a 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, this mic ensures clean, natural sound with detailed highs and controlled low-end frequencies. Translation: whether whispering or belting out a ballad, your audio comes through crystal clear.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

Another standout feature is the cardioid polar pattern, which minimizes background noise while keeping your voice (or instrument) front and centre. Got a loud guitar amp? No problem. SM4 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 140 decibels without breaking a sweat. Hence, you get distortion-free recordings no matter how loud things get.

For those who want minimal fuss in post-production, the SM4’s integrated pop filter and shielding against RF interference ensure your recordings are clean from the start. It’s designed to reject unwanted plosives, rumbles, and even interference from your phone or WiFi, leaving you with a professional-grade sound straight out of the box.

And let’s not forget Shure’s legendary durability. Built with rugged, all-metal construction, the SM4 is made to last whether it’s parked in your home studio or on the road. Add a sleek, low-profile design that won’t hog the spotlight in your video shoots, and you’ve got a mic that’s as versatile as it is reliable.

Need accessories? Go for the $269 kit, which includes a pop filter and shock mount for added recording convenience. But if you’re happy with the basics, the mic-only option at $199 is worth grabbing while it lasts.

Bottom line: The Shure SM4 mic doesn’t just talk the talk — it lets you do it better. If you’re ready to level up your audio game, snag this deal from Amazon before it’s gone.

SAVE $65: As of Dec. 11, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers are available for $1,234 for Prime members at Amazon—a $65 discount from their usual $1,299 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alpha IQ PSB Alpha iQ Speakers $1,234.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

If your audio setup is feeling a little tired, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming-powered speakers are here to shake things up. These wireless speakers, now $1,234 for Prime members on Amazon (a $65 saving), bring high-res sound and zero cable chaos to your home.

Let’s start with the basics: These aren’t just speakers but a full-on streaming system in disguise. Thanks to BluOS, the Alpha iQ connects you to over 20 music services, including high-resolution platforms like Tidal and Qobuz. Want to stream directly from your phone? These speakers play nice with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, so you can ditch the extra gadgets.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

But it’s not just about convenience, it’s about sound quality that can make even a so-so playlist feel savage. Alpha iQ boasts an audiophile-grade DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) with support for 24-bit/192kHz high-res audio and MQA decoding. You can hear every pluck, beat, and whisper like it’s happening live. The speakers pack a punch, too, with each woofer powered by a 60-watt amp and each tweeter rocking its own 30-watt amp. That’s 180 watts of system power delivering room-filling sound that doesn’t skimp on the details.

Need flexibility? These speakers have you covered. Beyond streaming features, the primary speaker has inputs, including an MM phono preamp and RCA jacks for vinyl lovers, an HDMI ARC port for hooking up to your TV, and an optical input for gamers or old-school CD enthusiasts. There’s even a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for analogue devices because PSB knows some of us still love a classic.

Alpha iQ speakers come in a range of finishes, including matte white, black, and midnight blue that look modern without trying. They’ll sit pretty in your living room or home office without screaming, “look at me!”

Sure, $1,234 isn’t precisely bargain-bin pricing, but you’re paying for quality and not having to fiddle with wires. If you’ve been craving a speaker upgrade that blends style, tech, and next-level audio performance, now’s your chance to snag the Alpha iQ at a discount. Just don’t sleep on it.

If you're ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it's time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has expanded fervently over the past few years, and I'm not saying BookTok is to blame, but I'm not not saying that's the case.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon's e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day or remote page-turners, so you don't need to hold your Kindle while reading. And I'm with these extolling users: a Kindle brings your reading experience to the next level. They're lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library. If you don't need much convincing, it's just a matter of picking which Kindle you want.

Plus, we're gearing up for the holidays. While the big shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday have already come to pass, Amazon is still running sales on a couple of our favorite Kindles. With deals out there for the taking, you can gift one to a family member without cashing in your 401(k), or get one for yourself as a little literary treat and spend the holidays cozied up on the sofa, crossing out those final titles to make your yearly reading goal happen.

SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2024, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I got my hands on Amazon's 2024 models to see what they offer.

Kindle's first color e-reader is here as of Oct. 30, 2024, however, it's been backordered for several weeks, and we've yet to get our hands on it. I'm eager to finally see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, as of Dec. 4, the redesigned Kindle Scribe is now out there for the annotators, and has four times the storage as the past model.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon When is the best time to buy a Kindle?

Because Kindles are one of Amazon's cornerstone products, you'll often see their prices drop during Amazon's annual sales, which usually take place in the summer and fall of each year. In 2024, Prime Day took place on July 16 and 17, and Prime Big Deal Days ran Oct. 8 and 9.

The next shopping holidays you should focus on are Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On these momentous occasions, we've seen Kindles marked down by up to 40%. We even saw the brand-new 2024 Kindle models drop in price during Cyber Week this year.

We're seeing a few Kindles continue to run sales up to 19% off into mid-December. So if you missed Black Friday, there's still a chance.

What is the right Kindle to buy?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. As of December 2024, there are six updated Kindle models to choose from, as well as older editions that might still be in stock. The Kindle Scribe was the latest to get a revamp in December and we'll update this guide when we get a chance to test the new model.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We analyzed all their differences. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You can consider many things when picking the right Kindle, but you need to ask one question first: Do you need it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other things to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: Kindles generally have outstanding battery life (depending on your usage). On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included pen. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via any Kindle's built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

How to watch 'The People's Joker' at a glance: BEST LONG-TERM DEAL Mubi annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'The People's Joker' on digital starting at $3.99 at Prime Video Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Mubi for Students Free 30-day trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal BEST ADD-ON Mubi add-on for Prime Video Free 7-day trial, then $14.99/month Get Deal

It's hard to believe a DC Comics parody is even able to exist in the current superhero-dominated movie climate. But alas, The People's Joker is somewhat of a miracle. One of Mashable's top movies of 2024, the long-awaited, low-budget, supervillain narrative slash trans coming-of-age story is finally available to stream online.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Vera Drew's The People's Joker at home.

What is The People's Joker about?

In a DIY, campy version of Batman's Gotham City, Joker the Harlequin (Drew) hopes to make it in the comedy scene, which is corruptly ruled by a cartoony version of Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels of the United Clown Bureau (UCB). Opposed to the rigidly gendered UCB ways and grappling with her own gender identity, Joker forms a new anti-comedy troupe alongside a friend and ends up battling a devious caped crusader controlling the city. The story is laced with Batman references throughout, but ultimately uses the comic theme to relay Drew's own real-life story. It's both an autobiographically-inspired coming-of-age story and a superhero parody wrapped up into one "intriguing artifact of modern media," as Mashable's reviewer Siddhant Adlakha puts it.

Is The People's Joker worth watching?

"With her biting sense of humor and raw emotional revelations, Drew has constructed a supervillain tale that is as jarring as it is compelling, as peculiar as it is profound," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes. Breaking the top 20 on our list of the best movies of 2024, The People's Joker has certainly made an impression on us. It's almost intentionally a cult film and not for everyone, but its 95 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes shows its originality is a force to be reckoned with.

For those seeking a superhero movie that's not just another cog in the MCU or DC machine, The People's Joker is definitely worth a watch. "There's a deep love of all things DC, but without the suffocating reverence that has brought on superhero fatigue," Puchko adds.

Check out our full review of The People's Joker.

How can I watch The People's Joker at home? Credit: Altered Innocence

The People's Joker made its digital retail debut on July 30, meaning it's available for purchase at video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for as low as $12.99. The film is also available to rent at those same retailers for as low as $3.99. This is the most affordable way to watch the film aside from a free trial (more on that below). Just keep in mind that rentals give you 30 days to start watching, but just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

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

• Prime Video — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• Apple TV+ — $4.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

• YouTube — starting at $3.99 to rent, starting at $12.99 to buy

Is The People's Joker streaming anywhere?

The sleeper hit of the summer finally made its streaming debut on Dec. 6 on Mubi. It's no surprise the low-budget indie isn't hitting the major streamers; Mubi, the streamer built for cinephiles, is actually the perfect home for The People's Joker. The Mubi library is brimming with the best of international cinema, showcasing an array of films from America and abroad, mainstream and independent, classics, new releases, award-winners, and Mubi's own originals — like recent hit The Substance. Subscriptions to Mubi start at $14.99 per month, but we've rounded up a couple of different ways to save money on the streamer below.

Best for newbies: Get a free 7-day trial Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi 7-day free trial Get Deal

If you've never signed up for Mubi before, you can take advantage of a free trial for a week. As long as you remember to cancel after watching the movie, you could theoretically watch The People's Joker and more for free this way. The free trial is available on Mubi directly or through Prime Video as an add-on.

Best long-term deal: Save 33% on an annual 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 looking to expand your movie education and want to stick around to enjoy more than just The People's Joker, you can save 33% by paying for an entire year of Mubi. 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 if you're a newbie.

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 cheaper per month than regular monthly subscriptions. Plus, with 30 free days, you'll have plenty of time to watch The People's Joker and lots of other films before even paying a cent.

TL;DR: Instead of paying £116.84 for the 2024 edition of Microsoft Office, get lifetime access for only £94.08.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase £94.08
£116.84 Save £22.76 Get Deal

Did you hear? Microsoft has finally released the latest version of Microsoft Office — it's huge because it's been three years since the last version. The 2024 version has given your favorite apps a makeover, new productivity features, AI integration, and so much more to get you closer to your goals. 

You don't need to pay full price for Microsoft Office 2024 since this early Black Friday offer arrived just in time. Save an additional £22.76 on your Mac or PC download and grab lifelong access for only £116.84 while supplies last.

Your favorite Microsoft apps, but updated

With this lifetime license, you could drop the subscription you would usually pay for Microsoft 365, which is about £55 a year. Once you complete the one-time payment, you'll have these productivity apps on your Windows or Mac device forever.

There are a number of upgrades and additions, like a sleek, ribbon-based interface on each app for seamless navigation, so check out what's included in Microsoft Office 2024.

The most exciting feature of the newest version of this suite is its overall AI integration. Enjoy assistance from Microsoft's intelligent AI tools for text, formatting, and design suggestions across all apps. There's even AI in Excel to help you analyze data more effectively, and another one that can recommend audio descriptions and alternative text for images for greater accessibility.

Another feature that could boost your workflow is how easy collaboration is with Microsoft Office 2024. The built-in chat, commenting features, and version history could help you and your colleagues work more efficiently.

Grab your PC or Mac download of Microsoft Office 2024 while codes are still available for £116.84.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Handling multiple bosses can feel overwhelming—especially when they don’t communicate well with each other. But this tricky dual-reporting situation is also an opportunity to sharpen skills like communication and prioritization. Here’s how to navigate the challenges and get everyone on the same page. Spot the sneaky signs of disconnection. Notice subtle misalignments, like conflicting updates […]

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TL;DR: A wide range of AI courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

The conversation about the future of AI continues, but we're still not clear on whether or not this technology is going to take over the world. Artificial intelligence may eventually decide to take all our jobs, but before we get to that point, we could probably all benefit from learning a little more about this technology. After all, maybe it could make our lives easier before everything goes wrong.

The good news is that you can learn how to harness the power of AI without spending anything. A wide range of AI courses can be found on Udemy. And better yet, some of the best examples can be taken for free. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.

These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI Filmmaking

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Everyone

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• Canva AI: Master Canva AI Tools and Apps 2024

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Generative AI For Leaders

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT & DALL-E

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

These free online courses don't include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. That means you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free AI courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI and ChatGPT Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX. Find free lessons on AI, machine learning, investing, and more.

Not a lot of people know this, but edX hosts a massive bank of free online courses from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world. You can take lessons on everything from AI to Python programming without spending anything. And some of these online courses are delivered by MIT.

We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from the famous school. These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

• Becoming an Entrepreneur

• Cell Biology: Cell-Cell Interactions

• Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling

• Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis

• Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay

• Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications

• Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications

• Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modeling and Strategies

• Energy Economics and Policy

• Financial Accounting

• Financial Regulation: From the Global Financial Crisis to Fintech and the COVID Pandemic

• Foundations of Modern Finance

• Foundations of Modern Finance II

• Fundamentals of Manufacturing Processes

• Fundamentals of Statistics

• Genetics: Analysis and Applications

• Genetics: Population Genetics and Human Traits

• Genetics: The Fundamentals

• Introduction to Biology: The Secret of Life

• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

• Learning Time Series with Interventions

• Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning

• Management in Engineering: Accounting and Planning

• Management in Engineering: Strategy and Leadership

• Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance

• Molecular Biology — Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair

• Molecular Biology — Part 2: Transcription and Transposition

• Molecular Biology — Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation

• Probability: The Science of Uncertainty and Data

• Supply Chain Analytics

• Supply Chain Dynamics

• Supply Chain Fundamentals

• Sustainable Building Design

• Sustainable Energy

• Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo

These free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. You can start learning at a pace that suits you, so what's holding you back?

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal