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Pokémon TCG: Perfect Order Booster Box price cuts at Amazon and Walmart — score the best preorder deals

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:47
Where to pre-order the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box: Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $219.98 at Walmart Pre-Order Here Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $269.94 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Best TCGplayer deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $244.92 at TCGplayer Pre-Order Here

Perfect Order preorders have been fluctuating with leading Pokémon TCG retailers, but the Booster Display Box has demonstrated decent value for money ahead of its March 27 release.

As of March 12, Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Box up for preorder at $219.98, which puts it $44.97 below Amazon’s current $264.95 price and $13.76 under TCGplayer’s $233.74 market price. It also works out to about $6.11 per pack for a 36-pack booster box ahead of the release.

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For a sealed booster box, the value looks pretty reasonable on a per-pack basis. At $219.98 for 36 packs, you’re paying roughly $6.11 per pack before tax. That’s still not exactly cheap, but compared to buying single boosters individually (you can buy from Walmart at $18.97 each), this is a bargain. 

The Perfect Order expansion centers on Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Lumiose City and features Mega Zygarde ex, alongside cards like Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex, and Meowth ex. The box includes 36 booster packs, with each pack containing 10 random trading cards, making this the standard for collectors who want the broadest shot at the set’s pulls without buying loose packs individually at a higher cost.

You can still buy the Perfect Order Build and Battle Box for only $49.98. As for booster bundles, you can also preorder the Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle for only $59.95.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 ways to create a directory in Linux (and what each one teaches you)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:30

However you use Linux, whatever your situation, there’s a simple way to create a new directory. The terminal mkdir command is probably the one you use the most, but there’s a lot to learn about it, and you may find a GUI app easier.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Im an admin assistant for adult creators — heres what my day is like

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:11

Sex sells, but you might not know just how much.

There are people who make their living having sex or looking sexy, but there are plenty of others who make money in their orbit. 

"I thought my only option was to teach sex ed at primary and secondary schools through charities," said Amari, a sex positive virtual assistant and social media manager. "And now all of a sudden I have these two businesses where I'm working in the sex space in a completely different capacity than what I thought."

SEE ALSO: How I make 6 figures on OnlyFans selling feet pics

Since 2023, Amari has run Admin by Amari, an agency offering services from administrative work to social media to copywriting and SEO, all for different workers in the sex space. She also runs Sex Coaching by Amari, but the former business is her bread and butter. 

"Sexual health nurses, gynecologists, obstetricians, all the way to sex workers," she described clients. That's not all: "OnlyFans models, sex toy companies, sex dungeons, play parties…reproductive justice charities, abortion charities. The list…it's crazy."

Mashable interviewed Amari about how she went from university student to right-hand person for the sex-positive among us.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned. "It just accidentally became my full-time job"

When studying sociology in university, "every topic that I was allowed to pick was about sex in some shape or form," Amari said. The topics included gender, sexuality, sex work, porn, feminism, and gendered violence. 

She volunteered for different charities, like a sex workers' rights charity and one about sexual domestic violence. She'd do various administrative tasks, social media work, and help with events. Eventually, she got a job at a nursery and thought that when she'd graduated, she'd go either down the charity or women's rights group route or the childcare route.

Then COVID hit. But she graduated with a full-time job, as nurseries stayed open in the UK. Amari loved working with kids, so she decided to enroll into teacher training. 

Unfortunately, though, it was a grueling experience. Between 80-hour work weeks and not getting paid due to the nature of the program, "I got incredibly stressed out, mentally, physically," she told Mashable. "It attacked my joints. I was on crutches at the age of, like, 23."

"I was actually physically unable to work with children," she said. "My body just completely shut down."

She also didn't have a good experience with her mentor. All of this prompted her to ask herself what she's going to do with her life.

Given her charity volunteering while at university, she sent her CV to charities and secured an administrative and social media role at a forest school nursery. While the pay was low, the job was remote, and Amari decided, "This is the life I want to live." 

It was around this time that she also received her sex education qualification, but realized she wasn't able to be in a school environment due to her physical condition. 

SEE ALSO: OnlyFans 'baits and switches' customers with false promises, lawsuit claims

Months later, a reproductive justice organization reached out to her, offering admin work for 10 hours per month. Amari figured she could do admin and use the bit of extra pocket money, so she registered as self-employed.

"That's how I set up the agency," she said.

She reached out to other charities to offer freelancer work, and it slowly became her full-time gig.

"It just accidentally became my full-time job," she said. "And all of a sudden I was like, 'Oh my gosh'...I had a sex educator reach out to me, a sex worker reach out to me. I had a sex work company reach out to me," she said, after they found her through Instagram.

"I didn't even know all of these people needed this sort of support," she said. But now, she works with six clients and has a team of over a dozen people handling administrative and social media work. 

The day-to-day of a sex work admin assistant

Amari's day-to-day is "chill" these days, she said. Sometimes she'll have discovery calls with potential clients, negotiate brand deals, do interviews or podcasts, or write articles, but she said that's more of a "side thing."

"I wake up whenever I want," she said. "I get to go to the gym whenever I like. I get to do Pilates whenever I want to…It's mainly me in bed tapping away at my computer to be honest."

That doesn't mean she always puts her feet up. As someone who posts about sex on social media, she knows all about platforms' draconian rules. On her website, Amari has a guide on censorship and shadowbanning, which is when someone's account is deprioritized by a social media app. Sex workers, erotic artists, and LGBTQ content creators have told Mashable that they've seen their Instagram accounts shadowbanned or simply banned.

"The first time I got shadowbanned, I was like, 'Oh my god, I'm gonna lose my job. My whole business is gonna go to shit. I need to get a new job.' I was so stressed out and so overwhelmed," Amari said. But she did a lot of research and spoke with clients who've experienced shadowbanning, so she's gathered that knowledge over the years. 

"We understand shadow banning, we understand censorship," she said. "But I cannot make you a promise that something won't happen to your account." She does have best practices, though: diversify your platforms (have two to three social media accounts), and go outside of social media too with an email marketing list and website.

Depending on the client, she also censors specific words as well (a content moderation phenomenon we've seen on social media the last few years — "seggs," anyone?), but some clients specifically don't want her to. 

But it's just one thing she's learned being in the sex space, which she said is "such a fun industry."

"I learned so much in that first six months," she said. "Proper whirlwind." 

Now that she's cemented in it, it feels like she has a proper community despite being remote — not that she doesn't love working from home.

"If there's one thing I want people to take away from this, it's get a remote job," she joked.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Jake Paul speaking at a Trump rally

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:02

Donald Trump bringing Jake Paul onstage at a rally and endorsing him for political office may sound like something out of a parallel timeline, but it's exactly what happened on Wednesday.

"Trump got a visit from a celebrity who could be our next president of the United States," says Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above, before playing footage of the YouTuber-turned-pro boxer speaking at Trump's Wednesday rally in Kentucky, saying: "What Mr Trump has taught me is courage. We never back down from a fight."

"I wonder if Jake knows Trump got a note from his podiatrist to dodge the draft?" Kimmel asks. "Do you think maybe he kept that a 'wonderful secret' from Jake?"

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The most-updated Android device in history isn't even a smartphone

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:00

While Android phone makers are tooting their horns about seven years of software support, one Android device has been receiving regular updates for more than a decade. The first NVIDIA Shield TV launched in 2015, yet it still outclasses every other Android device in terms of software support.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert reacts to energy secretarys deleted tweet

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:57

With the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran , the global oil market is chaos right now.

U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright hit X on Tuesday to seemingly assuage concerns, writing, "The U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets."

The tweet was then deleted, because that hasn't actually happened, but it was enough, as the Wall Street Journal reports, "to wipe out million-dollar trades" and send the stock market into pandemonium.

On The Late Show Wednesday night, Stephen Colbert walked through the whole debacle in the clip above.

"There's already too much drama in the life of an investor," joked Colbert. "Just look at Wall Street, Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps, Wall Street 3: This Cocaine's Just Not Hitting Like It Used To, and Wall Street 4: Rush Hour 2."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 open-source tools that secretly power the world

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:30

Although the term "open source" didn’t arrive until the late 1990s, the principle has been around since programming really took off in the 50s and 60s. Early developers shared their code and protocol designs, a process that ballooned with the advent of the internet in 1969.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Conan OBrien raging against the actors nominated for an Oscar instead of him is peak Conan

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:16

Whenever Conan O'Brien appears on a late night show you know there's a decent chance of some chaos, and his interview with Jimmy Kimmel doesn't disappoint.

As well as telling an amusing story about his struggle to come up with an Oscars joke about the movie Train Dreams, O'Brien (who is hosting the awards again this year) also takes a moment to rage about the actors who were nominated in the Best Supporting category while he received nothing for his role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.

"I'M BETTER THAN ALL OF THEM COMBINED, AND YET I WAS DENIED!" screams O'Brien. "DENIED!"

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 12, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:03

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 12, 2026:

AcrossLike jerk chicken and chicken vindaloo
  • The answer is Spicy.

Capital of Vietnam
  • The answer is Hanoi.

"Well, would ya look at that!"
  • The answer is I'll be.

Gem in an oyster
  • The answer is Pearl.

Thick roll of cash
  • The answer is Wad.

DownPart of a naval fleet
  • The answer is Ship.

The "P" in I.P.A.
  • The answer is Pale.

Relative by marriage
  • The answer is Inlaw.

King ___ (venomous snake)
  • The answer is Cobra.

Sign obeyed by merging traffic
  • The answer is Yield.

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

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 today's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock BBC iPlayer for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Unblock BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free streaming sites is ExpressVPN.

BBC iPlayer is a massively popular free streaming platform that hosts hit shows, live sports, anime, documentaries, and so much more. BBC iPlayer deserves its popularity, but it's not perfect.

Have you ever tried to connect to BBC iPlayer from outside the UK? You won't get very far, because BBC iPlayer recognises your location and blocks you from accesssing its award-winning news coverage, children’s programs, British dramas, and all the other good stuff. It doesn't matter if you've only left the country for a couple of days. You'll be blocked. No excuses.

Fortunately, there is a workaround. If you want to unblock BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock BBC iPlayer for free

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this popular site from abroad with a VPN. These are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in the UK. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock free sites like BBC iPlayer without spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to BBC iPlayer before recovering your investment. This works great if you're on vacation.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $10 Microsoft upgrade makes an old computer feel brand new

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Upgrade an old PC with a sparkling new operating system, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, on sale now for just $9.97 through April 12.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Ever wonder what the computer equivalent of a new haircut might be? We’d imagine a new operating system would be pretty close, and one like Microsoft Windows 11 Pro would provide a serious upgrade. Right now, you can snag this license for only $9.97 until April 12.

A new operating system can give an old computer a whole new lease on life, so you can save yourself the cost of a new device with a simple OS upgrade. If you act fast, you can refresh your PC for less than the cost of lunch with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license.

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Get a productivity boost with Windows 11 Pro. It was made with the modern professional in mind, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll experience an easier workflow. There’s a seamless, easy-to-use interface with tons of new tools like a powerful search experience, easy redocking, snap layouts, and more.

Windows 11 Pro comes with Microsoft Teams, a handy app that makes it easy to stay connected with family, friends, and coworkers. Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, is also included and can be found right on your desktop to answer questions, help with tasks, and even change settings, summarize web pages, or open apps.

This operating system takes cybersecurity more seriously with biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection, all to help keep your data safe.

Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 through April 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $1,100 on a 1TB MacBook Pro that grows with you

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get a laptop you won’t outgrow quickly with this 1TB Apple MacBook Pro, now only $409.97 (reg. $1,580) through March 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (2020) 13" i5 2GHz Touchbar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $409.97
$1,580 Save $1,170.03   Get Deal

Running out of storage on your laptop is one of the quickest ways to slow down your workflow. If you’re looking for a laptop that doesn’t require you to offload apps or delete files to get through the work day, it’s time to consider this Apple MacBook Pro. It comes packed with an impressive 1TB of storage, and has an even more impressive $409.97 price tag now through March 22 while supplies last.

If you’re looking for a laptop that can grow with you over time, you need one with plenty of storage. This MacBook Pro has a 1TB SSD, so you have plenty of space to store files and download apps, without filling up and slowing you down.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

A 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor runs at 2GHz and has turbo boost up to 3.8GHz, so you can multitask and handle heavier loads without issues. The 13.3-inch screen has a native resolution of 2560×1600, so you can tackle work and take a break to play all in vibrant colors. You’ll have 10 hours of battery life to do it all on a single charge.

This model includes Apple’s True Tone Technology, which reduces eye strain by adjusting to your lighting conditions. It also has unique Apple features, like the Touch Bar, which puts shortcuts right at the top of your keyboard, and an Apple Magic Keyboard that lets you type comfortably. The Touch ID also helps keep your device safe.

This model typically costs $1,580, but you’re saving over $1,100 thanks to its grade A refurbished status. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition while you secure this massive discount.

Get this 1TB Apple MacBook Pro for just $409.97 (reg. $1,580) now through March 22, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch One Piece online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Watch One Piece for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Anime fans are often forced into one of two camps: Those who pay a lot of cash to subscribe to a number of streaming platforms and those who rely on dodgy streams from dark corners of the online world. It doesn't need to be this way. There are legitimate streaming platforms out there with enormous banks of anime content, just waiting for you to binge.

BBC iPlayer might not be the first name you think of when it comes to anime, but this popular service hosts literally thousands of episodes from the One Piece anime series. It's also a great place to access free Pokémon content. Who knew?

If you're interested in watching One Piece for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch One Piece for free

Over 1,000 episodes from the One Piece anime series are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free service from abroad with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to watch One Piece from anywhere in the world.

Stream One Piece for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream One Piece for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch One Piece without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to binge everything on offer before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free streams on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch One Piece for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AdultFriendFinder success rate: Real AFF info from someone who’s tried it

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:00

If you’ve even so much as dipped your toes in the online dating world, you’ll be aware of AdultFriendFinder. After all, it was founded all the way back in 1996 and managed to become one of the 100 most popular sites in the U.S. by the late 2000s. But despite its obvious popularity, it’s never managed to break into mainstream consciousness like Tinder or Hinge.

There’s a very good reason for that.

AFF, as it’s known among members, is explicitly an “adult” dating site — a badge it wears proudly, but one that also has hindered its mainstream reach.

But what if you’re curious about how it works, whether it works, or who it works for? What if you’ve always wondered whether you’re missing out on the best-kept online dating secret and want to join the party? Or maybe you’re worried it’s more hype and chatbots than organic, spicy fun. We did the work for you, breaking down the AdultFriendFinder experience and what you can realistically expect if you decide to dip your toes into these naughty waters.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating site

If you sign up for AdultFriendFinder expecting a traditional online dating experience, you’ll need to adjust your expectations — fast. It’s not that AFF members aren’t interested in serious dating; it’s that sex and sexuality are placed front and center, with everything else emerging from there.

That much is obvious almost from the moment you log in. Unlike mainstream dating sites, which ban nudity from profile photos, AFF allows it — meaning conventional dating-app selfies sit side by side with full-frontal nudity and live webcam feeds. There is a content filter, accessible in your profile settings, but it defaults to "off," so if you would rather not see any nudity, or only see it when you deliberately choose to click on a NSFW picture, you should navigate to this setting ASAP.

For some people who aren't looking for a bare-all experience, this might be off-putting, but to those who are looking for exactly that, it’s refreshing. Unlike traditional dating apps, where early conversations often revolve around figuring out what the other person actually wants, AFF members tend to be refreshingly upfront and transparent (wink wink) about their intentions.

How to meet people on AdultFriendFinder

Every online dating site lives or dies by its algorithm, with new platforms constantly rolling out novel ways to connect singles. AdultFriendFinder, however, takes a maximalist approach to interacting with strangers.

You can search for members the conventional way, using specific criteria like gender, sexual orientation, age, location, and more, but you can also jump into themed chat rooms or follow members’ live streams. Through the “Who’s Hot” tab, which highlights popular members as well as trending photo and video uploads, you can easily discover someone you might otherwise never have come across.

One thing you’ll notice quickly, however, is the presence of obviously fake profiles. When I searched for singles near me, I encountered a surprising number of stunningly beautiful women in a small rural town near my city — all with airbrushed photos and vague, AI-sounding profile descriptions.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Tinder subscription

AFF makes it extremely easy to sign up and create a profile, requiring little more than a username, password, and basic personal information. The upside is that it lowers the barrier to entry; the downside is that scammers can exploit that same simplicity.

To counter this (aside from relying on common sense), AdultFriendFinder offers a blue checkmark verification system and even incentivizes users to complete it by boosting their visibility. Verification requires a government-issued ID, which AFF uses to confirm your age, photo authenticity, location, and gender. It's an optional step, but one worth completing since it helps you signal to others that you are who you say you are.

If avoiding scammers and catfishers is a priority, looking for that blue checkmark before engaging is a smart move.

What kind of success rate can you expect from AdultFriendFinder?

So far, so good, but there is a catch. While you can browse and explore AFF for free, meaningful one-on-one interaction requires a paid Gold membership, available in one-month ($39.95/month), three-month ($26.95/month), or one-year ($19.95/month) packages, all of which renew automatically.

Understandably, most people hesitate to pay for a dating site without a clear proof of concept. And because AFF places many of its best features behind a paywall, there’s undeniably a leap-of-faith element here. That said, the premium membership largely justifies its price.

With an AFF Gold membership, you unlock unrestricted messaging, high-resolution member videos and webcam streams, expanded profile galleries, and advanced filters that make narrowing down potential matches far easier.

Does paying guarantee attention from everyone you message? Of course not. The usual dating-app dynamics still apply — heterosexual men, for instance, should expect to work harder for responses than heterosexual women. Being attractive, fit, or witty helps, and being all three helps even more.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting

What works in your favor is the sheer breadth of the AFF community. Members span a wide range of ages, body types, orientations, and interests, making it easier to find someone — particularly if you’re looking for something casual and fun rather than long-term commitment.

Based on my personal experience, as well as the limited statistics AFF has released, the platform skews male (roughly 60:40 in my area) and slightly older. That male/female ratio mirrors most dating sites. The older skew can actually be an advantage if, like me, you prefer connecting with people closer to your own age.

One final piece of advice: don’t ignore AFF’s broader community features. If you rely solely on search results and direct messages, you’ll face roughly the same odds as any other dating app. But if you explore the themed chat rooms — covering everything from erotic fiction to body modification — you’re far more likely to stumble into the kind of connection you’re actually looking for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Roku Smart TV is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $20 right now

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:56

SAVE $20: As of March 12, the 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 40-inch Smart TV $129.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20   Get Deal

If you need a new TV but don't fancy forking out tons of cash, we've found the Amazon deal for you. As of March 12, the impressive 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for just $129.99, its lowest-ever price. You'll get all the smart TV features you know and love, as well as access to Roku's user-friendly interface, and all for less than $130.

You'll also get a 1080p Full HD display that delivers a bright, clear picture. Picture is also improved by the Roku Smart Picture feature, which automatically adjusts incoming signals to optimise image quality and select the best viewing mode.

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Roku's OS is already easy to use, and makes accessing streaming or gaming apps nice and easy, but you can also customize the home screen by arranging apps however you like. Voice control is another bonus, and is supported through Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay. It also includes a voice remote that makes searching for shows much easier.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't hesitate to score this great TV deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Beats Studio Pro headphones are better than half price at Amazon — act fast to save over $100

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:41

SAVE $180: As of March 12, the Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's a 51% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.04   Get Deal

The Beats Studio Pro are back on sale at Amazon, and if you've been looking for a great deal on quality sound, this discount is something to carefully consider. As of March 12, these headphones are down to just $169.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 51% on list price. There are several colors to consider, all at the same low price. These include black, white, sandstone, and more.

These are great headphones for all kinds of listening, from music to voice notes (thanks to the voice-targeting microphones that help filter out background noise). They support lossless audio via USB-C and offer three built-in sound profiles to personalize your listening experience, alongside fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes so you can control how much of the outside world you hear, and how much you want to block out.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

They also benefit from Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking that creates a 360-degree listening effect, placing you at the center of the sound. You'll get an impressive battery life, with Beats saying these will last up to 40 hours. If you're heading out in a hurry, a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge will give you up to four hours of playback.

Get this Beats deal online at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 10 best free dating apps to find your spring fling

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:15

If you're on a budget and things look bleak in the relationship department, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds to find a genuine connection. As the weather warms up and the spring dating pool thaws out, there are plenty of free dating apps that let you chat, match, and meet a partner without shelling out cash upfront.

Dating itself will cost you time and money, so why should dating apps eat at your wallet, too? You don't have to resort to dating an AI to save money. Simply use a dating app's free tier. The good news is, the most popular apps are free to use — no credit card required.

What dating apps are completely free?

Mainstream dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge all have robust free membership tiers that compete with paid subscriptions. Some free, more niche dating apps, like Archer and Lex, are also worth checking out. It just depends on what you're looking for and how much work you're willing to put in to get it.

Critics will tell you that the big-name dating apps (like Bumble, or Match Group giants such as Tinder and Hinge) are all the same, forming a single, amorphous dating platform. However, these apps still have distinct differences. However, dating app companies are moving more features behind paywalls, frustrating daters on a budget. (We're looking at you, Grindr.)

Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without paying a dime.

Note: All the free dating sites listed below offer a free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to match or chat with other users. And if you're being pressured to send money to someone on a dating app, you might be involved in a romance scam.

Featured Video For You These dating sites and apps are perfect for people on a budget
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples iPhone Fold will let you run apps side by side, report claims

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:10

Getting a foldable phone right isn't just about making it thin or hiding the crease in the display; the software that powers it is equally, if not more important than the hardware.

A new report from Bloomberg says that, when it comes to the rumored iPhone Fold, Apple will keep things simple by making it a lot like the iPad when unfolded.

First, a note about the hardware. We don't know if the iPhone Fold is even real, and it's certainly not an officially confirmed Apple product at this point. But rumors say that it'll be a foldable phone that's roughly iPhone-sized when closed, and the size of an iPad mini when unfolded.

That inside display will reportedly have a wife aspect ratio, making it ideal for watching videos, as well as multitasking.

According to Bloomberg, Apple will make this work by adding updates to iOS that enable iPad-like screen layouts, as well as running multiple apps side by side, just like you can on the iPad.

Make no mistake, the iPhone Fold will still be running iOS and not iPadOS, so you can forget about having a real desktop-like experience, and you won't be able to natively run iPadOS apps on it. But developers will get tools to adapt their existing iOS apps to be accomodating to the Fold's wider display, which includes adding a sidebar along the left edge of the screen (as seen on some iPad apps).

The report also reiterates previous claims that Apple will use new display tech that will all but eliminate the display crease that is seen on some foldable phones, and that Apple is working to make the Fold extremely durable, meaning you should be able to open and close it many, many times without it breaking.

SEE ALSO: Apple plans a 'high-end' Ultra line, including iPhone Fold, report says

The report also says that the Fold's outer display will have a punch-hole style selfie camera on top, a first for Apple. This means the Fold will not have Face ID; instead, Touch ID will be integrated into the phone's side button. Not having Face ID is a downside, but some iPads have Touch ID, and it works well, so it probably won't be a big deal for most users.

Apple's iPhone Fold is expected to arrive later this year with a starting price of roughly $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone you can buy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Can a $250 alarm clock break my doomscrolling habit? I slept next to the Dreamie for a month to find out.

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:01

For years, my nighttime routine has involved a lengthy social media binge. It always starts as "one last scroll" as a way to decompress, before sliding into a mindless midnight swiping spree. I've spent many a night looking like that one Sarah Paulson meme, face glowing in the dark as my brain slurps up an endless feed of viral chum.

I know I'm not alone: Doomscrolling is practically a national pastime in 2026. Studies indicate that anywhere from 31 to 64 percent of U.S. adults do it regularly. And with over half of us bringing our phones to bed every night, doomscrolling is often linked to sleep disturbances, among other physical and mental symptoms.

SEE ALSO: Can apps stop you doomscrolling? Yes, but not how you think.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, a tricked-out smart alarm clock called the Ambient Dreamie was pitched to me as a doomscrolling habit-breaker. Ambient CEO and co-founder Adrian Canoso told me he came up with the idea for the device several years ago amid a stretch of insomnia, wanting a sleep device that cut out his phone as he tried to wind down at bedtime. This isn't a revolutionary idea, but unlike popular alternatives, the Dreamie doesn't rely on a separate app or subscription. It's a truly phone-free bedside companion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ambient Ambient Dreamie $249.99
Save $25 with code SLEEPWELL through March 14 Shop Now

The catch is that the Dreamie isn't cheap: Ambient sells it online for $249.99 a pop. (The code SLEEPWELL will save you $25 during Sleep Week through March 14.) I've spent the past month snoozing next to one to find out if it's actually worth the money.

How the Dreamie works You can adjust the brightness of the Dreamie's light ring using the touch strip on top of it. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Dreamie is a white pill-shaped gadget with a modern, inconspicuous look and no external branding. It has a circular display with a clock face, adaptive brightness, and touchscreen controls that are easy to navigate in a daze. The Dreamie needs to be hooked up to your home's WiFi so it can download software updates, but you can't use it to check notifications or access the web. It's corded, so you don't need to worry about recharging any batteries.

SEE ALSO: Sleep Week 2026: The best deals on new mattress, fresh pillows, sleep earbuds, and more

A warm light ring surrounding the Dreamie's screen supports dynamic RGB effects. You can dim it by swiping your finger along a touch strip on top of the device. Doing so produces a dot in the middle of the Dreamie's screen, which you can drag around to point the light in any one direction — helpful for finding things in the dark.

The Dreamie's light ring is directional. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Twisting the Dreamie's light ring changes the volume of its built-in 360-degree speaker. (It gets impressively loud, so I never used it over the halfway mark.) The device comes pre-loaded with an audio library of 15 different sleep "scenes," some of which are paired with lighting effects for extra ambiance. "Fireplace," which sounds like softly crackling logs, makes the light ring flicker in shades of orange, while "Aurora Borealis" sets off a synthy soundscape with rainbow waves. There are environmental sounds, guided breathwork exercises, and green, pink, and brown noise options.

The Dreamie currently supports 15 different sound and lighting scenes. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Dreamie has Bluetooth support, so you can use it with the best sleep earbuds if your bedmate likes to slumber in silence.

When you boot up the Dreamie for the first time, it'll prompt you to reflect on your recent sleep cycles and set some sleep goals. For example, I'm trying to get eight hours of sleep and wake up by 7:45 a.m. every weekday. The Dreamie suggests an ideal bedtime based on these metrics (i.e., basic math).

The optional "Back to Sleep" scene is ideal for insomniacs. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

From there, you can customize your "sleep routine" with different audio and lighting scenes. The Dreamie divides this routine into three phases, which begin automatically around your bedtime. You can change or omit any of them based on your preferences:

  1. Your Bedtime Cue scene tells you when you're supposed to start getting ready to sleep

  2. Your Wind Down scene helps you fall asleep

  3. Your Noise Mask scene keeps you asleep

You can also program a "wake-up schedule" of alarms throughout the week. You're free to add as many schedules as you'd like and modify them with four different alarm sounds, a gradually intensifying "sunrise" lighting feature, and snooze timers.

The Dreamie's light ring can simulate sunrises (....but not very well). Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Swiping down on the Dreamie's clock face will manually cycle between Wind Down, Noise Mask, and a static "Ambiance" scene. Swiping up reveals a menu with other settings, including:

  • Different clock face designs

  • An option to hide the clock when the Dreamie is idle

  • A simplified dark theme for nighttime

  • A room temperature reading

  • A redshift mode with reduced blue light

  • A "Back to Sleep" scene to play if you wake up in the middle of the night

Hands-on with the Dreamie: What makes it special? You can twist the Dreamie's light ring to adjust its speaker's volume. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Dreamie makes it easy to pretend like your phone doesn't exist. It doesn't require an app for setup, and it eliminates most excuses for bringing your phone to bed by offloading your alarms, night lighting, and sleep content.

Admittedly, my doomscroll-addicted brain did not love this concept initially. My mind was racing and antsy the first few times I climbed into bed without its favorite self-soothing toy, looking for something to do.

The Dreamie's scenes were actually really helpful in quieting these thoughts. They fill the void of silence, so it's harder to get distracted by musings of work or every mistake I've ever made. I've started relaxing and falling asleep much faster than usual. I slept in complete silence before this, so consider me converted.

SEE ALSO: 5 practical ways to cut back on doomscrolling

I like using the "Wave Breathwork" and "Light Rain" scenes for my Wind Down and Noise Mask phases, respectively. (That's so Scorpio of me.) I'm a night owl who's been bad at keeping regular bedtimes since college, when I worked for a student newspaper with a 2 a.m. print deadline, so I normally skip Bedtime Cue entirely. But when I do use it, I pick "Fireplace" for the cozy vibe.

The Dreamie's library of audio scenes includes Box Breathing and Wave Breathwork exercises. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Mornings are also dramatically better with the Dreamie. For my daily wake-up schedule, I use its default "Bells" alarm sound with a 10-minute sunrise simulation. The sunrise effect is too weak to wake me up on its own (even after a recent update that made the Dreamie's light ring brighter), but Bells has been a very pleasant change from my usual harsh iPhone alarm. Waking up isn't a jump-scare anymore. And I no longer instinctually reach for my phone first thing — a freeing feeling.

While Dreamie is expensive, it's a one-time purchase. Other popular smart alarm clocks like the Hatch Restore 3 and the Loftie Clock are cheaper upfront (both retail for $170), but some of their features are locked behind $50 annual subscriptions. The Dreamie undercuts them after less than two years of use.

The Dreamie's "Fireplace" scene is cozy. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Not only is the Dreamie subscription-free, but you don't even have to create an account to use it. It'll never ask you for your name or email address.

Notably, the Dreamie has Platinum Certification from the Calm Tech Institute, a research firm focused on mindful tech design. According to a CTI blog post, it's "the first bedside device to earn recognition for successfully minimizing bedroom phone usage while respecting human attention and privacy" based on an 81-point rating system.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

More Dreamie features to look forward to The Ambient team says the Dreamie will continue to improve with more useful features. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

So, is the Dreamie worth the investment? I would say yes under two circumstances: if you plan on using it long-term, and if the Ambient team follows through on their promise of "updates that keep the Dreamie getting better over time," to quote the company's website. Next on the docket are podcasts and contactless sleep tracking, which should arrive as over-the-air updates imminently and by summer, respectively.

I'm especially excited about a sleep tracking feature. Ambient says the Dreamie will use sensors, not a wearable, to monitor your movements and produce insights about your sleep habits. All data will be stored locally.

Google’s Nest Hub smart display has a similar feature, but smart alarm clocks like the Hatch Restore 3 and Loftie Clock do not. If the Dreamie's sleep tracking works well, it could be a real wake-up call for the competition.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ambient Ambient Dreamie $249.99
Save $25 with code SLEEPWELL through March 14 Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats new to streaming this week? (March 13, 2026)

Mashable - Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:00

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

12. Age of Attraction

Netflix continues its wave of dating show "experiments" with Age of Attraction, hosted by Nick Viall and Natalie Joy. It's like Love is Blind, except instead of not knowing what people look like, contestants don't know their prospective partners' ages. The show hopes to prove that age truly is just a number, but based on the trailer, it winds up being more about unexpected generational differences. One contestant apparently can't name a single Spice Girl, while another refuses to date anyone who isn't as hot as his mom. If you like mess, this show seems like a gold mine. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Nick Viall, Natalie Joy

How to watch: Age of Attraction is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Now You See Me: Now You Don't

The third installment of the Now You See Me film series reunites the Horsemen, while bringing a new trio of clever illusionists into the mix. Altogether — while squabbling and showing off increasingly outrageous magic tricks — they set out to topple a diamond industrialist (Rosamund Pike) who launders money for an array of bad guy.

Admittedly, I've never been all that awed by this franchise. In my review of this sequel, I wrote, "Frankly, the star power of this movie alone might be enough for Now You See Me fans hungry for more hijinks and hilarity. That this sequel does nothing all that new or even surprising might not be a glitch, but a feature. Why challenge an audience when you can wrap them within the warm certainty that no matter how twisted economic equality is making the world for everyday men and Horsemen, a scrappy group of clever individuals can pull together to save the day."* Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, and Rosamund Pike

How to watch: Now You See Me: Now You Don't debuts on STARZ on March 14.

10. The Madison

Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan returns to Montana with The Madison, but don't expect to see Dutton Ranch. This neo-Western is a standalone series with no connection to Sheridan's other work.

The Madison stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell as members of the Clyburn family. Originally from New York, they move to the Madison River valley in southwest Montana after a tragedy. Get ready for lots of grieving, healing, and sweeping shots of Montana in all its beautiful glory. — B.E.

Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Matthew Fox, Beau Garrett, Amiah Miller, Ben Schnetzer, Kevin Zegers, Rebecca Spence, Danielle Vasinova, Matthew Fox, and Will Arnett

How to watch: The Madison premieres on Paramount+ on March 14.

9. Sunny Nights

Will Forte and D'Arcy Carden head down under in Hulu's dramedy Sunny Nights. The pair play Martin and Vicki, siblings who are hoping to set up a spray tan business in Sydney, Australia. But cloudy skies are ahead as the pair unwittingly stumble into the city's criminal underworld. Between its offbeat thriller premise and the promising duo of comedy powerhouses Forte and Carden, Sunny Nights may be worth basking in. — B.E.

Starring: Will Forte, D'Arcy Carden, Rachel House, Jessica De Gouw, Ra Chapman, and Willie Mason

How to watch: Sunny Nights is now streaming on Hulu.

8. Scarpetta

Looking for a new crime thriller to obsess over? Then check out Prime Video's Scarpetta, based on Patricia Cornwell's forensic crime novels. Nicole Kidman plays Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant chief medical officer who's returned to her hometown to investigate a horrifying murder with ties to her past. The series jumps between her current case and a similar one she worked on decades prior, while also diving into Scarpetta's fraught family relationships.

As Mashable's UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote in her series review, "Scarpetta isn't perfect, but it's steeped in nostalgia and respect for the author who drove forensic fiction through the hallmarks we now take for granted as commonplace. With a cast this brilliant and a cliffhanger ending, Scarpetta's first season feels like the beginning of a series, Cornwell-style." — B.E.

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, Rosy McEwen, Jake Cannavale, and Savannah Lumar

How to watch: Scarpetta is now streaming on Prime Video.

7. Harry Styles. One Night in Manchester.

Ready, steady, go watch Harry Styles perform his new album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally (along with some Styles classics) in this Netflix concert film. It puts Styles' charisma as a performer front and center and gives fans a look at what they might expect from his upcoming "Together, Together" tour. If you, like me, lost the Ticketmaster war for those tickets, then this is a solid reprieve. — B.E.

Starring: Harry Styles

How to watch: Harry Styles. One Night in Manchester. is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Zootopia 2

Academy award nominee Zootopia 2 hops onto Disney+ this week, reuniting audiences with Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). This time around, the bunny-fox detective duo crosses paths with Gary De'Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan), the first snake in Zootopia in ages. While initially considered a threat, Gary holds the key to a secret that could shake the foundations of all of Zootopia.

Boasting laugh-out-loud animal puns and Judy and Nick's great odd couple dynamic, Zootopia 2 is a worthy Disney sequel. It also continues the original Zootopia's trend of unpacking discrimination, this time focusing especially hard on urban planning. As I wrote in my review, "Yes, the film is loudest in its more conventional messaging about embracing our differences. (Case in point: the partnership between polar opposites Judy and Nick.) But it's when it tackles complicated, ugly truths about discrimination that the Zootopia franchise sets itself further apart from its Disney compatriots." — B.E.

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt, Jenny Slate, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, and Danny Trejo

How to watch: Zootopia 2 is now playing on Disney+.

5. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die

In my review for the film's theatrical release, I wrote, "Hollywood is currently at war over AI. While studios are looking into using artificial intelligence to draft screenplays, build background actors, and contribute to production design, artists and their guilds are banding together, demanding to keep humanity in the art of movie-making. American filmmaker Gore Verbinski has chosen his side with the anti-AI comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die. 

"Written by The Invention of Lying scribe Matthew Robinson, this sci-fi satire stars Sam Rockwell as an unnamed time traveler from a dystopian future where half of mankind is dead and the other half is obliviously plugged into an enchanting video game, wasting their lives away. Forget the violent overthrows seen in The Terminator or The Matrix. In this vision of an AI-dominated future, humanity is all too willing to surrender ourselves to endless scrolling and enslavement to an AI overlord. That is, unless this grungy time traveler with poor social skills can stop it... While Verbinski gets verbose in his execution, there's no denying that Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die offers an entertaining adventure, rich in ideas and imagination. Sure, it gets a bit messy. But it's also exciting to see something so earnest and human and utterly bonkers."* — K.P.

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple

How to watch: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

4. Bodycam

This fast-paced new release from Shudder is a found footage thriller centered on two police officers whose nightly patrol goes wildly off the rails after a bizarre incident at a rundown house. And as the title suggests, all the mayhem is caught on their bodycams.

In my review, I cheered, "The dynamic style the film is shot in makes it easy to get caught up in the ride along with Jackson (Jaime M. Callica) and Bryce (Sean Rogerson), especially as their patrol goes off the rails into paranormal peril. Their mission is to unravel the mystery of what plagues them before it's too late. But Bodycam's quest is not just to chill — which it does — but to challenge its audience to consider the real horror behind all its clever devices and satisfying scares. That makes this more than just a devilishly entertaining found-footage movie. Bodycam is a wickedly smart horror film that gives you goosebumps that sink into your bloodstream and rattle your brain." — K.P.

Starring: Jaime M. Callica, Sean Rogerson, Catherine Lough Haggquist, and Angel Prater

How to watch: Bodycam debuts on Shudder on March 13.

3. The Testament of Ann Lee

Amanda Seyfried stars as the eponymous religious leader, who builds community and love through chastity, song, and dance. Written by The Brutalist's screenwriters Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold (who also directs), The Testament of Ann Lee follows its subject from a grim childhood in England to America, where she develops the "Shaking Quakers" and faces violence for her faith.

Seyfried is extraordinary in a film stuffed with stellar performances. So, don't overlook this like the Academy did. In my review out of TIFF, I wrote, "Told in movements, broken up by title cards quoting Bible verses like 'The Woman Clothed by the Sun With the Moon Under Her Feet,' The Testament of Ann Lee swells and swoons like an orchestra playing an epic opera. Less an investigation into her testament and more a reveling in its passion and resilience, this drama is dynamic and dreamy. It may not make you a believer, but it may well leave you awestruck." — K.P.

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott

How to watch: The Testament of Ann Lee is now available for purchase on Prime Video.

2. One Piece: Into the Grand Line

Netflix's delightful One Piece adaptation ups its game in Season 2, which sees Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his Straw Hat Pirates continue on their quest to find the One Piece treasure. This time, they're headed into the Grand Line, a treacherous sea route where glory and new foes await. Chiefest among these foes? Baroque Works, a team of formidable assassins (not to mention a non-stop diva parade).

Darker than Season 1 but still bursting with action and heart, One Piece Season 2 is another stellar entry in the live-action series, with lots to enjoy for One Piece fans and novices alike. — B.E.

Starring: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero Gibson, and Taz Skylar

How to watch: One Piece: Into the Grand Line is now streaming on Netflix.

Best of Streaming this week: The 98th Academy Awards

Hollywood's biggest night is just around the corner, so you'd better lock down your Oscar predictions ASAP. Will Sinners take home Best Picture after picking up a record-breaking 16 nominations? Or will One Battle After Another continue its awards season sweep? 

No matter what film comes out on top, get ready for a show. Conan O'Brien is back as host after doing a stellar job in 2025. Plus, HUNTR/X singing voices Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami are set to perform KPop Demon Hunters' Academy Award–nominated hit "Golden." Jamming out and celebrating the year's best films? Sounds like a win-win situation. — B.E.

How to watch: The 98th Oscars will air live on ABC on 7:00 p.m. EDT / 4:00 p.m. PDT / 11:00 p.m. GMT / 7:00 a.m. CST. To stream live, use the ABC app or Hulu Live.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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